❝ CAMILA GARZA.

FULL NAME. CAMILA AUDRI GARZA

AGE. TWENTY 8

RESIDENTIAL AREA.  BAY ISLE ESTATES

HOMETOWN.  SIESTA KEY, FL

OCCUPATION. SONGWRITER + PIANO TEACHER @ MADAME BUTTERFLY

FACECLAIM. CAMILA MORRONE

Despite his usual arrogance, Gage understood. If he were to keep getting into trouble, he would end up like Dante who spent a good amount of his life locked up. He already wasted so much of his time with Locals Only; Time he could have spent here with Camila instead of backing off, which allowed her to get closer to Xavier again. The only problem with staying out of trouble was the fact that he was already in trouble. He has loose ends and if he doesn’t tie them up then Dante will continue to find new and torturous ways to make his life miserable. It was bad enough that he threatened him with Camila. Who knows what she would do if he approached her. Gage hoped by telling her about this and about Dante that she would stay away from him. 

“I’ll do my best to stay out of trouble.” But even while saying that, he couldn’t help but think about tonight’s heist. He already texted Dante the code to get inside the room and without him standing guard, who knows how things will turn out. A part of him wanted to set him up to assure he would be out of his life and Camila’s, but another part of him would rather he walk away a happy man. He just wasn’t so sure he could trust him to see things as being even afterward. Sometimes a bloodthirsty shark doesn’t stop, even after it’s stolen your leg. 

“Okay. I promise. You can hold me to it. If I mess up for whatever reason, you can walk away. And I won’t blame you.” If this was his only way for them to be together then he would take it. What other choice did he have? It was either he agree and have a chance to prove himself to her, or call it quits and watch her walk away with Xavier. With the latter being his worst nightmare, he decided he would stay with Camila and send in a tip to security that someone was breaking into the charity vault. 

“Let’s kiss on it. Make it official.” He smiled as he frames her face and kisses her lips again. As the ferris wheel pauses with them at the top, he slips his tongue into her mouth and slides his hand up her thigh. He hates the height but does his best to focus on her. “Does this count as me being bad?” He lifts his thumb and rubs it against her panties, building a warm circular motion around her clit.  “—Because I can stop.” 

-

Despite her better judgment, and the fact history has a way of repeating itself where they’re concerned, Cami chooses to go out on a limb with him just one more time. Part of her feels like she owes him that. Considering, she’s made poor choices of her own when it comes to their life.  And, obviously the one they created together. She tries her best not to think about that, or about the child (their child) half way across the world who shared his eyes and his dazzling grin. They were her kryptonite. Enough to haunt her well into her next lifetime. It genuinely hurt sometimes to see him smile, feel him kiss her, or touch her as if she didn’t keep the biggest secret of their lives to herself for the past twelve years.

Without making it too obvious, Cami’s focuses on the spot between his brows as he beckons for a kiss to seal their hushed agreement. She nodded between the hands framing her face and let herself be consumed by his lips, and the tongue that invaded her mouth just as it has many times before. It felt only natural to reciprocate, to lean into the gesture and likewise part her thighs to make room for his greedy, wandering hand. “Mm.” Her lips part to release a quiet gasp as she clutches onto the seat underneath her for support. “Yes.” The response is both an answer to his question and a plea for more. BEFORE common sense overrides dangerous desires. “But, we can’t. Not here.” And not unless he has a death wish. She can’t promise to sit still. He should know from experience, she was a squirmer. Always in need of an escape, he’d have to block off to keep her tethered to him somehow.

“Besides...” The Ferris Wheel continued its last round in preparation for the ride to end, and she knew they’d be the first ones off. “It’s your turn to torture me now. I could lie and say I’m looking forward to it but, I’m not.” She’s teasing him, of course. But also telling the truth at the same time. Haunted Houses weren’t really her thing. Horror movies weren’t either. But, he played along for her most of the time, and so it was only fair that she do the same. “I might make an exception for any clowns. You’re allowed to punch those if they come anywhere near me.”

