by L A Cotton
“I’m only just getting started.” I climbed up her body, pulling her sweater and tank top off, letting her dusky pink bra slink off her arms and drop to the floor. My own hoodie and shirt went next. Hooking my arm around her waist, I pressed my hand against the small of her back until we were skin on skin, her delicate curves flush against my shredded muscles. Everything about us was different.
Hard and soft.
Rough and smooth.
Cruel and kind.
But we fit to perfection. Two parts of the same whole.
Her hair hung between us like a silky curtain, so I wound it around my fist, gathering it at her nape and pulled gently, forcing her to arch her back. Giving me perfect access to kiss and suck the hollow of her neck. I took my time, tasting and savoring her salty sweet skin.
“More,” Felicity’s cries filled the room, “I need more.” Her nails grazed my shoulder blades.
“I got you, babe.” Our lips met, hot and wet and needy; our tongues lapping and stroking and exploring. Her kisses were addictive and I knew no amount of hits would ever be enough.
Felicity became impatient, her hands tracing my abs, painting a torturous path down to the waistband of my jeans. She expertly popped the button and shoved her hand inside, grasping me. “Fuck,” I choked out as she pumped me slowly. “This isn’t what I had in mind,” my voice cracked with raw lust.
“I can’t wait. I need you,” she breathed, “now.”
I wanted to make her wait, to reacquaint myself with every inch of her body, and then all the parts I’d yet to explore, but truth be told, I couldn’t wait either. My need for her was like a firestorm raging inside me, burning higher and higher with every touch, every taste.
We made quick work of each other’s jeans and underwear, then I scooped her up and dropped her on the bed, not bothering to ask permission. Felicity giggled, the sound so fucking perfect I wanted to bottle that shit for a rainy day.
“Come here.” She crooked her finger, scooting up the bed and letting her legs fall open. There wasn’t so much as a hint of shyness or uncertainty in her eyes, her love for me blazing in her sea-green gaze.
Crawling over her, I slid between her legs, my rock-hard dick settling at her entrance. “Do I need to stop?” I arched my brow at her, hoping, praying she wouldn’t make me.
“There’s only ever been you,” she said, “and I’m on birth control. But I know you’ve been with other—”
“No one.”
“What?” She blinked up at me.
“There hasn’t been another girl since New York.”
Confusion swam in her lust-filled eyes. “But Jenna—”
“I never slept with her, I just let you think... Fuck.” I dropped my head to her shoulder, regretting so much that happened between us. In trying to protect her, I’d hurt her, and it would always be there, in the background.
“Jason, look at me,” her voice coaxed me out of hiding. “I don’t care about what happened before, I only care what happens now and in the future.” She hitched her legs higher, almost pulling me into her body. We both groaned at the intimate contact.
“So if I do this.” I rocked my hips, pushing another inch inside her, “you’re not going to hate me?”
Licking her lips, Felicity looked right at me, a seductive smirk spreading across her lips. “Didn’t I tell you? There’s nothing more I love than to hate you.” Sliding her hands down to my ass, she pressed me further into her.
“Fuck,” I groaned, bolts of pleasure shooting off in all directions inside me. “Do you have any idea how good you feel?”
“Show me,” it came out breathy.
I rocked forward again, my hand sliding up one of her legs, anchoring us closer, making it so much deeper. My other hand found her neck, my fingers splaying around her possessively as I pulled out before sinking into her heat again.
My lips claimed Felicity’s again, my tongue loving her mouth, the way my body loved her. “I love you,” I whispered against her swollen lips, “I love you so fucking much.”
“I love you too, Jason. I do.”
My pace quickened, needing more. Needing everything she had to give. Our skin became damp, our kisses clumsy, all while Felicity met me thrust for thrust.
My partner.
My equal.
The girl who taught me there was more to life than the game.
Who taught me how to love.
The girl I planned on keeping for as long as she would have me.
