6th Symphony Ch. 02

PREFACE (If you don't care bout my personal woes feel free to skip this part, there's no context needed to enjoy the chapter.)

Well, this took longer than I expected. When I had initially planned this part I thought things were going to move much faster, but it seems like I overestimated my ability to get to the point and be succinct.

I hope everyone enjoys it, I feel like things are finally getting interesting!

--

I paced slowly on the sidewalk, staring at my phone, mindlessly cycling through the same few apps without actually reading anything.

I couldn't hide how nervous I was. It had crept up on me out of nowhere--an hour ago, I felt fine, maybe even a little excited. Now, standing here waiting for Lena, it was all sinking in.

I was about to spend the night at a private, girls-only pool party.

For the first time, I questioned if I might be in over my head.

Just as I started seriously considering how nice my bed would feel right now, I heard the low hum of a car approaching.

Lena's white Kia Soul rolled up to the curb, slowing to a stop in front of me. The driver's window slid down, revealing her beaming face, her usual perfect smile lighting up the street.

I swear, I needed to come to terms with the fact that I was just going to act like an idiot every time this girl showed up looking at me like that.

I gave her a goofy smile back and climbed into the passenger seat, tossing my backpack onto my lap. I'd packed light--just a towel, some swim trunks, and sandals.

Lena, on the other hand, was definitely dressed for the occasion.

She wore a loose, nearly see-through crop top over a bikini that was... well, barely a bikini. The top was small, really small, and I got the distinct feeling that if she started running, there'd be a wardrobe malfunction.

Her shorts weren't much better. They hugged her hips so tightly I half-wondered if they'd leave marks, and the strings of her bikini bottoms peeked over them, tied high at her waist.

I caught myself looking a little too long.

Nope. No weird thoughts. Focus.

Desperate for a distraction, I cleared my throat and struck up a conversation.

"So, what do you guys even do at these pool nights? Just sit around talking about boys?" I shot her a teasing grin, making it clear I was playing into the cliché.

Lena hummed dramatically, tapping the wheel as if considering her answer.

"I mean... kinda?" She laughed. "We hang out in the pool, get out when we're cold and then watch movies, make popcorn, sometimes order takeout. It's just a way to catch up, bitch about life, and have fun."

She sounded genuinely excited. Seeing her like this--so effortlessly happy--made my nerves settle a little.

The conversation quieted after that. Maybe because I was too busy trying not to look at her legs.

Or maybe because my brain had started wandering into dangerous territory.

I'd already done this mental exercise the moment Lena invited me, but now that we were actually on the way, it was really hitting me.

I was going to be surrounded by a group of very attractive girls in swimsuits.

I'd asked Lena just to be sure, but apparently, I was the first guy ever invited to one of these. Even when the girls had boyfriends, they never brought them.

I wasn't sure what that meant, exactly.

According to Lena, they'd already talked it over, and all six girls had signed off on me coming. I already knew Olivia, Laura, and Lena were fine with it, but I half expected at least one of the other three to say no.

Before I knew it, Lena was pulling into a parking spot along the street near Olivia's place. I'd never been here before, so I kept quiet, letting her lead the way.

I braced myself as Lena and I climbed the stairs leading up to Olivia's house, my nerves creeping back in.

The property was... impressive.

High-polished stone walls, sleek and modern, wrapped around a sizable chunk of land, obscuring everything inside. A metal gate stood at the top of the short staircase, seamlessly blending with the minimalist aesthetic.

Lena stepped up to the intercom and pressed the bell, while I stood behind her, shifting my weight from foot to foot.

A few seconds later, a soft chime sounded, followed by the low buzz of the lock disengaging. Lena grabbed the sleek steel handle and pushed the gate open.

The entrance alone was enough to make my jaw slacken.

A lush, perfectly manicured garden stretched before us, complete with a small water feature to the left and strategically placed flowers dotting the greenery. A smooth stone pathway cut through the grass, leading up to the house.

If it wasn't already obvious--Olivia's family was very, very well off.

The house itself was just as sleek as the exterior, all sharp angles and glass walls. Well, mostly glass. The sheer number of floor-to-ceiling windows explained why the perimeter walls were so high--zero privacy otherwise.

Everything about it looked expensive, like something ripped straight from an architectural magazine.

I tried not to let my amazement show too much, but Lena noticed. Of course she did. She strolled ahead like she owned the place, glancing back with a knowing smirk.

Inside, the wealth was even more overwhelming.

The open-concept layout seamlessly blended the living room with the massive kitchen to the left. High-end furniture filled the space, each piece probably worth more than my beat-up Civic. The second floor had a sleek, open balcony overlooking the main area, adding to the sense of sheer scale.

And then there was the backyard.

A massive glass wall separated the indoor space from what had to be the most luxurious backyard I'd ever seen. Through the sliding doors, I could see an insanely large pool with polished steel edges, shaped like a perfect L.

The poolside setup had everything--lounge chairs, a table with a parasol, a barbecue, and, to my surprise, a built-in jacuzzi. From the way Laura made it sound, I figured we'd have to take turns using it, but looking at it now... yeah, it could probably fit all six of them at once.

I was still processing all of this when I caught Lena watching me, grinning from where she sat on one of the stools by the kitchen island.

"Pretty nice, right?" she teased, clearly enjoying my reaction.

I walked over, lowering my voice. "You never told me Olivia's family was this loaded!"

She giggled, her lips curling into a devilish smirk. "Didn't wanna ruin the surprise."

Before I could respond, the sound of footsteps caught my attention.

I turned toward the balcony--Olivia was standing there, looking down at us.

She wore a dark green silk robe, loosely draped over her shoulders, the fabric pooling at her arms. The gap in the front revealed a bold red one-piece high cut swimsuit with a plunging neckline that made my throat go dry.

There was... a lot of sideboob.

The material clung to her curves, leaving little to the imagination.

I forced my eyes up just as she finally spoke, her voice carrying easily but not quite loud enough to be shouting.

"Welcome, lovebirds."

Immediate shame.

I could hear the smirk in her voice.

"I'll be down in a moment. Feel free to set your stuff wherever," she continued, motioning toward the hallway. "If you need to change, second door on the right."

And with that, she turned and disappeared into one of the upstairs rooms, not waiting for a reply.

I exhaled.

Lena, completely unfazed, was casually scrolling through her phone.

"I guess I should change," I muttered.

She looked up and nodded with a small smile before returning to whatever she was doing.

The bathroom was easy enough to find--not particularly large, which meant it was probably one of many in the house. I changed into my plain black swim trunks, keeping my t-shirt on for now, and slid on my sandals.

When I stepped back out, I spotted Lena and Olivia sitting on the couch, deep in conversation.

"... Everyone knows Jake's an asshole," Lena was saying, lightly playing with her hair as she leaned back into the cushions. "But I doubt he'd do that. He does not have the balls."

Gossip.

Olivia sighed, fidgeting slightly. "I don't know... I just--" She hesitated. "I just wish she'd tell me. It had to be serious if she reacted like that."

She looked... worried.

I hesitated for a second, deciding if I should interrupt, but as I walked over, Olivia was the first to acknowledge me.

"Alex!" she said smoothly, her usual teasing lilt back in her voice. "How are you finding my house? Everything to your liking?"

She was so used to this reaction. I could tell.

I forced a small smirk. "It's... something alright. I'm guessing you get a lot of people walking in here looking awestruck?"

She deliberated for a moment, then let out a short laugh.

"I suppose," she admitted. "But I can't say I mind it too much."

She stood in one fluid motion, stretching as she turned away.

Her robe slipped slightly, threatening to fall off her shoulders.

I almost wished she'd stayed facing me so I could get another look at the swimsuit up close.

Keeping my eyes where they needed to be tonight was going to require serious discipline.

"So, are we early, or is everyone else late?" I asked, settling onto the armrest of the couch next to Lena.

She answered first, while Olivia made her way toward the sliding doors leading to the backyard.

"I like getting here a little early. Liv knows that whatever time she tells the group, I'll be here thirty minutes before that." She was still texting, her thumbs moving over her screen--probably their group chat, maybe checking on everyone's ETA.

Olivia, reaching for the door handle, glanced back. "Kat should be here soon. She lives pretty close by."

Right. Kat.

She was the wild card. The one nobody could quite pin down.

Not social like Olivia. Not radiating danger like Laura. Instead, she had this quiet, almost dreamy kind of allure--like she existed on a slightly different wavelength than everyone else.

She was effortlessly cool in a way that felt unintentional. Dark, wavy brown hair that fell just past her shoulders, always a little messy, but in a way that somehow worked. Pale, porcelain skin that almost seemed to glow under certain lights. And her eyes... a soft, hazel-brown, deep and unreadable, like she was constantly lost in her own thoughts.

She had a way of leaning against lockers, sipping iced coffee, looking like she wasn't even trying but still drawing attention. She didn't talk as much as the others, but when she did, people listened. Not because she was loud, but because her words always seemed to matter more.

There were rumors about her. That she had dated older guys. That she had connections outside of school no one really understood. Some people claimed she wasn't even from here--Russian, Ukrainian, something like that. Lena had once casually mentioned her family was from somewhere in Eastern Europe, but that was as much as I knew for sure.

Physically? She wasn't as perfectly curvy as Olivia or as toned as Laura--she was somewhere in between. Subtle, but striking in her own way. Long legs, narrow shoulders, a slender frame that gave her an almost ethereal beauty. But there was a quiet confidence in the way she carried herself, like she never had to try too hard to get what she wanted.

