One Night Stand Read online

  One Night Stand

  Copyright © 2018 by Corina Eichholz

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

  ISBN: 987-1-9991448-0-7

  Cover design: Victoria Cooper Art

  Editor: Stephanie Lott

  Formatting: Champagne Book Design

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

  About The Author

  To my cousin Stephanie, my first reader and the one who helped me to believe in myself.

  I LOOKED UP FROM MY sketch book and admired the beauty of the old church in front of me and how the rays of sunlight danced off the old tile roof. It was incredible; we didn’t have churches like this back home in Florida. Then again, this church was hundreds of years old and America wasn’t discovered for centuries after this historical city.

  My neck ached from being bent down awkwardly, for too long in the same position. I tilted it sideways and it cracked audibly, relieving some of the tension. My stomach grumbled and I looked at my watch. I’d been sitting here drawing for the past two hours. My stomach growled louder and I rubbed it absentmindedly. Yeah, yeah, I’ll get you something to eat, I thought to myself.

  I stood up and stretched, before putting my sketch pad and pencils back into my purse. I couldn’t believe I’d already been in Munich for two weeks. It was beautiful here and I’d fallen in love with the city: its history, architecture, food and its beauty. I tried to capture all three with my pencils whenever I got the chance.

  Tomorrow would be our last full day in this wonderful city. We were leaving the day after, back to sunny Florida. I still had a few assignments to finish up. This trip wasn’t meant to be all fun and games but it had been better than I could have expected.

  I’d been skeptical when my best friend Chelsea had talked me into taking a summer German intensive class as one of my college electives. But when she explained that part of the class was taking a trip to Germany, I was all in. I’d never been out of my little hometown besides going to Washington once, for a school fieldtrip. This was huge and something I’d dreamed of doing. I’d always wanted to go out and see the world. It had been the perfect opportunity, not only did I get to do it with my best friend; I also got credits for a class at the same time.

  It helped that Chelsea’s parents were paying half of the trip for me. They liked knowing I’d be there to make sure Chelsea didn’t get into too much trouble. I wouldn’t have been able to go without their help, I didn’t have the funds and neither did my family.

  I made my way down the winding cobblestone roads to the market square. It was busy as usual this time of day and the tourists were milling around snapping their pictures. I tried to get to the bar where Chelsea was waiting for me without photobombing too many people.

  Chatting away to some guys as usual, Chelsea flipped her golden hair back and laughed at something one of the guys was saying, her bright blue eyes twinkling. She was beautiful and fit right in here. Many people thought she was a local with her looks but she was just an all-American beauty. My stomach growled again and I stumbled on one of the cobblestones in my sandals, bumping into the person in front of me. A man caught me with strong arms and smiled down at me, his green eyes shining brightly like gems.

  “Oops!” I exclaimed, embarrassed, as my cheeks caught fire. “I am so sorry!” I apologized, gaining my balance and rushing towards Chelsea and her new friends of the hour. I finally made it there and took the only empty chair beside a guy I didn’t yet know.

  Chelsea smiled cheerfully. “Finally!” she grinned. “I was wondering when you’d grace us with your presence.” She laughed, always so bubbly. “Lee, this is Richard and Linus.” She waved at the brunet in front of me and to the blond seated next to me. They were both our age, maybe a little older and attractive but I wasn’t interested, I still had Chris back home.

  I’d been with Chris for almost a year; we’d met during college orientation and had been together since. Well, until this trip and he’d decided we should take a break while apart. But once I got back home I was sure we’d be together. After all he’d said we both needed to enjoy ourselves this summer but we’d work things out again. It sucked and I hated it but I couldn’t give up on us, on him. He was all I knew and my first real boyfriend.

  “Hi,” I said unenthusiastically to the guys and grabbed a menu. I was getting a little dizzy now, I was so hungry. A waitress came to us and I ordered a large plate of fries with mayo and a beer. It was awesome being able to order alcohol whenever I wanted and not needing to worry about being only nineteen. Back home I was still underage but that didn’t stop anyone from getting alcohol, it just made it harder. The waitress came back with my order and I scarfed it down, needing to fill my aching stomach, I ignored the looks from the people around me.

  “Forget to eat again?” Chelsea asked, chuckling at me and my savage eating. I merely nodded, chugging down some beer to wash away the saltiness at the back of my throat. Chelsea left me to my food and continued talking happily to the guys, she was clearly into Linus and he was most likely coming to our hotel room tonight. Richard kept looking at me hopeful but I was completely ignoring him and going through my phone to check Chris’s Facebook. He was at yet another party. Seeing him at a party made my stomach knot up. He’d said we were on a break but were getting back together. He wouldn’t do anything with anyone else. Right? Or was I just being naïve? I decided I couldn’t sit here making myself crazy, I was going to get my mind off all of it and draw some more.

  “I’m going to go now,” I said, speaking directly to Chelsea, who was clearly drunk now as she snorted at something unfunny Linus was saying.

