Welcome Back

"Sure" Lizzie said, leading the group out of Navy Pier. She spotted a carriage parked not too far from the entrance and waived to the horseman. He smiled and tipped his hat, opening the door to his carriage. Lizzie got in first and Serena hopped in beside her.

Mitchell and Jake looked at each other, then back at the girls. Serena saw their puzzled expressions and got up to sit across from her friend. She smiled at Mitchell and patted the seat next to her. He climbed up and sat close, touching her leg with his own.

Jake sat next to Lizzie, careful to leave enough space between them. She cut her eyes at him, and then shot a look over to Mitchell. "Too romantic for you?" Serena narrowed her eyes at Lizzie who began to shift in her seat before relaxing.

Serena suddenly brightened her expression as she began to look around her. She looked over at Mitchell and smiled. "What a beautiful city. It's so big." She said with her eyes wide.

"Isn't Miami big?"

"Yes" she answered "But it's much more open. I feel like I could actually get lost here. Besides, downtown doesn't appeal to me that much. I prefer the beach."

Lizzie rolled her eyes at the pair. "Where should we go?" she asked.

"I don't know. You two are the natives" Serena replied

"How about we just ride?" Jake asked. "Lizzie and I can show you the places we each find interesting." He looked directly at Lizzie awaiting her reply.

"Sure" she said. Mitchell leaned back and rested his arm on the carriage just behind Serena. She grabbed his hand and placed it on her shoulder. He pulled her closer, and the ride began.

*****

Mitch looked at Serena with sadness in his eyes, knowing he was responsible for the pain in hers. He cursed himself for not keeping his distance with Lizzie. She was a coldhearted witch. He had taken an instant dislike to the girl, and was having a hard time believing she and Serena were actually friends. He figured he would at least be cordial with her if he wanted any chance to get closer to Serena. Instead he fell into her trap.

"I do love you Serena. Believe it or not. I honestly do. You're all I think about, and I want you to know that I will do everything I can to prove it."

"Can you prove to me that I didn't see you kissing my childhood friend in the hallway of her apartment right after you had spent the entire night with me? I believed you before that, Mitchell. Now I don't know what to believe. Why did you come for me? Why couldn't you accept the fact that I never wanted to see you again?" Her bottom lip quivered, and she began biting it furiously.

He took one careful step towards her. "How else could I talk to you? For almost two years, you avoided me. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't lose you."

She was silent for a while then let out a soft sigh. Lizzie told her he came on to her, and had been trying to flirt with her for some time. "What exactly happened that day?"

"Will you come closer?" he pleaded, reaching out his hand. She walked to the lifeguard tower and sat on a step, placing her heels beside her. He followed, and stood in front of her.

"She lied to you, Serena"

***

Early in the morning while leaving Serena's room, Mitch bumped into Lizzie in the hallway.

"Sorry, Lizzie", he said as he started to step around her.

"Ugh!" she grunted, giving him a cold look. "Why are you here?" she asked harshly.

"Really?" He responded, looking at her puzzled. "You know I came here with Serena. I have to go though, so if you don't mind..." He attempted to step to the side, but she mimicked his movements.

"Listen, I know you don't like me. I'm trying really hard to be nice, but I can't do that with you in my way", he said raising his voice.

Lizzie raised her eyebrows. "I'm in your way? You're in my apartment!" she stepped closer.

"Move!" he said, placing his hands on her shoulders. Before he could take a step, she was pressing her lips to his.

Mitch was stunned for a moment before he realized the door behind him had opened. He pushed Lizzie away and turned to see the tears filling his love's eyes.

"I-It's not how it looks, Serena. We weren't kissing"

"Oh really?" Lizzie asked in surprise.

"I wasn't kissing you back, bitch!" he yelled.

Serena stood silently. When he reached out to touch her, she recoiled in anger. She stepped back into the room and slammed the door, locking it in place.

Mitch turned back to Lizzie and felt anger coursing through his veins. "You crazy bitch!" He screamed "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Don't blame this on me, asshole!" She screamed back "Get out of my apartment, or I'll call the police!"

He stepped forward, ready to grab her by her throat when he heard Serena opening the door again. "Just go" she said in a shaky voice.

He turned to speak but the door was already closed. He calmed his temper before turning back to Lizzie. She stepped back in fear, but was left standing in shock as he turned and walked out of the hall. Moments later he opened the front door and slammed it violently.