I didn't know why, but I was weirdly... scared of meeting her. Maybe the unknown factor was what unsettled me the most.

By now, Olivia had already stepped outside, adjusting the lounge chairs to catch the last of the afternoon sun.

Lena glanced back at me. "Wanna come out? I'm gonna sunbathe a little before it gets dark."

I nodded, pushing myself off the couch.

The poolside area was nice--the faint smell of chlorine lingering in the air, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the space.

I barely had time to take it all in before my focus was pulled somewhere else entirely.

Lena had just sat down on one of the lounge chairs. She reached for the hem of her slightly too transparent crop top and pulled it over her head, her full chest bouncing inside the snug bikini beneath. Then, she hooked her thumbs into her shorts and shimmied them down, revealing a matching bikini bottom that was... tight.

Really, really tight.

I clenched my jaw.

I wasn't about to be that guy--the one who made things uncomfortable. They'd invited me into their space, probably because Lena vouched for me. The last thing I wanted was to make anyone feel weird, especially her.

I forced my gaze elsewhere. The pool. The backyard design. The--

A movement in my periphery nearly undid all of my efforts.

Olivia had just shrugged off her robe.

By all definitions, Lena was... busty. But compared to Olivia, even she didn't look that impressive.

Olivia's one-piece was somehow even more dangerous up close. It hugged every curve, the plunging neckline dipping so low it was practically gravity-defying. She moved with an ease that made it clear she knew exactly the effect she had.

I half-focused on the pool, pretending I wasn't watching.

After a beat, Olivia spoke up.

"You do know how to swim, right, Alex?"

I almost tensed, half-expecting to be caught doing something wrong, but her voice wasn't mocking. More like she'd be annoyed if I said no.

"None of us are actual lifeguards," she added. "No mouth-to-mouth if you drown."

Okay, that part was definitely teasing.

I felt Lena shift, probably about to defend me, but I spoke up before she could.

"Yeah, I do. I used to swim competitively, actually... though that was a long time ago."

I wasn't bragging, just stating a fact. It was a piece of my life that felt distant now, but I had always loved the water.

Olivia's expression didn't shift much--just a brief flicker of indifference before it melted into her usual mischief.

"We're probably not getting in the pool for a while, so..." She turned, tilting her head slightly. "How about you make yourself useful and help me put on some sunscreen?"

I met her gaze.

It was the same look she had given me back at the café.

This was another test.

I could decline, sure--but something told me that wasn't the right move. Olivia wasn't just teasing for the sake of teasing. If I backed down now, if I got flustered and scrambled for an excuse, she'd know she had gotten to me.

And something told me that was a game I didn't want to lose.

Stepping away from the pool's edge, I made my way toward her chair.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught her expression shift ever so slightly--like she had expected me to hesitate.

To be fair, she wasn't the only one.

Lena immediately broke the slightly awkward silence in her usual energetic way.

"What--no fair! I want Alex to put sunscreen on me too." She pouted like a spoiled child, crossing her arms for dramatic effect.

Olivia, still lounging, barely reacted. "Well, I asked first. Wait your turn." She stretched her arms above her head before turning over onto her stomach, adjusting her hair so it wouldn't get in the way. Then, tilting her head to glance at me over her shoulder, she added, "Get to work. If you do a good job, I might just change my mind about you."

She giggled.

Yeah, definitely not taking anything she said too seriously right now.

Lena let out a sigh of exaggerated defeat before reaching for her own bottle of sunscreen and applying it to the places she could reach without my help.

Meanwhile, I hesitated.

Man, I needed to be careful about where I looked. Lena was right there--if my eyes wandered even a little, she'd definitely notice. But Olivia's ass... damn.

Laura might've taken the crown when it came to perfectly toned curves down there, but Olivia wasn't far behind. Her body had more... softness to it. Less athletic, maybe, but no less distracting.

And up to this point, the only thing saving me from very obvious embarrassment was my steady baseline of anxiety. But moments like this?

Let's just say my swim trunks weren't exactly baggy, and nothing about this situation was helping.

I had to focus.

Reaching for the sunscreen bottle she had left on the floor, I squeezed a decent amount onto her back. Olivia's skin twitched slightly at the sudden coldness, a barely audible noise escaping her lips.

I swallowed.

Then, finally, I placed my hands on her back.

Her skin was smooth. Warm from the sun.

I started with slow, steady movements, spreading the lotion evenly across her shoulder blades, working my way down. The muscles under my hands shifted slightly as she adjusted her posture, and I tried--really tried--not to think too hard about what I was touching.

But then Olivia hummed in approval.

"Not bad," she murmured, sounding entirely too comfortable. "You have good hands, Alex."

I paused for a split second.

Lena definitely noticed.

I didn't even have to look to know she was side-eyeing us, her fingers probably frozen mid-application of her own sunscreen.

I forced myself to keep going, moving down to her lower back, my thumbs tracing the small dip above her waist.

Stay professional. Stay neutral.

Olivia, of course, had other plans.

"You can go a little lower, you know. I do need full coverage."

I almost coughed.

Lena made a noise--somewhere between a scoff and a laugh.

"You're enjoying this way too much, Liv," she muttered.

Olivia didn't even deny it. "Obviously."

I hesitated for a fraction of a second before continuing, running my hands just above the curve of her waistline, careful not to go too far down. I wasn't about to fall into whatever trap she was setting.

"Alright, you're done," I said, pulling back before she could push it further.

She stretched again, slowly sitting up and twisting her back like she was testing my work.

"Hmm. Not bad at all," she said, flashing a teasing grin before finally reaching for her sunglasses.

Crisis somewhat averted.

Lena, meanwhile, finished up with her own sunscreen before turning toward me.

"Okay, my turn," she announced, her expression unreadable.

Oh, boy.

Olivia chuckled, reclining fully on her lounge chair. "Have fun, Alex."

Lena turned, sitting sideways on her chair so her back was to me. She pulled her hair over one shoulder, exposing the smooth expanse of her back.

I swallowed again.

Unlike Olivia, who had turned the whole thing into a game, Lena was... different. She wasn't teasing. She wasn't trying to test me.

She just expected me to do it.

Somehow, that made this way worse.

I squeezed more sunscreen onto my hands this time, rubbing them together to warm it up before touching her.

Then, just like before, I started at her shoulders.

Her skin was soft, sun-warmed, with a faint scent of coconut from the lotion. But where Olivia had been loose and relaxed, Lena was... still. Almost tense.

Was she nervous?

The thought sent something very dangerous through my brain.

I worked my way down her shoulder blades, slow and careful. My fingers traced over the knots of her muscles, and I instinctively pressed into them a little, trying to work them out.

Lena sighed.

A small, quiet sound that made every single hair on my body stand on end.

I had no idea if she meant to do that.

I swallowed hard yet again, keeping my movements steady as I worked my way lower, brushing over the small of her back, feeling her shift slightly under my touch.

I needed to wrap this up before my self-control completely shattered.

"Done," I said, pulling back before I could get too comfortable.

Lena let out a slow breath before turning around, smiling up at me like nothing had happened.

"Thanks," she said.

For some reason, that one word affected me way more than Olivia's entire routine.

I sat back, exhaling sharply, trying to reset my brain.

My heart was racing now, things moved really fast for a second there.

And that was exactly when the sound of the front gate buzzing signaled that someone else had arrived.

Olivia didn't even open her eyes.

"That'll be Kat."

Lena quickly got up, walking back inside to greet Kat. Every step sent a ripple through her body, and I had to really fight the urge to stare.

I forced myself to focus on something else--like the fact that I had no idea how Kat was going to react to me being here. I just hoped it wouldn't be too awkward.

From the lounge chairs, I could see the hazy outlines of the two girls hugging near the front door. The glass walls distorted the details, but it wasn't hard to tell that Lena was excited.

As they got closer, Lena took the lead, pressing an arm across her chest as she jogged ahead. Her bikini top definitely wasn't built for sudden movement, and every bounce threatened to turn into a very embarrassing accident.

Behind her, Kat walked at a more relaxed pace. She wasn't as tall as Laura, but still taller than the average girl, her presence hard to ignore.

I'd seen Kat plenty of times at school, but she was always a mystery. She wasn't just part of Lena's group--she had her own world outside of it, constantly talking to people I didn't recognize, floating between different social circles like she belonged to all of them and none of them at the same time.

If I had to pick the girl in the group with the most model-like appeal, it was her. She was maybe a little too curvy for the industry standard, but she carried herself like someone who belonged in front of a camera. And her face? Yeah, it was the kind of face that made guys do dumb things.

Today, though, she didn't exactly look ready for a pool party. She was wearing a brown leather jacket over a black tube top that hugged her chest, paired with jeans that emphasized her figure and tall boots that gave her an even more stylish edge.

Had she come straight from somewhere else?

Lena immediately reclaimed her spot on the lounge chair, leaving me perched awkwardly on the edge.

Olivia was the first to speak. "I hope you brought a change of clothes, Kat, because you're getting in the pool whether you like it or not."

I hadn't been entirely sure we'd even be swimming tonight. It wasn't quite summer yet, and the weather could be unpredictable, but today was warm enough to make it possible.

Kat raised an eyebrow like Olivia had just spoken in another language. "I thought we were skinny dipping?"

It was obviously a joke. Any reasonable person would have picked up on that instantly.

I was not a reasonable person in that moment.

My brain immediately crashed and rebooted, filling my head with images I definitely should not have been thinking about.

Kat giggled, clearly pleased with herself. "Lee, your friend looks like he's about to pass out."

