??re still going to take the journalism world by storm and kick ass.”
“Damn straight.”
She whips her head and looks at me with wide eyes. “Damn straight? What are we, doing a throwback?”
“What? Damn straight is a hip term.”
“If you’re my mom…”
“Darn tootin’,” I shoot back.
We both burst into laughter, erasing the somber mood from earlier.
“Can we talk about something not so heavy and depressing?”
“Yes, let’s talk about my plan to get Crystal and Morgan together.”
I nod eagerly. “Let’s hear it. It’s time to see if she can get her man back.”
We walk into the bar, and Nicole spots us immediately. Bryce places his arm around my waist and leads us to the table with Dean and Quinn following. As soon as we’re in range, Nicole launches herself at us, wrapping Quinn and me in her arms.
“I never thought you’d get here!”
“Pffftt! We’re lucky we’re only an hour late. Bryce rarely lets Devon up for air the first twenty-four hours they’re together,” Quinn informs the whole table.
“Quinn!” Heat floods my cheeks when everyone around us laughs. Well, everyone except my brother, who looks sick.
As usual, Tommy hoists me into his arms in a tight embrace while Bryce introduces Dean and Quinn to the crowd. Dani gives both Quinn and me an enthusiastic hug and launches immediately into questions about school. If she’s disappointed about Liza not being invited, it doesn’t show.
“You ladies are at least two drinks behind. Need to catch up.” Nicole claps loudly, and Bryce and Dean head to the bar.
Rick introduces us to his date, who also greets us warmly. As soon as the guys return with our drinks, we migrate to the end of the table. Bryce kisses my cheek softly then moves down by my brother to watch sports on TV.
An hour later, Quinn decides we need tequila. After three shots, we go to the dance floor. Nicole breaks loose, and I turn to Quinn. We throw our hands in the air screaming when Fifth Harmony’s ‘Worth It’ sounds through the speakers.
Unfamiliar hands land on my waist, and Quinn’s eyes go wide. She starts shaking her head viciously to whoever is behind me. I turn right as Bryce physically removes the unknown guy’s hands and tugs me close, crushing his mouth to mine. My hands fly to his head and frame his face as he deepens the kiss. Our tongues dance in the same rhythm as our hips start to grind. My heart pounds faster and I grow dizzy as our lips continue to move urgently against one another. He breaks away, laying his forehead against mine and allowing me to breathe his oxygen. The warmth of his breath on my sensitive lips sends a ripple directly down my body.
The heat in his gaze is enough to singe my skin, and I struggle to regain my senses. He kisses me again, this time rougher, more intense, and I move so we’re plastered together. His hard erection rubs on my thigh as his hands grip me tighter. I can barely hear the song over the ringing in my ears.
Catcalls and whistles finally wake me out of my Bryce fog, and I withdraw slowly. He doesn’t let me go far, burying my head in his neck, lifting me off the floor.
“Mine.” Even with my body blazing, goose bumps break out on my arms.
“Yours.” My voice is hoarse.
He sets me down but doesn’t let go. The songs bleed together, and Bryce never allows more than an inch between our bodies. I’m pretty sure our erotic showcase should be a bit more private, but I can’t seem to break away. His body seduces mine with each dip and movement.
The music pauses, forcing us to stop dancing, and I notice we have a small audience. Dani and Nicole are leaning into each other, pointing at me teasingly. Behind them, Liza stands with hatred and jealousy glowering on her face.
Bryce places his finger on my chin and forces my eyes to him. His intense stare is full of passion, and I forget about Liza instantly.
“One hour. Then we’re gone.”
“One hour,” I agree, thankful Dean and Quinn have my car.
“Tonight and tomorrow, you are naked except for the one surprise I have planned. My cock is in fucking agony, begging for you.”
As if in a trance, I bob my head. “Naked.”