“I’m really glad you came home, Ari.”
Ari nods and presses her lips between her teeth. “I’m starting to think I’m glad too.”
“And thanks for giving me another shot.”
Her eyes are soft looking up at me. “I’m happy you asked for one.”
That mossy green gaze fixes on my lips and I oblige, sliding my fingers into the back of her hair as I take her mouth.
I want this whole fucking town to see that Dr. Aria Johnson is mine. That I want her. That I choose her, and I’m lucky she’s choosing me too.
I lose myself in her, apparently so much so that she pulls away, giggling. “You’re making out with me like a high schooler.”
“Sorry. Making up for lost time. And I need everyone to know you’re mine.”
“Would you like to pee on me?” she asks, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
“Don’t tempt me,” I warn.
We laugh and I pull her closer. Her chin hooks on my shoulder, her head nestling against mine as we sway. I turn to kiss her temple, and whisper in her ear, “Stay over tonight?”
I feel her chuckle against me. “Clothing optional?”
“No,” I say. “Nudity mandatory. Blinds open so all these people can see us.”
She leans back to look at my face. “Exhibitionism much?”
“I don’t think kissing you’s enough. Balls deep or they won’t believe it.”
She cracks up. “How about we settle for kissing now?”
I lift one shoulder. “Deal.”
I kiss her until the song ends and she pulls away. “Brodie. Easy, boy. You and Templeton aren’t that different.”
My ears feel hot and I grimace. “Sorry.”
She pats my chest. “I’m kinda hungry. I’m going to grab something to eat. You want anything?”
I squeeze her waist. “Just get something to share.”
With a wink, Ari saunters off. I catch up with my sister and Simon, plus some of the folks from the fire department to talk about the fire at Mrs. Johnson’s.
I’m intercepted by Kyle Coleman from high school. I generally avoid him around town because, rather than maturing, he became a concentrated version of his high school self.
And he’s the one who made the “methhead” comment to Aria.
“Bro! We missed you at the golf outing!” Kyle bellows.
“Oh, yep,” I say. “Had some work stuff to take care of.”
“I mean, I guess I see why you haven’t been showing up. Looks like you’ve been busy.” He wags his eyebrows at me and I take back everything I said about wanting to fuck Ari in the window. It was a joke, but that joke doesn’t feel very funny right now. Guys like Kyle watching? Gag.
He barrels on. “Isn’t she that weird girl from high school? What’s her name? Ariel?” I’m so taken aback that I don’t respond right away. He whistles. “She got hot.”
“Aria has always been beautiful,” I say, looking around to make sure she’s not in earshot. But she almost is, coming back to my side with an oversized bag of kettlecorn.
“Ariel! It’s good to see you.”
