“Knock, knock!” She exaggerates as she bursts into my apartment.
Instantly, my place feels alive with happiness and excitement. Monica wastes no time before showing me the lovely ring Josh used to ask “forever.” We make our way to the couch, where I have celebratory Brie and Riesling waiting.
“It’s so perfect, so you.” I run my thumb across the emerald-cut solitaire. “I’m throwing you two an engagement party on Fourth of July weekend, a clam bake.”
Monica’s smile is even bigger than before. “You’re amazing! A perfect Maid of Honor.”
“What?” I scream.
“Did you think I’d choose anyone else?” We scream in unison and hug, yet again.
“So,” Monica continues after our second glass of wine, “what is this nonsense that you had to discuss with me in person?” She places her elbow on the back of my couch and rests her head on her hand.
“It’s Adrian ...” I start with shaky cadence.
“I knew it.” Her blue eyes grow wild, a million questions and assumptions swirling behind them.
“I told you when there was something to tell, I’d tell. Last weekend, when you saw his car in front of my house, we kissed the night before—hard. It was so good, Monica, I have no words. I didn’t lie to you; we didn’t have sex that night.”
“That night?”
“No. That happened on Friday...in his apartment.”
“Ember, A, what the hell? B, how could you not tell me?” She slaps my shoulder and crosses her arms.
“I know. I know. He asked if I wanted to come by his place on Friday on my way home from Concord. It worked out well that you had to drive separately anyway. I really didn’t want to make a big deal if it turned out to be nothing.” I feel my cheeks reach a temperature I haven’t felt in a long time.
“So ...”
I can’t help the grin. “It was perfect, Monica. We had dinner, went dancing, then...you know.” I shrug. “I’m telling you because you’re my best friend and now that I think this is turning into something, I need you to know about it. I’m going to his place again on Friday.”
“Are you going to start spending all of your time in Boston, or is Big Shot going to grace the Cape with his presence?” Her tone is playful, but I know she’s serious.
“Relax, he’s coming here Monday or Tuesday for dinner. He’s grown up, Monica. We both have. When we were together on Friday, it was like the best parts of our past and the best parts of our present collided. We got to skip over the “get to know you” stuff and just enjoy each other.” I swirl the last sip of wine around in my glass.
“Judging by the glow you’ve had since I got here, I’d say you aced the “enjoying each other” portion of the evening.” We break into laughter; mine is relieved.
“Thanks for not being pissed, Mon. Listen, don’t tell anyone about me and Adrian. By anyone, I mean Rae or Bo.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m livid; I knew there was something going on that night we met Regan. I hardly talk to Bo at work, and I’d never say anything to Rae. Your secret is safe with me until you’re ready. How is he, by the way? Regan, I mean.” She can’t stay mad for long. Who’d be able to with a gorgeous ring like that on their hand?
“He’s great. I think he likes Rae. He gave her his number.”
“I’ll allow it, especially considering you seem to be tied up at the moment.” She arches her eyebrow, letting me know this won’t be the only in-depth discussion we’ll be having about Adrian.
Chapter Fourteen
“Hey Blue.” Adrian is waiting for me at my apartment when I get home from rehearsal at Finnegan’s. Rehearsal went great, but my Tuesday just got a hell of a lot better.
“Hi.” I waste no more words. I wrap my arms around his neck and rise to meet his mouth. My lips are hot in an instant and my hips involuntarily press him back against my door. Adrian’s sex appeal is an addiction, and I’m a happy junkie.
“It’s good to see you, too.” He grins against my lips as I reach past him to open the door.
When we get inside, I kick off my shoes and flick on the lights. I toss my bag to the floor and turn around. “So, what do you want for dinner? I can cook or we can go out.”
A wicked grin takes over his face. Without response, he lifts me off my feet and spins me around; our mouths become the epicenter of desire. As I stroke my tongue through his mouth, I’m barely cognizant of the fact that he’s walking toward my bedroom. Panic blazes through me, as memories of the last man in my bedroom flicker across the vision of my closed eyes. I pull away briefly to study Adrian’s face, and all anxiety subsides. This is the face of pure desire—uninhibited need.
“Five years and now I can’t go three days without seeing you. Take your clothes off.” Adrian’s voice turns to a low growl as he nudges me onto my bed.