The Dare: Sterling U: Book 1

by Amanda Ray

  I grab my bag, a piece of toast and run out the door to practice. Great. I'm going to be starving because I was so focused on this girl I barely had time to eat. I smack my head as I enter the locker room to change. Before the boys even get there, I know they're gonna give me shit for leaving early last night and getting beer tossed on me, but I know what I'm going to do next. I have a plan. The only thing I have to do now, is get Scarlett alone. Get her secluded enough to throw on the charm, shake her out of her head and get her to kiss me again. Because if I have any chance of getting her to fall for me, it's going to start and end with those lips on mine. And that's just what I plan to do after practice. Find her and kiss the ever living hell out of her. Prove to myself that I wasn't the only one affected by it and show her just how much she's going to want me. Because she will want me. I know it.

  Chapter 7

  Letty

  After a restless night's sleep I decided to get my ass up and focus on something other than nstupid Brooks. So I grabbed my laptop and my books and headed to the library, where I'm currently focusing on my Freud presentation. I guess the one good thing about that stupid kiss was being able to get all of my school work done early. I didn't plan on finishing my outline for my thesis paper until next week but needing the distraction, I finished it an hour ago and have moved on to outlining one of the six sixbooks in need for this presentation. I need to find those other two books soon or my information will be limited and I don't want anything impacting my grade like that. I can't lose my financial aid.

  Zara Larsson's Don't worry ‘bout me blasts in my ears while I sit in my hidden spot in the library. Laptop on my legs, body swaying, white cheddar popcorn sits next to me as I take handfuls to my mouth in between typing and highlighting. I'm in the zone when I see someone enter my peripheral vision. I assume it's someone coming to sit on the arm chair next to the couch so I stay focused on my task. Another handful of popcorn enters my mouth, strays falling down my top and I blindly reach down to scoop them out of my bra when I hear someone laugh. I jump and nearly knock my laptop on the floor. That damn voice, that husky, deep laugh. I'd recognize it anywhere. Why the hell is he here! I look over, cheeks filled with popcorn and scowl.

  Brooks leans back in the armchair smiling at me. That cocky little grin sends a jolt down my spine and I can't help but squeeze my legs together. Fuck! "What the hell do you want??" I ask around a mouthful of my delicious popcorn. He simply laughs again and lifts up a book. Yeah, as if he's actually here to study and not piss me the hell off. On a sigh I spin around and nuzzle back into the couch. If he wants to play games, I'm just going to pretend he's not even here. I'm halfway through with my first outline for my presentation when a pen comes flying at my computer screen. Narrowed eyes pointed at Brooks I grab the pen and chuck it back, hitting him in the face. "Oh my God, you're vicious, Scar-Scar! What the hell was that for?" I almost apologize but then remember that the asshole is only here to bother me, "You threw it at me first! I'm trying to get some stuff done before work. Now leave me the hell alone! Why don't you be a good little boy and focus on your damn presentation for Psych, unless you're gonna pay off the professor for an A.?" At this he scowls and almost looks....hurt?

  "First of all, I would never pay for a grade. I work just as hard as you, if not more, to earn my grades, thank you very much. Second, I am working on my presentation for Psych, it's on Freud...." Brooks gives me a sly grin and I swear I feel my face turn red because I'm about to explode, "......and third, little boy?" His arrogant face makes me break. "What do you mean your presentation is on Freud?!" I ask a little too loudly, causing unwanted attention. I look around at all the staring faces before realizing I'm on my feet, hovering over Brooks as if I'm about to go toe to toe with him. I calmly sit back down on the couch and watch Brooks laugh off my outburst. "Damn, someone's feisty. I like that." My eyes roll and I grab my laptop to get back to work. He lets out a breath before speaking again, "Yes. My presentation is on Freud, too. Where do you think the other two books that you needed were.?" Brooks holds up said books and I reach for them, only to have him pull them out of my grasp, "Uh-uh. I'll let you see mine, if you let me see yours.." His cocky little smirk makes me want to punch him.

