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We all laugh as we shuffle into the booth. Amanda is next to Darian. She whispers to Amanda, “You really didn’t know who he was?”
Amanda shakes her head.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
AMANDA
Apparently, I’m clueless. I had no idea that Axel was a famous football player. I suppose he looks like one, being so big and muscular. And Darian was right, he’s insanely hot. His eyes are such a unique shade of blue. He and Blaire seem so funny and down-to-earth though. I would never have guessed that he’s famous.
The waiter comes over and asks for our drink orders. Beckett orders a scotch for himself and a piña colada with extra cherries for me. I’m expecting a snotty comment about my drink choice, but Blaire just screeches that she hasn’t had one of those in a long time and orders one too.
Our conversation flows easily through dinner. Even though Darian and Blaire are both professionals with advanced degrees, they never exclude me or make me feel uncomfortable. They both ask me a lot of questions about my art.
Jackson and Axel are both extremely affectionate withtheir spouses. Beckett has his arm around the back of the booth, but that’s it.
A bit of sadness rolls over me, realizing that this is my last night with him. I’m going to miss him. I can’t help but keep my body pressed to his, taking in his scent, knowing it won’t happen again.
After we eat, Jackson and Axel grab their wives’ hands and take them to the dance floor where they proceed to dirty dance to the sultry music. I think Jackson’s hand is legitimately up Darian’s dress. Axel’s might be up Blaire’s too.
Once they’re out of earshot, Beckett turns to me. “Are you having a good time?”
“I am. They’re very sweet. I haven’t really gotten to know Darian that well over the past five years since it’s always such a big group. It was nice to get this time with her. When Blaire mentioned how much she likes my work, Darian asked about commissioning a piece. I don’t think I would charge her though.”
“Definitely charge her. She can more than afford it.”
I take one of my cherries, pop it into my mouth, and chew it. “I know, but she’s been so wonderful to Jade. This can be my way of thanking her.”
He stares at my mouth. It’s almost awkward how long he silently stares at me chewing the cherry. “Are you okay?”
“You know, I’ll finally admit out loud that for nearly five years, the sight, smell, and especially the taste, of cherries has made me think of you. If I’m being honest, it always makes me think of our kiss.”
Yep, I remember that kiss too. His big, juicy lips look particularly yummy tonight.
I swallow the cherry and he seems mesmerized by the process.
I don’t know if it’s the two drinks I’ve had, the excitement of selling so many paintings tonight, or the fact that it’s our last night together, but I can’t seem to help myself. I grab his face and bring my lips to his.
He doesn’t hesitate for a moment, pulling my body as close as he can in the booth and pushing his tongue into my mouth. He tastes like scotch and mint, taking me right back to our first kiss all those years ago.
His tongue and lips expertly swipe across mine. My body fills with desire as it hastily exits its long-dormant, inactive state. Smelling him, tasting him, and feeling his hands move up and down my body is electrifying my every nerve ending.
I’m mildly aware of our surroundings, or I’d throw my leg over his and grind down onto him to relieve the fast-building ache between my legs.
I moan into his mouth as my fingers move through his silky hair. He has one hand on the back of my neck and the other moving up my inner thigh.
I’m not sure where this is headed, especially given our surroundings, but I know I want him. Badly. I need his hand to move up just a little higher.
All of a sudden, we hear a throat clear and reluctantly pull apart. We turn and look up at the Knights and Broxtons smiling at us.
Darian winks. “Just friends, huh?” She turns to Blaire. “Do you kiss your friends like that?”
Blaire smiles as she shakes her head. “Nope. Not that I recall.”
I shrug. “I’m part French. That’s how we treat our friends.”
They both giggle, and I can’t help but join them.
As we’re leaving the club, Darian makes Axel and Blairepromise to visit when Axel plays in Philly next season. She mentions inviting us as well, but I keep our answer vague. The sad fact is that, after tonight, Beckett and I have no reason to be together.