The day after, Serena was gone from his life. She didn't return any of his calls and he didn't know if he would ever see her again.

***

Serena sat silently as Mitchell recalled the events of their last day together. She felt her eyes welling up as she saw the pain that was written on his face. She wanted to believe him. She knew Lizzie had a mean side to her, but was she really capable of ripping the happiness right out of Serena's life?

Without speaking, she stood. She gently cupped his cheeks, and pulled his face to hers, stopping just before their lips met. She stared into his eyes and whispered "I forgive you".

She closed the distance between them with a sweet peck on Mitchell's lips before pulling away. He looked into her eyes blinking slowly. "I meant what I said, Serena. I love you."

Her heart soared and she felt herself falling into his arms. "I love you too" she said in a low voice. If he hadn't stiffened at her words, she wouldn't have known he heard her. She looked up to find him returning her gaze. He smiled slowly and she lifted up on her toes to kiss him. She started with small kisses barely grazing his lips. Following her lead he began rubbing her lower back.

Feeling his hand on her exposed skin, Serena parted her lips slowly, licking his. She felt his tongue explore hers cautiously, before plunging fully into her mouth.

He reached his hand down to her ass pulling her closer. She replied with a sensuous moan, fisting his wavy locks with one hand and placing the other firmly around his neck.

Mitchell began to pull away and Serena tightened her grip. He let out a hiss and placed both hands firmly on her hips, preparing to use full force. "Not here" he said against her lips. "Not now".

Serena groaned her displeasure as she allowed him to separate their embrace. She lowered herself and looked up at him, sucking her lower lip. She smiled for a brief moment. "You know, you're still the only guy I have to kiss on my tip toes."

"Short bastards" he replied with a smirk. Then his expression saddened. "But seriously, don't mention other guys to me okay? I've had a hard enough time trying not to think about you in another man's arms."

Serena felt an instant twinge of guilt in the pit of her stomach. She had spent plenty of nights trying to dissolve her memories of Mitchell with other men.

"I do want you" He began, breaking the awkward silence. "Just not here. If we're going to reconcile, it needs to be at the proper place and time."

"How about we go back to my place?" She said seriously.

****

Mitch still had his hands on Serena's hips as he stared at her in disbelief. Was she really inviting him to her bed so soon? He was more than ready to spend any amount of time and energy he could to win her over. He chuckled nervously, thinking she was joking.

"I'm serious" She replied to the questions in his mind. "I don't need to think about it. I want you as much as you want me, Mitchell."

He grinned mischievously and picked her up, pulling her into another embrace. She responded by wrapping her long legs around his waist. He kissed her deeply and passionately. He moved his lips down to her neck and began kissing and sucking on the tender spot below her ear. She moaned out her approval of his actions. He moved his hand from her hips to grab her ass, and gave it a firm squeeze.

Just as she began grinding her hips to the rhythm of his touch, he released her from his grasp, leaving her clinging to his still frame. She let out a frustrated growl and looked angrily into his eyes.

"Not here, remember?" He was teasing her, and he was enjoying every second of it. She climbed down from him and picked up her heels, making her way off the beach. He grabbed her from behind, and walked with her, kissing her neck with each step.

Once they reached the opening to the walkway, he released his grip so she could put on her heels. He watched as she slowly bent over to slide one then the other onto her feet. She glanced back slightly, then straightened her posture and headed onto the sidewalk.

'So she thinks she's going to tease me now?' Mitch chuckled to himself at the thought of how much fun he would have with her.

Once she reached the curb, Serena looked back at Mitch and reached her hand out to him. He felt another flutter and smiled at her gesture. He took her hand and laced their fingers before kissing her knuckles lightly.

She led him back across the street and into the bar where Katy and Jake were sitting side by side. Katy was eyeing Jake hungrily and rubbing his knee. They both looked up at the same time, and Mitch smiled triumphantly at his brother. Jake returned his smile and raised his eyebrows with a nod towards Katy.

"Well that didn't take long" Katy said to the couple in front of her. "Did you have time to remove your shorts or did you just pull them to the side?"

Serena playfully slapped her friend on the shoulder. "We just talked."

"Mmhmm" Katy replied, attempting to stifle a smile as she glanced down at their joined hands.

