Page 71 of Rinkmates

We’re listening to loud music while some people are dancing at the back of my living room. Others are already making out in a corner, while I found myself playing a lively game of naughty trivia.

Of course, Liora’s my partner, her thigh pressed against mine as we huddle together on the couch. We’re giving the perfect couple in love, and I think everyone is buying it. Priya and Derek are paired up, sitting across from us and exchanging flirtatious glances between questions, while Aiden and Jayce each found their own ladyfolk for the game.

As much as I hate to admit it, Aiden is a genuinely kind person. He told me he was raised on a farm and has only been living in New York for two years. The hustle and bustle of the city can be overwhelming for him, but he’s determined to make the most of his time here.

The game of trivia revolves around asking and answering provoking questions. The more creative and unique the answers, the more points you get. However, not answering a question getsyou penalty points. One individual poses the questions while the rest of the group provides answers, with the group ultimately deciding which response is the most original and deserving of points.

“‘What’s your favorite sex position?’” Priya’s cheeks flush pink as she reads the card.

I don’t hear the others answering and just look to Liora, fully interested. “Sixty-nine,” she says.

I grin. I love that one.

“Cowgirl,” I say, never leaving her eyes.

Liora leans in close as the rest give their answers, her warm breath tickling my ear as she whispers, “Why cowgirl? I thought you’d come up with something more exotic.”

My hand grazes her back as I fight the urge to grab a handful of that ass.

“I like to watch when a girl enjoys riding my dick. The moment she gets lost is the biggest turn-on.” Her cheeks turn red and I keep myself from telling her I’d love to be her tool.

As the game progresses, the questions grow more and more interesting and I can’t keep my eyes off her anymore—the way they sparkle, the curve of her lips as she smiles, the enticing expanse of her neck as she tosses her head back in laughter. The alcohol buzzing through my system only amplifies my desire, making it harder and harder to resist the magnetic pull between us. But I love these little pretend moments, because I can hold her just the way I want. They way I would if she were mine.

“All right, next question,” Aiden announces. My gaze flicks to Jayce, whose arm is slung around a girl whose name I can’t remember. “Who was your celebrity crush?”

My heart skips a beat as all eyes in the room turn to me, since I’m first in line. I don’t miss Jayce’s knowing smile. He’s such a bastard sometimes.

“Easy,” I say, looking at the girl in my arms. “Liora James.”

The words hang in the air between us, a confession years in the making. I watch as her eyes widen, a delicate blush blooming across her cheeks. She seems at a loss for words, her lips parting slightly as if to speak, but no sound comes out.

Say something,I silently plead. My heart hammers against my rib cage. Anything.

But before Liora can respond, the room erupts in a chorus of cheers and catcalls. Our friends whoop and holler, their drunken revelry drowning out any chance for a private moment. I force a smile, trying to play along with their good-natured ribbing, but inside I’m reeling. Had I just made a huge mistake? What if Liora thinks it’s creepy? I was a hell of a creepy teenager.

Across from us, Derek leans in to whisper something in Priya’s ear, eliciting a coy giggle from Liora’s friend. But I barely register their flirtation, because I’m caught up in Liora’s hand finding mine under the table, our fingers lacing together. The simple touch sparks a blaze that races along my nerve endings, kindling a hunger I’d never known before.

“Is it true?” she asks as all the other pairs of the game seem to talk to themselves about their celebrity crushes. “I was your celebrity crush?”

My thumb traces delicate circles on her smooth skin. “I remember watching all of your competitions after I found out about you. You were only fifteen, but you were magnificent.” I glance over to see Jayce and his girl passionately making out, causing me to look back at her. “I think the reason I get so worked up when I see you in your costume is because it’s become a kink for me.”

She leans in. “Did you see my routine in Orleans?”

“It lives rent-free in my head.” It was Moulin Rouge themed and the sexiest shit I’ve ever seen.

She sighs, her gaze flicking to my lips.

Some people are saying goodbye—probably Derek—but I don’t care. I pull her in, and do what I’ve wanted to for weeks now. I kiss her.

“For the show?” she whispers against my lips.

“Mm-hm,” I breathe in her mouth just so she wouldn’t know how much I actually crave a kiss from her.

The room fades away. I have no idea how many people are here, and I just don’t care. Right now, she’s all that matters to me. Her lips part, inviting me in, and I respond. My tongue meets hers, which moves against mine, smooth and slick like satin sheets. I can feel the heat of her mouth against mine. It’s so hot. Her hands slide up my chest, fingers curling into my shirt as she pulls me closer. The world could end right now, and I wouldn’t notice.

Until Shane’s scratchy voice echoes from the back of my living room. “Hey, everyone! Our video is finally up and ready to watch!”

The cheers around us barely register. We’re still kissing like we’re alone.

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