Chapter Twelve. After closing the door for me, Rocco practically runs around the front of the car to get in the driver’s seat

Alyssa

After closing the door for me, Rocco practically runs around the front of the car to get in the driver’s seat. As soon as he slides in, he leans over touching my cheek with his lips leaving the same blazing sensation that is still lingering on my lips from his last kiss. My eyes close. My breath catches. It has been entirely too long since feeling like this. I’m trying to remember why I promised myself to refrain from sleeping with Rocco for now. It had something to do with not wanting to be like all the other girls he’s been with. Stupid, slutty girls. My breath releases and he pulls away from me. He’s shaking his head.

“What?” I ask him.

“You’re very lucky I think so highly of you,” he says backing out of the parking space.

“What do you mean by that?” The question flies out of my mouth before thinking about if I really want to know the answer or not.

Rocco doesn’t answer right away. He’s trying to make a left out of the parking lot on a very busy multilane road. Eventually there is an opening and he pulls out safely. “What I mean by that is, it’s taking every ounce of self-control I have not to throw you in my back seat. Unfortunately for me right now,” he glances over to me then quickly back to the road, “you deserve so much better than that.” The fit of laughter that bursts from me is completely involuntary. He’s looking over to me again. “What the hell is so funny about that?”

Once I’m finally able to gain control of my laughter, I dry my eyes on the sleeves of my dark gray pea coat and look over to him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to laugh.” I almost lose it again at the expression on his face. “It’s just that I am now thoroughly convinced you have the ability to read my mind.”

“You were thinking about me throwing you in my back seat?” There is that mischievous sexy grin.

“No,” I answer all too quickly. He laughs. “I was thinking how I don’t want to be like any of the other girls you’ve been with.” My tone is serious causing him to change his immediately.

“Alyssa,” he starts talking as he’s reaching for my hand. I simply slide my hand into his like it belongs there. He brings my hand up to his lips. “You are nothing like any other girl in the world, let alone anyone I’ve ever been with. Don’t you see? You’re the only girl that has ever meant anything to me. The only one who will ever mean anything to me.” His lips touch my fingers that have become entwined with his. “And like I said. You deserve better than being crammed into the back seat of a car.”

“You mean you don’t want to expose your car to a girl being in your back seat.” I try to tease him, but all I did was encourage him to mortify me again.

Rocco starts chuckling because he knows exactly what he’s going to say and exactly how I’m going to react. “Absolutely not. Sunshine, you are worthy of nothing less than being spread out on the finest sheets money can buy in my bed where I can worship every part of your perfect body before…” Extremely thankful for the darkness in the car, I tear my hand away that he was still holding to cover my ears and as much of my face as I possibly can. His chuckling has grown into roaring laughter. “You’re so friggin adorable,” he manages to get out.

“I need to learn to keep my big mouth shut,” I say out loud instead of to myself.

He laughs again. “It’s ridiculously cute how you get so embarrassed whenever someone mentions anything about…” I almost break my neck turning it so fast to shoot him the nastiest look I can pull off. “Okay. I’ll stop. But seriously, when the time comes, everything about it will be absolutely perfect. Like nothing else either one of us has ever experienced before.” Suddenly, the feeling running through me has nothing at all to do with embarrassment.

“You’ve thought about it?” The hard look falls from my face. I’m stunned at how it sounded like he was so sure of himself.

“Not only have I thought about it, I’ve planned out every single detail to guarantee that by the time I’m done with you, you will never doubt again how I feel about you.” The confident tone he says that with makes me want to ask him to prove it right now. “Don’t worry. It’s not tonight,” he winks at me.

“Guess you aren’t able to read my mind after all because that is definitely not what I was thinking,” I say without regretting it.

“Sunshine, you are going to be the death of me,” he says shaking his head.

Fortunately, we’ve reached the parking lot back at school. I make sure not to get out of the car before Rocco can open my door this time. When he reaches out for my hand, he’s grinning like he just won the lottery. He closes the door behind me and leans me up against his car becoming serious again. The jerk has intentionally pushed himself up against me to make his point perfectly clear of what he is about to say. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t throw you in my back seat. I said you didn’t deserve it. Don’t think for one second that I don’t want you right here, right now. You’re friggin torturing me.”

I force myself to swallow before I choke on the lump that has unexpectedly formed in my throat. “You’re going to scratch the paint on your car.”

