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Shaking off her nerves, Avery closed her eyes, trying to let the music wash over her. Embarrassment lay thick on her skin, but the room fell away as she found the rhythm of the ridiculous song with her hips. Avery fell into a trance, finding the beat to move her body.
She placed her hands on either side of Quinn, rolling her body to the beat, careful not to touch her. Bringing her mouth close to Quinn’s, she turned at the last moment, with the song moving into the chorus. Twirling around, she gave Quinn an eyeful of her butt in tight jeans. Now that she was facing away from Quinn, she locked eyes on Stella, whose chest was rising and falling rapidly.
Avery loved the fact Stella couldn’t hide her feelings. Her face was a painting of her emotions, projected for anyone to see. So focused on Stella, Avery didn’t feel the hands on her hips until they slid to her butt, squeezing her cheeks. She squeaked in surprise, but she sank into the touch, maintaining eye contact with Stella. A bead of sweat dripped down Avery’s temple.
When the song ended, an awkward silence filled the room. Avery wanted to break it with a joke, but any words died on her tongue.
“That was mesmerizing,” Elizabeth whispered.
“I need a bathroom break,” Avery said, needing a moment to collect herself and cool down.
Standing at the mirror, she tried to gather her wits. Still clad in her bra, having completely forgotten to get her shirt back from Stella, she splashed water on her face, hoping to cool the lust burning in her gut.
“Can I come in?”
Avery’s eyes slid shut at the sound of Stella’s voice. Warring with herself, fighting a yes and no, she gurgled something unintelligible. Apparently, Stella took that as an invitation and walked in with Avery’s shirt gripped tightly in her hand.
“I thought you might want this.” She held the shirt to her chest before shaking her head and handing it to Avery.
“Thanks.” She grabbed it, grateful to have a barrier, even a thin one. Throwing her shirt back on, she smoothed down her hair afterward, unsure what to say.
Stella smirked. “That was something.”
Avery took a step towards her. When thinking about it later, she wasn’t sure what her next move would have been. She very well might have kissed Stella, show be damned. But she never got to find out because the room started shaking.
Stella yelped, reaching for Avery. The room wobbled as she lost balance. “What’s happening?” Stella’s eyes scanned the area, trying to find the source of the movement.
“I think it’s an earthquake.” Avery pushed her towards the tub, away from the falling debris crumbling around them. Strong arms enveloped her shoulders, and Stella buried her face in the warm embrace. “I’ve got you, don’t worry,” Avery soothed.
Loud crashes boomed around them. Dust rained down towards the ground as the lights flickered and then turned off.
It was impossible to stay on their feet. The rolling floor bucked them to the ground. Still holding onto each other, they curled up on the floor, riding out the waves. Stella could hear muffled screams from the other room but was in no capacity to help.
“I think it’s over, but we have to be careful because there might be aftershocks.” Avery sat up.
Stella hadn’t realized the earthquake had stopped since her body was still shaking. “Let me turn on the light on my phone.” Stella raised her head, fishing out her phone from her pocket. The sudden light made them wince, but Avery’s eyes must have adjusted quickly because she gasped and reached for Stella’s face.
“You’ve got a cut.” Avery scrambled up, but she moved out of the light beam, so Stella couldn’t see what she was doing.
“You could say I’m in the dark.” She chuckled at her wordplay.
“What?” Avery inquired, now close again.
“Oh, nothing.” Stella blushed, not realizing she’d said that out loud.
Now that the danger had passed, she felt the need to take stock of what happened. Was everyone okay? What were their next steps?
“Here, hold this on your cut. Did something hit you?” Avery pressed a towel to her face. The scratchy surface was rough on her tender cheek.
“The old man was snoring,” Stella mumbled.
“Stella? Are you okay? You’re worrying me.”
Avery’s face was inches away. Closer than she’d been since their last kiss. Reaching out, Stella caressed Avery’s cheek, feeling her jaw muscles jump under her touch.
“That’s what the rhyme is from.” Stella rearranged herself to lean her back against the tub.
A bundle of skin developed between Avery’s eyebrows, which, to be fair, was justified. What she’d said was out of left field.
