The Checklist (Explicit Version)

Chapter 14

CHAPTER XIV
Hard Kisses

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"Um, since when do you have a tattoo?" Nellie almost screeched in disbelief when she barged into my room as I was changing.

Grimacing, I hastily shoved my legs into my sweatpants before straightening. I'd gotten out of the shower ten minutes ago, so there were still some pebbles of water on my legs. I tried not to focus on the sticky feeling as I graced Nellie with a nervous smile.

"Knock much?"

Her eyes narrowed to slits before she crossed the doorway. "Keeping secrets much?" She gestured to my hip and demanded, "Let me see, or I'm revoking your friend privileges."

"Nels," I whined, but she was having none of it. She continued glaring with arms crossed, so I sighed in defeat before dropping my pants. "It's not a big deal—"

"Not a big deal? You tattooed your skin! And you didn't tell me." For the first time since she saw my tattoo, she frowned. Recognizing the hurt in her expression, I offered her a better angle of my tattoo, so she could see it clearly.

"I'm sorry," I admitted while her eyes lingered on the skin by my waistband. "I didn't want you to judge me. I know you don't like tattoos."

Hearing my admission, her eyes flickered to mine with confusion written on her features. "I'd never judge you. You know this, Allie." Her gaze dropped to the tattoo before she moved closer, until she was in arms reach. A reluctant smile pulled her lips higher. "It's cute. Simple. It looks like that symbol from that movie you like."

"Tangled." She nodded absently, still fixated on my hip. I bit my lip, but I couldn't help but ask, "Do you like it? I know I didn't tell you, but to be honest, I didn't tell anyone. I wanted it for myself, and I really like it, but I also want you to like it because you're my best friend, and you know I value your opinion. Just be nice if you don't like i—"

"Jeez, Allie," Nellie laughed, finally bringing her eyes to mine. "I like it. I'm still kinda pissed you didn't tell me, though. When did you do it?"

Sheepishly, I admitted, "Only two weeks ago."

Her expression hardened, but she grumbled, "I guess I should be happy you didn't hide it from me for months."

True. But I've been hiding something worse from you for months.

"Goody two-shoes got a tattoo? The world must be flat," a new voice drawled behind Nellie—who jumped away to let me see Valerie standing by the door with a bored look on her face.

"I'm not a goody two-shoes," I retorted, but I couldn't help but clench my legs together, remembering Myles' words when he was fucking me from behind.

"Make sure you're not too loud, princess. Wouldn't want all of your goody two-shoe friends hearing you get fucked."

Anddd now I'm horny.

Valerie snorted and threw her hair behind her shoulder. "Debatable." She looked around my room, actively avoiding my gaze before she deadpanned, "Anyways, I'm having people over soon. Just thought I'd let you know."

"Oh, how nice of you," Nellie spat sarcastically. "I wonder where this announcement was when Remi was here. All five times this week."

Valerie straightened and clenched her jaw, clearly not happy with being called out. Her attention narrowed on Nellie before she lamely defended herself. "I'm being a friend. We both went through something together, so I'm helping him move forward."