Page 20 of The Men of Summer
He holds my gaze and holds our attention with his answer. “Don’t be mad, okay?”
“That’s not a good start,” Zayn deadpans, blows on his java, and resumes his position on the stool next to mine.
“Nothing bad, I promise…” A spoonful of breakfast is lifted to his mouth to let us stew. “Just… you might get a call from school.” Another spoonful to allow us to register the news. The crease between my brows deepens. “Hear me out, okay? Here’s the thing: Liam and I have been texting for a couple of days….” Jeremy empties his bowl in record time. “Wanting to get back at Jessica for going with that… jock…” He trails off. I narrow my gaze, not liking where this is going. Zayn’s audible sighs prove he’s feeling the same, but he keeps his mouth shut. “We decided the best thing to do was either ditch prom or go together, including Em’, of course. But missing prom implied Jessica won.”
“Won? What are you saying?” My voice strained, I raise an eyebrow.
Jeremy shakes his head. “Not like revenge… Well, kinda like it, but not in a mean way. We’re best friends and always have each other’s backs. Liam convinced Em’ that we should makea statement, show Jessica that what she did was wrong, you know?”
Perplexed at where he’s going with this, I gulp more coffee. “And?”
“We went as athroupleand entered the place arm in arm. People stared.”
“Huh?”Yup, that’s how good I am with words at times…
Apprehensive, we’re both silent. “We pretended to be together, like romantically.” I swallow hard. WTF? “We danced pretty suggestively… and one thing led to another… and we… kissed.” Jeremy sighs, looks at us alternatively, and runs a hand through his hair.
“What’s the big deal?” Maybe Zayn’s French heritage is to blame, but they do kiss all the time. Jeremy’s eyes widen at my question. Looking at his shelf-shocked expression, it dawns on me that his admission sounds guilty.
“You used tongue, right?” His lighthearted tone makes me do a double-take.
Ohhh, the French kind of kiss!
“Yup… I kissed a boy, and I didn’t like it.” Instinctively, the back of his hand swipes across his mouth. “And I kissed Em… Worst idea of my life, and they felt the same way.”
“Swapping spit withfriendsyou’re not into isn’t your idea of fun after all?” Zayn’s mirth is unmistakable. Chuckling, Jeremy shakes his head. “Was there alcohol involved?”
“What about the school calling?” I blurt.
“Obviously, people managed to sneak booze in, despite the chaperones. Most of us got buzzed pretty fast. I doubt Em’ drank a lot, being our responsible DD and all… Remember the French kiss scene inCry-Baby? That was our inspiration. By then, it wasn’t just about Jessica anymore. We were standing up for the freedom to love who you want and not be judged for it.” He’s on a roll. “Well, I guess we inspired others… Before long, half ofthe crowd was making out, regardless of gender pairing. It was wild and hit social media before chaperones could do anything. They’re calling it The Pride-Baby Rebellion. But then, they threw us all out. It still felt liberating. I know it was petty, but I somehow got my revenge.” He worries his lip. “Also, I’ve been meaning to apologize for ruining Mom’s picture.” Strolling our way, he awkwardly hugs us. “You are the best parents anyone can ever dream of.”
“Thank you.”
CHAPTER 13
HERE WITH ME
Zayn
2 years later
Istep out onto the balcony of our hotel room. Breathing in the fresh spring air, I hope that my lingering headache brought on by the drive will subside soon.
Looking ahead, I take in the gorgeous landscape. The snow has melted, revealing lush greenery and blooming wildflowers that sway gently in the breeze. It’s a striking contrast with Palo Alto.
The smell of coffee suddenly permeates my nostrils as Dante approaches with a steaming mug.
“Thought you might need this," he says with a smile. I nod. “How do you like Tahoe so far?” He hands me the cup, then pads behind me and snakes an arm around my waist. His soft lips attack my neck, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.
Leaning my head to the left to allow him better access, I quiver at the emotions my man, my boyfriend, and also my lover elicits in me. His lips cover my neck with feather-light kisses.Soon enough, goosebumps are displayed on my bare forearms, and my heated face must be as crimson as my polo shirt.
“It’d be… hard… to… dislike…” Catching my breath turns out to be even more of a challenge when his hand joins the party and cups the bulge over the fabric of my shorts and squeezes firmly.
“Very hard, indeed.” A moan rattles from my throat.
Ever since the Memorial Day weekend when Dante’s mojo returned with a vengeance, he’s been bolder, adventurous, and sinful. That was over fifteen years ago… Needless to say, the sex had been fulfilling before then, but whatever amped up his enthusiasm hasn’t subsided in all these years. Quite the opposite, since it was his idea to introduce toys to our play. And play, we do.
“You know, I didn’t bring you here for the view.” He clears the gravel in his throat. “Well, not justthisview, at least.” He gestures at the mountains.
