Day One

by Lauren Runow

  I lift my hands and place them on his biceps. I feel the goose bumps my touch causes him, and they then cover my flesh as well.

  I bite my lower lip as he says, “Okay, here we go.”

  He pulls the mask, and I flinch, gripping him tighter. Before I know it, my cheek is cleared of the mask.

  “Are you doing all right?” he asks.

  I look up into his eyes again and nod. I’m doing just fine right here.

  He continues to yank it off all the way until it’s completely gone. I close my eyes, letting the pain subside as I inhale a deep breath. When I look back into his eyes, I’m instantly lost.

  He rubs his finger down my cheek, moving his hand around to the nape of my neck. We stare into each other’s eyes, both wanting so much more than we can have right now.

  He closes his eyes, takes a deep inhale, and steps back. “Sorry. I should go.”

  I rub my lips together and nod. My heart pounds as he gets back in his car.

  I’m not sure how much longer we can play this game. I’ve never wanted someone so bad, and the slow torture of not being able to have him is starting to kill me.

  19

  Day 19

  April 14

  Drew

  Even though I just woke up and I’m still lying in bed, I pick up the phone to call Sharee.

  “Morning,” she says when she answers.

  My brows furrow when I hear her voice because it’s obvious she’s not as chipper as normal. “Morning. Did you just wake up?”

  “No. I’ve been up for a while.” She sighs. “Just having a bit of a rough time.”

  I sit up. “Tell me about it.”

  “It’s just …” Her voice cracks, and she takes in a shaky breath. “I think this whole thing has finally gotten to me, you know?”

  Now, it’s my turn to sigh. “Yeah, I know. Tell me what’s going on in that head of yours.”

  “Technically, we’re on spring break, and even though I’m not supposed to be answering emails, a parent reached out to me on Facebook, desperate for an answer. It broke my heart, is all. Her son’s been doing his math lessons wrong this entire time, and since they weren’t being turned in and graded, he didn’t know any different and thought he was doing it right, so he never asked for help.

  “This kid is really smart, and he was doing the math correctly, just missing a step to solve the geometry we’re focused on now. He did probably three chapters of math wrong. If he’s doing it wrong—one of my kids who’s really good at math—then what’s going on with the kids who aren’t good at math?”

  I hear her sniff through her nose, and it hurts my heart. To see a teacher care this much about her students is pretty amazing.

  “So, what did you say?”

  “It’s all so confusing. We’re asking these kids to do this work and asking their parents to become their teachers, but for what? None of it will be turned in. My principal told me I wouldn’t actually be grading anything.”

  “Then, how will you grade the last semester?”

  “It’s basically a participation check. Are they checking in? Are they participating in our Zoom lessons? After talking to the parent, we decided that he’ll watch videos I found that go over the work, and if he can demonstrate that he understands the chapter by solving a few problems, then he can just move on. I worry about the kids who don’t have caring parents like this one does.”

  I hear more tears fall, and my heart breaks for her. I wish I could go over there and hold her, help her through this time.

  “Then, I realized that I’ll never see these kids again,” she continues. “I love teaching sixth grade because we get to do so many fun things at the end of the year. These kids won’t get to go to sixth-grade camp. They won’t get to walk the stage at graduation. They won’t even get to go tour the junior high, like the students normally do every year.” She can barely talk at the end of her sentence because she’s crying so much.

  “You’re an amazing teacher,” I say. “I hope you know that.”

  “Thanks,” she says through more tears.

  “Please don’t cry. I know this is hard for you. I wish I could be there.”

  “I know.” She takes a big inhale before slowly letting it out. “Hey, I have another teacher beeping in. Let me call you back.”

  “Okay. Call me when you’re done. I’ll be here.”

  “I will. Thank you.”

  I hang up the phone and place it on my bed. I’ve never felt so helpless, and I hate it.

  I get up, throw on some shorts, and head out to the kitchen to get some coffee.

  As I sit at the counter, my mom enters the room, pouring herself a cup. “How’s my boy this morning?”

  I sigh. “I just got off the phone with Sharee. She’s having a hard time. A kid did all of his math wrong, and she’s heartbroken that she can’t be there for him and the rest of her students and for all the end-of-the-year stuff they’re going to miss.”

  “Well, that’s a sign of a good teacher. She obviously cares for these kids if it’s affecting her that way.”

  “Yeah, I said the same thing.” I stare into my cup.

  “Then, why are you so down?”

  “Just makes me sad that I can’t be there for her.”

  “You like this girl, don’t you?”

  I nod. “I really do. I know I just met her, but there’s something about her. You know?”

  “Of course I know. I wondered if you’d find someone like her. I knew the girls you’d mentioned in the past weren’t for you.”

  “She’s different,” I say, playing with my coffee cup.

  My mom places her hand over mine. “Then, go to her.”

  My head pops up to meet her eyes. “What?”

  “Go to her. You’ve done a lot for your dad and me. We’ll still need your help, but there’s no reason you can’t leave things on our doorstep like you’ve been doing for her. Maybe it’s time the roles were reversed.”

