Chapter 25. “Maroon.”

"And I wake with your memory over me. That's a real fucking legacy to leave."

The night carried on with food, laughter, and the mesmerizing performance. I focused on enjoying the show, pushing aside any lingering thoughts of what Justin and I might do. The rest of the dinner went smoothly, and by the time the event ended, I was feeling a little lighter, the tension from earlier fading into the background.

We all piled into the cars to head back to the homes. The drive was filled with casual chatter, but my mind was quiet for once. I had let go of the distractions, finally letting myself be in the moment. As we pulled up to the house, I felt a calm settling over me, ready to let the night end without overthinking.

Allie, Jacob, and Nancy quickly walked to their house, while Erik walked me to the door. We both seemed tired, so we decided to call it a night. I hesitated for just a moment before kissing him goodnight. It was nice, but I could feel my mind still elsewhere. I entered the house, watching Erik disappear into the darkness, heading back to his place. Inside, I found Dani, Justin, and Hannah chatting in the kitchen.

"Hi! Come join us. Where's Erik?" Dani waved me over.

"He just left, we were both really tired. I just want to get out of this dress and lay down." I glanced at Justin for a brief moment; his smile turned into a smirk. Hannah was looking at him, but before she could turn to look at me, I quickly shifted my attention to Dani.

"Hmm, okay. Well, have a drink with us before you head up to your room." Dani shook her drink lightly. Part of me didn't want to, but I eventually relented. I pulled out a chair and sat next to her and Hannah.

Justin grabbed a drink for me and we all just sat around chatting about the luau. In the middle of our conversation my phone vibrated in my lap. I took a peek and immediately felt myself blushing. 

Justin: "I want you so bad, I might not even wait to help you out of that dress. Just need to lift it up enough." 

I quickly locked my phone, but the smile that crept across my face was impossible to hide.

Dani caught the look on my face and raised an eyebrow. "What's that about? You're all smiley, like you've got a secret."

I forced a chuckle, trying to play it off. "Nothing, just… thinking about the luau." I yawned lightly, stretching my arms a little bit. " That and I'm just ready for bed, honestly." I waved it off, hoping Dani would drop it.

"Uh huh, I'm sure Erik just texted her. I saw them earlier making out by the fence." Hannah giggled as she took a sip from her drink. I turned to look at Justin who was looking at me, biting the side of his cheek. 

"We weren't making out!" I defended myself playfully but I could feel the discomfort creeping in me. I hadn't realized anybody caught us. I also didn't think Hannah would say anything. Justin's reaction though was making me uneasy. I couldn't read what he was thinking. I think Dani sensed my discomfort and came to my rescue. 

"Well y'all, my man is waiting for me to get to bed so August you are relieved and welcome to finally go get your beauty sleep." Dani stood up and gave me a tight hug. "I'll see you in the morning. Don't forget to text him back though." She winked at me as she walked over giving Justin and Hannah a quick hug before walking to her room. 

"Yeah I'm probably gonna turn in, too. I'll walk you to the other house." Justin turned to Hannah and I could tell she was a little disappointed but she stood up. 

She walked over and gave me a quick hug. "Goodnight August I'll see you tomorrow. Get some rest." Her smile was small but still there. 

"Goodnight you guys, i'll see you both tomorrow morning." I didn't wait to see Justin's reaction, I just headed upstairs. 

As I opened my door my phone vibrated again. Justin's name popped up on the screen. My stomach fluttered wondering what he said this time. His reaction to finding out Erik and I were kissing earlier was completely unreadable. So this text could be anything. I decided to take my heels off before reading the text since my feet were killing me. Once I was more comfortable I sat on the edge of the bed and unlocked my phone. 

Justin: "I won't take long , but you can decide if you want to stay in the dress… or nothing at all."

I let out a long sigh. Unsure of what to do, because one part of me just wants to sleep. But then there's a huge part of me that has been thinking about this since his first text. And the anticipation is weighing on me. I tossed myself back to lay down still on the edge and stare at the ceiling. 

I could feel myself wanting to drift off to sleep so I got myself out of bed and decided to take my makeup off. Dress still on. I washed my face and started brushing my teeth. Moved on to brushing my hair and I still hadn't taken the dress off. I don't know why, I guess the thought of him being the one to take it off is still pressing heavy on my brain. Minutes passed and he still wasn't back, so I decided I was just going to get into my pajamas. 

I grabbed my pajamas that were hanging on the chair by the vanity and laid them out on the bed. Just as I started unzipping the top of the dress the door opened slowly. Justin walked in and locked the door behind him. 

"Oh. Good you're still in the dress." His smirk deepened as he approached me. I still hadn't said anything at this point, just watching his every move. He stood close enough that I had to tilt my head up slightly. 