“The Ferris wheel? C’mon.” His voice was only playfully annoyed. He might be all macho on the outside, but nothing scared him more than being suspended into the air with no real guarantee that you’ll be coming back down softly. All it would take is for one guy to fuck up one precaution and then it’s over. it wasn’t death in general that made Gage feel all panicky. It was knowing he hasn’t truly lived yet. He wanted more moments with Camila. That’s why all of this was so important to him. They were getting older but still running in the same circles. He could be happy with her but could she be happy with him? 

With her head now resting on his shoulder and their fingers entwined, they left the fun house a lot happier than when they went in. If someone were to see him they wouldn’t even recognize him. The giant smile on his face and the cheerfulness in his eyes were disguise enough. “The haunted house is on the list, yes! I didn’t work on it. Someone else did, so the illusion hasn’t been ruined for me.” Just as he was starting to feel centered and optimistic, the bruises on his face were mentioned again. Then it dawned on him. He told Dante he would meet him later at the carnival. He couldn’t ditch Camila though — not after he promised her a date. 

He wasn’t sure what that feeling in his gut was now — the Ferris wheel as it began turning upward or the panic of what Dante will do if he doesn’t show up in time. “Considering you have me strapped into this torture chair… Yeah…I’ll be honest with you.” He tried for laughter but it came out weak and full of air; an embarrassing gasp that he wished would have stayed in his lungs. “I didn’t start the fight this time.” Gage turned to look at her just as she moved in to kiss the bruise on his cheek. When the brim of her hat poked him in the eye, he flinched and then laughed. “You’re adding to it!” He teased, squeezing her hip with the intention of tickling her. It was the only form of payback he could think of. However, he didn’t account for the wiggling that would occur after, or the rocking of the cart. “Oh shit… Okay okay, stop rocking it!” He laughed nervously before placing a hand on her thigh to keep her still. 

“The fight happened after your run-in with Travers. The guy I said I owe money to? It’s him. He came to collect and when I said I didn’t have it, he threatened me.” He wasn’t going to tell her about all the crude things he said about her too. Some things were just better left unsaid. “But everything is cool now. We worked it out. Travers is just an idiot. We used to be good friends. But ever since he took over the south side, he thinks he’s the shit.” The man’s ego was bigger than the island they live on. “I know I’m always into some kind of mess. And I know that can be stressful. But I promise, things are going to change. I won’t keep disappearing in and out of your life.” Despite the nerves he felt, he was able to turn his body and place a hand on the side of her face. Then turn her ballcap back and plant a more endearing kiss on her lips.

-

“Don’t be so dramatic.” Her eyes rolled before his fingers tickled her sides and she squirmed just as dramatically to escape them. The only thing to stop her and calm her back down, was  the hand he placed on her thigh. It felt warm and familiar and welcome, and if he were to move it up just another inch or two, he’d tread towards more dangerous territory.

Thankfully, he showed her mercy and came clean at the same time. Had she not run into Dante again herself, when sleeping over his house with Stella, now would’ve been the time where she realized the two were related. It was moments like these, where she realized just how small Siesta Key really was. It seemed everyone knew everyone in some way or another.

One of her closest friends was related to the dirtbag who threatened him and nearly beat him to a pulp. If that didn’t tell them how small their world was, she didn’t know what would. “I figured as much when I ran into him leaving your place the other day.” It was the same night they got into their last big fight, before they made up here.

As much as Camila had more to say and weigh in on the topic, she let herself be silenced by his kiss. The last thing she wanted to do was spark another argument. At the same time, he needed to know how she felt. Just in case, the opportunity slipped away and never came around again.

