The pool party

Ari smoothed her hands over the front of her new bikini, the light pink fabric a stark contrast to her creamy skin. It clung to every curve like a second skin, the ties at the hips and neck promising easy access. She'd spent far too long agonizing over her swimsuit choice, hyperaware of how little coverage it provided compared to her usual modest styles.

Beside her, Joe finished buttoning a pair of swim trunks, completely oblivious to his girlfriend's nervous energy. “Ready to head out?” he asked brightly, grabbing a towel from the closet. Ari **** a smile, nodding even as her stomach churned with anxiety.

The memory of Tyler and Jake's wandering hands, the heat of their bodies pressed against hers, refused to fade no matter how hard she tried to suppress it. She finally steps out of the bathroom.

As Ari stepped closer to Joe, the fluorescent light of the bathroom highlighted every dip and swell of her body clad in the skimpy pink bikini. Joe's eyes widened appreciatively, a low whistle escaping his lips. “Damn Ari, you look incredible in that bikini. I love it!”

His hands came up to rest on her hips, thumbs tracing the narrow strips of fabric. He leaned in to press a kiss to her collarbone, his stubble scratching lightly against her sensitive skin. “Everyone's going to be jealous of me today” he murmured, nuzzling into her neck affectionately.

Ari shivered at the contact, part excitement and part trepidation. The way Joe looked at her, like she was the most desirable woman in the world, sent butterflies through her stomach.