by Nora Cobb
In my imagination, Natalie lifts her right foot and slams it down, crushing my toes hard enough for me to scream. Maybe it would be better that she did.
Because in reality, Natalie does nothing. And that hurts a hell of a lot more than any crushed toes.
She turns away from me and walks down the hallway to her locker. I want to call out to her, to tell her that I’m sorry, that I didn’t mean those words I just said. But I steel myself to keep silent.
Finally, she turns around and says. “I like your shoes, Beth. They look really nice on you.”
CHAPTER 26
Natalie
It doesn’t take long to pack up the belongings from my locker, and like some weird film in reverse, Jacob is here again, just like my first day at Montlake. Except this time, he’s helping me, not pinning Anthony against my locker. It’s sort of telling that when I need someone, I text Jacob. Ironically, he left his ethics class to help me.
“Don’t worry about it,” he says, staring at the ground while I fill my backpack with textbooks. “I can afford to miss that class. This is more important.”
His voice is low, and oddly, it grounds me. It has a sound of the authority of someone who actually is protective.
I try to lift my bag, but I struggle under its weight. Most of my textbooks I hardly opened, but I had to have a hard copy. Jacob lifts the heavy bag off the ground with one hand. He takes his other hand and takes mine. Walking by his side, I leave Montlake Academy.
“I’ll drive your car and pick mine up later.”
“Is that okay?” I ask. “I don’t want to be any more trouble.”
“You’re not any trouble,” he mutters. “This really sucks, Natalie. If I had known …”
If Jacob had known about the news article, he would have busted heads, but that’s not possible on the internet. We don’t speak as the car glides through the gates. I stare at the letter M, curled and gilded, on the black iron gate. I won’t have to look at it again, and I think about the Thanksgiving float. It wasn’t always bad, and I look at Jacob.
The sky is a dark winter gray, and as soon as I look up, snowflakes start to fall. They melt as they hit the ground, but soon the wet pavement shines an inky black. For a moment, I think I might cry until I feel Jacob’s hand rest on my knee. He has his other hand on the wheel, and his eyes are on the road. Feeling his warmth, I don’t dare move, enjoying his firm touch.
We arrive at the house, and Uncle Phil’s car isn’t parked in front. He flew to California a few days ago and is due back today. Sighing, I’m relieved that I won’t have to walk into the house and face him. But I will have to tell him, and sooner is better than later.
“Where’s your uncle?” asks Jacob.
On cue, my phone rings, and checking the screen, I see Uncle Phil’s name.
“Natalie, how are you?”
“Something bad happened today at school,” I reply.
Jacob sits on the couch, watching me as I turn away. He can hear my side of the conversation, but I can’t focus on his somber expression and speak to my uncle.
“I know,” he sighs, and the line is quiet, but I can hear the sounds of the airport in the background. “Cromwell called me.”
Maybe I’m relieved not to have to repeat it, but I feel a little angry that I didn’t tell my own uncle my side of the story first.
“It’s all a lie.” My tone is hoarse as unshed tears slide down the back of my throat.
“I know it is, sweetheart,” he assures me, “You don’t have to convince me. My flight is being delayed. The tristate area is about to get slammed with a Noreaster.”
Eagerly, we talk about something else. “It’s starting to snow here right now.”
“Do you want me to call Mrs. Merrett to keep you company?”
“No,” I look at Jacob. “I don’t need her stranded on my account.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want this to bring you down, Natalie. I wish I were there.”
“I love you, Uncle Phil. And I’ll be okay. If I need to, I’ll go over to Lydia’s if I get too lonely.”
His voice picks up at my promise to go to West Lake. “That sounds good. Natalie, I love you too. And we’ll talk when I get back.”
We end the call, but I stand there staring at the blank screen in my hands. Jacob’s hand is on my shoulder, and I press my face into his chest as he pulls me into a comforting hug.
“I’ll stay with you until your uncle gets back,” he offers.
“Thanks. But I’m not sure if he’ll be happy to see you or anyone from Montlake.” I lift my eyes. “Besides, won’t your parents wonder where you are? Aren’t you still grounded?”
“Coach Stanford talked to them,” he smiles. “I’m allowed out to study, and you’re my calculus tutor.”
“Oh my God,” I sigh, tossing myself onto the couch. “Not anymore. I better start looking for a day job.”
“It’s not over yet, Natalie.”
“It doesn’t look good, Jacob.”
He walks over to the gas fireplace and twists a knob. There’s a loud pop, and he jumps back fast. The flames in the grate are too high. I’ve never seen Jacob react to anything like that before. He shoots me a look and then laughs. I walk over, adjusting the temperature.
“I don’t want to burn the house down,” he says. “Then I’ll really be in trouble.”
Jacob looks around the living room with its gray and chrome furnishings. He stares at a faux fur throw that’s draped over the long couch. “It’s nice in here. We could hang in here until your uncle comes back.”
