by A. J. Logan
“Bryce says you shouldn’t get on the track again. Are you planning on it?” She waits then continues when I don’t respond. “I know it’s important to you. The car, the race, Noah … but please don’t race again. At least not until you’re thinking clearly.”
“Okay.”
“Promise me.” Her voice is strained as she demands the same request I’d made last night. Except I was asking her to promise that she’d stay with me. She’s asking me to completely change the course I’ve been barreling down for months.
“I promise.” I mean the words as I say them, but I’m not certain that I can keep the promise. I’m not certain that she’ll keep hers either. We’re both on a path that we aren’t entirely in control of.
I steer out of the apartment’s parking lot, driving down the street. I reach over, placing my hand on her thigh until we turn into Big Tobe’s parking lot. “I’ll swing by to pick you up after work.”
“Yes. Then you can take me to get my car.”
“Not tonight.”
“And why not?”
“There’s a party tonight.” Yeah. Frat parties aren’t my scene, so I understand her confusion. I’d much rather be in her bed, burying my face between her thighs than at some party with a bunch of drunk bastards. “Bryce was told it’d be the place to score some pills.”
“Oh.” Her eyes drop to her lap as she picks at her nails.
Lifting her knuckles to my mouth, I give her a soft, and hopefully reassuring, kiss that we’ll somehow get all of this figured out.
“We can just go talk to my dad. He’ll tell us whatever you need to know.” Her hesitation tells me she doesn’t believe what’s she saying. And I’m not trying to find him guilty, I’m trying to find something to prove beyond a doubt that Frank didn’t have anything to do with what happened to Noah. I want an explanation … to somehow justify why Frank is involved with the smuggling. Anything to give me a reason to veer off course and not make Frank, and Sadie, suffer. Whether Kyle has something on him or is holding someone over his head—I have to know. There has to be a way out of this that allows me to honor Noah and keep Sadie.
“He might not be able to talk, depending on who is pulling the strings. And that could put you in danger.” I’m not willing to risk it, or her, just to prove what I already know—Frank is trying to dig his way out of debt, Parker is innocent, Andrew is too far up Willow’s pussy to be involved with Noah’s death, and Kyle is guilty.
41
Sadie
Walking into Big Tobe’s feels so strange. It’s not even been a week but so much has happened.
“Sadie,” Jett calls out when I walk past the bar. Turning to him, I see he’s standing with my boss.
“Are you feeling better, Sadie?” Toby asks, flashing the warm, welcoming smile he’s known for.
“Yes sir. Much better.” In some ways. In others, not so much.
“Well, let me know if you need anything. We want you healthy and well.” Toby pats me on the shoulder as I continue walking into the back of the diner.
Soon enough, I’m feeling right back at home, shuffling around to keep up with the crowd. It’s a great distraction. I don’t have time to think about anything else other than serving my tables.
After the sudden influx of customers trickle out a little, I step to the bar and Jett slides me a lemonade. “Thank you. It’s like you can read my mind,” I joke.
“Speaking of, are you sure you’re feeling up to all this madness?” he waves around the diner as I look to the familiar setting, spotting none other than Big Tobe himself making rounds to the tables as he greets each person with a genuine smile.
“Yes. Yeah, I’m good.” I’m here with good people, friends that have become family, then I’ll get to be with Dylan tonight. Yeah. I’m really good.
“Sadie.” Jett interrupts my thoughts as I turn to him. “Did you want to hang out tonight? Catch up on all the nothing that has happened while you left me here to fend for myself,” he teases, holding his hand to his chest like his heart is hurting.
“Maybe another time. I already have plans for tonight.”
“Ah. Way to crush a man’s dreams, Sadie,” he laughs. “Your loss.”
“Yeah, whatever.” I genuinely laugh at his dramatic antics as I roll my eyes. He really is a great friend. “You can come hang out with us if you want.”
“You and Kyle?” Jett asks warily.
“No.” I shake my head. Even Jett expected me to give into Kyle again. “No. We’re over. For good.”
Jett smiles as he gives me a thumbs-up. “It’s about time.”