“Mmm,” she hummed thoughtfully against his lips while wrapping her hands around his wrists which were being used to cup her face. “I hope not.” She’s not sure what it is about her that  makes the men in her life fail to stay. Gage was constantly coming and going. Xavier was too involved with work. Her own father chose fame and drugs over getting to know her. It’s like they could only tolerate her for so long sometimes. “I want you here.” Meaning in town, close by. “But, I also wish you’d refrain from getting into so much trouble.” Some trouble was okay. Attractive, even. It was sexy in their teens and early twenties but, Gage had a tendency to take things to the extreme. He loved hard and fought harder. Just like her. “The constant fighting and brawling. I really wish you’d stop.” She didn’t want to force his hand but, if she had to then she would. “Promise me, it ends today? I really wanna trust you and believe this time could be different. I’m just so sick of all the drama. I want us to be better.” She knows she plays a part in it too and for once, she’d allow herself to openly admit it. “I’ll make the effort if you do.”

“No, I don’t. We’re just friends.” Stella was starting to question who she was lying to. Herself or everyone else. The truth is: she did like her more than a friend but it didn’t matter because a relationship would ruin everything. Plus, Olivia already told her relationships weren’t really her thing. She wanted to have fun and be free, and if anyone could relate to that it was Stella. Her parents were hippies and by extension, she was a flower child. 

“JUST fine?” Stella pries, sitting upright to get a clearer view of Camila’s face. She might come across as a tomboy at times, but she still loves to gossip with her girls about everything under the sun. And in this case, everything under her bedroom ceiling. Xavier was super hot and had a six-pack since high school. If anything, Camila was lucky she bagged such a hot commodity. Not to mention his shiny car and huge house. She hit the jackpot. “Trust me, I get that. I’ve been lonely AF. Yesterday I skated around by myself for hours. I eventually met a friend at Los Tacos but he was on the clock. So I still had to get high allll aloneeee.” The self-pity was exaggerated and playful. 

It seemed it worked though because Camila’s suggestion was just what Stella needed. She was surprised she didn’t think of it herself. Then again, she promised Dante she would stay with him this weekend. “I LOVE the idea! But there’s a catch so I really hope you don’t change your mind. I promised my brother I would stay with him this weekend, so can we have it at his house? PUHLEASE!” She couldn’t cancel on her brother but she really didn’t want to blow Camila off either. 

-

“Mm-hm. So you say.”  But, just friends don’t look at each other like Stella and Liv do. Camila would know. She’s been feeding that same lie to herself about her and Gage for years.

“Yeah, I mean....” she offers her friend a half shrug as she weighs out her  relationship. On paper, Xavier was perfect. He was tall, dark, and handsome. He had a job, his own estate, cars, money, popularity. But none of that truly mattered to Camila. He could lose his company tomorrow and it wouldn’t make a difference. She wouldn’t care for him any less. All that mattered to her, was how he treated her and lately they spent little to no time together. Hence her having to take care of herself on more than one occasion while he was off.... working, or so he says. “For once there is no trouble in paradise. We hardly see each other. I wish we did.” Maybe having her boyfriend around would mean she saw Gage less. But, did she want that either? No.

“You could’ve called me.” She balled her hand into a fist and playfully jabbed Stella in the arm with it. It’s not like Camila would ever say no to sharing a spliff, or two.

“Your brother? You mean the brother I’ve never met because he always tends to ghost you.” Maybe Dante had good reasons (or not - because any time he went away, it was to serve time and not to vacation), but he didn’t seem all that great in Cami’s eyes. “Fine. At least, I’ll finally get to see if he’s real.” Not that she thought Stella made him up, it was simply a joke. “We should get going then. The sooner we’re drunk, the sooner we can braid each other’s hair and I can spill all my dirty secrets.” What she didn’t know yet, was that - her loose lipped plan seemed more likely than she thought.

Her endearment was almost enough to make him cave to whatever she wanted. He was deprived of affection and learned he needed it on the days they would spend on his mattress, cuddled up in front of all her favorite movies. He never cared what they were watching, just as long as she was there with him, cradled in his arms, and leaving soft kisses on his hand. Before her, he was the hit-and-split type. He had a motto back then: never fuck the same girl twice and never fight the same guy twice. When it’s over, it’s over. He broke that rule a few times but, never fell in love before or after Camila.  

