by L A Cotton
“I mean, did you see the guy go down? I thought Maverick was going to—”
“Babe.” I found Laurie’s legs under the water and spread them open, pushing my body against hers. She gasped, staring at me with desire in her eyes. “Stop. Talking.” Leaning down, I sucked her bottom lip into my mouth with a pop.
“Kyle.” My name sounded like a prayer on her lips. “Are you sure this is hygienic?”
“Oh my god, Laurie, babe.” I dropped my head in the crook of her neck. “Stop talking.”
“What? I’m just saying—Oh...”
I grabbed the back of her thigh and pushed inside her, dragging her body down on my dick.
“Now, do you want to continue to talk about hot tub hygiene, or do you want me to move?”
“M- move.” Her voice shook as her fingers found their way to the back of my neck, playing with the strands of hair there.
I pulled out of her slowly, sucking on the sensitive skin of her neck, before rolling my hips forward again.
“Oh shit, Kyle, it feels so...”
“Ssh.” I clamped my hand over her mouth, bringing my lips to her ear. “You’re going to have to keep it down, babe.” She wiggled above me, telling me what she needed. But I knew.
I always knew.
Spinning us in the water, I dropped down onto the submerged seat and let her take control. Laurie rocked back and forth, her head tipped back, tits begging for attention. Leaning forward, I flicked my tongue over one of the rosy pink buds, drawing it into my mouth and sucking hard. Laurie bucked off me, but I steadied her with my hand on her waist. My hips pumped upward, meeting her thrust for thrust until we found the perfect rhythm. Feeling myself begin to shatter, I removed my hand from her mouth and swallowed her moans with my lips.
I felt the exact moment Laurie came. Her body coiled tight and went lax as she clamped down around me, pulling my own release from me.
“Holy fuck,” I ground out, peppering her face with kisses. “That was intense.”
“Let’s do it again,” she giggled, her voice heavy with lust.
“I might need a minute or two.”
She wrapped herself around me like a spider monkey and let out a contented sigh. “I love you, Kyle Stone.”
“I love you too, babe.” The words got stuck in my throat.
Laurie peeled back, frowning at me. “What’s wrong?”
“Wrong? Nothing, I’m just shattered.”
“Me too.” Laurie smiled around a long yawn. “Take me to bed now?”
“Kyle,” she added when I didn’t reply. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Like what?” I played dumb.
“I don’t know, like you’re plotting something.”
“Because I am.” I dug my fingers into her waist and tickled. “I’m plotting all the ways I can make you scream my name tonight.”
Laurie’s eyes narrowed. “You’re hiding something.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said, when really I was thinking: if only you knew.
MY EYES FLICKERED OPEN to find Laurie staring down at me. “Good morning.”
“Hmm, hey,” I murmured. “What time is it?”
“Early. I couldn’t sleep.”
“You went and cleaned up the hot tub, didn’t you?” I rose a brow, and her cheeks flushed.
“Maybe. I just didn’t want anyone to go in there.”
“God, I love you.” I pulled her down for a kiss. “But I was hoping Jack would pay the hot tub a visit before we cleaned it out.”
“Kyle, don’t be mean.”
I shrugged. “What? The guy’s—”
“Your sister’s boyfriend. You need to cut him some slack.”
“I’ll cut him some slack when he proves himself worthy of her.”
“And how is he supposed to do that?” It was Laurie’s turn to frown.
“I don’t know, but he could start by being less... annoying.”
“He’s just nervous. You and Maverick don’t exactly make things easy for him.”
“We didn’t make things easy for Nick either, but he survived.”
“She’s not a child, Kyle. You’ve got to let her grow up one day.”
Throwing back the cover, I swung my legs off the bed and sat up. Laurie draped her arm over my shoulder and laid her head there. “I don’t want to argue,” she said.
“Neither do I. Not after last night. I’m hoping for a repeat tonight.” I waggled my brows and she nipped my earlobe.
“Well, I was thinking we could try out the salt room tonight.”
“I’m not sure all that dry heat would be good for... you know.”
