A/N: Be aware! This is a very long chapter🙈 LOL I just didn't want to separate it into two chapters. I felt like it was perfect like this. Please let me know if you think otherwise. Ill just break it into two! 🤔

| Damon |

I shifted into fourth gear and sped my car down the clean street. On my way to my moms house for her annual fourth of July bbq the only thoughts that plagued my mind were of the beautiful girl I was about to see...

For the past six weeks I have fought with myself, clawed at the need wrenching in my gut to call her, see her all because I was feeling something I have never felt before, well that's a lie I have in fact felt something like this before and it damn near killed me. Never again.

I gunned my car into fifth gear, going faster, the music bumping in my car was drowning about the horrid memories. Funny the music didn't drown out Ariels face or the need I had to see her.

These feelings turned into something that made you weak, they made you vulnerable and susceptible to the farce that is love. I had to stay away from Ariel, I had to do anything in my power to not strengthen these feelings but it was turning out to be much harder than I expected.

For six weeks I drowned myself at work; staying late at the firm even after my uncle had left, going to meetings that didn't require my presence and picking up extra work load when we already had enough. Despite not being happy with my career choice and feeling drained of life trying to make my dad happy, I still made the time to come home at night and do the one thing that fueled my fire, the one thing that gave me motivation and ambition. My one love in life that I knew would never hurt me.

Art.

There would be nights where I would get goodnight texts from Ariel wishing me a goodnight and hoping that I had a good week, that everything was okay... I smiled at my sweet princess, I fought hard to not respond at all but I couldn't do it, I kept the messages short and sweet because I couldn't risk getting too caught up on her.

After a message like that I got even more motivation to sit down and work on what I truly loved and it was far from Architecture.

I finally pulled into the driveway at my moms house, turned off the ignition and hoped out of the car, shutting the door behind me. I didn't even bother going through the front door when I knew the gates to the backyard would be wide open. Pocketing my phone and keys, I walked along the grass towards the back of the house.

The sounds of summer hit me immediately, laughter, chatter, splashing, and sizzling from the grill. It all takes me back to every year my mom does this, the only difference is, now I have a much better reason for showing up, one that sent excitement through my veins. I wanted to see her, its been six weeks and as much as my brain was telling me to push her away, something else was having trouble understanding that message.

I was going through a complete mind fuck.

Before I could make it too far into the party, I heard my mom before I saw her.

"Damon!" I turned my head towards her voice and immediately she wrapped her arms around me, giving me a hug. I chuckled at her enthusiasm and hugged her back.

"Hey mom," she kissed my cheek and pulled away slightly "Your late and everyone is already eating," she paused mid-sentence "Well except for the girls, they are still in the middle of a match."

I raised a brow intrigued, shoving my hands in my pockets as I walked side by side with her further into the backyard "The girls in a match?"

My moms lips curled into a smile as she glanced my way "Mhmm, a volleyball match. Ariel is facing Emma right now."

I licked my lips at the mention of Ariels name. She was playing volleyball again, and she was in a match? My mind conjured up an image of her in a sexy red bikini of some sort serving the ball, her tits bouncing as she did. My eyes immediately started scanning the backyard and the match my mom was referring to quickly came into view.

Ariels hands were currently placed on her hips as she spoke to Lena. Unfortunately my vision was incorrect and she was still fully clothed in her skinny jeans and white top but I knew she had to be sweating, with this heat? And she was running around playing?

"Hey mom," I spoke, gaining my moms attention but my eyes never leaving Ariel. "Is it okay if I leave you for a minute?"

She laughed softly "Oh sure honey, go ahead."

We parted ways but by the look on her face, filled with amusement, I knew that she knew who I was making my way over to.

The closer I got, the louder their voices became and I started picking up on their conversation. Next thing I hear out of Ariels mouth has me grinning on the inside because I knew this was my chance to surprise her.

"Who's next then?" I knew there was sarcasm dripping from her voice because she clearly looked tried from the previous game but I had to challenge her, I had to play just one game with her, I don't care if I had to loose but I was going to have her attention on my for as long as I could.