  Did I mention how annoying he is? "God, you're so fucking annoying you know that? I'll just find something else to get my information from." With a huff, I slam my laptop and books down on the couch and proceed to go find another book I can use for my project. In reality I'm being stupid and childish. The professor specifically gave me these books to use because they had all the information I needed for my argument but when it comes to Brooks it seems like all of my sanity leaves the building and I'm left acting like a petulant child trying to prove a point. The point being that he won't win....win what? I don't really know but I can't let him win. So like a child, I storm off down the aisles of the library. Skimming cascades of books, only to have Brooks follow my every step and snicker with every shelf that I pass. Ugh!

  I try to escape him by making my way up to the top flight - the archives - only to have him follow me even more. He's like a damn duckling, up my ass following my every step. "Go away!" I say in a sturdy whisper. "I'm just trying to find some other sources of information to use for my presentation. I don't know what you're talking about." I can't take it anymore. I can't hold back my emotions anymore. I swing around and throw my hands at his chest pushing him against a shelf, "Will you just leave me the hell alone! My God, it's like you're a damn child! All I want to do is get some homework done and I can't concentrate with you around! Go Away!"

  Brooks stares at me with those ivy green eyes, my insides melt a little but I can't look away. My hands are still braced on his chest and I can feel his heart beating so fast, it matches mine. I swallow a thick lump in my throat as Brooks takes me wrists and quickly spins me around pinning my back to the shelf he was just pushed up against. "You can't concentrate when I'm around?" His voice is thick, filled with lust and I can't help but bite my lip. His eyes flick down to my mouth and his tongue peeks out to wet his bottom lip. I feel the warmth build between my legs. "That's what you got out of what I just said?" it's barely a whisper but I'm still trying to hold on to my sass. Still trying to be strong, solid, when he's turning me into a melting mess.

  He leans in closer, trapping my body with his. My hands braced on his pecs between us, while his, are holding firmly on the shelf next to my head. I can feel his breath on my face, our nose's almost touching, "I can't concentrate period. Not after that kiss, Letty." Letty? He used my nickname and I can't help the butterflies that filled my stomach at the way he said it. What is happening? My eyes flickering from his mouth to his lust filled eyes, "Too bad it's never happening again." But as I say the words, I know they're a lie. Brooks smiles and nods, leaning closer, slowly, inch by inch until he's too close and our lips are touching. Not kissing, just simply touching.

  I can't take it anymore. I cave. Pushing my lips to his harder, I opened my mouth and kissed him. The groan that greats me is so satisfying I almost lose control. Brooks’ hands grip my hair and pull me closer. I moan into his mouth as he bites my bottom lip. Our kisses grow frantic and frenzied. His hands lower to butt, giving me a hard squeeze before pulling me up and onto him. My legs react wrapping around his waist and my fingers grip and pull at his luscious brown hair, his six-foot-two self making me just his height as he pushes me against the shelf.

  The books rattle but I'm too consumed in the kiss to care. My panties are drenched and my sex throbs for relief. I want him to touch me, want him inside me. I swivel my hips against his, his growing erection making me grin. Brooks rubs against me, giving my clit the much needed relief and I throw my head back on a low moan. He takes full advantage and latches onto my neck with his lips.

  We're dry humping in the library and I honestly wouldn't care if someone saw us at this point because it just feels too good. But when Brooks pushes his trapped erection into me, hard, I close my eyes so tight and bite his shoulder. Fuck
that feels good. I'm about to come and he's not even touching me. Not really. So when Brooks pushes me back into the shelf, a little harder this time, and leans away, showing me his face, it drags me out of the haze.

  In an instant I go from, shit, this feels amazing to, shit, what the fuck am I doing? I hastily unwrap my legs from his waist, dropping to the floor. We're panting, our clothes wrinkled, hair frenzied. It honestly looks like we just had sex in the middle of the library, and really, we probably would have if I didn't stop it.

  I raise my hands and push him away. He stumbles back, catching himself. Brooks looks at me wide-eyed and frenzied, "What-" I don't let him ask the question. I shake my head quickly, "Don't. I have no idea what just happened and I don't want to know. That's never happening again. Do you hear me! Never!" The look he gives me is as if I just smacked him across the face, but he quickly recovers, "As long as this time you don't throw a beer in my face, I'm good, cupcake." With a smirk he walks away.

