Matt’s POV

Where the hell was Maya? I swear I couldn’t leave that girl alone for five minutes without her disappearing somewhere. Should I stick a tracking device on her so I could find her? Goddamn it! Okay relax, Sanders. So maybe she left a message with Gates for me but he was about useless right now. Not only had he forgotten to relay the message to me but he also forgot to give my any other details. Instead of coming to me or calling me right away, I had to find a text from Maya saying: Gates will tell you where I went with details. I had to track his ass down to get answers but right nowhe was so involved with Avery that he couldn’t seem to be bothered to answer my fucking text messages.

I just wanted her here with me since I had no fucking idea what store or what part of town they were in. I didn’t know this city well and I was starting to get nervous. Plus it had been over an hours since Id gotten back and she was still nowhere to be seen. Why couldn’t she just fucking tell me where she was and how long did it take to get supplies? Fuck, I guess I should have just hauled ass her along with me to talk to Matt and Dan.

With a loud sigh and I turned and made my way over to the drink table, taking a glass of Zack’s whiskey. I’m sure he owed me anyway. The burn felt good on the way down and helped me to relax slightly. The show and the crowd’s energy had been great despite the weather and the only thing I was missing now was my girl. Having her by my side would really solidify a great day, if she would ever show up.

“You can’t will the door to open,” a small voice chuckled from behind me. I hadn’t even realized that I was starting at the door again. “I’ve tried, it doesn’t work so well.”

“Are you sure about that?” I asked with a smile as I turned around to meet a very different looking Jess. Instead of her usual ripped short and cut-off t-shirt, she was wearing a dress and had done something different with her hair. She looked beautiful but in my eyes, she couldn’t compare to Maya. Every since I first laid eyes on Maya I had become extremely bias and no one could live up to her, at least in my mind.

“Positive, unless you’ve got some magic power that you’re hiding from all of us,” she said. “But hopefully she’ll be here soon.”

“Yeah, I hope so too,” I sighed before taking a drink. “ Are you having a good time here?”

“I guess…I mean yeah…It’s just…” she shrugged with a small frown. What was that about? She wasn’t going to back out of the job already was she? I hoped not because she seemed to fit in well with our motley crew. “I want to apologize for earlier…I didn’t mean to lose track of time when Jimmy and I went out for lunch.”

“Eh, don’t worry about it. That’s just the Rev, he does shit like that all the time,” I waved it off, knowing that it wasn’t her fault. There was no controlling Jimmy—everyone knew that. He was eccentric to the highest possible point and there was no changing who he was. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“We’ll be more careful next time…” she mumbled, twisting her hands in front of her after taking a sip from her beer. I couldn’t help but feel like something else was bothering her. She kept chewing on her bottom lip and looking from me to the door. Did I miss something or was she just nervous?

“Are you waiting for someone too?” I asked with a smirk and a raised brow, crossing my arms in front of me. Jess had been spending a lot of time with Jimmy lately so maybe they were becoming more than friends? I wouldn’t be surprised with how he kept disappearing with her at every possible opportunity. That’s just how he functioned and even if he thought he was being discreet, there was no hiding the truth from his brothers.

“You could say that,” and there was that smile I had yet to see from her today. “Jimmy asked me to meet him here. He said something about wanting to introduce me to his famous parties….I don’t know. He was talking so fast.” I threw my head back and laughed, knowing Jimmy’s lines and it seemed to be working this time. He obviously had plans for this girl and who was I to step in his way? Maybe I could help him out a little bit, that way I would be sure to have Maya to myself for the rest of the evening. It seemed like a win-win to me.

“I see,” I chucked. “Well, Jimmy has lots of tricks up his sleeve so be prepared for anything.”

“You see…that’s the problem…” and there was that frown again. What was I missing?

“What do you mean?” I furred my brow together and pulled her to the side so I could hear her better over the music. I was hoping I hadn’t heard her correctly when Jason and Dan ran by screaming something about dancing.

Jess bit down on her lip, looking around before a sigh escaped her lips. “It’s just…I’m a little confused I guess.”

Now I was confused. I wished she would just spit out what was bothering her instead of beating around the bush. I fucking hated when girls did this. And speaking of girls, where the hell was my girlfriend? “About what?”

