A Mystery Kiss

Copyright@K.C. Lynn

Men of Honor Monday’s are short exclusive scenes about previous characters in the Men of Honor series and the future generation.

They give you a peek into their lives and maybe even a hint of what’s to come.

Please note that some details are subject to change if the need arises, especially when it comes to the Next generation.

Happy Reading, KC Lynn ♡

Mia

“Oh man, our dads are going to shit when they see us,” Ella remarks with a chuckle as we stand in front of the floor length mirror in Annabelle’s room, putting the finishes touches on our costumes.

“Probably,” Annabelle agrees. “But lets face it, pretty much anything we wear they find something wrong with it. Hopefully, they will feel more flattered than angry with our choice of costumes.”

Ella tosses a doubtful look her way. “They definitely will not be flattered, but it will be funny and I do have back up if we need it,” she says, fingering the plastic handcuffs and gun that’s attached to her small shorts.

We all laugh with her.

Ella is dressed as a cop while Annabelle, Hope and I are dressed as sailor’s. In honor of our dutiful fathers, of course. However, every kind of costume like these for female’s are not—shall we say—modest. But, with a little creativity, we were able to improvise. Our shorts are short but we added black leggings underneath. Instead of having the cut off tops that showcased our stomach’s and barely covered our boobs, we chose black tank tops. Paired with our over the knee boots, and cute hats, I think we look badass. Let’s hope our dad’s do too, but I’m not holding my breath.

“How are you holding up, Mia? You got your second costume packed and ready to go?” Hope asks.

I nod, butterflies fluttering in my tummy as I think about the plan I have in place for tonight. A plan I have spent weeks preparing for with the help of my best friends.

“Tell me again I’m not crazy for doing this?” I whisper, needing the encouragement.

“Sorry but you are certifiable,” Ella says, being honest like always.

Annabelle playfully swats her arm then grabs me by the shoulders. “Look at me. You are not crazy. I think you are brave for doing this.”

I shake my head. “There’s nothing brave about dressing up in disguise and kissing the guy you love so he doesn’t know it’s you.”

Annabelle shrugs. “I disagree. It takes a lot of guts to do this and I get why you’re doing it. You don’t want to risk things getting weird with you guys and this way it won’t be.”

I gaze back at her, still feeling unsure.

“It’s just a kiss, Mia.”

“Yeah and let’s face it, Parker, is not going to be upset some beautiful girl in disguise locks lips with him,” Ella adds.

A collection of agreements fill the room.

That’s what’s making me feel so unsure. Do I want him to think it’s someone else? What if he thinks it’s Missy?

The thought makes me sick to my stomach, but so does the thought of him knowing it’s me and having our friendship ruined. Which it totally would be. This is my chance. My one opportunity to know what it’s like to kiss him, something I’ve been thinking about for as long as I can remember.

Hope puts a hand on my shoulder and offers me a sympathetic smile. “I agree with Annabelle. I think what you’re doing is brave and my brother would be lucky to have someone like you kiss him, even if it is in secret.”

“Thanks, Hope.” I smile back at her then offer one to Annabelle and Ella. “Thank you all for helping me pull this off. You guys are the best.”

Our arms wrap around one another, forming a group hug until Ella breaks it up. “All right, are we ready to face the music?”

“Ready,” the three of us answer at the same time.

I grab my black tote bag with my masquerade costume inside then follow them out of the room. My nerves kick up once again as we quietly descend the long staircase, nervousness swimming in my belly for what we’re about to encounter.

“All right, lets try just shouting a goodbye and walk out,” Annabelle whispers, stopping at the bottom of the stairs. “Brae is waiting at the truck for us.”

Nodding, we follow her to the front entrance, our steps light.

Quietly, she twists the door knob, opening the door for us. “See ya later, Dad, we’re leaving now.”

“Whoa, hold up!”

Pushing through the door, we slam it shut, effectively cutting off my Uncle Jax and make our escape, our feet bounding down the porch steps in a hurry. Unfortunately, we’re not fast enough and the door swings open a second later.

Spinning around, we stare up at our dads, their large powerful frames filling the doorway. The porch light gets flicked on, illuminating their hard expressions.

“What the hell are you wearing?” Uncle Jax asks.

Silence fills the night as we remain stock still. I swallow hard, my heart in my throat as I stare back at my dad, his eyes harder than usual.

