Bend for Me Read online

“Why do I live with you again?”

  “Because no one else would tolerate your bullshit.”

  Avery groaned, raking a hand through her hair only to get fingers caught in the tangled locks. “Ugh. You’re right. I am a mess.” After struggling to finally free the digits, she flopped onto the bed with a grunt.

  “Come on.” Emma poked her in the stomach. “Relax, Avery.” She teased her, using the same breathy tone as Kadence had done. “Breathe in. Breathe out.”

  “I literally hate you.” Avery collected the pillow by her side, giving her friend a good whack with it.

  “I adore you, too.” Emma brushed her off with a wave of her hand. “Now, pull yourself together. Either help me finish my makeup before Danny gets here or go keep Kadence company.”

  “Neither of these options sound appealing.”

  “Too bad. Kadence texted me the other day. Said she thought you were pretty cute.”

  Avery was intrigued. “Really? What did she say?”

  Emma burst out laughing. “You are thirsty. I thought you said you didn’t care.”

  “I mean, I…I don’t.” You could at least try to sound convincing, Avery.

  “Yeah. Clearly.”

  Avery flipped her off as she exited toward the bathroom.

  “Love you, too, darling!”

  ***

  In the bathroom, Avery scrubbed her face with vigor, picking some dried pieces of paint from her hair. She gazed at her reflection with a sigh. She couldn’t let herself get this way. Not again. It was too risky. Her hands gripped the edge of the sink until her knuckles turned white. Breathe.

  She fumbled to her room, stepping across piles of laundry, empty paint bottles, and a random assortment of brushes. She desperately needed to clean. The gallery opening had occupied too much of her time. Throwing open the closet door, she tossed an array of shirts on the bed. Nothing seemed nice enough to wear. She let out a dramatic groan.

  “You okay?” Kadence inquired from the kitchen.

  “Never better,” Avery replied, just in time to trip on her skateboard, head colliding with the wall. Damn it.

  “Avery?” She heard the scraping of a barstool. The next thing she knew, Kadence was hovering above her. “Are you all right?”

  “Yeah, uh, just couldn’t figure out which shirt to wear.”

  Kadence laughed. “Well, no need to throw a fit about it.” She maneuvered around the clutter, picking up a baby blue button-up. “This one. It’ll look great on you.”

  “Oh, umm, thanks.”

  “No problem.” Kadence’s tongue wet her lips.

  The moment was cut short by a shrill scream from Emma. “Danny’s here. Let’s drink.”

  “We probably shouldn’t keep her waiting.”

  “You’re probably right.”

  “Wait! I almost forgot. Your signature accessory.” Without breaking eye contact, Kadence grabbed Avery’s snapback off the hook by the door and placed it atop her blonde hair. “There. Now you’re ready.”

  “Oh, uhh, thank you.”

  “It was definitely my pleasure.” Kadence winked before sauntering off to join the pregame.

  ***

  By the time they set off for the party, Emma and Danny were feeling a nice buzz. Kadence, on the other hand, was as composed as ever. Even while downing shots, her face had remained impassive, not even flinching when the one hundred fifty proof slid down her throat.

  They climbed into Avery’s car. On any other day, it would have had at least one old burrito wrapper and some crumpled up receipts in it. But with the gallery show occupying most of her time, she hadn’t had a chance to trash it.

  “Jayce is meeting us there,” Danny mentioned before climbing into the backseat with Emma. Jayce was Danny’s roommate and Emma’s older brother. “Hopefully, he won’t notice how wasted his sister is going to get, if not already there.”

  On cue, Emma giggled into his chest, taking his shirt between her teeth as she gnawed the fabric. Danny laughed, batting her away as he reached to buckle her seatbelt. “Anyway, he might be too distracted to notice.”

  They all knew what, or rather who, he was referring to. Lola and Jayce had a totally non-committal-not-together-totally-platonic relationship. At least, that’s what they both insisted upon, while unable to keep their hands off one another.

  Avery started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot.

  Kadence raised a brow. “Shouldn’t you put your seatbelt on?”

  Avery shrugged, continuing to put the car in reverse. “Nah. Wrinkles my shirt.”