“I really don’t give a shit about the paint on my car. Come on,” he says pulling away from me. “I need a cold shower now.” That makes me giggle and he shakes his head at me. “Pure fucking torture,” he mumbles.

He seems to have regained his composure by the time we make it to our floor. “You sure you feel like coming in here? You might be grossed out.”

“It’s fine. I’ll just make sure to take a shower when I get back to my room and burn any of my clothes that may come in contact with any surface in here,” I say sarcastically. “Seriously? Do you think that I’m going to freak out because it’s not as neat as my apartment? I live with Leah. Nothing will ever be as neat as our apartment.”

He doesn’t even need his key card because the door is propped open. His apartment isn’t nearly as bad as he made it seem. It is the typical college dorm room. Nothing fancy. The sink has dirty dishes in it and there are empty beer bottles on the counter that would make me twitch if it were my room. I know if I took my coat off and started cleaning it up, Rocco would never let me come back again. The difference between me and my roommate is that I’m able to refrain from actually doing it and she’d already have it half way cleaned up by now. They have posters of half-naked women on the walls, but that doesn’t bother me. It’s the one of New Jersey’s hockey team on the wall over their table that has me thoroughly repulsed. He sees me staring at it and laughs.

“If you don’t like it, Philly girl, get the hell out,” Logan says coming out of his room. He kisses my cheek before plopping in the chair he has pulled away from the table, so he can see the TV better. Shane is sitting in the one next to him trying to hide his laugh. Troy and his girlfriend are on the couch looking up at Rocco watching his reaction.

“Put your lips on my girl again and I’ll remove them. Permanently.” Logan doesn’t look concerned by his friend’s threat. I look back to Troy’s girlfriend and realize who she is. “That’s Paige,” Rocco says pointing to her. “Paige, my girlfriend Alyssa. Want a beer?” I shake my head no as he walks to the refrigerator. I take my coat off and he takes it from me when he gets back. He puts his beer on the table taking my coat into his room.

“I know who she is, Rocco. Hey,” she nods towards me. “I’m really sorry about Carrie earlier today.”

“What did Carrie do?” Rocco is at my side instantly with a look of concern on his face. No one is paying attention to the hockey game on the big screen TV they have set up on a stand which takes up most of the small living room.

“Nothing. It’s fine,” I say to him. He looks over at Paige.

“Nothing Alyssa couldn’t handle. Carrie was just trying to scare her off. We heard about the two of you dating on the way over to our Theater class today. One of the girls from our sorority heard about it and made sure to tell Carrie about it right away. Obnoxious, skanky bitches,” she adds sighing.

Rocco turns to me. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow. She won’t bother you anymore.”

“Rocco, I took care of it. Let it go,” I say going to sit on the other end of the couch. He comes over sitting next to me and slides his arm behind my shoulders.

“She did. Carrie was so pissed that Alyssa wasn’t the least bit bothered by her. I actually moved away from her and after class she came over to me pouting. Alyssa doesn’t need your protection from Carrie, Rocco,” Paige convinces him. “That wasn’t why I brought it up. I just didn’t want you to think that I was like her. It’s nice to be able to come over here and not be stuck alone with these guys.” She winks at me. I knew she’d be someone I wouldn’t mind being friends with.

Shane throws a crumpled up brown bag at her, but Troy catches it. “Throw something at my girl again and I’ll let Rocco beat the shit out of you.”

“Damn. The game just started fifteen minutes ago and I already missed a goal? Who scored?” Rocco wants to know as he finally relaxes next to me and takes a sip of his beer. I’m glad talk about Carrie is over. I hope he doesn’t approach her despite me asking him not to. I adjust myself, so my back is to his chest. His arm is down my side that is against the back of the couch and his hand is on my leg.

“I’m sorry you missed it. Maybe next time a game is on you should just stay home,” I say over my shoulder causing Paige to look over at me with a smirk.

Rocco leans over kissing the side of my neck. “No way in hell.”

“Get a room, already,” Logan says. Rocco doesn’t pay any attention to him, but he does kiss my neck one more time before leaning back taking a deep breath and whispering something about still needing a cold shower. Now that he’s kissed my neck like that and is rubbing my leg the way he is, he’s not the only one.

