I laugh, swinging my leg back over the bike and settling into the seat. “Come on, let’s head out.”
She glances down at her skirt, then back at the bike with hesitation written all over her face. Then she does a little maneuver, hiking the skirt up just enough to swing her leg over the seat while maintaining some semblance of modesty.
Her thighs press warm against mine, her arms sliding around my waist, and I have to take a deep breath before starting the engine. It’s going to be a long ride trying to focus on the road with her pressed against me like this.
“Hold on tight,” I tell her, my voice coming out rougher than intended, and I feel her arms tighten around me immediately. I feel myself stiffening in my jeans. Christ, this was a terrible idea.
The ride to Theo’s house is pure torture. Every turn, every stop has her shifting against me, her body warm and soft pressed against my back. Her thighs squeeze around mine on each corner I take, and all I can think about is pulling over somewheredark and private, spreading those legs even wider, and burying my face between her thighs until she’s screaming my name.
By the time we pull up to Theo’s house, I’m counting backward from a hundred and trying to think about anything other than how wet I could make her with just my mouth.
Theo’s place sits on a gentle slope overlooking the water, a renovated craftsman with a wraparound porch that he’s proud of. The yard is absolutely immaculate—Theo’s pride and joy—with a winding stone path leading to the front door.
“This is beautiful,” Lark says as we walk up the path, and I realize this is her first time seeing Theo’s place in person.
“He’s spent the last five years getting it exactly how he wants it,” I explain. “He’s obsessive about it.”
The door swings open before we even reach the porch steps, and Theo stands there in dark jeans and a button-down shirt, dish towel thrown casually over his shoulder.
“There you are!” He pulls me into a quick, brotherly hug before turning his attention to Lark. “And Lark, so glad you could finally make it for dinner. You know, you’re the first girl Jack’s ever been serious enough about to bring home to meet the family.”
I watch the guilt flash across Lark’s face before she hides it with a bright smile. Another sharp reminder that this whole thing is fake, something I seem to be having increasing trouble remembering lately.
“Thanks for having me,” Lark says warmly, her natural charm kicking in. “Your home is absolutely gorgeous from what I can see so far.”
“Wait until you see the view from the back deck,” Theo says enthusiastically, stepping aside to let us in. “Come on in, everyone’s already here.”
“Is that Lark?” Maren’s voice calls from somewhere in the living room, and then she’s peeking around the corner. “Oh my god, you’re here!”
She rushes over immediately, pulling Lark into a tight hug.
“Look at you!” Maren says, holding Lark at arm’s length. “That outfit is stunning. Seriously, you look like the star you are.”
“Thanks,” Lark says, smiling. “And look at you! You’re absolutely glowing. Tell me everything about the honeymoon. I want to see all the pictures.”
“I have like three hundred to show you,” Maren grins. “Greece was incredible.”
Calvin appears from the kitchen. “Hey, you two made it,” he says warmly, pulling me into a quick hug and clapping me on the back before turning to Lark. “Good to see you, Lark.”
“You too,” Lark says with a smile. “So you loved Greece?”
“It was life-altering,” Calvin says. “Absolutely incredible. Best two weeks of my life.” He nods toward Maren. “Mostly because of her.”
“I’m so happy for you guys,” Lark says.
We follow them through the house, and I watch Lark take it all in with obvious appreciation. Theo’s place really is something special—open and airy with huge windows that look out over the Sound. It’s the kind of home that feels lived-in and comfortable despite being beautifully decorated. Very Theo.
Dominic and Alex are in the middle of some heated debate by the windows overlooking the water.
“Hey, look what the cat dragged in,” Alex says, breaking away from Dominic to clap me on the shoulder. “About damn time you showed up. We’ve only hung out twice since you’ve been home, which is a crime against brotherhood. I can’tbelieveyou’re spending more time at the gym with Dom than with me.”
“That’s on you,” I laugh, giving Alex a light shove. “You’re too busy being a psycho perfectionist chef to spend time fucking around Dark River with your baby brother.”
“Artist, I prefer the term artist,” Alex corrects dramatically. “Cooking is my canvas. Food is my medium.”
“Your canvas is pretentious as hell,” I reply, punching his arm lightly, making him laugh.
Dominic comes over, giving me one of his characteristically firm handshakes that could probably crush steel. “Jack. Good to see you. Lark’s been kicking serious ass at the gym lately, by the way. Her form on the heavy bag is really good.”
