A/N: Warning: gets a little steamy towards the end. I hope you all enjoy this long chapter I have for you.

Summary: How does living with your best friends affect the way you see one another? Join the lives of the original trio and how they are to face the many challenges in meeting the real world.

Word Count: 7k

Previously on Sense and Sensibility:

She walked out to find Josh in blue jeans, a thick gray sweater, a jean jacket with cream colored fur on the inside. He had a black beanie on, which made his blue eyes pop. He put his scarf around his neck, and she did the same. "Ready to go?" He asked.

"Yeah," she reached for his hand. "Let's go."

Chapter 13: Happy New Year to Us

Maya

Maya and Josh decided on walking to the festival, considering how close it was. If this was New York, it would be easy to hail a taxi, but this was Nashville. A city that did have taxis, but not easy to grab. That was okay though, they didn't mind the trek. They were used to getting everywhere on their feet.

As they approached the gate to the event, they raised their lanyards with the tickets inside, since they had stopped by earlier. The man recognized them and gave them each a red wristband and let them pass through followed by "Happy New Year!"

Maya could hear country music blaring all over the place. Food trucks were set up everywhere, including bonfires in certain places. Hundreds of people of all ages talking and laughing, having the time of their lives. She felt the vibration of her stomach, and knew that she needed food. The smell of pizza from Doxie's food truck was intoxicating. She grabbed Josh by the jacket and pulled him over to stand in line. He looked down and her and leaned to give her chaste kiss. They ordered pizza and Josh added two Jack Daniels to the meal. After eating only finger foods, she was glad to scarf down a couple slices of pizza. Josh didn't look shy either when taking a bite out of his.

It wasn't too long after they made their way over to the main stage, ready to listen to some good music to kick off the New Year. Unlike some people she grew up with, Maya liked to listen to country music. Partial of the reason was because of Lucas and Zay who were originally from Texas, and listened to it quite often, but mostly because her mother, who was from Possum Trot, Arkansas, grew up listening to old folk songs. Granted Maya wasn't about to sit down and listen to that music all the time, but she'll jam out to Keith Urban, Luke Bryan and Thomas Rhett anytime.

Like tonight. Keith Urban is there to ring in the New Year. Josh linked their fingers as they approach the walkway in the middle of the huge audience. The sound became louder as they got closer to the stage. Maya looked around and noted the large amounts of people surrounding the area. There was definitely a couple thousand people here tonight. As they continued walking, Maya was curious as to know why they were moving up so close to the stage. Until they reached a security guard asking them to show them their bands for "Premium seating" even though it was standing room only.

Her boyfriend held up both of their wrists to show off the bright red bands they sported, and the guard let them through. She pulled him close. "I didn't know we had a premium spot."

"Yeah, well you have a boyfriend with great connections," he gave her a side glance, and smirked. Knowing him, he probably won the tickets or his boss helped him out. Nonetheless she was happy. They finally got to a spot up front and they were introducing the band Cheap Trick to the stage. Maya smiled and looked down at her black cropped long sleeve shirt that had ironically had their logo on it. She hadn't chosen this shirt because she knew that they were playing, but she didn't have any country band t-shirts. Her eyes found Josh. "Did you know that they were playing?"

"Of course I did," he said. "I was going to tell you earlier, but once I got these passes, I figured I would surprise you." He smiled. "I know they're one of your favorites."

She jumped up and down in excitement. They started out with Long Time Coming, followed by You Got It Going On. Maya loved this band, and she owned most of their albums on vinyl. She'd never thought she would be front row watching them perform in person. "I Want You to Want Me," played next and she turned to look at Josh while she sang along. He sang along with her and spun her around in circles, letting her enjoy the moments while it lasted.

Riley

Riley stood in front of him blindfolded. She heard him take another sip of his drink, "whenever you're ready."