“What are you saying?” He closes his eyes as she pulls on his belt. This time it wasn’t to make it loose but to keep him within arm’s reach. He relented and took a step closer until their hips met and she could feel his breath on her skin again. “You’ll really ditch your boy?” His eyes open to examine her features and her bashful eyes give him a smile. It was close to his signature smirk, but not quite. There was a twinkle in his eye that made him look way softer than he is. “So we’ll go on some rides, play some games, and then you’ll go home with Gage Thumper?” Bambi was another one of her movies that he was forced to watch so the name came to pretty quickly. “Okay, let’s try it. That’s all I really want.” He didn’t want to torture her and hang around Ashton just to get on her nerves. He wanted her to be honest with herself and somehow he got that to work. 

“Here,” Gage took the baseball cap he was wearing to keep the sun out of his eyes and plants it on her head. Now she was incognito. No one would ever expect Little Miss Madame Butterfly to be walking around under a dirty work hat. “We can start you off with that and maybe check out a few shops along the boardwalk? Get you a matching leather jacket.” Pressing a soft kiss on her cheek, he takes her hand and laces their fingers. “You pick the first ride and I’ll pick the second. Deal?” 

-

For the first time.... EVER, it actually feels like they are getting somewhere. All it took was her complying to get him to loosen up and bring back that smirk she loved and adored so much. And she’d traced with her finger more times than they both could count. But, she did. Twenty seven times to be exact.

Twenty eight counting right now. “Ohhhh, I get it,” she laughs. Pretty smart, too. Not that she needed the reminder of his fuckboy ways. “Gage Thumper. Because you like to hump.” The joke itself made her laugh. It was a sweet sound. Missed, even to her own ears. She couldn’t remember the last time someone’s made her laugh recently. At least to this heartfelt extent.

Flicking his hat that hung on her head, Cami leaned into the kiss he bestowed upon her cheek and blushed, while trying to hide it. “Finally,” she sighed with relief. “I’ve got my power back. And unfortunately for you, it means a ride on the Ferris Wheel.” She knows how much he doesn’t favor heights, especially on man made machines that working for Cooley’s, he knows have a habit of breaking down. But, at least if they die... they do it together. Rose and Jack, or Allie and Noah style. The Titanic, and The Notebook, being too more classic favorites of hers. The Notebook more so because, it reminded her of them. Born in opposite social circles, two lovers who fight constantly but in the end what they’re fighting for ( which is each other ) seems worth the pain it takes to get there.

“And knowing you,” her chin rests on his now-leather clad shoulder as they make their way out of the funhouse, “my guess is... it’s the haunted house next. Because you love torturing me with clowns. So, not fair.” She’ll just have to torture him first by rocking the cart of the ferris wheel. Or not. Because she doesn’t actually want it to break, and she’s not an asshole.

“Will you tell me what really happened to your face if I ask?” Once seated, and secure on the Ferris Wheel, Cami does a casual, soft sweep of his bruises with her fingers. “I really wish you wouldn’t get into so many fights. This face is too pretty to damage all the time.” To show him, she means it and she means well, she leans over to press a kiss to the outline of his jaw, accidentally nailing him in the eye with the tip of her hat. Which only triggers another series of giggles. “Oops. Sorry.”

“You don’t want me to go away.” She didn’t have to agree with him. If this week taught him anything, it’s that she still cares. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t be this upset and conflicted. And she wouldn’t have told him she loved him. Which was something he hasn’t said back yet. It wouldn’t have mattered if he did. She wasn’t going to leave Ashton for him. That much was clear. 

“The problem is, you’re too up here.” He kept his voice down to a low whisper as he brushed her hair back and touched her temple. She was overthinking things again. The outside world didn’t matter. Right now, it was just them. No one else. Ten years ago, drugs and alcohol helped with that. Most of their hookups happened after taking shots or snorting lines. The first time they had sex, he took a shot of tequila off her stomach and snorted ectasy from her boobs. They were young, wild, and crazy. Maybe that wasn’t them anymore. But that was a good thing because he wasn’t going to let her hide behind the excuse of intoxication anymore. If they were going to do something now, then she would have to take accountability for it. 