Over the next hour, their team manages to score two more goals. The unrelenting cheering I endure after each one is loud enough that they have to close the propped-open door because the RA walks in reminding them to be quiet. They aren’t even playing a team that I like which would at least make it more interesting. I do have a nice time, especially since I was able to meet Paige. She’s actually very sweet and fun to be around. Paige mentions how it was nice to get away from the sorority for a while. I tell her that she is welcome to come visit our apartment anytime. Troy is extremely happy to hear her say she wouldn’t mind coming over here to visit more often. He winks at me and whispers a thank you.

During the second intermission of the hockey game, I decide it’s time for me to go back to my apartment. Rocco must have known what I was going to say because he speaks first. “Already?”

“What?”

“You’re leaving already, aren’t you?” he asks sadly.

“I have to. I’ll never be able to function tomorrow morning if I don’t get some sleep. I’m sorry,” I say. He sighs, but stands up holding his hand out for me to take it. He pulls me up to him.

“It was nice meeting you, Alyssa. Let me know if you’ll be hanging out with these bums this weekend and I’ll meet up with you guys. Unless of course, you want to come over to the party in the Village.” Paige looks at me knowing what my answer will be.

“I highly doubt I’d be welcomed there,” I tease her.

“Carrie doesn’t make the rules, Alyssa. If you ever want to come over, I’ll personally make sure she doesn’t bother you.” She gets up and gives me a hug.

“How about we make plans to do something off-campus Saturday night instead of going over there?” Troy suggests. He must really be sick of Paige’s sorority sisters if he is trying this hard to get out of going. “Do you think you’d be able to get out of the party this weekend?” Troy looks at her optimistically.

“They don’t own me, Troy. I can leave whenever I want,” she says to him. Troy stands up brushing the light blond hair hanging over the one side of her face away before putting his arms around her waist. “It’s just uncomfortable to hang out with the four of you here. Since Alyssa is going to be around, I’ll feel better.” As he kisses her cheek, Paige’s hand goes into his chin-length jet black hair.

“What the hell is it with you people tonight? Is it a full moon? Get a fucking room!” Logan raises his voice as he moves from his chair to the spot on the couch that Rocco and I just vacated. “And get the hell out of the way. The third period is starting.”

Rocco lets go of my hand telling me he’s going to grab my coat. Still in Troy’s grasp, Paige looks over at me. “Did you want to do something Saturday night?”

“Sure. I am going out shopping for a dress with my roommate during the day, but we should be back by dinnertime at the latest. That is, of course, unless I can’t find something,” I say. “I need it by next weekend.”

“The dinner is only semi-formal. You can just wear something you already have,” Rocco says from behind me. “It’s at the country club my mom and stepdad belong to, but it’s more like a family night. The families we help out will be there and my mom makes sure there is a room set up for the kids to play. It’s really not that big of a deal.”

“Do you look at me at all?” He doesn’t understand what I’m asking him. “Jeans are about the nicest thing I own. Besides, do you think Leah would let me get out of going shopping for a new dress and shoes?”

“Leah Walsh is your roommate?” Paige asks.

“Yup. Is she so unique that you could pick her out from what I just said?” I’m smiling because if you know Leah, all you’d need to hear is shoe shopping. She has more shoes than I have space to keep them.

Paige laughs. “She sits next to me in my Creative Writing class. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her wear the same pair of shoes twice.” It’s probably true knowing her. “We have a good time in that class.”

“Well, if you know my best friend and can tolerate her, please come shopping with us. I’ll need the support,” I offer.

“Maybe I will. Thanks for inviting me,” she says giving me another hug.

“Now this, a guy could get used to,” Logan says smiling up at us.

“Shut the fuck up, Logan,” Paige and I say at the same time. The other three guys are hysterical.

“Back to Saturday, you girls plan it out. Let us know where we are going. I vote for bowling,” Shane says.

“Bowling?” I ask.

“That’s what I said. I haven’t bowled in years. It would be fun with all the people that are going. Bring everyone from your apartment,” he says. “Afraid you will get your ass beat, Philly girl?”

I roll my eyes at him. “You guys know I’m not actually from Philly, right?”

“South Jersey. Philly. What’s the difference?” Shane harasses me.

“I’m going to walk you to your room before you beat my roommate up,” Rocco interrupts taking my hand again pulling me toward the door.

