"I sold it!" Zach exclaims excitedly as soon as he steps into his living room where I just put a bowl filled with popcorn on the coffee table.

"Oh, that's amazing, Zach. Congratulations!" I straighten myself and beam in his direction.

The next moment, Zach sprints over, sweeps me off my feet, and crashes his lips against mine. I giggle at first as I'm totally surprised by his enthusiasm, but Zach kisses me with so much passion and sensuality, I soon melt into his kiss and let his tongue explore my mouth. My hands wrap around his neck while Zach stumbles to his sofa where he sinks down with me still in his arms. Immediately, his hand sneaks under my t-shirt and roughly pulls down the cups of my bra, so he gets access to my bare breasts. When he starts kneading them, I softly moan into his mouth causing his dick to twitch in his pants.

"God baby, I missed you," he pants and rests his forehead against mine. "But Jake will be here any minute."

Again, I giggle and adjust my bra to pack away my boobs.

"We'll have enough time for this later," I whisper close to his ear and plant a single, hot kiss on his neck which lets him shudder. "But now tell me, how did it go today?"

Zach gulps and shoots me a lustful look before he quickly shakes his head with a light chuckle and softly pecks my lips.

"It couldn't have worked out any better," he states with a big grin. "This dude signed the contract for the apartment without hesitation and he didn't even try to beat down the price, so I'm really two hundred thousand dollars richer now!"

"I'm so happy for you." I beam into his flushed face. "You truly deserve to have some luck in your life for once!"

Grazing his knuckles over my cheeks, Zach returns my smile and whispers, "My biggest luck is to have you back, Liv!"

Why does he always have to say the right things to make my heart skip a beat? In an instant, I feel my face turning red under his intensive stare.

"Stop being so cute, Zach. You're making me blush," I chuckle and playfully nudge him.

Zach tilts back his head and utters a loud laugh before facing me again with an amused smile.

"You think I'm cute?" he teases me with a raised eyebrow.

Rolling my eyes, I lean my head on his shoulder and wrap my arms around him. Yes, I think he's cute. The way he treats me since we are back together has made my heart melt several times and definitely showed me, he's serious about everything he said. The thought that he left me in this hurtful state still stings, but I also know deep down that I wouldn't be able to stay away from him anyway. For that my feelings are simply too strong.

Zach starts caressing my back and rests his chin on my head.

"How was your day, honey?" he asks softly. "Could you relax a little?"

"Mmh...," I hum and nod, causing Zach to lift my head by placing his fingers under my chin.

I blink into his worried face and give him a faint smile. He knows I'm lying. The truth is, I wasn't able to relax a single second today. The fear my father could find out where I am and show up again, nearly drove me insane and I spent most of the day hiding in Zach's bed wearing his hoodie to get some comfort. I only got up to get myself something to eat and a cup of tea and for using the bathroom in between. When Zach sent me a text telling me he's on his way home, I quickly took a shower and slipped into my own clothes, so he won't notice how anxious I really am, but of course that plan did not work. I feel like I'm an open book for him and he only has to look into my eyes to know exactly how I feel.

"Olivia, don't lie to me!" Zach gently cups my face in his big hands and pierces me with his hazel eyes. "You're scared he could find you here, right?"

I simply nod and gulp, trying hard to hold back the tears welling up in my eyes. Damn it! When did I become such a crybaby?

"Why didn't you call me, Liv? I told you you could always give me a call whenever you feel uneasy."

"I know. I just don't want to be your annoying, anxious girlfriend who suffocates you with her sorrows," I whisper and awkwardly chew on the inside of my lip.

"Liv!" Zach scolds me with a frown. "You're not annoying, do you hear me? And you're definitely not suffocating me. You went through a load of shit in the past and you have every right to feel the way you feel. Never in a million years would you annoy me because of that! I want to be there for you and help you, okay?"

"Okay," I croak out and bury my face in the crook of his neck, drinking in his soothing scent and feeling the warmth radiated by his body.

