Listen to August by Taylor Swift.

*warning-mature content*

A FEW MONTHS LATER

I stared at my reflection in the round mirror mounted against the wall as I did the buttons on the crisp white button-down shirt. I tried to pay attention to whatever my assistant was saying on the other line. We'd been on the phone for almost an hour trying to get some work done. I hardly had any time to myself these past few weeks. It was what I had wished for, anything to keep my mind occupied and stop me from driving to Belvina's apartment and staring at her building like a stalker. I haven't spoken to her in months even if we saw each other occasionally due to Tristan and Chloe's sudden engagement. I tried to approach her several times but she kept avoiding me and it was driving me crazy because I didn't know what I did wrong for her to be so mad at me. It was all I could think about and knowing she was with someone else made it ten times harder. I wanted to be happy for her but it was driving me mad with jealousy. I thought I knew what agony was but now I finally understand. I had no one to blame for this pain but myself. I'd pushed her away and I don't know if I was ever getting her back.

"Sir? Sir? Can you hear me?" Elise voice pulled my gaze away from my reflection to my phone.

"I'm here, Elise."

"Oh, I was asking if you were okay with me moving your meeting with Mr. Jefferson to next week because your schedule is full for this week?"

"No, find a way to squeeze him in..."

"But you..."

"Call me back when you set a time."

I ended the call before she could say a word, I knew she was about to talk about how I needed a break but my job was my escape. I cursed when I caught a glimpse of the time. Who shows up late to their best friend's engagement party?

I frowned at my tall physique in the mirror, my eyes looked dead, and my clean shave failed to hide the long nights of no sleep. I knotted my black tie and fixed my collar. I checked the time again as I slipped on my black suit jacket. I knew Belvina was coming tonight and I didn't know if I would be able to stop myself from approaching her.

I left my place quickly and tried not to go over the speed limit as I drove to the location of the event. Hopefully, neither Chloe nor Tristan have noticed my absence. I handed my key to the valet once I arrived, I released a deep breath as I walked up the steps to the large building. The three ladies standing at a corner ceased whatever they were talking about and stared at me shamelessly. I tried to smile like I usually do but I ignored them and just walked into the building. It must be the lack of sleep.

I knew I couldn't show up here looking like someone ripped my insides apart, I wasn't sure I would last an hour here, not when I walked in and saw Belvina smiling as she danced in another man's arms. I think I was having a heart attack, someone had to bump into me from behind to remind me I was standing in the doorway. I looked away from her smiling face which looked so happy as she swayed side to side in his arms. I grabbed a drink and took a sit at the back. I couldn't see straight, something heavy was crushing my lungs.

I had felt many things in my life but watching Belvina on the dance floor in another man's arms was a whole different feeling that burned my insides like someone was feeding me hot acid. I sat at the dim corner in the hall, the long drapes on the wall with the marigold flowers were a nice cover. I took a long sip from my martini as I watched them like a crazy ex stalking his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend. It was as if someone was grating my heart and at the same time covering the bruises with salt.

All my chances with her were gone. It was hard to stand the sight of her with him, even if she looked so happy but I kept watching, punishing myself for being a coward. I should go and look for Chloe and Tristan but I was rooted to my seat. Blood was rushing to my head too quickly and making me dizzy.

I was glad when the song ended and everyone got off the dance floor. I shot to my feet quickly when I saw Belvina's date walk away. I trailed behind her trying to catch up with her and have that conversation I had been looking forward to every day. I still deserved an explanation after she terminated our friendship. I paused when I saw her entering the ladies' restroom.

I had never felt so impatient as I was right now. I should wait outside for her, that would be the right thing to do. I looked away as a lady stepped out, I didn't want someone to tag me as a pervert for standing in front of the women's restroom. I battled with my self-control, trying not to go after her.

"Fuck this," I mumbled and rushed into the restroom. I looked around to be sure we were the only ones in the room before locking the door. She froze in front of the large mirror when she saw me but soon recovered from the shock and ignored my presence. She kept dabbing a paper towel on her face, pretending I was invisible.

"I can't keep doing this Vixen," I said trying to contain my emotions but it was evident in the tone of my voice.

"Doing what?" She asked turning around to look at me. I tried not to get distracted by her flawless beauty and how ethereal she looked in that red dress that hugged her in all the right places and the long slit exposing her smooth thigh.

"Whatever the fuck this is!" I said pointing between us.

"Did you mistake the labels on the door? I'm pretty sure, the men's restroom is the other way," she said, raising one manicured nail to show me the direction. I could still sense the edge in her voice, she was still mad at me and I wanted to know why.