  “Okay, I think I’ll be going to our room soon.” She winked at me, “So come back later,” she continued unnecessarily. I knew what she was saying loud and clear. Every night she brought someone new back to screw and I’d stay out and draw or people watch. When I’d come back to the room, they’d either already be gone or leaving. Only once had someone spent the night in her bed and I hadn’t been too happy about that but otherwise I didn’t care too much, it gave me time to draw. I knew without her and her parents’ help, I wouldn’t even be here.

  I got back to our room around midnight and was thankful Linus was already gone but I’d no doubt hear about it all the next day. I sank into my bed ready for sleep to take me, tomorrow would be our last full day here. Then we’d be back home, and I’d be with Chris again.

  My eyes opened to a blinding light and I quickly shut them tight. Chelsea had left the blinds open again, an annoying habit she’d developed here. She liked to have a
smoke before bed and often snuck one out the window, always forgetting to shut the blinds afterwards. Luckily for her, she was still snoring away, dead to the world and unbothered by the light streaming in. I blinked, getting used to the light, before I got up to pull down the blinds.

  Now fully awake, I checked my watch. It was already eleven a.m.! I’d overslept! Today was our last full day here and I’d already missed enough. I ran into the bathroom and took a quick shower, pulling my hair into a messy bun, threw on a cute black sundress and headed out. Chelsea would probably sleep until two p.m. but I wanted to finish the drawing I’d started the day before and grab some brunch, I was starved.

  I sat alone outside on a terrace and enjoyed my coffee and a delicious almond croissant. I didn’t mind being alone, I actually preferred it to having put on a smile for everyone and talk about things that didn’t actually interest me. Unlike Chelsea, who constantly needed to be with people and surrounded by attention. It was a wonder we were best friends, considering we were polar opposites, but as the saying goes, I guess that’s why. I toned her down and she made me more social and outgoing.

  I saw a few people from my class go by and smiled and said hi but didn’t join anyone. I was too content sipping my coffee and people watching. There were twenty-seven students in my class, including me. I’d seen a dozen or so go by, which meant the others had probably had a late night like Chelsea.

  After finishing off my coffee and swallowing down my last bite of croissant, I decided to go to my perch and finish up my drawing. Some people would stop and watch over my shoulder as I drew. I was used to this and was able to tune them and everything else out, as I’d learned to do over the years. In contrast, when my phone vibrated on my lap, I jumped and was back to reality. I put my pencils down and checked my phone. It was Chelsea, of course, she’d just woken up and wanted me to meet her at the bar in an hour. I quickly messaged her back that I’d be there and put my phone on silent. I’d be done with my drawing soon and didn’t want any distractions.

  I sat on one of the bar stools and waited for Chelsea to meet me. After half an hour, I decided to order myself a plate of fries. I munched on my fries and scrolled through my phone; Chelsea was rarely on time. There were pictures from the party Chris was at the night before, I felt ill instantly. He was in lots of pictures: drinking, surrounded by girls. He had his arm around the waist of one girl in particular in several pictures. I felt bile rise up in my throat. No, you are not going to be sick! I ordered myself. Maybe it’s not what it looks like. I mean of course it’s not; Chris loves me and said we’d get back together! He’s not hooking up with some platinum blonde skank. Especially not the day before I come back home!

  Chelsea showed up, cheery as ever, and immediately began telling me all about her night, completely oblivious to how upset I was.

  “Oh my god!” she started, plopping down on the stool across from me. “Linus was incredible! I don’t know what they do to these men but they do it right here.” She giggled, fanning herself with her hand for effect. I just looked back at my Facebook and the pictures.

  “Are you alright Leah?” she asked, studying me now, her face suddenly serious. I had no words so I merely passed her my phone and then stared at my clenched fists. “Oh my god!” she all but shouted. “Lee!” Her voice had softened and I could hear the pity rolling off her tongue, I hated it.

  “I’m fine,” I lied too quickly. “I mean, it’s probably not what it looks like,” I said defensively. He loved me, he’d told me over and over. Chris wouldn’t do this to me. No. He wouldn’t. I had to give him the benefit of the doubt. It just looked like more than it was.

  Chelsea waved her hand at the waitress rapidly. “We’re going to need two pints,” she said, throwing down some cash, “and keep them coming!” And that’s exactly what she did. Four pints and three hours later, we were both very intoxicated but that was fine, great actually. My heart wasn’t hurting anymore, no all I was feeling was warm and fuzzy inside. I actually felt good.

  “I can’t believe that asshole!” Chelsea raged again. “I mean, what was he thinking! That trashy skank isn’t even pretty!” she continued and then hiccupped. “You are so much more beautiful than her!” she got out through another hiccup. I laughed because this was the twentieth time she’d said exactly that in the last two hours.

  “I mean he was lucky to even be with you. The bastard!” she went on, doing a good job of keeping up the conversation for the both of us. Our fries arrived and I dug into them, knowing I should probably sober up a little. Chelsea’s phone vibrated on the table between us and she quickly picked it up and started scrolling. I ignored her and focused on the food in front of me. They sure knew how to make good fries here.

