Page 31 of Awakened
“I’m no one’s second choice,” Zach mumbled with a full mouth.
I patted Zach’s back. “I know, sweetheart. But we can’t be the best in everything.”
We all laughed, and then silence settled over the table as we fell into marinara heaven. The sauce was a little spicy and garlic-heavy, but the meatballs—those meatballs though—the dudes understood how to woo a lady’s stomach.
I was a second away from licking the plate when Zach grabbed it from my hands with a tsk. My empty plate was quickly replaced with a piece of chocolate peanut butter cheesecake.
I looked between the dessert and Zach in disbelief. “Wait, we get cheesecake too?”
“Yes, you get cheesecake too. I may not be a main course chef, but my desserts are to die for.”
“You made this?” I asked and then took a bite. “Oh damn. Michael, I’m sorry. I’ve found my true love and withdraw my proposal. You will just have to get by with Sarah’s love.”
Michael hung his head and wiped away an imaginary tear while Sarah scarfed down the whole piece of cheesecake, paying zero attention to the rest of us.
She pressed her finger against the plate to get the last of the crumbs before looking up, startled to find us all staring at her. Wiping the corner of her mouth, she sheepishly smiled. “What? It was good.”
She wasn’t wrong.
After the guys cleaned up the kitchen, we settled on the couches with another glass of wine to chat. Sarah sat on the loveseat with her legs resting in Michael’s lap while Zach and I sat on opposite ends of the long couch.
“How was your first day, Les?” Sarah asked, pouring herself another glass of vino.
“Great! I already have a few introductory meetings with clients on the calendar. Not to be cheesy, but I really think I was meant to take this step in my career. It feels right.”
“That’s great.” She grinned. “I can’t lie. I’m glad you’re here. Emily had you all to herself for the last year. It’s my turn!”
“I’ll be sure to tell her you said that when she’s here next weekend.”
“Thanks.” We laughed, and then Sarah asked, “Who’s all coming with her?”
“Brandon and Seth. Brandon rearranged a couple of his tutoring sessions, and Seth canceled class for Friday. So, we’ll have a full house.”
At the mention of Seth, Zach tensed up and shifted toward my end of the couch. Sarah noticed and raised an eyebrow at me.
As if the universe whispered in Michael’s ear to make things worse, he smirked at Sarah and asked, “Isn’t Seth that guy you drool over on Instagram? Tattoo guy?”
Eyes glazing over as if she was picturing Seth’s sexy torso, Sarah answered in a breathy voice, “Yeah. If you think those pictures are something, you should see the one he sent Les. All shirtless, sexy, professor man, grading papers and—” Our eyes met, and she flinched, knowing she had said too much.
Putting on a pained smile, I looked over at an amused Zach.
“Oh? Care to share with the class?”
I let out a nervous chuckle. “Uh, no? It was nothing. We’re just bros. Bros . . . that selfie.”
Sarah whispered something in Michael’s ear, and they stood up.
“Well, we’re going to hit the hay. You two play nice.” Sarah waved as she made her way upstairs with Michael in hand.
“Smooth,” Zach deadpanned and then looked back at me. “I’m glad he’s just your ‘bro.’” He finger quoted. “Otherwise, I’m pretty sure he would hate what I plan on doing next.”
He pushed me up against the arm of the couch, his lips landing on mine, demanding and possessive. It took me a second to respond, but when I did, I gave just as good as I got.
It didn’t take long before my lungs were begging for air. Thiswas nothing like our leisurely exploration on Saturday night. When I broke away to suck down a breath, he moved to my jaw, peppering kisses down to the crook of my neck. My back arched, pushing my chest into him, and I tilted my head back to give him more access. Warmth spread through me, sending me into a haze.
His hands skimmed down my arms, and he intertwined our fingers. Pulling away, he stood. Immediately understanding what was happening, I walked ahead, leading him to my room.
Once I closed and locked the door, he pushed me against it, resuming his attack against my neck and sanity. My pulse raced under his demanding lips, urging him on. He licked and nipped his way back to my mouth, his hot breath fanning my skin.
