Sophisticated Sophomore (Love 101 #2) Read online

  The girls behind her scream “Ladies of Sophistication,” then they push Jennifer through the door.

  Jennifer smiles and grabs Monica and me hugging us tightly. She whispers, “How’d you know?”

  Monica laughs, “Nicole keeps her ears to the streets.”

  Jennifer and her girls come through the crowd and start a line dance. We join the line dance and more people come through the door. At this point, we can hardly move in the living room. People are spilling into the hallway and lingering outside the door of the apartment.

  My phone vibrates in my pocket and I grab it seeing Chris' name on display. I walk outside to take the call. "Hey, babe."

  “I hear your party is the spot to be tonight.” He laughs. “Y’all alright over there?”

  "Yeah, it's packed. I'm standing outside now and it looks like the party is overflowing into the parking lot."

  “Well if anyone starts acting crazy call me. Okay?”

  I pout my lips. I was hoping he would be here tonight, but I’m sure he doesn’t want to be here with a bunch of random people. “You aren’t coming?”

  “No, I’ll be there after it’s over though to make sure none of those dudes try to stick around.”

  "Alright, I'll call you when it's over." I start walking back towards the house and try to push my way through the crowd gathered on the stairs. "Excuse me." People stare at me but hardly move. "Yeah, so this is my apartment." They snicker and move out of the way.

  Jennifer and her girls are leading another line dance in the living room. Someone brushes past me, bumping my shoulder. When I look up, I see Courtney standing with her head cocked and her nostrils flaring. “Why are you here, Courtney?”

  Courtney sweeps her arm around and says, “I didn’t want to miss the big party.”

  “Now you’ve seen it, and you need to leave.” Monica walks up behind me with her arms crossed.

  “Laila, everything okay?”

  Without breaking my sight with Courtney I respond, “Yes, Courtney was just leaving.”

  Courtney starts walking towards the door, then turns around and says, “No point in being here since Chris isn’t around. Bye, Laila.”

  Monica grabs my arm. “I hope this isn’t going to be a repeat of last year. We don’t need Courtney popping up whenever she pleases.”

  I couldn’t agree with Monica more. Courtney’s crazy is nothing to be desired. Trying to stay one step ahead of her antics is exhausting.

  Nicole slams the last bottle of pineapple vodka down on the counter. "Damn, that went quickly."

  I pick up empty cups from the counter, and across the floor and toss them in the trash. “Guess this party is about over. We are out of liquor. Folks will start disbursing.”

  Nicole grins and says, “It was one hell of a party though.” She hiccups. “Right?” She points to the corner. “And that guy.” She smiles wide. “He is sexy as hell. Cheers to whoever had him on their invite list.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Laila, I have a list of stuff to do before you get here.” My mom rattles off her grocery list, the invite list, and I listen as I pack my bag.

  “Did you invite the Jones’?” I hold my breath as I wait for my mom to answer.

  “I did, but before you told me Chris was coming with you.” She pauses then says, “But I don’t think Josh is coming home for Thanksgiving.”

  Josh hasn’t missed a holiday yet. I don’t know why this would be any different. I pray my mom is right. Josh and Chris in the same space for more than a few minutes will be awkward.

  "Don't worry if he does come I won't sit him and Chris near each other." She continues with her list of things to do. "Oh, and I have to change the sheets in the guest room. I don't know what you two do in Tallahassee but in my house you won't sleep in the same room."

  “On that note, mom, we’ll be there in a few hours.”

  I throw another dress and a pair of shoes in my bag and zip it up. Before leaving I hug Monica and Jennifer, and offer, for the umpteenth time, for them to come home with me.

  "We'll be fine, we won't have turkey and all that but I'm sure we can make something happen." Monica exchanges a glance at Jennifer. "Besides, it's your first time officially taking Chris home. We don't want to hinder your time with him and your family."

  Jennifer says, “Just bring us back a plate.”

  I hop in the car and head to the frat house to pick Chris up. He offered to drive, but I’d rather have my car to drive around.