Hooking her leg around me, Laurie maneuvered herself into my lap, her center grazing my morning wood. “Well, you’ll just have to make sure I’m really, really wet then, won’t you?”
“Is that a challenge?”
“Do you think you’re up to it?”
“With you?” I asked. “Always.”
She grinned, pecking my lips. “I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas. I thought I’d feel weird about not spending it with my parents, but I don’t. Not even a little bit. Is that weird?”
“Do you want to know what I think?”
Laurie nodded.
“I think it doesn’t feel weird because the holidays are about being with family. And you have all the family you need right here.” I grabbed one of her hands and pressed it to my chest, right where my heart lay.
“Sometimes, Kyle August Stone.” Her expression softened. “You know exactly the right thing to say.”
“MORNING, DAD.”
“You’re up early, Son,” Dad said, flicking through some papers on the counter.
“I thought it was supposed to be a work-free vacation?” My brows quirked up.
“Don’t tell Rebecca, she’ll never let me hear the end of it. I promised—”
“Sheesh, Dad, you should know better than to make promises you can’t keep.”
“You’re supposed to be on my side,” he said around a smile.
I grabbed a banana from the fruit bowl and started peeling. “What can I say, I’m a fickle guy.”
He paused, his eyes set right on me, and I inclined my head under the weight of his stare. “Dad?”
“I’m proud of you, kid. You know that, right?”
“It’s no surprise, I am the shit.”
“Kyle, can you be serious for just one second?”
My shoulders lifted as I shoved half the banana into my mouth.
“And could you try to eat less like a pig?”
“Sorry,” I mumbled around the mouthful of fruit.
“College is good? You’re keeping up with classes? It’s important you have a plan B, Kyle.”
“I don’t need a Plan B, Dad. I’m going all the way to the NFL.”
“I really hope you do, Son, but having a plan B is smart. The competition is—”
Rolling my hands over the counter, I inhaled deeply. “The plan is football.” I needed it like I needed air. There wasn’t room to focus on anything else. No plan Bs or Cs. As far as I was concerned, my future was a sure thing. Football and Laurie.
“You’re young, Kyle. Things change. People change. I’m just saying, it’s okay to consider another path.”
“And I appreciate the pep talk, old man, but I have a plan. You don’t need to worry about me, Dad.”
“Hey.” He shot me a Dad look. “Less of the old man. There’s still some years left in me yet.”
“So you’ll come tobogganing with us later then?”
“I’m not sure—”
I got up and went around to him, squeezing his shoulders. “You’re going down, old man.” Laughter rumbled in my chest as I left him sitting there and went in search of the one thing that could erase the sting of Dad’s earlier words.
Chapter 6
Lo
“Happy Christmas Eve.” Maverick’s lips traced up my neck, pulling me from my dreams.
> “Good morning.” I buried my hands deep into his hair, anchoring him to me, never wanting to let go. “How’s your head?”
I’d left him, Kyle, Devon, and Nick out on the deck last night, drinking beer and playing cards. I don’t know what time he’d finally crawled into bed beside me, but his cold hands had woken me as they lazily explored my skin.
Heat flashed through me at the memory of his drunken kisses and dirty words. Sober Maverick had no issue telling me what he wanted to do to my body, but drunk Maverick? Drunk Maverick was a whole other ball game. The delicious aches deep inside were a reminder of that.
He flopped back onto his pillow with a pained groan. “I blame Kyle. He made us play shot poker.”
“Made you play? I’ve never known anyone make you do anything you didn’t want to.” I hovered over him, peppering his jaw with kisses.
“You,” he sighed. “You can make me do whatever you want me to.”
My tired eyes softened with love as I stared down at him, all tousled hair and cute frown. “Maverick...” I lowered my eyes, the intensity in his almost too much to bear.
“Don’t do that.” His fingers slid underneath my chin. “Don’t ever shy away from me. You own me, Lo. Heart, body, and soul. You know that, right?”
Unshed tears glossed my eyes. Something was different about him since I moved to SU. We were great, we laughed and had fun together. Living with Maverick was as easy as breathing. But over the last month or so, I felt him watching me. I didn’t think he was having second thoughts, but something was different.