The only drug was the familiar touch of his fingertips, tracing the outline of her panties and stomach. “No one is going to find us in this maze. It’s not open yet. I’d say we have another twenty minutes.” He knew she was starting to cave and to make sure of it, he slipped his hand into her panties, and circles her clit in slow tormenting circles. Touching her was enough to make him hard. “Is that what you want? You want me to go away?” his pace slows down, but then continues, wanting to keep her hot and worked up. “Tell me what you want…” he whispers in her ear and then leans closer to kiss the side of her neck. 

-

[ SCENE / REDACTED ]

FAST FORWARD →

“So that’s it?” He works her up, tells her if she wants him to come get him, and then just leaves? This wasn’t how things were supposed to happen. And it’s precisely why, she hates giving up control.

More than that, she doesn’t actually want him to leave. “Baby,” she hopes the pet name is enough to draw his focus back to her instead of on leaving. It might seem like a cruel tactic to use but, there’s underlying feelings there that makes it come across as genuine. Because, deep down, it is.

“What if...” and she can’t believe she’s even proposing this idea at all. It’s not something she’s taken time to consider. Or even map out. Who knows, if dodging Ashton or anyone they might know for an entire night, was even possible. It was worth a try though. If it meant, he wouldn’t take off again. In similar instances, when the fighting and fucking got to be too much, one or the other would skip town and hide out. He would chase whatever waves he could find to make himself feel better, while she locked herself away and wrote songs.

“What if you don’t go?” Her fingers latched around his belt buckle, before she gave it a silent tug of persistence. “Maybe I was wrong, okay? Maybe you are being serious and this isn’t all about sex for you. If that’s true, then prove it. Don’t go.” Her eyes were pleading as she trapped her lip between her teeth and batted her lashes up at him. “Stay. I’ll ditch Ash and we can go on a few rides together. Then, when we get tired of that, you’ll bring me back to the balloon race and win me a stuffed Rabbit. Which I’ll take home and sleep with afterward and probably name after you. If you’re being serious about showing me this can work, you’ll stay and have fun with me.”

It was true—she did have long supermodel legs, but she didn’t have boobs, and girls would make fun of her for being ‘flat as a board’. Maybe her high school years took a toll on her and made her self-conscious around girls like Camila, who were not only strikingly beautiful but also stacked. 

“No, that guy was a total tool. They’re all the same around here. Serial cheaters and egomaniacs.” She was done with guys. For now, at least. Which does prompt the question—Instagram Girl— AKA Olivia. She wasn’t sure how she felt about her. They were best friends. But some days, Stella yearns for more. Unrequited love is a bitch. Especially when that bitch has a hot new boyfriend. “That’s Liv. We do everything together. But lately, she’s been seeing some guy. He’s cute and whatever but now things are weird. She spends all her free time with him. You know what they say, two’s company, three’s a crowd.” But enough about her poor sappy heartache. She’s noticed something off with Cami too. “What about you? How’re things with your AMAZING boyfriend? Dish, I wanna live vicariously through you. Don’t leave out anything juicy.” 

-

“You’ve got that right.” The boys of Siesta Key were total babes. Until they opened their mouths. After that, all matters of appeal were lost and squandered. Cami was thankful she wasn’t single at times. Dating in this day and age and in this climate could be incredibly stressful. Then again, relationships weren’t all they were cracked up to be either. Her own were a shit show. “Yeah but, how do you know she’s seeing him? Plus if you like her, you should tell her.”

If Camila knew anything it was that... you only miss the shots you never take. Even if rejection were to happen, at least Stella wouldn’t be haunted by the unknown.

“We’re fine.” Soon as the spotlight was turned back around on her, Cami froze up. She gave out the first generic response that came to mind. She didn’t have to lie to Stella, or sugarcoat the truth. But, maybe a part of Camila didn’t know how to explain what was going on with her and Ashton either. He was hardly around. And when he was, it still didn’t feel like he was there. She might’ve been in a relationship but honestly, Camila’s never felt lonelier.