Uh oh!

Ella is the one to break the tension. “Surprise!” she sings, jumping in front of the rest of us with her arms out at her sides. “What do ya think?

We decided to dress up as our favorite men.”

“I think you better get your ass back upstairs and put on the costumes we bought for you,” Uncle Cooper says.

My nose wrinkles as I think about the one piece Teletubby costumes they got us. Something I haven’t watched since I was a kid.

Annabelle takes the opportunity to cut in. “Well you see, we actually took those costumes back and got these ones instead. We wanted to represent.”

“You’re not representing shit,” my uncle fires back.

Great. This is not going to be easy. If only we had our mom’s here right now but instead they are at the church, cleaning up after the day’s events.

Uncle Sawyer starts in next. “If you girls want to represent, we will give you our uniforms to wear because I’ll tell you one thing, they sure as hell don’t look like that.”

“Come on, Dad,” Hope pleads. “It’s just a costume. We’re fully covered.”

“Yeah,” Ella chimes back in. “You would be proud if you saw how these costumes originally came. We’re women of class and honor.”

“You’re not a woman, you’re a girl,” Uncle Cooper says, starting forward. “Now get your ass back in the house.”

Ella pulls her plastic gun from her hip, her stance widening. “Freeze! Don’t come any closer or I’ll shoot.”

Us girls break into laughter but her hilarious effort doesn’t deter Uncle Cooper. He rips the gun out of her hand and picks her up off her feet, throwing her over his shoulder. Her squeal of laughter fills the air.

“What did I tell you happens to mouthy little girls, Ella? They get locked in their rooms forever.”

“Good thing I’m not a little girl anymore, huh?” she says, continuing to laugh as she hangs upside down.

He grunts his disagreement.

Thankfully, the cavalry arrives, my mom’s SUV pulling up with all of my Aunts.

“Oh my gosh, you guys look adorable,“ my Aunt Grace comments as they all climb out of the vehicle.

My mom comes to stand next to me, pulling me in for a hug.

“Adorable my ass,” Uncle Sawyer snaps. “Cupcake, who okay’d this shit?”

Aunt Julia is the one to answer. “We did. Why, is there a problem, Jax?” she asks, her attention moving to my Uncle.

“Yeah there’s a problem, they aren’t leaving dressed like that.”

“Oh, yes they are,” my Aunt Kayla shoots back, taking no shit as usual. “Now put our daughter down, Coop. You’re going to mess up her costume.”

“I’m going to mess you up,” he mumbles under his breath but we all hear it.

She flashes him a sassy smile. “Sounds like a plan to me, Officer Sexy. But first, put our daughter down and let her go to the party.”

“Yeah, Officer Stud Muffin,” Ella mocks. “Put me down, I have a job to do. I need to serve and protect at this party. Make sure it doesn’t get too rowdy.”

Another round of giggles sound among us.

She will probably be the rowdiest one there.

Uncle Cooper shakes his head but eventually lets her go.

After some heavy convincing from our Mom’s they finally relent.

Uncle Jax points at Braedyn who came over a while ago to see what the hold up was. “Don’t take your eyes off of them.”

He nods. “I got them. Don’t worry.”

As we head for Brae’s truck, I turn back to find my dad still standing on the porch, watching me. His arm is draped over my mom’s shoulders while hers are wrapped around his waist. He looks relaxed, except for the dark panic in his eyes, one I see all too often.

“I’ll be right there, you guys,” I tell the others, coming to a stop.

At Annabelle’s nod, I run back to the house, skipping up the porch stairs.

My dad steps forward, his arms opening for me and I don’t hold back. I throw myself at him, hugging him close as he lifts me off my feet. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too,” he returns, his voice gruff as he buries his face in my hair.

My heart warms, knowing how hard it is for him to say those words, especially to me.

“Be careful, Mia.”

“Always,” I promise him.

He sets me down on my feet, his troubled eyes more settled.

“I know you might not like the outfit, Dad, but nothing makes me more proud than to represent you and what you fought for.”

He stares back at me, silence hanging heavily between us. “You make me proud, kid. Always.”

Smiling, I launch myself at him again, pressing a kiss to his cheek then bound back down the stairs. “Bye! I’ll see you soon.”

“Midnight sharp!” he yells at my retreating back.

I toss a wave over my shoulder but continue my quick pace, not wanting to keep everyone waiting.

