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"Some guy I was kind of dating," Charlie admits with a pained expression. "We have been friends for a few years, and he graduated last year." She cringes before adding, "he doesn’t want to be involved."
The room falls into a contemplative silence as we absorb the weight of Charlie's revelation.
“Fuck him! What’s his name?” I exclaim, my anger boiling over as I storm toward the door, determined to confront the man who's caused Charlie such pain. With a swift, furious motion, I yank the door open, the lock breaking with a loud snap.
Sutton rushes to my side, wrapping her arms around me to prevent me from causing a scene. Her eyes implore me to regain my composure, and her touch is a soothing anchor. “Stop and calm down,” she urges, her voice filled with concern.
I tilt my head up, struggling to catch my breath, and in a raw voice, I mutter, "Damn it."
Taking Sutton's advice, I take a few deep breaths to quell my mounting anger. Once I'm certain I won't lose control again, I gently pull away and turn to Charlie. Surprisingly, for someone who usually exudes toughness, she's looking at Sutton and me with the softest expression in her eyes.
I clear my throat and address Charlie, my voice earnest and supportive. “Whatever you need, we’ll be there for you.” The words I speak are more than just a promise, they're a commitment to stand by her side through this challenging time.
* * *
After our heart-to-heart conversation about the bombshell Charlie had dropped, we decided it was time to find my parents and share the news with them. As I scanned the room, I spotted her, hanging out with my dad near the pool table.
The basement was packed, with one too many people crammed onto the couch at the moment. I didn't want Sutton to be squished between me and Ronan, so I gently tugged her onto my lap. Sutton yelped in surprise at the sudden movement but soon twisted sideways in my lap to face me.
As our eyes locked, I rested my hand on her thigh, my fingers grazing the edge of her skirt. I couldn't help but notice the sharp intake of her breath, which sent a shiver of anticipation down my spine. With a soft, knowing smile, I leaned in to plant a tender kiss on her cheek.
Ten. Nine. Eight.
As the countdown on the TV captured everyone's attention, I can’t resist a playful tease. My fingers dance over the fabric of her thong, tracing a tantalizing path, foreshadowing what’s to come.
Seven. Six. Five.
I remove my hand from her skirt, choosing instead to run my fingers through her hair. My other hand, anchors on her hip, holding her gently but firmly.
Four. Three. Two.
Sutton's joyful giggle fills the room as she slides her arms around my neck. Our connection feels irresistible, like two magnets being drawn together. In this moment, the transition from thinking I was in love to knowing it deep in my heart is crystal clear.
One.
Whispering, I greet her with, 'Happy New Year,' before our lips come together in a tender kiss. Aware of our large audience tonight, I keep it light, resisting the urge to deepen the kiss. I pull away briefly, my eyes searching her expression. Sutton is beaming with happiness, a sight I've never seen before. I can't help but pepper her face with more kisses, drawn to those endearing freckles.
She giggles and attempts to escape my teasing. 'Stop! Stop!'
As we share this affectionate moment, a voice interrupts. 'Jesus, guys. This sucks ass. I want someone to kiss!' We both turn to our right, where we find Ronan. Frown lines creasing the corners of his mouth hint at something amiss. I've never witnessed him this genuinely unhappy, and it perplexes me.
Sutton, happily oblivious to Ronan's odd demeanor, leans over and surprises us both by planting a soft kiss on Ronan's lips. In that instant, I'm grateful that she remains blissfully unaware of anything but her own joy tonight.
Ronan's spine stiffens, and he leans closer, practically invading my personal space. 'Oh, hell. I wasn't prepared for that! Do it again!'
Amidst the continued giggles, Sutton can't conceal the blush coloring her cheeks. I sigh and gently move Sutton away from Ronan. 'That was a one-time thing.'
He throws his head back, groaning in mock disappointment. 'Damn.'
In this very moment, it dawns on Sutton what she did, and she panics. 'I'm so sorry! I don't know why I did that.' She turns to me, her eyes filled with anticipation as if expecting me to reprimand her.
I can't stand that look.
Ronan's gaze meets mine, a silent understanding passing between us. He rises, giving a casual wave, and then vanishes into the crowd.
I gently guide Sutton's gaze toward mine, holding her eyes with a reassuring smile. "I'm not upset," I murmur, my fingers tenderly tucking a stray curl behind her ear. "Honestly, it was pretty funny."
Her voice quivers as she speaks, remorse heavy in her words. "But I kissed your friend, and we're in a relationship. It was so wrong, and I shouldn't have."
