Page 94 of Next to Everything We Wanted

Our legs brushed together as we finished drinking, gazing deep into each other’s eyes with smiles. Gosh, heglowedwhen he was happy. I was so lost in the ocean, and nothing could keep me afloat.

Gavin’s face inched closer to mine. “You need to show me more of your favorite drinks.”

“I will,” I whispered before our lips met in a soft kiss. I cupped his head in my hands, savoring the taste of the mocha. “Though this tastes even better than the shake.”

He chuckled against my lips, his hands sliding up my ribcage. A wave of heat crashed over my body whenever he touched me there, leaving a trail of fire that sizzled to my toes. My skin flushed as my mouth searched his, deeper, closer?—

A throat cleared, and we both jumped out of the kiss. Celia, Nick, and Eli stood in front of the booth. Celia’s glossy lips curved in a frown while Nick and Eli bit their lips, their faces turning red as if they were trying not to laugh.

Gavin groaned. “Seriously, guys? You couldn’t wait until we finished?”

“No,” Nick said before sliding next to me. “Sorry to ruin the show.”

“He’s not sorry,” Eli said as he and Celia sat across from us. “He thinks kissing is gross.”

Nick shook his head. “Who even got the big idea to shove their mouth against someone else’s and found it hot?”

A grin spread across Eli’s face. “I don’t know, but they were a genius.”

Gavin rolled his eyes. “Don’t mind them. Eli’s a hormonal middle schooler while Nick’s a bitter old man.”

“I’m not bitter.” Nick folded his arms over his chest. “I’m perfectly fine with only using my mouth for its intended purposes.”

I giggled. “Relationships aren’t for everybody.” My gaze went to Celia, who seemed invested in her manicured nails. A twinge of guilt pinched at me.

When she looked at me, her lips lifted in a smile. “Are you excited for your gig today?”

“Nervous, but excited.”

“That’s normal. You’ll be great.”

“Thank you.” I offered my warmest smile and racked my brain for a way to make conversation. “So, do you like Whiteout too?” I winced, realizing it maybe wasn’t the best thing to ask. How could I make conversation without rubbing salt in the wound?

She nodded, not flinching at my question. “They’re one of my favorite bands. I introduced Ivan to them.” Her gaze traveled to Gavin. “You’re the only one of the guys I could convert into a fan.”

“And I’m still mad at you for it,” Nick muttered. “Why couldn’t the band be Paramore or something? They’re so much better.”

I gasped, pressing a hand to my chest. “You’re a Whiteout hater?”

“I’m the leader of their hate club.”

I faced Gavin, my mouth hanging open. “How are you still friends with him? I won’t tolerate that slander.”

Gavin chuckled. “I’ve gotten used to it.”

“Real talk,” Nick said. “Ivan and Celia secretly have horrible music taste.”

“At least Ivan draws the line at country,” Eli piped up.

“I don’t get country slander.” Celia shook her head. “Country concerts are the best.”

Gavin shuddered. “If I go to hell, country music will be the first thing I hear.”

“Even over all the screaming?” I asked.

“I still think Whiteout will play there,” Nick said. “I’m keeping myself in line just to avoid that.”

I snorted. “I think you’re the one who has horrible music taste.”