My smile never wavers as we drive to the party, my heart feeling lighter than it has all evening. However, it changes the moment we pull up to Jordan Banks’ house, a hockey teammate of Parker’s who’s hosting the party. He’s usually the one to host all the team’s parties, his lavish house big enough to fit our entire school.

Butterflies take root in my tummy as we hop out of Brae’s truck, the black tote bag clutched firmly in my hand.

Hope places a reassuring hand on my back, sensing my nerves. “You got this, Mia.”

I nod, offering her a shaky smile.

Music explodes from the house, the ground vibrating beneath my feet as we follow Brae inside. The place is overly crowded, bodies knocking into me left and right, most I don’t recognize due to their costumes.

A loud roar overshadows the noise when some guy runs through the house, fake knife in the air, ready to attack. I jump out of the way just in time but he accidentally knocks into Annabelle.

Braedyn shoves him, hard enough that he’s thrown against the wall. “Watch where you’re going, asshole!”

“Hey, man. It was an accident. Take it easy,” the guy says, words slurred as he pushes to his feet and continues out the door.

“I’m fine,” Annabelle assures him.

“Well, well, well, look who finally showed up.”

I tense at the familiar voice, a shiver of excitement dancing down my spine. Turning, I find Parker and Beckett making their way over to us. Beck in his Football jersey, and Parker in his Hockey Jersey, both carrying a plastic cup in their hands.

My breath stalls in my lungs as Parker’s eyes collide with mine. They hold me captive for a hard second before cascading down my body.

Hope floods my chest but evaporates when they flick to the rest of the group, so quickly that I wonder if I imagined it.

“I see they let you leave the house in your new costumes,” Beckett remarks, slinging an arm around his sister’s shoulders.

“Of course,” Ella says, shoulders straightening. “Easy peasy.”

“Their mom’s showed up in the nick of time,” Braedyn says, outing her farce.

“Figures,” Parker grunts.

“Whatever, at least we are in costumes,” Hope fires back.

“So are we.”

She rolls her eyes. “Your jersey is hardly a costume.”

“But the ladies love it,” he adds with a wink.

Before I’m able to stop it, a scoff shoves past my lips.

His eyes move to mine again, amusement flickering in the green irises. “Something on your mind, Country?”

“Nope,” the lie flows seamlessly from my lips.

He chuckles, not the least bit put off and drapes his arm around my shoulders. “Come on, half pint. Let’s get you something to drink.”

I follow alongside him, trying not to get wrapped up in his strong warmth and incredible scent. It proves impossible. However, the feeling is short lived because once he gets me some non-alcoholic punch, something apparently he and Beck made sure there was for us girls, he keeps his distance.

If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he was avoiding me . Or maybe he’s just distracted by all the girls hanging off of him, especially Missy. Her blonde hair is teased high and her boobs splashing out of her playboy bunny costume as she rubs up against him. It should make me feel better that Parker pays her no attention and at times even moves away from her advances, but it doesn’t. She gets under my skin, especially when she keeps throwing snide looks my way.

She and I don’t get along. Never have, especially when her and Parker dated. She hated when I spent any time with him. I have no idea why. No one knows of my feelings for him but my friends. Not even my mom. Missy has always been cruel and hateful toward me. I think it might even be one of the reasons Parker broke it off with her. Something I don’t feel bad about one bit.

After sending another glare my way, she stretches up on her tiptoes and whispers something in his ear. I turn away, unable to stomach anymore. I look at Annabelle, Hope and Ella across the kitchen and nod, letting them know I’m ready.

No more being on the outside looking in. Not tonight.

When they nod back, I slip out of the kitchen with a group of other people but head down the back hallway while they move into the living room. Reaching the garage, I glance behind me then open the door and am thankful to find it dark and empty.

Perfect.

Stepping inside, I close the door behind me and let out a shaky breath.

It’s now or never.

Parker

I consider escaping the crowd to go outside and cool off for a bit. It’s fucking hot in here. Or maybe my blood is on fire from a certain brunette’s choice of costume that shows every single curve she possesses.

She may have the voice of an angel but her body was made for sinning… and to drive me crazy.

I pretend to focus on what Coleman has to say about our upcoming game and make sure not to seek her out. The last thing I want is to be sporting a hard on all night, especially with Missy being fucking relentless. She’d think it’s for her and it’s the furthest from the truth.