Mitch decided to intercede. "Serena has invited me to come over."

"Oh did she now?" Katy asked feigning surprise. "Did she tell you we were roommates?"

"No I didn't. Is that okay with you, mother?" Serena chimed in.

"Its just fine dear" Katy replied mockingly.

"So shall we go?" Jake asked, addressing the entire group. Mitch looked at him in surprise. Jake mirrored his expression and turned to Katy. She stood from her seat and took her friend by the arm. "Follow us. I drive pretty fast, so try to keep up"

Serena looked back to Mitch and mouthed 'sorry' as her friend guided her out to their car. He wanted to take her in his car, but he knew he couldn't interfere with Katy's obvious need for girl talk.

****

Once they were in the car, Katy couldn't keep her eyes on the road. She kept stealing glances at Serena, who was lost in her own thoughts, but vaguely aware of Katy's glare.

"What, Katy?" She finally said smiling sheepishly.

"Oh you know what. How was it?"

"I told you we just talked". She paused to think and decided to add "and kissed".

Katy turned her head quickly to her friend then back to the road, trying her best to focus. "Dammit Serena, you should have said that before! So, are you two working things out, or is this a farewell fuck?"

Serena rolled her eyes at her friends questions, but she had no intention of keeping secrets.

"He told me he loves me." Katy's eyes widened and she tightened her grip on the steering wheel. They sat in silence as Katy anxiously waited to hear what happened next. "And I said it back", Serena said silently.

"Ho-ly shit! Serena, I swear I'm gonna crash! You can't just drop a fucking bomb like that while I'm driving! I'm gonna kick your ass later! You just watch!"

Serena giggled as she watched Katy struggle to keep her composure while driving.

"So what about that Lizzie slut? You haven't talked to her since it all happened right?"

"No" Serena replied solemnly. "And I haven't wanted to. Even if he was interested in her, a real friend would not have done what she did" She paused. "Let's not talk about her, okay? We have the most handsome men in the world coming home with us and we are going to have an amazing night. I just know it."

"We damn well better or we will have to 'return to sender' their asses" Katy said with a laugh. Serena smiled at her, knowing she was serious.

Katy turned the corner onto their street, and checked her mirror for their tail. "He's not going anywhere Katy" Serena teased. She enjoyed seeing Katy flustered at the sight of Jake and instantly liked the idea of them together.

Katy rolled her eyes as she pulled into their driveway. She waited for the vehicle behind them to pull up before turning off her car. The ladies exited the car and heard a loud whisper come from behind them.

"Nice place" Jake exclaimed.

"Thanks" Katy replied, mimicking his tone.

Serena watched as Mitchell walked slowly towards her, looking into her eyes before pulling her into his arms and kissing her passionately. She knew Katy and Jake were watching, so she pulled away and grabbed his hand.

"Not here", she teased.

She led him to the front door and they followed Katy and Jake inside. The ladies stopped by the front door to remove their shoes and placed them on a nearby bench along with their purses. The men followed their lead and kicked off their shoes.

They walked down the hall into a large living area with modern looking furniture and a small painted fireplace.

Katy headed towards the kitchen. Serena smiled at the guys, taking Mitchell's hand once again. She led them towards the back of the house to a room that was enclosed by glass doors draped with sheer curtains. The center of the room had what looked like a large leather sofa that doubled as a bed with oversized pillows. It was had three high sides and looked big enough to comfortably seat ten people. On the far wall facing the sofa, was a flat screen TV.

Serena used her free hand to pick up a remote from a nearby table and turn on the TV. The screen flashed to horror movie that was somewhere towards its climax. She scrunched her face up at the sight, but said nothing.

She turned to head towards the kitchen with Katy "Make yourselves comfortable" She stated before leaving the room.

***

Mitch sat on the sofa, pressing his back on the nearest side and stretched his legs onto the cushion. Jake stood, squinting in the dim lighting to see the different movie posters lining each wall of the room.

"Wine anyone?" Katy called as she walked into the room. She had brought enough glasses for everyone as if she already knew the answer to her question. Serena followed behind her, holding up a bottle of merlot as if she were selling the product. Katy handed a glass to Jake and Serena poured his wine. They turned to Mitch, and he took the glass eyeing them both suspiciously.

"Yes, Mitch. We do plan on getting you drunk and having our way with you, so if you're not DTF get out now." Katy stated.