  “Lee,” Chels said, softly this time and passed me her phone. I took it with clumsy hands and focused my eyes on the bright screen in front of me. I’m going to puke, I thought as I felt the fries and beer lurch back up my throat. I quickly covered my mouth with both hands, dropped her phone on the table and made a run for the restroom. I was thankful I’d tied my hair up in a bun. After two disgusting heaves into the toilet I was done. I washed my face with some cold water and rinsed my mouth out before returning to the table, completely sober now.

  “You okay, Hon?” Chels asked, taking my hand and giving it a soft squeeze.

  “I’m fine,” I lied again. “I should’ve expected as much.” And that was the truth. How could I have been so naïve? I should have known better. If it had been anyone else’s situation I would’ve known this would happen, but not with Chris. I thought he really did love me. I’d been a fool.

  I looked through the pictures again, disgusted but unable to look away. Chris was plastered to the platinum blonde skank in quite the liplock in every picture. In one photo they were pressed up against a wall, in another she was straddling his lap. Again, I felt the need to puke but this time I knew I wouldn’t.

  “He’s such a prick!” Chelsea said for me, “You’ve been here waiting for him and he’s been home not able to keep it in his pants! Do you know how many times you could’ve gotten laid here?” she continued, a little too loud for my liking. My cheeks caught heat in embarrassment.

  I stared at the pictures a little longer and felt my disgust and pain turn to rage. I’d believed in him! I’d trusted him with my heart and this was how he repaid me! It would have been better if he’d just broken up with me instead of selfishly stringing me along.

  “Let’s find you a rebound. Someone to make you forget that asshat,” Chelsea said, scanning the crowd with her squinting blue eyes. I chugged the new pint the waitress had brought for me and felt my head start to get fuzzy and my chest feel warm inside again.

  “Look, he’s kind of cute!” Chelsea exclaimed, gesturing to a man with brown hair that fell into his face and lots of piercing in his ears and one on his eyebrow.

  “No, I’m good, Chels,” I told her, shaking my head. He was cute but not my type and hooking up with some stranger definitely wouldn’t make me feel better.

  “Thanks for everything but I’m just going to take off now.” I was more than ready for some alone time.

  “Aww, Lee,” she pouted, “Do you want me to come with you?” she asked and I knew she didn’t want to leave but she would just for me, because she was a great friend.

  “No, no! Please stay,” I assured her, meaning every word of it. “I could use some time alone.” That and I didn’t want to ruin her last night here. I smiled as I grabbed my bag, not wanting to let on just how miserable I really felt inside. She nodded, knowing me and understanding that being alone was the best thing for me right now. I needed to think.

  “Okay, I’ll be home late,” she warned, her eyes filled with mischief. Of course, she would be. She had to get her last dose of German cock after all. “I love you,” she said warmly, giving me a hug good-bye.

  “Love you too,” I said quietly as I turned to leave. The room was moving slightly as I walked towards the exit. I was still tipsy, ev
en after upheaving most of my stomach contents. I tried to focus on what was in front of me and still, I managed to miss a step. I was caught by big warm hands as a pair of strong, muscular arms pressed me against a hard chest.

  “I am so sorry!” I rattled out, as my cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I am so…” I began to say, until my eyes met the emerald green gems that stared back at me. “Clumsy,” I finished, after a noticeably long pause.

  I stared up at the stranger holding me, taking in how beautiful he was. No, that didn’t quite cover it. He was gorgeous; I’d never seen a man quite like him. He stood almost a foot taller than my 5’7” frame and continued to smile down at me. It was a genuinely happy smile, there was nothing smug about it, which surprised me. He had an amazing smile, nice full lips with a set of perfectly straight white teeth, he looked like he could be a model for any dentist. His hair was blond and cut short, making him look all the more masculine but it was his eyes that held me. I’d never seen such beautiful eyes, they were mesmerizing. I couldn’t look away. I continued staring into his eyes and then felt myself grinning involuntarily.

  “Do you want to get out of here?” I asked, surprising us both. His eyes widened and pupils dilated, heated with lust, his carefree smile disappearing.

  “Yes,” he said, his voice thick and heavy with his German accent, nodding slowly to affirm his words. I smiled brighter at this, as I took a step away from his body and took his hand instead, leading him to my hotel.

  Neither of us said a word on the way to my hotel, not even when I had trouble getting my room door open because my hands were shaking and unsteady. It wasn’t from being tipsy, I was fully sobered up now, but from the nerves.

  Once we both stepped into the room, I shut the door, locking it behind us and dropped my bag onto the floor. Turning to face this beautiful strong man, I felt hunger, lust, and desperation take over my body, feelings I’d never felt quite like this before. I grabbed him and held his face in my hands, pulling him down to meet my lips. I needed him and tonight he was mine, if only for a little while. The second his lips touched mine it was unstoppable.