"I don't remember what I did, Vixen, damn it just tell me."

"It's Belvina."

"What?"

"The name is Belvina," she repeated.

"Vixen."

"Belvina."

"Vixen."

"Fuck you, Parker." She said and I smiled, feeling my insides go warm at the sound of my name.

"I missed hearing you call me that," I said softly and she rolled her eyes. "I'm not letting you leave till you tell me what I did to make you hate me."

"I have always hated you." She shrugged.

"I never felt that when we kissed," I said and her cheeks went pink.

"Well, I did, I was disgusted and hated every second of it."

"Say that again," I ordered, taking my hands out of my pocket. She could sense the change in my voice and she could see it on my face but it didn't stop her.

"I said I hated..."

With two long strides, my lips were against hers and her soft gasp of shock and pleasure almost brought me down to my knees. She pressed her body against mine, her small hand gripped my tie as she opened her mouth to pull me deeper but I pulled away, breathless as I whispered, "Is it even possible that you can't feel this hunger we have for each other?"

"What was it you were saying again, Vixen?" I teased at her flustered features. She didn't let go of me instead she tightened her grip like she was scared I would disappear. She was silent and what she did next surprised me, she pulled me to her lips by my tie and kissed me and I couldn't resist. It was like an ache waiting to be soothed. I grabbed her thighs and picked her off the floor, placing her on the counter without breaking our lips apart. I pulled her against me, it felt like I was dreaming. I expected the worst possible outcome when I walked in here.

I grunted in between kisses, I couldn't get enough of her. I was desperate for more, I wanted to memorize every detail. I tightened my hold around her waist and pulled her closer, my other hand gripping her exposed thigh. My fingers graze her soft skin, grabbing and digging into her skin to leave my mark on her.

"Adrian," she moaned, throwing her head back as she gripped the edge of the counter.

I leaned down and kissed her temple, her cheeks, her eyelids, her nose, the corner of her mouth, and each shoulder blade. She smelled like heaven. I looked down at her and met her hazel eyes. She had the prettiest eyes, I loved how bright they looked under the light above us, it was like a mix of the warmest colors. I could find another world in these eyes and get lost in them forever. I thought of the things I wanted to say to her, I didn't know how to put my feelings in words. I just wanted to show her how overwhelming it was, like something I never knew existed.

I buried my face in her neck, her fingers gripped my hair and she pulled at the strands as I pulled her skin between my teeth and trailed my tongue up her neck and kissed behind her ear.

"Please more," she begged. That was my undoing. I kissed her again, this time stronger, deeper, and urgent. My fingers trailed up her inner thigh and I smiled against her lips when I felt the lace underwear hiding her from me.

"Raise your hips for me, Vixen," I said against her lips and she did, I pulled the black lace material down her legs and put it in my pocket.

"Did you wear it for him?" I asked as I slowly slid one finger inside her wetness, she gasped gripping the edge of the counter.

"Answer me," I added another finger and leaned down to kiss the line up her throat as she writhed beneath me and moaned. I paused my movement, she groaned and tried to move her hip but I stopped her.

"Please," she whispered.

"Did you wear the lace pantie for him, Vixen?" I asked again, my fingers wrapping around her throat in a firm grip.

"No."

"Did you let him touch here?" I moved my finger deep, just enough to graze her G-spot.

"No."

"Here," I asked pulling her bottom lip between my teeth. She shook her head indicating a 'no' I kissed her softly, pumping two fingers inside her.

"Do you like him?" I asked pausing my movement.

"Please," she begged.

"Do you like him?" I repeated.

"Why do you care? We are just friends, right?" she said looking away from me.

I couldn't pretend anymore, I didn't want to keep denying my heart the joy of being with someone who made me feel something incredible I had never experienced with anyone. It destroyed me to watch her move on with someone else.

"You're right, we can't be friends," her eyes widened at my sentence, I was relieved I was finally getting a reaction from her.

I released my grip around her throat and cupped her neck, leaning to place my forehead against hers. "That was a dumb idea, and I was a coward to think fighting these feelings would save me from another heartbreak but I'm willing to risk it all right now. I want you. All of you, Belvina Gallardo and I wanna be more than friends. I want everything, every second with you and every inch of you. I don't care if I have to fight Chloe for her spot in your heart." I whispered and she laughed softly at my last sentence.

"I will wait, Vixen if you're still trying to sort out your feelings," I whispered caressing her cheek with my thumb.