Lena sighed, shaking her head. "Maybe don't say stuff like that, Kat. He's not used to it." She turned to me, resting a hand on my forearm, her expression softer. "I hope she didn't make you uncomfortable."

I needed an out. Badly.

"Yeah... uh... yeah, I just need to go to the bathroom real quick. Be right back."

I barely got the words out before I bolted for the house.

Lena looked mildly concerned. Kat, on the other hand, looked very entertained.

Inside, I went straight to the bathroom, gripping the edges of the sink as I stared at my reflection. My face was red. Really red.

I turned on the faucet and splashed cold water on my skin, trying to snap myself out of it.

Was I not cut out for this? Should I just take Lena up on her offer and leave?

The rational part of my brain said yes.

But another part of me--the part that wasn't thinking strictly with logic--wanted to stay.

Not just because of Lena. Or Kat. Or the fact that every girl here looked ridiculously good.

I had a real chance to make a bunch of friends. To be part of something cool.

I just had to stop freaking out over every little thing.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

I took a deep breath, pulled off my shirt, and gave myself a light slap on the cheek for good measure before stepping out of the bathroom.

And immediately ran into Kat.

She was standing at the top of the staircase, adjusting the straps of her swimsuit.

Apparently, she had brought one after all.

And, of course, it wasn't just any swimsuit.

It was a sleek, white monokini, the kind that looked like it belonged in a fashion magazine rather than a backyard pool party. The cut of it emphasized her curves in all the right places, and her long, toned legs were completely on display.

She wore a pair of stylish sunglasses, even though the sun would soon dip below the horizon. Purely an accessory, but they fit her perfectly.

For a moment, we just stood there, neither of us saying anything.

Then, she gave me a slow once-over, her lips curling into a smirk.

"Hmm. I can see the appeal..."

And just like that, she turned and walked off, leaving me standing there, completely thrown.

I had just spent five solid minutes hyping myself up, only to get immediately knocked off balance again.

If I didn't get my head in the game, I was going to collapse under the pressure.

As I stepped into the living room, Lena was already waiting.

The sun was setting fast, its warm orange glow spilling through the windows and casting long shadows across the polished floor. It reflected off her skin, making her look... breathtaking.

Not that she looked any worse outside of golden hour.

She met my gaze, a mix of relief and concern in her expression.

"Hey..." she said softly, pausing for just a second. "I know this can be a bit overwhelming, Alex. I wanted to get you out of the house so you could have fun, but if it's just making you uncomfortable, you don't have to stay. Nobody's going to judge you for it."

I knew where she was coming from. Or at least, I thought I did.

Only now did it really hit me--this was about Val.

Lena felt guilty. This whole night was her way of trying to make things right, and if I was miserable, it would just make her feel worse.

The truth was, I never really questioned why she was suddenly pushing me to meet girls. Val wasn't her friend--she was Olivia's--but Lena was the one who introduced us. And when Val made it clear what she wanted, I didn't exactly stop to think too hard about the why.

I just went along with it. Because, well... I was a virgin, and a girl was throwing herself at me.

Not exactly a mystery why I said yes.

But things got messy. And now, Lena was carrying guilt that she really didn't need to.

I wasn't going to let her ruin the night over something neither of us could change.

"Listen," I said, stepping closer. "I know you've been worrying about what happened with Val. But you don't have to. You didn't do anything wrong, Lena. What happened between us wasn't your fault--it wasn't anyone's, just like you said. And I don't want you carrying that guilt around all night."

Her lips parted slightly, like she wanted to argue, but I didn't give her the chance.

"It means a lot that you invited me here. That your friends are giving me a chance. So let's just forget about all that and have a good time, alright?"

I rested my hands lightly on her arms, trying to make sure she really believed me.

Lena dropped her gaze, swallowing hard. For a second, I thought she might cry, but when she looked up again, a smile was already forming.

"Thank you, Alex," she exhaled, almost like she was physically letting go of the weight she'd been carrying. "I guess I was punishing myself... You're right. Let's just enjoy the night."

As I let go of her, she caught my hand instead, lacing her fingers through mine before leading me back outside.

Kat was now sitting on the edge of the pool, her legs dangling in the water. Olivia was nowhere to be seen.

I settled onto my lounge chair, watching as the fading sunlight reflected off the pool's surface. Small ripples spread outward from where Kat lazily moved her feet, distorting the golden shimmer.

Lena was standing beside me, her phone in hand, her expression shifting into mild frustration before she let out a long sigh and dropped onto the chair next to mine.

I turned toward her. "What's wrong?"

"The girls are late." she muttered, rubbing her forehead.

I hesitated. My overthinking brain had been sitting on a question for a while, and before I could stop myself, the words were already coming out.

"Do you think... it's because of me?"

Lena's entire body tensed. Her eyes widened slightly, a flash of shock crossing her face before she started shaking her head.

"No, no, not at all!" she said quickly, raising her hands. "They're always late. This has nothing to do with you."

I felt like an idiot.

I really didn't want to be the guy who needed constant reassurance just to function at a party.

Kat glanced up from her phone.

"Laura should be here any minute," she said. "The other two... we'll see if they even bother showing up." She rolled her eyes like this was just a fact of life.

Right on cue, the doorbell rang.

Lena started to push herself up, but before she could, we heard footsteps on the stairs.

"Don't worry, I'll get it!" Olivia called out, her voice carrying just enough to reach us.

We heard the front door swing open, followed by Olivia's voice carrying through the house.

"Took you long enough!"

Laura's voice came next, smooth and casual. "Relax, I'm here, aren't I?"

A moment later, she stepped into view, her usual confidence on full display, she looked relaxed, similar to how she looked in the cafe. I couldn't really see any of the intensity in her expression she usually had in school.

She was dressed in a cropped hoodie and a pair of black athletic shorts, her toned legs peeking out, the muscles flexing visibly with every movement. She didn't look like a bodybuilder, but she was maybe a bit leaner than most girls that work out.

Her eyes swept across the backyard, taking in the scene--Lena beside me, Kat sitting on the pool's edge, Olivia digging through the cooler. When she spotted me, she gave a small smirk.

"Didn't think you'd actually show up."

I shrugged. "Didn't think I'd get invited."

Laura chuckled, setting her bag down. "Fair."

She moved with ease, like she belonged anywhere she went, and I noticed that unlike the others, she wasn't in a rush to change. Instead, she walked over to Kat, nudging her with her knee.

"Where's Dani?"

Kat rolled her eyes. "Late, like always. And Sophie? Who knows."

Laura hummed like that answer didn't surprise her. Then, finally, she looked at me again.

"Having fun, Alex?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to answer without exposing the complete chaos going on in my head. "Uh... yeah. So far."

Kat snorted. "He ran inside a few minutes ago."

Laura raised an eyebrow, looking between me and Lena.

Lena sighed. "Kat scared him off."

"I teased him," Kat corrected, lifting a hand in defense. "Which, honestly, is a rite of passage at this point."

Laura hummed in amusement, then bent down to roll up her hoodie sleeves. "You'll get used to it," she told me before straightening up and heading toward the outdoor table where Olivia was taking out the drinks.

Lena perked up. "Check if there's peach."

"There's always peach." Olivia tossed her a can before turning to me. "What about you, Alex?"

I hesitated. "Uh... maybe later."

Laura cracked open a beer. "First time partying?"

"Yeah."

Her smirk deepened. "Then you're in for a wild ride, boy."

I really hoped Laura was just teasing me again.

Without hesitation, she lifted her hoodie, revealing a simple black bikini top underneath. Of course it was black.

Laura wasn't exactly curvy like some of the other girls, but she had the kind of toned, athletic build that made everything look good on her. Her chest wasn't huge or anything, but it had that perfect shape, perky enough to fill out the bikini just right. I, of course, immediately did my best to avert my gaze.

I might've been overthinking it--like usual--but I could tell she noticed.

Then she turned away from us and hooked her thumbs under the waistband of her shorts, pushing them down in one smooth motion. Her hips tilted slightly as she stepped out of them.

Jesus Christ.

Laura's ass was... something else. Incredibly toned but still full, perfectly shaped, and with just the right amount of movement as she lifted each leg. If I wasn't trying so hard not to look, I probably would've started drooling.

And then, like it was nothing, she just dove in.

Her form was flawless, slicing into the water with barely a splash. She resurfaced a second later, slicking her hair back with a content sigh.

"Alright," she said, treading water. "Who's next?"

Her gaze flicked between us, and before I could hope to avoid it, Lena nudged my shoulder.

"Oh! Alex! You should go next!" She turned toward me, grinning. "I haven't seen you swim in forever."

She dragged out the last word, making it clear just how long it had been.

She wasn't exaggerating. The last time Lena and I had been in a pool together was back when I used to swim almost every day--probably three or four years ago now.

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair.

Why not? Maybe the water would help me cool off--literally and mentally.

Without a word, I stood and took a few steps toward the edge. My body remembered the movement instinctively, my muscles recalling years of repetition. It was like singing along to an old song you hadn't heard in years--automatic, with a few tiny mistakes that only a trained eye could spot.

And then, in one smooth motion, I was in.

The water was cool against my skin, and for the first time all night, I felt grounded. I'd missed this. Ever since I stopped swimming at the gym, I'd only been to the beach a handful of times, and nobody I knew had a pool.

For a few blissful seconds, I just let myself exist in the water.

Then I surfaced, taking a slow breath--

And nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw Laura right there.

Like, right there.