She approached him and stumbled a bit, but he caught her. She giggled. "I'm sorry," she looked up, "Not being able to see . . . clumsy." She stood back up straight. Her hands lay on his shoulders. She felt him tense up as she lightly moved her fingers. Inhaling herself she wondered what his facial expression held. Her thoughts moved to the reason why she was in this position in the first place.

Farkle. He went out of his way to help her, even listened to a TED Talk for her. Her hands moved down his chest. He shook, but then she realized that he was chuckling. "This isn't funny!"

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. It's not funny," he said.

She sighed, and then giggled. "Okay, it's a little funny." She shook her head though. "I'm starting over."

He shifted slightly and said, "Okay."

Riley lifts her hands back up to his shoulders, and noted that this was just going to be a hug, but it wasn't that simple. Dillon suffocated her with his body. He grabbed her in places that made her the most uncomfortable. She wasn't in control. She wanted that control back. It was hard to let someone touch her. She attempted at Christmas, sure. But again, it was only with Maya and Farkle.

Her hands moved down his arms. Through his long sleeve, she could feel his muscles twitch. Passing the elbows, and down the forearms to his wrists, and then his hands. She paused with her hands in his, for a moment. He said nothing. Then again, this wasn't supposed to be a talking matter. She felt his hands, and noted his long nimble fingers were slightly calloused, the similar feeling of Dillons. Her heart rate picked up for a moment, but then realized that this was Farkle, not Dillon. She let go of one hand, but held onto his right.

She remembered Dillon holding her face and she winced. He had grasped her face as she struggled to get away. Forcing her to look at him. Making sure she stayed still while he kissed her hungrily. She had never kissed anyone else, but Lucas. She never imagined her next kiss would be forced by someone.

"Riley," Farkle's voice was low, and full of concern. She didn't answer, because she knew that she was crying. She lifted his hand to her face, and at first he didn't move. Not until she placed his palm on her cheek. He lightly caressed it and she took the blindfold off. He lightly wiped away her tears, never taking his eyes off her face. Once he stopped, she removed his hand and pulled him in for a hug. He wrapped his arms around her, and she sighed into his embrace. This was it felt like to be in the arms of someone who cared about your well being.

They stayed that way for minutes. Was he not saying anything because he was waiting for her to talk? Possibly. He isn't the type of person to pry on people to talk. He knew how she felt about the situations, but he didn't really know everything that happened. Nobody did. Only she.

Her hands felt around his back, and he winced once she grazed his lower left side. His wound. She parted from him. Her eyes found his, and left within seconds glancing at his torso. "Can I see it?" Her voice cracked.

He bit the inside of his cheek and nodded. "Yeah," her voice so low, she could barely hear it. "Okay." Farkle pulled up his shirt and took it off, revealing his bare chest. It didn't pass her mind glancing at his abdomen and took in the fact that he had abs. Of course he would. He works out consistently and boxes. He turned to reveal the stitches. There were only three, which wasn't too terrible, and she felt guilty, but grateful for his rescue. Because Farkle was right, if he hadn't have shown up, she'd be in the same position as the girl in the Ted Talk.

She lightly reached out to him, her fingers barely grazing his skin. She pulled away, and turned around. "I'm sorry you got hurt. I never thought he'd resort to stabbing someone."

Riley couldn't see him, but a few seconds past and a hand was lightly placed on her shoulder. "Riles, he's a psychopath, attempting to rape you. I'd suffer several stab wounds if it meant that you never had to go further than what happened." He searched her eyes. "You didn't lie to me when you said nothing happened right?"

She turned around and shook her head. "I wouldn't have lied about that."

He nodded. "Okay, I just . . ." He faltered.

"Just what?" She asked.

He sighed. "I don't know what all happened, but you looked different. I could see it, and when I asked you the first time, you sounded unsure."

