He cracked a smile. “Interesting.”
“What?” I stomped forward, not wanting to let on that Audrey and I were sleeping together.
“You must really like her if you’re all hush-hush.”
I shoved him playfully. “I’m—it’s nothing serious,” I said, knowing it was true. Even so, the words felt like glass going down my throat.
We rounded the corner to the backyard, where Audrey was setting up a s’mores station. I told her it wasn’t necessary, tried to convince her that this was low-key, but she seemed to be enjoying herself. So, I stood back and let her have her fun.
Desi and Emerson flanked her, helping her set up the food. Max hovered, tail wagging as she licked her lips. I couldn’t blame her—it looked delicious. Audrey equally so in her black leggings that clung to her ass. A puffer vest with a plaid shirt beneath. And best of all—myHyggenecklace glinting from her collarbone. She hadn’t taken it off once since I’d given it to her.
“You didn’t tell me Audrey was going to be here.” Chase perked up, scarcely taking his eyes off her. I clenched my fists, trying to rein myself in.
“Yeah. Of course. It’s her backyard too. She’s the one who suggested hosting New Year’s Eve here.” I sped up, trying to keep him focused on the fire. “Now, come on. Everyone else will be arriving soon, and it’s getting dark.”
“Hey, Chase,” Audrey called with a wave.
“Audrey!” He smiled, opening his arms for a hug. I told myself to stay calm; they were just friends. This was no big deal, but I didn’t like the way his hands lingered on her back.
Chase and I got the fire set up and pulled the chairs around it, and everyone started to arrive. Grayson and Sidney, Grady and Dylan, Mackenzie, Landon, Tom, Vince, and their dates. Grant was on duty. Otherwise, he would’ve been there too.
Audrey fit right in, her laughter infectious. She was surprisingly good at beer pong, and everyone seemed to like her. Every time she bent forward to take a shot, my dick jerked to attention.She’s leaving soon, I reminded myself.And with that depressing thought, I downed the rest of my beer, finishing it off before standing.
“Hey,” I said, placing my hand on her lower back. I needed to touch her, kiss her—at least while she was still mine.Mine?I laughed to myself. Since when did I want anyone to be mine, let alone this woman? “Do we have more marshmallows? Mackenzie dropped half the package in the fire.”
“Sure.” She smiled up at me, her lips glossy and so fucking kissable. “I’ll just go get them.”
“I’ll go with you,” I said, but before we got to the house, I pulled her around the side.
We could still hear everyone, but we were out of view. I backed her against the house, caging her in as I tilted my forehead to hers.
She peered up at me curiously and whispered, “What are you doing?”
“We haven’t done it outside. Nor with the threat of getting caught.”
“Are you crazy?” she hissed, though the way her eyes darkened told me she was crazy turned on.
So was I. I’d been watching her all evening, watching the way her eyes lit up when she was passionate about something. Watched in awe when she’d debated which city had the best baseball team with Chase. Watched her take it all in—my friends, our life, my world. And she was part of it; she belonged here.
I leaned in so my lips whispered over hers. “If I reached inside your leggings right now, would you be wet for me?”
She swallowed hard, her eyes dilating. “Ethan,” she whispered my name like a plea.
“Yes, Audrey?” I placed a kiss at the corner of her lips, over her cheek, along her jawline.
She sighed, but still, she said, “We can’t.”
“Why not?” I cupped her over her leggings. “I bet I can make you come without removing any clothes.”
She smirked. “Someone’s awfully cocky.”
“Nah. Just know my girl.”
Her breath hitched, and I couldn’t meet her gaze. Fuck. Fuck.I hadn’t meant to say that.
Instead, I caressed her through her leggings. Feeling her heat on my skin had my cock hardening. She clutched my shoulders, digging her nails in as I continued to tease her through her clothes.
“You’re so beautiful.” Her curls cascading around her face, her rosy lips, her alabaster skin. Fuck me, she was glorious.