She was so close we were almost touching, her face unreadable as always, her piercing green eyes locking onto mine. For a split second, I just froze.

Then I jerked back instinctively. "Oh shit, sorry!"

Laura usually never smiled. A smirk, maybe, but an actual smile? Not something I'd seen from her before.

But now, she was definitely smiling.

"Chill out, dude," she said, effortlessly amused. "I don't bite... yet."

I let out an awkward breath as she snorted softly, shaking her head like my reaction was the funniest thing she'd seen all night.

From the poolside, Lena cheered. "Woo! Nice jump, Alex!"

I shot her a quick smile before turning back to Laura--who was already drifting lazily away, still smirking to herself.

A few minutes later, the rest of the girls joined us. First Kat, then Lena. Olivia, on the other hand, stayed outside, saying she'd rather stay dry in case the others finally decided to show up.

We ended up huddling in the shallow end, mostly so Lena and Kat could set their drinks down on the ledge. I floated idly, not really sure what to say.

Thankfully, I was surrounded by talkative girls, so I didn't have to be.

Kat eyed me with a knowing look. "You know, I gotta admit, Lee--you know how to pick 'em."

Oh God.

I felt my face heat up. "I--"

Lena rolled her eyes, setting her drink back down. "I didn't pick anything. Can you guys not spend the whole night trying to embarrass Alex?"

Even though I said I didn't want her constantly jumping in to defend me, I couldn't stop her.

Laura, lounging against the pool's edge, scoffed. "I get it, Lee, but if he can't handle Kat... it's not like it's gonna get easier once Dani shows up."

Right. Dani.

Dani was the polar opposite of Laura in every way. If Laura was ice, Dani was fire--always talking, always laughing, always the loudest person in the room. And if she wasn't? Give her a minute. She'd fix that.

She was Puerto Rican--I think? I wasn't sure, but I remembered Lena mentioning it once. She had long, dark brown hair, thick and wavy, with layers that framed her face perfectly. Her skin had this warm, sun-kissed glow, like she lived at the beach even though we weren't anywhere near the coast.

Dani was built like an hourglass, and she knew exactly how to dress for it. Tiny waist, wide hips, curves that made it hard not to look--especially since she was always in crop tops, tight jeans, or skirts that showed off her legs. She wasn't as tall as Laura, maybe around Lena's height, an inch shorter at most, so like 5'6 or 5'7.

She was the kind of girl who could get away with murder just by flashing a smile. And she smiled a lot.

I was used to her voice by now, even if she never actually talked to me.

And the moment she got here? I had a feeling I was about to get grilled.

Kat spoke again, her tone shifting--less provocative this time, more genuinely curious. "Nah, she's right. But seriously, Alex, have you never had a girlfriend?"

She paused, considering something, and then her eyes lit up like she'd just cracked a code.

"Oh my God. Are you gay?"

At this point, I was starting to get used to Kat's... bluntness. Surprisingly, I wasn't even that fazed.

It wasn't the first time I'd been asked. I mean, I'm not ugly--at least, I like to think I'm not--but I get why someone might wonder. Not dating throughout all of high school probably seemed suspicious. The truth, though? Way more boring. I'm just shy. And kind of a nerd.

I saw Lena shift beside me, about to jump in. This time, I beat her to it.

"No. I'm not gay," I said plainly.

Laura let out a quiet hmm, like she was analyzing me for some unknown reason. I decided not to tempt her curiosity.

Kat, unfazed, pressed on. "So what's the deal? Do you just sit in your room playing video games all day?"

She didn't sound like she was making fun of me--more like she was genuinely confused. Like the idea of a guy just not going after girls was some impossible concept to her.

I shrugged. "I just don't go out much, I guess. Nothing more to it."

Kat gave me a look, like she couldn't believe that was the real answer. "So you've never been to a party? Or clubbing?"

Lena groaned. "Laura literally just asked him that like five minutes ago!"

She looked genuinely annoyed that Kat hadn't been paying attention.

"True," Laura added nonchalantly. "He said it was his first time."

Kat's eyes widened like she'd just been handed a golden opportunity. "No shit! We get to take your party virginity!"

She sounded way too excited about that. Then, after a beat, she added, "Although this isn't much of a party... I guess that's better for you. We'll ease you in."

I got why she'd think this was lame compared to whatever crazy benders she was used to, but honestly? I was just happy to be here.

"Well, I'm having a good time so far," I said, idly pushing the water around as I floated in place. "Olivia's place is a pretty sweet spot to hang out like this."

Laura let out a low hum of agreement before sliding her arms off the pool ledge and dipping her face halfway into the water, leaving only her eyes and nose above the surface.

She was way more relaxed than I expected. I was still coming to terms with that.

Kat, apparently not done with me, leaned in slightly. "Okay, so if you've never had a girlfriend... how far have you gotten with a girl?"

And we're back to the teasing voice.

Roll with the punches, Alex. Just roll with the punches.

"Not far," I said, keeping it vague on purpose. "Basic stuff."

For some reason, Lena suddenly seemed very focused on finishing her drink.

Kat, of course, wasn't going to let it go that easily. "Come on, handsome. Spill! We're dying to know. Won't you indulge your eager audience? Pretty please..."

She even threw in some fake puppy eyes for good measure.

I sighed. I really didn't want to be talking about this, but if I didn't give her something, she'd probably just keep pushing.

"... Just making out, really," I admitted. Then, before I could stop myself, I added, "And, uh... touching. But only over clothes."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt my face heat up.

Kat's expression softened in a way I did not expect.

"Awww, that's actually so cute," she cooed. "You sound like such a nice guy, Alex. I bet if you went out more, you'd have found a gorgeous girl by now."

I wasn't sure how to respond to that, but thankfully, Lena spoke first.

"I've been trying to get him to leave the house forever," she said, exasperated. Then she turned to me, smiling. "I'm really glad you came, though."

For a brief second, I caught something--Laura and Kat exchanging a look. A silent conversation I had no chance of understanding.

And then--

The doorbell rang again.

Olivia stood up immediately, her expression unreadable as she disappeared inside.

Was it Dani?

I glanced at Lena, who tapped her fingers idly against the rim of her drink, staring toward the house. Kat, on the other hand, looked excited.

"Finally," she muttered, adjusting her bikini straps. "Let's see if Dani actually shows up or if she just sent an Uber Eats driver to drop off booze again."

"She actually did do that once." Lena admitted to me, shaking her head.

Laura stood up in the water, let out a soft heh and wiped a few droplets of water off her face, still leaning against the pool's edge. "Wasn't even a real order. She literally paid the guy to deliver one White Claw."

Kat groaned. "God, she's so extra."

A moment later, we heard the front door swing open. Muffled voices, then the sound of footsteps.

I tensed slightly.

Then Olivia's voice rang out from inside.

"Guess who finally decided to show up!"

The sliding door to the backyard swung open, and there she was--Dani, standing front and center like she owned the place.

She had a large tote bag slung over one shoulder and a massive grin on her face. "Miss me, bitches?"

"Barely," Laura deadpanned.

Dani ignored that and stepped forward, slipping off her platform sandals with a practiced ease before dropping her bag onto a lounge chair. Her dark brown hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail, and her oversized sunglasses sat perched on top of her head. She had on a ridiculously tiny hot pink bikini that left zero to the imagination, her toned stomach and curvy frame on full display. She had a towel wrapped around her wide hips.

Oh.

Kat wasted no time. "Took you long enough. Where's Sophie?"

Dani rolled her eyes and waved a dismissive hand. "She's on her way. Probably fixing her hair for the millionth time. You know how she is."

Kat snorted. "Maybe she's getting extra pretty for you Alex."

Moving on.

Dani stretched her arms over her head, letting out a satisfied sigh. "God, I needed this. Work was hell."

"But you don't have work on Fridays?" Olivia raised a brow.

Dani winced in mock pain. "I'm still super sore from last week!"

Lena chuckled and leaned back against the pool ledge. "So extra indeed."

Dani ignored that too and suddenly turned her attention to me.

For the first time, her dark eyes really saw me, scanning me up and down like she was sizing me up.

And then--

She smirked.

"Ohhh, so this is the famous Alex."

My stomach tightened. "Uh--"

Before I could say anything, Dani strutted over to the pool's edge, one hand on her hip. "Damn, Lee. You really were hiding a cute one from us."

Lena's bikini was pretty tight, but Dani's really was risking it. Who even sells stuff so impractical?

Lena let out an exhausted groan. "Dani..."

"What?" Dani grinned. "I'm just saying. We finally get a guy at one of these, and he's not bad at all? That's a win in my book."

Kat let out a laugh. "That's what I said!"

Lena muttered something under her breath.

Meanwhile, Dani crouched down, her cleavage succumbing to gravity, peering at me with an exaggerated expression. "So, Alex. How's it feel being the only dude here? Intimidated?"

Understatement of the century.

I cleared my throat. "Uh... no?"

Dani laughed, clearly entertained. Then, before I could react, she flicked water at me with her fingers. "Liar."

Laura let out a low chuckle from her spot in the water. "He's been holding up fine so far. Credit where credit is due."

Dani raised a skeptical brow but seemed pleased enough with that answer. Without another word, she stepped back, untied the wrap around her waist, and--without hesitation--dove into the pool.

The splash was huge, sending ripples through the water.

When she surfaced, she slicked her wet hair back, grinning. "Mmm. Water's not bad at all."

Kat turned to me, clearly amused. "Still feeling okay, party virgin?"

I exhaled slowly, adjusting to the new presence in the pool.