  I'm left dumbfounded in the archives section of the library. Staring at the space that Brooks just left. What the fuck just happened? And why do I want to do it again? I shake my head, trying to rid it of those thoughts but my body won't let me forget. My body wants more. My body wants Brooks. But the worst part? I don't know how much longer I can keep him away because if we have another slip up, I don't think I'll be able to stop.

  Chapter 8

  Brooks

  Three weeks. Three weeks and I'm still waking up with a solid, almost painful erection at the memory of Letty. God, fucking damnit! This shit is getting ridiculous. The amount of times I've had to rub one out to the thought of her is immeasurable. It's like my body's addicted and I haven't even had a full taste of her. Not really. My brain knows that I can't stand her but even it's becoming a traitor. My thoughts are filled with her. Wake up: think of Letty. Go to practice: think of Letty. Do homework: think of Letty. Go to sleep: think of Letty. Even fucking going to a game I'm thinking of her. Thank the fine Lord that I know how to focus my energy and use all this built up frustration to my advantage. We've won every game so far and my body checks are on point. I know I'm sending the other players home with bruises. But I can't keep going on like this.

  I've avoided her as much as I could because if I get too close, I know I won't be able to keep my hands and my mouth off of her. I've skipped class or sat hidden, far away from her and everyone else, as if I wasn't even there. I don't know how much longer I can fight this but the need to kiss her, touch her, be fucking inside her, is eating at me and it's pissing me off. This is supposed to be a dare. A game. Get her to fall for me by the time the annual function comes around and then be done. Make Ky eat his words and walk away, but it's turning into something different. Something more. I'm obsessed with her mouth, her lips, the way her hands feel on my body. The way I could feel her warm pussy through my jeans, the way my dick throbbed and ached to be inside her and - Fuck. Now I'm fucking hard. Great!

  I'm walking to Psych II, not able to avoid her any longer, with my hard on tucked in the top of my boxer briefs. The light October breeze hits my face and I let out a gleeful sigh. I love fall. The way the leaves change colors, how the temperature is the perfect mix between hot and cold, but most importantly, how the girls start wearing their tight ass jeans and leggings. Mmm. To say I'm in love with the person who created yoga pants and leggings would be the understatement of the year. And now my dick is even harder, wonderful.

  When I get into class I don't spot Letty anywhere and the pressure in my chest lifts. I take my normal seat in the back anticipating that she won't be here today but five minutes into the lecture she shows up, wincing like she's embarrassed and takes the only seat available. The seat right next to me.

  My chest tightens and my heart plummets to the floor. What the actual fuck! I've been avoiding this chick for three whole weeks and now I have to sit right next to her for a whole two hours? Someone's playing tricks on me and I'm not happy. I grumble a little bit, shifting in my seat, attempting to get my body as far away from hers. Which, I mean, is completely useless considering the seats are side by side with swivel out tables as desks. Her arm touches mine as she gets comfortable and I hold my breath. My hearts pounding a mile a minute, which is insane because I've never been this worked up even in a game!

  Scarlett lets out a mumble that I don't quite get but then she speaks again, "Move your damn arm!" She elbows my forearm and I turn to look at her. I almost laugh at how angry she looks right now. I thought I was bothered by her closeness but it seems like it's affecting her, too. She looks worse off than I am. Which oddly makes me happy. Makes me want to push her, bother her more, affect her more. "Why? Is it bothering you?" I nudge my arm a little closer to her and she huffs, giving me another shove. "I'm trying to concentrate. This is the last place I wanted to sit. I can't believe I'm late. Now shut up, and move your arm!" She elbows me in the ribs and I instinctively move my arms to grab my aching side. "Damn, you know I love it when you're aggressive." Scarlett's eyes roll but she can't hide the pink flush in her cheeks. I'm getting to her and I love it.

  The professor calls for a break and I make my way to the coffee cart outside the building. When I left, Letty was making her way down to the professor, I'm assuming to apologize and get the notes from the beginning of the lecture. She's such a goody two shoes, it's annoying.