Her fingers fumbled with the bar stool. "I never thought anything like what happened, would happen to me. The only person who has ever interfered with my personal space and touched me like that was Lucas—"

"Riley," he tried to stop her. "You don't have to—"

"—but Lucas and I never even did it." She shook her head. "I can't keep this to myself anymore. It's been playing through my head over and over. He knew. He knew that I was a virgin, and that was his price. My virginity, for my freedom." You know the feeling when you know you're getting worked up? Riley could feel the tears forming in the ducts of her eyes. "He said I might as well because my last boyfriend never wanted it . . ." She scoffed and an exasperated laugh emerged from her. "You know how terrible of a stalker he was? He also claimed the 'science nerd' who takes me home every night didn't want it." Her jaw clenched and she walked past him towards the couches. "He was so suffocating and uncomfortable. He made me feel like trash, and I didn't want anyone to touch me after that." She sat down, and stared to the floor. "But most of all, I just wanted someone I loved to hold me while I cried my self to sleep. It's the most bizarre feeling—never wanting people to touch you, but also wanting someone to hold you as well."

He sat down next to her. She could tell he was trying to find the right words to say. He opened his mouth several times, like he was about to say something, but the thought would be carried away. "Anything you need Riles, I'm here."

Josh

He pulled his girlfriend along, heading towards the front. He knew it had to be getting closer to the end of Cheap Trick's set, and he wanted to be over near the stage exit, before they were off the stage. He could tell that Maya was confused at the move, because they had an awesome spot before they trudged forward.

Sure enough, just as they made it to one of the security guards, Cheap Trick had announced their final song few songs. As they began to play "Surrender," Josh noticed it was being sung by a girl and a guy that wasn't Robin Zander, but his daughter and son, Holland and Robin Taylor. Maya jumped up and down in excitement, singing along with them.

Just after the song ended and the band was exiting the stage, Josh called out, "Robbie!" And the young Robin Taylor shot his head over in the direction of Josh and a huge smile appeared on his face.

As he approached, Maya looked at Josh in bewilderment, but Robbie reached out a hand. "Joshua Matthews," he stated with disbelief. "What are you doing all the way over here in Nashville?"

"Work, but who's keeping track of that." Josh laughed. "You and Holland killed it up there tonight. I'm glad that I was able to catch you!"

"Hell yeah! Man, it's been a while," he looks over at the blonde, who is blinking in awe. "You must be, Maya?"

She smiled, and looked at Josh and then back at Robbie. "I'm Maya. That's me." She shook his hand, and Josh couldn't help but chuckle at her demeanor.

"Josh has mentioned you quite a bit . . . More so in the last year, it's nice to meet you."

"Well, he did not mention the fact that he knew you. And how many times have we discussed music?" She looked at her boyfriend. "It's nice to meet you too."

Someone from back stage called for the young musician. He ran his fingers through his long hair and then leaned to his left to grab one of the security guards. "Hey Ax, you have any backstage passes left?" The guard reached through his bag and pulled out a few. Robbie gladly took two and handed them to Josh. "Meet me here at 12:15. You guys can come hang out with us for the evening, get to meet everyone and chill. Unless you guys just want to go back to your hotel and sleep, I totally get it."

Josh and Maya gave each other a side look before Maya pipped up. "You're talking to a couple New Yorkers. When you go to a New Years Eve party, you stay out all night. Or most of it at least."

"That would be the answer for we'd loved to," Josh stated. "We'll meet you back here at 12:15. Thanks Bro."

"No problem! See you guys in a little bit. Enjoy the rest of the this year!"

Josh smiled. "We will." They made their way back to the spot they were at before, and the group there offered both of them beer and they gladly accepted.

Josh and Maya took a break from the crowd while the DJ of the night proceeded on with a few different acts, and decided to walk around the event, buying a couple drinks, asking random people to take their photo, just enjoying time together.

As Keith Urban entered the stage, Maya got into her feels with a few of his songs she absolutely loved like "Blue Ain't Your Color" and "Somewhere in My Car." As usual, Josh stood back and let her do her thing, and marveled at how she moved along to the music, beer in hand, every now and then glancing over at him knowing he wasn't watching the stage, but her own movements.

