I stalk Jenni from the side of the room. She greets Nicole, who is placing Emily’s birthday cake on a table in the middle of the room before she scans the hundred or more people crammed on the dance floor. We spent Christmas morning together before we had our first official “date” on New Year’s Day. I surprised myself by acting like a gentleman the entire day. It nearly killed me, but I did it—barely! I know how good Jenni tastes, and I crave her more than my next meal, so keeping my hands, lips, and dick to myself was more than an effort.Luckily, she’s worth it.
After ensuring I’m not being watched, I snag my phone out of my pocket and send a quick message.
Me:As beautiful as ever.
When Jenni pulls her phone out of her red clutch, a large smile stretches across her face. After reading my message, her head pops up, seeking me in the thrumming space. I can tell the exact moment she spots me because the most beaming smile shines out of her. It grows wider the longer she assesses my outfit. I’ve dressed for the occasion, switching out my ripped jeans and polo shirt for black trousers and a button-up dress shirt. I didn’t just put in an effort for Emily. I may also be trying to impress an up-and-coming fashion designer.
Before I can offer a formal welcome, Slater and Marcus enter Mavs and make a beeline for Jenni and Nicole—as they always do. I catch Jenni peering at me numerous times in the next ten minutes. I give her a playful wink every time our eyes meet and hold for longer than a second. I’m not going to lie; I want to strut like a peacock when her neck gets a pink hue after every wink.
Our flirty banter continues for the next thirty minutes. It only stops when Marcus and Nicole usher everyone to the entrance of Mavs, so we can surprise Emily as she walks in. The best thing about a bunch of people being crammed into the one space is not having enough room to move. I can touch Jenni and not get in trouble. I even get to sneakily hold her hand during the ten minutes it takes for Emily’s family to be pushed aside by her friends so they can give her their well wishes.
After squeezing my hand, Jenni rushes toward her best friend. She wraps her up in a tight hug, their bond displayed for the world to see. I love seeing how close they are, but it also makes me jealous. If Jenni was to greet me the same way, I wouldn’t be bombarded with the admiring glances she and Emily are getting.
Mine would be pronged with venom.
* * *
It doesn’t take long for the party to wind down. Emily got absolutely smashed on three glasses of wine. When she left with Noah, a handful of her family and friends stayed at Mavs to continue the party without her.
I stayed as well. It’s a prime opportunity for me to get some alone time with Jenni, especially considering Slater left not long after Noah and Emily. When Jenni rounds the corner from the hallway, I pull her into a dark corner of the room. When she squeals in fright, I have no choice but to muffle her screams with my mouth.
I was right about her killer high heels. Her body is aligned with mine. Her breasts are pushed up against my chest, her pussy the perfect height to nestle my hardening dick, and I don’t even need to dip my head to ravish her mouth with my tongue.
She tastes like heaven and hell all rolled into one. Heaven, because she tastes so good. Hell, because that’s where I’ll end up when I claim her as my own.
She giggles when an annoying cough interrupts our heavy make out session. I heard it the first three times but was trying my best to ignore it. When the intruder coughs again, I reluctantly pull away from Jenni. My annoyance is sliced in half when I notice her neck and cheeks are a nice shade of pink. Her lips are swollen, and her eyes are beaming with lust.
After running my hand down her inflamed cheek, my eyes drift to the person killing my attempt to woo her. Jacob is standing next to us. His arms are crossed in front of his chest, his eyes shooting daggers at me. “Hey,” he greets us, acting casual.
“Hi.” I peer at him curiously. “Did you need something?”
He takes a large gulp of his beer. “Nah, I’m good.”
When he props his shoulder on the wall next to Jenni’s head, my confused gaze shifts to Jenni. She shrugs while battling to keep her smile at bay. I return my gaze to Jacob, hoping the width of my pupils will give him the hint to leave. When they don’t work, I try straight-up honesty. “Do you mind? We’re kinda busy.”
“Nope, I don’t mind.” He smiles a full-toothed grin. “Slater asked me to keep an eye on you.” His smile turns blinding. “I’m keeping an eye on you.”
Jenni giggles as anger rains down on me. The one fucking time I can be with Jenni without Slater breathing down my neck, he asks Bigfoot to take over his command.
My attention diverts from Jacob to Jenni when she caresses my cheek in her hand. “Tomorrow?” She peers into my eyes, assuring I can hear the words she can’t speak.
My eyes roam over her beautiful face, assessing every perfect feature before nodding. I’ve waited this long to claim her as mine, so what is another twenty-four hours?
After a quick peck to my cheek, Jenni slips under my arm, which is leaning against the wall. Jacob chuckles, happy he has forced us to part ways.
“You’re an asshole.” I backhand him in the chest before making my way to the bar to replenish my beer. Nearly everyone in this room has warned Jenni to stay away from me. I would have warned her too if she were my friend, but it’s too late now. I want her more than anything, and I plan on making her mine. . . as soon as I can get her alone.
* * *
After finishing my beer, I head out the back entrance of Mavericks. Jenni left a few minutes ago. I couldn’t help but smirk like a smug fuck when she came over to say goodbye. I may have even given Jacob the finger when she kissed me goodbye on the lips.
Jacob took my ribbing in stride. He even smirked. I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but maybe since he’s finally come around when it comes to Jenni and me, the rest of our friends will too.
When I reach the edge of my truck, I’m startled within an inch of my life by a figure stepping in front of me. “Sorry.” Jenni giggles, amused she scared the shit out of me.
After gathering my heart off the ground, I ask, “What are you doing here?”
My eyes drift around the parking lot, ensuring we’re alone. Other than a few empty cars, we’re the only two people here. Jenni fists my dress shirt in her hand as her needy eyes rise to mine. “I thought maybe you could give me a ride home?”