"Me." I quickly anwser her question coming up from behind.

All of their heads snapped back towards me, including Zach and Tylers. I gave them a quick nod of the head and a knowing grin as I walked passed them and stalked over to my main priority. Her eyes watched every step I took closer towards her and I could help the next thing I did.

I was itching to see her blush or maybe that hint of fire. Fuck me I was dying to get burned by it, so I lifted my shirt over my head and threw is carelessly away. My grin widened as her chocolate orbs eyed my body up and down as if she were undressing me slowly. I saw that lower lip get sucked into her mouth and I almost mirrored her actions until I noticed that beautiful blush adorn her cheeks. Even with that blush there was shock on her face.

Im here baby and you are going to play with me. I thought right before I stood right in front of her, my tall frame towering over her and shading her from the sun.

"You think you still have it in you to play one last game?" My eyes stared into hers as the words fell from my lips.

She cleared her throat and I watched as she stood up straighter. She shook her head as if she was trying to shake away her desires. I knew I saw desire hidden in her eyes but she was trying her hardest for me not to notice. She crossed her arms over her chest and let out a breath of air.

"You think you have it in you to get beat by a girl?" Her brow rose, challenging me, and her hip cocked out with attitude. I smirked, looks like Ive been able to release that fire yet again and I loved it.

I licked my lips, allowing my eyes to wander up and down her body, I was about to give her a smart response but as my eyes grazed over her form they took notice of every dip and thick curve of hers. Something was different.

In my minds eye I was trying to figure it out...then it hit me. Did she loose weight?

The smirk fell off my lips and I was suddenly all too serious. My green eyes snapped up from her curves into her own eyes, my eyes searched hers before I reached out, my fingers playing with the hem of her shirt before my hand abruptly enclosed on her hip, squeezing it firmly. "You've lost weight." I bit out. I wasn't mad if she had, If she was happy with doing that, thats great but I hope she was doing it the right way and I fucking pray that she isn't doing it because she thinks there something wrong with her body. Its fucking perfect, if it was up to me she would never need to change.

Her hands suddenly fell from her chest, almost defeatedly, and she looked down at the hand I had gripped on her hip. Without looking back into my eyes she mumbled "Uhm, yeah just a little..."

A grunt released from my throat and with my one hand other hip, I pulled her body flush against mine. "It looks like more than a little in just over a month Ariel." My firm voice brushed over the top of her head, she was still looking down and refused to look up at me. My finger automatically reached out and grazed under her chin, lifting it for her eyes to finally meet mine again and when they did I saw I whirl of insecurities in them. It almost knocked me out.

My hand fell from her hip to press against her lower back, pushing her closer into me. She gasped lightly at the intimate contact and there she was biting her lip all over again. I was about to pluck it right from her teeth when a loud whistle cut us from the moment.

"I didn't think volleyball was a skin to skin contact sport bro!" Tylers voice quipped behind me and I had the urge to shoot him a glare but my eyes refused to leave hers.

Lena snickered behind us as well before her opinion was heard "Seems like you're not the only one with sticky fingers Ty."

I internally rolled my eyes at their banter before licking my lips and giving Ariel my attention again. "Well talk more later, yeah?"

She simply nodded, seemingly starstruck before her sweet voice finally spoke "What do we do now?"

The smirk finds its way once again to my lips as I reluctantly pull away from her, thanking god that I wasn't sporting a boner. That little moment of her body pressed against mine felt too much like heavy. My body craved her like a man in the dessert craved water.

I walked over to the other side of the net and picked up the volleyball, I looked back over at her and threw the ball in the air "Now, we play princess."

She gasped, realizing I was about to serve the ball over the net. Rushing over to her side she made it just in time to hit the ball and pass it back my way. She glared and huffed my way as I chuckled at her reaction.

"Don't go too easy on me now." I winked and hit the ball back as she passed it to me. She had a fucking hit on her, Ill say that, she could move her way around the net like a pro. The ball hadn't dropped yet.