Once the song "Kiss a Girl" started playing, he finished his third beer and approached her from behind, wrapping his right arm around her waist and moving her hair to the side with his left hand, she smirked and pressed up against him, and he sang to her as she moved her hips. He lightly kissed her neck and her left hand squeezed his right one placed on her lower stomach. She twirled out swiftly and just before he pulled her back in, she finished her beer—he lost count of how many she had—and grabbed her waist, and danced along with the beat. At the end of the song he twirled her around, and dipped her back, giving her a kiss on her plump lips.

Claps came from behind, and they glanced over at the group who wasn't looking at the stage, but at them. Maya giggled slightly and Josh nodded at them.

"Y'all are so cute. Where are y'all from?" A young woman asked.

"New York City," Maya replied.

The group looked dumb founded. "What are y'all doing in Nashville? If I were you, I'd be front and center watching the ball drop in Times Square."

Josh smirked. "Yeah, well all I needed was one Times Square year, and that pretty much set me for life on ever wanting to be in the middle of that crowd ever again."

His girlfriend laughed. "Yeah, majority of my New Years events in the city consisted of roof top parties, or benefit parties, that involved a lot of food and music. Last year we watched the ball drop from a friends penthouse. It's much better than being in the chaos of Times Square."

"Something new, I totally get it. Well you two enjoy your evening." The older man of the group stated. "Feel free to take another beer. We have enough of it."

Josh chuckled and accepted. "Thank you. You all enjoy your night."

After Keith played a few more songs and ended his "before midnight set" with a tribute to the fallen artists like he does almost every year he performs, the DJ of the night Robert Luke made his way up on stage, to begin the last two minutes of the year.

Maya turned in Josh's embrace to face him, not listening to what was being said on the mic. "Josh," she said his name, and the world around him shut off.

"Yes?" He asked, his voice soft.

"Thank you," she stated.

He smirked. "What for?"

"Everything." Her eyes were bright and glassy, as if she was possibly going to shed a tear. "This year was the best year of my life thus far." Her hand moved to up to the back of his neck and into his hair, motioning her fingers in a way that made him shiver. "And you are the number one reason. I can't wait to see what this next year bring us."

Josh dipped his head so his forehead met hers. "I love you so much, Gorgeous. This year has been the best and I don't know what I'd do without you. Thank you. This next year is going to be better than this one. I can feel it."

"I love you too, Boing."

"Ten," Josh began counting.

She smiled, "nine."

His fingers moved her hair behind her ear. "Eight."

"Seven," they both said in unison.

Maya pulled him even closer to her. "Six . . . Five."

Josh's arms wrapped around her waist, securing her to him. "Four . . . Three . . . Two."

Just before their lips touched, they both let out a inaudible, "one."

In the world around them, cannons went off filling the air with confetti, fireworks shot up so high and lit the sky in so many colors, and cry's of joy rang in their ears welcoming the new year. And the world didn't matter all that much. All that mattered was the best first minute of the new year, being in the arms of the one he loved.

Riley

She watch him fiddle with his shirt for a few seconds before putting it back on. She reached over and grabbed her jacket. It was getting so close to midnight, they needed to start heading back up to watch the ball drop.

At this point, she didn't care to watch the ball drop. All she wanted to do was talk to her best friend. Farkle grabbed his jacket too, and he reached out for her hand to take. She gladly took it and they walked up the stairs back onto the roof.

Once they were sitting back on the cot, Riley looked around the place. She thought she recognized this place. "Didn't your dad used to own this building?"

