She laughs slightly. “No. But I do have a fear of tornadoes.”
There’s another wave of thunder and she jumps slightly. Instinctively, my arm wraps around her.
“You’re safe here.” Our eyes meet.
“Yeah… so it seems.” It comes out gentle, almost a whisper, as her hand tenderly touches my shirt at my chest.
The air is thick, and I am certain the throbbing in my body is from excitement. She moves forward towards me and, I move closer. Our lips meet, and it’s sloppy at first. A mess of teeth and tongues. Our kisses taste of alcohol-infused breath. It hits me that I probably have more experience than she does, but I’ve also heard rumors. It doesn’t matter. We find a rhythm.
Her hands find my face to cup, and my hands decide now is the time to go on a fucking adventure. Roaming to her stomach and then up her shirt to her bra. Falling back onto the bed, her leg hangs over my hip as she presses her body into mine. Our kisses become more hurried and chaotic as our bodies grind against each other. I feel her pert nipples and full breasts through the material of her shirt; it’s hard not to notice her size, but touching them only confirms they are probably a solid D, just as I thought. I’m an asshole for thinking that.
Her hands grab my shirt, and I hear her pant with her breathing uneven. I wonder if she’s a virgin, and if not, she must be so tight.
Again, not proud of my mental thoughts right now.
Our mouths part and we look at each other. Mouths swollen and red with our clothes wrinkled.
“I’m not a virgin if that’s what you’re thinking.” She’s barely audible yet looking directly at me.
I sense she’s telling me this to confirm we can go further. But her face tells me that she regrets the fact she isn’t a virgin. In that moment, I realize that I am the older one in this situation, and we grew up together, most likely will be invited to each other’s weddings one day. Unless I am going to give this girl the world and future she deserves, then she doesn’t deserve my horny lapse of judgment in a room with a couple dozen drunk people roaming outside the door.
My hand strokes her cheek as tenderly as possible. “This isn’t a good idea. You won’t even see me in a week. Let me take you home.”
There is disappointment on her face, but also understanding. After a moment, she nods okay. She rolls up to sitting to adjust her shirt.
“Hey, if this was in a few years and another place, another time. Then this could be a great idea,” I reassure her, and I hope she gets that I’m sincere.
A mellow smile forms on her face. “Maybe. And you’re right, this isn’t a great idea. If our parents ever found out, then I fear they would be planning the wedding of the century without even discussing it with us,” she jokes.
I let out a chuckle then stand up, holding my hand out. “True that. Come on, let me get you home.” Her warm hand takes mine.
Maybe it’smy new chapter as a bachelor that has me remembering a simpler time and feeling as though I’m young again. It’s the only reasoning that I have as to why the prospect of a redo with Abby is stuck in my head.
5
LUCAS
Dinner is a success with great food, flowing wine, and good conversation about real estate, Matchbox, and restaurants we need to try. Everyone contributes to facts or jokes, which makes time pass easily, and now we are onto dessert that Jess and Abby brought.
“Mmm, this is some good stuff. I remember when you always used to bake in high school, Abby.” Nate sucks on his forkful of cheesecake.
“I think every 16-year-old girl bakes, especially if it means getting the attention of the varsity hockey team,” Abby teases.
“Did you two ever hook up?” Jess wonders aloud as she indicates between Nate and Abby.
To be honest, I need to thank the skies that Jess has a gift of being blunt. It’s a thought that crossed my mind a few times, but I asked him after that party all those years ago, and Nate assured me they hadn’t. Even though it was a little late, I didn’t want to break the brotherly code of conduct.
“No way. I was totally in love with her friend Rosie, though,” Nate answers as he heads to the jacuzzi to start it up.
“But Lucas and Abby fooled around,” Leo candidly states with a satisfied grin. The air goes still.
Awkward and silent to be exact.
The lighting isn’t that bright, but I am certain that Abby’s face goes blank. Everyone seems to be entertained and looks at us for a clue how to continue. A solid ten, twenty seconds pass before Max intervenes.
“Okay. Dessert is done, hot tub is on, a perfect time for my specialty.” Max grins as he passes out his new round of blended drinks.
Abby and I look at each other, both biting our inner cheeks from that blunder.
