Second Chance Rival

“Eric—”

My eyes shot to where the bottle landed. My wide eyes locked stares with the guy I least expected.

Tristian.

I hadn’t seen him until now. He was sitting on the kitchen counter with a beer in his hand, his harem of cheerleaders circling him and doting on his every word. Jealously instantly coursed through my veins. His inquisitive gaze didn’t leave my face as he started walking toward me from across the room.

He wouldn’t… Not in front of all these people.

With each step that brought him closer to my mouth, the more I felt my grandfather’s words tearing through my mind: “Stay away from him.”

Why did I feel like I was suddenly committing a crime?

I blinked, and it was three, two, one…

Tristian hovered above my body.

I licked my lips.

He grinned. “Getting them ready for me, kitten?”

I nervously chuckled.

In one slow movement, he gripped the back of my neck and tugged me toward him.

I closed my eyes. I had to.

The scent of him governed my senses as his breath blew against my lips. The second I felt his mouth on mine, my grandfather’s voice vanished like it was never there to begin with.

Ever so lightly, he pecked my lips, and I followed his lead. Never had we kissed quite like this. Our tongues weren’t touching, but it still felt like the most intimate kiss. He teased me with the tip of his tongue, gliding it all along the outline of my pouty mouth. Our movements were in sync with one another.

It was easy.

Natural.

In front of all these people from our school.

He pecked me one last time, and then he rested his forehead against mine. My pulse quickened, anxious for what was to come.

“And they’re supposed to hate each other!” Kristi yelled, breaking my trancelike state.

Immediately, I stepped away from him, and my hand flew to my mouth.

“Don’t you fucking dare,” Tristian warned in a dominant tone, knowing I was about to run.

I did.

I ran out of that party, scared of the consequences of his rash decision.

I barely made it out the door before he gripped my wrist, yanking me against his hard chest.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

I lost it.

Suddenly pissed.

Pushing him, I roared, “Isn’t it obvious? Away from you!”