Page 34 of Joyride
As soon as we’re back at the table, she takes her drink from Elena. Elena and Aria are both looking at us with shit-eating grins. They’ve all switched seats while we were dancing. Gator is sitting on the outside with Cheshire next to him. Elena and Aria are in the middle with Clutch on the other side of Aria. I take a seat next to Clutch and Wren chooses to stand.
“You two looked hot out there,” Aria says. Wren blushes a deep pink. At that moment, Vegas and Outlaw walk up to the table.
“Well, hello, gorgeous,” Vegas says to Wren.
“Back off,” I growl out. Reaching for Wren’s hand, I pull her to my lap. Clutch, Cheshire, and Gator break out in laughter.
Vegas holds his hands up in defense. “My bad, bro. I didn’t know.”
“Now you do,” I grit. Wren turns so she’s sitting sideways in my lap and cups my face in her hands.
“Are you turning all alpha male on me?” She giggles.
“Would it be so bad if I was,” I ask.
She shakes her head. “I think I’d be okay with it.” Wren lets her hands fall from my face and leans into me. I wrap both arms around her waist, holding her close. She fits in my arms perfectly, as if she was made for me.
22
Wren
The next fewweeks are similar to the first, only better. When Sketch isn’t working at the shop, he’s there the moment I get off work to take me home. He’s stayed the night with me every night since we went dancing. The only thing he’s done and continues to do is kiss me. He hasn’t once tried to take it any further, keeping his word about whatever happens next is my call.
We’ve had some heavy make-out sessions that I know have had to have left him frustrated. I know, because they’ve leftmefrustrated. I’ve wanted to take things to the next level, but I’m terrified. I’ve known for a while I wanted Sketch to be my first, but I’m not sure how to start that conversation without potentially scaring him away.
Tonight, he’s staying at the clubhouse while I have a girls' night with Aria, talking and drinking wine. My phone vibrates with yet another text from Shade.
I groan. “My brother won’t stop asking when I’m coming back.”
“Have you given any more thought about it? Or given any more thought to moving forward with Sketch?
“Sketch, now that is something I’ve given alotof thought to.” I giggle. “But I’m nervous.”
“Just tell him you’re ready for the next step,” Aria tells me. “You told him what happened with Zack, so he knows you’re a virgin, right?”
“I mean, I didn’t exactly tell him I was,” I say. “I did tell him Zack tried to take my innocence.”
“Oh, then he knows. If he doesn’t, then he’s dumber than I pegged him for.” She laughs. “Anyway, y’all can have the house tomorrow night. I’ll be at the clubhouse with Clutch. I can get Harper and Elena to come with me.”
“All I have to do is tell him I’m ready? That’s it?”
“Girl, don’t stress it and don’t force anything. Invite him over to have a night in tomorrow. If y’all are having a moment, then let him know he has the green light,” she tells me. I give it some thought and decide to go for it. I send him a text.
To Sketch:Lazy night in tomorrow. Comfy clothes, Netflix, Food Dash. You in?
He responds right away.
From Sketch:Of course. Tell me what time and I’ll be there.
“Alright, so it’s happening,” I mutter.
“Eeek! My little Wren is growing up,” Aria teases.
* * *
I wasa bundle of nerves for the rest of the night and woke up the same. I want this, with Sketch, but I can’t help being a nervous wreck. Aria, Harper, and Elena left for the clubhouse twenty minutes ago and Sketch should be here any minute. I’m pacing the living room, trying to stay busy when the ringing of the doorbell stops me in my place. I stare at the front door for a beat before moving to open it.
“Hey, Little Bird.” Sketch grins that sexy grin of his, sending butterflies soaring. A fresh white t-shirt stretches across his chest, paired with grey sweats and crisp white Adidas. I bite my bottom lip. When I bring my eyes back to his, he’s got an eyebrow cocked.