“Agreed.” I grab my lemonade, finishing it off as I pass the glass back to Jett. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Dylan says as I jump, turning to find him standing behind me.
Clutching my chest, I take in a deep breath. “I thought you were hanging out with Bryce.”
“He’s on his way and will be making his usual grand entrance soon. I wanted to come enjoy the scenery here instead.” Dylan winks, caressing his fingers along my lower back as he takes a seat at the bar. Looking to Jett, he says, “Can I get a Dr. Pepper?”
“Of course.” Jett gives him a slight nod before grabbing a glass, filling it with ice and soda, then dropping it in front of Dylan. Bryce doesn’t disappoint on his entrance into the diner as all eyes end up on him when he hollers across the room to us before walking over and taking a seat next to Dylan.
“I need to get back to work. Y’all be good,” I instruct.
“Yes ma’am,” Bryce hollers even though I’m less than two feet away.
“Sure.” I nod at Bryce before looking to Jett. “If you want to hang out tonight, we’re going to a party. Dylan can tell you where it’s at.”
“South Campus Frat House?” Jett asks, looking to Dylan.
“Yep,” Bryce confirms.
“Yeah. I’ll be there. Everyone’s been talking about it all week. We’ll get to hang out tonight after all.” Jett gives me another thumbs-up before moving down the bar to help a customer.
Dylan keeps a malicious stare pinned on Jett as he speaks with a guy at the end of the bar.
Jealous. Dylan is jealous of Jett of all people. I could understand his problem with Kyle, but Jett is a really great friend of mine, and if he gives him a chance, he’ll realize that they both greatly loathe Kyle. And if Dylan’s gonna be part of my life, I want him to like my friends too.
“Jealousy isn’t a good look on you,” I tease before stepping back.
Dylan’s face slightly relaxes, his eyes trail down my body and back to my eyes. “You look good on me.”
Biting my lip, I turn away with a quirk of my eyebrow. He’s pushing all the right buttons as I stand there, and he’s damn good at it.
The thumping vibrations from the music blaring at the frat party reaches us before the house is even in view. The party is definitely in full swing as people cover the majority of the lawn, and once we’re inside, the crowd is shoulder to shoulder. Dylan cups my hand in his and weaves through the crowd until we enter the kitchen.
I’d worried about feeling out of place, especially as I’d pulled on the simple black minidress. The last time I’d made an effort to dress up it went completely unnoticed and wasted on the failed anniversary date. But everything feels different tonight.
Bryce grabs a drink, handing me one as I take a sip from the red plastic cup. Dylan looks to the cup in my hand as Bryce offers him an identical one.
Shaking his head no, Dylan resumes studying the partygoers as Bryce shrugs, keeping a drink in each hand. He takes alternating drinks from each cup as he shoves through the mass of people, dancing along with the thumping music until he’s swallowed up by the crowd. If we were here to actually party, Bryce would definitely make it a worthwhile experience.
Dylan is more intense than normal, which is understandable considering why we’re here and our rather heated conversation on the drive over. I don’t care how much money he has; I am paying him b
ack. Every time I bring it up, he instantly shuts me down, saying he doesn’t give a damn about the money. But I do. And I don’t like the anxious tension oozing from him. I’m used to confident Dylan, sexy Dylan, pain in the ass Dylan, and even overbearing prick Dylan. Nervous Dylan, that one is the most unsettling of them all.
Downing the rest of the beer, I set the cup on the counter then rest my hands on his chest. Standing on tippy toes, I plant a passionate kiss on him. Dylan responds with clear approval as he deepens the kiss, encircling me in his arms. Before Dylan, I’d loathed witnessing PDA no matter where or when; I found it nauseating. Now, it’s thrilling to experience him, enjoy him in the middle of a crowd. I couldn’t care less if they stood around gawking or left because they were uncomfortable.
