Chapter 2

My pulse beat hard in my throat. I stood on the second-story roof in shorts, shingles rough under my bare feet. The cool night air blew against my bare chest. Music thudded and light flashed at the party beneath me.

A crowd on the patio cheered up at me.

I loved the anticipation that hummed through me.

“Zion! Zion! Zion!” My name echoed from the chanting crowd.

Feeling invincible, I took a few steps back and launched into the air with a run. The wind whipped my hair and the feeling of falling rushed through my stomach as I tucked my arms around my knees and tucked my body into a ball.

“Cannonball!” I yelled as I hurled through the air and the water of the pool rushed toward me.

I gasped a deep breath and closed my eyes as I hit the water. Satisfaction and thrill rushed through me while I sank into the dark depths.

Dully, I heard the people cheering through the water surrounding me. I opened my eyes and took in the distorted colors and light above me, the darkness below. I released my legs and paused to absorb the colors. Beautiful.

I reveled in the quiet, and the pretty lights as my body floated under the water. It reminded me of something comforting in a distant memory, but I wasn't sure what. I didn't want to leave.

When my chest ached from lack of oxygen, I kicked off the bottom to propel my body toward the surface of the pool.

I sucked in a deep breath when I broke out of the water. Applause and calls erupted as I swam for an edge of the built-in pool.

I pressed my palms to the rough concrete outside the pool and used my arms to push myself up onto the concrete deck.

Water streamed from my body as I climbed out and stood. The moisture made my tattoos shine under the outdoor lights.

When my feet were firmly planted on the concrete, Eric appeared with a towel. He handed it to me and clapped me on the shoulder. He grinned with excitement.

“That was badass, man. You made that huge drop look easy!”

I smiled and wiped some water off my face, then I slid the towel up to dry my hair. I roughly ran it back and forth on my head.

At 32, Eric and I would soon age out of the party scene, but for now we still blended enough that parties were a good place to relax and meet new people.

Eric's long hair was loose around his face and he dressed casually in a T-shirt and shorts.

He felt more like a brother than only a best friend, and the man was straighter than an arrow. I still liked to tease him.

I smirked devilishly at him. “Wanna take a leap? I'll jump again.”

Eric shook his head. “My feet stay near the ground, thank you. You know I don't do heights.”

I laughed and dried the rest of my body with the towel before wrapping it around my waist.

“I know. Doesn't mean I won't ask.”

Eric rolled his eyes. “Asshole.”

“You love me.” I flashed a wicked smile his way.

Eric started to reply, but he was interrupted.

“Zion. Hi, baby.” Hands slid around my waist, and hair brushed against my shoulder from behind. “That was such a good jump.”

I narrowed my eyes. Why did I know that voice?

A kiss pressed against the back of my neck. I looked at Eric questioningly.

Eric subtly shook his head.

Ah, fuck. That wasn't good.

I turned. A thin but beautiful woman with long black hair, a tight black dress, and red lipstick stood behind me. A smile stretched across her face.

The woman was a prior fuck, but I'd clearly let her know at the time that one night was all we had. I always let my one-night-stands know that.

“Thank you,” I said politely, taking a step back from her.

She took a step forward, her heels clicking against the concrete as she moved.

“Let's go out again. Maybe we can get something to eat.” Her voice dropped to a sultry tone. “Then have a little fun.”

I'd admit, she was a good fuck, but I didn't do anyone twice. I'd have to lie to make her leave me alone. The best way would involve Eric. Eric would be okay with it...right?

...Yeah, he'd be fine.

“Sorry.” I faked a sad smile at her. “Can’t. I'm in a committed relationship now. We're monogamous.”

She frowned. “But I want to try again. We had fun, right?”

“We did have fun. But I'm committed to my boyfriend.” I pulled Eric close and put my arm around his shoulder. “There's no one else for me.”

She shook her head. “He's your best friend.”

“True, but sometimes the best love comes from friendship,” I said.

Her arms crossed over her chest. “I don't believe you. Prove it.”

Was that a dare? That sounded like a dare to me. I never turned down a dare.

I raised my eyebrows. “Really?”

“Yeah. I don't believe you. You're trying to get rid of me with a ridiculous lie.”

“A lie, huh? Wanna bet?”

I smiled and turned my head to Eric. His eyes widened when he realized what I was about to do.

My mouth pressed against his before he could say anything. I sucked on his warm lips and teased them with my tongue as I wove my fingers into his hair. Mmm, he tasted like bourbon.

His stubble scraped against my face as I deepened the kiss and made it look real. No tongue in his mouth, though. I didn't want him to kill me.

I felt Eric's lips reluctantly kiss me back and his fingers thread into my hair, selling the act.

Even if it came from someone I wasn't attracted to, the physical touch still felt good. I made a rumble of pleasure in my throat.

Another party-goer wolf-whistled, and we broke apart.

A quick glance around showed that my one-night-stand was gone. Guess our act was good enough to convince her.

I looked at Eric and grinned. “You're a nice kisser.”

He rolled his eyes. “Don't kiss me again. You know I'm straight.”

“Sorry. But I bet you enjoyed it, right?” I wiggled my eyebrows at him, the grin never melted from my face.

Eric snorted. “You kiss me again, I'll punch you. Let's not talk about it anymore. I want something to drink.” He turned and walked toward the house.

I followed. “Aww, come on. You didn't even feel a little spark? You aren't the least bit interested in me?”

“Nope. I'm definitely into women.” Eric continued walking. He wasn't mad, but he was irritated with me. Just a little.

“Fine. Want to find a nice chick to hook up with instead? Maybe a threesome? I’ll pound her ass while you fuck her pussy?”

A wry laugh escaped Eric, and he opened the door. “Yes to the chick, no to the threesome.”

“But Eric.” I fake pouted. “Your lips would feel wonderful on my body again.”

“You heard me. Don't talk about it.”

I fake sighed, then I perked up. “Okay. But what if I'm the best wingman ever. Will you forgive me then?”

Eric couldn't hold back his smile as he headed toward the kitchen. “Maybe. But only if you're the best wingman ever.”

“I will be. Thanks for the kiss.”

Eric flipped me off as he disappeared around the corner.

I smiled. My gaze trailed around the room to find the hottest woman there. Wingman duty called. Only the best for Eric.

I spotted a hot brunette sitting on the couch. Maybe she was a suitable candidate.

She looked up and down my body and licked her lips. That was when I remembered the towel around my waist. Oops. Okay, first dry clothes — including a shirt — then wingman duty.