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With a dozen emails sent off, and thoughts of last night still racing through my mind, I packed up my stuff to head back to the pool for another practice run.
There were two texts from Colin as I left the library.
Where are you?
When you get to Daria’s, we’re upstairs. I’ll explain then.
Jealousy surged inside, so intense I felt it in my neck. Who did I envy more—Colin or Daria? This kind of reaction didn’t belong in one-night stands, but telling myself that didn’t push the feeling aside.
Thoughts of the pool were gone, I needed to be at Daria’s instead, whether or not it was a rational decision. When I stepped inside her place, the smell hit me hard. It was vomit carried on heavy, warm air. The back doors and windows were open, and two box fans sat near the patio door, blowing out.
Was someone sick? Concern filtered through me.
I headed upstairs. Daria’s door was closed, and her laughter mingled with Colin’s and flitted into the hallway. Worry plus envy meant I was the one who was going to be ill. I knocked.
“S’open,” Daria called.
I pushed into the room.
“But close it fast,” she added quickly. She was sitting on her bed in a lightweight tank top and thin shorts, and it was obvious she wasn’t wearing a bra. The distinct topography of her chest--aka her rock-hard nipples—also accentuated the fact that it was about ten degrees cooler in here than in the rest of the house.
Colin sat next to her, not wearing much more, and they were both flushed and smiling.
I wasn’t used to being at a loss for words. “What happened?” It wasn’t a complicated question, but it covered a lot of territory.
Daria laughed and ducked her head. “Impromptu chemistry lesson.”
The kind that showed what kind of sparks I swore were flying between the two of them? I had no right, but that didn’t stop me from stewing in jealousy.
13
colin
“What kind of chemistry?”Tanner asked. There was no way he was watching us with jealousy. I’d been trying to get him to notice me for how long, and he was hooked on Daria in a night? After all that bullshit about casual hookups?
I wasn’t quite being fair, since we’d known Daria for longer than a day or two, and I could absolutely see myself spending more time with her. Not just because of last night, but after today, too.
And wow I was bad at getting over Tanner. I wanted them both again. And again. “We learned if you mix the wrong kind of carpet powder with powdered cheese”—I wrinkled my nose—“whewit’s bad. You smelled it when you got here, but it waswayworse a few hours ago.”
“Air’s off to keep the smell from circulating, the windows are open downstairs to get rid of the stench, and someone is coming tomorrow to fix my mistake,” Daria said. “Until then, we’re self-quarantined in our own little biome for the night.”
Tanner’s entire posture changed as he relaxed.
Daria patted the mattress. “Kick off your shoes and join us. Tell us about your day.”
He didn’t hesitate, and I was surprised he sat next to me rather than diving between Daria and me. There was enough distance between us that I couldn’t feel him, but he was still close enough to reach out and grab my neck and pull me in for a kiss. A long, heavy, hungry—
“Well?” I asked partly to keep my mind from wandering and at least a little because Tanner was quiet.
“Well what?”
This was odd for him, not launching into conversation any chance he got. “How was your day?” I poked his arm. “Are you sure you’re Tanner?” He felt like Tanner.Fuck,I could dig my fingers into those biceps and just hold on for dear life.
Any resolve I had from yesterday was already shot. One taste, and I wanted him more than ever. The way I’d been sitting up here with Daria laughing over the simplest things, like the most ridiculous versus the best swimsuit episodes in anime, made me want her more too. Knowing both desires were doomed didn’t dampen either one.
“It was a fantastic day.” Tanner’s trademark grin was back, brighter than I expected.
Too bright? Nah. “Just like that? No details?”
