Page 58 of One Pucking Destiny

The pool day has a more relaxing vibe than earlierin the week. After days of drinking, I think we’re all feeling partied out.

I sit on the built-in bench at the end of the pool with Ari at my side. We watch the others play a game of volleyball. A sense of calm surrounds me that I haven’t had all week. In truth, it would’ve been great to feel this way the whole time. But if a day is all I get, I’ll take it.

There’s no frantic voice in my head, thinking of all the ways I can get Ari to fall for me. The back-and-forth of our relationship is gone, neither of us feeling the need to prove our case. She’s not trying to convince me that she’s not into me, and I’m not attempting to prove to her that she is. The stressful back-and-forth yo-yo that has consumed our relationship is gone, the string broken.

It’s just us, content.

And holy hell, it’s the best feeling in the world.

My hand traces lazy circles against the small of her back beneath the water while she absentmindedly runs her foot against mine. It’s so easy and feels like it should always be this way. I refuse to let my brain panic about what tomorrow will bring when I have her today.

My foot taps against the tile, my knee bouncing as I stare toward the pool. I’m not really taking in the view, merely waiting for the minutes to pass. Ari announced that she was heading to bed about fifteen minutes ago, wanting to get some sleep for her early flight tomorrow.

To avoid drawing attention, we agreed I’d wait down here for a while and join her in a bit. It’s ironic seeing we didn’t space out our departures earlier this week when we weren’t screwing. Yet now that we are, it feels pertinent to keep it hidden.

Fifteen full minutes—that seems adequate. I stand and make a show of stretching, not that anyone cares, and take off toward the house.

My heart beats rapidly, and my body hums in anticipation of what’s to come. It might be tied with the way I feel before our first game of the season. Sex with Ari is that good.

I open the door to my room to find Ari naked and sprawled out on my bed. By the looks of her damp hair and makeup-free face, she’s freshly showered.

“Did I die and go to heaven?” I close the door behind me and turn the deadbolt.

She throws a pillow at me. “So cliché.”

“Clichés are coined as such for a reason.” I kick off my flip-flops and pull off my swim trunks. “Andbelieve me… you, naked in my bed, is the reason clichés exist.”

I jump into the bed, the front side of my body against the mattress, and lie beside her. “I don’t even know if that makes sense, but it sounds good, so I’ll give it a pass.” She moves a piece of my hair off my forehead.

Propped up on my elbows, I lean over and supply her breasts with kisses. She half giggles, half sighs as I take her nipple into my mouth. I pull back, her nipple elongating and leaving my mouth with a pop. I lay my cheek against her chest as she threads her fingers through my hair.

“We should have these hookups when we get back to Michigan,” I offer, trailing my hand down her body and over her hip bone.

“Bash,” she chastises. “We talked about this, and you promised.”

“I know. I was just making sure you haven’t changed your mind. Because if you had, I’d be willing to renegotiate terms.”

“I haven’t.”

“Alright, fine. Can’t blame a guy for trying.” I press my face between her breasts and blow a raspberry against her skin, causing her to giggle.

“I will miss our one-night stands. You’re definitelythe best I’ve had.” She takes my face between her hands.

“I thought you said I was your worst.”

“As in neediest. Skill-wise, you’re pretty good.” She smiles, her tongue peeking out to wet her lips.

I push up from the bed and trail kisses over her collarbone. She moves her head to the side in silent invitation as I kiss up her neck. “Pretty good or fucking incredible,” I whisper against her ear. “Be careful how you answer this.”

“Fucking incredible.”

“Good answer.” I swing my leg over her body to straddle her. Caging her head between my arms, I ravage her with a kiss, my tongue giving a preview of what’s to come.

“Bash.” She breathes my name, soaking with need.

I nip at her lip. “Yeah?”

“Since it’s our last night together, I want something a little different.”

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