"He did. This used to be Minkus Applied Sciences." Farkle stated "He sold the building because of it's tourist location. The city of New York decided that because there is no 'customer value' to the tourists with Applied Sciences, Minkus International needed to sell and relocate. That was 13 years ago, when my dad didn't have tours, or demonstration sessions like he does now. Because Lionel lived here before he sold the building, the city decided to remodel and make these into luxury apartments, and vacation homes, time shares, that sort of thing. Plus they rent out during the holliday's, like right now, so that people have an opportunity to watch the ball drop."

He laid down on the cot, and Riley followed suit. She looked up at the sky and wished she was able to see the stars. "If only there wasn't so much light pollution, we could actually see the constellations."

"Yeah, it would be nice. Nice to get out of the city for a while."

"You ever think about leaving? Like one day moving away, or doing something else for a change?"

He sighed. "I've thought about it too much honestly. I love my city, but I'm in desperate need for a vacation away from it all. And preferably without my parents. I'm so stressed about it all, I can't stand being around it anymore. I don't know what I'm going to do if it gets worse."

Riley propped herself up on one arm. "Well, let's get away from it all when we can. I'm here for you as much as you're here for me. I'm sorry things are difficult in your family right now. I know that nobody wants that stress." She laid back down. "I think something is wrong in my family." She thought about it. "Not like anybody splitting or fighting or anything, but I think someone is sick."

"Like cancer? Or just sick?"

"I'm not sure. My mom and dad won't tell me anything, but they share sad looks between the two of them. Maybe they don't know anything yet for sure. It's just scary to think that one of your family members is out there battling something no one knows about."

Farkle was silent for a brief moment. "You don't think this has to do with your grandfathers minor heart attack last year?"

"Gosh, I hope not."

Farkle sat up. "Okay, let's stop talking about what makes us worried or sad." Riley sat up with him. "The new year begins soon. What were you thankful for this last year, and new years goals?"

Riley smiled. "Keeping up a tradition as always. Okay, um lets see . . ." she thought about it really hard. "You and Maya. We all took a leap this year and moved out of our parents house. And we don't want to kill each other yet."

Farkle laughed. "We're all hardly home at the same time, other than to sleep."

"I'm thankful for the memories the clique six have made in our last semester of high school. I'm glad that Lucas and I came to an agreement on our relationship that still hasn't ruined anything between us as friends. I love that this last year you and I have grown closer in friendship, and all the things you've done for me even when you haven't needed to. And aside from small personal challenges me, you and Maya are facing, we three are as strong as ever and that is something I never want to change." Riley finished.

"That never will," Farkle stated. "Let's see. I know that Smackle and I had a fallout that was difficult, because of what she did, but I'm glad we have come to good terms with one another. I hope that she finds a love that will allow her to trust and she feels that she can tell them anything no matter how hard it might be. I'm grateful for you and Maya as always and I'm also glad that you and I have grown closer as friends, because you are my best friend Riles. You are, and I never want that to change."

Riley's heart soared. But at the same time it made her sad. Why though? Farkle was her best friend. And he thought of her as his too. Aside from her relationship with Maya. Farkle was the one other person that she knew and believed to be on the same line with when it came to an understanding about their relationship. They were best friends. Nothing more, nothing less. Right?

She realized that she was staring at him, and quickly looked away. "It won't. You're my best friend too. This year I want to grow. I want to charge into challenges that might scare me and I want to grow as a person. That is my goal."

"That's a great goal," he said. There was silence for a few moments. "I want to find happiness. Like I'm happy somewhat, but I'm not as happy with myself as I should be. All my life I've always known what I wanted to do, and who I was. But I look at myself now and what I'm doing and I just don't know anymore."

Riley knew how he felt. She knew exactly how he felt. "You'll find it. I know you will." She picked at the seam on her jeans. "Just don't miss your chance to find it."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean if you see an opportunity to go discover something new, take the chance. You're Farkle Minkus. You're going to do wonders with the world. And I can't wait to see what you do."

He smiled. "Riley Matthews, don't you know you're going to be standing right next to me when we change the world?"

"You think so?"

"I know so. Like I said, you're my best friend. We do this thing together."

