by Amy Sumida
“Is this okay?” He mouthed.
At her nod and smile, he slid his other hand around her waist and guided her to sit on his lap with her back snuggled into his chest.
Shona glanced between the four of them, her eyebrows pulled together in confusion. Her questioning look deepened as Chad picked up one of Aria’s hands and kissed the back of it before passing her the drink he had ordered.
Aria relaxed back into Doug, allowing him to rest his chin on her shoulder. His arms banded across her waist muscles tight from pain. She used her one hand to slowly rub up and down his forearms until the muscles started to relax under her fingers.
— Chad —
Looking out the corner of his eye, Chad’s chest unclenched, allowing him to breathe easier as he noticed the improved colour in Doug’s skin. A smile played on his face as he listened to a story Kyle was telling them.
She’s perfect for us. We really need to have our talk soon.
An hour later, the noise level in the quiet bar increased enough to force Doug’s face into a grimace. He dropped his head with increased frequency onto Aria’s shoulder.
Chad kept track of Doug’s movements with increasing worry. He stood and held his hand out to Aria to help her off Doug’s lap. “I think I’m going to be calling it a night.”
“Me, too,” added Doug as he stood behind Aria.
“Good night, everyone. Aria.” Chad waved to the table before turning to Aria and pulling her into his arms for a hug. His lips brushed across her forehead as he pulled away.
Chad chuckled as Doug waved to the table, tapping his foot impatiently for Chad to finish. If anything, it made Chad want to hold on longer, but his concern over Doug’s headaches had him drawing back allowing Doug to move in. Doug’s hands found purchase on Aria’s waist spinning her to face himself. “Good night, my darling.” He pulled her close leaning in to kiss her cheek. He placed another small kiss closer to her nose before pulling back enough to place a final one on the tip of her nose.
Chad understood Doug’s need to keep kissing her. He found himself in the same predicament. The minute he touched her, he wanted more.
— Jason —
Jason helped her to sit on Doug’s vacant chair. His arm went around her shoulders as the other two left the bar. Conversation resumed, but within a few minutes Aria yawned.
“I think it’s bedtime, kiddo. I’ll walk you back.” Jason stood and held out his hand to Aria. They said their goodbyes and walked away to the smirks on her girlfriends’ faces.
Jason and Aria walked with their fingers entwined. The path led them along the beach. Something about the sound of crashing waves in the dark called to both of them.
Aria’s shoulders lowered as she took deep breaths of the salty air. “Mmmmm.” She rolled her neck as they meandered.
“Starting to relax?” Jason found himself surprised with the turn of events. He, a self imposed monk, walked hand in hand with a woman who somehow managed to get around the giant wall he built around his heart. Not only walking hand in hand, but also walking along a beach, one of his favorite pastimes.
“I am. I didn’t realize how stressed I was.” Aria squeezed his fingers. She turned her head to watch the luminescence of the waves as they rolled ashore. “Want to dunk your feet?” She tugged on his arm heading towards the property gate.
Jason laughed. “But of course.” He winked as he bent down beside her. Letting go of her hand, he wrapped his arm around her back. His other arm slid under her knees and lifted bringing a squeal from Aria’s lips. He carried her bridal style down to where the waves broke on shore.
Aria kicked off her sandals. She turned and placed a kiss on Jason’s cheek. “Thanks for the ride.”
Jason pulled his arm out from under her knees and swung her body until it was flush with his. “Anytime, kiddo.” He lowered her down, sliding her body along his. He bit back a groan. This wasn’t supposed to be happening to him. He had promised himself never again, but Aria seemed to make him forget whenever she was near.
He toed off his shoes and bent to roll up his pant legs. Looking up, he noticed Aria tied a knot in the hem of her skirt around her knees to keep it from getting wet. He reached for her hand and together they walked into the edge of the surf.
“It’s still so warm,” marvelled Aria as a sigh escaped her chest.
“It is.” They stood still letting the waves break around them as they took in the moon’s reflection on the water.