"Took you long enough, I was starting to think I'd have to do it myself." I pressed my chest closer to his. 

"Impatient, aren't you? That's cute." He smirked as he pulled me in closer now reaching for the zipper behind me. "If you really want me to take my time…I can." I could feel him slowly unzipping the dress, stopping midway. His smirk deepened as he stopped. I felt my stomach bubble with excitement and anticipation. He leaned just enough for our noses to touch. I didn't hesitate to kiss him, he didn't hesitate to kiss me back. 

Each kiss became more desperate than the next. His hands were still on the back of my dress but within two seconds he stopped and threw me over his shoulder. I couldn't help but laugh as he walked me over to the bed. He tossed me gently on the bed as he made his way on top of me. 

"Wait, it's still not off," I managed to say in between each kiss. 

"You're so impatient, August. Now it's starting to turn me on." He slid his hand up my dress and he wrapped his fingers around my thong. Slowly pulling them down, his touch leaving a trail of heat down my thighs. 

His lips started traveling down my jaw then down to my neck. Each kiss sent a new jolt that shot through my body. Making me feel even more desperate for the inevitable. I finally managed to stop him, cupping his face in my hands making his eyes meet mine. 

"It's only fair if you take something off now that I'm pretty much naked under this dress." I whispered. His eyebrow perked up but he didn't hesitate. He lifted himself off of me just enough to unbutton his shirt and toss it to the side. 

"Better?" He asked. I nodded no and pointed to his jeans. A smirk formed across his face. "Whatever you say, August." He got off of the bed and began taking his pants off. Now he was just in his boxers and I could see how eager he was. 

He made his way back on the bed but he stayed close around my legs. He gripped his hands around my ankles and pulled me down closer to him. He started kissing my thigh slowly, each kiss deepening as he started traveling up. He stopped right where my dress ended, he waited for a moment like he was debating what to do next. I grabbed the edge of my dress and lifted it up just enough to expose what was already there. My naked lower half. 

He let out a sharp breath, muttering a soft "fuck" under his breath. His eyes met mine, his gaze intense, before he kissed the inside of my thigh once more. Nibbling enough to make me gasp. And now there was no doubt how I got the hockey down there the first night.

He gave me another deep kiss but this time, he moved lower, and my entire body tensed as he finally found what he was searching for. My eyes fluttered closed, a quiet gasp escaping my lips as I arched slightly in response. One hand gripped the bedsheet beside me, the other threading through his hair, urging him closer as I lost myself in the feeling.

Every movement he made sent sparks flying through me. He knows exactly what to do to me, and it surprises me every time. But this time it's… different. There's something raw in the way he's touching me, something urgent, like he needed this just as much as I do.

His grip tightened against my thighs, holding me there, keeping me exactly where he wanted me. Every movement is precise but desperate, like he couldn't get enough, like he's chasing something just as much as I am. And when he felt me start to slip, when my breath caught and my fingers tightened in his hair, he groaned softly against me like the sound of it was wrecking him, too.

His eyes flicked up to mine, and for a split second, he just watched, completely captivated. "That's it," he murmured, voice low, almost reverent. Like he needed to see me fall apart. Like he was losing himself right along with me.

And it's sending me over the edge.

Finally, the release I'd been suppressing ripped through me, a loud, quivering moan escaped before I could stop it. I screamed his name. His grip stayed firm, like he wanted to hold me in that moment just a little longer, letting go wasn't an option. His eyes darkened as he watched me finish, something hungry and almost awed flickering beneath the surface. And somehow, that only turned me on more, knowing he enjoyed this just as much as me, maybe even more.

He didn't move right away. He just stayed there, lingering, letting his lips brush against my skin as if he wasn't ready to pull away. And then, in one slow, deliberate motion, he pushed himself up and moved over me, his body pressing against mine like he needed to feel me beneath him. Like this wasn't enough. Like he still wasn't done with me. My entire body shook underneath his. 

He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "I think it's time to finally take that dress off."

Any exhaustion I'd felt before melted away, replaced by something electric. I sat up, and he followed, watching me like he didn't want to miss a single movement. His fingers found the zipper at my back, finishing what he'd started earlier, and slowly he pulled the dress down my body.

I reached behind me, unclasping my bra, and threw it to the side. 

Justin didn't move or speak. He just watched me, his expression unreadable except for the unmistakable heat burning behind it. His eyes trailed over my body, sending goosebumps everywhere. We sat on the bed for a moment just staring at each other, neither one of us saying a word or making a move. 

Until finally, he reached over and grabbed me by my hips, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. Skin to skin. He rested his forehead against mine, his breath warm on my lips. We're so close I can almost feel his mouth on mine, but we still don't move. Like we're waiting for gravity to take its course.