“You know he’s in LA.” I sigh, then sit down in a high-back chair. “He’s not at Whole Foods picking up groceries.”
Jacob lifts me up like I’m a smart-mouthed kid, and he squeezes me in his arms. I squeal in delight, and he relaxes his hold. I wrap my arms around his waist, stealing his warmth. He takes a step back, and perspiration sheens on his forehead.
“It’s getting pretty hot in here.” He looks at the fireplace.
Jacob pulls his wool letterman sweater over his head, and he’s wearing a plain white T-shirt that emphasizes his built chest and defined arms. Jacob doesn’t need trendy clothes to look sexy, and smartly, he keeps his simple look.
He notices me staring at him shamelessly. “Do I go well with the rest of the room?” he asks.
“You do.” I smile, shrugging off my coat.
His gaze travels down to my short skirt and stops on my legs.
“You don’t have to stay here if you don’t want to.” I offer the suggestion, feeling a little guilty but not wanting him to go.
“But I do want to,” he smiles as he kisses me.
We sit on the couch, ignoring the television, and the kissing gets carried away. I keep thinking about the last time I was with him alone.
“Are you a virgin?” I ask shyly.
He lifts an eyebrow and almost laughs but stops short, “Oh, you’re serious? No, I’m on Montlake varsity. It’s almost mandatory to lose it.”
“Oh.” I feel a tinge of disappointment. “So you’ve been with a lot of girls?”
“Why?” he asks.
“Just wondering if you’ve been with anyone recently.”
Jacob lifts an eyebrow. “I haven’t been with another girl since I decided I wanted to be with you.”
“And when was that?”
His face darkens as he averts his eyes, and I think that he might actually be embarrassed.
“That day in the library,” he sheepishly admits. “That’s when I started falling for you.”
Startling him, I fling myself on top of Jacob. I wrap my arms around his neck, and our lips meet in a kiss. My day sucked incredibly, but this is special. He is special. I’ve thought about it, and I want him to be the one. Tonight.
But I don’t know how to tell him that.
Breaking away, his eyes search mine, and I lift my lashes slowly. A sly smile creeps against his face, and I think I don’t need to say a thing.
; “Are you sure?” he whispers.
Breaking our gaze, I nod my head slowly. “You want to come upstairs?”
“Of course I do.”
***
Jacob holds my hand as we go upstairs to my bedroom. Nervously, I open the door, knowing I’m about to be teased.
“Wow, it’s so …” Jacob looks amazed, but not in a good way.
“Careful,” I warn him. “I’ve had a rough day.”
He chuckles as his gaze travels from my poster of a blue sky taped on the ceiling, to a newly acquired stuffed rainbow unicorn, and my white canopy bed with the tie-dyed turquoise duvet.
“So is there a theme going on here?” He picks up a cloud pillow and tosses it at me. “You like to fly or something?”
I poke him and he grabs me, wrapping me in his arms. Placing his hands on my shoulders, Jacob leans close, pressing his face into my hair and taking a deep breath.
“You smell like flowers,” he says.
“It’s lavender,” I reply.
His lips quirk into a half smile. Jacob doesn’t care if it’s a tulip or a daisy. He leans forward again, this time placing his lips and nose along the base of my neck. He takes in another deep breath.
“Mmm, I like it,” he says.
Jacob slides his fingers down to the bottom button of my white oxford shirt. Before I can move, he pops the bottom button open. Lightly caressing me through the stiff material, he reaches up to free the next button. Wordlessly, I place my hands on his chest, and I release a pent-up breath.
“Your skin is so soft, Natalie,” he whispers, kissing my neck again. “It’s like a feather against my skin.”
He strokes my skin under the collar of my shirt, and like a pleased kitty, I purr. His fingers lower to the next button, and he pops it free, and he continues until my shirt is fully open. Obediently, I drop my arms, and he slips my shirt off my shoulders.
Jacob lets out a low whistle. I’m wearing a black bra which plunges deep, pushing my breasts up. It’s trimmed with a touch of sheer lace, and the contrast of my pale skin against the black is arresting. Gliding his hands down the straps of my bra, his fingers slowly trace the cups.
He doesn’t bother to conceal his eagerness as he looks me up and down. His fingers squeeze my hardening nipples through the thin fabric as my lips part, and my eyelids close.
Jacob continues to touch me as my hands rest on his broad shoulders. His hand slides around my back, and he seems to be feeling for the clasp of my bra. I press my hands against his hard stomach and put him at a slight distance. I need to catch my breath.
***
His brow furrows as he looks at me. “Natalie, I don’t want to rush you.” But his breathing has a noticeable edge to it.
“I’d feel more comfortable if you were a little less … clothed.” I bite my lip as I make my suggestion. My voice trails off as I lower my eyes to his bulging pants.
