I run my fingertip over the edge of it, fighting off the burning sensation in my eyes.I don’t know why this makes me feel emotional, but it does.
‘That’s so kind of you, Zayden.Thank you.’
With his finger and thumb, he grips my chin, forcing my eyes to meet his.
‘Anything for you, Vixen.’
I wrap my arms around him and we fall back onto the mattress.I lay my head on his chest and inhale his scent.He always smells so damn good, even when he isn’t wearing any sort of cologne.It’s just him.
‘Even though you have your own room, and the others are back, will you stay with me tonight?’he asks, voice deep, but soft.Vulnerable.
‘Yes,’ I whisper.‘I’d love to.’
Tightening his arms around me, he kisses my forehead.I nestle into him.
Being in his arms is my new favourite place to be.
The following morning, I’m lined up at my usual coffee cart.I go over to the counter and order a matcha, before stepping to the side and waiting for my name to be called.Zoning out, I stare ahead, my mind recalling last night in the shower with Zayden.Every interaction with him rocks me to my core, and I can’t seem to get him off my mind.I’m craving his hands on me again.
I look to my phone and stare at the text message I received this morning.
Lindsay:Dinner, Friday night, six o’clock.Bring your boyfriend.It’s important we meet him before you bring him to the wedding.
‘Where have you been?’a voice interrupts my concentration, snapping me back to reality.
A face comes into view, framed by long luscious hair.Avery’s red lips stretch into a wide smile as she stands a little too close to me than what is considered a comfortable distance.
‘Huh?’I ask, frowning at her, unsure I heard her correctly.
‘Where have you been?I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.’
I blink at her, a little stunned and unsure how to answer that, since we’re not friends and never see each other.In fact, I don’t know if our paths had ever crossed prior to the party I attended with Zayden.
‘Um,’ I say.‘I’ve been around, minus the cyclone.’
‘Exactly!I went by the apartment and you weren’t there.’
Now I’m confused.‘My apartment?’
‘Yeah!’
My mouth opens a few times before I manage to get words out.‘Why?’
‘I was visiting Emily after what happened.’
My spine stiffens, recalling that Zayden mentioned they were all friends.Does she mean after the girls locked me out of the apartment?I narrow my eyes slightly, wondering what she knows and what exactly is going on here.Is she a part of their clique?Does she know what they did?Is she prying for information about Zayden?None of this makes sense and this whole interaction is odd.
‘Oh,’ I say after a moment, hoping I don’t look as flustered as I feel.‘You’re friends with Emily?’
‘Mmhmm.’She nods, smiling impossibly wider.
‘Great,’ I say, voice dull.
‘Yeah, she’s feeling a bit sorry for herself but I’m sure it’ll all be fine.Poor girl.’
My frown deepens.Feeling sorry for herself?Poor girl?What does she mean by that?Does she mean me, or Emily?My brain can’t keep up with this conversation.
I wish I’d had the chance to prepare for this interaction, but I’m never one to be quick-thinking in these kinds of situations.I usually freeze and then relive the moment later, thinking of all the things I should have said, but didn’t.
