by T. A. Roth
We make it to the bar top and order our drinks. He nudges my arm.
“You know I’m just messing with you right. I’m glad you’re happy, dude. She’s good for you.”
I run my finger from my eye down my cheek.
“Are we gonna paint each other’s nails now?” I ask sarcastically.
“I’m serious, you idiot, and it doesn’t hurt that she came with a hot best friend.”
I shake my head. “You’re really not going to tell me what’s going on between you two.”
“Nope.”
Eli has only had one serious girlfriend, and that was back in high school. She had broken up with him before she left for college. He’ll never admit it, but he’s never been the same. Lisa Martinez, the two words that will get me punched in the mouth. She took his heart with her the day she left. He made me promise never to mention her again. I never have, but the way he looks at Vonne reminds me of the way he used to look at her.
“All right, but if you ever need-”
He puts his hand up mid-sentence. “I’m leaving for New York to intern with my dad’s firm this summer. I’m focused on finishing school. We’re having fun, and she’s cool as hell. She knows what’s up and she’s okay with it. I appreciate your concern, bro, but I’m good.”
I nod and smack him on the back. “All right.”
The bartender hands us our drinks. As we’re making our way back to our table, I see Ari get up and walk away.
“Where did Ari go?” I ask Vonne as we reach the table.
“She left.”
“What?”
“I’m kidding, relax.” She laughs. “She just went to the restroom. We didn’t want to lose the table so I stayed back.”
“Oh.” I place our drinks on the table and slide into the booth. I look over toward the restroom and can see the top of her head. I know she wouldn’t just leave, but I’ve been on edge all night. I send her a quick text.
ARI
As soon as the guys leave the table, I begin my interrogation. “So?”
Vonne looks up from her phone. “So . . . what?”
“So are you finally going to tell me what’s going on between you two or am I gonna have to beat it out of you?”
“We both know you might be taller than me, but I can kick your ass.” She’s right. I’ve never been in a fight in my life. Vonne, on the other hand, can get scrappy when she needs to.
“Fine. Will you please just tell me?” I give her my best puppy dog eyes and pouty lip.
“There’s nothing to tell so you can save the pouty face for Ben.”
“You’re lying. There are all kinds of sparks flying between you guys. That’s not nothing.” She looks frustrated. She’s always had the upper hand with guys, so I’m not sure what’s eating her.
“Ugh . . . I want to rip his shirt off and outline his abs with my tongue. Happy?” If I had a drink, I would have spit it out across the table.
“So why haven’t you?”
“He’s just so . . .” she says frustrated.
“So?”
“He’s just everything. He’s smart and hot. He has his shit together. Ugh . . .” She hides her face behind her hands. “Listen to me, I sound like an idiot.” I laugh and she pulls her hands away from her face.
“He’s leaving, Ari. He’s interning at his dad’s publishing firm in New York this summer.”
“And?” I ask.
“And . . . I’m scared I’ll fall for him then he’ll take off to New York and not come back.”
I narrow my eyes at her. ”Since when has Yvonne Marie Del Valle been afraid of anything?” She shrugs her shoulders at me, looking defeated.
“Get your head out of your ass and jump his bones already. He wants you just as bad. Stop worrying about things you can’t control and get your man.”
“Since when did you get so smart?”
“Since my best friend gave me the same damn speech a few weeks ago.” I squeeze her hand. “Okay I’m about to burst and the guys are taking forever. Can you watch the table?”
“Yeah.”
I work my way through the growing crowd and get in the enormous line us girls always have the pleasure of waiting in. I pull out my phone to pass the time and notice a text from Ben.
Ben: Can’t wait to get you home.
I stare at the screen and smile. I’m in the middle of texting him back when I hear my name being called.
“Ari? Ari?” I look up, and the blood drains from my face. I try to pick my jaw up off the floor and smile nervously.
“He-hey,” I squeak out. Ben has a perfect view from our table, and I don’t want him to get the wrong idea. Before I have a chance to react, Rudy pulls me in for a hug. “Wow, you look amazing. How are you?”