Serena giggled as she stepped up to him and poured wine into his glass. "She's only slightly joking" She said.

"Don't worry, Katy. I plan on making sure your neighbors file a noise complaint." He replied, keeping his eyes on Serena.

Katy laughed out loud. "Well let's hope so. You've got a reputation to live up to", she countered. Serena stepped back and poured wine into the two glasses in Katy's hand before taking one.

Mitch lifted his eyebrows in surprise and looked over to Serena who was setting down the bottle. He narrowed his eyes at her when she looked up at him. He was definitely going to remember that.

She made her way over to him and bent down to whisper in his ear. "I may have told Katy everything we did in Chicago" She stated innocently.

"And now she'll hear it first hand" He whispered. He watched her shiver and look up to him with wide eyes. He felt his cock pulse as she swayed towards him. He grabbed her by the waist and lightly brushed her hair behind her ear. "I mean it Serena. I will have you screaming my name tonight if it's the last thing I do."

He watched her shiver again before gulping down her merlot. He followed her lead and she took his glass and placed it beside hers on the nearest table.

Mitch moved towards the back wall of the giant sofa and lay on his back. He propped his head on a pillow and reached out for Serena to join him. She lowered herself onto his body, positioning her legs between his and placing her head on his chest.

"What do you call this thing anyways?" He asked.

"It's a movie pit sofa" She giggled. "I saw it on Pinterest and just had to have one."

"Yeah and she wouldn't leave me alone about the damn thing either" Katy added. "Although I don't know how we ever watched movies without it." She finished up her wine and placed it on the table with the other empty glasses and headed around to the other end of the sofa. She sat in the corner opposite Mitch and Serena, smiling at them warmly.

Mitch looked over at Jake who was sipping his half empty glass of wine, letting his eyes roam around the room. He looked to the vintage pinball machine in the back and over to the foosball table beside it. While scanning the walls, his eyes met Mitch's.

Mitch flashed his eyes over to Katy, then back to his friend. He didn't know why Jake had been so friendly with her on the beach, but was suddenly so apprehensive about being near her now.

"Seriously Jake?" Serena called breaking the silence. She decided to sit up to speak. "You're making this awkward. Can you finish already? Everyone else is sitting down."

"Well my dear, we're not exactly sitting" Mitch replied, pulling her back down with him and pressing his lips firmly against hers. Hopefully she would take the hint and shut up. He knew Jake was having a hard enough time without her prodding him.

"Kitty won't bite unless you ask her to" Katy said with a smirk.

"Oh don't mind me I'm just admiring the setup you ladies have here. It's like a bachelor pad." Jake replied nonchalantly.

Katy giggled. "Almost. It's a bachelorette pad."

Jake laughed and finished off the merlot. Katy jumped up and took his glass from him before pushing him down onto the sofa. She placed the glass with the others and sat beside him. They both sat with their backs against the pillows, legs outstretched.

Serena groaned in protest as she pulled away from Mitch and looked over to her friend. "What should we watch?" she asked.

"Does it matter?" Katy responded rolling her eyes.

"Not really. As long as it's not this." Serena stated motioning towards the scene on the TV. Mitch smiled at her, remembering how much she hated horror movies.

"Sweetheart how can you be a doctor if you can't stand a little blood and guts?"

She poked him in the ribs. "I'm over that. I just don't like having the living shit scared out of me for no reason. Let's watch a comedy."

"Hey Mitch" Katy called sweetly. He turned his attention to her. "Can you tone it down on the 'sweetie baby' stuff? I don't want to barf all over my sofa" She stated tartly.

Serena playfully tossed a pillow at her head. The men burst into laughter as Katy jumped up clutching the pillow ready to retaliate.

****

Serena was thoroughly enjoying herself. She had gotten Katy to concede to her in the pillow fight and she was now in Mitchell's arms. On top of it all, she had convinced everyone to watch her all time favorite movie: The Princess Bride.

She clutched at Mitchell's shirt. Her eyes were on the television screen, but her mind was focused on the thumb lightly stroking the bare skin on her lower back. She wanted him to move his hand a little lower and was pulling up his length to grant him access. Mitchell moved his large hand to cover her ass and continued his stroking. She sighed in response. He knew exactly what she wanted, and he was giving it to her.