  I look up and see the content on my mom’s face. “But, Mom …”

  “No buts. I’ll be fine. I’ll miss seeing your face every day, but I know if all of this wasn’t going on, you would have already moved to the city. I’m grateful for the time I’ve had with you. Now, it’s your turn to be with her. Once all of this is over, you’ll be on the road again. Maybe even before we’re out of lockdown. I don’t want you guys to not have your time together. I won’t be selfish and keep you all to myself.”

  I smile and cover her hand with mine. “Thanks, Mom.”

  The expression on her face says it all. She loves me and wants me to be happy. I finally have the career I’ve always wanted, and now, I’ll have the girl too.

  She tilts her head toward the door. “Go get her. But … maybe shower first.” She grins.

  I stand up and give her a hug—the last one I’ll give her until our lockdown is lifted.

  After I shower and get ready as fast as possible, I hop in my car. When I pull out of the driveway, I see my mom and dad standing with their arms around each other, waving good-bye.

  Knowing I’m going toward a relationship like the one they’ve had for years fills me with even more hope.

  When I pull up to Sharee’s house, I race out of the car, not wanting to waste a second longer. I didn’t tell her I was heading over, so I know she’s not expecting what’s about to come.

  I knock on her door and stand with my hands on the frame. Every time I’ve knocked before, I’ve stepped back, giving both of us space, but not anymore.

  She opens the door, still wearing her PJs with her hair up in a messy bun and a stunned expression on her face.

  “Drew,” she says breathlessly.

  I step into her house and reach out to her, placing my hands on her face and bringing her lips to mine.

  She lets out a tiny squeal before throwing her arms around my neck as she falls into our kiss. Our lips mold together, and I pull her closer. As our tongues meet and I taste her for the first time, I let out a gro
wl, only wanting more.

  When I move my hands down, she jumps into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist.

  “I couldn’t wait any longer,” I say between our kisses.

  “Thank God!” she yells out.

  I laugh as she takes my face in her hands, smiling brightly before leaning in to kiss me again.

  I break our kiss, and before I can even ask, she points. “That way.”

  I smirk. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Our lips meet again as I walk us to her bedroom. Instead of throwing her down on the bed, I sit and keep her on my lap. She adjusts her legs around my waist, keeping her fingers on my face as our lips explore each other for the first time.

  “I’m trying to go slow,” I say, kissing her between each word.

  “Fuck slow. It’s already been slow enough,” she says, and I laugh against her neck.

  “Well, in that case.” I toss her to the side, laying her on the bed.

  She giggles, and I slide on top of her, brushing her hair out of her face.

  “I’m pretty sure I’m in love with you,” I say as I stare into her eyes.

  Her hand reaches up to cup my face. “I love you too, Drew.”

  I grin. “It’s a damn good thing because I’m kind of homeless now.” I chuckle.

  Her arms wrap around my neck. “You mean, I get you full-time?” she asks with a huge smile.

  “You okay with that?”

  “Abso-fucking-lutely!” she announces as she leans up and attacks me with her lips.

  I run my fingers down her side and lift her shirt up over her head. The fact that she doesn’t have a bra on makes my dick even harder than it already is. My hand cups one breast as I slide in between her legs.

  “Please tell me this whole no-bra thing is a habit of yours?”

  She giggles as her legs wrap around me tighter. “Currently, yes.”

  “I’m going to love being quarantined with you,” I say, leaving kisses down her neck until I get to her breast and suck the tiny bud into my mouth.

  Her chest lifts off the bed as her head falls back. I take advantage of her doing so by moving my hand even lower and gliding my fingers below her waistband.

  As I slide her pants down her legs, her hands yank my shirt over my head. I assist in the removal of my shirt, and she tosses it to the floor. After I completely remove her pants, I lean in, licking her center through the black lace panties she’s wearing.

  When I glance up at her, her eyes are closed, and her lips are parted. She’s never looked sexier. When her eyes meet mine, she places her hand on my face, and I lean in to her again.

  I knew she was different, special, and in this moment, I feel it even more. This is way more than sex; this here is the rest of my life.

  I kiss her stomach and then her thigh as I slide her panties down until they’re all the way off. When I lean down and lick her slit, the sound that escapes her lips is fucking perfect. Knowing I made her make that noise is even better.

  I want to hear her. I want to hear everything I do to her and never forget it.

  “Oh my God!” she screams as her hands dig into my hair and tugs hard.

  I shake my head and twirl my tongue more, pressing into her center and devouring the taste I’ll never get enough of.

  When I pull away, I kiss my way up her body as she greedily yanks at my shorts, trying to push them off with both her hands and feet.

  “Wait, I need my wallet to get a condom.” I turn toward the floor.

  She places her finger under my chin. “I’m on the pill, and you’ll be the first guy I’ve never used protection with. So …” She leaves the question hanging in the air.

  I position my naked body between hers and hold myself on my elbows on either side of her face. Slowly, I kiss her lips. “I’ve also never not used protection. I’m glad you’ll be my first.”