Thankfully the bitch took a bathroom break with a friend, another reason why I feel like escaping to the backyard.

With that thought in mind, I excuse myself and head toward the patio door when my sister jumps in front of me.

“Hey!” she squeaks, her voice higher than usual.

“Hi…” I reply slowly.

“Where are you going?”

“Outside.”

“There’s no Soda left in the fridge. Jordan said there’s some out in the garage, can you get one for me?”

“Yeah. What kind do you want?”

“Um… whatever there is. You know what I like.”

I grunt. I’ll come back with the wrong one. It always happens because she changes her damn mind all the time.

Instead of voicing that, I move in the opposite direction I was headed in and go out into the garage. Climbing down the steps, I start across the dimly lit four car space, passing Jordan’s Land Rover his dad just bought him when someone emerges out of the shadows, scaring the hell out of me.

“Jesus fucking christ,” I bellow like a pussy before registering it’s some blonde chick in a masquerade costume.

Her hand covers her mouth, stifling a giggle.

“Where the hell did you come from?”

She doesn’t answer the question and stares back at me, her face mostly hidden behind a jeweled mask. Even her eyes are shaded. A long red dress and black cloak shields her slender body.

“You looking for someone?”

She nods but offers nothing else.

“Want to tell me who?”

When she points at me, I smirk, my arms crossing over my chest.

“Is that so?”

Another nod.

“Let me guess, Banks put you up to this, didn’t he?”

Asshole. That’s why Hope asked me to grab the drinks, she’s in on it, too.

Oh, sister, you know better. Payback is going to be beautiful.

The masquerade beauty shakes her head, silence hanging heavily in the air. My smirk fades when I notice her hands trembling where she twists them in front of her.

What the hell?

“You all right?”

Again she doesn’t respond, just continues to watch me. Her weirdness is starting to give me the serious fucking wigs.

I’m just about to cut out when she expels a shaky breath and starts forward, her heels clicking on the cement floor.

I step back, thinking I’m about to be part of some sort of fucking slasher flick. I’d hate to hit a chick but I’m definitely not opposed to it if said chick is about to try to slice and dice me. Who knows what the hell she has hiding under that cloak of hers.

My back hits the Land Rover as she reaches me and for the first time I notice how tall she is, or maybe it’s her heels?

She remains silent, her hands curling in my jersey.

“All right, listen up, psycho girl. I’m all for games but…” I’m cut off when she tugs me down, crushing my lips to hers.

The contact rocks me to my fucking core.

***

MIA

At the first touch of his lips, the world shifts beneath my feet, life as I know it changing forever. My heart smashes against my ribcage, hands shaking where I clutch his jersey, holding him captive to me.

I never want this moment to end.

His low growl that only can be described as primal, vibrates against my lips and reverberates through my whole body. I gasp against his mouth when he jerks me against him, lifts me off my feet then spins us around and pins me against the SUV.

The sound of my dress ripping fills the air when he tears my slit higher, his large hand shoving underneath to cup my bottom as he ravishes my mouth like a starving animal, setting my body on fire.

Oh god!

His tongue tangles with mine, coaxing and demanding. He takes exactly what he wants and I gladly give it to him. I let him own it because he already owns the most integral part of me.

The kiss is everything I expected and more.

Knowing it will probably be the only time I feel this, I take it for all it’s worth. It’s completely unlike me, I really have no idea what I’m doing but it all comes so naturally. It’s like there’s something darker that lives deep inside of me, a knowledge, a craving, and I let it loose.

My fingers twine in his hair with a desperate grip as I match him stroke for stroke, our mouths and tongues fused together in heated passion.

Another growl rips from his chest when my teeth sink into his bottom lip, his hips pushing forward.

A fiery whimper escapes me, exploding against his lips as his jean clad erection meets my throbbing center.

Oh god, I want more. I want it all.

“Whoa, shit, sorry.”

I tense, a horrified gasp escaping me when I realize someone else is in here. I don’t turn around and remain frozen.

Parker stares back at me, his celadon eyes alit with fire. He drags them away to whoever is behind me. “You need something?” he asks, his fingers still gripping my bottom.

I need to get out of here. Now!

“Didn’t know anyone was in here. I was just coming to grab drinks but Missy is looking all over the damn place for you.”