“You’d tell me, wouldn’t you, if something was wrong?”
Alarm flooded his expression as he shuffled up against the headboard. “Wrong? You think something’s wrong?” He swallowed hard. “Shit, Lo, I—”
“Come on, lovebirds.” Kyle’s voice filtered into the room followed by a loud rap on the door. “Breakfast is on the table, and Dad is asking questions. If you don’t want him to come snooping, I suggest you get out here.”
“Fuck,” Maverick breathed, and I shot him a bemused look.
“Guess we’d better get dressed.” I started to climb off the bed, but he snagged my wrist and pulled me back down to him. “Eloise Stone, I love you. I love you so fucking much.” He pressed a single tender kiss to my lips. My brows knitted together as I stared at him. I wanted to push him, to make him tell me what was wrong. But I’d learned not to push Maverick. He would come to me when he was ready.
And I’d be there.
I would always be there.
“THIS IS REALLY GOOD, Mrs. Stone.” Nick shoveled another forkful of eggs into his mouth.
“I make a mean omelet.” My grandma beamed proudly as she hovered by the table, making sure everyone had enough to eat.
“How was your night?” Dad asked.
“Ask Rick,” Kyle said. “Something wrong with your eggs?”
Maverick grew tense beside me and I was almost sure I caught him mouth ‘fuck off’ to my cousin.
“We may have gotten a little carried away Mr. Stone,” Devon offered.
“Rob, please call me Rob, Son.” Dad leaned back in his chair. “We were that age once, Gentry. I can remember it like it was yesterday.”
A chorus of groans filled the room, and Dad frowned. “What?”
“Not another ‘when we were young’ story, Uncle Rob. I think I’ve heard enough of yours and Dad’s escapades to last me a lifetime.”
“They have a point, Son,” Grandma Beatrice said finally taking her seat. “Now everyone eat up. We’ve been here three days and have hardly spent any time together.”
“Grandma B, I offered to take you out on the slopes.”
“Hush now, I’m too old for all that nonsense. But this evening, we’re eating as a family. All of us.”
“And tomorrow we’re spending the day together.” Rebecca smiled warmly. “Beatrice, Stella, and I will be cooking, but girls, we might need help setting the table and making dessert.”
“Sure thing Mrs. ... Rebecca.” Laurie flushed.
“I thought we could have breakfast and then open gifts.”
“Gifts?” Kyle’s eyes grew to saucers. “We were supposed to bring gifts?”
“Very funny, Kyle.”
“I’m not kidding, Momma P. No one told me we were bringing gifts.”
Rebecca’s brows knitted together, and I snickered. “He’s joking, Rebecca.” I inclined my head. “Right, Kyle?”
“Guess only time will tell.” He stuck his tongue out at me when a little voice piped up, “You’d better have brought gifts, you owe me something good.”
“Santa brings your gifts, short stuff.”
“Santa smanta, you owe me, Stone.” Beth narrowed her eyes. “I clearly remember it. I walked in on you and Laurie—”
Kyle started fake choking on his eggs and Laurie grabbed him the jug of water, her cheeks a dark tint of pink.
“He promised,” Beth huffed, and I leaned around Maverick and whispered, “I’m sure he’s got you something good.”
“You think?”
“I’m almost certain.” My eyes slid over to Kyle and he rubbed the back of his head.
“Well then,”—my dad stood up and clinked his glass—“If that’s settled, I’d just like to take this opportunity to make an announcement.”
“Robert,” Stella hissed through a forced smile. “Do you really think now is the time?”
“Time for what?” Beth asked.
Maverick’s hand dipped under the table and found mine, squeezing gently. But surprisingly, I was okay.
“Last night, I asked Stella to be my wife, and she said yes.” Dad beamed, and it was hard to feel anything but happy for him.
“You’re getting married?”
“We are, sweetheart.” Dad offered Beth a warm smile. “Is that okay?”
“Do I get to be a bridesmaid?”