  She nods her head, and I press forward, sliding inside her. She moans, and I drop my forehead to hers. The heat and wetness I feel as she squeezes around me takes my breath away.

  Fucking amazing doesn’t even begin to cover it.

  I look into her eyes as I slide back out and push back in, building a rhythm as we move as one.

  As her legs wrap around me tighter, I push harder.

  When her fingers scrape down my back in ecstasy, I growl like I never have before.

  I don’t want this to stop.

  I want to be inside her, right here, for the rest of my life.

  This is my home, where I belong and where I’ll forever be.

  Urgency grows in her moans as her body starts to rock more. When I pick up the pace, her breathing starts to labor.

  As her grip on my back tightens, I feel her body start to quiver.

  When her screams get louder, I push even harder.

  When nothing comes out of her mouth and her entire body goes rigid, I thrust against her and hold her as tight as possible, feeling the waves of her orgasm throughout my entire body as she pulses against my cock.

  Her breathing stops, and her arms fall to the sides.

  As she comes to again, her eyes open and meet mine. My face, I’m sure, is covered in the biggest smile I’ve ever had.

  Her hands reach up to grip my cheeks as I pound into her, finding my release in seconds. As I start to come, her lips press to mine, and I grunt out as her tongue sweeps into my mouth.

  My head falls to her shoulder.

  My body is suddenly mush, as the most intense release I’ve ever felt rushed through my body.

  I knew it’d be good with Sharee, but I honestly had no idea it could ever feel like that.

  Our breathing is ragged as we both take in what just happened.

  When our eyes meet, she grins at me, running her fingers through my hair.

  “It’s nice to finally get to touch you,” she says.

  I laugh. “That was a little more than just touching.”

  “Yeah, well, it sounded better than saying, It’s nice to finally fuck you,” she teases.

  “Well, I’d say, the last one will always sound better.”

  I kiss her lips before falling to my back and pulling her into me. “Do we get to spend every day like this until this shelter in place is over?”

  Her fingers run up my chest. “All of a sudden, this shelter-in-place order is the best idea ever!”

  I hold her and kiss her forehead. “I couldn’t agree more now that I have you by my side.”

  Epilogue

  December 23, 2020

  Sharee

  I thrust open the front door, carrying more bags than I should. “You’ll never believe what I found!” I announce.

  Drew comes around the corner from the kitchen, wearing his favorite apron that he wears every time he cooks. Ever since the baseball season ended, he’s been working on his cooking skills. He leaves our kitchen in an absolute mess, but the food is amazing, so I don’t complain.

  “What’d you find?” he asks.

  I turn to the Christmas tree sitting in the corner and place the bags on the floor next to it. When I face him, his expression tells me something’s up. I pause, searching around our home.

  Drew pretty much never left my place after the day we finally broke the no-touching rule. To go from barely knowing someone to living with them twenty-four/seven should have been scary, but it wasn’t one bit.

  We had more fun than I’d ever had with anyone else. He let me give him manicures, and then he’d paint my toenails. We’d lie around in bed all morning and exercise all afternoon. It was the perfect blend of our time.

  He taught me how to properly throw a ball and hit off a T, and he kept reminding me that I needed to show up all the other WAGs out there. I took my new role very seriously, and I even ordered gear online, so I’d look the baseball part as well.

  When Drew put the eye black under my eyes, it was official that I was the best baseball WAG there’d ever been. We took pictures of us, and when it was time to send out our Christmas cards, there was no ques
tion those were the pictures to send.

  The quarantine was hard on everyone, and I’m sure it’s even something people would rather forget ever took place but not us. It’s such a big part of our story and one that we’ll celebrate as a piece of our history together.

  It was rough when the baseball season started back up and he went on the road, but we were used to being apart, so we acted like we were back on the shelter-in-place order again. Re-creating our phone sex with different books was my favorite part.

  And you can bet, when he played in San Francisco, I was right there, cheering him on at every game, until school started again.

  Going back to school felt weird since we’d never really finished the previous year. I had an entirely new group of kids, who I’ve grown to love just as much, but my students from last year will always hold a special place in my heart.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” I ask, and Drew’s smirk grows. “What?”

  He shrugs but can’t play off the grin that’s spreading on his face by the second.

  I search around the area. “What did you do?”

  “Now, why do you think I did anything?” He tilts his head, and it’s a dead giveaway. The guy can’t lie for shit.

  “You’re up to something. Tell me.” I step toward him.

  “You’ll have to find it for yourself.”

  I narrow my eyes at him. “Are you going to give me a hint?”

  He shakes his head and acts like he’s zipping his lips shut and throwing away the key.

  I look over his shoulder. “What are you cooking?”

  “I’m making that chicken pasta meal we made the first time we cooked together.”

  “Aw, the one we made over the phone?”

  “That’s the one!” He smiles big but then glances around the room again.

  “But that’s not why your face looks like that,” I accuse.

  “Looks like what?” he says with a laugh.

  I slowly make my way past him, searching for something that’s out of place. He’s made a huge mess in the kitchen with his one-pot meal, but that’s normal, so it’s not what’s making him act so weird.