"I'll live."

Dani tilted her head at me, her grin widening. "Ohhh, I like him."

Kat smirked. "I know, right?"

Lena sighed, muttering something under her breath before tipping back the rest of her drink.

I was still trying to process Dani's presence. She had this overwhelming energy, like she'd been sent here specifically to disrupt whatever fragile balance I had managed to maintain.

And then--yep. She locked onto me.

"So, Alex..." She swam closer, her strokes smooth and unhurried, like a shark closing in. Before I could react, she was in my space, too close, resting her elbows on my shoulders. "Tell me something."

She was warm, her skin slick from the water, and--oh--her chest was brushing against me. Not even subtly.

Fuck.

"... Uh."

"How do you feel about body shots?"

I almost choked on air.

Lena groaned. "Dani."

"What?" Dani laughed, giving me an expectant look. "I'm just curious! I bet he's never done one before."

"You'd be right," I managed to speak, my voice strained.

Dani gasped dramatically. "Alex, honey, what do you do for fun?"

"I--"

Kat cut in before I could answer. "Apparently, nothing. Dude's practically a monk."

Dani's eyes gleamed. "And I get to corrupt him?"

Lena shook her head. "You don't have to do anything you don't want to, Alex."

Dani waved her off. "I'm not forcing him! It's just a little fun."

I barely had time to process that before Dani suddenly adjusted her bikini top--why was she adjusting her bikini top--then, with zero hesitation, wrapped her legs around my waist.

Every muscle in my body locked up.

What.

I went completely still, my arms hovering awkwardly at my sides like I had no idea what to do with them. Because I didn't.

She was pressed against me now, her body way too close, her arms casually draped over my shoulders.

"Dani--"

"It's fine," she said breezily, shifting just enough to make my brain short-circuit again. "Just hold me real quick."

Just hold her real quick. Yeah sure, why not.

I hesitated, hands still hovering like I was trying to defuse a bomb. If I touched her, I was doomed. If I didn't, I looked like an idiot.

Lena's empty drink can hit the pool ledge with a little too much force. "Okay, Dani, maybe chill a little?"

Dani pouted. "What? He's strong, I can tell. I just wanna see if he can hold me up."

"You don't need to straddle him to figure that out," Lena shot back, exasperated but still trying to sound casual.

Kat, of course, was having the time of her life. "Nah, nah, let's see if he can handle it."

This may be my personal hell.

Just stay calm, Alex. If you make it weird, it'll be weird. That was the rule.

Then Dani leaned in, her lips dangerously close to my ear.

"Relax, cutie," she whispered, her voice dripping with amusement. "I'm just messing with you."

She knows what she's doing.

Lena exhaled sharply through her nose. "Dani, seriously--"

"Fine, fine." Dani finally unhooked her legs and pushed away, flipping onto her back, floating effortlessly. "No need to be so tense, Lee."

Lena didn't answer, just rubbed her temple.

I was still trying to figure out what to even do.

Before anyone else could throw me into another crisis, Olivia spoke up from outside the pool.

"All right, enough," she said, and then, with a few clicks, the backyard lights flickered on. A soft, golden glow illuminated the patio, and the pool lights bathed the water in deep blue, making the surface shimmer. She then just disappeared into the house wordlessly.

Dani stretched, floating lazily. "Ooo, there we go. Mood lighting."

Kat turned to me, smirking. "How you feeling?"

I forced a breath. "Great."

"Liar," Laura muttered.

Before I could respond, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the house.

And then--

"Oh my God, finally," Kat said, grinning.

I turned toward the house just in time to see Olivia standing by the sliding door, and behind her--

Sophie.

I didn't know her well, but I'd seen her around school.

She had that soft, almost ethereal look--like if Disney animated a girl in real life, it would've been her. Big, round brown eyes, flawless fair skin, and light brown hair that always seemed to fall in those effortless waves, even though it probably took an hour in front of a mirror.

She wasn't loud like Dani, but she had this natural warmth about her. The kind of person who made you feel comfortable just by standing next to her. Sweet, friendly, always polite. But beneath all that sugar, there was a sharpness--a subtle, playful wit that let you know she wasn't as innocent as she looked.

Physically? She was on the shorter side, maybe 5'4, with a petite frame that leaned more towards cute than outright sexy. Not that it mattered--guys were still all over her. There was something about her, a quiet, effortless beauty that made her just as sought-after as the others, even if she didn't flaunt it as much.

And tonight, in the warm glow of the backyard lights, she looked stunning.

She was wearing a light yellow sundress and simple sandals, the kind of outfit that didn't try too hard but still made her stand out. She gave the group a soft wave.

Was she... looking at me?

Not just looking--staring.

My stomach twisted. Was she wondering why the hell I was here? Did she think I didn't belong?

Before I could dwell on it, Dani let out an obnoxiously loud "Woo!" and jumped around in the pool. My reflexes kicked in, glancing at her just in time to see her chest bouncing wildly in that criminally tiny bikini.

Nope. Bad idea. Snap forward. Eyes ahead.

Kat laughed. "Fucking finally, Sophie."

Sophie's voice was exactly what I expected--soft, sweet, almost delicate. "I'm so sorry, everyone. I wanted to finish some homework first, and it took longer than I thought."

That tracked. I'd heard she was a great student. Still, she didn't seem like the type to hang out with this group.

She clutched a sleek leather bag--probably carrying her swimwear--and turned to Olivia. "I'm going to change. You can get in the pool, sorry for making you wait so long."

From down here, I could see the genuine guilt on her face, like she actually felt bad for showing up a little late to a casual get-together.

Olivia just waved her off with an easy smile. "You're good. Go get changed."

And with that, Olivia finally stepped into the pool.

I hadn't really paid attention to her since getting in the water, but yeah--her swimsuit was just as bold as I remembered. It was the kind of thing only someone with crazy confidence could pull off, and she wore it like she knew she looked good.

With every step down, her chest bounced. Heavy.

Would I even be able to fully palm one--

Shut it down. Right now.

If I started thinking like that, I was done for.

The five of us were finally in the water together, with only Sophie left before the group was complete.

I needed to be next to Lena.

If anyone could help me survive this, it was her.

As the group naturally shifted to make space for Olivia, I slowly maneuvered my way closer to Lena, leaning against the pool's edge.

Her presence was grounding. Even after last weekend, after everything that had shifted between us, she still had that effect on me.

The chatter around us blurred into the background as I focused on her.

I must've been staring too long because eventually, she turned and met my gaze.

For a second, I felt like an idiot for getting caught, but before I could dwell on it, she gave me a small, reassuring smile.

And just like that, I felt myself relax.

The sliding door opened again.

Sophie emerged, now dressed in a light blue one-piece swimsuit.

It wasn't bold like Olivia's, not revealing like Dani's--it was just... cute. Perfectly her.

"Look at that cutie! You go, girl." Dani whistled, grinning.

Sophie laughed softly, shaking her head but smiling as she stepped into the pool.

And with that, we were all here.

The party had officially started.

Lord have mercy.

The only guy in a pool party surrounded by six gorgeous women.

Sounds like a dream.

But I was scared shitless.

Although... what was I so terrified of?

I actually gave it some thought, like really sat with the feeling for a second.

The biggest fear? Making someone uncomfortable. Easy. That was number one on the list. I knew the kind of stigma that came with being the only guy in a situation like this, and I was doing everything in my power not to play into any clichés tonight.

Then there was Lena.

She trusted me enough to invite me. That had to mean something, right? But if I suddenly started acting like a creep, not only would I ruin whatever trust she had in me--I'd make her look bad in front of her best friends.

That thought alone made my stomach twist.

Is it really that hard to just play it cool? To have fun?

I felt like my biggest issue was experience. There were too many unknowns--what was okay, what crossed a line, what was expected. And if I did screw up, would they actually tell me? Or would they just side-eye each other and laugh about it later?

Maybe I should just... ask? If something felt off, I could speak up, right? They seemed to enjoy teasing me, but I doubted they actually wanted me to feel uncomfortable.

God, I wished I could just turn my brain off for once. Maybe if I stopped overthinking and acted like an idiot, they'd find it entertaining.

I didn't subscribe to the whole "women are an unknowable mystery" thing, but right now? I was seriously questioning how much I actually understood.

The thoughts circled, over and over, until I lost track of the world around me. The only thing anchoring me was the cool water against my skin.

And then--

"Alex!"

A voice thundered through my head, shattering the trance.

I blinked hard, startled, and suddenly Lena was right next to me, looking mildly concerned but mostly... confused.

"Dude, we're literally talking about you," Olivia added, smirking.

Reality slammed back into place, and my first reaction was embarrassment. Again.

"I think I zoned out for a second," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. "Sorry, everyone."

Dani snorted. "Man, you really are something else. You've got a pool full of hot girls in front of you, and you're probably off thinking about some video game or some shit."

That one hit a nerve.

But whatever. I could take it.

I swallowed my pride and let it roll off my back, refocusing on the conversation like I hadn't just been completely out of it.

"So, what were you saying about me?" I asked, glancing at the group. Then, my eyes landed on Lena.

She was red. Like, tomato-level red.

Interesting.

"We just wanted to know about you and Lena," Kat said, grinning. "You guys are really cute together, you know?"

Oh.

Well. This was bound to come up sooner or later.

I was used to people asking--it had been happening for years. But now? Now things were different.

I needed to shut this down before Lena felt uncomfortable.

"We're just friends," I said, keeping my tone neutral. "Met a long time ago and stuck around. We don't actually have that much in common, but we agree on a lot, so conversation just... flows."