A quiet yawn came from Aria. “We should probably get you back.”
Before Aria could answer, a rogue wave broke over them soaking her almost to her waist. Laughing, Aria ran back up onto the dry sand. “Guess we really need to get back now.”
Jason couldn’t help but chuckle along as he followed her onto the beach. Bending down, he retrieved both their shoes. He held them in one hand as his other searched for hers. Entwining their fingers, he led her back down the beach until they reached the gate closest to her building.
They rinsed the sand off their feet before sliding their footwear back on. Together they walked the few steps to the entrance of her building. “Are you spending the night with us again?” Jason led her through the doorway to the stairs.
“Um, ah, I think,” —Aria cleared her throat— “I think I should probably stay here tonight.”
“Do you think you’ll be okay?” Jason led her to the door. His heart beat frantically at the idea of her not being with them.
Aria reached into her small shoulder bag for her key. “I think I will, but…”
Jason placed his fingers under her chin and tilted her head until he could stare her in the eye. “But if not, then you will come to our room no matter what time it is.”
Aria nodded as she licked her lips, eyes darkening as she gazed into his eyes.
Unable to hold back any longer, Jason’s lips ghosted over hers in a sweet kiss. His lips moved away before returning for more. He covered every inch of her soft lips, tasting the hint of lemonade from the bar and the barest hint of sweetness from the dessert they shared. Hmmm. His eyes widened.
Fuck. What am I doing? He nearly groaned from the overwhelming rush of feelings coursing through him.
He pulled back, resting his forehead on hers. “That was my first kiss in nearly three years.” He pulled back even farther, wanting to see her face.
Her desire filled eyes locked onto his. “Mine, too.” She licked her lips tasting his lingering presence.
He bit his lip, a quiet moan escaping. “Aria,” he all but growled at her.
“Since it’s been so long, maybe we need to try it again. You know to make—“ That was as far as he let her go before his lips slammed onto hers. Where their first kiss was sweet and soft, this one unlocked their pent up passion.
His hands slid to her waist and then to her ass. He squeezed, loving the feel of it in his hands before sliding them down farther to the back of her thighs. Lifting her, Aria’s arms wrapped around his neck as her legs went around his waist. Shifting them until her back hit the wall, his lips continued their assault. Needing more, he shoved his tongue in between her lips plundering the inside of her mouth.
Aria’s hands slid up into his hair. Her fingers curled into fists lightly tugging on his soft, curly hair as his lips moved from hers. She tilted her head back as his lips slid down her chin to her neck.
“Jason,” she moaned as she ground herself against him.
Jason thrust his pelvis into hers at the sound of her moan, the feeling exquisite.
Holy fuck! What am I doing?
Shocked, Jason kept enough wits about him to slow down his kisses instead of immediately stopping. Keeping her against the wall with his hands and pelvis, he rested his forehead against hers.
His ragged breath kept time with hers. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get so carried away.”
“D-d-d-don’t be. I think I’m as much to blame.”
Jason kissed the tip of her nose before releasing her legs and slow
ly lowering her back to the ground. “Not that I hadn’t been wanting to do that since we snorkeled.”
He wiggled his eyebrows before groaning as her body slid down over the large erection he sported.
Aria grinned. “Well, anytime you want to lose control again,” —she stepped back and bent to retrieve the bag she dropped— “feel free to lose it with me.” She winked over her shoulder as she slid the key card into the reader. She opened the door and started in. “Good night Jason,” she called over her shoulder.
“Good night.”
Chapter Nine
— Aria —
Aria closed the door behind her, listening as Jason walked away. Her chest continued to heave as she tried to calm her body. Damn! That man can kiss. She rubbed her lips remembering the feel of his lips sliding over hers. Yummy. Lost in thought, a smile stretched across her face as she wandered towards the bathroom, stripping off her clothes. Married to her ex for over eight years, never had she experienced a kiss like that. What else was I missing being with Ryan all this time?