They kept eye contact for almost a full minute, when fireworks shot off, scaring both of them. Farkle looked over. "Did we miss the countdown?"

Riley narrowed her eyes. "You think we would have heard the entire city counting down right?"

"I guess not," he looked over at his best friend. "Happy New Year Riley."

"Happy New Year Farkle," she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. He gave her an odd look. "Hey, you can't start the new year without some affection for someone you love. And you did say I should initiate physical contact with people, didn't you?"

She couldn't tell if he was blushing. "I did say that didn't I?"

"What now?"

Farkle looked at the bottle of vodka they were drinking. "Why don't we finish this, then go inside, unless you plan to sleep out here in the cold?"

She took the bottle from his grasp and took a big gulp. The liquid burned in her throat, and she wasn't all sure she would ever drink vodka after this night. "Are you kidding me, it's supposed to snow later."

Farkle laughed. "I didn't think you were a wuss when it came to vodka?" He took another chug.

Riley scoffed, and hit his arm. "I am not a wuss!"

"Okay, whatever."

"You should know that—"

"Vodka is your poison, and tequila is more your forte. I know. I just find it amusing to watch you struggle when drinking it." He said, jokingly.

She shook her head. "That's terrible of you to say."

"I did bring tequila, if you're interested."

"And where did you get the tequila?"

"I have my ways, Matthews."

She bit her lip, thinking about how this opportunity for it to be just the two of them hanging out doesn't come very often. "So, shots?"

He put his hands up. "Let's have a party of our own."

Josh

He took Maya by the hand and they moved through the crowd, back up where they said they'd meet Robin.

"How do you know him anyway?" Maya asked.

Josh smirked. "I met Robbie a few years ago. You remember when I was in my senior year, I had applied to many different schools all over?"

She nodded. "Yeah. New York, Boston, Florida, and California."

"Exactly. I took a trip with a few other classmates to Florida to visit Full Sail University, an amazing technology and art school in Orlando. We were split up to stay in hotel rooms and all for the weekend. We were also joined by other schools. Including Robbie's. My class was uneven and I volunteered to be put in a room with another student from another school, and that is how I met him. We bonded over music and art. It was awesome." Josh smiled remembering. "By the end of the weekend we had exchanged numbers. We met back up in Boston a few weeks later to visit Boston University."

"That's awesome," she stated. He could tell that she was curious to know why he never told her, as many times as they did talk about music.

"I never thought about telling people I knew him. Plus, I didn't really see him as Robin Zander's kid. He introduced himself as Robby and I didn't find out who his dad was until I met up with him in Boston. It's cool that his dad was in a great band, but he's always been Robbie to me."

She nodded. "I get that."

"Hey Josh," Robby's voice called out. He walkover and unhooked the line to let Josh and Maya through. "So glad you guys are gonna come hang out for a while. Holland and I were gonna head to the FGL House to hangout for a bit."

A car drove them around the city to the south of downtown, about two blocks away from the club. Josh looked at Maya, and whispered to her. "You think you'll get in?"

Maya gave him an amused smile. "I find it funny that you believe I'm somewhat innocent."

"I never said that," he stated.

She whipped out her ID and gave it to Josh. Different name, the height put her at 5'1 and the date had made her three years older than she was. The girl in the photo was a different person, but if Josh hadn't spent hours staring at his girlfriend, studying her face with his lips and fingertips, you probably wouldn't see much of a difference. The two had a similar resemblance, but not the same. Security would never know the difference though.

"Impressive. I should have known." Josh examined the photo. "Who is Sabrina?"

"She was in my art appreciation class when I was a freshman. People said we looked so much alike, that we could be related. She was a senior at the time. When I got to my Junior year, she came back for a long weekend and went to a house party at Farkle's. She lost her cards and her ID there and a couple days later, Farkle's dad found her lanyard in the kitchen. Didn't even bother to look at the name, just saw the photo and thought it was mine. Once I got it I found her parents place and tried to deliver it. She apparently got a new one, and cancelled her cards and all to get them replaced. She told me I could keep her old ID if I wanted to. She said she trusted me."

