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“It’s been fun guys,” Onyx said. “Lucy, good to see ya and congrats again on the engagement!” She grabbed Lucy and they shared a big hug. “And thanks for the party for Jaz. I was stuck at work last night, but she absolutely loves that club.”
Jason coughed. “She’ll be missed.” Lucy rubbed his arm as she looked up at him.
To break the tension, I started the hugging process to prepare to leave, which in the South would typically still take twenty minutes. This created a chain reaction of hugs and smiles as we all spoke over each other and twirled to be sure everyone got a goodbye. Suddenly, I was face to face with Mike.
Our eyes locked when I realized it was him. I leaned in to keep pace with the goodbye dance we were all doing. Even though I was still a little tipsy, I decided quickly it would be more awkward at this pointnotto hug him.This was fine.
My arms were already mostly open, so I widened them, made my best attempt at a smile, and moved toward him. His eyes widened a little, but his long, thick arms moved around my waist.
Shit.
My body melded to his and my face pressed to his chest. I couldn’t help but breathe him in. His frame was a little larger than I remembered, but it was still warm and welcoming.This was not fine.
I almost lost myself in the embrace before Onyx called to me, “Sis, you ready?”
I jerked my arms away.Definitely awkward now. I smiled and tried to ignore the cautious hope sparkling in his deep brown eyes. “Yeah, this was fun, y’all.”
We started to the car, then Onyx stopped and turned around. “Hey, Mike. Didn’t you say you rode with Jason and Lucy?” He nodded. “Why don’t you just ride with us? No sense in them doubling back when you’re going to the same spot.”
I froze.Nope.Not fine at all.But if I said no, I’d look like an ass, and everyone would question me later. Turning so I could look back, Mike was nervously wringing his hands and Jason was watching me intently. I gave a quick nod toward the car and Mike smiled, turned to pat Jason on the shoulder, and waved to everyone else as he made his way to us.
“Thanks, ladies. Jason wouldn’t mind, but it does make sense.”
Onyx threaded her arm in his as I walked behind them. “So, you’re sensible now?”
He laughed. “Hey, I was young last time you saw me. We all did some dumb shit, okay?”
We walked up to the car and Onyx hit her key fob to unlock it. Mike opened the passenger door and waved me in.
“No, you go ahead. I can sit in the back,” I said. I wasn’t sure his long legs would even fit in her car.
“Nope, I’m a straggler. You get shotgun.”
I smiled and slipped into the passenger seat, and he shut the door once I was inside. Onyx was already cranking the car and Mike climbed in the back seat. I couldn’t see much from the side mirror, but he was for sure struggling to get comfortable in the back. I moved my seat up a little and Onyx looked over her shoulder and chuckled.
“Sorry about the tight fit, bro. But Jaz tried to give you the front.”
“I’m good. It’s not a long ride.”
The car got quiet, but he was right; it wasn’t a long ride back. We pulled into the parking lot of the complex and I jumped from the car before Mike could slide himself from the back seat.
“Oh, what a great time. I hadn’t seen all the folks from the club in a long time. And that Val, feisty.” Onyx jingled her keys as we walked toward the building.
“Yeah, they’re a good crowd,” I said.
We all got to the breezeway. Mike’s door was to the left, the stairs to our floor in front of us. Onyx looked back and forth between Mike and I and rolled her eyes.
“Well, I’m off to bed. I worked today. Mike, welcome home.” Onyx hugged him. “I’ll see ya I’m sure.”
Onyx walked quickly to the stairs. Once again, I was left making a last-minute decision. I’d hugged him already at the restaurant but didn’t want to be rude. “Well, I need to head inside. I have a lot to do tomorrow and my first day is Monday.” I raised my hand to waive and tried to force a natural smile, but it probably looked like a bad driver’s license picture smile.
“Yeah, I’m beat, too. Good night, Jaz.”
He didn’t move so I turned and walked up the stairs before walking inside. Knowing Onyx was lurking around, I went straight for my room, but yelped when I turned the corner. “Shit, you scared me. Did you need something from the bathroom?
“No. I need you to tell me what the hell is going on.” She stood in my doorway, hand on her hip that was popped out.
I rolled my eyes and pushed past her, turning my light on. “What are you going on about?” I tossed my bag on the dresser and pulled some cotton pants and a tank from the top drawer, then pushed past her again to go to the bathroom.