“Well…I know Maya is your girlfriend…but I can’t help but notice that she spends a lot of time with Jimmy…” Jess said softly, avoiding my eyes. Okay, so this wasn’t anything new to me. I knew they were good friends, just like the rest of us, so it was only natural for them to hang out. At least that’s what I was trying to convince myself for Maya’s sake. I was trying to let my insecurities about their relationship go, knowing that there was nothing romantic about it. Though, I couldn’t help the jealous feeling rising inside me at her words. “And Brian just said that they…well… you know…before you two got together…so I guess I just don’t know what to think.”

I sighed and ran my hands over my face, feeling that little green monster peaking out again. I had been working so hard to forget about Jimmy and Maya’s previous relationship and here it was slapping me in the face again. And why the fuck would Gates tell her that? I could fucking kill him.

“Listen Jess,” I started with a sigh as I put my arm around her shoulders. “Jimmy is a great guy and there is nothing for you worry about,” I told her, though I felt my jealousy rising with each passing second. Get your act together, Sanders. We went over this, there is nothing going on between those two.

“So there is nothing going on between them?” Why did she have to ask that question? I swallowed thickly and turned her to face me, forcing my fan smile. I just hoped she hadn’t figured me out enough to see though it. I couldn’t let her see the small glimmer off jealousy running through me. I had to do this not only for Jimmy, but for myself and Maya. There couldn’t be any question about relationship. I loved Maya and I desperately wanted her to love me too. Was Jimmy the thing standing between that? No, get that thought out of your head right now, Sanders.

“There is nothing going on between them besides friendship, Jess,” I said sternly, for both her sake and myself. “Maya is my girlfriend and she and Jimmy are just close friends. So if I’m not worrying, you shouldn’t worry either, alright?”

Jess winced lightly at my tone. I hadn’t realized how serious I had gotten or that my hands were now clenched in fists. “Relax,” I told her, forcing another smile and rubbing her back lightly. “Jimbo likes you and if there is one thing I know about him, he is a fierce friend and even bigger lover. Trust me, you should see the way he macks on Gates,” I chuckled trying to lighten the mood. “Just trust him…we have nothing to worry about.”

Jess let out a ragged breath and then nodded, a small but insecure smile coming over her face. “I want to trust him but—“

“Just trust him. He’s not someone to use you and throw you away. That’s not Jimmy,” I promised, knowing that fact from experience. “Can you do that for me, Jess? And lets not mention this conversation…”

“Ditto,” she agreed, looking up just as the door opened.

“THE MOTHERFUCKING PARTY HAS ARRIVED! BE PREPAIRED TO BOW DOWN TO THE PARTY MASTERS!” Jimmy screamed, holding a case of booze and bags over his head. Right behind him appeared that set of brown eyes I had been longing to see.

“Maya!” I yelled over the cheering crowd. When I reached her, I pulled the case of beer and bags out of her hand and passed them off to Dan before scooping her up into my arms. “You had me worried sick,” I said kissing every piece of skin that I could reach.

“Jimmy and I told Gates where we were going,” Maya laughed, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Didn’t he tell you?” Those brown eyes were staring into mine and I felt all doubt and anxiety over my conversation with Jess float away.

“If you mean tell me that you went shopping then yes…after I had to track his ass down,” I said against her lips, not caring who saw us.

“That ass,” Maya laughed, throwing her head back. Her long dark hair fell down her back and if it was possible she looked even more beautiful. “I told him to tell you that we were going to the market on Fifth Street and the liquor store on Fourth. He must not have been listening at all…probably thinking about boning my little gnome…”

“I’m thinking about boning something,” I growled in her ear, making her laugh again.

“Oh, no you don’t!” Jimmy yelled, appearing out of nowhere with Jess by his side. “She is my official party helper and you promised that you wouldn’t fuckin’ sneak away this time!”

“Shit,” I cursed, remembering my stupid promise. “Fine but it better be fucking good, Jimbo.”