It felt weird to reduce everything between us to something so clinical, but it was the best option.

Dani, of course, wasn't going to let it go that easily.

"So you don't like her?" she asked, her voice practically buzzing with energy.

Lena groaned. "Dani, why are you guys like this?"

Olivia just shrugged. "We're curious. You never tell us about this stuff, Lena."

Wait. Never?

I glanced at Lena. She looked more flustered than annoyed, which made me pause.

She never talked about guys? Even with her closest friends?

Huh.

But the question still lingered in the air, heavy and waiting.

Did I like her?

Saying yes was out of the question. But saying no...

It was the safest bet. But it felt like a mistake.

God, what was I even thinking? There was no way she liked me. The answer was obvious.

"No, Dani," I said, slow and careful. "Lena and I are just friends."

I stole a glance at her, trying to read her reaction.

She let out a small sigh, like she was relieved.

Good. That was good.

Still stung, though.

Before I could dwell on it, Dani suddenly closed the distance between us again, her movements so quick and smooth it was almost predatory.

She pressed a single finger against my chest, tilting her head up at me.

"So what you're saying is... you're free?" she mused, her voice dripping with amusement. "That's a dangerous thing to say here, boy. You sure that's your final answer?"

My heart kicked up a notch.

There was no going back now. I had to double down.

"Yeah," I said, holding my ground. "I guess I am... free. I'm not dating anyone or anything."

Dani's grin widened like she'd just won yet another game I didn't even know I was playing.

She pulled back--just slightly--returning to her spot in the group, but the look she gave me before she did was nothing short of mischievous.

"Good to know," she murmured, nodding to herself. "Very good to know."

Lena stayed quiet.

And even though Dani had backed off, the air still felt charged.

The moment lingered longer than I expected. I could feel Dani's presence still circling me, like a cat that had just found something fun to play with.

Kat, on the other hand, looked entirely too amused.

"Wow, Alex," she said, tilting her head. "Didn't realize we were making history tonight. Our boy here is finally on the market."

I scoffed. "That implies I wasn't before."

Kat just smirked. "Yeah, but you weren't."

I frowned. "I think I would know if I was single or not."

"No, you think you were single," she corrected, floating a little closer. "But in reality, everyone just assumed you and Lena were a thing, which means you were off-limits--whether you knew it or not."

I hesitated.

That... might've actually been true.

I looked at Lena, but she wasn't meeting my eyes.

Shit.

"I mean," I started, rubbing the back of my neck, "I didn't realize that was the case."

"Well," Dani cut in, her voice smooth as silk, "now you do."

I swallowed.

This was getting out of hand.

I could feel Olivia's gaze on me, sharp and knowing, but she hadn't spoken up. Just watching.

Laura, as usual, stayed quiet, her expression unreadable.

And Sophie...

I glanced at her.

She was watching too, but there was something softer about her expression. Thoughtful. Almost like she pitied me.

I wasn't sure how I felt about that.

Kat stretched her arms up with an exaggerated sigh. "Anyway, now that that's settled, we can move on to more important things."

"... Like what?" I asked hesitantly.

Kat's lips curved into a slow, lazy smile. "Like what kind of girl does catch your eye?"

Oh, for fuck's sake.

I groaned. "Is this really necessary?"

"Yes," she said, without hesitation.

I shot a look at Lena, hoping for some kind of backup, but she just shifted uncomfortably.

Dani, naturally, took my silence as an opportunity to pounce.

"C'mon, Alex," she said, her voice practically purring. "Just humor us. You have to have a type."

I exhaled slowly, my brain scrambling for the safest possible answer.

If I said anything specific, it would be weaponized immediately.

If I was too vague, they'd just keep pushing.

I needed to say something neutral.

"... I don't know," I finally said. "I guess I like it when a girl is... confident?"

Dani's eyes practically sparkled.

"Oh?" she mused. "Confident how?"

I realized too late I'd walked into a trap.

Lena shifted next to me again. She still hadn't said anything, but I could feel her presence like static electricity against my skin.

Kat leaned in slightly, her eyes flicking between me and Lena like she was waiting for something.

Sophie, still watching, finally spoke.

"Confidence is good," she said lightly. "But there's different kinds, right? Like, there's the loud, in-your-face kind--" her eyes flicked to Dani, who grinned, "--and then there's the quiet, self-assured kind."

That... actually felt like a lifeline.

I nodded. "Yeah. Exactly."

Dani just hummed, her smirk never fading.

"So what you're really saying is that confidence is hot in general," Kat concluded.

I sighed. "I guess."

"Good to know," Dani murmured again, and this time, there was something in her voice that made my stomach twist.

Lena finally moved, subtly shifting a little closer to me. It wasn't much, but I noticed.

So did Kat.

Her eyes flicked to Lena, something unreadable passing through them, before she smiled again.

It wasn't entirely friendly.

"Well," Kat said, stretching again, "this is fun and all, but I think I need a drink. Who else is thirsty?"

A shift. A reprieve.

I exhaled, grateful for the out.

"I could go for one," Olivia finally said, speaking for the first time in a while.

Dani, surprisingly, agreed. "Yeah, let's go grab something."

Kat turned back to me. "You coming, Alex?"

I hesitated.

Before I could answer, Lena spoke.

"I think we're good here," she said, her voice light but firm.

That was... interesting.

Kat gave her a long look before shrugging. "Suit yourselves."

And just like that, Dani, Kat, and Olivia started making their way out of the pool, leaving me, Lena, Laura, and Sophie behind.

The air felt... different.

Heavier.

And as I glanced at Lena, watching the way she exhaled quietly like she was relieved, I couldn't help but think--

This wasn't over.

Not even close.

The tension was palpable. Something was going on between the girls, and it was very much about me.

I glanced at Sophie, who had been unexpectedly helpful all night. Maybe she'd give me a clue about what to do here, but all she did was give me a small, knowing look.

"It's up to you now."

If this was about Lena liking me... well, I wasn't about to suddenly take it all back and declare my love for her in front of everyone. One, because that would be insanely embarrassing and would probably ruin the night, and two... because I didn't actually feel that way.

My perspective on Lena had definitely shifted, but I'd already gone over it once, and I still didn't think it was love. At least, I didn't think I wanted her as my girlfriend.

Could I, someday? Maybe, if things happened slowly. But the fact that I was even questioning it meant I wasn't ready to make any decisions about it.

All I could do was be a good friend to her now.

Lena still wasn't looking at me, her face turned away.

"Lena, are you okay? You seemed really bothered."

If she had something to say, she had to be the one to say it. Assuming things about her feelings was a one-way ticket to disaster.

"Yeah, I'm fine." she said, her voice quiet.

Oh, man. The dreaded words.

She was not fine.

"Was it something I said?" I kept my words careful, trying to play it safe. "I'm sorry if I upset you."

She finally turned, but still wouldn't meet my eyes, staring instead at the surface of the water. Her arms were crossed under her chest, her expression unreadable.

"No. I don't think you did anything wrong."

She took a slow breath, hesitating before she continued.

"I just... I knew this would happen."

I thought I knew what she meant, but I wasn't about to bet my life on it.

"What would happen?" I feigned ignorance.

"Kat and Dani. It's what they do, Alex." She sighed. "I told you yesterday."

So... this wasn't about me?

"Are you worried they're making me uncomfortable?" I asked, genuinely trying to understand now.

"In a way. I just don't want them to do what they usually do." She finally looked at me, a frown on her face, but her frustration wasn't directed at me.

I held her gaze. "Then what is it? What's the reason?"

Lena glanced over her shoulder. The girls had taken the cooler inside, probably to refill it. They were standing in the kitchen now, wrapped in towels, chatting like they hadn't just been circling me like sharks a few minutes ago.

"They play around with guys," Lena said flatly. "And when they get bored, they toss them out."

She shook her head, still watching them, before turning back to me.

"I really do want you to stick around and make friends, Alex," she said, her voice softer now. "But if they do mess with you--and God forbid, you actually fall for one of them..." She stopped, looking utterly done with their shit. "They won't want you around anymore. And it'll just go back to how it was before I invited you."

... Huh.

So I'd read that situation completely wrong.

Relief hit me first, but it was quickly followed by something else. Sadness.

For a moment, I really thought Lena might have been jealous. That she might actually like me. I thought that after all these years, I'd be able to read her, but... maybe I couldn't. Maybe I was too involved to be objective right now.

I mulled it over for a second before something clicked.

An idea.

Before my fear could stop me, I reached for Lena's hands, turning her toward me. Our faces very close now.

"I know I've always been scared of this," I said, voice low but firm. "But I do see things differently now. Ever since what happened last week... I've realized how much I've been missing by just standing around and not acting. I'm ready to do things differently. I'm sick of feeling like I can't make decisions for myself."

I squeezed her hands, holding her gaze, willing her to believe me.

Lena was stunned.

Her eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite place.

I knew exactly what she was thinking. "My" Alex would never do this.

Well, I was tired of being that Alex. I was tired of being the unassuming, non-threatening guy who never did anything. I could do this.

Maybe this wasn't the best time or place to have an epiphany, but I was human. I was allowed to act a fool sometimes.

Then, out of nowhere--

Lena laughed.

Not in a mocking way. It was real, warm, genuine.

"Wow, Alex. Wow." She shook her head, still grinning. "I never thought I'd see you like this."

She laughed again, like she was still processing it.

"I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you," she said, her eyes bright. "It's just shocking."

