Chapter 30 #2
“It’s different when you’re our age,” my mom says. “Those rules are out the door. Don’t get me wrong, there are still challenges, but if you choose each other at the end of every day, it’ll last. Six months is a big deal for you, Matt.”
I nod, thinking about how I could easily choose Amber at the end of every day. “Six months is a big deal,” I agree.
My mom observes me. I’m smiling because it’s a lie, not because it’s cute. But with the way my mom is watching me, I know she thinks I’m in love. That’s all I’m trying to prove right now.
I dig in and eat my plate of food.
My mom wipes her mouth, and I can tell that my mini conversation has softened this punch. She’s not ignoring Amber anymore.
“So, James would like to take you with him to get ready. And Amber, if you don’t mind, you can get ready with me.”
Amber nods. “Sure. I don’t mind.”
“Okay,” my mom smiles. I can tell that it’s forced, but not necessarily fake.
We sit in silence, finishing our meal. I can’t wait for this lunch to be over. When the waiter asks if we want dessert, my mom politely declines and asks for the bill.
Shortly after, the bill is paid and it’s time to leave.
I glance at Amber, rubbing my leg against hers.
“Mom, what time do you want to get ready?” I turn to her, feeling the heat of Amber’s stare.
“We have three hours until the wedding, so in about an hour or so?”
Amber nods. “Okay.
I ask, “Where’s your room?”
“Room 1107,” James answers. “I’ll come down to your room and send Amber up with your mom. Sound good?”
I nod. “Yeah.”
Amber says while smashing my foot, “Matt?”
I stand, taking Amber’s hand. I put an arm around her shoulder as we walk away.
“That was…” Amber trails off.
“Brutal and awkward as hell.”
Amber laughs. “I swear I didn’t mean to sound like such a bitch. I was trying to say if I buy a house, you’re the guy to call and then adding in the divorce thing was just…bad.”
I chuckle, pressing my lips on her hair. “It was pretty bad.”
“But you saved it by saying we’ve been together for six months.” She perks up. “You’ve seriously never had a girlfriend for that long?”
I shake my head. “No, but did you see my mom’s face? She values that. I told you that she just wants to see me happy.”
“You’re happy with me, huh?” Amber says, pinching my ribs.
I pull her in closer, and now her ass is rubbing against my leg. I’m enjoying this proximity as we walk to the elevator.
“You make me feel all types of ways,” I admit, taking in the scent of her shampoo.
She glances up at me with a hint of curiosity as I press the elevator button.
When we step inside, my skin is buzzing from where her body is, so I release her.
The intensity of her eyes right now makes my dick pulse.
As soon as the doors close, my heart pounds.
There’s something about being in this tiny space that makes me step closer to her. She looks at my lips.
“What’s your longest relationship?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “I’ve only gone on dates.”
“So, this is the closest thing either of us has been to a relationship?”
She raises her eyebrows. “You were just with Maddie, and then there’s Michelle, so I wouldn’t say we’re equal.”
I grab her as the elevator doors start to open on the fourth floor.
She continues, “And this…is fake for the weekend.”
I lick my lips while looking at hers. I’m not touching her now, only towering over her. The elevator door shuts.
She says, “We missed our floor.”
“If nobody clicks the button, it just sits here.”
“We need to get ready for the wedding.”
I mutter, “That can wait.”
“Okay,” she breathes nervously. She starts blinking at my close eye contact.
“Have you ever considered that this isn’t not real?” I ask.
“Matt,” she smiles.
“No, you just told me that you’ve never had a boyfriend, so I’m telling you that this is how it happens. You like me–”
“I–” Her smile widens. “I tolerate you.”
I smile back. “If that is your way of saying that you like me, then…” I reach for her cheek. “Amber,” I mutter, brushing my fingers lightly against her. “Do you want me?”
She inhales as my fingers trail down her neck. She holds her breath as I play with her hair on her shoulder.
“If you don’t, then you can tell me,” I whisper, watching her. “But I think you do, and maybe I didn’t pursue you hard enough.” I lean in, loving the intensity of this enclosed space. “I see you, Amber. And I really…really like what I see.”
She swallows, her breath shallow. “Matt,” she says, grabbing my hand. “I don’t know.”
I lick my lips. “Will you kiss me, so I can show you?”
She looks at my lips and then my eyes. “You want to kiss me?” she whispers, her voice soft and uncertain.
Fuck, she’s cute. My skin prickles on the back of my neck.
I nod, looking at her luscious lips.
“Really?” she asks.
“Don’t act so surprised, Hughes.” I smile. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time now.”
“Don’t lie to me.”
“I promise I’m not lying. I would never lie to you.” I glance at her lips, waiting for her permission. I grab the back of her neck and rest my forehead on hers. “I want you in every way you can possibly think of.”
“Okay…then kiss me,” she whispers.
I lean into her as my mouth hovers over hers.
My entire body electrifies when I feel her breath on my lips.
I’m instantly hard. Her lips press against mine, soft and luscious.
She tastes sweet like cookies. I need more, so I taste her with my tongue.
She lets out a moan, and I’m fucking gone.
I press my body against hers as she sucks on my bottom lip.
I open my eyes when the elevator starts moving. I quickly press the fourth-floor button, and the doors open.
“Come here,” I say, grabbing her hand, unable to wait another fucking second. Her face is blushed as I wrap my arms around her shoulders. I’m fumbling with the keycard as she laughs under my arm.
Once we’re in the room, I lock the door and press her against the wall. I glance into her amber eyes and say, “Tell me you want this?”
She touches the front of my shirt and hesitates.