The Relationship Mechanic (Peach Blossom #2)

Eighteen

V ini felt silly. She knew Jessica said she looked great before they left the hotel, and she wasn’t doubting the honesty of her words, but it didn’t make her feel any less like she was at a party she wasn’t invited to. She had put on the same tight black pants from the night before and this time paired them with a crimson blouse that she knew looked good against her dark brown skin. But compared to the other people here, she might as well have been wearing a potato sack.

The club Jessica had taken her to wasn’t one she had ever heard of even the few times she had gone to Atlanta. It was posh compared to the bars Vini normally frequented, with dark velvet walls and dim lighting. The room seemed to pulse with a deep, heady energy echoed by the moves of the people out on the crowded dance floor. From high in the booth they were in, she could see the mass of people shifting like some massive living creature. Occasionally the strobe lights would wash over them, and Vini could make out features of people, some occasionally locked in an embrace that was definitely not dancing.

“This place is really something.”

Jessica laughed. “Isn’t it, though? My friend bought this place a few years ago and completely overhauled it. She’s doing the same thing to a couple places in Houston.” Her smile was wide and so open it was almost childlike as she looked around. “It’s kind of amazing that she created all of this from scratch and manages to keep the place full night after night.”

Vini could understand how impressive that was. She didn’t know the first thing about running a club, but she knew that staying relevant and busy was a struggle no matter the industry. But it was still all a bit much for her. Everything was loud and crowded. She could understand the appeal, but it just didn’t really appeal to her. She had never really been the clubbing type and being here now just confirmed it.

“Jessica!”

A new voice came out of the crowd, and by the time Vini turned to greet the newcomer, she was already there sweeping Jessica into a hug that was enthusiastically returned.

“I haven’t seen you since that night in Ibiza. When I saw your text, I knew I had to make sure I was in the city to say hi.”

Jessica’s laughter hit Vini, and she felt her smile slip. She quickly rallied and reached out, the manners her dad had instilled in her finally manifesting. “Nice to meet you. This place is amazing.”

“Oh, shit, I’m sorry, Madeline,” Jessica said moving back to Vini’s side. She placed a hand against the small of Vini’s back, and Vini couldn’t help but feel a thrill skirt up her spine at Jessica moving back to her side. “This is my good friend Vini. It’s her birthday we’re out celebrating.”

The woman turned to her, and Vini found herself not knowing how to react to Jessica’s introduction. She fixed her expression before her face betrayed her thoughts. She had no reason to be upset at only being introduced as a friend. Jessica had made it very clear from the beginning that what they had was not an actual relationship. As much as Vini found herself slowly wishing that their conversations meant more, the reality was that they weren’t together. They weren’t girlfriends, and they never would be.

She came out of her head in time to see Madeline reach out. “Good to meet you, Vini. Any friend of Jessica is a friend of mine.” Vini blinked quickly when she saw Madeline give her an obvious once-over. Did that look mean what she thought it meant? She glanced over at Jessica in time to see her raise her eyebrows.

“Don’t even think about it,” Jessica said with a sharp smile. Madeline held her hands up and laughed. When Jessica’s arm slid around Vini’s waist, Vini tried to cover her surprise with a soft cough. “Hands to yourself, woman.”

Madeline put said hands on her hips. “I should say the same to you. Really? Both of them?” She shook her head but didn’t say more, and Vini wished she had continued. What did she mean both of them ? Both of who? Vini wasn’t sure if she should even ask. She wasn’t entirely sure if she wanted to know.

Jessica shook her head but didn’t say anything. When Vini glanced at her, she could see a strain in Jessica’s smile that hadn’t been there before. It didn’t help her feel any less out of place with the whole conversation. She looked around, wondering the best way to exit. Jessica must have had the same idea.

“Vini, we should check out the dance floor.”

That was not what Vini had in mind when she thought about exiting. Her idea had consisted of getting all the way out and heading back to the hotel, but before she could voice that, she found herself being pulled along past the other tables and toward the mass of gyrating people. Panic sharp and painful welled up in her. Dancing was not something she felt confident about. Hell, she preferred bars for a reason. Whoever thought that all Black people could find the beat had never had the unfortunate experience of watching her try to move. Still, she followed, eyes glued on the soft sway of Jessica’s hips. People seemed to part for them as Jessica guided her deeper in until they were surrounded. When she turned, Jessica’s lips were parted, and now Vini’s gaze was caught again by the desire to delve between them knowing just how good they would feel and taste.