  Kadence hardened her stare. “Let me rephrase that. Put your seatbelt on.”

  Taken aback by the gritting of Kadence’s teeth, Avery obliged. The moment it clicked into place, Kadence relaxed again, eyes friendly and welcoming.

  “Anyway.” Avery tried not to think about the strange occurrence. “Who’s DD tonight?”

  “I’ll do it,” Kadence volunteered.

  “What? No. I meant between Emma and me. You should drink.”

  “I can handle my liquor,” Kadence assured her. “You’d be surprised.”

  “That so?”

  “Kadence will be fine,” Danny said. “I’d take her word for it if I were you.”

  “Kadence is quite the party animal,” Emma added with a nod.

  “I don’t believe that for a second,” Avery said.

  Kadence grinned, cocking a single brow.

  Avery decided to give in. “All right fine. You’re DD on the way back.”

  ***

  “I’m sorry, what floor?” Avery gasped when they arrived at the host, Melody’s, apartment complex.

  “Seven.” Kadence laughed. “My sister lives on the seventh floor.”

  “I’m going to die.”

  “Come on, lazy. It won’t be that bad.” Emma linked her arms through Avery’s and Danny’s as they followed Kadence up the stairs.

  Avery took a moment to appreciate the toned legs up ahead. Yeah, maybe not that bad.

  The party was in full swing when they arrived. Avery recognized Jayce making out with Lola on the couch. She wasn’t that well acquainted with Emma’s workout buddies, but at least a handful of guests were part of their overlapping circle of friends. Avery was surprised she hadn’t met Kadence earlier. After all, she and Emma went out almost every weekend.

  “Hey!” A woman with a sharp stare and even sharper cheekbones approached them, a beer cradled in the crook of her arm. Definitely the sister, Avery noted.

  Better turn on the charm. “Hi, you must be Melody. I’m Avery, Emma’s roommate.”

  Melody studied her. “Yeah. I’ve heard stories about you.”

  “Oh, have you?”

  She didn’t take the bait. “Yeah, so don’t fuck anything up. And you.” Melody pointed a finger at Kadence. “Be careful.”

  “I will.” Kadence rolled her eyes, brushing Melody’s finger from under her nose.

  Avery shuffled her shoes as the two held one another’s stare. Finally, the older sibling relented, leaving with Emma and Danny. Well, that was beyond uncomfortable.

  “Hey, I’m gonna get a drink. Want one?”

  Avery blinked. “Shouldn’t you be drinking water?”

  “You just worry about yourself.” Kadence patted Avery’s arm. “I’m a big girl. I can handle myself.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “Be my partner?”

  Avery choked on her own spit. Is she U-Hauling?

  “What?”

  “Drinks. One for one, all night?”

  Oh! Duh. Calm down, Avery. “Deal.”

  ***

  Avery followed swaying hips into the kitchen where they were handed a beer upon arrival.

  “Avery!” The voice belonged to Jayce, who beckoned her with a wave.

  Avery was always amazed at how both Emma and Jayce had the same burning hair, angled chin, and fair complexion sprinkled with freckles. “Come with?” she asked. Kadence nodded, following her.

 
; “Lola refuses to be on my team for pong. I think you should help me teach her a lesson.”

  Lola hid a smile behind her hand before turning to Kadence. “What’s your name?”

  “Kadence.”

  “All right, Kadence. You’re on my team.” Lola pulled her by the wrist, and despite knowing the situation with Jayce, Avery felt a tingling in her gut. Giving a hard yank to her hat, she smothered it.

  “You’re going down,” Lola teased, readying the first ball.

  “This early in the night?” Avery said. “That’s rather forward of you.” She was rewarded with Jayce’s high five and a flip of the bird from Lola.

  “All right, Jayce. You’re sleeping on the couch when we get back.”

  Jayce’s face fell. “Aww, babe! Come on. Avery’s the one who said it.”

  “Yeah, well, Avery’s an ass.” Lola laughed. “Beloved ass, but still an ass.”

  “That’s fair.” Avery nodded. “Sorry, Jay.”

  “Fine but what if we win? Can I sleep in bed with you?” Jayce bargained as he pouted in Lola’s direction.