After a shower to rinse off the salt water from the unexpected dunking, she threw on her sleep shorts and tank before crawling into bed. She settled in, getting the blankets perfectly wrapped around her and her e-reader when she heard the door open, admitting Shona, Jennifer, and Trish.
Crap. They’re back early.
“Hey, girl, surprised to see you here. I thought you and Jason would have been holed up somewhere making out.” Shona flounced into the room, stripping.
“I agree. The chemistry between you two is off the charts.” Jennifer kicked of her sandals before flopping onto her bed.
Aria glanced around the room, laying her e-reader down. She shrugged, plastering on a fake smile. “Nope, I’m here. Tonight, was fun though, right?”
“It was. I really like Mark.” Trish pulled out a bottle of juice from the fridge, the vodka from the shelf of booze, and a glass from the cupboard. She poured some juice into the glass and then added a large splash of vodka. Lifting the glass, she took a sip. “Mmmm.”
“Pour me one, too, please.” Shona walked into the bathroom and partially closed the door. The girls rolled their eyes and chuckled as they all distinctly heard Shona peeing.
Jennifer propped herself up onto her elbows. “I’ll take one as well.” She sat full up straight, pulling her top off.
Trish held out a glass to Aria who shook her head. She turned and poured two more drinks before carrying them over to their beds. Handing one to Jennifer, she placed Shona’s on the night table before sitting down on the side of her bed. “So, Jennifer, you haven’t left Derek’s side all day. What’s going on?” She tossed a wink at Aria before turning the full weight of her stare onto Jennifer.
Jennifer’s hands faltered as she tried to undo the zipper on her skirt. “W-wh-what do you mean?” She turned her wide-eyed stare to Aria pleading with her to help.
“That’s what I’d like to know.” Shona emerged from the bathroom with her silk robe wrapped around her. “The two of you certainly seemed close and the two of you disappeared for a bit in between the volleyball games.”
Colour rose up Jennifer’s face. “I, uh,” —she faced Aria, again pleading— “um, don’t know. He’s nice and all…” Her voice trailed off.
Shona sat on the bed and started to apply her skin lotion. “Hmmm, I’ll let it go this time, but only because I want to know what Aria is playing at with Doug and Chad.”
Aria felt the gaze of the three girls turn on her. She wanted to squirm under their heated stares, but knew it would send out a signal to them. Shona, in particular, was like a shark when she sensed blood. To her, a squirm would be the same thing.
“They’re nice guys.” She shrugged.
“Nice guys? That’s all you can say?” Trish took another sip of her drink before placing it on the night table. She stood and went over to the dresser.
“What did you want me to say? That they’re hot? I think you three have already established that.” With a tight-lipped smile on her face, Aria pushed down her covers. She stood and walked to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water.
“Hot doesn’t even begin to cover Doug,” muttered Shona as she put the lid back on her cream and placed it on the night table. She picked up her drink. “What we want to know is why you were all cuddly with Doug tonight and then gave both him and Chad a hug?” She brought her glass to her lips, but didn’t take a drink. Instead her eyes bored into Aria’s back.
Aria uncapped her bottle of water and took a swig. She carefully replaced the cap, giving herself some time. Not understanding her own mixed feelings on the issue, the last thing she wanted to do was to discuss it with her friends. None of them would understand. As soon as it was on and tight, she schooled her face and turned to face the room.
“Oh that.” She kept her tone neutral and bored. “That was nothing. Jason told me that Doug had another headache and asked me to be a physical barrier.” She shrugged as she started back to her bed.
“So, what about the hugs, then?” Jennifer pulled the covers back and slid into bed.
“Oh that? Again, it was nothing.” Aria rolled her eyes, and a small smile crept onto her face. “I feel comfortable with them. They’re like the boys I hung out with in high school. We were always hugging each other, very touchy feely and all that stuff. Shona knows how I was.”
Climbing into bed, she placed her water on the table beside her. She pulled her medication container out from the drawer, dumped the handful of pills into her hand before popping them into her mouth. Unscrewing the cap from her water, she held the bottle up to her mouth and chased the pills down with a few gulps of water.
