In another burst of bravery, I ask, “Will you stay the night with me?When the party is over, will you stay with me?”
“I don’t think I could ever say no to you.” He moves hair out of my face, reluctantly pulling down my top—his eyes glued to my breasts until they’re covered. “As much as I want to keep us right here,” his voice is like rough gravel, “why don’t we get back before they think I kidnapped you.”
“Would that be so bad?” I tease.
“Come on,” he laughs and turns around looking back at me, “I’ll carry you back.”
I hop on his back, laughing at the silliness of it all—sneaking off and coming back in his clothes, being carried on his back, flushed faces.
I rest my head on his shoulder as he carries me, unable to stop repeating the words he said in my head…
I want things with you that a friend shouldn’t want.
29
HENRY
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t half hard the rest of the night, but I’ve had a smile on my face the whole time knowing I finally got to kiss the girl I’ve been fantasizing about for what feels like my whole life.
Miles left a few hours ago with a smile on his face letting me know he had a good time. I told him I was going to stay a bit longer and would find a way home later—ignoring the fact that I was staying and my ride home would most likely be Maisie in the morning.
Maisie sat back on my lap as the last few of us circled around the fire pit talking and telling stories. I’d love to stay sitting here with her all night, letting everyone know I’ve staked my claim—but, when a yawn comes from her and her head nuzzles into the crook of my neck, I know that I should take her to bed.
“I think I’m gonna call it a night and make sure this one gets her beauty sleep.” I stand up, lifting Maisie into my arms. “Thank you all for inviting me.”
“Make sure she takes some Ibuprofen so she doesn’t wake up with a raging headache,” Wren says.
“Of course.” I nod. “We wouldn’t want that, would we?”
“Mmm,” Maisie mumbles. “No we wouldn’t.”
I let out a chuckle and I take us back to her house. “Let’s go get you to bed, Sleeping Beauty.”
“You smell really good.” She inhales and kisses my neck, taking everything in me not to do things to her I shouldn’t do. “I’m happy you’re not my friend anymore.”
I know she’s half awake and has alcohol in her system, but I will never forget the words she said.
I’m happy you’re not my friend anymore.
“Oh, Maisie. What am I going to do with you?” I smile down at her.
“You can do anything you want with me.” More kisses make their way up my neck and I let out a groan as I open her front door.
When we get inside, I set her on her kitchen counter. “Give me your legs, let’s get these boots off.”
She hands me one leg at a time and I slowly take off each boot, feeling the soft skin of her legs as I do. Her skin is so smooth and delicate, like cotton candy. I want to take a bite.
Her eyes stay on me the whole time. I can tell she enjoys me taking care of her almost as much as I enjoy taking care of her.
I take each boot and go set them by the front door with the rest of her shoes—and mine. I feel her gaze on me the whole time. When I turn around, she’s still sitting on the counter, her legs dangling free.
If this were any other day and we hadn’t been drinking, I’d be on my knees in front of her begging to get just a glimpse of what’s under that skirt.
“Back in my arms,” I demand when I stand in front of her. She stretches out her arms and I pick her up, positioning herself just like before. “Where can I find you some pajamas?” I ask as I make my way to her bedroom door, bumping it open with my hip.
“I want to sleep in your sweatshirt. Can I?”
She’s going to kill me.
