Love at First Fight

by Carrie Aarons

“I wanted to challenge myself … for you. You deserve to be treated well.”

“Like a bro who was just banging random chicks?” I say, completely failing at keeping the hurt out of my tone.

Smith is in front of me in a second flat, those denim blue eyes searching mine. “I’m sorry. Shit, I should have seen this. I hurt you with that stupid crap, didn’t I? I should have just kept my mouth shut, or told them? Is it time that we told them?”

“I don’t know. I like how things are right now, I just don’t love that you need to cover it up that way with Peter.”

“I won’t do it again. Shit, I’m sorry, Molly. I just didn’t want anyone to catch on and thought I’d sacrifice my own image to keep yours intact. I know you feel weird about people finding out …”

“No, you’re supposed to sit there looking gorgeous and then let me get you naked after dinner. Don’t you know how dating works?” Smith winks at me as he brings the first tinfoil-covered bowl over to the table. “That’s your version of dating.” I smirk at him.

“And it’s the only version of dating you’re doing, so get with the program.”

Molly is in her usual chair, reading another new book. I swear, she goes through five novels a week, and it’s damn impressive. I never thought I could be turned on by a girl’s reading habits, but here we are.

Marching out of the water, I head straight for her. Peter motions to me and yells, as if he’s going to throw the ball, but I wave him off. My sights are set on my target, and she’s got her nose buried in a book.

of the girls are walking back to our “camp” of sorts, but I’m still undeterred. My shadow falls over Molly, and she looks up, a genuine smile her first reaction. Then she catches my expression, and h...

She’s about to push up from the chair, probably to ask me what’s wrong and why I look like a crazed animal, when I practically haul her up. I press my mouth firmly against hers and kiss her, in front of every single person on that beach.

The kiss is tender, yet intense, a show of emotions and feelings that not only do I want to portray to Molly, but all of the housemates. I’m tired of hiding, and I want everyone to know that we’re dating. Seeing each other. Exclusive

Well, not that I’ve asked her that, yet, but for me...

Releasing Molly’s mouth, and smiling at her like we’re both in on this hilarious practical joke, I hug her to me, not caring that I’m soaking her.

My head swivels between our housemates, and Molly is giggling into the crook of my shoulder. “I can’t believe you just did that.”

“I knew it! I fucking told you!” Marta turns around to point a self-satisfied finger at Ray. “You were right.” He shrugs, as if he’s been hearing theories from her for a while.

I look down at Molly, a triumphant smile on my face, but my heart a little weary. “I hope that was okay.”

“I was afraid if you didn’t do something soon, I was going to have to give you a stern talking to.” She presses up on her toes to plant a kiss on my cheek.

“A stern talking to?” I chuckle, because this woman couldn’t be more adorable. “Most women would slap me in the face.” “Maybe I should still do that. Should we try? It would sho...

“Excuse me, what the hell is going on?” Jacinda walks right up to us, waving her arms frantically. “We’re together.” I shrug, as if this is all completely normal busine...

Molly bursts out laughing. “I thought so too, unt...

“Ah, I … we connected while sharing the house. And started dating. And we really like each other. Well, I can’t speak for Molly, but I’m really enjoying her company.”

“Anyone have a problem with it? Actually, I don’t care.” I laugh.

Marta kicks up sand as she runs over, flinging her arms around both of us. “I’m so happy.”

I know there will be a lot of questions, and maybe even some words from Peter about dating our best friend’s ex, but I just don’t care all that much.

If it means I get to be with Molly, out in the open now, I’ll take whatever scrutiny comes my way.

“You’re just jealous.” Smith’s eyes are hazy with liquor, and he looks adorable trying to defend his, or maybe my, honor.

Smith’s eyes roam over my body and face. “She’s irresistible all right.”

“I seriously can’t believe you two are banging. I’m still shocked.” “We’re not banging. We’re dating. Get your facts straight.”

I guess I never realized how much of a romantic Smith is. Not only in his actions, but the way he says things.

Smith scooped me up in the pool and carried me around on his back, like we were flirty teenagers in high school or something.

Smith steals me away, pulling me into his bare torso and damp bathing suit. “You should have sided with me. There would have been rewards.”

I chuckle and melt at the same time, because he’s almost licking my earlobe with his tongue. “I have a feeling I’ll get rewards no matter what.”

His hands slide down to my butt, squeezing one of the cheeks....

Smith hauls me into the air, so that I have no choice but to wrap my legs around his waist. “Maybe we will.”

“Fine, we’ll wait for pizza, but then I get you for dessert.” Smith nuzzles his mouth into my neck.

“Oh my God, you guys are such hornballs. I love it.” Jacinda cackles. “You know what? I think you’re perfect together.”

“I do, too,” Smith whispers in my ear, for only me to hear. And that? That makes my heart break into a goofy, huge smile.

What I have with you … I can’t speak for you, Molly, but it feels like so much more than I’ve ever had with someone else.”

“Sometimes I get irrationally jealous. You’re sleeping in my bed, but I know that you were once in his.” Those blue eyes burn with envy.

“That is not your fault. Every man should make sure, guarantee, that the woman he’s sleeping with has an orgasm. Every. Single. Time.”

“Well, I have to remedy that for my girl. You will never be left unsatisfied.”

“Your girl, huh?” I smirk against my suddenly dry lips.

I can’t think straight when Smith is giving me those bedroom eyes, like a panther stalking his prey. Me. Those large hands begin to uncross my legs and sneak up the dress I have on. “Smith, oh my God, not here.” I try to...

“Have I made you come every time we’ve been together?” His voice is raspy as he reaches up to my hips, his ar...

“I could watch you come for the rest of my life. Any man who doesn’t know the pleasure of watching that … he’s a fucking moron. You’re incredible.”

Molly is silent, but I can feel her reach for my hand. I lace my fingers in hers, wondering if she’s thinking about what I’m thinking about. Me, getting down on one knee. It’s only been a matter of weeks, but I could see it. I can envision sliding a ring I buy especially for her onto her left hand.

“I told you, Molly, I’m serious when it comes to you. Maybe not that serious yet,” I nod in the direction of Jacinda and Peter, “but someday soon? Yeah. I’d like to get married.”

Because I’ve thought about Molly walking down an aisle toward me, more times than I can count. I fell in love with her the first time I saw her, and so I’ve dreamed about a lot of things when it comes to her.

I’d rarely bring a woman home, and never one I was so serious about, so this would give them enough gossip to chew on for hours.