She smiled and, before I could react, hugged me close.

... Okay.

I know we're just friends. Totally. Absolutely. But she was still a hot girl pressing her nearly naked body against mine.

I subtly broke the hug a little early, saving myself from the ultimate humiliation.

I glanced around, desperate for a distraction, and caught Sophie lightly clapping to herself as she watched us intently.

Laura was still behind Lena, doing whatever Laura did, but I could swear I saw the tiniest hint of a smirk on her face.

She was turning out to be way weirder than she looked at school.

"I kinda like this version of me better," I admitted, leaning back into the water. "The whole reason I was so stressed about stepping out of line was because I thought this was a safe space for you guys. I thought maybe you never brought guys here because of that."

Laura suddenly laughed. Like, a real, actual laugh.

"Nah, dude," she said, shaking her head. "We just don't bring guys because they're total sluts and would spend the whole night trying to get in their pants. Kind of like what they're doing with you."

... Okay, yeah. That actually made a lot of sense.

Sophie finally spoke, her voice calm but carrying weight.

"I'm glad you don't feel as intimidated anymore, Alex," she said. "But you should still be careful."

She tilted her head slightly, her tone dipping into something almost... teasing.

"You don't want to fly too close to the sun and burn up."

For the first time tonight, I felt like I could just have fun--not overthink everything, not worry about who was messing with me or why. Just enjoy the moment.

Lena, Laura, and Sophie made easy conversation, and I rolled with it, letting the night settle into something that actually felt normal. It didn't last long.

The rest of the group reappeared, cooler in hand, and set it down on the table again. Cans were passed around.

Olivia dangled one in front of me, a single eyebrow raised. "So, you want one now, or are you still being boring?"

I smirked, stretching my arm out of the pool to take it without a word.

Dani reacted immediately. "Would you look at that," she said, amusement thick in her voice. "You have drank before, right? I'd rather not have to babysit you."

Her teasing was relentless, like it was just her natural way of speaking.

"I've drunk before, yes. Never gotten wasted, but I've been tipsy." I cracked the can open, the soft hiss filling the air.

"I can vouch for that," Lena said with a knowing smile. "He's funnier when he's tipsy."

She would know. Her dad had been out of town one weekend when we were fifteen, and of course, we'd subtly raided his liquor cabinet. Just enough to feel it, not enough to do anything stupid. It wasn't the only time, but it was a memorable first.

I remembered how Noah and the other guys I used to hang out with would tease me about Lena constantly back then. Some even asked if I could get them her number.

Never gave them anything.

"He's probably a lot more fun when he's not one risqué comment away from passing out," Kat chimed in, smirking.

She wasn't letting that go.

Living up to what I said to Lena was going to be hard. I was surrounded by six seriously attractive girls, most of them one sudden movement away from exposing something they probably shouldn't. And they were all laser-focused on me, waiting for any opening to mess with me.

"That was a one-time thing," I said, trying to defend myself. "I'm not falling for it again."

One step at a time. Maybe I could actually change their perception of me. It wasn't too late, right?

"Oh really?"

Dani's voice took on a sultry, challenging edge that made my neck snap toward her.

In the time it took for me to react, she had already closed the distance again.

She wanted control. She wanted to keep me in a position where she could take what she wanted whenever she wanted. And anything I said to push back would only make her more determined to win.

This was the game I didn't know I was playing.

Whoever folded first lost their position.

Dani was pressed against me now, her smooth skin warm against mine, her body molding to my side.

Her arm draped over my shoulder, her face dangerously close.

I flicked a glance at Lena.

She was watching, stiff, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Dani's breath tickled my ear as she whispered, "So, cutie... are you falling for it yet?"

I had to win.

My arm slid around her waist, pulling her even closer.

"You're gonna have to try harder," I whispered back.

I don't know what I expected--surprise, maybe. Annoyance. Some kind of pushback.

Not this.

Dani's eyes darkened as I pulled away. She wasn't mad. She wasn't flustered.

She was hungry.

I was starting to see the appeal in this. It was intoxicating.

Everything else faded away as Dani and I danced the fine line between teasing and flirting.

"You're lucky the night's just getting started," she murmured, her lips just shy of brushing my ear. "Or else I'd have jumped you by now."

And just like that, she pulled away, her usual mischievous grin settling back into place as if she hadn't just threatened to break me in two.

Kat cut through the silence, laughing. "We were gone for five minutes, and now Alex suddenly has a spine? What the fuck were you guys doing out here?"

Man, this felt good--being the one in control for once, or at least not just rolling over.

The girls exchanged looks, some amused, some intrigued. Lena's smirk told me she was proud, but also that she enjoyed seeing Dani getting a little taste of her own medicine.

From there, the night settled into something more relaxed. I wasn't the sole focus anymore, and honestly, I was okay with that.

I started to notice the group naturally breaking into smaller clusters.

Olivia, Kat, and Dani gravitated toward one end of the pool, their conversation more animated, laughter spilling between them. I caught Dani glancing my way more than once, like she was waiting for another chance to pounce.

Meanwhile, I found myself lingering with Laura and Sophie. Lena had just left to use the bathroom.

Sophie had that same unreadable expression as before, like she was watching me just to see what I'd do next. Laura, on the other hand, was leaning against the pool's edge, swirling her drink in her hand, lost in her own thoughts.

"They're gonna love you," Sophie mused suddenly.

I turned to her, raising a brow. "Oh?"

"You're fun to mess with, but you're also... unexpected."

I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not, but before I could ask, Sophie stretched her arms above her head and sighed. "I'm gonna grab another drink. You coming, Laura?"

Laura shook her head. "Nah, I'm good here."

Sophie gave me one last curious look before slipping out of the pool, leaving just me and Laura.

For the first time tonight, I was alone with one of them.

Laura still wasn't looking at me, her gaze locked on the ripples in the water, but something about the quiet between us felt different from before.

Then, finally, she spoke.

"So..." she started, glancing at me through damp strands of hair. "How far are you actually willing to go tonight?"

The question hung in the air, heavier than I expected.

I turned to Laura, caught off guard by the question.

"How far am I willing to go?" I repeated, watching as she finally met my eyes.

She gave a slow nod, expression unreadable, but there was something... curious about the way she was looking at me.

"Yeah," she said, leaning back against the pool's edge, her arms stretched out on either side of her. "You're different tonight. More confident. So I'm wondering... how far does that confidence go?"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I feel like this is a trick question."

Laura smirked slightly, but she didn't say anything, just kept watching me like she was waiting to see how I'd respond.

The water between us felt smaller, more charged somehow.

Unlike Dani and Kat, Laura hadn't been openly teasing me all night. She hadn't been throwing herself at me, playing games.

But she was still here. Still looking at me like she saw something she hadn't before.

"I don't know," I admitted, the honesty slipping out before I could stop it. "I guess I haven't really thought about it."

Laura hummed in response, tilting her head slightly. "Maybe you should."

She wasn't pushing. Wasn't daring me like Dani or Kat would have.

But the way she said it--soft, like an invitation rather than a challenge--felt more dangerous somehow.

I swallowed, suddenly aware of just how close we were.

The others were still talking at the far end of the pool, their voices distant, just background noise now. It was just me and Laura in this moment, and for some reason, it felt more intimate than anything else that had happened tonight.

I rested my arms on the pool's ledge beside her, mirroring her posture.

"You don't talk much," I said after a beat. "But when you do, it's always something unexpected."

Laura's smirk deepened, and she glanced at me out of the corner of her eye. "Guess that makes two of us tonight, huh?"

The water lapped gently against us, the air between us thick with something unspoken.

For a moment, I debated saying something to fill the silence. But then, Laura shifted, turning slightly toward me, her knee brushing mine beneath the water.

It wasn't an accident.

And I didn't move away.

"You ever just... go with something?" she asked, voice softer now, almost thoughtful. "Not overthink it. Not plan it out. Just let it happen?"

I hesitated, because that wasn't me. At least, it hadn't been.

But tonight?

Tonight, I wasn't so sure.

"... Maybe I should," I said, echoing her words from earlier.

Laura held my gaze for a long second, then, without a word, she pushed off the pool's edge, closing the small space between us.

She was close now, closer than I'd ever expected her to be.

And for the first time tonight, I wasn't thinking.

I was just letting it happen.

My vision was now almost entirely filled by her.

Up close, Laura looked different--softer, more delicate in a way I hadn't noticed before. Her usually sharp, detached demeanor had melted into something else entirely, something more open.

Her eyes sparkled, waiting, expectant.

Whatever this was, it felt... honest.

For the first time, I found myself focusing on every little detail--the slope of her nose, the way her damp hair clung to her cheek, her soft, perfect lips.

God.

Somehow, we had drifted even closer, drawn together by an invisible force. I could feel her breath on my skin, warm and shallow, sending small, electric shivers down my spine.

And then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, we both closed our eyes.

The first touch of our lips was almost surreal.

I wasn't thinking, wasn't second-guessing.

There was only the feeling of her--the softness, the way our mouths fit together like we'd done this before.

The water shifted around us, gentle ripples breaking against my skin as she moved.

Then, her arm surfaced, wrapping around my neck, pulling me in--not forcefully, not desperate, just... certain.

I followed instinctively, my hands finding the curve of her waist beneath the water, something solid to hold onto.

At first, the kiss was hesitant, exploratory, like we were both trying to understand what this was. But slowly, inevitably, it deepened.

It was like an unspoken conversation, a slow crescendo of energy building between us.

But just as the heat threatened to take over, Laura pulled back, just barely.

