I drift to Bethany as Eddie steps up to the table to help. “Are we going to get kicked out? You look amazing, by the way.”
“You two both looked amazing dancing out there,” Bethany says back with a warm smile. “Happy to see you comfortable again,” she adds. “I feel like it was only a few weeks ago you wouldn’t move from the spot at my house party.”
“Really? Feels like the opposite for me. Feels like that was forever ago,” I say. At her party I could barely breathe; I was so self-conscious of standing funny, of people looking at me strangely. But now, here, it was hardly a passing thought. Something I’m aware of, but not something I needed to worry and stress about. “How is it not having to sneak around behind everyone’s backs with Eddie?”
Bethany rolled her eyes. “I never snuck around. Everyone is just so dense they never noticed.”
“Mark noticed.”
“Because I’d sleep at their apartment every other night. If he didn’t notice, I’d wonder if he had a brain at all behind those eyes.” Bethany nods to the cups. “You in?”
I shake my head. “Happy to have a drink or two, but stumbling around drunk is a sure way I’ll end up sore in the morning.”
Bethany grins. “That’s the same for all of us. Seb, me, and you against these three tanks.”
Sebastian nods. “We’ll crush them.”
Said three tanks look more than ready to take up the challenge.
I laugh when Bethany and Seb destroy them, as promised.
Mark breaks away with a groan after a crushing defeat, and snags my hand without preamble, bringing me straight to the dance floor in the middle of something fast and quick. People are jiving, which I’ve never done in my life, but Mark has me taught in no time at all, and it feels reckless the way he twirls me hard, only to catch me roughly before I spin out. Out of breath, I fall against his chest as the song mercifully comes to an end.
“You’re drunk!” I pant.
“I’m not drunk. I love you. And I’m getting that feeling where you want to squeeze cute things enough to hurt them.” Mark’s fingers dig into my hips. He bends down, champagne in his breath as he kisses my cheek. “Or like, when you want to just throw someone around.”
TheI love youechoes in my head. I stare up at Mark, mind stalling out. He kisses my cheek again. “I want to pinch your ass, turn that pale skin red. Actually, I want to pinch your balls, just enough to hurt a little, and then squeeze your cock.”
“Mark,” I hiss, perturbed and aroused.
Mark chuckles. “I love the way you say my name, all exasperated like that, even with your cock plumping up. Mhm, I can feel you against my thigh, babe.”
“Mark. Kyle,” a familiar voice interrupts Mark’s maddening voice right against my ear.
I turn from Mark to see Damien standing there, tall and regal. He glares at Mark, then turns a smile toward me. “I’m Damien, Mark’s brother. It’s lovely to meet you, Kyle. We have food about to be served at the table if you’d like to join us? I noticed you both went straight to dancing…and drinking. Drinking on an empty stomach can be—”
“Are you seriously about to lecture me?” Mark asks. He crowds me as he speaks, draping his arm over my shoulder, tugging me against his side.
Damien swallows down whatever lecture I’m sure he wasabout to give Mark. “Of course not,” he smiles. “The rest of your friends have already sat down to eat. Even if you’re not hungry, I’m sure your boyfriend is.”
Mark tugs me. “Let’s go,” he says to me.
“Starch is ideal for when you’re drinking,” Damien falls into step with us. “Make sure you eat plenty of the mashed potatoes. And be sure to drink water. You’ll be hungover tomorrow otherwise.”
“Damien, leave me alone,” Mark says without emotion. “I’m twenty-one, not a kid.”
Damien huffs. “Say that to me before you down cups of champagne like it’s water. I’m glad at least your boyfriend is sensible.”
Mark practically chases Damien away from our table when he tries to sit with us for dinner. He ignores my gaze for a solid five minutes before casting me a sidelong glance. “What?” he grumbles.
“You’re being mean,” I tell him.
Sebastian laughs from my other side.
“If I give even an inch with Damien, he’ll be trying to move into my apartment,” Mark tells me seriously.
I don’t comment further, but I do notice Mark eats his potatoes and finishes his water. Many people come up and greet Mark and Sebastian, and Mark introduces me as his boyfriend to every single person who comes near the table. As the last couple who engaged me in conversation after the introduction breaks away, I lean into Mark. “I’m at my limit,” I warn him. I’m well past getting nervous about being acknowledged as Mark’s boyfriend, but my social batteries are running out. “Come with me a minute.”
