I fight to reign in my emotions, and when I break the kiss, we’re both gasping for air. Aria opens her eyes, and they look dazed as she focuses on me. Her cheeks are flushed, and I almost haul her back against me so I can kiss her until I’ve had my fill of her. But knowing it won’t be my wisest move, I let go of her.
She clears her throat, and her hand flutters up, tucking hair behind her ear. “Uhm… wow?”
Wow is the understatement of the fucking year.
I glance around us and notice the guys have left. My voice sounds low and hoarse as I say, “It looked like you needed help.”
“Ah… yeah.”
“Hey guys,” Carla says as she joins us, unknowingly saving us from an awkward moment.
“Are you having fun?” Aria asks her.
“Totally.” Carla’s gaze locks on Noah as he pulls himself out of the pool. “Oh, look what the cat dragged in.”
Noah’s eyes glide over Carla, and tilting his head, he asks, “Did you only get half your pocket money this month, and that’s why you couldn’t afford the other half of that bathing suit?”
Carla’s eyes narrow on him, and for a moment, I’m worried, but then she shakes her head. “You are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity,” she impersonates Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story.
Noah takes a step closer to her, and his voice is low as he says, “Don’t you think it’s time you grow up, little girl? You’re in the adult world now.”
“God, help me,” Carla hisses, clearly losing her temper.
I dart forward and grab hold of her arm. Pulling my cousin back, I lock eyes with Noah, “That’s enough.”
He holds up his hands, and with one last glare at Carla, he turns around and walks away.
“Just ignore him if he bothers you so much,” I snap at Carla, partly upset that she baited Noah and also still out of my depth from what’s happening between Aria and me.
“I’m going up to the suite,” she mutters before pulling her arm free from my hold.
“But, it’s still early,” Aria quickly jumps in, apparently not ready to call it a night.
“Stay guys. I’m just going to shower and climb in bed.” She gives us a reassuring grin. “Enjoy the night.”
We watch her leave the pool house, then Aria turns to me. “Well, that was intense.”
The kiss between us or the fight between Noah and Carla?
“Yeah, I hope they make peace soon, or we’re all in for one hell of a wild ride.”
ARIA
I’m trying to act normal around Forest, but damn, after that last kiss, I feel… God, I don’t know how I feel.
The kiss was everything I’ve ever wanted. It was toe-curling, spine-tingling, downright possessive…
I glance up at Forest, where we’re standing by a group of freshmen. I can’t remember any of their names because I’m one hundred percent focused on Forest.
The way the corner of his mouth lifts in a hot grin.
His strong hand gripping a water bottle.
The way his throat works when he takes a sip.
His golden skin stretching over his muscled chest, down to his abs.
The V disappearing under the fabric of his shorts.
The veins on his arms, like a map begging my fingers to trace them.
“Are you okay?” Forest suddenly asks, and my gaze snaps up to his face. The moment our eyes meet, I feel a kaleidoscope of butterflies take flight in my stomach. Forest places his hand on my shoulder, a frown forming on his brow. “Aria?”
“Huh?”
“Are you okay?”
I begin to nod like an idiot. “Oh… yeah.” I swallow hard. “Just tired.”
“Let’s go.” Forest slips his hand down my arm, and his fingers link with mine. He sets the bottle of water down on a table and pulls me to where we left our belongings.
I drag on my shorts and slip my feet into my sandals. Picking up my towel and phone, I turn to Forest, and I watch as he shrugs his t-shirt on.
He wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close to his side before we leave the pool house.
At first we walk in silence, then Forest asks, “Are you really tired, or is it more?”
“Can we talk when we get back to the suite?”
“Sure.” He drops his arm from my shoulders, and I instantly miss his touch.
Moving my phone and towel to my left arm, I reach for his hand and weave my fingers through his. Forest’s gaze darts to me as we walk into the building, and I try to gather my thoughts.
When we step into the suite, Forest asks, “Can we shower before we talk?”
“Yeah.” We go to our separate rooms, and I rush through my evening routine. When I’m dressed in a comfy pair of shorts and a t-shirt, I go knock on Forest’s door. My stomach is tight with nerves, but I need to talk to Forest about my feelings.