Page 23 of Love Beyond Repair
Kelsey’s dad usually throws a huge Halloween bash featuring champagne, canapés, and a live band. For me, it’s boring as the average age of the guests is well over sixty. Kelsey feels we should attend to support her father now that her mum is not by his side. This year, her father hasbeen unwell, so he decided to cancel the party, and Terry’s boozy bash is a welcome relief.
My costume isn’t unbearable for once. Danny fromGreaseis miles better than thecutesheep she dressed me up as last year. My balls itch at the memory of those god-awful wool shorts. I was left fighting off old ladies who wanted to pet the lamb, while Kelsey swanned around as Little Bo Peep, dancing with all her father’s friends and collecting compliments on her outfit. That memory makes my skin crawl.
Tonight, I’m comfortable in a leather jacket and all-black ensemble. My hair is longer than usual, Kelsey’s orders, so it could be styled into the required quiff. Kelsey’s dressed as theInnocent Sandy,pre-transformation. I tried to convince her to go asSexy Sandy, but she replied that wasn’t her style.
Her A-line dress is a soft yellow teamed with a knitted cardigan and ballet flats. Her chestnut hair is down, held in place with a pink headband. She looks every inch the girl next door. A million miles from the woman in the movie I used to fantasize about.
I’m standing with the guys. We’re huddled around a table, talking women and sport. Seemingly, they all live in the building on the second floor and have known Terry for years. They’re a mixture of lawyers and accountants, but from the stories they’re telling me, they certainly know how to have a good time.
As much as I love Kelsey and the girls, it would be nice to have more male company. Lads to go out for a few pints with, talk about the game on the weekend, or laugh at stupid shit. Someone who doesn’t critique the sugar content of my beer.
A tall, blond guy opposite, I think his name is James, suddenly stops talking. It’s noticeable because he’s not shut up since I joined the group. His eyes fix over my shoulder at something behind me.
“Hold on to my pint, boys.” He passes his beer to his mate. “The talent’s just arrived.” We all turn to see what he’s staring at.
Terry has a blonde woman in a bear hug by the door. I can’t see her face, but she’s wearing a nurse’s uniform so short it barely counts as clothing. Next to her is a female wearing a black PVC jumpsuit finished with a set of pointy cat ears. Terry’s talking animatedly. Both women look incredible. But the nurse… she’s familiar…
Her legs are long and toned. The heels make them look even better. That outfit was made to give men a heart attack. If she leaned forward, I’d see everything. My mind wanders. Thong? Nothing at all?
Fuck. What’s wrong with me? My cock twitches, knowing damn well it shouldn’t. She turns, and in profile, I know exactly who she is.
Bex.
She looks unbelievable. Her makeup is dramatic, dark smoky eyes and ruby lips. I find myself willing her to turn fully. I need a better look. She whispers something in her friend’s ear. They both laugh, and her head tilts back, exposing her long throat. I want to kiss it. Bite it, even. A tap on my shoulder interrupts my ridiculous fantasy.
“Ben. Ben. Ben. Oh, bloody listen to me!” Kelsey’s voice is shrill. I turn and look down at her. “Bex is here, and she looks like a whore. She’s begging for attention.” I stare at her, stunned. Unable to think of anything to say, I say nothing. Bex looks incredible. And maybe that’s the problem.
Kelsey rants about decency and desperation. I half-listen, nodding when she pauses for breath. My eyes drift back to the nurse. She’s turned around now. Her red lacy bra peeking out, hinting at the fullness of her breasts. She lifts her drink and gulps greedily. It’s as sexy as hell. Everything about her is.
My brain short-circuits. I imagine her on her knees. Her red lips wrapped around me. My hands twisted in her hair. Fuck, I’m a terrible boyfriend. And friend, for that matter. I need to quash these thoughts. It’s the drink, it’s always the drink. Alcohol makes you think things you shouldn’t
The night rolls on like any other party. One drink follows another, cheesy music plays loudly, and people start to peel off in secret together. I’ve watched Bex from adistance. Her confidence is sky high. She’s glowing, smiling at everyone around her.
It’s like a switch has been flicked inside her. She’s been fending off a constant stream of admirers. Utterly mesmerizing.
Catwoman hasn’t left her side. Always standing close. Touching her at every opportunity. She wants her. Everyone here does, and I know Bex doesn’t see it.
The black cat’s eyes meet mine. She nudges Bex, then points. Bex looks over, smiles, and waves bashfully. Taking my cue, I walk over.
“Good evening, ladies. I’m Ben.” I smile, holding out my hand to shake the cat’s paw.
“Well, well, well.” She grins. “So, you’reDoctor Jones. I’m Wendy. I work with this stunner here.” She gestures to Bex.
Her comment takes me by surprise. This woman is bloody confident. Older than us—maybe in her thirties—but as sexy as hell with it. She sees my discomfort and carries on.
“Your eyes really are as blue as Bex said they were.”
Bex flushes red, giggling nervously. I tense. Why was she talking about me? I sip my beer to buy time.
“You look gorgeous,” I tell my friend, and my pulse spikes. “It’s wonderful to see you looking so self-assured.” She says nothing, but her gaze drops away, a smile touching her lips. Leaning in, I whisper in her ear, “You do look amazing.”
A hand grabs my arm, demanding my attention. Wendy. “Your girlfriend is watching.”
I glance across. An enraged Kelsey is inspecting my every move. She saw something she didn’t like. I’m going to hear all about it. Flashing both women a smile, I walk off to deal with the fallout, knowing it won’t be pretty.
The next morning, I lie awake, staring at the ceiling. Bex looked like a different person. From the moment I saw her, I couldn’t think straight. My body reacted in a way I couldn’t control.
All these years of being loyal to Kelsey?one look at Bex, and I nearly threw it all away. Truth is, if Bex had crooked her finger, I’d have gone. No hesitation. Possessed is the only way I can describe the feeling.