  His not-so-girlfriend bit her lip, deliberating. “Fine.”

  “What about me,” Avery teased. “Do I get to join you?” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

  “If you win,” Kadence cut in. “I’ll take a body shot off you.”

  “Ya know, that sounds more like a reward for you than it does for me. Drink for drink.” Avery reminded her with a smug grin plastered to her face.

  “Never said I wouldn’t return the favor.”

  “Oh, it’s so on.”

  ***

  In the end Kadence beat her out by three whole cups.

  “Body shots, as promised.” The raven-haired woman grinned, taking Avery by the hand and into the kitchen. She rifled through cabinets until she found what she was looking for. With a confident smile, Kadence shook the bottle at Avery.

  “Shall we?” She grabbed a few pre-sliced limes from the fridge, already knowing where they were. It was like she had planned this. And, as though there was a flashing neon sign, a hoard of people filed into the kitchen just as Kadence handed Avery the salt.

  “Tequila shots!” The crowd hooted.

  Avery quirked a brow at Kadence in suspicion.

  “I may have texted some people while you were busy losing at beer pong.” Pink lips quirked up in amusement.

  “You little—” The words died in her mouth when Kadence shrugged off her jacket and pulled her shirt off, revealing a black lacy bra.

  “Well? Crowd’s waiting.”

  Avery held the salt, baffled. “W-where should I…?”

  “Wherever you want it,” Kadence said with a devilish grin on her face. She placed a lime in her mouth and laid back on the counter.

  She’s doing this on purpose.

  Avery traced the trail along her collarbone, preparing herself. She had a thing for nice collarbones, probably from the years of drawing anatomy for her art classes. And as much as she hated to admit it, Kadence’s were divine. The woman cocked a brow, teasing Avery to swoop in. Avery let her tongue glide on olive skin. Despite the sheer amount of salt, Kadence’s skin tasted sweet and Avery’s nostrils flooded with the smell of her dizzying perfume. She downed the shot, bending to take the lime from Kadence’s mouth. Avery felt herself burning as teeth scraped against her own plump lips. Her eardrums pounded as the crowd erupted with cheers and a ‘Get it, Bennett.’

  Kadence beamed, propping herself on her elbows before taking the shot glass from Avery’s now sweating hand. “I believe I owe you something. Let’s get it on, Bennett,” she said teasingly, following the whistles of the crowd.

  Avery unfastened the top few buttons of her shirt, allowing it to hang off her shoulders. As she mounted the counter, Kadence took Avery’s hat from her head, placing the accessory atop her own dark curls.

  “Open.” There was a glimmer in Kadence’s eye as she placed the lime in Avery’s mouth. Her fingers traced down her stomach, unbuttoning the shirt even farther until she was completely exposed. Kadence poured a light trail of salt along her stomach and between the valley of her breasts.

  Holy. Shit.

  The sultry vixen gave a wink before laying a flat tongue against simmering skin, taking her delicious time as she went. Glowing green eyes never broke their hold until the last second when Kadence threw her head back, swallowing the tequila. She latched her lips to the lime and Avery had to hold back a moan as the woman bit down, juice trailing into her own mouth. She pulled away with a confident smile and took a bow. “And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how it’s done.”

  The spectators exploded into chaos.

  “Thanks! I’ll be here all night,” Kadence said.

  Dazed, Avery sat up to find multiple eyes glued to the two of them. In a corner, she saw Emma and Danny watching the scene pan out with a scowling Melody by their side. She hastily buttoned her shirt, before hopping off the counter and moving toward her roommate.

  “Emma, I need her number. Now,” Avery demanded, laughing and trying to reach for her roommate’s phone. Emma pulled it away, spinning on her heels as she cackled.

  When Avery turned, Kadence had vanished and Jayce was lying on the counter with salt on his abs, Lola staring hungrily at him.

  ***

  By the middle of the night, Avery was starting to feel the effects of the alcohol. She wondered how Kadence managed to remain so composed. Deciding to call it a night, she headed toward the kitchen. It was probably best to sober up. To her surprise, she found Kadence pouring another drink, passing another to Avery.

  “Bottoms up.”