“What about you and Kyle?” Jennifer rolled onto her side, looking at Shona and Aria in their bed. “You can’t tell us that you haven’t had your hands all over him, Shona.” Jennifer raised her eyebrow before winking at Aria.
“I agree,” added Trish exiting the bathroom in her sleep shirt. “You and Kyle seemed awfully cuddly at times today.”
“Really?” Aria couldn’t disguise the glee in her voice. She turned her head returning Shona’s earlier heated stare.
Shona waved her hand to dismiss the allegations. “Really, girls? You know me. I flirt a lot. Kyle’s nice and all, but if I were to go after someone here, he wouldn’t be at the top of my list.” She pulled back her side of the sheets and climbed in. “Night all.” She turned off the light on her side and rolled, placing her back to them, effectively ending their discussion.
Aria turned her back to Shona, a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach. It didn’t take a genius to know who would be at the top of Shona’s list and it left a bad taste in her mouth. She remembered how other friends complained about the way Shona interacted with guys they liked and started to date, but having never experienced it before, she didn’t believe them. Early in her days at university, she met her ex, Ryan, and they quickly became inseparable. Shona never flirted with him and Aria mistakenly thought it was out of their friendship.
What if that wasn’t the case? Friends stopped hanging around with them, but kept up small contact with her, telling her it was Shona’s actions keeping them away. Would this destroy their friendship?
No. Shona’s my best friend. She wouldn’t do something to hinder our friendship over Doug. I can put up with it for a few days. It’s not like we will see them again after we leave here. I’ll just have to bite my tongue for now.
After her little pep talk, Aria closed her eyes and worked at relaxing her muscles.
— Jason —
Jason opened the door to his room and walked in, still lost in the feel of Aria’s soft lips, her body grinding against his…
He walked down the hall past the empty bedroom into the living room where Chad and Doug sat side by side on the large sectional couch. Two open bottles of water sat on the coffee table in front of them. He pulled his hands out of his pockets and tried to adjust the erection that continued to plague him every time he rem
embered their kiss…the press of her lips…
Chad nudged Doug. “Would you look at that? Haven’t seen him look like that since… Ever?”
Jason shrugged, but his eyes twinkled as a small smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
Doug twisted his head to peer at Jason, missing nothing in his perusal. “It’s good to see him responding to a woman. I was really getting worried.” He shot a quick smile to Chad before turning back to glance at the door. “No Aria?” His disappointed voice cut through Jason’s Aria induced fog.
“Um, not right now. She said she’d come by later like last night if she can’t sleep.” Jason made a beeline for the in-room fridge, snagging a bottle of beer before settling himself in a chair facing them. “I kissed her.” He raised the now open beer bottle to his lips knowing he dropped a bombshell.
“What?” Chad leaned forward in his seat. Shock and confusion etched on his face.
“Was it as good as you thought?” Doug leaned forward in eagerness to hear more, but a touch of jealously tinted his voice.
“It… It was better. Shit. After nearly three years, I nearly came in my pants like a fucking teenager. It was that good.” Jason looked at them with the same stunned smile he wore on his face when he told them he lost his virginity.
“Fuuuck.” Doug leaned back into the back of the couch, a happy smile plastered on his face as his eyes glazed over. “Shit,” he muttered as he tried to adjust himself in his boxer briefs.
“Did she say anything?” Chad picked up his water and took a sip. His hands trembled as he waited for an answer. “Do you think she’ll go for it?”
“Go for it? I’m guessing you’re referring to the talk we haven’t had yet?” Jason turned his attention to Chad and waited for his nod. He raised his eyebrows. “The one that picks up from our talks as teens about finding a woman to share… That talk?”
“Of course.” Chad started to roll his eyes, but movement from Doug caught his eye. “I thought it was what the two of you wanted with her. I mean, I know in high school we tended to focus more on the idea of sharing for sex, but we did talk about letting it lead to more if we all liked the girl.” Chad picked up his beer again and guzzled what remained of it.