"We are not together," she said finally meeting my eyes. "It never worked out between us so we agreed to stay friends, professional friends nothing more," she explained and I was surprised when she hungrily pressed her body to mine.

"I can't believe I was about to rip the guy's head off for touching you," I said and she smiled.

"Really?" she said softly as she undid the button on my shirt, her fingers skimming up my skin.

"Mh hmm," I kissed her chin.

"I didn't realize I had that effect on people. How much? Show me," she said with the cutest smile. I kissed her nose, her cheek, and every inch of her face.

"Careful, I might think you're obsessed with me," she giggled.

"Isn't it obvious?" I said lifting her chin with my fingers. A throaty groan left my lips when she placed her hand on my hard-on.

I kissed her with fire. She gasped softly at the impact and her curious lips followed mine in a frenzied kiss. I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her into the kiss. A soft moan escaped my lips at the feel of her small hands on my chest. I couldn't get enough of her, she was like an addiction. Our tongues met in a soft caress, not trying to battle but seeking union. One breath and a passionate moment that silenced everything around us. My hand moved slowly to her neck, I groaned in pleasure when she bit my lip. I moved closer between her legs till our bodies were tightly pressed together.

"I missed you so much," I whispered between kisses.

"You have no idea," she smiled against my lips.

I pulled away and nibbled on her neck, tracing soft kisses to her shoulder. Her pulsing warmth and her thighs wrapping around me brought a rush of sensation that sparked me alive. She moaned, gripping my arm. I played with the thin strap of her dress, moving it down her shoulder.

"Please touch me," she whispered.

I stroked her thigh as I leaned down to kiss her, my fingers found her wetness again. The loud sound from the door startled her.

"Don't move," I said increasing the pace of my fingers between her legs. She tried to stay quiet but not for long. She buried her face in my neck, gripping my shoulder so tight her nails were digging into my skin. Another knock came from the door but I could feel her getting closer. She muffled the sound of her moans against my neck. I kissed her head as she came against my finger. She relaxed in my arms and let go of me, she pulled away as I withdrew my fingers. I dipped both fingers into my mouth and she watched me as I licked them clean. I leaned down and kissed her softly. A louder knock from the door made her pull away.

"Shit," she mumbled, pulling her strap back in place. I helped her down from the counter.

"Get behind the door, I will try and distract the person," she said to me.

"Or I can just walk out and let her know I couldn't keep my hands off you," I said and reached over to fix her ponytail I'd messed up.

"In case you're forgetting, I came here with a date," she said, adjusting her dress.

"I don't wanna leave you just yet," I groaned.

"We'll talk later," she said in a rush. "Now get behind the door," she commanded. I smiled and obeyed because tonight I would have her begging for more. She took a deep breath and opened the door.

"Chloe?" Belvina said, sounding surprised.

I didn't know why I was smiling so hard right now. What was the need to hide from Chloe, I already told her how I felt about her best friend and she kinda figured it out before I said the words.

I came out of hiding and Chloe's eyes widened in amusement when she saw me.

"Hi, Chloe." I stepped closer to Belvina. She stared at us for a while like she didn't recognize us. I heard Belvina mumble something and I smiled.

"Umm...I...will..."

"Nothing happened," Belvina cut in before Chloe could finish what she was stuttering to say. I didn't know if I should be hurt by her denial.

"Seriously, Chloe. Nothing happened, he was only helping me fix my...my...um..my shoe."

"In the restroom? Sounds convincing," Chloe said.

"I need a drink," I said getting their attention. "What's your favorite, Vixen?"

"Get lost," she said. I turned my gaze to Chloe and we shared a knowing smile.

"Well, it was nice helping you with your shoe," I emphasized the last word, I leaned closer to her neck and brushed my lips softly against her warm skin. I held back from screaming when she stepped on my foot, damn that hurt.

"You're driving me home, it's not a request, Vixen," I said and walked away, trying not to limp.

I grabbed a slice of vanilla cake to eat, as I waited for Belvina. I fought a frown when I saw her date, he seemed to be looking for her. I didn't want our time together to end and it scared me that she might decide to leave with her date and return to ignoring me. I studied him, curious as to why Belvina was going out with him. He looked like the kind of guy that had his whole life planned out and everything was going perfect for him.

I put my remaining cake down and headed to the restroom where I left Belvina with Chloe. I waited by the corner. I leaned on the wall and folded my arms, how long before they came out?

