thumps as I side step him and weave through the clumps of snow that have yet to melt from the harsh winter. I hate seeing his genuine smile falter with my words, but I can’t idly stand around while he messes with my head any longer.
“Shit,” slurs out of my mouth as my foot misses the top step. I slide down the litter-covered staircase. Roars of laughter and murmurs of my name fade into background noise when I lock eyes on an emerald hue. “Tan—”
Falling into Tanner’s waiting arms, he grips me tight, and my eyes close as I smell the musky scent of his cologne. I’d never admit how many times I’ve taken a sample of the exact brand from the department store just so I could relive the moments when we’ve been this close.
“Thanks,” I mumble into his damp charcoal T-shirt.
The sweat is proof he’s been here for a while, and I half-wonder if he searched for me. My silly schoolgirl crush surfaces, wishing he felt the same as me.
“I’ll always catch you.”
His promise brings a flutter to my stomach.
“I mean, your brother would kick my ass otherwise.”
Then, my heart shrivels from his admission of consistently being there for me only to please my brother. When my head drops as I begin to pull away, his hand cradles my cheek, and he gently lifts my face up.
“What’s wrong, Piper?”
His concerned eyes searches mine, and I question my thoughts from seconds ago that he doesn’t have an interest in me as more than a friend.
“Nothing.” I bite my lip, afraid I’ll crack from the way his green eyes cling to my brown. If I don’t tear them away soon, I’ll confess the lurking love I’ve hidden for years.
A small smirk cracks his lips, and he shakes his head. “Okay.” He lets the fact that I’m lying go. “Well, let’s have some fun tonight then.”
His hand leaves my cheek and travels down my arm until his long fingers link with mine. I hold back my squeal of excitement and follow his broad-shouldered frame between the throng of drunken college students.
Tanner stops in the middle of the dance floor. Since I’ve never heard a song I didn’t shake my ass to, when my blood is filled with liquid courage, my hips swing, and my arms flail to the newest and hottest hip-hop song. I circle around, joining the blur of other bodies around me. Strong hands grip my waist, and I step into a hard chest. Leaning back, I bring one arm up to his neckline and Tanner’s light-brown strands of hair, tickle my fingers. His face nuzzles in the crook of my shoulder, and shivers run up my spine when I hear his deep inhale of breath.
A small smile graces my lips as I realize the hands tightening around my curves belong to the unattainable guy I might never have long-term. I hope tonight will be different since we’ve both been drinking, and our desire for one another appears to be in line.
The question is, can I handle only having a one-nighter with Tanner? Granted, it would be fun-filled, but nonetheless, it’d be over at dawn.
I answer my question when he yanks me closer, bringing our bodies flush against one another, as he circles his hips behind me.
The alcohol helps me toss my worries to the side. I decide to live in the moment, and lose myself in the music. The more Tanner’s lips brush along my neck, the faster warmth radiates throughout my body. The people dancing around us fade away, and for a second, it’s only him and me. I’m immersed in the boy who turned into a man in the time I’ve known him. His smell of manly cologne mixed with sweat emanates in the air, bringing a sense of euphoria around me. His soothing hands hold me firm to his developed muscled chest I’ve admired since adolescence. I welcome the sensory overload of Tanner McCain even if it’s only temporary.
I swivel around, and our eyes connect. I wrap my arms around his neck, fiddling with the small waves along the back of his head. My heart skips a beat from the smoldering heat in his gaze tonight. Instead of his best friend’s twin sister that he grew up with, for once, I feel like a girl he wants to take home. A rush of heat pumps in my veins from the lust and desire pouring from his unwavering eyes. In all the years I’ve known him,