“Why do you look so nervous?”

“I’m not nervous,” Vini replied quickly. She looked around hoping that everyone else was too into their partners to pay her any mind. When she looked back at Jessica, she could tell the other woman didn’t believe her. She was relieved, though, when Jessica didn’t call her on it and instead pulled her closer.

The beat was slow—slower than it had been when they first got to the club. Vini’s eyes were wide as Jessica eased her into the heady beat. She almost didn’t know what to do with herself but finally raised her arms, resting them on Jessica’s shoulders. This was new—being out around other people and not hiding. It was more intoxicating than the slow, gentle grind they seemed to settle into. Vini’s eyes never left Jessica’s, not caring who was around them or who might be watching.

“See?” Jessica said, her voice barely carrying with the volume of the music. Vini had to lean forward to hear her clearly, which was fine with her. It put them even closer together, and she could almost feel the air from each of Jessica’s words. “No reason to be nervous.”

“You weren’t at my prom.” She hadn’t meant to say anything, but once the words came, Vini knew she had to let them continue. “I think they decided to go ahead and crown the king and queen just to get me to stop dancing.”

Jessica giggled and shook her head. “I’m sure it wasn’t that bad.” Her hands slowly slid up Vini’s back before sliding back down again and settling on her hips. “I didn’t even have a prom.”

“You didn’t?”

“I finished high school in Korea. My school had a lot of festivals, but we didn’t do prom. I thought it was a myth until my cousins from Chicago showed me pictures.”

Vini smiled. She hoarded each little bit of her life that Jessica volunteered. “If it makes you feel any better, most proms are overrated. I mean, I had fun because I was with my friends, but I didn’t go with a date or anything.” Feeling a little emboldened by the fact that they were still swaying together and no one’s foot had gotten stomped on, she continued. “For what it’s worth, I would have asked you to go to prom with me.”

“Yeah?” Jessica’s smile widened, and it was like a spotlight had been turned on high. Vini felt almost weightless in the sight of that grin and before she could second-guess herself, she leaned forward, removing the space between them to press her lips against Jessica’s.

The kiss was soft and almost hesitant but that didn’t last long. Jessica’s hands went from resting to gripping Vini’s waist, and when Vini parted her lips to suck in a gasp, Jessica’s tongue followed. Sucking kisses sent syrupy drops of pleasure sliding down Vini’s spine, and she curled her hands over Jessica’s shoulders in an effort to pull her even closer. They weren’t close enough in her opinion. In fact, what she really wanted was to go back to their room so they could fall together without the barrier of clothes and common decency.

“Can we go?” Vini asked when they briefly parted for air. She didn’t move far from her, not wanting to be without those sinful lips pressed to hers.

“Are you not having fun?”

“I am,” she insisted before cupping her palm around Jessica’s cheek. “But I want to get you out of those clothes and show you how much more fun we could have with just us two.”

Jessica blinked slowly. “Jesus,” she said breathing out loudly. “I definitely would have gone to prom with you if you asked like that. Let’s go.”

She pressed one last hard kiss against Vini’s lips before grabbing her hand and leading them off the dance floor. It was a bit more difficult getting to the exit, especially when the music’s tempo changed again. It took a few stops and starts, but finally they made it out of the crush of people. They were almost at the exit when Jessica’s name was called. Vini groaned when Jessica stopped and turned to two women coming toward them.

“I thought that was you,” one of the women said. She was a little taller than Vini with lightly tanned skin and almond-shaped eyes. Her hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail that hung over one of her shoulders. Vini tried not to let her eyes drift down at the woman’s barely there outfit. The bodysuit was almost painted on, and it had cutouts that showed off more skin than Vini was used to seeing. “Madeline said you were here, but I didn’t believe it. I thought you were headed to Italy.”

