I use my broad upper body to shove in between the two of them, effectively forcing the other guy away. Not stopping there, my head leans down, my lips finding hers, instantly reigniting the fire that’s been smouldering away inside of me ever since the morning after that shitshow of a wedding.
She’s frozen, but only for a split second before I feel her melt into me, making a growl of satisfaction escape from my mouth. My hands tangle in her hair as I take the kiss even deeper, and her hands wrap around my waist and tuck into the back pockets of my jeans.
Goddamn, that feels good.Shefeels good.
“If you guys don’t mind toning it down a notch or two, I’d rather not have a health code violation.”
The dry voice of Dean Hastings, the owner of the bar, breaks through the lust-filled haze surrounding us.
“Sorry,” Lily squeaks out, her eyes glued to mine. She tugs her lower lip between her teeth, but I shake my head slightly and lift my thumb up to free it. When she gasps, I ignore what Dean just said.
I have to kiss her again.
“Okay, lovebirds. Take your nachos and go.”
Reluctantly, I pull back. It does something to me to see the dazed, but definitely satisfied, look on Lily’s face. Turning to Dean, I take the plate of nachos from him, grab Lily’s hand with my other, and lead her back to the table.
Sawyer’s grin is annoyingly big when we sit down. “I’m not sure what’s hotter. The jalapeños on these nachos or that lip-lock.”
I glare at Sawyer, even as some primal part inside of me crows with pride.
“Did I seriously just see you two making out by the bar? That was hot! And weird. But definitely hot!”
Kat drops into a chair across from us, her excitement barely contained. She reaches across the table, grabs Lily’s hand, and squeals. Legit squeals.
“Aren’t you meant to be all grown-up and professional and shit?” I say to her, but she just rolls her eyes.
“Shut up, Jude. My best friend and my big brother are falling in love. I’m allowed to be giddy. This is like, every little girl’s dream come true.”
My brain stutters on those three words. Falling in love? Hell, no. Nope. No way. IlikeLily, sure. I can’t deny that. But it’s nothing more than physical attraction and friendship.
Right?
Chapter eighteen
Lily
The Donnellys were always the family I wished I had. Warm, inviting, loving, loud, and full of fun. I was at their house as much as possible. They had an open-door policy for me, no questions asked. And even in the years that have passed since my dysfunctional childhood, I’ve been over here for dinner countless times.
And every time, I’ve always just walked right on in.
So, why this time, do I feel frozen in place? Why am I stuck here, in my car, in their driveway, unable to make myself just walk in the house?
The answer is obvious. Because I kissed Jude last night. And it was…wow.
I’ve never felt consumed like that. Overwhelmed in the best possible way.
For a moment, I lost myself in the kiss. Forgot that we were pretending and let myself believe it was real. That Jude wanted me.
Except that’s not reality. Reality is that guys only want me for one thing. And I’m getting really tired of that.
My phone chimes with a text message. When I dig it out of my purse and see Jude’s name on the screen, I bite my lip.
JUDE: If you don’t come inside my family is going to think something’s wrong.
I look up but can’t see through the windows, thanks to the reflection of the setting sun.
JUDE: Get in here before my mom comes out and drags you in.