  He throws his bag in the trunk and before he can buckle up he says, “You can take your car, but I could at least drive.”

  I sigh as I look at him sitting uncomfortably in the passenger seat. “Okay, but when we get there I’m driving for the weekend.” We get out to switch seats and before I can get to the passenger side he grabs me and squeezes me then follows it with a passionate kiss. I pull away and look up. “What’s that all about?”

  He grins and says, “I love my girl. Can’t I show her?”

  “No complaints here.”

  Before we pull out of park I put my hand on his arm and whisper, “We have to pray.”

  “But of course. Dear God, grant us traveling mercy and let us have a great time this weekend. Amen.” He peeks at me with his head still bent. “Anything else?”

  “Amen.” We pull off and start in the direction of Fort Walton Beach. I clutch my hands as my stomach does flips. I hope God delivers and keeps this weekend drama free.

  When we pull up at my house Chris parks but doesn’t move. He looks over at me and places his hand on my knee. “Can we make a circle around the block before we go in the house?”

  My eyes narrow as I try to understand why we would circle the block.

  “I won’t be able to kiss you in front of your parents. I just want one more kiss before we go in.”

  I laugh and nod my head. He pulls out of the driveway and as we leave, I catch my mom looking out of the window. “Guess we better go to the store and grab something or our cover will be blown.”

  “Huh?” He continues driving around the block. “What happened?”

  “My mom saw us pull away.”

  Chris parks the car discreetly near the woods. He leans over, grabs my chin, and takes my mouth by storm. My body warms up as our kiss gets deeper and his hands begin to roam. Before I end up jumping in his lap, I pull away.

  "Yeah, we better go to the store to give me time to calm down." He readjusts himself then puts the car in drive.

  I let Chris carry in the bouquet of flowers for my mom. The smug look on her face fades when Chris hands her the mixed roses. She smiles wide and squeals, “Oh thank you, Chris!”

  He bends down and hugs her saying, “Thank you for allowing me to spend Thanksgiving with your family.”

  My mom looks around Chris with her hand on her hip she tells me, “This one is trying to win me over,” as if Chris is not standing in front of her anymore.

  I nod my head. “He’s definitely a keeper.” Looking into the kitchen I ask my mom where my dad is hiding.

  “Well since you two were taking your time getting here I sent him out to pick up a few more things from the grocery store.”

  I smile nervously and say, “Do you need anything else?”

  "No, you can make yourselves comfortable." She opens the refrigerator. "Hungry?"

  Chris takes a seat at the counter and says, “Actually, I could eat something.” My mom and I both laugh.

  "Well, honey. The first time in our home I'll treat you like a visitor. But just know the next time you come you will be on your own. I'll make you a sandwich."

  Chris laughs and says, “Yes ma’am. Got it. I’ll take a sandwich.”

  After we eat, my dad makes his way through the kitchen with his face downturned. “I had to run to the store and came back just in time to miss lunch?” He throws his hands in the air. “Just my luck.”

  Between his rant, he turns to Chris, extending him a hand to shake. “Nice to see you, youn
g man. Glad you could join us this weekend.”

  "Thanks, sir, and thank you for allowing me to be here. Need help with bags?"

  My father grins and pats Chris on the back. “Keep that attitude and you can stick around for a while. I wouldn’t mind some help.” He rubs his stomach. “Especially since I’m working on fumes.” He looks over his shoulder at my mom, who hasn’t listened to a word my dad has said.

  I volunteer to make him a sandwich while Chris goes out to the car to help with the bags. I slide beside my mom and whisper. “Any word about Josh?”

  My mom looks at me then continues chopping onions. “Don’t worry. Chris will give him a run for his money if he does show up.” She hands me a slice of onion. “Your dad likes onions on his sandwich.”

  I get stuck in the kitchen with my mom, preparing for Thanksgiving, and my dad steals Chris away from us. They sit in front of the television, too far away for me to eavesdrop on their conversation. While I mix the cornbread mix I tell my mom all about the party we threw for Jennifer and the reappearance of Courtney.