Maya laughed and took booth my hand and Jess and pulled us toward the drink table. “You do know who you’re talking to, right?” Jimmy called from behind us. “I am the fucking master and with these lovely ladies helping me,” he took both Maya and Jess’ hands and kissed them. “We are going to be partying all night AND still be fucking drunk tomorrow when we play at this festival again! It’s the fucking best!”

“He’s right, wait until you see what we’ve got planned,” Maya whispered in my ear. “You’re going to love it…just help me mix up this pitcher of shots!”

An hour later, we were all lying around on the floor drunk and high, playing some kind of twisted drinking game. We each had a card on our forehead and we were laying partially on top of each other. In my state of intoxication, I really had no idea how to pay the game so I just drank every time they called out a card.

“You only drink when you think it’s your card, jackass!” Zack laughed, my head on his stomach.

“Why cant I drink whenever I fucking want?” I yelled back, seeing Maya’s head bounce with each word I said. “I just want to play this fucking game and get smashed…”

“I think you’re there, big guy,” Maya said, her hand wandering down my leg. If she kept that up, I would surly have to break my promise to Jimmy. How much longer was this party going to be anyway? Matt Jr. downstairs was poking to be freed and Maya’s body on mine wasn’t helping—or her hand running down my thigh.

“I’ll show you there…” I growled, only to hear Zack laugh. Fuck, I must have been talking in the wrong direction. Damn it! I walked my hand down, grabbing at Maya’s hair before running my fingers through it.

“Ace of hearts!” Johnny yelled and I picked up my drink, finishing what was left.

“Time for a refill!” I said, picking up Maya and dragging her to the kitchenette with me. However, when we reached the kitchen, I was surprised that we weren’t alone.

“What the hell is going on here?”

Avery’s POV

“What? Why are you upset with me?” Brian asked, taking my face in his hand and forcing me to look at him.

He really didn’t know what he just did? He had no idea that Jess and Jimmy were an item? Was Brian really that obtuse to his best friend’s love life? I found that very hard to believe. When I wasn’t with Brian, he was glued to Jimmy—laughing and joking around about something or another. He had to know what was going on between Jess and Jimmy. Anyone with eyes could see that.

“Come on, Ave. Just tell me since I have no fucking idea,” those brown eyes pleaded at me and I sighed.

“I just don’t understand why you would tell Jess that Jimmy and Maya hooked up when she is with Jimmy!” I finally said, throwing my hands up in the air. “It’d be like someone telling you that Jason and I were together,” I used as an example but Brian instantly tensed up. “See, it doesn’t feel good to have someone point that out, does it?”

Brian sighed and leaned forward, “Look I’m sorry! I didn’t fucking know about Jimmy and Jess. I just thought he was…I don’t know,” he groaned. “And I don’t want to fucking hear about JB again…”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, moving over to kiss his cheek. “You know I only have eyes for you, Mr. Haner,” I told him, slowly kissing his neck. “I love you.”

The next thing I knew, Brian had pulled me over onto his lap and his lips were glued to mine. I could feel his love for me all the way down to my toes as our lips moved together. He felt and tasted so good that I never wanted the moment to stop, but like all good things it had to end.

“Can you two please have some decency for the rest of us,” Zacky’s voice called, hitting Brian over the back of the head as he sunk down on the couch next to us. All I could do was blink and look back into those dark orbs with a smile, my chest rising and falling rapidly. Brian was everything I wanted and so much more.

“I love you,” he whispered, quickly kissing my lips before turning to Zack. “What’s up, Zee? Good show tonight, right?”

“Fucking awesome show, and here is your share of the whiskey from that interview last week,” he said handing him a red solo cup. “Wish you could have seen it, Ave. You would have fucking loved it.”

“I wished I could,” I sighed, running my fingers through my hair that Brian had tangled in out make out session. “I had to take Jess back and get a shower. I was freezing.”

“I could have warmed you up,” Brian said with a wink, causing a deep blush to fall over my face.

“Again, with the decency for other people,” Zack swatted him over the back of the head again. “If you and Shads don’t get your act together, I’m going to make a jar where you owe short shit and I a dollar every time you a douche.”

