Soon their food is delivered, and they dig in with gusto and I’m thankful the conversation of my love life is forgotten because fries. At least my brother doesn’t put up a fight when Becca and I raid his plate for fries.
As promised, Becca and I stay for exactly one drink, which is fine with Owen, because he says he’s tired anyways. Justin’s hot gaze tracks my ev- ery movement, and when I try to pay my tab, he shakes his head.
“Let me.” His voice is deep and firm and I find him difficult to say no to, so I nod weakly.
“Thank you.” I rise to my feet and shoulder the strap of my purse. Owen helps Becca out of her chair and into her jacket.
Justin remains where he is. “I think I’m going to stick around for a bit.”
Owen shoots him a curious glare. “You sure?”
Justin nods. “Yeah. I’m not tired yet.”
I assume Owen thinks this is guy code for he’s going to stay here and try to score. I pray like hell it’s actually him throwing Owen off his trail in case he comes to my place later. But honestly, I’m not exactly sure what to think since we haven’t had a moment of privacy all night. I take one last linger- ing look at Justin and then follow my brother and Becca to the exit.
Outside in the cool night air, Becca and I decide to share a ride home while Owen waves goodnight and gets into his own car.
“What was that about?” Becca asks as soon as we’re alone inside the car, her tone practically a hiss.
“I’m not sure,” I admit. My phone chirps from inside my purse and I immediately pull it out.
It’s a text from Justin.
You want some company tonight?
I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry and flash the screen toward Becca so she can read the text message.
She grins. “What are you going to say?”
“I don’t know.” I consider his question. “I need to write something flirty.”
She nods as my fingers get busy typing.
That depends.
On?
If you’re going to stick around tonight or rush out on me in the
middle of the action?
The action? Is that what the kids are calling it these days?
I chuckle at his response as Becca grabs the phone from my hand.
“Let me see,” she whines. “I need to live vicari- ously through you. It’s been ages since I’ve even flirted with a member of the opposite sex. At this point, I wouldn’t even remember how.”
I don’t deny her, letting her take my phone, and soon she’s giggling.
“Oh you guys are cute together.”
“We’re not together,” I snap. “We’re fuck bud- dies, Becca. I need to keep that straight.”
The driver clears his throat and I can feel my cheeks turning pink.
Whatever.
Come over, I write next.
He sends back: See you in ten.
• • •
I have just enough time to straighten my apartment and brush my teeth when there’s a buzz from the intercom system.
He’s here.
Butterflies fill my stomach as I head toward the door to let him in.
Recalling the way he set the mood for us last time in his bedroom with the low lighting and the music, I feel a little self-conscious. My apartment isn’t romantic or even all that nice, especially
not compared to the luxury penthouse he and my brother own.
But once I open the front door, none of that matters. I’m not sure how it’s possible, but he looks even better than before. His entire frame fills my doorway, and his features have transformed—his jaw set and chiseled and his eyes are dark with predatory desire.
“Hey,” he says softly, looking directly at me. “Can I come in?”
My neck feels warm, like I’m already danger- ously close to blushing, and I step aside, nodding. “Of course.”
Justin wanders into my living room and I’m reminded of the last time he was here. We ate ta- cos and then had one of the most monumental con- versations of our entire friendship. Trailing behind him I stuff my hands in my pockets, unsure what else to do with myself.
“Do you … want something to drink? We could watch TV,” I offer, voice a little higher than I in- tended.
He turns to face me, his gaze warmly tracking over me. “Come here.”
I take three steps and then his strong arms draw me in close to his chest. His masculine scent wash- es over me as his mouth lowers to mine. His kiss is so soft at first, exploratory and sweet. But then I lift up onto my toes and bring my hands around to the back of his neck, threading them into his hair, and then Justin’s lifting me in his arms like I weigh nothing at all.
“I’ve been waiting a week for that kiss.” His voice is husky and I smile, bringing my lips to his again. We kiss again, my lips parting to accept his tongue. I suck it into my mouth and he makes a low noise in his throat.
“Do you want to watch TV?” he asks, a little breathless.
I wrap my legs around his hips and I can feel that he’s already hard.
This is moving so much faster than I imagined and I have exactly zero issues with that.
“No,” I murmur. “I’m good.” In fact, I’m com- pletely fine with the direction this night is heading.
His mouth moves to my neck, which he treats to warm, slow kisses and I practically melt into his arms. It feels so nice.
“Where’s your bedroom?” he asks, voice tight.
“Down the hall.” I squirm, lifting my chin to give him even better access to my neck.
With purposeful strides, Justin carries me down the short hallway to my room, his lips still at my throat. My heartbeat ratchets up to eight thousand beats per minute.
He lowers me down to the edge of the bed, and suddenly I’m eye level with his groin. I can see the material of his dress pants straining with his excitement.
He looks down at me in amusement. “See something you want?”
I look up and nod at him. “Very much.”
Palming him through his pants, I watch for his reaction.