Coty’s lips coaxing me awake was a pleasant way to start the day and I’ve missed them ever since. He’s held true to his word of being my personal chaperone, taking me to work and picking me up. I didn’t realize what a relief it would be having his car waiting for me at the end of my shifts.
The morning tradition of the boys sending me off to school from their back balcony remains. Some days all three are out, other times only Coty is. Today both Coty and Beckett are sitting at their round patio table, watching me with grins plastered to their good-looking faces.
“Morning, neighbor girl,” Beckett calls.
“Good morning.”
“You got any errands today? I’m all yours.”
Hearing an ‘oof,’ I look up to see Coty pulling his hand back from Beck’s stomach.
“Good morning, Coty.”
“I woke up alone today so I wouldn’t know.” His expression changes to match his glum words.
I smile anyway.
“Dude, you know I’m always up for cuddles.” Beckett stands, winking as he leans his elbows against the banister.
As I cross the street over to school grounds, I can tell the moment they catch sight of the back of my shirt. I’m wearing a black racerback tank with a flowery skull on the front and my hot pink bra showing through the completely see-through lacy back. I chose my shredded white shorts to add more attitude to the already bold outfit. Today being the last day of school, I decided I’d go out with a bang. Judging from the cusses sounding from behind me, it has the desired effect. I also filled all six of my ear piercings with small hoops instead of my usual studs, giving a bit more edge, too.
I peek over my shoulder with a mischievous smirk. The look from Coty, who’s now standing with the banister in a death grip, is full of rage, heat, and, ultimately, powerlessness. I wave innocently, then continue on my way.
Only a few more steps in and I’m suddenly picked up from behind by someone who smells a lot like my favorite neighbor. Before I can react, Coty puts me back on my feet, arms wrapped around my middle.
“Are you trying to kill me with this outfit?” he says into my neck, giving me goose bumps.
“You’ve seen me in a bikini but this is a problem?”
“It’s a problem because you’re going to be surrounded by a bunch of horny teenagers.”
“You’re one to talk.”
“Damn right.”
I scoff, trying to shrug him off but he doesn’t budge.
Spinning in his arms, I catch him off guard as we’re brought face-to-face. My hands come up to rest on his cheeks.
“Don’t you know? I’m just a horny teenager myself.” I lick his lip before kissing him hard.
Close but not close enough, he presses his groin in line with mine and we both groan from the contact.
“Skip. Spend the day with me. I’ll call in sick.”
I push against his shoulders.
“Not happening.”
I’ve never skipped in my life and I’m not going to on the last day of my high school career.
Plus, I’ve always reveled in getting perfect attendance and good grades. I never did it to prove myself to her, she doesn’t deserve that kind of credit, I’ve always done it for myself. I take great pride in being the opposite of what she’s always claimed I am—a fatherless fuck-up of a mistake. I know plenty of fuck-ups that have fathers though, proving her foolish theory wrong yet again.
Coty lets me push his body away this time.
“Do you work today?”
“No, I kept my day open for the parties.”
Coty chuckles. “Sounds about right, party animal.”
I roll my eyes.
He brings his face in close again, his hand smoothing over the lace to find his go-to spot.
“See you later,” he says slyly then steals a quick kiss.
Releasing me, he walks back to the complex with the sexiest swagger I’ve ever seen. I stand here admiring the muscles in his back as they tighten from his hands in his pockets. His triceps flex, showing how strong he is. His walk is slow and relaxed, exactly how my body feels after he showers me with affection.
The fog threatening to overtake me, I spin around and walk a little faster to first period.
* * *
“Will I see you at any festivities this weekend?”
“Probably not.” I shrug.
“Why not? I’d pay money to see you drunk,” Eli, a kid in my chemistry class, teases as we walk through the paper-filled hallway. The stupid tradition of seniors making it rain papers on the last day has left the hall a complete mess. Sheets of all sizes and colors flutter through the air around us. Eli’s asked me to several parties through the years, all to which I declined, so he knows my penchant for avoiding large social gatherings. He places his hand on my lower back as we make our way out the door and into the too-bright sunshine.
I think back to the night with Coty and a bottle of vodka and my cheeks warm. “I drink sometimes.”
He eyeballs me sketchily. Squeezing in closer to fit through the gate together, Eli throws his arm over my shoulder. “Well, if that’s the case, maybe I’ll see you Saturday night.”
“Don’t hold your breath,” I mutter, shrugging him off just as I hear my name.
I lock eyes with Coty leaning against his Camaro, legs crossed at the ankles. His beast of a car is parked front and center at the curb, gaining interest from students and teachers alike. His eyes leave mine to shoot to Eli, who drops his arm awkwardly, before snapping his head back to me.
“Is he your boyfriend? I didn’t think you even liked guys.”
That makes me smile, and I give Eli a shove, then say goodbye. He chuckles as he heads toward the student lot.
Coty pushes off his car, sauntering over. His casual outfit of ripped jeans and a black V-neck tee with aviator glasses and slightly styled hair look too sexy for any sane woman to resist.
A couple feet away he stops.
“Who was that?” His head jerks toward Eli’s retreating form.
My eyes stay on his with a quirk of an eyebrow. “A friend.”
Coty breaks first and reaches for me in the next breath. Arms around my back, he leans in to whisper, “Babe, you don’t have any friends.”
I bark out a laugh. “You’re starting to catch on.”
He pulls back with a panty-dropping smile and grabs my hand, hauling me forward.
“I could’ve just walked home, you know. We live across the street, literally. You didn’t need to leave work for this.”
“It’s your last day, of course I’m picking you up. And we’re not going home.”
“Where are we going then?”
Wordlessly, Coty opens the passenger door, allowing me to climb in before strolling to his side. He starts the car which draws even more attention with the rumble of the throaty exhaust, and revs it a couple more times for his own amusement.
“You’ll see.”