Stella leaned over and took her daughter’s hand in hers. “We haven’t made any arrangements yet, sweetheart, but of course you will.”
“Hells yeah.”
“Bethany!”
“What? I’m excited. I’ve never been a bridesmaid before. And Lo, Lo will be a bridesmaid too, right?”
“I...” My throat closed up.
“What do you say, sweetheart? Are you up to the task?”
Maverick grew oddly tense beside me. “I would be honored.” My gaze lingered on Dad’s before moving to Stella. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” she mouthed before leaving the table. When she returned, something on her finger was glistening, and all the women swarmed her for a look at the ring while Dad shared handshakes and hugs with the men.
I slipped out of the room and onto the deck. I wasn’t there for more than a few seconds before strong arms wrapped around my waist. “Are you okay?”
“I will be,” I said. “Did you see how happy he is?”
“He’s not replacing your mum, Lo.”
“I know that.” I turned in Maverick’s arms. “I just...”
“You just what?” His eyes searched mine for answers I didn’t yet have.
“Kiss me. Kiss me and make it all go away. Just for a little while.”
Maverick closed the distance between us, brushing his lips over mine. Once. Twice. His tongue licked the seam of my mouth gently pushing inside. With Maverick by my side, I could survive anything. He was my rock.
My reason.
I pulled away suddenly, “I hope she doesn’t make me wear anything hideous.”
“Lo.” He smiled, his eyes twinkling with love. “You could wear a burlap sack and still be the most beautiful girl in the room.”
“You, Maverick Prince, are a charmer.”
“That’s what all the girls say.” He smirked, and I punched his stomach through his sweater.
“And who knows, maybe I’ll catch the bouquet.” The words spilled out before I could stop them, and I closed my eyes with mortification. We’d never talked about marriage like that. We wer
e still young. We had our whole lives ahead of us.
Maverick didn’t say anything and I when I finally cracked my eyes open, I half-expected to see him as white as a ghost. But he was staring at me with that strange look again. “I was joking,” I laughed it off. “It was a joke.”
“Come here.” He wrapped me back in his arms and settled his chin on the top of my head, and we stood there in silence, watching as the snow began to fall.
THERE WAS SOMETHING magical about Lake Tahoe at Christmas. Maybe it was the snow, or the twinkle of the lights strung up around the resort, or maybe it was the candles flickering in windows, or the soft Christmas music playing out of hidden speakers. But I felt like I was in the middle of a holiday movie.
“You have that look,” Laurie said as we walked arm-in-arm down the street.
“What look?”
“That dreamy-eyed loved-up look.”
“It’s this place,” I sighed. “It’s something else.”
“Yeah, it is kind of romantic.”
“It hurts my eyes,” Kiera grumbled from behind us, and I glanced over my shoulder, scrunching my nose up at her.
“It’s not that bad.”
Her brow rose, and Macey snickered. “I prefer the beach.”
“Of course, you do.” Laurie squeezed my arm and rolled her eyes, mimicking Macey. “Do you think the guys are okay?”
“It’s only tobogganing, what’s the worst that can happen?”
We all looked at Summer who lowered her eyes. “I take that back.”
“Uncle Gentry and my dad will make sure they don’t do anything stupid,” I said as we stopped at a food cart to get hot chocolates. I stayed back, letting Laurie and Summer order for us.
“How are you?” I asked Kiera.
“Okay, I guess.” Her eyes darted around me. “Thank you, for doing that for me.”
Guilt cinched my chest. I’d broken my promise and told Maverick her secret. But I knew he wouldn’t break my trust. “Kiera, are you sure—”
“Hey, I got your hot chocolates.” Macey handed us each a cup. I thanked her and wandered back over to Laurie and Summer. Kiera wouldn’t open up to me with Macey around. And I didn’t blame her—Macey was a force to be reckoned with. But part of me couldn’t help wonder if Kiera and Trey could work things out. After all, none of our relationships had come easy. Me and Maverick. Laurie and Kyle. Macey and Devon. Even Summer and Nick had had their fair share of ups and downs.