“You can stay and watch the game if you want. I’ll be fine to walk around the corner,” I tell him, but the expression on his face says he won’t have it any other way. “Good night,” I call over my shoulder to everyone.

It should only take less than a minute to walk from Rocco’s door to mine, but he is dragging it out. When we finally reach my door, he gives me his sad puppy dog eyes. I open the door and hold it gesturing for him to go inside. His smile returns as he walks by me. Leah and Tyler are laying on the couch watching the same hockey game. Lucky me. Rocco pulls a chair out in the middle of the room to get closer to the TV.

“Hey. How was dinner?” Leah asks.

“How the hell can you see the puck on this small thing?” he asks leaning forward.

“It was nice. Erin and Jules at the party?” I don’t need to ask. Where else would they be on a Tuesday night?

“Of course. Tommy promised to make sure they got home tonight or at least get them back to his apartment instead of sleeping on some random person’s couch. Guess we’ll see,” Leah says annoyed. She is always worrying about them.

“I’m going to jump in the shower real quick. You okay here?” I ask Rocco.

“Sure.” He looks away from the TV with his eyebrows raised. “Unless you need me to help you.”

“I’m good,” I assure him rolling my eyes yet again. Leah and Tyler are laughing because they know how I can be.

The three of them are talking in the living room just low enough, so they cannot be heard over the rustling of me getting my stuff ready. To be honest, I really don’t want to hear what they are saying. More than likely, whatever is being said is something at my expense. Some friends I have, right? The water being turned on drowns out all sounds of their conversation. Usually, I spend an awfully long time in the shower, but since Rocco is waiting, my hair can wait until tomorrow to be washed. When I’m done showering and brushing my teeth, I walk out of the bathroom to find Rocco laying on my bed staring at the ceiling. He doesn’t move or even glance in my direction.

“You okay?” I ask walking over to the side of my bed. The intense look on his face has me worried. “What’s wrong?”

He gets up off of my bed without saying anything, then pulls down my comforter and fixes my pillows close to how I would have done it myself. “I’m going to tuck you in,” he explains motioning for me to get in. My favorite smile is nowhere to be found. After climbing in, he pulls the blankets over me and lays down on top of them facing me. He’s rubbing the side of my face the same way my aunt used to when I couldn’t sleep as a little kid.

“You’re starting to freak me out,” I confess.

“I’m sorry. I was just thinking,” is the only thing he says.

When he doesn’t continue on his own, I urge him. “About?”

Rocco closes his eyes briefly and sighs. “I’m a little concerned this will all fall apart in front of me and I won’t be able to stop it.” His reply has me thinking this could mean more than just about the two of us. “I don’t want to bring this up, but,” he pauses and rolls onto his back again. “I just have to know.”

“You have to know what?” I ask cautiously. I lay my hand on his chest to get his attention back to me.

“Do you still love him?” My breath releases again. Was I even holding it? “Are you still in love with Jeff?” His eyes are closed and the frown on his face makes me believe he thinks he knows the answer before I even give it to him. He has no idea how wrong he is.

“No,” I answer without even considering it. I don’t think I have been in love with him since the moment I walked out of his room that night. Rocco opens his eyes and finally looks at me. “I stopped loving him long before you even took it upon yourself to sit next to me. It’s just the hurt that haunts me sometimes. The hurt makes me afraid of what could happen again.”

Rocco’s hand goes into my hair and he pulls me to him, so he can kiss my forehead. “I won’t hurt you. I won’t let anyone else hurt you, either.”

While I want to believe the words he is promising me, I know better. The world has a way of sneaking up and biting you on the ass sometimes. “You cannot control everything, Rocco. No one can. You cannot guarantee I will never be hurt again and no one is asking you to.”

He sighs as he lets go of my hair and pulls me to lay against his chest. “Tomorrow, after lab, will you go somewhere with me?”

“Where?” I ask relaxing next to him closing my eyes.

“It’s a secret.”

“Okay,” I say yawning. Normally, I would have insisted on him telling me.

He chuckles lightly. “I’ll stay here until you fall asleep. Sweet dreams, Sunshine.”

“Good night, Rocco.” I’m too tired to argue with him. Besides, I’m really comfortable lying next to him. At least he’s not sitting up on the hard couch. It doesn’t take long for me to doze off.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-30