God, I’ve never been kissed like this before.
Before I can begin to feel awkward about the emotions whirling in me, Forest breaks the kiss. Still, in a daze, I stare at him and whisper, “I’m starting to understand why people love being friends with benefits.”
Chapter 5
FOREST
Aria’s words stun me, and it’s clear there’s an attraction between us. My eyes are locked on her blue irises, and they’ve never looked clearer than they do at this moment.
“Hey, guys,” Julianne says as she comes to sit on the edge of the pool, lowering her legs into the water. “Aria, I saw your Instagram post. I really love the photo of you two.”
Aria’s never one to hold a grudge for long, and taking the olive branch Julianne is offering, she says, “Thank you.” A smile forms around Aria’s mouth, instantly drawing my attention back to her lips.
My body is humming with the need for more.
More of Aria.
Unable to stop myself, I begin to brush my thumb against her lower back. I watch as goosebumps break out over her skin, and it makes the corner of my mouth lift.
“God, Forest,” Julianne suddenly laughs. “The way you’re looking at Aria.” Julianne lets out a wistful sigh. “You guys are so hot together. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before.” Something catches Julianne’s attention across the room. “Oh, look, there’s Noah. See ya.”
My eyes are still locked on Aria. She brings her gaze back to mine, and her smile widens. “That was soooo good.”
“Yeah,” I murmur.
“Julianne totally fell for it.”
I meant the kiss.
God, this is becoming too real. “I need to go to the restroom.” I clear my throat and let go of Aria. Placing my hands on the edge of the pool, I heave myself out of the water. I don’t stop walking until I’m in a stall, and I shut the door behind me.
Then I stare at the tiled floor, trying to make sense of what’s happening.
I close my eyes as the realization sinks in – I want more with Aria.
Fuck.
It’s too late.
I’m falling for Aria.
I want to be able to kiss her whenever I want to. I want to explore every inch of her.
“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!” My fist connects with the wall, and the burst of pain over my knuckles does nothing to ease the panic building inside me.
My breaths explode over my lips as worry claws its way into my heart.
We never should’ve started with the fake relationship. It was begging for trouble.
And now you fucking found it.
What the hell am I going to do?
Should I tell her? Damn, it would mean the end of the act. She’ll probably put distance between us. She made it clear she doesn’t want a relationship right now.
Christ. I’m fucked.
Okay, calm down. Think this through.
Aria doesn’t know how I feel. Can I pretend I’m not falling in love with her? Maybe I’m lucky, and she’ll start feeling more than friendship for me, as well?
Knowing I have to get back to her, I suck in a couple of deep breaths.
You can do this.
God, can I?
Come on, Forest. Get it together. Aria’s your best friend and a stunning woman. It’s not surprising you’d fall for her. She ticks all of your boxes.
I take another deep breath and square my shoulders.
Okay, I’ll just go with it. I’m not going to panic… yet. With a little luck, Aria will return my feelings.
Now’s my chance to show her that I’m the guy she’s been wanting all along.
The corner of my mouth begins to lift, and the panic fades away.
Feeling confident that I stand a good chance at making Aria mine, I open the door and walk out of the restroom.
My gaze scans over all the students until I find Aria. Two guys are talking to her, and she glances around until her eyes land on me. I see the desperation to get rid of them on her face. Walking right up to her, I lift my hand behind her neck and crush my mouth against hers.
Aria doesn’t hesitate and lifting her hands, she grips hold of my shoulders.
I thrust my tongue into the heat of her mouth and kiss her as if she’s really mine. My heart hammers in my chest, and a relentless need for more surges through my veins.
I move my other arm around her waist, and I yank her up against me. Her breath explodes into my mouth, and her hands move up, disappearing into my hair.
God, my soul sighs. Is this the reason I haven’t been interested in any girls since Kennedy left? Has it been Aria all along, and none of the girls at school ever measured up to her?
The kiss is possessive, intense, and filled with the desire to make her mine.
Her body trembles in my hold, and a sinful moan escapes her. Hearing her make the sound sends goosebumps spreading over my body.