“Patricia.” Jessica didn’t let go of Vini’s hand as she addressed the woman. “I am in a week. Decided to hang out with a friend for a few weeks before shipping back out.”

“Oh?” The way Patricia said that had Vini’s hackles rising. Arousal warred with the need to just get away, and Vini squeezed Jessica’s hand. Patricia looked down at their hands and raised an eyebrow. “Seems like more than just friends. I didn’t realize we were getting serious about people after—”

“It’s great to see you, Pat, but Vini and I are kind of in the middle of something. I’ll reach out when I get back from Italy.” With another tug, Jessica guided Vini around the woman and her friend. When they finally found themselves outside, Vini took a deep breath in, enjoying the fresher air and lack of people encroaching on her space. Jessica dropped her hand and reached for her phone. “Fucking hell, some people just can’t take a hint.”

Thoughts whirled in Vini’s mind as she watched Jessica tap on her cell. Who was Patricia to Jessica? What was Madeline hinting about? Did it have anything to do with Ava saying Jessica wasn’t relationship material? Vini tried to think back to the conversation they’d had a few weeks ago. She knew there was some kind of scandal that had gone down involving Jessica, but Vini figured that was not her business. Ava had mentioned it didn’t have anything to do with cheating, and that was enough for Vini to dismiss it. But now, she was wondering if she should have asked more questions.

When Vini really thought about it, she had never heard about those two women in the entire time she and Jessica had been together. Jessica talked about her family easily enough, especially her brother, Jason. But rarely did she mention anything about friends outside of Grace. And definitely not by name.

“Okay, the Lyft should be here in a couple minutes,” Jessica said. She reached back down and threaded her fingers between Vini’s, and Vini let her. Her mind was still going a mile a minute, but she was also doing battle with the thought that it didn’t matter who those people were. Jessica had made it clear that this was just for fun. After a week, they wouldn’t even be on the same continent and the past few weeks would be like a wonderful dream that fades away at the first sign of consciousness. Did she really want to spend the last bit of time worrying herself into a migraine about people she would probably never see again?

“Good.” Vini didn’t waste time. She pulled Jessica to her, tilting her head up and pressing a firm kiss against Jessica’s lips. She didn’t want to regret squandering the time they had together.

Jessica’s lips moved against hers with no hesitation. Madeline. Patricia. None of those other people mattered. Not now when Jessica was firm and solid in Vini’s arms. The only thing that mattered was taking pleasure in the present. A vibration between them had Jessica leaning away. She lifted her phone.

“Car is here.” Her eyes crinkled on the sides at her wide smile. “Let’s take this to a more private location.”

Vini nodded, keeping their hands locked tight as she followed Jessica to the gray Honda that was apparently their ride for the night. She slid into the back seat not bothering to keep any space between them. The driver nodded but said nothing else as they made their way back to the hotel. Vini was almost vibrating with need by the time they pulled up to the entrance, and after getting out, it was her pulling a laughing Jessica along.

“Eager to get in my pants tonight?”

“Among other things,” Vini replied not wasting energy playing coy. She jabbed at the button in the elevator and was relieved when no one followed them in. As soon as the doors closed, she pressed Jessica back against the wall, covering her lips once again.

This kiss was desperate as she poured all her feelings into it. Seven days. That’s all she had left before her life went back to the once-familiar existence that was before Jessica. It should have been comforting to have no more ambiguity. No more questions. Instead, it was terrifying. Somehow it had only taken five weeks for Jessica to get so thoroughly embedded under Vini’s skin that she was no longer sure how to be without it. And worst of all, she couldn’t say anything.

When the elevator dinged announcing their floor, Vini pulled back but kept Jessica close with a hand cupping the back of her head. Walking down the hallway was difficult when Vini could hardly make it a few steps before pulling Jessica’s lips against hers again. She was surprised Jessica didn’t ask about the change. This was not how Vini usually was. She was not this needy, desperate thing, and yet here she was unable to stand the thought of not having Jessica’s skin against hers.

“Jesus, Vini.” The soft utterance of her name in that heated tone had Vini smiling wickedly. She wanted more of that, over and over, until they fell together exhausted and unable to do anything but sink into the arms of sleep. How they managed to finally get into the room was anyone’s guess, but when the door closed behind them, sealing them away from any potential prying eyes, Vini felt the last chains holding back her desire fall away. She surged forward, pressing Jessica against the door and taking control of the kiss again.