I pull away quickly. “I’ve been good. You?” I ask nervously. I haven’t seen him since he left for Spain. The past four years have been good to him. He’s all tanned skin and lean muscle. He looks good, really good.
“I just got home this week. I might be moving back.”
“Oh,” I say awkwardly.
“Yeah, I have a tryout with the L.A. Galaxy.” He’s staring at my lips, and I start to fidget.
“That’s awesome.”
The line moves a little and someone calls his name. “I better go.”
He leans in and kisses my cheek. “It was good seeing you.”
I nod. ”Yeah, you too.” He stares at me for a beat then turns and walks away.
My hands are shaking, and it’s finally my turn in the bathroom. The butterflies in my stomach are making me want to vomit. I take care of business and try to shake off my nerves.
As I walk back to the table, Ben’s eyes are fixed on me. He has his beer bottle in a death grip. Vonne’s eyes look like round saucers, and she mouths a big “oh shit.” I slide into the booth next to him, and he’s picking at the label of his beer refusing to meet my eyes. He’s pissed. I had hoped Vonne recognized whom I was talking to, but it’s dark so I can’t be sure.
He clears his throat. “Can we talk for a sec,” he asks. I nod my head and place my hand on his forearm.
Vonne and Eli must sense the tension and decide to go dance. She squeezes my shoulder as they pass.
“Ben . . . He-”
“How long were you together?” he asks still not looking at me.
“Five months.” He closes his eyes and lets out a deep breath.
“Did you sleep with him?” My eyes widen in shock.
“Ben, he was my high school boyfriend.”
“Answer the question, Ari. Did you sleep with him?”
He repeats it slowly through gritted teeth. My blood starts to boil. He has some nerve. He’s had a revolving door of girls and some crazy bitch that’s stalking him and he’s going to try and sit here and question me.
“Yeah,” I answer boldly. “He was my first.”
His jaw clenches and his nostrils flare.
“Fuck . . .” He hisses under his breath. He’s quietly working through his anger.
“Did you love him?” He finally meets my eyes waiting for my answer.
“No, I didn’t.” He stares at my warily. It’s the answer he wanted, but I can tell he’s not entirely convinced.
“How many people have you slept with?” He did not just ask me that.
“How many people have you slept with?” I retort.
He stares at me angrily. Uh-uh. He doesn’t get to be pissed. He was screwing God knows who just a few weeks ago. He doesn’t get to be mad at me over one guy from high school. I stand my ground and stare right back at him.
“You’re the only one who’s mattered,” he finally answers breaking our standoff. His answer melts my heart, but I can’t help my eye roll.
“How long have you been saving that line?” He can tell that I’m annoyed. I look down at my balled fists, and he grabs my chin bringing my attention back to his eyes.
“It’s not a line, it’s the truth.” I let out a frustrated breath.
&
nbsp; “Not that it matters but two okay.” He nods.
“Two total or two besides me?” His eyes fixate on me as he waits for my answer. I cup my hands around his face.
“Two including you and just so we’re clear, you’re the only one who matters.”
BEN
That’s exactly the answer I needed. I wrap my hand around her neck and kiss her desperately. Vonne had to talk me down. She recognized him right away and explained it was Ari’s ex from high school. The feeling I got in my chest is one I’ve never felt before. I saw him hug her then kiss her goodbye, and I came unglued. I had to keep myself from stalking over there and kicking his ass. JEALOUSY . . . She’s a mean bitch.
My insides are still twisted. She pulls back from the kiss to catch her breath.
“I’m sorry. I know it wasn’t fair to ask those questions. I . . . I just saw you with him and the way he was looking at you.” She pulls me in, kissing me tenderly.
“Will you dance with me? I don’t want this to ruin our night.”
We’re sliding out of the booth as Vonne and Eli make their way back.
“Everything good?” Eli asks warily.
“We’re good, just heading out to dance. If the waitress ever makes an appearance, can you order us another round?”
