“You didn’t tell me you were so good at this game, babe,” Darius says, sipping on his vodka and cranberry juice.
“Never played before.” Caiden shrugs and I grin, knowing he’s bullshitting us. There wasn’t much entertainment in our little Devonshire town, but we did have a three lane bowling alley slash arcade.
“Really?” Darius asks and Caiden laughs, shaking his head. “You’re full of shit,” my boyfriend says, flicking his straw at Caiden, who grimaces when the wet paper hits him in the chest.
We watch Jamie take his turn, and where Caiden is clearly good at the game, Jamie sends more balls down the gutter than the actual lane.
“Should we put the bumper bars up for you?” I ask, earning me a scowl.
“Shut it, Cross,” Jamie remarks, returning to his seat. Darius stands, ready to take his turn, but I pull him between my legs, sliding my hands up the back of his tight yellow t-shirt.
“I think I’m growing on him,” I whisper. Darius wraps his arms around my neck, looking down at me, the prettiest smile tugging on his lips.
“You’re trying to rile him up.”
I roll my eyes. “It’s so easy.”
Darius kisses me – a quick peck of his lips on mine. “Stop it. Play nice, lover.” I deepen the kiss, because I can. Because he ismyboyfriend and we’re on a date and everything about this is perfect.
Over his shoulder, I see Caiden hand Jamie another beer before his eyes meet mine and he grins, tipping his head. A silent approval of the fact that I love his best friend. Not that I need it. Yet still, the acknowledgement sits comfortably in my chest.
“Get me another drink while I take my turn?” Darius asks. I stand, scooting him backward, then kiss his cheek and head to the bar and order a round of drinks for the four of us. By the time I return, it's my turn to play. I wrap my arm around Darius’s waist and rest my chin on his shoulder.
“What do I get if I win?” I whisper.
He spins in my arms.
“You’re already getting a prize tonight.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Can I have it now?” He chuckles, pushing his hand against my chest. He still has a splint on the one, but he gently taps me with it. “Later. Take your shot.”
By the time we finish our second game, we are many, many rounds of drinks down, and not even Caiden with all his bowling finesse, can knock the pins over. I’m floating on a cloud of booze and happiness, even garnering a smile from Jamie at one point.
The bowling alley is in Kingston, a few roads over from Jamie and Caiden’s, so we make a quick stop at their flat, where we left our bags earlier, intending to change before heading out again.
I take off my casual tee, replacing it with a navy blue short-sleeved shirt that hugs all my curves and edges. The fabric is sheer, with a deep V at the chest. I keep on the dark blue skinny jeans I had on earlier.
Jamie and Caiden emerge from their room next, and they’re both in black jeans. Jamie, pairing his with a snug fitting white tee with a zip down the front, and Caiden in a see-through black top that ends above his navel from where straps then criss-cross lower to the edge of his waistband.
They look ready for a night out.
Darius is the last to get ready, and when he walks into the lounge a moment later, I am speechless, choking on my words.
Holy. Fucking. Shit.
He’s wearing a pair of deep purple shorts with neon yellow edges that barely cover his ass. A matching yellow harness sits snug across his chest, covered by a loose fitting white mesh crop top.
“Fuck.” I blow out a breath. Darius smiles, crosses the room and stops directly in front of me. He smells like fresh rain, citrus and sin, and I want to lose myself in him. Devour him for hours until we’re sweaty and spent.
“Close your mouth, puppy. You’re drooling.” Darius smirks, and I wrap my hands around his hips and drag him closer. “Like your present?” he asks in a whisper. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Jamie and Caiden walking out of the room.
“I love it. But fuck, I won’t be able to keep my hands off of you. Maybe we should stay in.” Darius turns around, edging the back of his waistband down slightly to show off the top of a yellow thong.
He looks over his shoulder and fucking winks. “The anticipation is part of the fun.”
I love this side of him. This bright, happy, sunshine filled part that I will go to the ends of the earth to protect.
Palming his ass cheeks, I inch forward so that he can feel the bulge in my jeans.