  “She’s back?” She stops moving and looks intently in my eyes. “Listen, Laila, Chris is a good guy, but I don’t want this girl to do anything crazy to you because of him.” She leans in closer to me and continues, “Maybe you should take a break until she is completely out of the picture.”

  I gasp. “Mom, when have you ever known me to back down to anyone?”

  She smirks. “Never.” She walks to the stove and stirs the contents of a pot. “You don’t have to listen to me, but you better be careful.” After I put the cornbread in the oven we both join Chris and my dad in the living room.

  Chris walks out of the guest room wearing his slacks, plaid button down shirt, and a blue tie. Sexy as hell. “You look rather handsome, sir.” I wink at Chris as he walks past my room.

  He doubles back and stands in the doorway of my room. “Thank you.” He stares at me as I finish applying my make-up. “Being hands off with you is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

  I walk over to him and peck him on the lips. “Maybe I can take you sightseeing later today.”

  Chris licks his lips and says, “Yes, please.” He looks down at my chest. “There are a couple of sites I’d love to see.” I smack his arm and we join my parents in the kitchen.

  My mother hands me a basket of rolls and instructs me to place them on the table. As I set them down the doorbell rings. My dad beats me to the door, and as he opens it I hold my breath. I spoke to Tanya last night, but she wasn’t sure if Josh was going to make it to dinner but she knew he was on his way home.

  Nick walks through the door, and my nerves calm down. I run up to Nick and he wraps both arms around me, lifting me off the ground as he hugs me. Chris walks out of the kitchen and Nick puts me down. He walks up to Chris and shakes his hand, “How you doing, man?”

  “Not too bad, but I may gain a few pounds from all this great food your mom and sister put together.”

  “Yeah, I don’t know about my sister.” Nick glances back at me. “But my mom could compete with the best of ‘em.” Nick walks towards the living room. “Chris, you a football fan?”

  Chris follows behind Nick and says, “Sure am. Not a fan of any of the teams playing today, but I love a good game.”

  Chris and Nick relax in the living room and I finish setting the table. My dad walks by a few times, carrying different odds and ends. I can hear him mumble to himself, and I try not to laugh at him. Each time he enters the kitchen I hear my mom ask him for something else. The doorbell rings again and this time I walk over to answer it.

  The Jones’ are finally here, Mr. and Mrs., Tanya, and Ava. I greet each of them with a hug and they walk into the house. After I hug Tanya and take Ava from her I close the door and Tanya stops me. “Oh Josh is on his way in, he had to grab a bag out of the car for my mom.” I try to act calm and wait at the door for Josh.

  Ava plays with my face as I coo at her. Josh walks up and says, “She likes you.” He leans down to give me a hug and I pat his back then close the door.

  Tanya walks back over to me and reaches for Ava. She looks towards the living room and laughs. “It looks like Nick likes Chris much more than he liked Travis.” She looks back at me with a grin. “Could you imagine them watching football together?”

  I laugh at the thought. Nick hated everything about Travis. Nick enforcing the law and Travis breaking the law … they couldn’t be any less alike.

  My mom emerges from the kitchen and announces dinner is ready. My mom stands at the head of the table and directs us all to our seats. Chris is to my right, and Tanya to the left with Ava bouncing on her knee. Josh is sitting opposite Tanya, but can hardly keep his eyes off of me.

  My father clears his throat and says, “Thank you all for being here today. Please bow your heads.” I bow my head and close my eyes, and Chris grabs my hand. “Dear God…” I slightly open my eyes and peek at Josh who has his eyes glaring open. When he sees me looking, he smiles, showing all of his front teeth. Chris squeezes my hand as my father says, “Amen.”

  I catch up with Tanya as I stuff my mouth with turkey. The guys discuss sports. Josh dishes out his stats from the season. Chris is fully engaged, leaning in over the table to hear Josh over Ava’s giggling.

  When we clear the table, Ava wriggles out of Tanya’s arms and reaches towards me. I think she wants me until she whines when I try to pick her up. Chris looks down at her and she smiles. “I think she wants you.” I lean back so Chris can pick her up.