Josh chuckled. "Like I said, impressive."

They walked up the line to get in, and each showed their ID. Maya being the last. The security guard gave her an odd look, and Maya played along gave him a look as if to say, 'this happens all the time.' He looked at her again and gave her the ID back, and put a wristband on her. Maya's face didn't show any relief, even though Josh could tell that she was.

On the first floor, was a restaurant with food and a live band was playing. Balloons were everywhere and people were covered in silver and gold streamers. Upstairs on the second floor, as Josh ascended, he could hear the pounding of the music. Definitely a DJ was speaking. And the lights were more dimmed blue, with flashes of pink, purple, and white. He looked at Maya who was smiling widely. "You ready to dance?" She asked.

Robbie glanced back at them. "We're doing a shot first."

They reached the bar, and Robbie ordered them shots, to which tasted so much like juice, Josh knew it was dangerous. Maya's eyes got wide. "That was good!"

She ordered herself one of her normal drinks and hit the dance floor. Josh followed her out where he could see her move. He had thought about letting her do her own thing, but then remembered that this was Maya. Sexy Maya, that could possibly kill any guy with a dangerous look. She cried in laughter at the music, and Holland joined her on the floor. The girls danced around while Josh and Robbie slowly got into the beat.

Soon enough the boys had were dancing along with the girls, singing to to music. Robbie had found a couple girls who were dancing with him, and while on of them was looking at Josh, he turned to Maya who pulled him in close.

Josh remembered the last time they danced together in a setting similar to this. Prom night. The night he asked her to be his girlfriend. But they were surrounded by chaperones monitoring their every move, making sure that they weren't doing anything too dirty. Sure there were house parties, but those hardly consisted of dancing.

Tonight, they weren't being supervised and the way Maya rolled her body against Josh, made him thank this night for no rules. She turned to put her back against him and rolled her body again, rubbing him in a place where he knew eventually he would have to pay for it later, but he didn't care at the moment. Josh couldn't remember how much he had drank before, for he wasn't drunk, but he could feel the buzz, the great feeling of relief and no worry, about other people, his job, what he would have to do tomorrow. Nothing, but this moment right here.

He grabbed her hips, remembering the first time she did this, to which he was surprised at how well she could dance. But this moment was nothing compared to prom. The feeling of her against him was like electricity, making him flash to thoughts that he probably shouldn't be having. But he naturally rolled himself against her, and she pressed harder.

When the next song came on, she turned to him and got in very close, pecking his lips softly. They danced around each other after that for what seemed like hours. Josh and Robbie screamed out in song, jumping up and down, starting mosh pit in the middle of the floor. Maya and Holland and one of the girls Robbie was dancing with, because their hype squad. Josh let out a cry of laughter. This night was a night he wanted to remember forever.

Around 2 AM, they all stumbled out of the bar, walking down the road. Josh had ordered an Uber that would be there any minute. Holland and Maya exchanged numbers and Snapchats, and Josh thanked Robbie for a fun nigh on the town. "Nashville is awesome. I had a blast tonight. Thank you."

"No problem man, I'll let you know when I'm in New York next. You and Maya will have to come visit us in Florida too."

Josh nodded. "I am so down for the beach. Let's plan soon."

Once Robbie and Holland started walking north, toward the car that was picking them up. Josh and Maya walked across the street to better access their Uber that would be showing up in the next five minutes.

Maya looked up at her boyfriend, with those alluring eyes. She stepped back and sized Josh up. Checking him out. Then she placed her hands on his chest and moved them down. He was sweaty and probably smelled like it too, but she didn't look phased. Her fingers looped around his two belt loops on either side of his button, and she pulled on them. He suddenly felt uncomfortable in his jeans. "You are so sexy."