Dylan shifts slightly back, stroking his thumb across my cheek. He plants a soft peck on my lips, grabs my hand, and leads me to another room in the crowded frat house. Thankfully, the room isn’t as crammed, so we’re able to find a spot against the wall to stand and people watch. There aren’t many people that I recognize, but I continue scanning the crowd. I’m not sure what Dylan wants to find, but the sooner he finds it the sooner we can get out of here.
“I’m gonna grab another beer,” I say as I attempt to step away.
Motioning for me to stay put, he hurries through the crowd returning less than a minute later with a red cup in hand. Passing it to me, he continues scanning the crowd. I sip the beer, knowing I’m a lightweight because I hardly ever drink. I really don’t need my inhibitions to be loosened any further around Dylan because I’m already putty in his hands. Squeezing my thighs together, I attempt to calm the desire that rises in me as I think about him. He loops an arm around me, pulling me against him, my back resting against his chest as he leans against the wall.
Leaning forward, Dylan asks if I’m doing all right. I lie and tell him yes but the only thing I want is to leave the party, forget everything going on, and climb into bed with him.
My lusty thoughts are interrupted when I hear Jett holler my name. He waves at me as he approaches, and Dylan’s arm tightens around me causing my ass to press snuggly against him.
Jett has a big smile pointed in my direction as he asks if I’m enjoying the party. I say yes, not wanting to admit to my friend I’d rather skip the party, go home, and have sex. The latter is definitely a new and extremely exciting addition to the list.
“You need another drink?” Jett asks, eyeing the half-filled cup in my hand.
“No, she’s good,” Dylan says as Jett gives him a frustrated look.
“You’re off the clock,” I joke in an attempt to lighten the tension between the two of them, but it doesn’t work.
Smiling, Jett walks away as he says, “I’ll see you later, Sadie.”
We stand there for a few more minutes before I spot Bryce strolling into the room. One of his fists no longer contains a drink but rather the hand of a brunette who I don’t recognize. Bryce spins her around, twirling her in a circle as he dances along. Less than two minutes later, Bryce has abandoned his brunette dance partner in favor of dancing on the makeshift stage in the corner of the room. If this is Bryce undercover, then he’s putting on a hell of a show, and his method does not involve flying under the radar.
The brunette joins him on stage, dancing along to the beat of the music as Bryce gives us a wink.
“Opposites really do attract.” I giggle, watching as Bryce continues executing whatever dance move that is.
“Nah, she’s right up his alley. Anything to create a spectacle.”
“I wasn’t talking about her; I mean the two of you. He’s so entertaining and exuberant, you’re so intense and sullen. He’s definitely the fun one.” I point between them for their corresponding words. “Silly. Serious. Sweet. Sour.”
Shifting me to his side, Dylan doesn’t look bothered with his assigned terms as he steps in front of me with a mischievous grin on his face. He walks me two steps backwards until my shoulders are firmly against the wall. He reaches for my left hand, brings it to his mouth, feathers a tender kiss across my knuckles then lifts my wrist up above my head, pinning me against the wall. Taking my right hand in his, he raises my hand to his mouth and his tongue eagerly licks the inside of my wrist before his teeth playfully nip at my skin. His captivating gaze holds me in place as he brings my right arm up, pinning it with my left as he leans forward. “I can be both.”
There is no calming the yearning consuming me as Dylan ravishes my mouth with his before shifting back, playfully nipping at my neck as I deeply inhale, but it’s not enough. I don’t want to take in anything but him, all of him. “Is the party over yet?”
“It’ll never be over.” His throaty voice vibrates against my neck as he releases my hands from the wall above my head. Clasping my hand in his, he leads me through the downstairs area and up the staircase. It doesn’t take me any time to figure out where we’re heading, or rather why we’re heading away from the party in progress. Anticipation drums through my stomach and up into my chest as my heart races.
After trying a few locked doors, Dylan finally pushes the door to a small room open, and we step inside. His eyes hold me captive as he turns the lock on the door then rushes forward, his hand moving up my thigh before gripping my ass.
“Do you know how crazy this fucking dress is making me?” His palms smooth over my spandex boyshorts as his mouth drops to my shoulder. “How maddening a fucking pair of shorts and T-shirt are? It doesn’t matter what’s covering your body, I want to bury myself in you.”
