Melanie

4 months ago

I pull into the parking space outside Adam's apartment building, the engine humming to a stop. A flutter of excitement dances in my stomach. I can't believe I'm finally meeting Adam. Mallory has been talking about him non-stop, and from the way her eyes light up whenever his name is mentioned, I know he's special.

I glance at myself in the rearview mirror, smoothing down my hair and checking my reflection and I get out of the car, locking it behind me. The anticipation of meeting Adam heightens with every step. Mallory deserves someone who makes her happy. She's been through so much lately, especially with that whole mess involving her ex-boyfriend, Matt.

The ding of the elevator signals my arrival at Adam's floor. I take a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, and step into the corridor. I glance at the apartment numbers, searching for the one that will lead me to Mallory and Adam.

Finally, I find it and press the buzzer. The seconds tick away, each one elongated in my anticipation. The door swings open, and there stands Mallory, a radiant smile on her face. She envelops me in a tight hug, and I return the embrace, savoring the warmth.

"Hey, sis! I've missed you," I exclaim as we pull back, a genuine smile spreading across my face.

"I've missed you too," Mallory replies, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

She steps back, gesturing to the man beside her. "Melanie, this is Adam. Adam, meet Melanie."

I turn my attention to Adam, who greets me with a warm smile. "Finally, I meet the mysterious Adam," I say with a playful smirk.

"The pleasure is mine. Mallory has told me a lot about you," he responds, his eyes twinkling.

I raise an eyebrow, shooting Mallory a knowing look. "Oh, has she now? Well, I hope it's all good things."

Mallory nudges me on the arm, and I chuckle. "I assure you, only the best things."

I turn my attention back to Adam, a genuine smile playing on my lips. "I wish it could be under better circumstances, but it's lovely to finally meet you."

Mallory nudges me discreetly, redirecting the conversation. "Everyone's almost here. Just waiting on Logan and Emma."

"Would anyone like something to drink? I've got a variety of options – soft drinks, wine, beer," Adam offers, spreading his arms in a hospitable gesture.

Kylie raises her hand. "Wine for me, please!" Sean nods in agreement, "Same here." I lean in and whisper to Mallory, "I'll take a glass of wine as well."

Mallory and Adam disappear into the kitchen. I turn my attention to Kylie and Sean. Kylie stands up, her enthusiasm radiating. She wraps me in a warm hug, "Melanie! It's been way too long. How have you been?"

I return the hug, "I've been good, Kylie. It's great to see you again." Sean, sitting beside Kylie, offers a friendly nod, and I extend my greetings to him as well.

As we chat, my gaze flickers to the man sitting on the couch. I'm struck by how good looking he is. Tan skin, as if he has already spent time in the sun. Light brown hair, shaved on the sides and long at the top, tied in a well-groomed bun. His eyes are a deep green, mesmerizing in their intensity.

He stands up, and as he extends his hand towards me, I can tell that he is someone who takes care of himself. Muscles ripple with each move, his shirt stretching at the chest. I take his hand, shaking it firmly, and introduce myself.

"Hi, I'm Melanie."

He flashes a gorgeous smile, and for a moment, time seems to slow. His charisma is undeniable, and I can't help but be captivated by the ease with which he carries himself. "Nice to meet you, Melanie. I'm Marcus," he replies, his deep voice a perfect match to his striking appearance.

Marcus gestures for me to take a seat, and I comply, feeling a rush of excitement as I settle down. He sits next to me, and my heart quickens. Marcus is undeniably attractive, exuding a magnetic energy that captivates my attention.

Kylie turns her attention to me. "So, Melanie, how are your parents doing?" she inquires, her eyes filled with genuine interest.

I offer a warm smile. "They're doing well, thanks for asking. How about your parents and Jonathan?"

Kylie grins, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, they're good too. And Jonathan is just being Jonathan," she adds with a playful roll of her eyes.

I laugh, familiar with Jonathan's antics. We went to the same high school, though he's a couple of years older than me. "Classic Jonathan," I remark.

As the conversation flows, I sneak a glance at Marcus, only to find him staring at me intently. It's not a discomforting stare; rather, it makes me feel confident and, dare I say, a little sexy. The chemistry in the room is palpable, adding an intriguing layer to the evening.

The bell rings again, signaling the arrival of more guests. Adam emerges from the kitchen to answer it and Logan and Emma step inside. Logan, Adam's cousin, played a significant role in bringing Mallory and Adam together. Emma, a friend of Mallory and Kylie's from high school, completes the group.

Mallory returns with a tray of three glasses of wine. She hands them to me, Sean, and Kylie.

"Let's gather around the table, shall we?" Adam suggests, guiding us toward the dining area.

We follow Adam to the dining table, where the aroma of the meal fills the air. Each of us takes our seat, and I can't help but admire the inviting spread before us. Adam and Mallory take charge, serving the carefully prepared dinner.

As the dishes are placed before us, everything looks as delicious as it smelled. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas heighten my anticipation. We dig into the feast, and the flavors burst on my palate, confirming that the taste matches the visual appeal.

The conversation flows effortlessly around the table, a harmonious blend of laughter and shared stories. I glance over at Adam and Mallory, delighted to witness the genuine connection between them. The way he looks at her is nothing short of adoration, as if Mallory holds the key to his happiness. It warms my heart to see my sister so genuinely happy.

In the midst of the animated chatter, I feel Marcus's eyes on me. The intensity of his gaze sends a flutter through my chest, and for a moment, I find myself lost in the pool of his captivating stare. He's undeniably gorgeous, and the way he looks at me has a profound effect, making my knees momentarily weak.

I never thought I would feel this way again, especially after Daniel.

Correction – it didn't feel like this with Daniel. This is different, and it's better. The connection with Marcus feels deeper, more meaningful. I glance back at him, and he rewards me with a warm smile that sends a wave of warmth through me. Oh, God, he is so handsome, and I find myself drawn to the magnetic pull between us.

I have to find a way to exchange numbers with him tonight.