Stupidly Hot || Jackie Taylor || No crash AU || Present Time AU ||

Chapter Fourteen || Party

Walking into the lively house party, my eyes instinctively search for familiar faces. Amidst the sea of people, my gaze lands on Jackie, my heart skipping a beat as I notice her dancing in the arms of Jeff. My emotions waver between a forced smile and a tightening knot in my stomach. I can't help but feel a surge of jealousy creeping in. Questions start to flood my mind: Are they really as happy as they seem? Does Jeff treat her right?

I attempt to distract myself, engaging in conversations with other party-goers and trying to enjoy the music and laughter around me. However, my eyes keep involuntarily returning to Jackie and Jeff, their chemistry evident even from a distance. As I watch them move together in perfect sync, my mind wanders into a realm of comparisons and what-ifs.

"Hey," Mari's voice pulls me back, her fingers gripping my arm. I shift my attention to her, an idea forming in my mind. With a glance towards Jackie and Jeff dancing together, I seize the moment, my hand slipping around Mari's waist, drawing her closer as our lips meet in a passionate kiss.

Her arms encircle my neck, and I press her against the wall, my lips trailing from her jawline to the delicate curve of her neck. A soft moan escapes her lips, spurring me on to explore further, leaving a few subtle bite marks as a lingering memory.

But amidst the heat of the moment, a pang of longing hits me like a tidal wave. Mari's perfume, so familiar, is reminiscent of Jackie's scent, the girl who I secretly wish was mine. As I tilt my head back to meet Mari's gaze, her mouth slightly agape, my mind races with a torrent of emotions.

I dive in for another kiss, my teeth gently grazing her lower lip this time. She groans in response, and I offer a tender peck on her lower lip.

In that electric moment, my thoughts become a swirling storm of envy and frustration. The taste of Mari's lips is sweet, yet my mind drifts, remembering that Jackie's are sweeter.

As I continue to kiss Mari, my mind paints vivid scenes of what might have been. My fingers trace her curves, but my thoughts trace the memory of Jackie's touch. The reality of the situation becomes blurred as my jealous desires take on a life of their own.

It's only when Mari pulls away, her chest rising and falling as she catches her breath, that I am snapped back to reality. Her eyes search mine, a mix of confusion and yearning mirrored in her gaze. I offer her a half-smile, my own internal battle laid bare in that fleeting moment.

I turn around to see Tai, her presence catching me off guard. My eyebrow raises slightly in curiosity, and as our eyes meet, a silent exchange of unspoken thoughts takes place. Her gaze briefly shifts to Jackie, a knowing look passing between them before she turns away, leaving me to wonder about the meaning behind that glance.

As I shift my focus back to Jackie, I notice that her attention is now fixed on me. The dance floor seems to have faded into the background, and her gaze follows me as I kiss Mari. A mix of emotions plays across her face – surprise, curiosity, and perhaps something more. Jeff, who had been her dance partner, has now disappeared, creating an opportune moment for me to approach her.

With a final, lingering kiss, I pull away from Mari, our lips parting with a promise hanging in the air. "I'll find you later," I murmur in a husky tone, my voice tinged with a blend of desire and uncertainty. My steps carry me away from Mari, each stride feeling heavier as my heart races with anticipation and nervousness.

Closing the distance between Jackie and myself, I draw in a deep breath, my mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts. How do I start this conversation? the air between us feels charged, an invisible thread connecting our gazes as I finally stand before her.

"Hey," I say, my voice soft yet laced with a hint of emotion. The word hangs in the air, carrying with it the weight of unspoken history, a shared past that lingers between us. As our eyes lock, I know that this moment is pivotal – a chance to confront the jealousy, the longing, and the unspoken words that have remained buried for far too long.