Page 20 of Taste of Surrender
“So, you were helping your friend. Are you going too?” He placed his hand on my leg and began stroking my thigh.
Whenever he touched me, it became difficult to think, but I managed to answer him, anyway. “I’m not sure. My friends want to do a whole group thing.”
“You should go,” he said, leaning over and kissing my neck.
“We’ll see,” I replied breathlessly. “But there’s something else I’d rather be doing right now than talking about some school dance.”
He smirked. “And what’s that?”
I slid off the bed and crawled between his legs. “Last night, you gave me a birthday gift to remember, and now it’s my turn to give you something back.”
The next coupleof months continued with Malachi and me sneaking around to meet up whenever we could. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as often as either of us would have liked.
While I was busy with school and my weekend job at the diner, Malachi and the band had completed their virtual audition forThe Band Showdownand were playing as many gigs as possible.
Before I knew it, it was time for winter formal. As I finished getting ready, I took a selfie in the bathroom mirror and sent it to Malachi. His response came quickly.
Looking good. Now I’m worried about other guys hitting on you tonight
Thanks. But there’s no reason to be worried. I’ve got my hands full with you
You got that right
A row of smirking emojis followed his text, and I couldn’t help but laugh. The guy was cocky, but honestly, he had every right to be.
I tucked my phone into the pocket of my dress pants and went to the living room, where my parents were waiting to take a few pictures of me.
“Ah, sweetie, you look great.” My mother clasped her hands together and smiled.
“Thanks, Mom.” I hugged her and then moved in front of the fireplace so Dad could snap photos.
Once they were done, I headed out to my car and drove to AJ’s house, where our group was meeting up.
It took an hour to get through another round of parents taking pictures, and then we were on our way to the hotel where the dance was being held.
“Oh my god, this looks so cool,” Daisy squealed when we entered the ballroom.
The space was decorated in blue, silver, and white, making it look as though a snowstorm had blown through. A deejay was set up on the stage, playing some current hits as our classmates filled the dance floor.
“Let’s get something to drink, and then we can dance,” Xavier suggested, and we walked over to the tables with snacks, a hot chocolate station, and sodas on them.
I grabbed a can of Coke and turned to look at the crowd. It seemed like everyone was having a good time, and while I was happy to be hanging out with my friends, I couldn’t help but think I would have more fun if I was with Malachi.
“Drink up.” AJ bumped me with his shoulder. “We’re ready to dance.”
I downed my soda and then followed our group to the dance floor. I stayed out there as long as I could, but eventually, I needed a break and headed back to get another drink and a snack. As I reached for a cookie, I felt my phone vibrate. Slipping it out of my pocket, I looked at the screen and saw a message from Malachi:
Come meet me in room 932 when you’re done
I had to read the text several times before it sank in that he was at the hotel. At my winter formal. Asking me to join him in a room upstairs.
Not wanting to waste a single second, I rushed to the lobby and pressed the button for the elevator. While I waited, I texted AJ:
Not feeling well. I’m going to have a rideshare pick me up
The elevator doors slid open, and I stepped inside. I pressed the button for the ninth floor and leaned against the back wall as I tried to calm my racing heart.
I could only imagine one reason why someone would book a hotel room and ask the person they were messing around with on a regular basis to join them.
