Jace groans as he stretches. I swear I can feel the vibration in my chest. He smiles and lowers his arms. “Want something to sleep in?”
I shake my head. “It’s fine. I can just take off my jeans and sleep in the hoodie... if you don’t mind.”
His eyes drop to where it clings around my thighs and his jaw ticks. “Not at all.”
I twirl the noodles on my fork more to give my hand something to do. “Thanks.”
Ford settles back with a quiet grunt. “Then it’s settled. You’ll stay the night.”
Logan stands and clears the island, stacking containers before taking them to the fridge.
I’m the only one still eating, but they’ve always eaten faster than me. I force myself to take a few more bites of everything and finish off the drink. Then I clear my plate as well. It takes a bit of effort to not let it show that the margarita is effecting me.
Well, it’s not doing jack shit to kill my libido. I want them more than ever.
Wes’s amber eyes stay locked on me and warm my skin. It’s hard to not meet his gaze as I take my seat again.
The air crackles as the silence between us grows and the looks in their eyes make me want to give in, tell them everything and say fuck it to my life.
Even if they keep my secret and help me fake it, there will be no turning back. There’s no way they would allow me to keep taking the suppressants I need to pass. Not after they learn about the side effects.
“I should get to bed.” I fake a yawn and force a stretch. “Early day tomorrow.”
I stand too fast and blood rushes to my head; the world shifts as I sway. I stumble, catching myself on the island.
The others rise, too.
Wes reaches out, hand closing around my right upper arm to steady me. His firm palm is warm through the hoodie. He holds me until I find my footing. My heart beats harder. All night with their slight brushes and now with his full on touch. It makes my head swim, but I have to regain control.
Coming here was a mistake, even as part of me is overjoyed at being around them again. This is all I’ve wanted for over a decade. They’ve never left my thoughts, but now they’re here with me.
I glance up, meeting his eyes. “I’m okay.”
His grip tightens and he searches my face. His lips press into a thin line before they part. “You sure?”
I nod. “Just stood up too fast.”
Logan moves from the end of the island and comes closer. His blue eyes flick over me. He reaches out, fingertips brushing my waist over the hoodie from behind. “You don’t seem yourself.”
I shiver at the contact.
Ford comes over. His gaze going to Wes, then back to me. He reaches out, his fingers brushing the inside of my left wrist, checking my pulse. My breath catches. I don’t pull away.
Jace leans on to the wood. “Don’t bullshit us, Frankie.”
“I’m fine, guys.” I hear the strain in my voice and know they do, too.
Each inhale pulls in their scents: clove, mint, smoke, pine, and rain. My pulse quickens as my vision blurs and comes back into focus, and I acutely feel all their hands on me.
Ford shifts closer, his hand moving to settle on my hip. “We’re here for whatever you need.”
Wes tilts his head. He lifts his hand from my arm to my jaw, thumb brushing the corner of my mouth. I lean into his touch, even though I know I shouldn’t. My legs refuse to listen when I tell them to step away.
We’re so close, and God, I want them.
I look at his lips, then back into his amber eyes. Wes closes the space, mouth covering mine. The confidence he had when we were younger is still there. He deepens it when I stand on my toes to meet him. I reach up and fist the fabric of his jersey.
Logan’s grip tightens on my waist. Breaking the kiss after a moment. He spins me to face him. His mouth takes mine before I can catch my breath; his tongue traces my lower lip.
