“The ground isn’t made for tall people either,” he grumbles, looking uncomfortable with his knees half-up to his shoulders.
I give him a sympathetic look.“At least you always have a great view?”
Bryson laughs.“I’ve got an idea – come here.”He turns to the side and slides his legs forward, then parts his knees, and pats the ground in front of him.“Free backrest,” he offers.
A breeze rolls through, but I’ve had enough to drink that it doesn’t chill me.Even so, I’m not going to say no to his body heat.So, I nod and turn, shuffling in reverse on my ass until his arms reach forward, wrap around my waist, and haul me fully backward.
“This okay?”Bryson asks, his voice cheerful in my ear.
My legs look tiny between his.“Yeah,” I say, turning my head halfway before swiveling back and picking a few blades of grass off my knees.
I’m not sure I’m going to be able to withstand just how overwhelming it feels to have his body surrounding mine, his knees on either side, his arms around my waist, his hands settled in my lap.I rest my forearms on top of his and lean into him, letting my weight falls against his chest.He smells like the outdoors; like grass, sweat, and beer, like Bryson.It’s a lot.
I’m so glad Molly is in front of us, because I don’t think I’ll ever hear the end of it if my friend turns around and sees us basically cuddling here in this park.
Then, the faint music that’s been playing all around gets a little louder, and the fireworks show starts.Fireworks are overrated, honestly - something explodes, it looks cool for a while, people clap, and then you’re all just alone in the dark with the mosquitoes - but tonight, they seem beautiful.Tonight, the colors seem extra bright, the designs impressive, and Manhattan behind them looks like the best place on earth.
“Still wishing you were at the apartment watching Bravo?”Bryson says into my ear.
I turn my head to the side, my cheek against his shoulder, and shake my head.“No,” I mumble, smiling into his sleeve.“No, I’m glad I’m here.”
“I’m glad you’re here, too.”He grips the outside of my thigh, just behind my knee, and squeezes affectionately.
It’s then I realize just truly how messed up I am: because all I want right now is for that big hand to move higher up my thigh, for his fingers to slide between my legs, his big mouth hot on my neck.I want to turn around and drag him away behind the trees and find out just how strong he really is.And then - then, I want him to hold me after, just like he is now, sweet and caring and genuine.
I’m wholly, truly, and desperately attracted to my roommate.