Hands wandered, both sets tangling in fabric and causing the occasional strain of a seam or two. When Vini felt nothing but warm skin beneath her fingertips, she knew it was time to get horizontal.

“Come on,” she groaned against Jessica’s neck her tongue darting out to get another hint of salty skin. She felt the rumble of Jessica’s agreement, and they slowly weaved a tangled jumble of limbs to the bed.

The sheets were initially cool to the touch, and Vini smiled when Jessica arched her back away from them. They quickly warmed, though, soaking in the heat pouring off their bodies. Vini bore down, trapping Jessica’s writhing form between her and the bed. It was thrilling to be on top of her, thighs between hers with the molten presence of Jessica’s pussy lips smearing fragrant slick over her skin. Jessica hadn’t been able to keep her hands off Vini when they were getting dressed earlier, but now it was Vini who was in charge.

Jessica’s head was tilted back, inviting Vini to press more sucking kisses against the exposed skin. Each one had fingers digging into the skin of Vini’s back, and she marveled in being able to affect Jessica so much that she seemingly forgot herself. When Jessica opened her eyes again, Vini raised an eyebrow in challenge.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer.”

Vini chuckled at Jessica’s snark, now seeing it for the foreplay that it was. She skimmed her hand up Jessica’s side. The skin pebbled in the wake of her touch, driving Vini higher with the need to push for more. She wanted Jessica to lose herself to the pleasure so much she forgot her own name. Vini’s hand finished its journey at Jessica’s flushed cheek. Her skin was silky soft, and Vini couldn’t help running her thumb across lush lips that just begged to be plundered again.

“I just might,” Vini replied finally. “Don’t tempt me.”

She wasn’t lying. Taking a snapshot of Jessica like this—laid out with her cheeks stained with red, her lips slick and swollen from their kisses and her chest heaving with each breath was an image Vini wanted to burn into her brain.

“If I could,” Vini continued, “I would.”

Jessica smirked before wrapping a leg around Vini’s waist. “Sounds kinky. I’ll think about it.”

Vini chuckled and shook her head. She paused for a moment as she stared down at Jessica. When Jessica noticed her attention, she turned her head, an inquisitive expression sliding over her features. Vini knew she should say something, but she was caught in the admiration of where she was, how she got here and who she was with. The weekend was almost over, and yet she never wanted it to end. Reality meant going back to the norm, and the norm was not having Jessica with her.

“Vin?” Jessica said softly. Her hand cupped Vini’s cheek, and Vini closed her eyes before leaning into that touch. The frenetic energy from before had somehow shifted and morphed into this soft thing that covered Vini like the most comfortable blanket. It made her sigh in contentment. When she opened her eyes, Jessica was still watching her, lips now turned up in a sweet smile that made Vini’s fingers itch to trace. She had been joking about taking a picture earlier, but she was even more tempted now just so she could capture the look on Jessica’s face.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” Jessica tilted her head, her eyes falling half-closed when Vini nipped at her thumb before drawing it into her mouth. Vini hummed at the taste that was all Jessica. She shivered when the thumb brushed softly over her bottom lip.

“For tonight. For this weekend.” For everything. She kept that last part quiet. It didn’t seem the type of thing to say to someone you were only casually seeing.

Jessica shrugged. “Of course. You deserved to celebrate your birthday. Everyone does.”

“I know,” Vini conceded, feeling ridiculous for giving voice to the thoughts that had been swirling around in her head. She was clearly making a big deal out of nothing. Jessica was only being nice. She probably would have done the same thing for any of her friends, and here Vini was acting like it was some grand emotional gesture. Jessica was outspoken about a lot of things. Vini doubted she would keep it quiet if she did have those types of feelings.

“I know,” Vini said again. She kissed Jessica’s palm before shaking off her thoughts. She needed to get back the momentum that they’d had when they first fell into bed together. “And I am so going to reward you for it.”

Jessica chuckled before drawing Vini’s lips back down to hers.