UNINVITED GUEST

MEADOWS

“Have you lost your mind, Meadows?” Serenity gasped, her face pixelating slightly on my MacBook screen as I held up the lingerie.

 “What? Isn’t it hot enough?” 

“Hot enough for what? A night with William?” Her voice dripped with disbelief.

I tossed the lingerie on the bed, frowning. Why was she acting like it was such a big deal? She does it almost all the time.

If there's anyone more horny than Cody, it's her. God, how did I even become friends with these people?

"What happened to the no sex before marriage rule?"

"That was my parents' rule, not mine. I'm almost thirty and old enough to make my own decisions."

Serenity sat up straight, clearly in shock now. I assumed her laptop was sitting on her office table.

"Okay, I know I've always told you to live a little, but this? This is insane." Her eyes were wide now. "Don't get offended, but are you sure he's the one you want this with? The way he treats you…”

I honestly have no clue what Serenity and Cody have against William. They, especially Cody, weren't happy when we first started dating. William and I met at the beach during one of my best friend outings with Cody.

He was a bartender then. It was love at first sight—I couldn't take my eyes off his tanned body. He looked like a man specially crafted by God. He asked for my number, we talked, and within two weeks, he asked me to be his girlfriend.

There's nothing wrong with him, except that he's never around, and he has a serious temper issue.

Serenity sighed, resting her elbows on the desk. "Just be careful, Meddy, and make sure you use protection. I’ve got to go now; still have loads of spreadsheets to organize."

"Goodnight, Serene," I said, blowing her a kiss. She caught it and ended the call.

I got up lazily, pulling out a red sleeveless bodycon dress and putting it on. I’ve never enjoyed putting on makeup, so I just swiped on some red lipstick and threw my hair into a ponytail.

I took off my glasses and switched into my brown contact lenses before slipping on my stilettos.

I sighed, taking a good long look at myself in the mirror. Mother would go crazy if she saw me dressed like this. My eyes dropped to my exposed cleavage and thighs. It made my heart race.

"Calm down, Med. You have to embrace the new you." William would love this part of you.

Turning around, I grabbed the watch and lingerie, then threw on a coat before heading out.

Fifteen minutes later, I pulled up in front of William’s apartment. I hadn’t told him I was coming, I wanted it to be a surprise.

My heart hammered as I took the elevator to the top floor. I missed him so much. It had been so long. We hardly ever did video calls because he was always in a meeting when I tried to reach him.

Standing at his door, I took a deep breath before pressing the doorbell.

"Who's that?!" he snapped, his voice heavy.

I bit my lip, resisting a smile. I wondered how he’d look when he realized it was me.

The doorknob twisted, and the door swung open. His mouth dropped, ready to shout when he saw me. His gaze widened.

My heart exploded, and I walked straight to him, wrapping my arms around his bare waist.

"Baby, I missed you so much."

He didn’t hug me back; his body tensed. "What are you doing here, Meadows?"

"I came here to see you, of course!" I pulled away slightly and reached out to touch his cheek, but he moved his face away.

The strong stench of weed immediately hit my nostrils.

He scowled down at me. "Did you tell me you were coming? Why would you just show up uninvited?"

My heart squeezed as he pulled away completely and ran his hand through his hair.

"I’m sorry, I just wanted to surprise you. Aren’t you happy I’m here?"

He exhaled, looking into the room. "Yeah, sure."

I followed him, closing the door behind me. My eyes widened when I saw bottles of alcohol scattered across the floor. He walked to the table and grabbed a piece of paper with what looked like weed on it. The suffocating air, shrunk my lungs.

"I thought you quit this, William?!" I almost shouted.

"Italy was shit," he muttered, dropping onto the bed.

"I thought you went to San Diego."

"Whatever," he shrugged nonchalantly and started inhaling the drugs.

I swallowed, wrapping my arms around my chest. The room fell into silence. He acted like I wasn’t even there. Doesn’t he care that we haven’t seen each other for six months? My eyes started to moisten.

Maybe this was a bad idea. I shouldn't have ditched Cody.

"So, how was Seattle without me?" he finally spoke, his bloodshot eyes finally looking at me. "I guess that dick of your best friend took my place quite well."

I walked to the bed and sat next to him. His gaze immediately dropped to my cleavage.

"You know no one can replace you," I said, cupping his cheek and leaning in to kiss him. "Tell me you missed me, baby."

"What are you wearing, Meadows?" He ignored my attempt, his dark eyes still focused on my body.

My heart raced faster. You don't have to act like the good girl all the time.

"Do you like it?"

"Oh, baby, I love it." He chuckled lightly. "Take off the coat and stand up."

You can do this, Med. I pulled off my coat and stood to my feet.

"I got a gift for you, William," I muttered, staring at my feet, my face burning as his hot gaze ogled me.

Suddenly, his hand gripped my behind, pulling me in between his legs.

"The gift can wait, baby. You’ll have to get yourself some other clothes because this won’t be useful by the time I’m done with you."

My heart leapt into my throat as he pushed me onto the bed and dropped his whole weight on me. The taste of weed coated my tongue as he forced his lips against mine.