It was like a bucket of ice cold water, the beautiful, passionate moment stolen by the mention of her name.

I shove against his chest, knowing now is my time to escape. He doesn’t release me easily, his eyes coming back to me, pinning me beneath my mask. After more effort on my part he finally lets me go.

I don’t bother looking behind me to see who came in and run out the side door, swiping my bag that sits on the ground against the house.

Knowing it’s too risky to wait here until he heads back inside, I take off down the street, finding a large tree to hide behind. I rest back against it, my lungs heaving and lips still burning from his touch.

I’m surprised when Annabelle, Ella and Hope show up a minute later.

“How did you guys know I was here?”

“We were in the front, waiting for your signal then saw you bolt,” Annabelle answers.

“Did anyone else see me?” I ask, keeping my voice low.

They shake their heads.

“So,” Ella prompts. “How did it go? How was it?”

“It was…” I trail off, trying to think of the right words. “Terrifying, incredible and life changing.”

Annabelle jumps up and down excitedly. “I knew it, I knew it.”

“I’m so happy for you, Mia,” Hope says, a genuine smile on her face.

“Do you think he has any idea it was you?” Ella asks.

I shake my head. How could he? I made sure my body was hidden behind the cloak, until he grabbed me that is. My heels made me much taller and my hair was a different color. Besides, he wouldn’t even think for a second it was me. No one knows my feelings for him but the girls in front of me. Even though, it’s exactly how I want to keep it, I can’t deny the pain that strikes my heart.

At least he knows it wasn’t Missy, thanks to whoever barged in on us.

“You need to hurry up and change back,” Annabelle whispers. “We don’t have much time. I told Brae I was just grabbing something from his truck.”

“I don’t think I can go back there,” I admit on a whisper.

“Why not?” Ella asks. “I thought you said everything went great.”

“It did but that’s the problem. I don’t know if I can face him yet. How am I supposed to look him in the eye and act like everything is normal after what just happened? Everything is not normal, you guys. You don’t understand what happened in there with us. It wasn’t just a meaningless kiss. It…” I trail off, unable to find the right words. I have no idea what just happened but it was so much more than a kiss.

Hope places her hand on my arm. “I get it, Mia. I do. But if you don’t come back Parker might suspect it was you. Are you okay with that?”

I shake my head. “He can never know. It will ruin everything between us.”

“Just come back for a bit,” Annabelle says. “Give it a half hour. If you still want to leave, then Brae and I will drive you home.”

“You don’t have to leave. I will find another way.”

She shakes her head. “We came together, we leave together.”

I offer her a smile. “Thanks again, you guys, for helping me pull this off.”

“Always,” Hope says, squeezing my shoulder.

“All right, hurry and get dressed. We’ll cover you,” Ella says, the three of them crowding around me, offering privacy.

It doesn’t take me long. I change in record time, getting back into my original sailor costume. On our way back to the party, I deposit the black bag into the back of Brae’s truck and follow the others into the house. I don’t see Parker and I don’t seek him out either. Actually, I go out of my way to avoid him. The last thing I can handle right now is watching Missy hang all over him.

Ella and Hope end up going downstairs to play a game of pool. I pass, worrying Parker will be down there since Beck is. Turns out he isn’t, because he walks into the kitchen where I stand with a group of other people, people I barely know. Missy follows close behind him, her mouth moving as she talks to him but he pays her no attention.

I try to ignore his presence but find it impossible when I can feel his gaze burning into my skin. I meet his stare head on and suck in a breath when I see his eyes full of knowledge.

Oh god, he knows…I think…maybe…

No he can’t. There’s no way he could.

I tear my eyes away from his and try to focus on the conversations at hand but find it impossible. It isn’t long before I give up and go find Annabelle and Braedyn to tell them I’m leaving.

“All right. Let us just tell Ella and Hope then we will take you,” Annabelle says.

“That’s okay. I don’t want you guys to leave when you’re having fun. I can call my mom.”

“It’s no problem,” Braedyn assures me.

“What’s no problem?”

I tense at the familiar voice, feeling the heat of his body as he stands behind me. It burns me from the inside out.

Thankfully Annabelle answers. “Nothing. We’re just going to take Mia home then we’ll come back.”

“You’re leaving?” Parker asks, giving me no other option but to turn around and acknowledge him.