“I don’t get it.” It’s not until he halts, shifting back to look at me that I realize I’ve said the thought aloud. But I really don’t get it. How can he desire me so much, even when I’m dressed in a dingy T-shirt and shorts with my hair looking like a hot mess?
“What is so difficult for you to understand?”
Looking down, I break the probing eye contact he had fixed me with, but Dylan won’t let me off the hook that easy. Placing a finger under my chin, he lifts my head until my eyes go back to his.
“You’re magnificent. Your body, your mind, your soul—all of it. Why don’t you see it? Why would you let him decide your worth?”
“Stop saying things like that.” Because I want Dylan’s words to replace Kyle’s, but Dylan’s also scare me more because they mean everything to me.
“Stop letting him control your thoughts.” Dylan leans forward, gently kissing me. “Hear me. Feel me. Trust me.”
“I want to,” I whisper against this mouth as he deepens the kiss. His hands cup my ass, lifting me as he walks across the room before setting me on a wooden desk. His fingers grip the bottom of my dress, quickly tugging it over my head and dropping it at his feet. He leans forward, kissing the swell of my breast as he unhooks my strapless bra, letting it fall to the floor beside my dress. His tongue strokes my nipple, and my back arches, thrusting my chest against his mouth. Hooking his fingers in the waistband of my boyshorts, he pulls them off, dragging them down my legs before they fall to the floor, leaving me completely bare in front of him in the unfamiliar room. A shiver flows through me.
He yanks his shirt off, dropping it on top of our other discarded clothing, then unbuttons his jeans, pushing them and his boxer briefs down. Gripping the back of the wooden chair, he pulls it out and sits down. His hooded eyes watch me, and my hands instinctively cover my body as my legs clutch together.
“Trust me, Sadie. You’re safe with me.” His smooth voice allows me to relax a little as Dylan caresses his palms up each of my thighs, gradually spreading my legs. “Touch yourself.”
“What?” Why does that request cause heat to flood my cheeks when I’m already sprawled out in front of him?
“Your body is beautiful, sexy, and magnificent. It’s yours to explore, experience, and enjoy, and I want to watch you do so.”
An exciting but nervous thrill fills my core, and I trust him, so I slowly rub my hand down my stomach, my fingers moving between my thighs.
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Dylan’s grip tightens on my thigh as his lust-filled eyes take in my every move. The way his eyes darken fuel my desire. As my finger slides inside me, my thighs tense beneath his strong grip.
“Good girl.” His rough-throated encouragement tells me exactly how much he’s enjoying the show. With Dylan making me feel so aroused, I’m enjoying the sensation of my fingers discovering and stroking every place that increases my pleasure, bringing me closer and closer to fulfillment. My other hand reflexively cups my breast, my hips rotating as my fingers rub my clit.
“You’re so intoxicatingly sexy, Sadie.” His raspy tone drives me insane. I want to feel him.
I continue rubbing myself, picking up the pace. My hand abandons my breast and I reach for his strong fingers, removing them from my thigh. I bring his hand to my chest where his fingers replace mine, squeezing me with the perfect pressure. His other hand drops to his hard cock, and he does a slow, tight stroke down his length.
My head falls back as my eyes close, enjoying his caressing touch as I pleasure myself.
“Tell me what you see, what you’re thinking about,” he rasps.
Keeping my eyes closed, I respond. “You. How good you felt inside me.” My breath hitches, and his strong hand drops from my chest, skimming down my body before his fingers dig into my side, gripping my hip as he holds tight. The memories of us together last night, the recall of how perfect he felt inside me is driving me closer to the edge. When I open my eyes and see him, the desire, the craving, the need he has for me as he tightly strokes his dick pushes me over the cliff. An orgasm rips through my body as I shudder with release.
I open my eyes to see him gazing at me with a satisfied grin on his face.
“Fuck, that was amazing to watch.” He grips my legs, guiding me off the desk. Remaining seated in the chair, he gradually lowers me onto his lap.