We sit like this for a few minutes before Zach informs me that he urgently needs a shower before Jake arrives. I slide off his lap and smile when he gives me a gentle and lingering kiss before vanishing in his bathroom.

Zach is still under the shower as the doorbell rings, so I get up from the sofa and head for the door to open it. To my surprise not only Jake is standing in front of me.

"Olivia!" Aria exclaims and pulls me into a tight embrace. "I didn't know you would come as well tonight."

Yea, I could say the same thing about you!

"Well, it actually wasn't planned that way, but I needed a place to stay for a few days and Zach offered me I could crash here," I mutter and give her an insecure smile when she pulls away again.

"It's good to see you guys have sorted out your shit. Zach has been obnoxious since the break-up," Jake states with a wink and pulls me into a quick embrace as well. He looks handsome just like the last times I've seen him. His dark blonde hair is slightly gelled back and he's wearing blue jeans paired with a white hoodie.

"Shut up, bro!"

I turn around to see Zach entering the living room wearing a pair of torn black jeans and a white t-shirt. He chuckles and gives Jake a bro hug before turning towards Aria.

"I didn't know you'd come too," he remarks and brushes a quick kiss on her cheek.

Giving him a radiating smile, which shows her perfect white teeth, Aria ruffles through his wet hair.

"Jake told me about your successful sale and I thought that calls for a proper celebration!" She lifts a bottle of champagne in the air and giggles.

She and Jake walk past Zach and me into the apartment and I close the door behind them. I'm not sure if I like the idea of spending the entire evening with Aria, but I guess I don't have a choice here, so I'll try and make the best out of it. I just wish I had put on other clothes. With those simple black leggings and the white t-shirt, I really can't compete with Aria who is wearing these tight-fitting white jeans which go up to her waist combined with a low-cut beige crop pullover in beige.

Instead of following the others, Zach turns to me and wraps his arms around me giving me a warm smile. "Are you okay?"

"Sure," I retort and give him the sincerest smile I can muster. Zach nods knowingly but doesn't say anything. He just leans down for a gentle kiss.

"You know your ass looks smoking hot in those leggings, right?" he mutters as soon as I turn around, causing me to giggle. He always manages to cheer me up and I love that.

With one arm draped around my waist, he leads me into the living room where Aria has already grabbed four glasses from the kitchen, another thing I don't really feel comfortable with. She pops the bottle and squeaks in excitement while filling the glasses for us. After handing one to each of us, she raises hers into the middle.

"Here's to Zach and the sale of his shabby house!" she says solemnly.

"To Zach!" Jake and I chime in.

Before I bring my glass to my mouth, Zach lowers his head and whispers close to my ear, "To us, baby!"

I smile at him as he gives me a gentle kiss before I finally take a sip of the champagne. While I enjoy the sparkling liquor flowing down my throat, my glance falls on Aria who watches Zach and my little moment with an expression I can't read. As soon as she notices I am looking at her, she quickly puts a smile on her face and averts her gaze.

"I'm glad you finally got rid of that shithole, bro," Jake remarks and plops on the sofa. "Any idea what you'll do with that money?"

Zach takes a seat next to him and shakes his head, "No plan." He pats the space beside him, motioning for me to sit down. "For now, I'm just happy and relieved that at least this one weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

The moment I'm seated beside him, he already has his arm wrapped around me and pulls me close. I don't know why, but he seems to be extra affectionate today. Especially with the others around I'm even more surprised, but I certainly won't complain since I'm enjoying the comfort of having his body this close.

"Alright guys," Aria plants herself in front of the sofa and holds her phone and a bottle of vodka in the air. "It's time for a little game to lighten the mood."

"Aria!" Jake whines. "Not again one of your silly party games. The mood is light enough already!"

Putting her hands on her hips, Aria gives her brother an accusing look. "It's just for the fun. Don't be a spoilsport, brother!"