The next morning rolled around too quickly. I’d dropped Felicity off at home last night and then gone home and drunk one too many whiskies. I was so fucking happy things between us were finally good, but there was still a lot hanging in the balance. So when Coach called me and Asher into his office after a grueling practice, I knew the wait was finally over.
“Come in, ladies,” Coach motioned for us to take a seat. “Principal Finnigan has consulted with the school board, and in light of everything, they have decided to suspend you from the team, effective immediately.”
Asher let out a heavy sigh, leaning forward on his elbows. “And Jase?”
“Principal Finnigan pushed for a suspension but the board felt that since you were coming to the aid of your teammate that a more lenient punishment was adequate.” His mouth pulled into a grim line. “You’re out for next week’s game but if we make it through to the next round, you can play.”
I sank back in the chair, running a hand down the back of my neck. I could play. If we made it to the second round of the play-offs, which I had every faith we would, I could play. But it came at a price.
Asher’s season was over.
“Coach,” I said ready to defend my teammate, my brother.
One of the best friend’s a guy could ever have.
“It’s fair,” Ash interrupted me. “I won’t contest. Besides, maybe they’ll let me wear Vinnie the Viking. Go Raiders.” It came out drolly despite the defeat in his eyes.
“Ash—”
“It’s cool, bro.” He shrugged. “I knew what I was doing when I went down there to meet Thatcher.”
Coach Hasson watched us, watched me. He knew. Deep down, I didn’t doubt he knew the truth, but he was letting it play out this way because sometimes good men had to make sacrifices, and without Asher’s sacrifice, the Raiders would be going into the play-offs without their star player.
“I’m sorry it came to this, real damn sorry,” he addressed Asher. “You’re a good kid, Bennet, and I don’t doubt you’re going to have a successful career with the Pittsburg Panthers. Principal Finnigan might get the final say on whether or not you play, but it’s my team and my field and I expect to see you sitting there on the bench supporting your teammates, you hear me?”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else, Coach.”
“Good, now get out of here.”
The door clicked shut behind Asher, sucking the air from the room.
“You know, I couldn’t sleep last night. I lay there worrying I was about to lose not one but two of my best players going into the play-offs. It’s a Coach’s worst nightmare.”
“Coach, I—”
“You listen up and listen good, Jason,” he gritted out, disappointment rippling off him. “I don’t know all that happened with Thatcher and quite frankly, I don’t want to know. But you have got to learn to channel your anger, Son. You think I don’t know kids like you and Thatcher? Hell, I used to be you. I thought I was untouchable, a god on and off the field. But my old man refused to let me forget who I was and where I came from. He kept my feet firmly on the ground.
“I know you and Kent have issues, I know it hasn’t been easy growing up in his shadow, but for the love of God, do not throw away what could be the opportunity of a lifetime for the likes of the Thatcher’s of the world. You’re better than that. You take all the crap, all the anger and resentment, and channel it into football. Or if that fails, you find yourself a damn good woman to help keep you grounded.”
I chuck
led at that. I’d gotten to know Mrs. Hasson quite well over the years and it wasn’t any secret she kept Coach in line.
“This Miss Giles. You think it could be serious?”
“I think so, Sir.”
“Good, you hold onto her and don’t let go, you hear me? When you have the world at your feet like you do, girls are a dime a dozen. They’ll all want a piece of the action, the glory, but it’s a rare thing to find a girl who will see beyond all that. A girl who will stick around long enough to realize there’s more to you than football.”
“Got it,” I said, trying to disguise how deeply his words affected me.
“There’s just one last thing before you leave. I thought you might like to know the school board are issuing a full investigation into Mr. Thatcher and Miss Jarvis. They won’t get away with this, Jason. But I’m begging you. Let the authorities handle it from here on out.”
“I think I can do that, Coach.”
“Glad to hear it. Okay, get out of here. We have a game to prepare for. Just because you’re out for the first game doesn’t mean I don’t expect one-hundred-and-ten percent at practice, okay?”
