“Did I tell you guys that I got a job at the bookstore in the mall?” Storm asked excitedly. “They need an assistant manager. I figured it would be a good way to get some experience and work my way up to managing something bigger one day.”
Storm had taken business management in school. Already it was paying off for her. I was happy to see her so enthused for this new step in her life.
“That’s amazing.” Luna gave her a hug, careful not to spill her drink. “I would love to work in a bookstore. I’m sure you’ll work your way up to being some powerful CEO of a massive empire one day.”
“That’s the plan,” Storm chuckled. “Gotta start somewhere, right?”
“I’m still not sure what I want to do next,” Codie jumped in. “I could pursue a degree in law, or I could take a different path. I’m still undecided.”
“That’s okay too,” I said. “You don’t need to have it all figured out right this minute.”
My phone vibrated in my purse, getting my attention. I slipped it out to find an email alert. A reply to one of the resumes I’d sent out. Holding my breath, I opened the email, quickly scanning the contents.
“I got a job interview.” I held up my phone, flashing my screen around at the girls. “It’s for the intake worker job I applied for. They liked that I’d taken psychology. It’s only for a part-time position right now, but if I get the job, they’ll train me to take on more responsibility.”
I was almost afraid to get my hopes up, yet I knew that I deserved this opportunity. Not because I was more qualified than anyone else but because I had proven to myself that I could persevere through almost anything. A job like this would be so rewarding. I expected it might help me stay on track with my recovery too. So far I was doing pretty well.
“Yay.” Athena clinked my bottle of Dr. Pepper with her glass of vodka and Sprite in a cheers. “I’m so happy for you. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever known. I want to be like you one day when I grow up.”
Rolling my eyes at her silly remark, I smiled wide. I wasn’t sure I’d ever been as happy as I was right then in that moment.
My good mood only grew when Auryn appeared, whisking me away. “I need you all to myself now. Maybe a dance. Maybe a quickie in the woods. I’m dying to be inside you, doll.”
I let out a squeal as he dragged me away. His arms locked tight around me. “Let’s start with a dance.”
Auryn pouted, feigning disappointment. “As you wish, my love.”
A group of people had created a makeshift dance space between the headstones. Music boomed from speakers placed on various headstones, most likely playing someone’s favorite playlist. I didn’t care what we danced to. I was happy to be there with him celebrating this moment.
Over Auryn’s shoulder, I saw Codie harassing Stray to join us. She always wanted to dance, and he did his best to get out of it every time. Not this time though. Grabbing his hand, she dragged him along while he looked stricken.
It wasn’t long before Luna and Casper joined the rest of us while Rebel and Storm slipped off into the woods. Athena was already on the prowl, circling the party, mingling as she went. I focused on taking in every detail of the moment. Committing it to memory. We may not have many more nights like this.
As the night went on, the partygoers grew more rowdy. A few fights broke out. Several people ended up making out and more all over the place. When Auryn saw me stifle a yawn, he pulled me close, whispering in my ear.
“I think it’s time for us to leave, baby girl. I need to get you home so I can enjoy you in that dress.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
RIPLEY
At Auryn’s insistence we went back to his place. Knowing this was a possibility, I’d packed an overnight bag which was in the back seat. There was no telling when Stray and Codie would come home. For now we had the house to ourselves.
We barely got inside the front door and Auryn was already disrobing. Stripping off his shirt, letting it fall on the couch as we passed. I ate up the sight of his body. Starting to peel my dress off.
“Not yet,” he said, stopping me. “Just the underwear.”
I paused on the bottom step of the staircase to strip off my underwear, tossing it at him before I darted up the stairs. He was right behind me with the thin fabric clutched in one hand. Auryn chased me into his bedroom, slamming the door shut behind us.
There was nowhere else for me to go. I squealed as he caught me up in his arms, pressing me against the back of the closed bedroom door. His lips were on mine. Moving with a deep desire. Ready to consume me. Drawing out my inner need for him with ease.
Auryn finished undressing, barely breaking our kiss as he quickly shed the rest of his clothing. His cock was hard againstme as he continued to kiss and nip my lips. Sucking the bottom one into his mouth.
His hands were all over me. Gliding over my breasts and down my sides, hooking the hem of my skirt with a finger. Teasing me with little touches before moving his hands away.
“I’ve been waiting for this all damn day,” he said between kisses. “I can never get enough of you, Ripley.”
He bit at my neck, sending a rush of heat through me. His teeth dragged over my skin, every sensation making goosebumps break out on my body. Working the top of my dress down, Auryn exposed my breasts. Quickly moving to suck my nipple into his mouth, playfully biting down just enough to make me squirm.