Zach glances at me with raised eyebrows and rolls his eyes in amusement.

"So, Olivia," Aria continues directed at me. "Did you ever play 'Drink If...'?"

"Sure. Who hasn't?" I answer with a chuckle.

Usually, I'm all in when it comes to stupid drinking games, but I'm not so sure if I want to do that with Aria, to be honest.

"Perfect!" Aria excitedly claps her hands and places her phone in the middle of the coffee table. "I have this app, we'll use my phone. I'll start and then we continue around the circle. We just need some shot glasses. Zachy, would you be so kind?"

Zach nods with a deep chuckle and gets up to get some glasses. Before he returns, Aria jumps over and takes Zach's spot on the sofa. I give her a puzzled look, but she just giggles and waves it off. "He can have the beanbag. I hate it, I always get back pain sitting on that stupid thing."

Simply nodding at her remark, I turn towards Zach and watch how he just shrugs and lowers himself onto the beanbag opposite of us after putting the four shot glasses on the table. Aria leans over and fills them all to the brim and then she starts the game.

"Alright, I'll go first!" She taps on her screen and giggles again. "Okay, Drink if you've ever been to the beach with me!"

Jake rolls his eyes and downs his glass as well as Zach. Both pull a disgusted face at the burning spirit, causing Aria to laugh out loud. Next comes Jake with 'Drink if you have my birthday memorized!'

This time, Aria and Zach drink. Of course, they do. I'm getting the feeling I'll stay pretty sober if we keep playing that game. The three of them know each other for such a long time and certainly know a lot about each other and also share loads of memories.

"Zachy, your turn!" Aria pushes her phone over to Zach and gives him an expectant glance. The way she calls him Zachy all the time makes me feel sick already.

"Fine." Zach smiles at me before tapping on the screen of Aria's phone. "Drink if you've seen me naked!"

Smirking, he gives me a wink and expectantly points at the full glass in front of me, causing me to redden again. I mean, it's obvious I've seen him naked before, but still, it's somehow embarrassing in front of Zach's best mate and his sister.

"Well, what a sight, huh?" Aria playfully nudges me and wriggles her eyebrows. "Cheers to that, hun!"

With a fake smile on my face, I clink glasses with her and down my first vodka shot. It feels surprisingly good even if it burns like shit, but I need something to ease my mind right now. What a sight? Is she fucking serious?

"Your turn, baby!" Zach remarks with a broad grin on his face.

"Okay, uhm," I tap on the screen of Aria's phone. "Drink if you've hugged me today!"

"I think we've all done that, right?" Aria excitedly refills all our glasses and she, Jake, and Zach chug theirs down in one.

The next three times, I don't have to drink at all. All questions are about names of parents, something about college and stuff like that. Things I obviously can't know or never have done with one of them. The longer we keep playing this game, the more annoyed I get. My next question is 'Drink if you've seen a movie with me within the last month!' Of course, Zach is the only one who grabs his glass.

"Drink with me, honey!" He points at my full glass and winks at me with a warm smile on his face.

"Okay," I mutter smiling faintly, and down my second shot, whereas the others have chugged four or five shots already. Aria seems to be a bit tipsy already, and even Zach and Jake chuckle more than usual.

"Soo, my turn again," Aria squeaks and taps her screen. "Drink if you've ever seen me in my underwear!"

"Unfortunately!" Jake mutters and exes his shot.

Zach seems to be a bit uneasy with this question and downs his vodka without comment. I shouldn't feel that sting in my heart, and still, it's there and I hate that feeling.

"I'll be right back," I mumble and head for Zach's bedroom.

After pushing the door shut behind me, I let myself fall onto Zach's bed and close my eyes for a moment. God why does everything has to affect me that much lately. I knew Zach had it off with that perfectly beautiful doctor woman, and I knew she even was his first woman ever, but still, it hit me hard hearing about Aria seeing him naked and Zach seeing her in her underwear.