Nodding, I moved to the door, pausing. “Hey, Coach, you ever get into trouble back in the day?”
“Does a bear shit in the woods?” A rare smirk lifted the corner of his mouth. “Now go, before I change my mind.”
The locker room had cleared out by the time I was done. Only Asher remained, sitting on the bench near his locker cage. “Hey,” I said, dropping down beside him.
“Hey,” he mumbled, kicking his sneakers against the floor.
“Why, Ash?” I’d already asked him the question but that was before the sentence had been handed down.
“Because this was always how it was supposed to be; you get the girl and the glory.”
“Ash, come on…” I nudged his shoulder with mine.
“It’s all good.” Raking a hand through his hair, he finally lifted his eyes to me, but his smile was distant. “It’s your dream, man, so make it count.”
With a small nod, he got up and walked out of the locker room. Leaving me sitting there with nothing but my regrets.
They said heavy was the head that wore the crown. Well my crown was coiled in guilt and shame, and it weighed a fucking ton.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Felicity
My eyes flicked to the wall clock for the tenth time in less than ten minutes.
“Felicity, sweetheart, is something wrong with your food?”
“No, Mom, it’s great.” I forced a smile, pushing the noodles around my plate. “I… umm… it’s just, well, there’s something I want to talk to you about. Two things actually.” I’d hoped to sit down with her and Dad, but he got held up at the office again, and I figured it might be a blessing in disguise. If I broke the news to her first, then she could help break the news to my dad.
“I’m listening.” She placed her silverware down and leaned in attentively. “Whatever it is, baby, I’m sure it doesn’t warrant all this worry.” Her eyes softened.
“So funny story, I—” The doorbell startled me, making me choke on the words yet to come.
“Are you expecting someone?”
I was… but he was fifteen minutes early.
Damn him.
“I’ll get that, Mom.” I was up and out of my chair before she could stop me, all but running down the hall. Yanking the front door open, I hissed, “You’re early.”
“Hailee said you might need some moral support.” Jase’s brow went up. “And I brought back up.”
“Back up?”
He pulled his arm from behind his back, revealing a bouquet of hand tied roses. “They’re beautiful.” I went to take them from him, but Jason snatched them out of reach.
“Actually, they’re for your mom. Hailee said they were her favorite.”
“Are you sure you haven’t done this before?” Stepping to the side, I let him enter. But Jason paused, turning to meet my dreamy gaze.
“Only for you. Only ever for you. You owe me, Giles.” He grinned, leaning in to steal a kiss.
“Felicity, sweetheart,” Mom’s voice filtered down the hall, “is everything okay?”
“Fine, Mom. I’m coming.”
“Already?” Jason whispered, tracing his mouth down my neck. “I haven’t even touched you yet.”
“Behave.” My hands pressed into his chest. “This has to go well.” Because if it didn’t… well, it didn’t bear thinking about. I went to go, but he grabbed my wrist, pulling me back to him.
“Hey, it’s going to be okay, Felicity. Whatever happens, we’ll deal with it, okay? Together.”
Any apprehension I felt melted away. Jason might have been new to the whole relationship thing, but so far, he was doing a pretty amazing job.
“Ready?” I asked him, feeling myself fall into his dark intense eyes. Our mouths fused together again, like magnets unable to fight the attraction.
“Felicity?” Mom’s voice was closer now.
Crap.
Lips still attached to Jason’s, I slid my eyes to the hall to find her standing there, watching us with a mix of mild curiosity and panic. “Hmm, hey, Mom.” I finally detached myself from my boyfriend’s mouth. “Surprise.”
“Surprise? I’m not sure I follow…” her eyes narrowed, moving from me to Jason and back again. “Is that who I think it is?”
“Hi, Mrs. Giles. I’m Jason. Jason Ford.” He stepped forward, thrusting the bouquet of flowers at her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“These are for me?” She was giving him a serious case of the mom-stares.
