“You would be the first…if I let you,” I flirted.

“Want me to beg? I will, but I’m very good at showing, not asking.”

Matthew dunked himself back under the water. His tongue and lips sucked and teased the hell out of my clit again. Unable to take it anymore, I pulled on his hair to bring him up for air. “You win.”

Breathless, Matthew’s eyes glistened greedily as he positioned his body for me. Mere moments after I parted my legs, he was inside me. It felt tight when he first entered, but after, it just got hotter in the pool. Matthew draped my legs around his waist again and started pumping deeper. I swear I thought we were going to rock out of the pool.

As the water splashed and waved across the pool, I opened my mouth to his lips, feeling myself climax. Oh God! He felt amazing. When he pressed me into the wall again, his arms protecting me from the cement, he gave me all he had.

To answer Matthew’s questions, I had never had sex in the pool before, but yes, oh God, I would do it all over again with him. When his energy had been spent, we continued to embrace each other.

Matthew pulled back and rested his head on mine as he ran his hand through my hair. “Come home with me tonight.” His tone was pleading.

“My flight back home is in three days.”

“You were going to stay away that long?”

Feeling guilty, I nodded. I couldn’t look at him. I was punishing the both of us, because of a misunderstanding. I was afraid to get too close to him, in fear of having my heart broken. It was definitely easier being on the other side and giving advice. It made me think of Jenna.

Matthew tilted my head to meet his eyes. “I can understand why, but don’t ever take off like that again. I was out of my mind, going crazy. I’m ready for us. I don’t want to lose you again.”

“Okay.” I nodded.

“After we get out of this pool, I want you to go inside and pack. Don’t worry about the flight home. I’ll take care of it.”

“Matthew…I couldn’t.”

“It’s on my parents. How do you think I got here?”

“What do you mean?”

“I used my parents’ private jet. Although they don’t know that I took it.” Matthew bit his lip with a frown, looking like a little boy who was about to get in trouble. How could I resist that expression?

“Okay,” I agreed, and Matthew beamed the happiest smile. “But before we go, I have to take the dogs to the pet hotel.”

“Sure. Not a problem.”

Wait ‘til I tell Jenna. Not only will she be stunned that Matthew and I were actually dating, she will flip out when she realizes that I had hid it for this long.

AFTER ALL THE DRAMA, the heartaches, and especially the madness of the lawsuit out of the way, it felt good to get together and celebrate all the upcoming occasions. Becky and I were at the bar first, waiting for Nicole and Kate.

“I’m so glad Max didn’t have to go to court,” Becky said. “Who would’ve thought Ethan would save his ass? This is totally fate. It goes to show you, sometimes miracles do happen to good people.”

“I know. What a relief! I don’t even want to think about the what-ifs.”

“Well, I’m just glad you and Max made up. And you stopped being so stubborn.”

“How about you? Hiding your relationship from me. I can’t believe you didn’t mention one word about Matthew all this time. But I had my hunches.”

“Hunches? What are you talking about?” Becky snorted, taking a sip of her cocktail.

“For starters, you wouldn’t take his calls. And Matthew looked like he was going to lose it when he asked me where you were,” I rebutted. “Now who was the one being stubborn?”

“It was different.”

“I’m just happy for you.”

Becky curled her lips, giving me a dream-like smile. “Sorry. I didn’t tell you because I wasn’t sure what was going on. I promise I’ll talk to you about it all later. I don’t want Kate and Nicole to know just yet. And by the way your package came.”

“Package?”

“You forgot already? Make sure to swing by our apartment before you go to Max’s place. You can try it on him.” Becky arched her brows.

“Oh!” I said, blushing as I stared down into my drink. “THAT package,” I mumbled, smiling.

Becky turned her head. “Nicole is here.”

“Becky…Jenna.” Nicole squeezed, draping her arms around our shoulders. “Thanks for coming. Did you have your last fitting?”

“Yes, we went together after work.”

“Great. I’m glad you both love the lavender color. I think it’s perfect for a spring wedding. Don’t you?”

“Perfect,” we both agreed. “Let’s go get our table.”

“We can’t get one until we’re all here,” Becky reminded.

“No need to worry. Here comes Kate.” Nicole waved.

“Hey.” Kate smiled, giving us each a tight squeeze. “Sorry it took so long. The lady who was fitting me took forever. She said I lost weight. I was so happy. It’s been so difficult to lose the extra pregnancy weight.”

Nicole waved, letting the waitress know we were all here. After we were seated at our table, we ordered, and soon after, the waitress brought our drinks. “Let’s toast,” Kate said, raising her cup. “Here’s to friendship, Nicole’s wedding in April, Max’s lawsuit being dismissed, and Becky’s new lover, who just happens to be Max’s brother.”