  Mrs. Jones helps my mother set platters of dessert on the table. As I scoop banana pudding into my bowl Josh casually says, “I graduate next semester, Laila.” With all attention on me he continues, “I’d love it if you could come up.”

  Chris stops playing with Ava and glances at me, anticipating my response. I finish my spoonful of pudding before responding. “I may be able to make that. Send me the details when you have them.” Chris coughs then continues playing with Ava.

  Tanya leans over and whispers, “He’s good with her.”

  The Jones’ don’t linger too long after dinner. Ava is long overdue for a nap and our mothers have early morning plans for shopping. Before leaving out, Josh reminds me of his graduation and leans in for a hug that I cut short with a pat on his arm.

  I promise Chris we will escape the family as soon as the house is back in order. Instead of returning to the living room with my dad and brother, he scurries behind me, helping me clean up. I laugh and whisper to him, “Need some alone time, huh?”

  He looks around before licking his lips and saying, “More than you will ever understand.”

  Once the final fork is washed, I hug Nick tightly and make plans to see him before we head back to L.U. on Sunday. Chris and I head out to the car and before he can insist on driving, I jump in the driver’s seat. Reluctantly he climbs into the passenger side.

  “The boardwalk should be fairly empty right about now.”

  Chris looks over at me and says, “Right about now we can have an audience as long as it’s not your parents.” He pauses then continues, “Or Nick.”

  “Audience?” I arch my brow. “You plan on putting on a show?”

  Chris reaches over and places his hand between my thighs and squeezes. “With all this pinned up energy I have, I will have you singing my name.” My body reacts to his touch and the desire I hear in his voice. I roll down the window to let in the cool ocean breeze.

  Chris begins to rub circles through my pants sending tingles through my sex. My lips part as I release a soft moan. He begins rubbing faster, and then he leans over and plants a kiss on my neck. He sits back in his seat as we approach the bridge but he doesn’t end the invasion between my thighs.

  “I like your family, and your friends.” I mumble an inaudible response. “I think you should come home with me over Christmas.” I’m shocked at the offer. When inviting Chris for Thanksgiving I didn’t expect reciprocity. The thought of spending a long weekend without
him was unbearable and bringing him home was for selfish gain. “You could probably come home for a couple of days then come up to Tennessee with me for the rest of the break.”

  My hormones were already racing but now my heart is outpacing the throbbing between my thighs. I pull into the first parking spot I find at the boardwalk. Without observing our surroundings I climb over the center console and straddle Chris. I take hold of his face with both hands and our mouths collide violently, our tongues trying to find a rhythm.

  His hands are resting on my hips and my urge to have him deep inside of me is overwhelming. I fumble with his belt, and then his zipper. His manhood falls into my hand and before I can continue, Chris moves my hand. He pulls away from my kiss and his head falls back against the seat. “I forgot the condoms in my bag at the house.”

  My eyes narrow and I groan. I climb back into the driver’s seat. Defeated, I avoid eye contact as I say, “Always the responsible one.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Finals are next week. What do you mean you don’t have time to study?” I look across the table to Danielle, who hasn’t looked up from her notes since we started.

  Jason continues his excuse as I roll my eyes. “Alright, well, if you can get over here before the night is over we can give you your sections.” I hang up the phone and go back to highlighting my study guide.

  “Jason doesn’t take school seriously.” Danielle starts softly. “I can’t afford to mess up this opportunity to get a degree.” She looks up from her books.

  “I’m in the same boat. If I fail any of my classes I’m sure my parents will cut me off.” My mom may be forgiving, but my dad with his perspective on money and spending would surely be sure I suffered for being wasteful.

  Danielle’s face sours and she looks away. “My parents can’t afford to send me money. I worked hard to receive several scholarships to cover my expenses.” She taps her fingers on the table. “If I lose those, I’m back at home. I’ll be a disappointment to my entire family. I’m the first to go to college.” She looks at me with tears forming in her eyes.