Then, something in him seemed to snap.

His hands slid up my waist, fingers pressing into my skin, firm, needing. His mouth found my jaw first, then my neck, his lips trailing desperate, open-mouthed kisses along my skin. His teeth grazed my pulse, sucking just enough until I shivered, gripping his arms, pulling him closer instead of pushing him away.

When he pulled back, his eyes were darker. Like he was searching for something he wouldn't say out loud.

I didn't wait for him to make the next move. I grabbed his face, my fingers threading into his hair, and kissed him first. Deep, unrelenting, like I needed him just as badly as he needed me. Like I was just as lost in this as he was.

I heard him whisper, "Don't pull away."

The words hit me like a spark, and I pulled him back in, kissing him harder, my body pressing against his. His lips moved down to my neck again, and I whispered, my voice low and breathy, "I'm not going anywhere."

He groaned against my mouth, his grip tightening, and I felt the way his body reacted, the way he let me take what I wanted before flipping the control back in his favor. A battle neither of us was willing to lose.

His breath was hot, shallow against my lips, and with every movement, I felt him deeper. The way he touched me, harder, faster, pulling me into him like it wasn't enough.

I gasped against his mouth, barely catching my breath as the sensation of him inside me intensified. It felt different this time. Better. Every shift of his body, every touch of his skin against mine, sending sparks through my veins.

"Fuck," I murmured between breaths, my hands gripping his shoulders as I pressed myself closer. "You feel so good… just like this."

His pace faltered, a momentary hesitation. His eyes searched mine, something unreadable flashing across his face. For a second, I thought he might stop. He looked almost uncertain, like he was holding back.

I tugged him closer, meeting him halfway, my body craving him more than anything. "Don't stop," I whispered, my voice barely more than a breath. "Just… don't finish in me."

The words were out before I could stop them, and for a second, I saw his jaw tighten, his grip on me stiffen, but he didn't stop. Instead, he kissed me harder, his hands pushing me deeper into the mattress, losing himself in the movement.

There was no more hesitation, no more thought, just the rhythm of us. The world outside us felt miles away, insignificant. We were wrapped up in this, in each other, in everything but the consequences.

He groaned against my neck, his grip tightening once more, as if to remind me of how much power he had over this moment and how much he didn't want to let go.

And for a moment, neither of us did.

His pace quickened, his breaths growing more shallow as he pulled me harder against him. The rhythm was frantic now, his grip on me felt almost desperate, like he was trying to hold onto something momentary. And then, finally, with one last groan, he reached the edge. 

I felt him pull out and shudder against me, his body locking in place as he finished, his eyes still fixed on mine, intense and searching. It was the first time I'd seen that side of him. The raw vulnerability of him letting go without holding anything back. His breath left him in uneven gasps as he collapsed beside me, his chest heaving.

We lay there for a second, the room quiet except for the sound of our breaths. Until I felt the warmth on me and I couldn't help but laugh. 

"Please for the love of all that is good, get a towel." I said, still trying to catch my breath. 

"Oh God you're right I'm so sorry!" After a second, he reached for the towel beside the bed, his fingers brushing against my skin as he cleaned up. I half-smiled, watching him move.

"We didn't think it through this time huh?" I teased lightly, trying to break the tension.

He glanced over at me, a half-smirk tugging at his lips. "Guess I got a little caught up in the moment," he muttered, wiping himself off before tossing the towel aside. "Should've known better, though. You always keep me on my toes."

I laughed softly, my heart still racing, both from what just happened and how it felt like something shifted between us. "I'll be back, I'm gonna go to the bathroom." 

I stood up and I could see him in the reflection of the mirror, putting his boxers back on. I went to the bathroom and washed my hands on the way out. Justin was still sitting at the edge of the bed with my underwear next to him now. I slipped them on and before I could go for the pajamas that were now on the ground he grabbed me by my wrist and pulled me into him. 

"What?" I asked him, letting out a small laugh. 

"Nothing, I just wanted to apologize again. I would've been totally cool stopping to put one on." His voice softened and he dropped his head slightly. I picked his chin up with my fingers to meet his eyes. His hands met my waist and he pulled me an inch closer to him. 

"I know. And it's okay but you don't need to apologize. I promise." I nudged him lightly and he loosened his grip on my waist. Instead he pulled me on top of him again and I couldn't help but silently scream and laugh as he fell back on the bed with me on top of him. 

We laid there for a second, sharing a few kisses until he let go of me. I shifted over on the bed to sit up against the headboard and he followed right behind me. I pulled the blankets over us and we sat there for a brief second until a weird thought slipped in my head. 