Damn! Fuck those stupid tears dribbling down my face again. I ignore the sound of the door being opened and keep my eyes shot but try to stop my betraying tears from falling.

"Liv?"

Thank god, it's not Aria!

"Honey, what's wrong?" I feel the bed dipping next to me and open my eyes to look into Zach's worried face.

"Nothing!" I whisper and sit up again. "I'm fine. I just needed a short break."

Zach sighs and goes on his knees in front of the bed to look into my face.

"Baby, I see you are crying. Is it because of Aria?" He places his hands on my thighs and starts stroking me with his thumbs.

Biting my lip and looking down, I nod. I feel so damn embarrassed being that jealous and weak in front of him.

"Look at me, Olivia!" Zach orders softly and cups my face in his huge hands as soon as I do. "You are the first and only woman I ever loved. Yea, I might have fucked Aria a few times beforehand when I was younger, but since then nothing more happened between us. I want you to know that I would never ever cheat on you. I'm so damn lucky you gave me another chance to make things right, I surely wouldn't ruin it by fucking another woman I don't even feel anything for. Do you hear me?"

"I'm just not sure she feels the same way towards you, Zach," I mutter and try looking down again, but Zach's hands don't let me lower my gaze.

"What do you mean?"

God. How can guys be so blind when it comes to reading signs of women being interested in them?

"Have you seen the way she gawks at you? Or how she stressed how hot you look naked? Or the way she always calls you Zachy all the time?" I utter the last word in a mocking tone, trying to copy her voice.

"That's just Aria being Aria, Livie. There's nothing to worry about," Zach reassures me with a warm chuckle. "But I can ask her to leave if you want to?"

"And then I'm the party pooper! No way!" I huff.

"Party pooper, huh?" Zach teases me and even elicits a giggle from me.

"Yea, party pooper!" I repeat confidently and try to suppress my smirk.

Laughing quietly, Zach grabs my hands and pulls me to my feet. "Come on. I'll make sure everyone else can see that I'm only yours, okay?"

"Okay," I give in and smile as he wipes away my tears and places a gentle kiss on my forehead before we join the others again.

"Everything okay?" Aria asks and shoots me an empathetic smile as soon as we step into the living room again.

"Yea, I'm fine, thanks!" I answer and return her smile.

Zach sits down next to her and pulls me onto his lap, wrapping his arms tightly around me.

"I'm done with playing this game," he states and intertwines our fingers.

"Yea, it's kinda boring, right?" Aria agrees with Zach and awkwardly snickers in my direction. Her eyes land on Zach's and my connected hands and she frowns for a second before jumping up.

Why is this girl so giddy today? I don't remember her being that hyper the last times I've seen her. Something definitely is different tonight.

"Zachy, did you finally manage to clean that hot tub?" she asks in full excitement.

"Uh, yea, I did." Zach frowns looking into Aria's jade-green, sparkling eyes.

"Great. Let's jump right into it then, what do you say?"

Zach shoots me a questioning look to which I respond with a shrug.

"I don't have any bathing clothes with me."

"I can lend you a bikini. We should have the same size anyways," Aria suggests, eying my body with a strange expression for a moment before heading straight for the door.

"Are you coming?" she calls out to me over her shoulder with a charming smile.

With a sigh I heave myself up and follow her.

This evening just keeps getting better and better. Not.

*****

What do you think about the situation? Do you think Aria has still a thing for 'Zachy'?

Do you like the pace the story is going forward or is it too slow/boring? I just feel like all those situations are relevant in Liv's and Zach's relationship and tell a lot about their characters. Please tell me if you feel the same.🤔

Liv's increased vulnerability and her oversensitivity due to the popping up of her father and the happenings of the past weeks are also something I'd like to point out here. I hope you can feel her inner struggles and that she has to deal with a lot of things at the moment.

Please remember to vote and leave a comment if you liked the chapter.🦋

Katie🤍