Friends Again

Sarah

"So you really are going?" Matthew asks me as I slide into my dress.

"Yes, I really am going to the party, Matthew," I say flatly. I reach behind me and try to reach my zipper, but it's too far down.

"And you don't care that I asked you not to?" he snarls.

I can tell how angry he is that I decided to go to Josh's get-together no matter how many times he told me I couldn't. And how many times we have argued about it over the past two days.

I let out a slow breath, forcing myself to stay calm as I turned to face Matthew. His jaw is tight, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. His entire body is coiled with tension, like a predator ready to strike.

"I care, Matthew," I say evenly. "But I am not your prisoner. You don't get to dictate where I go or who I see, especially when you say no out of spite."

His eyes darken. "You are going to regret this."

"I am sure I will. Now, could you please help me with my zipper?" I ask, turning sideway so he can look at my back.

Matthew glares at me, his jaw clenching so tight I can almost hear his teeth grinding together. For a moment, I think he's going to refuse, that he'll just stand there and let me struggle. But then, with a low growl, he steps forward.

His fingers brush against my bare back as he grips the zipper and drags it up in one smooth, controlled motion. The touch gives me goosebumps. His fingers are warm and calloused.

His hands linger for a second too long at the base of my neck, his breath warm against my skin. Then, just as I think he's about to pull away, he leans in, his voice low and laced with warning.

"You think you're proving something by going to that party?" he murmurs, his lips so close to my ear that I can feel his breath.

I turn my head slightly, just enough to meet his gaze in the mirror. His eyes are dark, filled with something unreadable—anger, possession, maybe something else he won't admit.

"Maybe. But you are welcome to come with me and monitor my every move," I say.

"You know what. I think I will. I can't let that bastard be alone with you for one second," he says.

I laugh and turn to face him. "Great. I prefer you come anyway. You are my husband, after all." I tiptoe and kiss him on the cheek.

Matthew doesn't hesitate. The second my lips brush his cheek, his hands seize my waist, pulling me against him. Before I can react, his mouth crashes onto mine, hot and demanding. His grip is firm and possessive as if he's trying to remind me who I belong to.

I gasp against his lips, my hands instinctively pressing against his chest, but he doesn't let go. Instead, he deepens the kiss, his fingers digging into my hips, his body radiating frustration, jealousy, and something more dangerous—need.

By the time he finally pulls back, I'm breathless. His forehead rests against mine, his grip on me still unrelenting.

"You are insufferable, Sarah," he rasps, his voice heated.

I swallow hard, trying to regain my composure. "Yes," I whisper, though my voice is shaky.

Matthew's eyes bore into mine, dark and intense. "You drive me crazy, you know that?" His voice is low, almost a growl.

I inhale sharply, my pulse racing under his fierce gaze. "I'm your wife. It's my job to keep you on your toes." I aim for a light, teasing tone, but it comes out breathier than intended.

I feel his hand slide under my dress, and heat blooms across my skin. "We should get going," I murmur, even as I press closer, savoring the solid warmth of his body against mine. "We don't want to be late."

~-~

The drive to Josh's place is tense and silent, the only sound the hum of the engine and the distant city traffic. I can feel Matthew's gaze on me, heavy and intense, but I keep my eyes forward, refusing to meet his stare.

When we finally pull up to Josh's penthouse, the party is already in full swing. Music pulses from the open windows, laughter and chatter spilling out into the night air. Josh has always been into partying hard.

I take Matthew's arm as we make our way inside, the heat of his body seeping through his suit jacket.

"Sarah! You made it!" Josh's voice booms over the din as he spots us from across the room. He pushes through the crowd, his grin wide and welcoming.

I feel Matthew tense beside me, his grip on my arm tightening imperceptibly. "Of course! I wouldn't miss it. I thought you said it was a small gathering, Josh. This doesn't look small." I laugh.

Josh laughs too, his eyes sparkling with joy. "You know me. I love to party." He looks at Matthew. "It's good to see you again, Matthew."

Matthew nods stiffly, his smile tight.

"So, who else is here?" I ask, looking around. "You said some of our old friends would be here."

Josh gestures toward the crowd, still grinning. "The usual suspects. A few new faces. You'll see."

I glance at Matthew, who is watching Josh like a hawk, his jaw tight. He hasn't let go of my waist, his grip just a little too firm.

"Becca! Get over here!" Josh yells at the crowd.

I freeze as I realize who he is talking about.

My best friend, Rebecca. Or should I say, my former best friend?

My suspicion proves to be right when I see her walk through the crowd, trying to reach us. Her eyes lock on mine, and she pauses.

"H-hi Rebecca," I say, praying that my voice sounds normal.

Rebecca hesitates for a moment before stepping closer.

"Sarah," she says, her voice careful. "It's… been a while."

Josh, oblivious to the brewing storm, grins between us. "I was so surprised when I heard you two lost contact. Rebecca wouldn't tell me why, though. So I thought I would get you here together and find out once and for all."

My stomach twists. Of course, Josh would do something like this—throw us together in the middle of a party, thinking he's being clever.

I glance at Rebecca, and she looks just as uneasy. Her hands fidget at her sides.

"We just…we got busy with our own lives, I guess," Rebecca says, avoiding eye contact with me.

"That's ridiculous," Josh says.

Matthew stiffens beside me, his grip on my waist turning almost bruising. "People drift apart, Josh," he says coldly.

Josh raises an eyebrow. "You know something, don't you?"

"Maybe I do. But it's none of your business," Matthew barks.

"Well, whatever it is, tonight we can forget all about it and be friends again," Josh says lightly.

If only it was that easy.