"Just know if you win, it's because I let you win Damon!" She shouted back over at me before spiking the ball towards the floor, I ran and tried to dig and catch it to hit it back her way but failed miserably, falling to the ground.

I groaned softly before hearing her voice in the distance "You didn't want me to go easy on you right..."

I couldn't help but let out a laugh. That little fucking... my thoughts were cut short because as soon as I got up from the ground my lips parted and my tongue suddenly seemed to big for my mouth.

Little fucking tease! Tease is what she is! She now stood in front of me with nothing but her white swimsuit on. She had removed her skinny jeans and top, allowing her bare skin to glimmer in the sun. Her hair was now tied up in a messy ponytail, revealing even more skin on her delicate neck. Fucking shit. Such a simple white one piece wasn't supposed to be sexy but damn it, she makes it look like that and more. A smile was adorned on her face and she was tilting her head innocently. "Your serve Dae." She winked a pink blush fanned over her cheeks.

I heard chuckles and snickers from the group watching behind me. They were all standing around behind my back, watching us. I heard Tylers voice first.

"You alright there Damon?"

My jaw tightened and it took everything in me not to bounce the ball off my sisters fiancés head. "Fine." I grunted his way.

More chuckles were heard before Zacharys voice was heard "Keep your head in the game man," even though he was hyping me up I could fucking hear the smirk on his lips "You got this!"

Lena snickered "What he's got baby is a big ass distraction." She responded to her husband "Good Call Ari!" She shouted towards her "I mean it is hot out!"

My eyes stared at Ariel from across the net and I saw that same innocent smile on her lips. I shook my head and smirked, Innocent my ass. I saw through it all.

I served the ball her way, she ran and dove to hit it and pass it back but when she did I caught a glimpse of her thick ass bounce as she jumped and hit the ball. It distracted me long enough to run a few seconds too late and miss the ball by a hair.

I groaned and let my head fall back, this was going to be a long game...

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| Ariel |

I leaned back, my palms flat to the earths surface as the grass tickled in between my fingers. My legs were bent at the knees and my head was tilted back, my eyes gazing into the darkening night sky. Everyone laid out just as I did or sat Indian style awaiting the fireworks to light up the sky. This was also an annual thing for the fourth of July BBQ. Everyone grouped together and sat, talking amongst themselves until the fireworks began but then, once they did it was like everyone shut up and only whispers were heard.

It was the best part of the night for me.

I ended up beating Damon at his volleyball challenge and whether he let me win or not I have yet to find out but I doubt he let me win, despite being out of my game for awhile and extremely tired I probably still took him down on my own. I smiled at the memory of him walking up towards me with a grin, shouting "Beginners luck!" Before lifting me up and throwing me into the pool. Yes, he successfully threw my full figured, heavy ass into the large inground pool.

Once I got to the surface, I gave him my best pouty, baby face and he stupidly fell for it. His grin was a mile wide as he held out his hand to help me out of the pool — BIG MISTAKE! I grabbed his hand and pulled him into the pool with me, he wasn't counting on it so he quickly lost his balance and fell in. I laughed to my hearts content on that one. Once he came to the surface, I began swimming backwards knowing pay back is a bitch. He licked his lips, his hair and face dripping wet in the most sexiest way as he stalked towards me in the water and playfully warned "You better run Ari!"

I felt happy and carefree. It was a sweet moment with Damon. For once we were simply having fun and despite the sexual desire I had floating around for him, this time it was a different feeling, it was more of a happy, comfortable feeling.

Everyone noticed our display and most people laughed at us while others smiled and grinned our way as if they knew something we didn't — and by other I mean Uncle Eric, Emmas Mom, Emma, Lena, Tyler and Zach. They all knew of my feelings for Damon and sometimes my heart ached at the sympathetic looks they threw my way when he was around.

We spent the rest of the afternoon eating dinner, messing around with each other, catching up with people I haven't spoken to in years and having dessert! I don't think there was one piece of pie or cheesecake left that I had made and everyone raved about how much they loved everything. I felt a giddy accomplished feeling within myself and couldn't help but smile proudly. My cheeks heated up at their compliments and I was sure to be blushing but I loved hearing them.