“Not a problem,” he beams. And in a hot flash, Jacob is stripping off his T-shirt and stepping out of his jeans. My mouth drops, witnessing the quickness with which he strips off his clothes. The man has no shame and he shouldn’t. He sits down on the edge of the bed and tugs down his sports briefs.
“Fuck,” I say softly, looking down the length of his body. “No wonder you’re so sure of yourself.”
Tossing his clothes into a pile, he laughs, showing more than his dimples. For a long moment, I stare at that amazingly solid body, and a tingle shoots through me as I bite my fingertip.
“You still have your bra on, Natalie.”
Lowering my forehead but lifting my eyes, I watch him as I unhook my bra. Slowly, I tease the straps off my shoulders and then toss the bra onto the growing pile of clothes. My breasts aren’t big, but they’re plump and inviting. They tremble as I bite my lip.
“Fuck, baby, you’re sweet,” he says.
Reaching out and pulling me close, Jacob cups a breast and places his mouth on the tip. He tugs softly at my nipple, and when he lets go, they’re both aroused. I close my eyes and lean back, giving him more access as he holds my waist firmly.
I become lost in that amazing feeling of being wanted by the right man, and I’m not afraid to share myself with him. The heat builds between us as we both touch each other’s bodies. Not to excite, but to explore and satisfy our curiosity. Small sounds of pleasure slip from my throat.
Jacob lifts me up in his arms and lays me down on the bed. Lying on my back, he teases my skirt up, first exposing the tops of my stockings, and then the black lace front of my matching panties. He whistles low again, and then his gaze returns to my face.
***
His hand passes over the tops of my thighs. Jacob’s fingers find the tops of the stockings, slipping a finger into the elastic then letting it snap against my tender flesh. I give a little yelp, but it may be from excitement.
“Natalie, you’re so beautiful.” He grins. “And this will be special.”
“You sure of that?” My voice is shy with nervousness and hope.
Gazing steadily into my eyes, Jacob answers with a solemn nod.
“How do you know?” I ask.
“Because I love you,” he replies.
Jacob laughs at the shocked expression on my flushed face. In my heart, I thought he did, and I hoped he did, but I never thought Jacob would admit it out loud.
He leans over me. “Are you ready?”
“Are you going to come?” I ask, taking in a shaky breath.
“Do you want me to?” Jacob’s voice is raspy.
“Do you have a condom?”
He smiles, then scrambles off the bed for his jeans and pulls one out of his wallet. Jacob is no virgin, and though it pinches me with possessiveness thinking about him with other girls, I don’t dare complain. We’re together now. That’s all that matters.
He leaves my panties and stockings on as he leans over me. Taking his hand, he moves it down my stomach to my panties. His hand slips inside, and rhythmically, he circles my aching clit while covering my breasts with kisses. His mouth teases my hard nipple as the sensations start in a steady ascent, and soon my knees are shaking. I moan as he kisses my tummy. My hips twist and buck as an intense rush of pleasure whips through me, leaving me panting and spent.
I whisper between each breath. “What’s next?”
I yelp as his experienced hands yank my panties off in a second. He stares at the small triangle of hair and then smiles like it’s some secret surprise. Jacob presses the length of his shaft—hot and hard—against my thighs, and slides it forward along my bare skin, leaving a line of wetness behind.
“You sure?” he asks as he slowly rolls the condom over his manhood.
I’m touched by the concern in his face, but I’m about to jump on top of him. He’s so hot—his body muscular, naked between my legs. All those laps around the field really make him something to appreciate.
“Yes, Jacob.” I watch as his shaft slides teasingly along my slit. My moist lips part as I open my thighs and welcome him in.
“So wet,” he moans. “You’re so wet for me, Natalie.”
I gasp as he presses hard, and slowly, his cock slides across my needy clit.
“You feel so good,” he says soothingly. “I can make you feel better and forget everything. Except for us.”
With each tentative stroke, Jacob pulls back until he presses hard against me again and again. I feel a fleeting pain, followed by a pool of pleasure flooding me from inside. I’m no longer a virgin. I grab him around his back, lacing my fingers together, and pull myself closer to him.
Jacob groans deeply as he grunts, pushing in a little more at a time.
“Natalie, you feel like an angel, my angel.” He pushes a bit more then pulls back when I grimace, gnashing my teeth at a sharp pain. His glistening cock bounces free, and I whimper. “I don’t want to hurt you,” he soothes me.
“You won’t.” I reach for him. “I want you.”
His self-control is admirable as sweat shines on his face. I
wondered how wild it would be if it wasn’t my first time. I lie still and watch as Jacob enters me again with slow, deliberate motions. I suck in my breath and hold my hands in fists as he pushes farther past my resistance. A flood of desire lifts my knees, and he thrusts deeper inside me, filling me with deliciousness as I roll my head from side to side, moaning.
Jacob pushes in halfway, but this time, he doesn’t pull out. I feel him press deeper and I float away on a sensation that sends electricity down to a place I never imagined anyone could reach.