  Before she could retort, an engineer named Sam slid between them, eyes drooping as he offered Kadence a sloppy grin. “Hello there, Avery, Avery’s friend. I don’t think we’ve met before. What’s your name?” He placed an arm on the wall beside Kadence’s head, swaying into her personal space. Knowing the drunkard was harmless, Avery let him continue.

  “I’m Kadence.”

  “Well, Kadence,” Sam slurred. “I just wanted to say that you are absolutely stunning. Wouldn’t you agree, Avery?”

  “Oh, yeah. Absolutely. Of course.” Avery laughed at her inebriated friend.

  “Miss Kadence,” Sam said. “Would you allow me the honor of having your number? I would love to meet you for a drink some time.”

  Avery had to hand it to him. Sam was even more shameless than she was about flirting with a pretty girl.

  “I think I’ll have to pass. Thank you, though.”

  Sam shrugged as he bowed out, holding his drink up in salute before blowing a kiss. Kadence laughed, catching the imaginary gesture in her hand.

  “What?” Avery said when he departed. “A stunning lady like you isn’t into intoxicated boys? Sam’s harmless, I promise.”

  “A lady like me is not into boys in general.” Kadence shrugged as if she hadn’t just come out to a complete stranger.

  Holy shit. She isn’t straight?

  “Is that a problem?”

  For me, yes. “Not at all! I just didn’t peg you as…”

  Kadence raised a brow in challenge. “Appearances can be deceiving.”

  “Yeah, I think I’m starting to realize that.”

  Suddenly the thudding of bass music vibrated in Avery’s chest. She held out her hand. “Can you dance?”

  “I think I can manage.”

  ***

  Kadence could definitely manage. She pulled Avery to the middle of the dance floor, turning to back her rear into Avery’s front. Her hips moved in time to the beat of the steamy track. Avery’s amber eyes were transfixed on the flow of the dancer. Her throat went dry. She took several gulps of her drink, mesmerized by the way Kadence controlled her body. The temptress tilted her head to the side to glance at Avery over her shoulder. She leaned farther, dipping forward before pushing her rear out as she rose, grinding against the center of Avery’s shorts.

  Jesus fuck!

  Luckily, or rather unluckil
y, Emma interrupted them with a flustered Danny hot on her heels. “Kadence! I’m so glad you finally came out with us. This is so fun. You’re so fun. Everyone is so fun.”

  Avery threw her head back with a laugh as she helped Danny pry Emma’s grip from around Kadence’s neck.

  “Avery is the best, isn’t she, Kadence?”

  “Oh, most definitely.” Kadence gave an exaggerated nod.

  “I’m sensing sarcasm,” Avery accused.

  “She won’t know the difference.”

  “What difference? Difference between what?” Emma tilted her head, swaying forward.

  “Easy there. Told you.” Kadence gave Avery a knowing glance before redirecting her attention to their inebriated friend. “Say, Emma, how about we get you something to eat, yeah?”

  “Oh, my god,” Emma squealed. “Yes.”

  “You okay?” Kadence asked, retrieving Avery’s car keys from her pocket. “I can come back for you after if you still want…”

  “Are you okay? You’re the one who has to drive?”

  Kadence nodded. “Sober as a judge.”

  ***

  They pulled into a small diner and ordered Emma a plateful of pancakes, bacon, and an omelet. Avery settled on a burger while Danny went for chicken nuggets and fries. Kadence simply sat with water in front of her, watching them.

  “I don’t get it. How aren’t you drunk?” Avery asked, hand over her mouth as she spoke with stuffed cheeks. “You had as much as me and I’m starving.”

  “I’m a recovering alcoholic,” Kadence deadpanned. “I’ve had way more in one night.”

  Avery gagged on her burger, coughing violently before gulping down her soda.

  “Kidding.” Kadence shrugged, making her tone light and airy to resemble her yoga voice. “Don’t forget to breathe.”

  “Kadence made a funny.” Emma clapped.

  “Thanks, I try.” She gave a small smile, but Avery sensed something was now off about the woman sitting next to her. The rest of the evening was spent scarfing down hundreds of calories, hoping not to regret them in the morning. Avery tried not to think about the strangeness of Kadence’s behavior, as she squirted more mustard onto her burger.