The soft sound of our lips parting sent another shiver through me.

I opened my eyes slowly, finding hers already on me.

Her green eyes looked different now--bright, half-lidded, her lips still slightly parted, like she was considering pulling me back in.

Then, her expression shifted, lips curling into a small, secret smile. It wasn't like her usual smirks, her teasing grins. This was something else.

After what felt like an eternity, she was the one to break the silence. I was still too dumbfounded to form a sentence.

"You're a good kisser, nerd."

And before I could even process that, she leaned in again, pressing a soft, fleeting peck to my lips.

I let out a breathless laugh, shaking my head. "I could say the same."

I had no idea how I looked right now, but judging by the way Laura bit back another smirk, I was probably grinning like an idiot.

A splash from the other side of the pool snapped me back to reality.

The rest of the girls were still there. Still talking.

And suddenly, I became hyper-aware of just how exposed we were.

Laura must've realized it too, because she pulled back slightly, her fingers trailing down my shoulder before finally breaking contact.

For a second, I thought maybe she'd make some sort of joke, brush it off like it was nothing.

But she didn't.

Instead, she let the moment settle, watching me for a beat longer before finally pushing away from the pool's edge.

"C'mon," she said quietly, her voice almost lost beneath the sounds of the others.

She started toward the steps at the shallow end, casting me one last glance over her shoulder, a silent invitation in her eyes.

And just like that, I was moving.

As we stepped out of the pool, we both grabbed our towels from the chairs near the table.

I shot a quick glance toward the others. Dani was looking at us.

Her expression was hard to read--calculating, almost. Like she was taking mental notes.

We entered the house, and suddenly, the reality of what was happening caught up with me.

What was I doing?

More importantly... what were we about to do?

A weird sense of apprehension twisted in my stomach--not regret, just the awareness that this was uncharted territory.

And, for some reason, I felt nervous about running into Lena.

Not because I thought she'd stop me, but because I didn't want to be the one to put whatever this was into words.

We made our way through the dimly lit living room. I resisted the urge to tell Laura to hurry up.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Sophie sitting by the kitchen island, idly scrolling through her phone. She looked... way too casual.

Was she stalling?

There's no way, right?

My theory gained traction when she suddenly glanced up, catching my eye with a knowing smile.

Like she knew exactly where we were going.

As we approached the staircase, the sound of running water echoed from the downstairs bathroom.

Lena.

She was still in there, probably about to come out.

For a split second, I hesitated. I wasn't sure why, but something about moving forward without her knowing made me feel... off.

Still, running into her right this second would be way worse. So I kept moving, trailing after Laura.

She led the way in silence, not glancing back, not saying a word.

Was she nervous, too?

That seemed naïve.

At the end of the upstairs hallway, she opened a door and stepped inside.

The room was standard--similar in size to mine but barely furnished. The desk, closet, and shelves were all empty.

"Guest room?" I asked, hoping to break the tension even slightly.

"Yeah, so don't worry," Laura said. "Olivia isn't gonna be mad if we use it."

Something about the way she said "use" made my stomach do a weird flip.

I turned toward the massive window overlooking the backyard. From here, I could see the rest of the girls still in the pool, talking, laughing.

Sophie had returned, handing out more drinks.

The sky above them was impossibly clear tonight, stars scattered like dust across the darkness.

I exhaled slowly, turning back--

Laura stood with her back to me, her towel slipping from her fingers.

The soft, muffled sound of fabric hitting the floor somehow felt loud in the tense silence.

My eyes dragged down, taking in the curve of her back, the smooth skin glistening under the dim bedroom light.

Her bikini bottoms were thin, sitting high on her hips, showing off just how shapely her ass was.

Her toned legs were thick and strong--sexy, but also kind of intimidating.

If she kicked me, it would hurt.

... I kind of liked that.

"Are you gonna come closer, or are you just gonna stare at my ass all night?"

Her voice was light, amused. She turned her head slightly, just enough for me to catch the curve of her smirk.

Like I was under some kind of spell, I moved forward without thinking.

Wordlessly, I wrapped my arms around her from behind, pulling her into me.

She was warm--her damp skin soft against mine.

I nestled my face against the side of her neck, breathing her in. The faint scent of chlorine still clung to her, but underneath it, there was something sweet.

Something distinctly her.

My arms tightened around her waist, fingers resting on her stomach as I pressed myself to her back.

Laura and I were similar in height--I was maybe three or four inches taller--so standing like this just felt... right.

I could feel the shape of her, the slow rise and fall of her breathing, the way her body fit so naturally against mine.

She giggled. Not chuckled--giggled.

It was soft, almost girlish, and I wasn't sure I'd ever heard that sound from her before.

"You're adorable, Alex."

I could hear the smile in her voice. It felt so unlike her, but so right at the same time.

I swallowed, my fingers twitching slightly against her stomach.

"I--" My voice caught for a second. I cleared my throat. "You sure adorable is the word you wanna go with?"

Laura hummed, shifting slightly in my arms.

"Mmm... maybe," she mused. "But if I said hot, you'd get a big head."

I let out a breathy laugh, tilting my head just enough for my lips to brush against her bare shoulder.

Her breath hitched.

Not much--but enough.

I felt it more than I heard it, the way her body stiffened slightly before relaxing again.

I swallowed, heart hammering now, my grip on her tightening.

This was happening.

And then--

A voice called from outside.

Distant, but distinct enough to shatter the moment.

We both froze.

I felt Laura tense in my arms before she sighed, letting her head drop back against my shoulder.

"Jesus Christ," she muttered, tilting her head toward the window. "They really have the worst fucking timing."

I glanced toward the backyard.

Down below, Olivia stood by the pool, looking around. "Where the hell did Laura and Alex go?"

I felt Laura's shoulders shake with quiet laughter.

She turned slightly in my hold, finally looking up at me with that same knowing smirk from before.

"Guess we're busted."

I exhaled through my nose, eyes flicking toward the door.

We could go back down.

Or...

I glanced back at Laura.

Her green eyes searched mine, still playful but expectant, like she was waiting to see what I'd do next.

Like she was waiting for me to choose.

I recalled what I'd said in the pool.

I recalled how I felt--the frustration of inaction, the sick feeling of letting moments pass me by, of always holding back.

I wasn't making that mistake again.

My arm moved before I even fully decided what I was going to do.

I cupped Laura's cheek, tilting her head toward me over her shoulder.

Her body tensed for a split second, her lips parting slightly, eyes flickering with something unreadable--

And then we were kissing again.

This time, there was nothing hesitant about it.

I could tell she wanted this in the way she slowly melted into my touch, but at the same time, I could feel her surprise--like she hadn't actually expected me to choose this.

Like a part of her thought I wouldn't have the guts.

This kiss was different.

Less soft, more daring. Like we were rebelling against something--and we liked it.

Her fingers traced lightly along my thigh, sending a shiver up my spine. My free hand slid up her waist, skimming the soft plane of her stomach.

Somewhere between teasing and instinct, our lips parted just enough to let the kiss deepen.

I felt her shift slightly, just a small movement--her mouth opening wider, her tongue brushing the edge of my lower lip before slipping past.

A French kiss.

The shift in sensation was electrifying, new, slow at first as we tested the waters.

But then we adapted.

The pace quickened.

I could taste something sweet on her tongue, lingering, intoxicating.

As my hand traced the edge of her bikini top, I felt her body tense again, skin pebbling under my touch.

I hesitated.

Was she okay with this?

Before I could even ask, she read me completely.

In one smooth motion, she grabbed my hand and pressed it firmly to her chest.

The soft weight of her breast filled my palm, warm even through the thin, damp fabric.

She hummed into my mouth--a small, breathy sound that sent something sharp and hot coursing through my veins.

The need to move hit me like a second instinct.

I broke the kiss, my lips trailing lower, down to her neck, breathing her in as I pressed slow, open-mouthed kisses against the delicate skin.

Her head tilted to the side, giving me more room.

"Alex..."

My name left her lips in a quiet, breathy exhale, almost too soft for how much it shook me.

Both of my hands were on her now, molding to her shape, her firm breasts filling both my palms.

The room was nearly silent, except for the sound of our breathing, the occasional wet sound of lips meeting skin, and the quiet, involuntary noises she let slip as I touched her.

Then--

A shift.

Laura's hips rolled, slow at first, pressing back against me.

A sharp jolt shot through my body, a full-body reaction to the friction, the pressure.

I was rock hard.

She laughed--low, sultry, knowing.

"Oh," she murmured, her voice teasing but breathless. "I like that."

I swallowed hard, my grip tightening slightly on her.

Her movements weren't hesitant now. They were purposeful.

Testing me.

Pushing me.

A hand slid behind me, her fingers tangling into my damp hair as she turned her face slightly. I had pulled away from her neck, her lips now grazing my jaw.

I exhaled sharply, pulse hammering in my ears.

This was--

This was fast.

And yet... it didn't feel rushed.

It felt inevitable.

Like some unspoken tension that had been lingering between us was finally, finally boiling over.

I had two choices.

Give in completely.

Or slow things down.

And the way Laura was moving against me, testing boundaries, watching for a reaction--

I felt like she knew what she'd pick.

--

Sorry in advance for blue balling y'all with a cliffhanger! Sadly the chapter was already much longer than I wanted it to be and this finally felt like a proper end point. I'm gonna try my hardest to pump out the next one a bit quicker. I really appreciate all the comments in the previous chapter. Thanks for all the kind words, see you in the next one hopefully.