“Please, Zee. I should just write you a check now,” Brian laughed and I couldn’t help but join in. There was no way Brian was going to be able to keep his hands off me all night, especially when I was wearing the stunning blue dress that Maya had made me. I could see him eyeing me out of the corner of my eye and I bit my bottom lip. Maybe I shouldn’t have locked him out of the bathroom…

“I’m going to go get a drink,” I announced, standing up and slowly walked over towards the drink table. I let my hips sway as I walked away, wanting to drive Brian crazy.

When I reached the table, I poured myself a rum and coke, only to have it taken out of my hand. “Thanks Ave, how did you know that I wanted a rum and coke?” Jason joked, downing the contents of the cup.

“Jason!” I said, my mouth opened wide with shock. I swatted his arm, half laughing. “That wasn’t for you!”

“Well you could have fooled me,” he chuckled, leaning against the wall and crossing his arms. Jason’s dark eyes looked me up and I just shook my head. “You look beautiful by the way. You clean up well.”

“Yeah, well no thanks to you.” I rolled my eyes and moved to make another drink but Jason took the bottles away from me.

“I’m sorry, I just thought you could use some fun in you life.” Jason flashed me a smile before he mixed both of us a new drink. All I could do was smile and shake my head. “Besides, that smile looks good on you, whether or not you’re covered in mud.”

“Whatever you punk,” I said, elbowing him in the side before taking my drink. “Just stay out of my way or I’ll take you out!” I teased, pointing back at him as I started back towards Brian.

“Take me out where?” he called after my and I playfully flipped him off, making him put his hands over his heart like had been shot. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Hey, and where do you think you’re going?” Jason grabbed my hand and pulled me back towards the table. “According to my books, you owe me a dance.”

“How did you figure that one?” I asked with a raised brow, taking another sip of my drink.

“Just because you do. Don’t argue with fate, Avery. Just go with the flow,” Jason said pulling me toward the dance floor. I nervously looked over to Brian seeing that he had moved over toward Matt, Maya, Jimmy, and Jess and was watching me with narrow eyes. “He’ll be fine for five minutes, trust me,” Jason insisted, following my gaze. “Just one dance…”

“Fine but just one,” I teasingly warned. “But if Brian comes over and cuts in, don’t say that I didn’t warn you.”

“Any time with you is good for me, beautiful.” Jason span me around before passing my drink off to someone and dipping me down.

“Jason!” I giggled, feeling him lead me around the makeshift dance floor like a maniac. He was in a great mood and it was contagious. However it only took a few minutes for Brian to cut in and sweep me away.

“What was that?” Brian asked, looking down into my eyes as I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing my body against his. It felt so good to be close to him that I felt like I couldn’t get enough. Brian always left me wanting more of him, no matter how much he gave me. Was that part of being in love? He was like my drug.

“What was what?” I asked, smiling up at him as he span me around and then pulled me back into him.

“That thing with JB?” Now he was frowning and I didn’t understand why. Was he jealous of Jason? He had absolutely no reason to be.

“Nothing, he just wanted to dance and he made me a drink,” I said honestly, my fingers twisting in his long hair. It was so soft and silky and I was a little jealous of how nice it always felt. “Why are you jealous, Mr. Haner?” I teased only for him to narrow his eyes at me.

“No, I’m not jealous. I don’t like the way he looks at you,” Brian said, his calloused fingers moving over my cheek. “I don’t like seeing him with you.”

“We’re just friends, Bri,” I promised, standing up on my tiptoes to kiss his lips. “Nothing more. You have nothing to worry about because you are the one I love. Not Jason, not Zack, not anyone but you. Okay? Now shut up and dance,” I giggled, turning around and sliding up and down his front.

Brian’s hands gripped my hips and pulled me into his hard on, nibbling my ear. “Do you have any idea how fucking hot you look tonight, Ave? Or what you do to me?”

“I have no idea,” I lied, rotating my hips against his groin. He let out a light moan just as Maya came up and put her arms around me.

“You look stunning, little gnome,” Maya gushed and I just smiled. “You clean up well. You would have never of known you were covered in mud only a few short hours ago,” Maya teased, pulling me away from Brian to dance. Tonight was surely going to be fun.

Notes

So who did Matt and Maya run into in the kitchenette? Jess/Jimmy or Brian/Ave or someone completely new? Comments please!