“They are. A little birdy told me they were your favorite.”
“They’re very beautiful. Thank you, Jason.” Mom graciously accepted the flowers despite the scowl on her face. “Now would you care to explain why you’re in my house, kissing my daughter?”
“About that, Mom. I can explain. Jason is…” The words were right there, on the tip of my tongue, but I froze.
I totally and utterly froze.
Fingers sliding against mine, Jason’s touch slowly thawed the panic coiled around my throat. “I’m Felicity’s boyfriend.”
“B- boyfriend. Oh my… Well, that is a shock. Boyfriend?” Her eyes went to mine and I managed a small nod. “I see, and how long has this been going on?”
“It’s fairly new,” Jason said with an easy confidence, and I was beginning to wonder if there was anything he couldn’t do. “But rest assured, I care about your daughter very much.”
“That’s… good to know.” Her hand slid to her neck as if she was having a hard time breathing. “Maybe we should all sit down.” Mom spun around and disappeared down the hall, and I slumped against Jason.
“This is not how I wanted this to go,” I let out a heavy sigh. “Did you see her face? She’s mortified.”
“Hey.” Jason’s fingers slid underneath my jaw, tilting my face to meet his steely eyes. “At least she knows now. She’ll come around.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because she loves you.”
“Okay.” Inhaling a deep breath, I said, “Let’s go finish this.” Because her world was about to spin one more time before the evening was over.
I only hoped we all survived.
We found Mom in the living room, sipping what looked like a glass of liquor. Dear God, I’d driven my mother to drink. There’s one for your list.
“I’m so sorry, Mom. This wasn’t how I wanted you to find out. I was trying to tell you over dinner, but the words just wouldn’t come out.”
“I won’t deny it’s a lot to process. I had no idea you were even dating; you never said anything.” Hurt flashed in her eyes, making guilt snake around my heart.
“I’m not dating, I mean, I wasn’t… Me and Jason just sort of happened.” My eyes lifted to his. “I didn’t plan for any of this.”
“Well, if there’s one thing I know, it’s that you can’t help who you fall for. I
mean, take me and your father for example.” She smiled wistfully. “I just thought you had more sense, sweetheart.”
“Mom!” I scolded.
“Forgive me, Jason, I didn’t mean to sound so insensitive. I’m sure you can understand I’m not bowled over at the idea of my daughter dating a football player, let alone Rixon’s star quarterback.”
He stiffened beside me, squeezing my hand a little tighter. “We’re not dating, Mom,” I said. “I love him. I’m in love with him.”
If she’d been surprised in the hall watching me kiss Jason, it was nothing compared to the expression she wore now. “Felicity Charlotte Giles, in love, really?”
“Really.”
“And you,” she glared at Jason. “What are your intentions for my daughter?”
He cleared his throat and I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole. Jason might have signed on for my brand of crazy, but he was about to learn I had nothing on my mother.
“I’ll be honest, it’s not a question I imagined answering so soon.” Strangled laughter rumbled in his chest. “But I love her, ma’am. She makes me want to be a better man. Makes me want things I wasn’t sure I ever wanted. I understand you have concerns, I would too. But please know I would never do anything to hurt her.”
Mom’s expression barely softened. “You’ve certainly got a charm about you, don’t you?”
Oh dear God, despite her stone mask, my mother was flirting with my boyfriend.
I was never going to live this down.
“I try,” Jason quipped back, and I stamped on his foot. He smothered a grunt.
“Your father isn’t going to like this, sweetheart.”
“I was kind of hoping you might help soften the blow.” I flashed her my best puppy-dog eyes. “But before you make any decisions, there’s probably something else you should know.”
“Oh God, you’re not pregnant, are you?”
Jason started choking beside me while Mom stared at me expectantly. And I sat there, shrinking into the chair, wondering when life got so complicated. Knowing the answer was simple.
Jason freaking Ford.