Filthy Virgin

Chapter 19: Liam

"Hey man, it's good to see you again." Anthony was the first to speak up, stretching across the table to clasp my hand in his.

"Likewise," I responded with a smile. I turned to Luke and we exchanged greetings, then Madison who surprised me by pulling me in for a hug.

"Thanks for taking care of my girl," she whispered quickly into my ear.

"It's nothing," I whispered back. "I'd do it for anyone."

She pulled back and gave me a look that said she didn't quite believe the little white lie. We all sat down, and immediately the three of them started asking Celeste questions about her house, offering help and advice. I could see the struggle she fought inside to accept the help. Obviously her friends new her well, because they didn't push her about anything, instead just offering up their services.

"Okay, that's enough about me! We're here for Luke, who has a very exciting opportunity!"

Everyone took the topic change in stride, and I figured now was a good time to jump into the conversation. "Celeste was saying that you're going to be out of town for a few months for a work thing?"

"Yep," Luke said. "Four months to be exact. I'm going to help train some people in a new office we're expanding to."

"What is it you do?"

"I'm a senior app developer. Lots of technical stuff, but basically I help build and fix apps as well as discover and bring in new developers."

"So, what he's saying is that under the pressed clothes and mocha skin, he's a giant nerd," Celeste added in a teasing voice.

Luke sniffed. "We prefer the term geek, thank you very much."

Anthony and Madison began to argue with him about whether there was even a difference between the two, and I could tell this wasn't a new discussion. I looked over at Celeste who was just shaking her head with a smile. She looked over at me, and I could see a tinge of sadness there that I couldn't place the reason behind.

"They have this argument every time he says that," she stage whispered.

"And I'm guessing you instigate it every time?"

"YES!" The three others obviously heard my question amidst their won conversation, as they were the ones who responded before picking up where they left off. Celeste and I looked at each other and both started laughing.

By the time Celeste and I left, I felt like I'd been friends with them for years. They welcomed me without hesitation, and I'd never felt so accepted other than when Travis and I had become friends. I knew he'd fit right in with the group, and something about the rightness of blending mine and Celeste's lives made me excited for the future.

"I had a great time Celeste, thank you for making me come with you." I said the words to Celeste as I parked at my house, and turned to see a devilish smirk on her lips. Those tempting, pouty lips. Her aqua eyes were a tad hazy from the drinks she'd had at dinner, but she seemed to be carrying herself well despite that.

"I know a few other ways to make you come with me," she purred.

I groaned, knowing that I wouldn't be doing anything with her while she was this close to drunk. "None of that, minx. Let's get you inside and to bed."

"Hmm, inside. I like the sound of that."

"Dammit Celeste, I'm not fucking you while you've been drinking."

"Party pooper," she grumbled but thankfully relented for the moment. I got out and helped her inside, directing her towards the rooms upstairs.

"Can you get me a glass of water?" Her polite request was simple enough, and I watched her make her way up the stairs safely before heading to the kitchen.

I got the water and brought it to her, knocking on her ajar door before stepping inside. I froze in the doorway, taking in the glimpse of completely naked skin I caught before she slipped a large t-shirt over her body.

No bra. No panties. My mouth went dry, and I almost took a drink of the water I was holding.

"Oh, thank you. I hope you don't mind if I go paint." She took the glass and gulped it down quickly.

"Of course not." The words were a croak, so I cleared my throat before continuing. "You know you're welcome to use that room whenever you want."

I'd cleared out a room in the basement of my house that had a big window that was perfect for ventilating any fumes that resulted from her work, and told her to go crazy. She had agreed on the condition that I wouldn't go in there without permission, something I had readily agreed to. I was dying to take a peek, but I wanted her to know she could trust me.

"Okay. And I promise that even if I'm not sober now, this water and the smell of paint will clear my head more than enough."

"Sounds good." I swallowed hard, unable to stop myself from asking the next question. "Do you... Are you going to put underwear on?"

"Hmm? Oh, no, I usually paint naked. Makes me feel freer."

I cursed under my breath and started backing out of the room, already picturing her in nothing but swipes and splotches of paint.

"Okay. Have fun. Goodnight." I turned and bolted, pretending like I didn't hear her husky laugh trail me all the way to my shower where I took my frustration in my own hands.