Excusing myself, I started to run toward the restroom, but since I hadn’t seen Lexy come out yet, I ran the other way as tears streamed down my face. I didn’t want her to see me like this. Pushing the exit door, I ran outside. I bawled like a baby as I tucked my arms around my waist to hold myself together.

It hadn’t been that long since I cried like this. The last time was when I dreamt about my dad. Gasping for air, tears filled my hands and I was unable to stop them from flowing. Feeling my body tremble, I reached for something to lean on, but there was nothing there.

Feeling weak in the knees and unable to control my crying, I sat on the step. The ache was so deep that it felt like someone had ripped my heart out. So much pain poured through my tears that my eyes were puffy and my throat was dry.

As the memories of my dad came crashing through, all I could do was feel sorry for myself as I gasped for more air. Why? Why did it have to be my dad? When I felt a warm body next to mine, I managed to calm down somewhat.

Feeling a strong arm wrap around me, I threw myself on Liam’s lap. He had no idea how happy he’d made me feel that he was comforting me. I felt like he really understood my pain for the first time. He had always told me to stop crying, but he didn’t tonight. Molding into every space, every curve, every muscle of him, I pressed into him. He felt so good, so strong, so right, and I let myself go.

“I miss him so much,” I cried, starting to realize he felt bigger than before.

“Shhh…it’s okay. Let it all out,” he whispered, caressing my hair. “I know your pain.”

I freaked out when I realized it wasn’t Liam. I pulled away to see his face. “Elijah?” My lips quivered as tears blurred my vision. I was surprised to see him.

“What happened?” he asked, wiping my tears away. There was so much tenderness and care in his words that it made me speechless.

I was just about to tell him when the door thrashed opened. Liam set his eyes on us and they only grew wide with anger. He was in shock. “What the hell?”

Elijah lifted me up and placed me down. I could see how this would look in Liam’s eyes.

“Don’t read too much into this. She needed a shoulder to cry on,” Elijah explained.

“Whatever. Fuck you,” he said angrily. Liam grabbed my arm and yanked me inside.

Chapter 12

Elijah

Seeing Alex rush out of the back exit door like she was on fire, I debated whether to go after her. I had no idea what Liam had said to her or what he had done, but she was crying. Not knowing what to do, I followed her out, but kept my distance. I wasn’t sure if I should approach her, but when I heard that gut-wrenching cry coming from her, I had to go to her.

Alex was slumped over crying on the steps, which made my heart sank. I sat next to her and draped my arm around her shoulders to give her comfort, but unexpectedly she wrapped her whole body into mine tightly. Not even a slip of paper could fit between us. I wasn’t sure if she knew it was me. She might’ve thought I was Liam.

I didn’t mean for this to happen, but I couldn’t help embracing her back. It was the first time we held each other like that. It felt so good, so soothing. Her hug was like my morphine, physically taking away my pain. At that point, I wasn’t sure who was actually comforting whom. One thing for sure, a part of me pushed my pain aside for her. Now the smell of her and the feel of her body would be imprinted in my mind. Crap!

When Alex finally realized it was someone else, she backed away somewhat. Her br**sts ended up being at my eye level. Shit! It was hard not to take in the view, let alone try to control my urge to stick my tongue between her br**sts. She was so f**king beautiful. Thank God we were interrupted before I did something stupid.

Liam practically broke down the door, and seeing us like that, he nearly lost it. I didn’t blame him. I would have, too, but f**k! I had to resist the urge to punch the f**ker when he grabbed her by the arm like that. It should’ve been him out here with her to begin with. What the hell did he do? Then I remembered Alex telling me how much she missed him. I wonder who she was talking about?

After I stood up and glared at Liam when he told me to f**k off, he ran inside, slamming the door behind him. I can’t wait until he finds out I’m Alex’s roommate. I wonder how that will play out? Unless he already knows. Knowing that he would be spending the night, I decided to go home late.

It was around three in the morning when we were sure no one was too wasted to drive before our group parted ways. Seth ended up driving me home. I was perfectly sober until Alex got me all confused again, so I decided to drink more.

Turning the knob to the front door as quietly as I could, I saw that the light was on in the living room. Thinking perhaps Alex wasn’t home yet, I thought I’d lay on the sofa since I was so wired. I was shocked to see Alex on the love seat sofa. Holding onto a box of Kleenex, she took up half the space. With her knees bent, she was cradled into a fetus position, fast asleep, and there was no sign of Liam. Did they get into a fight because of what happened?

Plopping down on the other sofa, my heavy eyelids closed as I wondered why Alex was in so much pain. I debated whether or not to place a light blanket on her, but seeing that it wasn’t cold at all, I didn’t want to disturb her. Just in case she woke up in the middle of the night, I left the light on.

I don’t know what time it was or how long I had been asleep, but I was awakened by the sound of a horrendous cry. Groggily I sat up to see Alex bawling like she was when I found her outside the bar. I didn’t know what to do. Her eyes were closed and she looked stiff. As her tears continued to fall, she didn’t wipe them. That’s when I knew for sure she was dreaming.