Her face relaxes and shoulders drop. “Of course I know, but Pip, you let no one near you. Believe me, there are plenty of guys who would love to take you out. What about the guy you have out there?”

I know Liza is talking about Nick without her having to point her finger in his direction.

Instant tears rim my eyes. I ramble. “I heard you the other night with Ace when he dropped you off. You must have thought I was sleeping, but I heard every moan. I want… I want that. I want to be touched… kissed. Hell, I want to get fucked. Fast and hard, soft and sweet, I need to forget.” I’ve suddenly lost my mind shouting. “I need to forget him, Liza. He doesn’t exist… not anymore.” Dropping my head, I give in and cry.

Closing the distance, Liza pulls me into a big hug. My outburst and crying fit is drawing unwanted attention as half naked girls stroll in staring at me like I’m a drunken idiot. Hell, I don’t even care. I ignore the glares, finally opening up to Liza.

“I did, you know. I’ve tried to let him go because he’s not coming back.” Pulling back from her arms, I look into her piercing, sorrow-filled eyes, and they tear up without delay. It’s as if she really gets me.

With a look of determination, she says. “Screw him out of your mind once and for all. Nick cares for you, and it’s not like he’s ugly. That kid is hotter than hell. I told you long ago to jump his bones, try out the goods’ girl.” Her face softens. “This may help you. At least it will help with your pent up sexual frustration. Christ girl, five years of sexual frustration? Nick better hang on for dear life.” Raising an eyebrow at me, she lets out a giggle.

Her try at making me laugh works. We both stand to dry our eyes, wiping off the smudged mascara we both have

Blotting my eyes, I glance at her in the mirror, saying, “You know, this feels right. Nick has wanted me for a long time. It’s a wonder he waited this long. God, I need a drink. My mood killed my happy buzz.”

“You must have this potent spell on that boy. Hell, he won’t even look at any other girl. He’s a love sick puppy. Let’s go get you a drink for your nerves.” She says with an arm around my shoulder.

Liza’s phone must have beeped because she all of a sudden jumps a foot off the ground. Her face lights up with a smile. I know who that must be.

Liza lets out a scream. “Yeah, Ace is going to make it, after all. He will be here in an hour.” Her smile fades realizing something. “He’s going to miss you again, damn it.” Holding her phone, she types back. “I’m telling him Pip is on the prowl tonight and is finally getting laid.” What?

I gasp! “Don’t tell him that, Jesus he will laugh at me when he meets me.” Fixing my shirt, I pull myself together. I’m sure Nick is wondering if I bailed on him. Liza, well, I don’t have time to strangle her. I’ll leave her to deal with her boy toy.

Gathering my courage to face Nick we make our way out, dodging the people standing around. Just then, Liza shouts from behind me.

“Ace told me to tell you to give him the ride of your life.”

Laughing her ass off, she slaps my shoulder. Glancing back, I give her my evil eye. From the sounds of it, Ace is the perfect guy for her. Neither one of them has a filter on their mouths, and they both constantly have sex on the brain.

We find Nick sitting at the bar nursing his beer. When his eyes land on mine, it’s as if I’m seeing him for the first time. It’s so clear at this moment, I feel this magnetic pull toward him. Not sure if it’s the alcohol talking or I have finally told myself it’s okay. Feeling more confident I give him my most sexy smile, hoping he understands what I’m trying to say to him. Our eyes communicate, and he gets up and opens his arms for me. Not hesitating, I jump.

Liza laughs from behind me. “Oh, man. Nick, I think you might be in for the night of your life. All of these years of her not having sex are about to change.” Walking by me, she slaps his shoulder, chuckling. “Take her home, big guy.” She moves in and takes his seat at the bar, motioning for the bartender to bring her a beer.

Nick raises an eyebrow as he notices her order a drink. “You need a ride?”

With a sip of her beer, she responds. “Nope, sex on legs will be here soon enough. Maybe next time he will be on time so you can meet him.” Her disappointment is all too evident.

“Do you want us to stay and wait for you?” Nick asks her, while holding onto me as I rub my hips against his thigh.

Eyeing my odd behavior, she laughs. “From the look of Pip, she is going to dry hump you right here.”

Nick laughs, but then grimaces. “She can hump away, but you might be right. I need to get her home before she sobers up and changes her damn mind.”

To protest, I reach out and slap his chest. “First, I’m right here, and secondly, I will not change my mind. We both know this should have happened a long time ago. I’m ready.”

Shocked to hear those words from me, his eyes widen. “Shit, I need to get her out of here, and quick.” His grimace lingers and then it hits me. He’s pulling on the front of his jeans, the source of his discomfort is now visible. The bulge in his pants looks like a python trying to get loose. Sweet Jesus. This boy does not lack in the male department.

Our eyes lower to Nick’s crotch when Liza spits out her beer and coughs. “Oh my God, don’t let that thing loose in here. Damn Pip, you are in for a night.” Liza reaches over to bump Nick’s shoulder.. “Just make sure she can walk tomorrow, we’re going shopping.”

Very Funny.

“Oh, I’ll take good care of my girl here.” The way his eyes light up when he says ‘my girl’ warms my heart.

“You both realize I’m right here, in the same room with you both. Take me home before I chicken out.” I say, directing my attention to a very wound up Nick.

That does the trick. My arm is being pulled out of its socket by Nick, who is making a mad dash for the entrance. Liza was laughing so hard, she yelled at us before the door shuts.

“You go girl; Lord knows you deserve it.”

DESIRE OVERTAKES MY onslaught of nerves, and my body is set ablaze as Nick takes his time peeling me out of my clothes. When I’m down to my matching black bra and panties, he licks his lips, ready to devour me. My gaze slowly connects with his lust filled eyes. My attempts to calm myself diminish the minute his lips fall open. His eyes spark, finally having me where he always dreamt he would. His shaking hands seem unsure where to touch me first.

Tenderly, he places a kiss on my shoulder, as he whispers in my ear, “My God, you’re so beautiful.” Walking around me, he traces his finger to my neck before delicately trailing it down between my aching breasts. His touch causes shivers to cascade down my spine. The soft touch is foreign, but I ache for more. My eyes drift closed as a flurry of emotions flood my head and my heart. Every touch echoes another set of hands that had softly traced every inch of my body. Unmistakable hands forever cemented in my mind. No matter how long ago it was, I’ll always remember. Oh God, this can’t be happening right now. Five long years have passed. How is it possible I can still remember how he felt? It’s as if that memorable night has been forever branded in my soul.

I can feel Nick hesitantly pulling away. “I’m so sorry.” My tears spring to life.

“Hey,” pulling me around to face him. “Baby girl, no tears, not tonight. I won’t let him in, not between us, not this evening.” I swear, Nick has an ability to sense my flaws, he is just painstakingly sweet and I don’t deserve him. I’m baffled as to why he would want a girl who is so hung up on a guy who is no longer in the picture.