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Knowing the last shred of self-awareness was about to dive headfirst into the pool, Stella regretfully pulled away, leaving Avery slumped against the closet. “We have guests,” Stella whispered huskily at her neck.
“You started it,” Avery teased as she slumped against Stella. “I’m not sure where I am.” Her lust-filled eyes nearly did Stella in. Screw going slow. A week should be fine for setting a great foundation. Especially since they had seen each other every day of it and spent the majority of their time apart on the phone.
“We have a show to get through.” She stepped back to give them both a chance to catch their breath. “Come on in.” Stella waved her forward. She was delighted to see Avery’s unsteady gait. It felt powerful to be able to invoke that kind of reaction.
“Everyone, you remember Avery. That’s Amy, you met at the coffee shop. This is Ethan, Amy’s brother. They are my best friends in the world. This is Ethan’s girlfriend, Keisha. We have decided she fits in perfectly and are opening our arms to allow her to take Ethan’s heart. And you no doubt remember Quinn.”
Keisha looked shy but pleased at Stella’s words, and Quinn was bouncing on the tips of her toes, waiting for her moment to pounce.
“Hi, Quinn.” Avery waved, seemingly unsure how to greet her.
“Omph.” Stella heard Avery’s groan when Quinn wrapped her arms around her. Quinn appeared to hold on tightly—if Avery’s bugged-out eyes and reddening cheeks were any indication. She knew Quinn could give a boa constrictor a run for its money.
“It’s really good to see you. Watching this show with you and Stella will be weird but awesome.” Quinn pulled away, keeping a hand on her shoulder. “You look good. Just so you know, I don’t have any hard feelings about anything. I’m ecstatic for you and Stella.”
Quinn waved Avery into the living room. Stella stayed back, watching Avery interact with her favorite people.
“It’s because I’m almost done with school and finally have some breathing room with some money. That will do wonders to your sleep, let me tell you.” Avery put the bag of food on the coffee table.
Smiling to herself, Stella listened while Quinn and Avery caught each other up on their lives. Stella was giddy that she and Avery were both able to continue a friendship with Quinn. Even with their unique way of meeting, they were able to create a bond that would carry through the years.
Amy came over to slap Avery on the back.
“Hey, that’s valued goods. Treat my girl with respect,” Stella responded when she saw Avery wince.
“She’s made of stronger stuff, right, Avery?” Amy punched her on the arm.
She grabbed it playfully. “Stella, Amy hurt me. Will you kiss it?”
“Settle down, the show’s about to start,” Ethan said, pulling Keisha to the couch—the same couch with fond memories of steamy make-out scenes with Avery and a hot massage that had Stella releasing some of her own tension that night.
Amy and Quinn sat near each other, leaving the oversized chair for Stella and Avery. They stood in front of it, unsure how the logistics would work.
“I can sit on the floor in front of you?” Avery offered, indicating for Stella to sit.
“Or I’ll sit down, and you sit on my lap,” Stella decided, stepping towards the chair. She squeaked when Avery grabbed her shoulders, spinning her around. Avery had sat down and was now tapping her legs.
Shaking her head, Stella gingerly sat, hoping her weight didn’t squish her girlfriend. “Am I too heavy?” she asked, tense and ready to bolt.
Arms wrapped around her stomach, pulling her closer. “Not at all.” The timbered voice created a shiver that started deep in her core.
“Are you two done fucking around?” Amy’s exasperated tone had an underlying tease. Stella stuck her tongue out at her best friend. “The show is about to start, so open the chips, and no crinkling until commercial,” Amy added, tossing plates to everyone.
Stella was too nervous to eat, which also seemed to be the case for Quinn and Avery.
“Can someone toss me a seltzer?” Avery asked since she was stuck under Stella.
“Here you go.” Ethan handed her the can before Stella could get up to grab it. “Do you want one too?” he asked her.
Stella nodded. “I think that’s all my stomach can take right now, thanks.” She popped open the can Ethan handed her. “Are you as nervous as I am?” she whispered to Avery.
“More.” She gulped. The hissing of multiple cans opening sounded in her ears.
“We’ll get through it together.” Stella snuggled up to Avery’s chest.
“Shhh, it’s starting,” Keisha said, settling everyone down.
The show opened with an aerial shot above the house before the drone zoomed into the empty house through the open door. Memories of time spent in the different rooms flooded through Stella as she watched the camera pan to the hallway of open doors leading to the bedrooms where the contestants slept. A theme song played in the background as the drone worked its way through the house—every new room cut with a short clip of the contestants announcing their names.