It’s why she craved company. Including Stella’s, and didn’t want to let go of it. “He works a lot so, we don’t get to see much of each other these days. I mean, I get it. I just miss him.” That’s true. But, underneath the obvious is something deeper and darker that she can’t explain, and she’s not ready to admit out loud.

“Maybe we should have a sleepover tonight. Like old times. We can stop by the liquor store, grab some white claws. Maybe a bottle of trusted Jack.”

It’s been far too long since, Cami’s last seen or heard from Cam. Mostly her fault, though. Which she aimed to change by ambushing him at his place of work. Victoria kept going on and on about the boat they currently owned and claimed a yacht would be better. Camila tagged along to help her browse but only because, she planned to sneak off and track down Cam herself. She caught him on the dock, near one of the yachts, drenched from the scorching rays of the sun. “Well, well. If it isn’t Mr. Bishop. Planning to sail away again? If so, I’m begging you to take me with you.” She could use the vacation, frankly. Her life was a total shit show at the moment. An ocean escape sounded pretty nice right about now. “Victoria’s heckling your employees. It’s only a matter of time before she spots you, too. Here’s a tip: save yourself.”

“Close. It’s tropical punch Lip Smacker.” She stole it from the drugstore three days ago. it’s been so hot out, her lips were sunburnt. Therefore, she went on a little shopping trip with her five-finger discount. She’s been on a stealing-spree with no intention of slowing down. If her maniac brother could do whatever the hell he pleases then why should she fall in line? Lead by example. If he’s not willing to change, she’ll make him regret it when she follows suit. “You have very kissable lips. It was my pleasure.” She did wonder though, how much of what Camila said was true. Did she really like girls. Like at all? Or would it have been strictly an excuse to get the perv away from her? “Like, I can’t blame them. Your boobs look amazeballs in that bikini. Let’s get you to the beach before they get hornier and I get more insecure.” 

-

“Stop it.” A laugh rumbled from Cami’s throat as she gave Ella a playful shove. “You’re gorgeous and I envy those legs. It’s like, they go on for days...” Stella didn’t give herself enough credit. She was tall and slender like a model, and she resembled celebrity, Rachel Bilson. What was there not to drool over?

Cami couldn’t find a thing. Thus, she didn’t even try. Instead, she grabbed her beach bag, slung it over her shoulder and walked alongside Stella on her skateboard to the beach.

They found an open, but intimate spot somewhere on the sand where Cami laid down a towel for them both to share. “So, what’s going on with you? I don’t hear from you in days and your text said you needed to talk. Usually that means you need advice or there’s trouble in paradise. I take it, you’re not seeing that guy anymore. So, who’s the girl on your instagram?” There was a story Camila caught the other day of Stella with some raven haired vixen. They looked pretty cozy, posing together with their tongues sticking out and their bodies tangled up in each other. Sure, it could’ve been innocent but, it was the context clues that had Cami believing there was more.

Camila is one of those girls that everyone wants to sleep with. Including, her. So it was no surprise that all the girls at the skatepark were side-eyeing her while their crushes and boyfriends couldn’t keep their eyes inside their sockets for longer than five seconds. “What are you talking about, this is fun. It’s a crazy rush. I’d teach you, but I’d rather teach you how to surf first. Less bruises and broken bones.” Stella sat at the top of the ramp, rolling her spliff while the others skated around them. “I grew up here. I like it. If you want to go to the beach, we can smoke there.” She finishes licking the rolling paper when another guy walks over. “Hey, so my friend wants to know if you’re single?” He asks Camila but before she can say anything, Stella grabs her face and claims her with a slow and sultry kiss. “Tell your friend this is my bitch. Okay? Byeee.” She could have handled that differently, but it wouldn’t have been as fun. 

