I Wouldn't Change a Thing

Outside on the sidewalk I planted my feet, not wanting to take another step with the boy who couldn’t seem to take a hint. He turned to me with a grin. “You know, there’s really no use in resisting, you already got permission. Now, why don’t you be a good girl and get in the car?” he teased, motioning toward the curb.

I glared as I sunk into the low seat of his old sports car. I crossed my arms over my chest and ignored the boy as he drove to the suburbs of Baltimore. Just when I was beginning to wonder if he was really planning to take me to a deserted forest to chop me into pieces, he turned at the entrance to a gated community.

I looked up at the tall walls on either side of the gate. “Where are we going?”

“Johnny’s,” he answered matter-of-factly. He sent me an expression that said it should be obvious.

“Johnny lives in there?” I asked in disbelief. “What, are his parents famous or something?”

He laughed, his easy grin returning. “Or something.” I just shook my head as the guard waved him through. He took three or four turns before pulling into the driveway of a massive house that mirrored the size of the dozen or so we had already passed. “You coming?” Cole asked as he stood outside, holding my door open.

I closed my mouth, which I realized must have been slack from shock. Nodding, I exited the car and followed Cole up the walkway and into the house without so much as knocking.

In the foyer, I stopped dead in my tracks as I took in the grandness of the room. Above my head hung a chandelier plated in winding silver and gold. To the right was a large curving staircase, the banister of which matching the metal of the chandelier.

And straight ahead, the hallway split off in three directions. To the right, under the staircase, was a hallway that seemed to go on for miles. Ahead of me, as an archway that showed a great view of a grand dining room and beyond that a series of glass doors leading to a vast backyard complete with swimming pool.

Cole walked to the left, into a large living area, a room that could easily encompass the whole of the living, dining, and master bedrooms of my home back in Seattle. I followed slowly, keeping my distance as my eyes roamed over every surface.

I watched as Cole sat on the armrest of a beige wrap-around couch and took a game controller from Johnny who protested in expletives. Next to Johnny sat two more boys. One was a baby-faced teen with wispy blonde hair while the other’s features were more drastic, his face consisting of harsh angles unobstructed by his crew haircut.

Brooke sat on the opposite end of the couch flipping through a magazine and Johnny’s little brother sat at her feet, a comic book in hand. I took a tentative seat next to Brooke, while I attempted to make sense of the game on the oversized television screen.

“You finally decided against living like a hermit?” Brooke questioned with a smile.

I returned the smile, or at least my version of one, though it felt wrong on my lips. “I didn’t really have a say. Cole tricked Aunt Jo into letting me come. And you know how she is.”

“Well, good!” she said. “You need a little fun.” I just shook my head, wondering what exactly was fun about watching a bunch of boys play video games. I much rather would have liked to be back at Nan’s, doing whatever task she could come up with.

***

A couple hours later, the boys paused their game when many of them complained about being hungry. Johnny called his dad, asking him to bring home something for dinner because he apparently was forbidden from using any kitchen appliance. I didn’t ask, but assumed it was for good reason.

“Dude, we should hit the pool!” one of the boys I had yet to be introduced to exclaimed.

“Yeah!” Johnny agreed, hopping off the couch and disappearing up the large staircase.

“You girls coming?” Cole asked as he followed the rest of the guys.

I shook my head, motioning from me to Brooke. “In case you haven’t noticed, we don’t exactly have suits.”

“I’m all set,” Brooke corrected as she pulled her tank top over her head, revealing a silver and pink bikini.

I pointed at the shiny fabric. “Hey! That’s mine.”

She shrugged. “Sorry. But you don’t need a suit. I mean, I’m sure you have a bra and panties on,” she said, one eyebrow raised as he dared me to say otherwise. And you can keep your tank on.”

“But its white,” I complained. “Everyone will be able to see through it.”

“So,” Cole said, the now familiar grin in place. “I don’t think the guys will mind.”

I cursed him under my breath while Brooke smiled and pulled me through the house. The way she maneuvered around the furniture and found her way outside made me wonder how many times she had been in this house before. Nevertheless, I followed her without a question.

Brooke finished stripping her jean shorts and dove into the pool just as the boys joined us outdoors. I stood off to the side as four shirtless boys ran for the pool, each hitting the water within seconds of each other, causing a slew of water to splash the deck.

“Not going in?” Cole assumed, cocking his head in my direction.

“Are you?” I shot back.

He lifted his shirt over his head and I could keep my eyes from trailing over the now exposed skin. “Only if you do,” he answered with a smirk. “What do you say?”

I bit my lip as I forced myself to look into his eyes and not at his bare torso. He seemed to be challenging me with his eyes, as they seemed to laugh at my indecision. With a glare, I unbuttoned and stepped out of my Bermudas. I didn’t pause or allow myself to feel self-conscious as I tore my gaze from Cole’s and ran for the pool.