When he made his way outside a few minutes later, he nearly tripped at the sight.
Only one person had stayed besides him.
Tori.
“Come on in, big brother, the water’s perfect.” Kristen waved to him from the bubbling hot tub.
Tori’s eyes narrowed a bit, and she glanced back toward the house. “Did everyone else leave?”
“Yup.” Kristen’s voice was bright and innocent. “We figured we’d keep the after-party on the small side.”
You don’t say.
James clenched his teeth at his sister and Blake’s flagrant matchmaking attempt. When he glanced at Tori, there was confusion and discomfort in her gaze now. It seemed she was surprised by this, as well.
He reached the edge of the hot tub, placed his beer on the side and easily lifted himself over and in.
The minute the hot water hit, his muscles relaxed, and any reserve about their small group fled.
They were all adults here. It’d be fine.
His gaze slid across the water to where Tori sat with Kris. Then wished he hadn’t.
The bubbles did a good job at hiding Tori’s body, but not the pale curves of her breasts that floated near the surface in a green bikini top.
Beneath the water, his cock stirred, and he thanked God for the bubble-creating jets.
He was instantly transported back to Comic Con and the visual of Nadia’s breasts rising above the corset. If he tried hard enough, he could almost imagine it was her.
He blinked and jerked his gaze away.
Just because they’re pale and big doesn’t make them the same, idiot.
“I’m here. The party can start.” Blake threw himself into the hot tub, sending water spraying into the air.
Kristen laughed, sidling closer to her new husband.
“So, James.” Blake draped one arm over the outside of the tub and the other around Kris. “Tell me about this Theresa girl. You into her?”
Ah, crap. “I mean, she’s nice.”
“Yeah, but are you into her?”
James could feel all eyes on him, but especially Tori’s.
Part of him debated lying, but he was done with the games.
“Nah, not in that way. There’s not a lot of chemistry.”
Kris and Blake visibly brightened at his words, while Tori glanced off into the darkened backyard. Even with the outdoor lights strung around the porch, it was hard to read her reaction.
“Anyway, how’s grad school, Kris?” James changed the topic, because anything had to be more interesting than his love life.
For the next half hour, the topics stayed safe and light. Everyone had another beer, except for Blake, who stuck to soda.
The mood was easy and fun. Playful, even. He found himself more relaxed than he had been in a long while. And thoroughly enjoying the company he was with.
“Oh, hey, you totally lied to me.” Tori, who had inched closer throughout the evening, splashed water his way at the light accusation.