My hand drifted down his front, reaching into his pants where he was hard and thick and ready. I palmed his cock and pumped him once, twice, and he quivered above me, breathing harshly against my face. His hips rocked to me with every pump, and he groaned deep in his throat.

“Jesus.” He stared down my body and up at my glazed eyes.

“Take your pants off,” I told him breathlessly.

Oh, my God. This was actually going to happen. I could hardly contain myself.

He went to kick his pants off when the sound of eager knocks broke through the moment. He paused and pulled away.

“No,” I whispered. “Don’t answer.”

“Hey dick-face!” Rome shouted from outside the suite, instantly making me sag into the mattress in defeat. “We’re going out for dinner. You said you were coming, don’t flake out now. Come on, man.”

I glared at Carter. “You promised to go out for dinner?”

He exhaled loudly and shrugged. “Fuckin’ Marlena offered me cookies, a fresh batch of them, Leah, and then I had one and she was being all sweet and shit, inviting us for dinner. What kind of sick fuck says no to going out for dinner after accepting hot cookies on a tray from the sweetest woman ever?”

I cracked a smile, only because I couldn’t help thinking of broody Carter getting all flustered because of sweet as pie Marlena. “It’s alright, I guess. It’s just pretty late for dinner, that’s all. I had a pizza pocket a half hour ago, and it’s almost eight o’clock now.”

“You don’t have to eat big.”

“I know.”

He looked at me apologetically and got off, his pained eyes taking me in once more. When he strode out of the bedroom, re-adjusting his man-bits, he tossed back over his shoulder, “Wear something nice.”

I froze, confused.

Since when had he ever told me to wear something nice?

I quickly got up and sorted through my very few clothes. The only nice thing I had that was suited for the weather was an emerald green tank top that paired with my black cardigan. I dug out my skinny jeans as well and slipped into them. I hurriedly combed my hair back and threw it up in a ponytail. I could hear Carter and Rome chatting indistinctly as I ducked into the bathroom and put on my make-up. Just light stuff, like mascara and lip gloss. If we were going to be out for a while, I might as well look good for Carter. I was still pissed at the missed opportunity in the bedroom, and my body was buzzing for more. Even my face still looked flustered.

I sighed and shrugged. Oh well, shit happens.

I left the bathroom and grabbed my black long winter boots and headed to the kitchen where they were. When they heard my footsteps, they stopped talking and turned to me. I slowed my steps at the strange smiles on their faces, and raised a brow.

“What?” I asked them.

Rome didn’t look like his normal self. He was wearing a very nice polo shirt with dark jeans, his dark hair styled nicely. It wasn’t like him to put so much effort into himself.

With a grin, Carter moved toward me, and took my face into his hand. “Nothing, Angel,” he muttered.

Well, okay then. I bent down and slipped into my boots, eyeing them curiously. Carter disappeared after that and changed. He emerged out of the bedroom in a tight black top and sexy faded jeans. His dirty blonde hair was still in its fuckable state, looking damn good as usual.

“So where are we going to eat?” I asked them.

“Probably at Whitespot or something,” Rome answered with a shrug.

“Is your mom and dad meeting us there, or…?”

“Yep.”

Righto.

I grabbed my purse and followed after them to the door, wondering what in the hell was going on. They were getting along with each other. Not even angry glares to be had.

Something was definitely up.

*

“I can’t believe you guys lied to me,” I snapped, staring at the club in awe as Rome pulled into a parking spot nearby.

It didn’t take me long to know they’d bullshitted me. They drove out of town and an hour and a half later we were inside Vancouver. It was only then they surprised me with a night out I wouldn’t forget.

“You’re going to get drunk tonight,” Rome told me, taking his seatbelt off after he’d parked. “No more hiding behind books and shit. We’re gonna fucking dance our asses off, you’re gonna sweat like crazy, and it’s gonna be awesome. Got it?”

No way was I going to get drunk – I was a horrific sight when I was – but I smiled at him and rolled my eyes. “I got it, I guess.”

“Good.”

We stepped out and it was raining and cold. Carter immediately took me into his side, shielding me as we raced to the entrance doors.

“I can’t believe you of all people tricked me,” I scolded him midway there.

“To be fair,” he returned, “It wasn’t all a lie. Marlena really did give me cookies.”

He held me tight, and I remember inhaling his scent and thinking if I had to be by his side the entire night, all would be fine.

*

I wasn’t drunk, but I’d had a couple drinks. I cut myself off in fear of getting smashed and not being able to stomach the alcohol. I didn’t want to ruin the night by puking on somebody. Dear god, the thought alone made my stomach swirl.

The club was huge and chaotic. People pressed against people. I’d never felt so disoriented, stuck in the middle of a room with blazing lights, shouting people, and thumping music that made me feel like my chest was vibrating along with the beat.

It was fucking awesome.

I felt alive for once. Nothing mattered to me. My past didn’t exist. Russell and Cheryl weren’t real in here. My uncertain future wasn’t dangling precariously in front of my face, burdening me with choices. I was a bomb that’d gone off in the best way possible, and I was with two of the best guys to ever grace my life.

Rome danced with me first, and Carter watched from afar, an intense look in his eyes. I hoped he wouldn’t get side-tracked by other girls. I’d already seen one approach him and get brushed off.

“We wanted you to have a good time!” Rome had shouted over the music, leaning into my ear so I could hear him. “We thought it was important you lived a little!”

I grinned back at him and screamed, “Thank you, Rome!”

Honestly, the fact these two put aside their differences just to give me a good night had me teetering on tears.