"This is uh probably the worst time to ask but you don't have anything right? Like anything that I could…catch?" I stiffened slightly and let out an uncomfortable laugh. His eyebrows furrowed for a split second before a soft smile appeared on his face. 

A soft sigh escaped him. "I don't blame you for asking. No I don't. I haven't had sex with anyone in a long time. But even then I get tested regularly."

"You do?" I was more curious than I felt I led on. 

His body shifted, facing toward me now. "I started having sex really young. My therapist at the time said it was my way of coping from my dads abuse. And when my mom found out, instead of getting mad, she took me to get tested. Told me if I wanted to do adult things then I had to be responsible. And it kinda stuck with me. I tested a month before we left and I haven't had sex with anyone. Hailey doesn't count cause well you know why." His laugh was sharp but his face had a soft expression. 

For a moment, I didn't know what to say. I just looked at him, at the way he said it so casually, like it wasn't a big deal. Like it wasn't a little heartbreaking.

I thought about his mom taking him to get tested, making sure he was responsible instead of scolding him. It was… good. A kind of good that felt foreign to me. My own mother never would have done that. She would have weaponized it, twisted it into something ugly and shameful. But Justin's mom? She had let him take ownership of his choices without making him feel small for them. I wondered what that felt like. To have a parent who didn't control, but actually cared.

And then there was the other part of it—him having to take care of himself in ways most people never had to think about. He was just a kid, but he had already learned how to survive, how to cope, how to carry things no one should have to carry alone.

I felt the words slip out before I could stop them.

"That must've been… a lot." My voice was quieter than I meant it to be, careful in a way I wasn't used to with him. "Growing up that fast."

His expression flickered, like maybe I had caught him off guard. But instead of letting the moment sit, he let out a breath and smirked. "Yeah, well. Look how well-adjusted I turned out."

I rolled my eyes, but my lips twitched into a reluctant smile. "Oh, totally. A picture of emotional stability."

"You're just mad because I handle my trauma with charm and good hair." He leaned back against the headboard, smirking like he hadn't just laid something heavy between us. Like he hadn't let me see him, even if just for a second.

I yawned and couldn't help but laugh at the sound that came out of me. "I am even more exhausted now."

His eyebrow raised, his lips curling into a smirk. "So round two's out of the question?"

I gave him a playful push and rolled my eyes. "You still have enough energy for that?"

"Just the thought of it is giving me enough energy to go for a run. You have no idea what you do to me." He joked, but there was that glimmer in his eyes that made me feel like he might actually be serious.

"You're insufferable, Justin!" I leaned into him for a second before pulling myself away, but his arms shot around me, pulling me back in.

"I think you mean irresistible, August!" He grinned, tightening his hold. I laughed as I tried slipping away from his grip, but he was determined. We rolled around for a moment, a tangled mess of limbs, until we ended up fully lying down. His arms settled around my shoulder, and I leaned into his chest, my head resting gently against him.

I could hear his heart pounding in steady beats beneath my ear, like it was trying to keep up with the chaos we'd just created. For a moment, the playfulness faded, and all that was left was the warmth between us.

We stayed like that for a while longer until Justin shifted beneath me. I lifted myself off of him just enough to meet his eyes. His smirk had melted into a soft smile, and then he let out a long, drawn-out yawn.

"What happened to having enough energy for round two, huh?" I teased, placing a hand on his chest.

"Don't threaten me with another good time," he replied, his voice playful as he raised both eyebrows. "I'll go get us energy drinks right now." He started laughing, his chest rumbling under my hand.

We lingered in that moment for a while, exchanging laughs, quiet touches, and playful jokes. It was easy, like the kind of conversation you'd have at 3 a.m. when the world outside doesn't exist.

I stretched my arms above my head, letting out a sigh. "So, energy drinks for round two… you're really gonna go there, huh?" I teased, giving him a look.

Justin grinned, rolling his eyes. "You'll see. I'm a man of my word."

And just like that, we were back at it again, tangled in the rhythm of each other, driven by the kind of chemistry that made time feel irrelevant. We didn't need to talk much, everything was said in the way we moved, in the way we were connected, like there was no space between us.

Eventually, our laughter faded as the night wore on, and I found myself lying next to him again, curled up in the warmth of his embrace. His arms were around me like a shield, and I could feel the steady beat of his heart against mine.

"August," he murmured, his voice low and tired, "you really have no idea what you do to me."

"I think I might," I replied with a grin, eyes fluttering closed. "It's clear, I'm the irresistible one."

His quiet laugh filled the air before everything grew still, and before I even realized it, I was already half asleep, my head tucked into the crook of his shoulder. His arms were like a lullaby, pulling me deeper into the comfort of his presence.