I clear my throat and try not to look into his mesmerizing green eyes. “Yeah, I’m not feeling well, but I’m just going to call my mom instead so no one has to leave.”

“That’s not necessary, Mia. I will take you,” Brae says.

“Actually, I’ll take you.”

“No.”

Parker’S eyes narrow, offended by my quick rejection. “Why? I was planning on leaving anyway.”

“You were going to leave your own party?” I ask doubtfully.

“It’s not my party, it’s Jordan’s.”

“It’s your hockey team’s party and you’re the Captain.”

“Exactly, which means I can leave whenever I want. And I want to leave now so I will drive you.”

Now it’s my turn to glare at him, his bossy attitude grating on my nerves. I also remember how bossy he was when his tongue was in my mouth and it sets my cheeks aflame.

God! I cannot be stuck in his truck with him alone. Not tonight.

“It’s okay, Parker, we really don’t mind,” Annabelle says, thankfully backing me up.

“It makes sense for him to drive her, Belle, if he’s leaving anyway,” Brae inserts logically.

“No she rode here with us, we should take her home.”

Not wanting an argument to start over my ridiculousness, I cut back in. “No it’s okay,” I say, turning to Annabelle. “Brae’s right. I’ll just go home with Parker.”

“You sure?” she asks, her eyes conveying she will push if I need her to.

I nod. “Can you tell Hope and Ella I said bye?”

“Of course.” She gives me a hug, bringing her mouth to my ear. “Good luck. Keep your cool and message me when you get home.”

My arms squeeze her a little tighter before stepping back. After a goodbye to Braedyn, Parker and I walk through the crowded living room, side by side, before exiting the house.

Upon reaching his truck, I pause and turn to face him. “I meant what I said back there. There’s no need for you to leave. I know my mom won’t mind coming to get me.”

He crosses his arms over his broad chest. “If I didn’t know better, Country, I’d think you were trying to avoid me.”

Crap!

“Of course not. I just think it’s ridiculous for anyone to leave when I can find my own ride. Besides, have you not been drinking tonight?”

His jaw hardens, something dark passing over his expression. “You know me better than that, Mia. I’d never put someone else’s life at risk much less your own.”

I swallow thickly, feeling bad for insinuating that he would. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

Without another word he climbs into his truck so I do, too. Silent tension fills the cab all the way home. The more time that passes the more I’m certain he knows it was me.

But how? How could he know? I was positive I covered all my bases.

Maybe I’m overthinking it. Maybe he’s just bothered by the whole thing and that’s why he’s being so quiet? The thought has guilt striking me.

Once we pull up to my house, I reach for the handle, needing to get out of the stifling truck. “Thanks for the ride,” I mumble, jumping out. I come to a hard stop when he climbs out too. “What are you doing?”

“Walking you to your door.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know. I want to.”

I think about arguing, not wanting to be near him any longer. I can’t trust myself. But I know the argument will be pointless.

Releasing a breath, I get my feet moving.

“Did you have a good time tonight?” he asks, falling in step beside me.

“Yeah, it was fun. You?”

“Yep,” is the only answer I get.

I feel his eyes upon me as we climb up the porch steps but I don’t look over at him and reach for my door handle. I’m just about to bid him goodbye and haul butt into my house when he crowds me against my back, his large warm hand covering mine over the handle.

“Do you want to know what my favorite part was, Mia,” he asks, his lips brushing my ear, sending tingles down my spine.

Oh no, oh shit. He knows…

“Not really,” I answer, my throat dry.

“Did you really think I didn’t know it was you?”

My heart pounds wildly in my chest, echoing in my ears. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I deny foolishly.

“Oh, Mia,” he sighs, sounding disappointed. “Do you think I’d just fuck anyone’s mouth like that?”

Oh god!

I remain frozen, scared to say the wrong thing and ruin this friendship… If I haven’t already. The thought makes me sick.

“I-I didn’t mean it.” I lie, not knowing what else to say or do.

“Too bad,” he whispers, “I did.”

My burning eyes fall closed, both hope and fear washing over me.

“If tonight would have been a couple years into the future, I wouldn’t have stopped.”

His admission rattles me, shaking the very foundation our friendship has been built on.

“How about we save the dress up and games for when you’re old enough for me to do something about it.”

I tense, hurt breaking through my reeling senses.

“Besides,” he whispers, trailing his lips down my throat. “I prefer brunettes’. I always have.”