I laughed as I folded my arms, running a hand over my bare bicep. Jase bounced another perfect throw and the other side erupted in curses. Straightening, Jase raised his hands out to his sides and then he stopped, eyes widening.

He elbowed me and turned, voice low. “Well, look at who just wandered in here.”

My brows lifted as I followed his gaze, looking past a group dancing. Air punched out of my lungs. I couldn’t believe it. Unfolding my arms, I stared for a second, absolutely shocked.

Avery was here.

Standing next to Brittany and Jacob, she stood out and not because she wasn’t in a costume. Her formfitting black turtleneck revealed a small section of her flat stomach. It was the first time I’d seen her stomach. Crazy.. My mouth dried.

A big, old goofy-ass smile broke out across my face and I set my cup down. I didn’t even say anything to Jase as I crossed the crowded garage. Jacob said something to her that caused her cheeks to flush and, a second later, I had her in my arms.

Lifting her up, I spun around as she clutched my shoulders. “Holy shit, I can’t believe you’re actually here.”

Her warm brown eyes met mine. “I told you I was coming.”

I set her down, but kept her tucked close. God, she looked gorgeous with her coppery hair falling in waves down her shoulders, curling around the swells of her breasts. “When did you get here?”

“I don’t know. Not that long ago.”

“Why didn’t you come say hi?”

“You were busy and I didn’t want to bother you.”

She had been staring at my lips, which was entirely distracting up until those last words left her mouth. I bent my head, my lips brushing her ear as I spoke. I didn’t miss the way she shivered. “You are never a bother to me.”

When I lifted my head, our gazes collided and held. The hue of her eyes deepened, almost blending in with her pupils. There was a connection there between us. No mistaking the electricity shimmering in the tiny space between our lips. And when hers parted, I lowered my head, wholly intent on kissing her.

“Yo, Cam!” Jase yelled, obliterating the moment. “You’re up.”

I smiled tightly. “Don’t go too far.”

“Okay,” she said, her hands slipping away.

Stalking back over to the table, I shot Jase a dirty look. “Perfect timing.”

“What?” He watched me pick up the Ping Pong ball. “Did I interrupt Avery turning you down?”

“Funny.” I bounced the ball, missing my target. Cursing, I picked up the cup. “Fuck you all.”