He nods. ”Sure thing.”
We squeeze our way onto the tiny dance floor. We find a space near the corner and Ari turns and wraps her hands around my neck. She tilts her head up and kisses my lips.
“Happy anniversary,” she says smiling. “This is exactly how I kissed you a month ago,” she says proudly.
“You just couldn’t resist me?”
She rolls her eyes. “Nope. Still can’t.” She leans in for another kiss.
We dance to a few more songs. Having her body rub against mine for the last half hour is driving me mad, and I’m ready to get her home. The music is blaring, so I just grab her hand and head off the dance floor. She follows me back to the table, and as we approach, I notice Eli and Vonne are becoming better acquainted.
I look over my shoulder, and Ari has her hand over her mouth. There aren’t any drinks on the table so I assume the waitress never came back. She pulls me back into her.
“Let’s not interrupt them. I’ll just send Vonne a text. Let’s go.”
I turn us toward the exit. She didn’t have to ask twice—I’ve wanted to leave since we got here.
I was a man on a mission, and we get to her apartment in about thirty minutes. She doesn’t ask me to come in. The look in her eyes tells me that she’ll drag me out of this car if I have any thoughts of leaving.
The sexual tension is palpable. The minute I close the door behind me, she grabs a handful of my shirt and crashes her mouth onto mine. This girl had me in knots just a few hours ago, and now I’m putty in her hands.
“Clothes . . . I want . . . off,” she says while unbuttoning my shirt between kisses. I slip my shirt off then pick her up. She wraps her legs around my waist, and I walk us over to the couch. She works her mouth all over my bare skin. I set her on the armrest of the couch and drop to my knees. I undo the button of her jeans and slide them down her legs. I toss the pants over my shoulder and place kisses up her thigh, working my way to her aching core.
She’s more than ready. She makes soft mewling sounds as I get closer. I lap over the wet spot on her panties with my tongue. She grabs a handful of my hair and moans.
“Oh God, Ben.” I continue to tease her. The small strip of lace is the only barrier between my tongue and her sweet spot. She grinds against my face desperate for the friction. I grab the tiny string of her thong off her hip with my teeth and pull. She loops her thumb on the other side, and we work them down her trembling thighs.
I lap once more between her wet folds. She grips my hair tighter. I’m desperate to be inside of her. I trail kisses up her body. She slides her shirt off for me, and I bring one of her tight nipples into my mouth.
“I want you, Ben. Please,” she begs.
I’m on my feet, pants off, and condom on in a blink of an eye. We kiss each other breathless; our hands are everywhere. I break our kiss, stand her up, and face her away from me. My hand slides across her back, slowly arching her over the armrest. I guide myself into her, and we both moan with pleasure. I wait for her to adjust before slowly pulling out.
She lets out another moan, and I slam back into her.
“You feel so fucking good, babe.”
“Ben . . . please.” I take that as my cue. I work my way in and out of her. The feel of her tightening around me breaks my resolve.
“Who do you belong to, Ari?” She whimpers. I smack her ass and pick up my pace.
“Who, Ari? Who do you belong to?” A flash of that asshole hugging her makes my jealousy creep back up.
“You,” she whimpers. I groan and slam into her again.
“That’s right . . . me . . . only me.” I wrap my hand around her neck and arch her into me. It changes the angle, and I hit her in the perfect spot.
“Say it . . .” We’re both close.
“I’m yours, babe . . . only you,” she moans. I bring my hand to her shoulder and continue to slam into her like a madman. I work her swollen nub between my fingers, and she picks up her rhythm.
“I’m close, Ben. Please don’t stop. It’s so good. Please . . .” It’s all I need to take me over the edge, and she falls with me. Her aftershocks milk every last drop. She slumps over the couch, and I rest my head on her back trying to catch my breath.
“Mine,” I whisper against her skin.
“Only yours,” she whispers back.
