Page 69 of Press Play

Wren:Uhh, maybe?

I smile down at my phone while I text her.

Me:We have to talk about last night.

Wren:I know. . . And we will after we go to your mom’s.

Me:Sounds great, see you there.

I have an hour before I have to leave, which means I don’t have time to dillydally. I head into my room and gather a pair of jeans and a black tee before taking a shower. My focus is on getting clean so I can get ready, but the image of Wren on her knees will forever be at the forefront of my mind. And damn, is that an experience I’d pay to relive repeatedly.

The memory of last night lingers, her warmth, the way she unraveled me so effortlessly. I’ve never felt that exposed with anyone else; somehow, she reaches into me, past all my defenses. The thought terrifies me as much as it thrills me. I can’t decide if that’s a reason to run or lean closer. One taste wasn’t enough, and the ache she’s left me with only grows stronger, clawing at my every thought.

The things I’d give to have her with me right now, so I can hold and cherish her. It’s criminal. Knowing I’ll see her within the hour sets me at ease. Even if we don’t pursue our feelings or attraction, I’ll be content with her just being in my life, but I’m not a quitter. The first step is acknowledging, and I’ll do all I can to prepare myself for it.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I grumble when I pull alongside the curb in front of Mom’s house.

I put my car in park and turn off the engine, sighing. Mom didn’t mention anything about a party. She conveniently left that major piece of information out when she sent Wren in as a messenger.

The cool breeze hits me when I step out of the car, but the sun is warm. Music fills the street, and the mouth-watering smell of BBQ laces the air. It’s the perfect day for a party if you enjoy them. Wren and I do not, and knowing my dear mother, she didn’t mention this tidbit because we would have come up with every excuse in the book to avoid going. Nothing beats last year when we went to the pet store to buy a dead fish. His name wasHercules, and we gave him a grand funeral. Mom wasn’t amused when I shared the pictures.

“And how did it die?” she asked.

And sweet, innocent Wren put on her most serious face and said, “It drowned.” Then she broke down in fake tears.

I had to put my best acting skills to use that day.

I’ll give it to her, Mom got smart, and she’s lucky it’s her birthday, or I would grab Wren and turn around. Speaking of which, I should warn her?—

“There you are!” Mom squeals as she opens the front door.

“Hey, Mom.” I greet her with a wide smile. She’s almost a foot shorter than me, so I have to bend over to give her a hug. “Happy birthday.”

“Let me see you.” She squeezes my cheeks as she fawns over me. “My baby boy got so big and handsome.”

“You just saw me the other day.”

“After you tried to avoid me.” She pats my cheek before freeing me. “When are you going to give me grandbabies?”

“You don’t waste any time.” I sigh.

“Time is ticking, but I guess we should find you a girl first. Listen, there’s someone I want you?—”

“No.” I cut in with a stiff tone.

“I didn’t even?—”

“You’re trying to hook me up with one of your friend’s daughters, and the answer is no. I don’t want to hear it, Mom. Is Wren here yet?”

She opens her mouth to respond but snaps it shut with a smirk instead. With an arched brow, the question I’m about to ask is cut short when Wren’s familiar voice stops me.

“Sorry, I’m late. Mia and I aren’t good with directions.”

With an amused grin, I turn around to tease her. “You practically lived here— Oh, fu—” Picking up my jaw before Imake a further fool of myself, I take in the sight of the beautiful woman now standing beside me.

I’ve never seen her like this before. The shock stilled my heart and stole all my motor functions. Her auburn hair is pulled back into a high ponytail, with two pieces framing her face. It’s taking everything I have not to give in and trace her curves, which are only highlighted by the light blue sundress she’s wearing. And her breasts . . . fuck me. I’m going to have to be on my best behavior and not stare at them all day. I certainly can’t imagine how soft they must feel or how they fill out her top?—

“Theo?”

---