I slip out from between them and make a quick run to the restroom. When I open the door, I’m met with blazing hazel eyes. He’s got his hands braced in the frame like he’s physically holding himself back from doing something he may regret.
“Bathroom’s all yours,” I say breathily, noticing how his nostrils flare as he takes in my tiny shorts and tank. I slipped off my bra while I was peeing, so my nipples are on indecentlevels of display. I hadn’t expected anyone to be right outside of the door though. Instead of letting me pass by, he steps into the bathroom, pressing me up against the wall with his chest. A low rumble from his chest vibrates through mine, the contact delicious. I know my nipples are hard enough for him to feel. He presses a palm next to the side of my head.
“Are you cold?” he whispers, his voice deeper than I’ve ever heard before. Mark’s head is bent close enough that if I moved a couple of inches, our lips would graze. I suck in a breath, but it stutters out of me as I shake my head.
“No,” I finally find my voice, whispering back, unable to control my erratic breathing which only presses my chest into his a bit more. Puffs of air pant from my parted lips, a strange need rising inside of me, and I see his jaw tick. We’re both fighting the attraction so hard, helpless to stop it, and neither is brave enough to cross that line.
“Hey, Mark, finish up man, I gotta–” Tommy walks up to the door, stopping and smiling when he sees us pressed against each other. “Nevermind,” Tommy singsongs, turning away, and Mark forces air from his lungs with exasperation.
“Just give me a minute,” he says through gritted teeth as his gaze burns my retinas. His palm slides down from beside me, and I take the chance to slip out, the friction of my nipples dragging across his chest sending shudders through me and a soft, barely audible groan from his lips. I pass by Tommy, who is now sporting a shit-eating, ‘I knew it’ grin, crossing my arms as if I am indeed cold, but we all know better.
Hustling back down the hall, I slip back into my spot between the girls. Colin and I murmur about a wedding surprise for Sydney for a few minutes. I notice Mark slip into the kitchen. He comes back out cracking the top of a water bottle open. His eyes land on mine as he takes a deep pull before settling back inhis spot on the couch right next to Colin and behind where I’m lying.
I can physically feel his thoughts, knowing they’re back in that bathroom with my breasts smashed up against him, wondering what would’ve transpired had Tommy not ruined the moment. What in the hell is happening between us? It’s clear neither of us wants this. Right?
I think my eyelids have finally had too much for the night, so I curl up with a pillow on my side. They flutter open at the feel of someone laying a blanket over me, but I’m too tired to physically turn my head to see who it is. I just mumble a thank you and curl up further into my ball. My eyelids flutter back and forth, fighting sleep since my subconscious still wants to know who covered me. I flip over toward Jane. This gives me a better view of the guys still talking quietly with each other.
Mark’s lounging with his arm slung across the back of the couch, occasionally bending it at the elbow to rest his head against his fingertips. He’s listening to Trystan and Garrett, but his eyes keep floating between me and the movie. He nonchalantly slides his foot beneath my covers, pressing it against mine, and I don’t fight it. I just enjoy the touch. He slides down further into the couch cushions, getting more comfortable, the action looking innocent as can be. It’s anything but. His foot traces up the back of my calves. I surprise him more by tucking my legs up closer to my ass, trapping his foot between my thighs. I hear his intake of breath when his foot is resting snug up against my warmest parts. He doesn’t push his limits and try anything. I don’t know whether I’m more frustrated or relieved. To be honest, I think we’re both just enjoying the intimacy of the secret snuggle and are too tired for anything else. Right before sleep finally claims me, the last thing I see is Mark’s hazel eyes staring back into mine. The yearning in them renders memomentarily breathless. Tomorrow, we can go back to hating each other. For tonight, I’ll just let it be.
10
Ava
Wedding Day
Present Day
Sydney and Colin’s wedding ceremony couldn’t have gone any better than if I’d planned it myself. I watch as two of my best friends twirl around on the floor, completely lost in each other, to Parmalee’s Gonna Love You. This song is so fucking beautiful it brings tears to my eyes, and I realize that I have not consumed nearly enough alcohol to make me forget all about the fact that I was once almost in this exact spot. Fucking Eric. He’s not worth the tears, honey. I swipe an errant tear and chalk it up to the emotion of the moment. They look so happy and are freaking perfect for each other. I know Jenna’s up above smiling down on us today.
I look down the length of the table at all my friends, happy to see them all happy. Jane comes up and sits down in Sydney’s chair next to Holly.
“So, have you seen any potential yet, Ava?”
I see Mark’s head tilt as if he’s suddenly interested in our conversation. Nosy much?
“Potential?” I ask her, not knowing where she’s going with this.
“Yeah,you know, face-riding potential?” She grins wickedly, and Mark chokes on his drink. He sits up and straightens his tie, then loosens it slightly like it’s suddenly too tight. We’ve mostly steered clear of each other since the combined bachelor/bachelorette party a few weeks ago. It’s been good for us. Things kind of got clouded there for a little bit.
“I haven’t much started looking. Help a girl out?”
Holly and Jane clap gleefully as they start scanning the crowd. They settle on the table with all of Colin and Mark’s old college friends.
Holly goes straight in for the kill. “Oh…dark blondie on the right with soulful eyes. He looks like he might be a good time.”
Mark groans.
“Nah, not her type. She likes em tall and dark. I think the one two seats over with the slightly scruffy five o’clock shadow. Now that screams fun. It’s been so long since Garrett let some stubble between my thighs. He always tries to be so thoughtful.” We all giggle and see Mark squirming in his chair. He lets out a low expletive which only makes us giggle harder.
“Mark, what’s those guys’ names? You went to college with them, right? Who’d give the better face ride?” Jane asks, knowing that she is totally fucking around with him on purpose.
He rolls his eyes and looks at me intently.
“Why are you intent on riding someone’s face?” he asks me with raised brows.
“Who was it earlier that said I could use a good fuck?”
“Merda…”