The door opened and I heard her soft laughter. I watched her and Chloe step out of the room, I waited for her to notice me by the corner waiting, and she did but Chloe was too distracted to see me. She said something to Chloe, they exchanged a hug before separating.

I gave her a small smile as she approached me. I pulled away from the wall and tucked my hands in my pockets.

"I have to return to my date, maybe we can talk tomorrow after I make it clear to him where we stand," she said.

"Sure but I still need a ride home," I said and pretended to be in pain.

"I'm sure I didn't step on you that hard, Parker," she said with a playful smile.

"You did, I think you fractured my bone. I can hardly walk without limping, so I can't drive myself home. Aren't you supposed to be more nurturing as a nurse?"

She groaned and looked down at my feet.

"I can barely move," I said and she shot me a dark look.

"Fine, but I'm only gonna drop you off and you will pay for the cab that will bring me back."

"Deal," I said while smirking in my head, there was no way in hell I was letting her go.

"Jacob will be so worried, I deserted him like an hour ago. I should go talk to him," she said and looked at me like she needed my opinion.

"Do whatever you want but I think we should get going if you wanna return before the party ends," I said.

"I will be quick, let me talk to him," she said and walked away while I frowned. She returned five minutes later with a smile.

"I told him I won't be long, so this better be quick."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Ok, let's go through the back door," she said and turned to walk away.

"A little help here," I said.

"You don't have to be such a baby," she said. She stepped closer and put one arm around my waist, I put my arm on her shoulders and we headed for the back door. I directed her to my red Lamborghini parked outside, she helped me to the passenger's seat and took the driver's seat.

"Wow, this is my first time driving a lambo," she said searching for where to start the car.

"Press this button right here to start the car," I showed her.

Her eyes widened in amazement when the engines roared to life after she pressed the button. She looked like she was about to squeal in excitement.

"This is so cool," she said running her fingers over the buttons.

"Now how do I move the car, I don't see any brakes here," she said looking around.

"This button," I showed her.

"Please go slow," I said as she adjusted on the seat. She took off her heels and moved the seat closer.

"This is not delivery, you don't get to make a request. If we get pulled over, you put me behind the wheel," she said and winked at me. I leaned back in my seat as the car moved, she was already going above the speed limit.

"Woo, this is awesome!" she yelled putting one hand outside the window.

"Vixen, please," I groaned.

"Relax and enjoy the ride," she said and poked me in the arm.

"How do I play music?" she asked and I showed her. For the next six minutes, I had to listen to her scream the lyrics to Rosalia's Con Altura. I only smiled, happy to have her next to me.

I sighed in relief when we arrived at my place in one piece. I turned to look at her, hoping she would follow me inside.

"This was fun," she said removing her seatbelt.

"Little help here," I said. She got out of the car and came to help me out. She followed me inside the house barefoot, her small stature trying to support my body.

"Do you have any ice pack?"

"Yeah, left side of the freezer," I replied. I watched her as she walked to the kitchen. She returned with the ice park and went on her knees next to me. She took off my shoe and sock and examined the dark-bluish spot on my big toe.

"You have ugly toes," she said.

"I know," I said leaning closer. She placed the ice on my foot and tilted her head to the side to look at me but I seized the opportunity and kissed her. The soft sound that escaped her lips increased my craving for her. I took her arm and pulled her up to my body. She climbed the couch and straddled me, all the while not breaking the kiss. She felt so soft against my lips, her taste invaded all my senses. I put my hand at the back of her head and stroked her hair.

"I want this off," I said pulling at her dress as I kissed my way up her shoulder to her neck.

"I knew coming here was a bad idea," she said breathlessly between heated kisses.

"There is no way I'm letting you go, I have waited so long," I said kissing her jawline and slowly nibbling on her earlobe. She moaned and ground her hips against my growing erection.

"I still feel guilty," she said as I ran my palms up her sides.

"I will wait, Vixen," I told her. She stayed quiet, contemplating her decision.

"I want you, just you," She said and trailed kisses down my jawline to my neck.

I reached over and loosened her ponytail, she gave me a small smile as ran my fingers through her hair to smoothen the tangles.

"I wish I could bottle that and just keep listening to you say that," I said taking her hand, I gave her a soft smile and entwined our fingers.

"I like the way your hand fits in mine," I whispered. She snuggled closer with a dazzling smile. She ran her hand up my chest, there was raw emotion in the way she pressed against me. She hissed at the material keeping her from my bare torso. She pulled the shirt apart, ripping out the buttons.

I stood up, still holding her in my arms and her legs wrapped around my waist as I made my way upstairs.