Page 36 of The Other Room

“Seriously, Sally? Don’t tell me you huwt youw wittle hands.” She pushed out her lips in a fake pout.

“Shut up, Parker!” I laughed. “I’m out of practice!”

“Well suck it up, Sally! We got a game to win, and Jenna’s gonna be fired up now!”

“We got this.” I gave her a sharp nod and wiped my palm against my shorts, hoping it would soothe the throbbing.

As expected, Jenna came back with a vengeance. For several rounds Blake and I could have sat back and had a beer while the Parker sisters slapped the ball back and forth, each showing unrelenting determination and mirrored skill. But even with their competitive streaks visible from a mile away, their laughter could be heard just as far.

With the score tied, Jo served over the ball. Blake leapt up and sent it back, spiking it down toward the base of the net.

“Got it!” Jo shouted, diving into the sand and saving it just before it touched down. I sent it back over as she leapt to her feet. When the ball came flying back with breakneck speed from another Meathead spike, Jo and I leapt toward it.

“Got it!” she called again. As she leapt toward the ball, I saw the thin string around her neck securing her suit top snap. While her body flew through the air, the thin green material covering her assets started its slide down. I’d eat a smorgasbord of sand before I’d let Meathead get an eyeful of Jo’s goods, so I changed my trajectory and launched myself at her. Wide eyes met mine when she saw me flying toward her. Those eyes widened even more when she glanced down just before her breast popped out.

Before it made its break for freedom and gave everyone watching a show, I threw myself against her body, the force of my protection sending us both to the ground.

After we rolled to a stop, I blinked my eyes, squinting against the sand clinging to my eyelashes. As my vision came back into focus, Jo’s face popped into view. My body pressed down on top of hers, and even though I knew I should push myself off, every muscle in my body revolted, forcing me to stay pressed against her. Our eyes locked as I felt her quick breaths match my own, our chests moving as one while we panted together.

Just friends, I told myself while I gazed deeper into her eyes.

Just friends, I tried to chant while my gaze drifted to her parted lips.

Just friends, I reminded myself when I looked up and saw my own desire reflected in her eyes.

Not just friends.

I wasn’t sure if it was my push or her pull, but my mouth moved toward hers, the inches between our lips disappearing as every muscle in my body demanded I claim her kiss. Demanded I give up my fight; extinguish my agony by tasting her tongue and catching her breath in my mouth. A demand I no longer wanted to rage against as I felt her breath ghosting my lips.

“You guys okay?” Blake called.

Our bodies froze, the world I’d forgotten about racing back like a runaway train. A runaway train I was powerless to stop.

“Um, yeah! We’re fine!” Jo called, her wide eyes now devoid of passion stared up into mine.

And just like that our moment evaporated.

Fucking, Meathead!

“Blake!” Jenna shouted, and we turned to see her kicking sand at him. “What the hell!”

Jo and I slowly looked back at each other, and a long gulp slid down my throat. “Sorry, I, uh— your top...” I stuttered, words refusing to form on the tongue I desperately wanted in her mouth.

“Yeah... um... did you see anything?” She bit her lip... the one I wanted to be kissing.

“Uh, no. Nothing. Sorry. I didn’t mean to tackle you.”

“It’s fine. Thanks, I guess.”

“No problem. Just didn’t want, uh, you know... anyone to see or anything.”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

We remained locked in our position for a few moments longer before my body finally responded to my pleas to move. Jo slid her hands between us and held her top up as I rolled off her, but I couldn’t stand yet. I flopped onto my back and stared up at the swirling white clouds while I tried to regain the senses she’d stolen from me.

What the fuck just happened?

“Really sorry, guys!” Jenna called, and I looked over to see her mouthing something to Jo.