<p>you was accustomed to socializing frequently with friends, but they had never encountered such aggressive behavior from so many men. It seemed abnormal, as if some contagion was influencing their behavior.</p> <p>Adrienne often intervened to shield you from unwanted attention, but navigating the crowded party made it easy to become disoriented once more.</p> <p>Eventually, Adrienne reached her limit.</p> <p>&quot;Hey,&quot; Adrienne announced emphatically, stepping before you and fixing a stern look on the persistent man trying to approach. &quot;Find another place to grind, buddy. You're harassing my girlfriend, acting like a damn horny mutt.&quot;</p> <p>With a protective gesture, Adrienne encircled you's waist with her arm, drawing them close to underscore the point. Despite the fact they weren't a couple, Adrienne's charade was necessary.</p> <p>&quot;Sure,&quot; the man scoffed, dismissing them with an eye roll. &quot;Heard that one before.&quot;</p> <p>Irritated, Adrienne impulsively turned to you, grasped their cheeks, and pressed their mouths together in a sloppy kiss, their senses dulled by the alcohol.</p> <p>The kiss extended until Adrienne broke it for a breath, realizing the man had disappeared. Shocked, she gazed down at you, processing the fact that she had just passionately kissed her best friend—and enjoyed it. Her lips buzzed, heat filled her face, and a fluttering sensation overwhelmed her stomach and heart.</p> <p>&quot;Sorry!&quot; Adrienne exclaimed, jerking back and covering her mouth with her hand, her face alight with embarrassment. &quot;I shouldn't have done that—damn, I'm really sorry.&quot;</p>