We’re lying in bed coming down from another amazing round. Ari’s curled into her favorite spot, and I’m mindlessly running my fingers through her silky strands. Her breath is steady, and I think she’s asleep when she murmurs something into my chest. I look down and chuckle.
“What was that?” She rubs a pattern onto my skin with her finger.
“My sister’s birthday is next weekend, and we’re having a barbecue.” She pauses and takes a deep breath. “Will you come with me?”
I smile and kiss the top of her head. “Of course.”
She relaxes and presses small kisses onto my chest. “Thank you.”
I tighten my hold on her, bringing her closer, and she sighs with contentment.
ARI
I hear an annoying buzz and slowly flutter my eyes open. I’m tangled in my sheets and strong arms are wrapped around me. It takes a few seconds to register, and I shoot straight out of bed.
“Shit, I’m gonna be late.” It’s Monday. Ben spent the weekend, and I’m starting to get used to waking up with him in my bed. He puts an arm over his eyes and starts to laugh. I throw a pillow at his head.
“It’s not funny.” I start to turn in circles like a dog chasing its tail. I don’t even know where to start.
He wraps his arms around my waist startling me.
“Hey, calm down. You fell asleep before setting the alarm. I set it an hour early. I’ve only hit snooze once,” he says kissing my neck. ”You’re fine, babe. Now get in the shower and I’ll start the coffee.” He smacks my ass and walks out of the room.
Three hours later, I’m sitting at my desk tackling a stack of files. This anniversary party has taken up a lot of my time. Along with my regular duties, I’ve been keeping track of the guest list and following up with vendors. I can’t wait for this event to be over. I’m standing by the file cabinet when my desk phone rings.
“Law offices.” There’s a brief pause.
“May I speak to Arely Muñoz, please?”
“Speaking,” I answer hesitantly.
“Hey Ari, it’s Rudy.” My stomach drops. How did he get this number?
“Hey. H . . . How did-”
“I’m sorry for bothering you at work. I just really wanted to talk to you, and I didn’t get your number the other night. I-”
“So, how did you get this number,” I interrupt.
“Okay, so
I kind of stalked your Facebook page and you have the firm listed under employment. I just took a chance. I’m sorry.”
I’m confused. I haven’t seen him since we graduated high school and now, out of nowhere, here he is.
“Look Ari, there are some things I want to tell you, and I didn’t get the chance to do it the other night. I just finished my tryout, and I’m near your office. Can we meet for lunch?”
My curiosity is piqued. What could he possibly have to tell me after all these years? Ben will lose his mind if he finds out. I’m torn.
“It’s just lunch. You have to eat right?” he asks.
He must sense my hesitation. I sigh into the phone. He’s right. I’ll just text Ben and let him know. It’s not like I’m going on a date.
“Fine. I’ll meet you at Plaza Olvera. The little-”
“Cart at the entrance. I remember.” I forgot I took him there once.
“See you in an hour.”
“Okay, see you then.”
I pull into an open parking space and look at myself in the mirror. What the hell am I thinking? I couldn’t leave well enough alone. I’m about to text him an excuse when I realize we didn’t exchange numbers. Crap.
I suck it up and walk toward the little cart where I told him to meet me. I see a small group gathered as I approach. As I get closer, I see Rudy taking pictures and signing autographs. I don’t follow sports so I forget that he plays professional soccer. He smiles when he sees me and puts a finger up to give him a moment. After a few more autographs, he politely excuses himself and walks over with a tray of food.
“I’m sorry about that. I got here a little early and took the liberty of ordering for us. I hope this is still your favorite.”
He places a plate with taquitos, rice, and beans in front of me. My stomach rumbles.
“Thank you. I should be sorry. I guess I didn’t think when I asked you to meet me here. I forget how crazy Latinos are about their soccer.”
He chuckles. “No problem. I’m used to it. It’s not too bad here. You should see how crazy it gets in Spain.”
I nod. I’m still a little nervous about what he wants to say. I start to dig into my plate.
“I know you’re probably wondering why I called. It’s just. I never stopped thinking about you.” My fork stops mid-bite.