Eric was whispering something in Abby’s ear, running his nose along the bridge of her jaw. Her face was flushed, her body arched toward his. She wanted this.
Eric’s lips were only a breath away from Abby’s. “I’m going to kiss you now. Is that okay?”
Abby nodded slowly, licking her lips and closing her eyes, her body drifting toward him like a magnet.
Eric lowered his head the rest of the way, cradling her face. His tongue flicked out to taste her lips, and then he tilted his head the opposite way and kissed her slowly like he was trying to memorize every inflection of her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. I felt funny intruding on their intimate moment though I couldn’t help the smile that played on my lips.
Eric broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers as they both panted in tandem. He dragged his thumb along her bottom lip. “Too bad these belong to someone else. They’re fucking incredible.”
Abby’s eyes flew open. Her hand came up to cover her mouth as tears filled her eyes. “What’ve I done? I’m so sorry.” She ducked out from under his arm, causing him to fall against the wall.
I hurried to catch up with her, but she sprinted past her friends, calling over her shoulder on the way out the door, “Come on, guys. We gotta go.”
Disappointment washed over their faces, but it was probably for the best. They were all pretty toasted.
The cool air hit me as I bolted over the threshold, looking left and right. Abby was bent over, one hand resting on her knee and the other at her mouth.
“Abs!” I called after her.
She straightened. “Eva, what the hell did I do? I can’t believe I just cheated on Damon!”
I swallowed the bitter taste of that. “You obviously felt something for him, Abby.”
“We can’t speak of this—ever. We have to pretend this never happened. Do you hear me? If Damon ever found out . . .”
“Wouldn’t be such a bad thing,” I muttered under my breath.
Abby blinked at me. “What did you just say?”
I squared my shoulders and leveled my voice. “Maybe Damon isn’t as right for you as you think.” There, I said it.
She narrowed her eyes and barked at me. “Do you hear yourself? Are you insane? He’s all I know. We’re meant for each other. You fucking know that!”
And here she was, defending him as usual. My blood boiled as I spoke through my teeth. “He’s no prince charming, Abby. Stop acting like he’s perfect.” Fuck. I’d slipped up.
“I can’t believe you’re saying this to me right now,” she spat at me. “What’s your problem with him anyway? You act like such a cold bitch around him.”
My spine stiffened. That was a slap in the face, but she was drunk and didn’t know the truth. “I’m going to act like you didn’t just say that because you’ve had too much to drink.” Then I softened my voice. “I don’t want to fight. I haven’t seen you in months, and I love you.” I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “All I’m saying is, maybe seeing what else is out there isn’t the worst idea in the world. That way you know for sure you’re making the right decision.” Which would never be the right decision, but I couldn’t find the words to tell her that. Not yet.
Abby fell back against the wall, the weight of everything taking a toll. “God, it felt so good. I felt it. I felt things I can’t ever remember feeling before. I’m horrible, aren’t I?” She put her face in her hands and sobbed.
I rubbed a soothing hand down her arm. “No, you aren’t horrible. You’re human and maybe Damon’s not the one. And that’s okay.”
“I love him, Eva.”
I winced hearing those words, but covered it up quickly. That fuck’s got her brainwashed. I knew all too well his ability to do that. “Maybe you’re not in love with him anymore.”
She shook her head, rubbing her temples. “I can’t think about this right now. My head’s spinning.”
“Hey, Abs . . .”
“Yeah?”
I almost told her her right then. My mouth hung open as I tried to find the right words. She should know what she was dealing with, that she wasn’t a bad person for having feelings for someone else.
But then I looked into her glassy eyes and thought better of it. This wasn’t the time or place for that bomb. “Never mind. Go sleep it off. You’ll feel better tomorrow.”
Blake emerged, winded. “You guys okay?”
“Yeah, we’re fine,” I said.
Abby offered Blake a strained smile as her friends joined her. All but Jena, the designated driver, were walking crooked.
“Well, it was nice to finally meet you.” Blake gave her a lopsided smile. “I don’t know what went on back there. I’m sorry if he crossed a line. If it’s any consolation, my boy’s tore up. You did a number on him. You Ricci girls are no joke.” Blake winked and pulled her in for a hug. “You’re sure you’re okay? Do I have to give him a slap?”
“I’m fine, really.” She sniffed. “Thanks for asking.”