Page 22 of Voices

“Long enough to watch you struggle trying to hang up when you actually hit the button on the second try.”

Shit. Guess I said that out loud.

He laughs and takes a sip from his red solo cup. “It seems you’re speaking your thoughts.”

This time I don’t think anything and just stare at him. He has such a cute smile and fuck me, that backwards hat is hot as hell. If I was able to get hard, my pants would be even tighter than they already are. Thankfully I’ve consumed way too much whiskey for my dick to so much as flinch.

“You look relaxed. Much better than the first three times we’ve met,” he chuckles softly. “I was hoping to get your number so we could maybe hang out sometime.”

I make a ‘mmm’ sound as my eyes drift shut.

“I would like to get to know you, if you’re ok with that?”

I nod, I think. Because yes, I would very much like to get to know him. Hang out with him. Kiss him. Cuddle with him. Sleep with him.

“Charlie?” His warm fingers move my hair off my forehead.

I’m slowly falling asleep and there’s nothing I can do. This is usually the best part, but I don’t want this guy to stop talking. His voice is so smooth, it makes me happy and relaxed and like I can become one with the chair.

“Do you know where his friends are? Lily and Noah? I thought I saw Lily when I first got here but I haven’t seen her in hours.” I have no idea who he’s talking to, but Lily is probably getting fucked upstairs and if Noah isn’t next to me then he’s either on the dance floor or passed out somewhere.

“Charlie? Can you hear me?” He shakes my shoulder gently. I grumble at him, unable to form words. “Shit, you’re wasted. I’m going to call Lily.” He grabs something from my lap but then it sounds like he’s talking underwater.

I try to open my eyes but I’m too tired.

Fuck it. I’ll sleep it off right here then walk home in the morning.

Chapter Eight

Shane

Charlie is completely out of it. He started softly snoring after I grabbed his phone and turned it back on.

I find Lily’s number saved as a favorite at the top of his contact list. I hit call and wait. And wait. After a few seconds, it goes to voicemail.

Shit.

I click on Noah’s name next and hit call, but it goes straight to voicemail. He only has a few more contacts but I don’t recognize any of them besides Benji. I only know of one person named Benji but I’m not sure if they’re the same guy.

Looking down at Charlie, I put his phone in my back pocket as I figure out what to do next. I can’t leave him here. These frat brothers will have a field day tormenting him while he’s hungover.

Calling Ryder, I sit back down and watch Charlie peacefully sleep. I can’t help but smile at how small he looks in his oversized hoodie and the large lawn chair he’s sitting in that’s meant for two people.

“Yo. Where’d you go man?” I can barely hear him over the music playing.

“I’m outside by the bonfire. Hey, do you see Lily anywhere?”

“Who?” His voice becomes clearer as I hear a door close.

“Charlie’s friend with the curly black hair, short as hell, she’s in a red lace half-shirt thing.”

“Oh yeah, I saw her earlier. She was hanging all over Miller. They’re probably in his room banging,” he laughs.

Rubbing my forehead, I contemplate sending Ryder to go find her. It’s not like it’d be the first time he’s knowingly walked in on people having sex. If he needs something, he’ll do whatever he can to get it, including ruining someone getting lucky.

“Are you ready to head out? I’ve lost Matt and Benji is trying to get everyone to sing happy birthday to him but everyone’s either too drunk, high, or horny to pay him any attention.”

“Yeah. I have a bit of a problem, though,” I say as I see him walk out of the back door.

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