Confused at the intimacy of the moment, this time instigated by Nick, I gathered up my things and walked back towards the house. Deciding to pretend as though nothing had happened I turned back to him and asked, “Since Mum and Dad are away this week, do you wanna do something tonight?”
He mumbled, “I’ve got some of the guys coming over, only about 5 of them. We’re just gonna watch a movie. You’re welcome to join us.”
My relief that we wouldn’t be alone tonight was unnerving, what was I afraid was going to happen?
The night turned out to be relaxed and fun. Even though we’d planned to stay in, I’d taken some time getting ready, wearing my red string bikini, and a long white, almost sheer wrap tied around my waist to show off my (finally!) toned, tanned legs. My long black hair pulled up in a high ponytail high atop my head with soft ringlets cascading down. His friends, though younger than me, were mature and witty. Sitting out on the patio with the BBQ I got to know them better, while secretly enjoying their stolen looks at my body throughout the night. His best friend, Matt, whom I had known for awhile, was especially attentive. While the others were inside preparing the drinks, he brought one out to me while I was exerting my control freak tendencies about how the food was to be cooked. My back facing the door he came up behind me, placing one hand on my bare back, dropping a short sweet kiss on my shoulder before handing me my drink.
Leaning into me slightly he said “You’re looking amazing these days, Amy, being single must agree with you. Though I never imagine you’ll be single for long.” I pushed him away playfully, enjoying the male attention. Letting the drinks have their way with me, I playfully went along with his flirting. As the night went on, his touches became more frequent, more lingering, more daring. And as he became more comfortable, the opposite was taking its effect on my little brother. If I’m honest, while I enjoyed the looks from the other boys that night, not one meant as much as when Nick first saw me coming down the stairs in my outfit. He’d stared at me while I’d looked him straight in the eye, walking up to him and kissing him softly on his cheek asking sweetly if he needed any help setting up. He’s mumbled something in the negative and walked into the kitchen, swearing under his breath. Something was going on between us. I didn’t know what it was, but it beginning to be fun.
Throughout the night, Nick constantly interrupted private conversations I’d have with his friends, pulling me away for the most mundane reasons. I played along with him, letting him think he was in control, pretending not to notice his strange behaviour. That is, until I’d had too many drinks. During a particularly heated moment with Matt, Nick grabbed my arm and pulled me into the kitchen.
“What’s your fuckin’ problem, Nick?” I yelled at him as he slammed the door shit behind us.
“Nothing,” he answered, his voice low and tense. ” I just don’t like that you’re acting as though it’s a free for all out there”