And before I could make a move, he slipped his hand along my cheek, down the side of my neck, and curled his fingers around the nape of my neck. He tipped my head back with his fingers, and then he had his mouth on mine. His kiss was warm, his lips firm. He smelled so good, and when he slipped his tongue along the seam of my mouth, I’d never tasted anything better.
I didn’t know what this all meant. Maybe it meant nothing at all. Maybe it was just two people who connected in a way, in a moment, and this was how they wanted to show that appreciation, that closeness.
Or maybe it meant everything.
And when I pulled back and neither one of us spoke, my pulse thundering in my ears, I knew I didn’t want this to end. I wanted this to be just the beginning.
There was a lot I wanted to say, more kissing I wanted to do, but before I screwed this up, said something that would ruin this moment, I whispered goodbye and opened the door. I got out of his car, feeling his gaze on me the entire time and not being able to help the smile forming on my lips.
There was definitely something between us, and I wanted to find out how deep it went.
Aiden
I don’t know how long I sat in her driveway, watching her, staring at her departing as she headed inside. I lifted my hand and touched my lips. They tingled. I knew I’d remember that kiss forever. I knew nothing would ever top it.
That first kiss. The one that steals your breath, makes your heart stop.
And I knew, in this moment, on this day, that there was nothing more I wanted than to keep Harlow close.
And I knew I’d do just that, screw things getting in the way. She was the best thing that ever happened to me, and fuck anything or anyone who tried to get in my way of making her my reality.
Chapter Eleven
Harlow
The party-Saturday night
Well, here we were, staring at Braxton’s house. I felt all kinds of dread and disgust, but I sat in the passenger seat of Aiden’s car, and I felt comfortable, happy in his presence. He could make that horrid feeling just disappear with a snap of his fingers.
As soon I let Pixie peer pressure me into coming to one of Braxton’s parties, I regretted it. And I’d seen on Aiden’s face, he hadn’t been all for the idea either. But here we were, both of us about to stick out like sore thumbs. Well, that’s how I felt at least.
“Ready?” he asked, and I looked over at him.
“No, but here we go.”
He smiled, and I felt my stomach twist in pleasure.
Since the kiss in his car, we hadn’t done anything ese, hadn’t even spoken about it. Which made me start to think it was all an “in the moment” thing. I didn’t want that though, hated to even think it, because I felt such profound things for Aiden. But on that same token, I saw the way he looked at me at times. I couldn’t pretend, didn’t want to assume, it was all in my head and the heat I saw in his eyes wasn’t actually there. I didn’t want to think it was my own desire to have him want me with the same intensity in which I wanted him.
We got out of his car and headed toward the front door. There were so many people outside, the music blasting from the open doorway and windows, that my ears were already ringing. I moved out of the way as a couple guys played—no doubt drunken—football, even had to walk over a guy passed out on the lawn. A couple were on the porch making out, or hell, maybe even having sex, judging by the motions I caught before I quickly looked away.
I glanced at him, assuming he’d be looking at the sexing-it-up couple, but instead he had his focus right on me.
“You good?” He sounded so worried, as if he wanted to make sure I was fine.
I smiled and nodded. “I’m good. Are you?”
He grinned and gave me a wink, and I felt my body instantly heat.
Once inside, he pushed a couple guys to the side so we could walk in.
“Show me your tits,” a drunk yelled at a girl passing by, and she gave him this saucy little smile, her eyes red-rimmed, and lifted her shirt to show him what he wanted. Everyone started cheering, and I felt my face heat.
Yeah, this wasn’t my scene.
I looked at Aiden and saw he wore a controlled expression. He had some stubble across his cheeks and jaw, making him seem even older than he was. He might only be nineteen, but his maturity level surpassed all these guys.
He looked at me, and I mouthed, I’m sorry. Actually speaking right now would have been drowned out by the noise.
He didn’t say anything, didn’t even tear his gaze from mine; instead, he reached out and took my hand in his. My heart did this little hiccup thing, and the emotions I felt in that moment couldn’t be called anything but elated.
He leaned in close and said against the shell of my ear, “I don’t want you getting lost in a sea of dirty fuckers.” He tightened his hand in mine, and when he pulled back, I felt his cheek brush against mine. My breath caught.
I knew a party like this would be a testosterone free-for-all with everyone drinking and partying, with almost-sex going on in every corner, but God, I was glad I’d brought him as I felt him hold my hand and weave us through the people. He pushed guys out of his way, and I swore they parted for him, as if they were afraid.
I couldn’t blame them. Aiden definitely had a dangerous air about him.
The house was crammed with people, the music loud and vibrating the very walls. I could smell beer and I swore vomit. The latter had my stomach clenching in distaste. Maybe being drunk was the only way to stand these things?
Aiden squeezed my hand and looked over his shoulder at me. I had a feeling it was to make sure I was still here. I gave him an answering smile, and he faced forward once more as he pulled me through the house. I didn’t think he knew where we were going, because I sure as hell didn’t, but before I knew it, we found ourselves in the kitchen.
We stopped and just stood there a moment, and I glanced around for Pixie. She’d sent me a text saying she was already here, but it would be impossible to find her with how many people were gathered around. I had no doubt half these people were from other schools.
I glanced at Aiden several times. He looked so masculine, and once again, I couldn’t help but think of how much older he seemed than all the other guys here.
And I sure as hell felt feminine when I was with him.
“Should we do something, get a drink or something?” I felt out of place here and felt even weirder asking what the hell to do at a party of this magnitude. It seemed people were either drinking or having almost-sex.
The smirk Aiden gave me had my entire body tightening in awareness, had my lips tingling, had me wanting to rise up on my toes and kiss him again.
Aiden led us farther into the room, his hand still wrapped around mine. Once in the state-of-the-art kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and the stench of money pouring from every corner, we stopped. I spied several kegs set up off to the side, guys loitering around them with red plastic cups in their hands. Those same cups were on the counters and even a few on the floors, as the trashcans set up were overflowing.
More people started coming into the kitchen, my body being pushed around like a Ping-Pong ball. Aiden tightened his hold on my hand and pulled me closer. Even over the rumble of music and conversation, I heard the low, threatening growl that left him, heard him mumble “fucking assholes” under his breath.