  When I don't show up, I simply email the professor that I'm sick or some other excuse and she graciously emails me the notes from the lecture that day and tells me to ask one of my classmates for help if I don't understand the material. Easy. If only Letty thought like I do.

  I'm placing my order for a black coffee and blueberry muffin when I spot a bag of that white cheddar popcorn Letty was eating at the library. A weird feeling twists in my stomach and a grin takes up my whole face. "Is that all?" The red headed barista purrs at me. She looks familiar but clearly never made an impression for me to remember. "Uh. This too and can I get a chai latte? Thanks,” the red head blushes before giving me my order and a napkin with her name and phone number on it. Serena, nice.

  I make my way back to class, where Letty is slumped over in her chair, hands gripping her hair, elbows leaning on the little side table. Damn she looks stressed. I try my best to scoot past the seats and almost trip on her feet. She throws her feet back and attempts to help steady me, "Oh shit, that would have been so bad." I laugh, gripping onto the hot drinks tightly. "Well, maybe if you didn't buy yourself the whole fucking coffee cart, you'd be able to watch where you were going and hold yourself up all on your own.” She sits back down on a huff and takes out her notebook again. I shake my head, exhausted and chuckle at her sass.

  "Fine, smartass. I guess you don't want your treat." I lift my coffee to my lips as Letty turns in her seat, the look on her face confused and dumbfounded. "What?" her eyebrow quirks and it takes everything in me not to reach over and touch her face, graze it with my finger. Instead I throw the bag of popcorn at her and place the chai tea on her desk. "Here, Scar-Scar. Eat. Maybe then you won't be such a grouch.” The scowl she gives me almost makes me laugh before her face turns soft as she reaches for her tea to take a sip. She hums into the cup, closing her eyes savoring the warm spices before opening them to meet mine. "Thank you." Scarlett whispers, "How did you know I liked these?" I shrug like it's no big deal, "I don't know. You were eating the popcorn at the library last time I saw you and before that-" I shrug again, looking down to avoid her eyes, "- you've smelled of cinnamon and spices. So I just kind of assumed you drank chai tea. It's no big deal. You just seemed like you were having an off day and I was already at the coffee cart, so why not?"

  Scarlett blinks at me, a little taken aback. Why? Who the fuck knows. It's not like I'm a total asshole. I buy my friends shit all the time. I pay for other people's drinks and meals if I'm feeling kind. I tip extra any time I go out. That's just who I am, I like to take care of my friends. I especially like to take care of my girlfriends. But Scarlett's not my friend, nor is she my gir
lfriend. So why did I get her something? I shake my head, trying my hardest not to overthink it because really it's just a snack. Nothing more. And if it helps win her over, so I can win the dare, I'm all for it. The dare. This is about the game! Don't forget the game! "Well..." she blushes again and I can't help but smile, "..thanks, I guess. I didn't know you paid that much attention-"

  "I don't.” I cut off her words, feeling heat rise on my cheeks.

  "-but again, thank you. I'm having a shitty day so this kind of made it a little better. Now if only I could get the damn professor to actually give me the fucking notes from the beginning of class, I'd be golden.” I raise my eyebrows. The professor didn't give her the notes? What the fuck? I take out my notebook and hand it to her, "Here.” Her gaping mouth makes me laugh, "I'm sure they're not as good as the ones you would normally take but at least they’re something. Just don't say I never gave you anything."

  "Am I in the twilight zone right now? Is this some sort of alternate universe? What is happening right now?" She's giving me shit and I love it. I shake my head, scratch the back of my neck and go to pull my notebook away, "I mean if you don't want it, I'll just keep them-"

  "No!” Scarlett practically shouts, "I'll take them! Thank you." She looks down and frantically starts copying my notes. I watch her in her haste, admired by the way she moves. She looks up at me over her shoulder, giving me a smile so pure I almost melt in my seat. Holy shit. What is happening? Scarlett hands me back the notebook as the professor begins to start the lecture back up, "I owe you one," she whispers before putting her full attention at the front of the room.