-

“Oh yeah, can you imagine ME on a surfboard?” The thought itself was laughable. Cami was good at many things but maintaining her balance? Not so much. That’s not to say she didn’t want to learn. For those she knew who enjoyed the sport, it looked pretty peaceful. “But no, it’s okay---” she was going to insist they stick it out a little while longer when some dude interrupted her train of thought by inquiring about her relationship status. Cami had no qualms about squashing their hopes and it seemed neither did Stella. Before, she could even respond with a snarky comment, Cami felt two hands grip the sides of her face and lull her into a soft, make-believe kiss. To sell it, Cami moaned against Stella’s mouth before ultimately pulling back and lightly tracing the outskirts of her lips with her index finger. “How very Katy Perry of you. Are you actually wearing cherry lip gloss?” There was a hint of something fruity that lingered on Cami’s lips. “Well done, by the way. Much more effective than my ‘Beat it twerp, I’m into girls.’ line I was totally preparing in my head.” Stell saved Cami both the time and the breath. 

As her voice softens and her hands lay gently on his face, he knows she finally got what she wanted. She wasn’t angry anymore, now she was sympathetic. This is exactly what he didn’t want to happen. He didn’t want to become the victim of this. It was much easier being cold and distant, but she forced him to open up and the second he did, she turned it all around and reaffirmed what she’d been saying all along, that nothing between them could ever happen again. So then why was she so upset when he tried pulling away? Was it because he stole all the power and made it his decision? Now that it was her own choice, everything was fine? 

“I knew this was going to happen. The reason why I started acting like a dick and pulling away was because I didn’t want to feel like this.” If it wasn’t okay for him to end things then she wasn’t allowed to either. It wasn’t fair. “Don’t say you love me….” He didn’t want this to be any harder than it already was. Gage was never the type of person to wear his heart on his sleeve, but inside the maze, away from the public eye, he was unraveling. There was a knot in his throat and his eyes were hot with tears. If it wasn’t for her holding his face, he would have looked away.

“Why did you push me out there? Why did you take off in your car when I called that other woman? And why did you convince me back at my house that we could be friends if all you’re going to do is throw in the towel and tell me we’re done? That’s what I told you out there and you flipped out. Is that what I should do? Should I flip out?”  He was angry enough to do so. But he was also so very tired of fighting with her. 

“I’m not going to make this easy on you. I’m sorry, but I tried to be the bad guy. I tried to give you a chance to walk away, but it’s too late now.” She shouldn’t have told him she loved him. She shouldn’t have let him know how much he actually means to her. Because now he won’t be able to walk away. “Listen to me,” he places his hand on her waist and turns her back around to face him. “I don’t want to ruin your life. But you’re not getting rid of me that easy.” He leans in and rests his forehead against hers. “I’m going to be watching you with him. I’m going to be there from now on at every event. I’m going to become Ashton’s best friend again. You’ll see me everywhere he is.” His eyes close as he breathes against her lips, “And when you’re with him…” he pauses as he lifts the front of her dress and traces the hem of her panties, “I’ll make sure you’re thinking about me.” 

-

“Gage, don’t--” her forehead broke free from his when she shook her head no. Him being there, watching her, making sure she sees him every moment of every day is the last thing she wanted. That’s what was so hard. Being near him, and knowing they could never be together, that it would never work. “Please.” Her hands gripped his biceps as she defiantly tried to fight off the warmth that gathered in the pit of her stomach when he touched her.

All it took was one stroke across her stomach, above her panty line to send her body into a frenzy of panic and a melting pot of desire. Beneath her dress, she’s already turned feverish with want. “What if someone sees us?” All it would take is someone, like Ashton, to come walking into this funhouse and finding them in a compromising position, surrounded by dozens of mirrors, to ruin her life. In any other capacity, this situation she might've found hot but, the anxiety was very much real and excruciating.

Yet despite that, she didn’t move a muscle. She didn’t bother to push his hands away or attempt to wriggle free. Because deep down, she wanted it. No matter how much her mouth fought against it, her body had other desires. It craved his mouth, and his hands all over it. Until she was a writhing, uncontrollable mess. “You’re working the carnival. Who else has access?” Her fingers fisted his dirty shirt, as she absentmindedly walked them backward, until her shoulders collided with one of the cold, body length mirrors. “Fine,” she huffs. “If I give in, then what? You go away?” Frankly, she didn’t know what he wanted either. She didn’t know what would pacify him.