“Whatever it is, she wants me to see. Would you mind holding Annie for me?”
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” I pass over Annie and stand up. Slipping off my jean shorts, I kick them to the side and walk over to where Jack and Zara are.
“Jack, could I borrow you for a second?” Jack lifts his head and smiles.
“Sure, baby.” Standing up, he comes over to me. Throwing my arms around his neck, I go up on my tiptoes and capture his mouth with mine. He seems a little blindsided, but it only takes him a second or two before he’s kissing me back. My hands wind into his hair as my tongue plunges into his mouth. Pressing my hips against his, I feel him harden, and I push harder, eliciting a moan from him. My nipples have hardened, and I gasp as they brush against his chest, only the thin material of my bikini top between us.
“Fuck, Aria,” Jack mumbles, as he pulls out of the kiss and rests his forehead on mine. His breathing is erratic, and it matches my own. “You know you’ve gotten me hard in the middle of a pool party, right?” He chuckles, his hands squeezing my waist.
“I noticed,” I whisper, lifting my forehead from his.
“As amazing as that kiss was, is everything okay?”
“Everything is fine. I just wanted to kiss my boyfriend.” His face erupts into a smile and I can’t help but smile back. “What?” I ask on a chuckle.
“Hearing you call me your boyfriend…” He trails off.
“Well, you are, aren’t you?”
“I am, and I love hearing you say it.”
He lowers his head and kisses me again. Just as the kiss begins to heat up, a voice shouts, “Jack, man, put her down! This is a family gathering.” It’s Josh, and his voice is full of humor.
“Leave them alone, Josh!” Savannah shouts back. “They’re in love.”
A gasp sounds from behind us, and I lift my head to look in the direction of where it came from. Zara is still sitting with her feet dangling in the pool, only now she isn’t smiling. A scowl covers her face, and she’s glaring daggers at me. If looks could kill, I’d be dead on the spot.
Jack chuckles and takes my hand. “I only want you, Aria,” he whispers in my ear. “You don’t need to worry about Zara.”
“I’m that obvious, huh?” I ask sheepishly.
“A little, but you can kiss me like that anytime you want, and in front of whoever you want. Zara knows the score.”
“She does?”
He nods. “And now Savannah’s told her we’re in love. From her reaction, she clearly didn’t think we were that serious.”
“I don’t trust her.”
“I know, but she’s proving herself so far with Jacob. I have to give her that chance.” Before I can respond, Jacob comes barreling along and slams into my leg.
“Ria, up!” he cries, and I smile as I reach down and pick him up.
“Are you having fun?” He nods and I drop a kiss on his wet hair.
“Food’s ready,” Josh shouts.
“I’ll take him inside and get him dry.” Jack takes him from my arms and sweeps a kiss on my lips. “Be right back.” My eyes follow him, and I chuckle as I see everyone huddled around the barbecue. Anyone would think they hadn’t eaten in a week. I’m just about to head over there when Zara sidles up next to me.
“I know what you’re doing, Aria,” she says quietly, quiet enough that no one else hears her.
“What?” I ask, raising my eyebrows in question.
“Your little performance with Jack. It’s pretty pathetic.” Anger courses through me and I really want to slap her in the face.
“Excuse me?” I turn to face her, my hands going to my hips.