Tylers parents and his baby sister, Mandy, had ended up coming along with Danny, Chris' older brother from high school. Tyler wasn't too happy about that one, he kept an arm looped around Emmas waist and eyed Danny almost constantly. Sure Emma may have dated Danny in the past but she was madly in love with Tyler and they were engaged to be married, Tyler needed to grow up a bit and realize Danny is just a family friend now.

Chris was supposed to join us as well but I heard from Tyler that he couldn't make it because he had to stay home and take care of Erika, because can you believe it, she's pregnant! Apparently they have been busy the past four years and not only have they been dating since senior year of high school but they are now having a baby together — such a sweet story.

I got caught up on a lot of things today and spoke with a lot of people. It was nice to see where everyone was the past four years but I dint get many words in with Damon after our little game. He left to go help his mom and Uncle with the food and then Dean showed up with his girlfriend soon after so he spent some time with him, which was great! I loved how close he was to his family but with all the running around he did, I didn't get much time with him.

Emma was sat to the right on me and Lena was sat right beside her. I heard their soft back and forth banter between their other halfs and it made me smile. Emma sat in between Tylers legs, while his arms wrapped around her waist and her head laid on his chest while Lenas head laid on Zach's outstretched legs and his fingers ran down through her hair, playing with it as she spoke. The whole thing was like a scene out of a movie.

I sighed and looked down at myself. I felt like a fifth wheel. It's not their fault, this moment is so romantic for couples and I wouldn't want to ruin it for them by continuously jumping in and talking.

"Ari," Emmas voice suddenly got my attention. I turned my gaze slightly towards her and gave her a half hearted smile.

"Hmm?"

"You okay?" He head turned my way as it laid on Tylers chest and focused her attention solely on me now. "You seem deep in thought about something."

"Oh...Uhm," I tried to stretch my smile but I knew I wouldn't fool her, Emma and Lena knew me too well "Its nothing, just, seems like a really romantic thing to watch the fireworks together." I took in a deep breath, looking away from her and back at the sky. My emotions were getting the best of me and a lump formed in my throat. "Andrew never did anything like this with me." I mumbled, he really didn't. Every Fourth of July his parents had this huge bash at their house and he would end up drunk with his friends, playing beer pong or something, he would forget all about the fireworks and I would watch them on my own, while texting back and forth with Emma or Lena. By the time he found me again, he was drunk off his ass and the fireworks had died down, all he wanted to do was go home and have sex. Which would have been fine, great even if it would have been mind blowing but it was nowhere near that.

"Ari," she whispered again and I heard her shuffling "You'll find him. Andrew wasn't for you and you know it."

"Yeah, his whole nice guy persona was just a mask hiding a fucking psychopath beneath." Tyler scoffed angrily. I looked over at him a bit shocked at the tone of caring in Tylers voice.

I looked over at him and watched as he looked my way, he reached out and squeezed my shoulder for comfort "You deserve the best Ariel. That asshole is lucky I wasn't there when he did what he did. I would have put a bullet between his eyes."

Emma placed her hand on Tylers chest and rubbed it, calmingly "Calm down baby." She whispered.

I was shocked to hear the amount of care in his voice for me. I mean, obviously I knew he cared cause I was Emmas best friend but it was nice to know I had so many people on my side.

I smiled warmly at his words "Thanks Ty. I'll be okay, he'll find me, I know he will." I said referring to the man of my dreams, the man I would be married to and live happily with. I was slowly trying to erase the image from my brain of Damon ever being that guy. I had to get over it.

Tylers eyes suddenly moved from mine, looking up, behind my back. "Looks like he did..." he mumbled sending me a wink. I had no idea what he was referring to until I heard Damons deep voice from beside me.

"This seat taken?" I looked up at the man who haunts my dreams. He was holding two drinks in his hand and pointing to the empty spot to the left of me.

I smiled softly and blushed finally