Josh let out a breath he was holding and just before he could finish his thought, the car pulled up. "Joshua?" The driver asked.

Maya gave him an unknown look, before turning to the driver. "Yes." She climbed into the back seat and Josh did so as well.

The drive back to the hotel was only about ten minutes, but Josh constantly shifted to adjust himself. It didn't help that Maya had her hand on his leg like she always did, rubbing her thumb across the inner part of his thigh right above his knee. He really wished he she was touching his bare skin.

When they arrived to the hotel, they walked into the lobby and headed for the elevator. The hotel was quiet, except the sound of the waterfall in the atrium, that left released a calm vibe.

While in the elevator, Maya glanced over at Josh. He glanced over at her. Tension in the air was building and he could tell that she probably was feeling that same sensation.

They reached their floor and made their way to the room. When they got inside, Josh shut the door behind them. Maya took of her jacket and her boots he did the same along with his beanie. Maya looked over at Josh who was struggling to get one of the buttons undone from his shirt. She walked over and helped him. Instead of doing just one, she did another and slowly all of them. Never did her eyes leave his, until his shirt was lying on the ground.

She started at his bare chest. Josh's heart skipped a beat, but it's not like she had never seen it before. This time felt different. Her fingers grazed the tattoo on his chest. The one he got over the summer. She moved down to the first one he had ever gotten, on his side where his huge scar was. Her eyes met his again and she stood on the tips of her toes to kiss him. He sighed into the kiss, making it deeper.

Maya back away for a moment so Josh could help her take her long-sleeve shirt off, then it was right back to his lips, but again not for long, she moved them over his jaw line and to his neck, causing him to let out a light moan. He couldn't help but find her dominance sexy. Her lips came back up to his and he picked her up and turned to pin her against the wall. She cupped his face to hers, deepening the kiss, their lips moving in harmony. She bit his bottom lip and let go coming up for air, and he too his chance to kiss her neck, causing her to roll her head back. He pressed against her and she pulled his face back to look at him.

He knew she could feel him against her and let out a giggle. Josh gave a face that said, 'why did we stop,' and he let her down. He backed away from her and she checked him out, her eyes stopping at the area slightly lower than his waist. Maybe she could tell that he was nervous or, embarrassed (which he honestly didn't know why he felt that way), because she looked up for a moment, and then bit her lip, also nervous.

She unbuttoned her jeans and slid them down and soon they were off. They had gotten to the point before where she was shirtless with just her bra. After all they had been daring for a year now. But now she was standing in front of him in just her undergarments.

Josh blinked and unbuttoned his own pants and took them off. Normally he was a boxers guy, to which Maya had seen him in only that before, but recently he had been wearing briefs, like tonight. So, to say that things were tight and very outlined, was an understatement.

Maya approached him and his heart rate picked up. He chewed the inside of his lip, due to nerves. Her fingers stroked the hairs right below his belly button, down to the band of his briefs. Then she moved her hands behind her in attempt to unbutton her bra. "You mind helping me with this?" She asked softly.

He stared at her, while she turned around for him. He unclasped her bra and it fell to the ground. He anticipated for her to face him, but she didn't instead she started walking towards the bathroom. "Where are you going?" He asked, amused.

"To take shower," she stated.

Annoyed he sighed. "You're such a tease."

She stopped at the door, and slightly turned, her long blonde hair falling all around her shoulders. "You gonna join me, or not?"

He almost swore he stopped breathing, but she walked through the door and turned the shower on. Josh bit his lip then smiled, and made his way to the door.

A/N: Little steamy there towards the end. I wanted to give you guys some serious fluff. I'm not into writing anything too well, smutty. Because I like to give details and those are just too, well personal. Anyway, I hope you all have enjoyed this long chapter. I spent a lot of time thinking about what direction I wanted to go with each character, as well as how I wanted the year to end. Next chapter will change the game. It'll be a good one though.