Fumbled Hearts (A Tender Hearts Novel)

by Meagan Brandy

  He smirks and saunters his strong body toward mine.

  He’s dressed for dinner. His dark jeans stretch nicely across his thighs, laying a little loose down his legs. He has his long-sleeved, gray button-up untucked, with the arms folded to his elbows, and he’s wearing a pair of black boots. His hair is mussed perfectly in an unkempt, clean and sexy kind of way.

  When he reaches me, he holds my eyes captive while his hands skim up my thighs, lifting my dress up and over my hips. He bends his head and peeks down, a groan leaving him. He backs me into the edge of the table. “I knew you couldn’t possibly be wearing any panties in this thing.” He runs his fingers under the cups of my bra.

  “I didn’t want the panty lines.”

  “You know how much I like to push ’em to the side.” He pretends to pout, dipping his head to kiss on my neck.

  “Yeah, well.” I grip his shoulders tight, squirming as he slips a finger inside me. “One less… step.”

  “Mmm… ” He bites at my shoulder, adding a second finger, while bringing his thumb to my clit. “I wanna hear you, baby.”

  My eyes squeeze shut. “Everyone’s waiting for us.”

  “Let them wait.”

  “Our food will be cold.”

  “We’ll ask them to warm it up.”

  “But-”

  His hands slip from me and he chuckles when I protest.

  “Okay, fine.” He walks to the bed and drops down. “Put your shoes on and we’ll go.” The asshole reaches into his pocket, pulling out his phone.

  I see the laughter in his eyes; he knows damn well what he’s trying to do. And it’s working.

  I cross my arms and frown.

  His head falls back and deep, rich laughter flows from him.

  Pissed off, I turn to grab my shoes off the floor, but he’s quick and has me on my back on the bed before I even get them in my hand.

  His hand is between my legs again in an instant, his erection pushing against my hip.

  His fingers sink into me slowly, and his mouth comes to my ear. He blows warm breath across my neck, working me slowly at first. Then, he adds more speed, pushing down on my clit with his thumb.

  When my breathing speeds up, he bites my earlobe, then sucks away the sting.

  My fingers clutch at his skin, holding him tight as my orgasm builds.

  He pushes in deep and freezes.

  I try to roll my hips into his hand, but he pushes his pelvis into me, forcing me still.

  “Nate-”

  “Are you gonna stop me next time?”

  I squeeze my eyes shut, pushing down on his fingers as much as I can, squeezing him from the inside.

  “Tell me,” he growls. “Tell me I can touch you, please you, whenever and wherever I want.” He licks my neck. “Tell me…”

  “You can do whatever you want to me, Handsome.” I look over at him. “I’m yours.”

  His lips crash into mine and I ride his hand like I’m at the damn rodeo.

  “Fuck me,” I beg between kisses. “Please.”

  “Fuck,” he adds another finger. “Then we’ll really be late.”

  “So what, this is our vacation, too.”

  “Shh,” he chuckles against my mouth, working me into frenzy until I come on his fingers.

  When he pulls out, I relax into the comforter, watching as he kneels in front of me, running the warm rag over my sex. It’s gentle and meant to clean me, but my eyes close and I moan into the pillow.

  “Damn,” he rasps, his fingers replacing the cloth. He runs them up and down slowly, and the bed dips. “You need more, baby?”

  I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but, yeah, I do. But I don’t have to say it, he already knows.

  Right when his warm breath hits my thigh, someone starts pounding on the door.

  Nate groans and drops his forehead on my leg.

  “Would you stop cock-blocking them all the damn time!” We hear Austin’s laughter.

  Mia grumbles and I can picture her stomping her foot in a fit. “No! I won’t! Not when we’re waiting on their asses.” She pounds on the door again. “Bitch, I know you hear me. Let’s go!”

  Laughing, I pull myself into a sitting position.

  Nate rolls his eyes and steps off the bed. He pulls me up and kisses my forehead. “I’ll take care you tonight.”

  I stand on my tiptoes and kiss him gently. “I know.”

  We don’t bother opening the door until my tan wedges are buckled and my hair is smoothed down.

  I’m wearing a coral, spandex-like dress that’s tight and slinky with two thin straps. I paired it with gold hoops, my hair is down and straight, and I put on some nude shadow, mascara, and a soft pink lipstick.

  “Finally, assholes.” Mia loops her arm through mine. “No one wanted to order until everyone was here. Guess who was last to arrive?” She pins me with a glare.

  I shrug, and peek over my shoulder.

  Nate winks at me, so I turn back and let Mia drag me along.

  Once we’re all seated, everyone says hello and starts on their drinks.

  Turns out Mia’s a damn liar because the hotel is buffet-style and on twenty-four seven as part of our all-inclusive packages. I don’t mind though, because it’s kind of fun to have such a large group eating, laughing, and drinking together.

  The room is a large open area with different foods lining the right wall, a kitchen tucked behind them. The center of the room is nothing but cherrywood tables and chairs scattered everywhere, while the left side is an open dance floor with a DJ booth in the corner. There are large open panels along the whole left wall, allowing you to look out at the ocean, letting the night air flow through the area.

  There are at least eighty other students from Alrick that booked, all from different crowds, and staying in different areas in the hotel. Our floor though, is full of rough and rowdy football players and their groupies.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Jarrod staring at me, so I shift my body toward Nate’s.

  His hand squeezes my thigh in acknowledgment, and he continues talking to a guy I recognize but don’t know his name.

  “Lolli Bear!”

  I turn, searching for Parker in the masses on the dance floor.

  He waves me over.

  I throw back another shot and stand. Nate catches my movement and nods his chin in question. I kiss his cheek quickly. “Going to dance,” I tell him and hustle away.

  Parker holds a hand out to me, shifting his shoulders to the music. I slide my hand into his and he pulls me in.

  We dance along to the beat of the high tempo music. A few minutes later, a bunch of others join us on the dance floor. Parker turns and starts dancing with both Ashley and Alyssa, who have pancaked him between them, not that he’s complaining.

  I close my eyes and let my body flow. When I open them, a few verses later, Jarrod is standing in front of me and for once, he has his old playful smile on his face.

  Cautiously, I keep a good distance, but when I realize he’s laughing and smiling at everyone around us, just trying to have fun like I am, I loosen up and allow him to step in closer as we dance.

  Right then, the lights dim and colors slide across the rooftop of the dance floor, and a sultry song I’ve never heard before comes on, so I take a half of a step back, but Jarrod’s quick. He grabs my hips gently and starts to move his along with mine. When he doesn’t try anything else, I keep dancing.

  Mia bounces up with a tray in her hands. “Shots, bitches!” Jarrod raises a brow and holds his out.

  We clink glasses and down the cheap tequila.

  “Ugh,” Jarrod cringes. “That’s disgusting.”

  I laugh. “Maybe, but it was free, right?”

  Laughing, he steps to me again and we keep dancing.

  My eyes shift to Nate, and I see Liv has taken my empty seat. I almost laugh when I see the irritated expression on his face. She catches my eye and I flip her off.

  “I’d watch out for her,” Jarro
d whispers into my ear.

  My head pulls back slightly, and I look up at him. “What do you mean?”

  He shrugs and tries to keep dancing, but I halt his movements, grabbing onto his arms. “Seriously, Jarrod. Talk.”

  He releases a deep sigh, leaning his body toward mine.

  I pull back and narrow my eyes at him, but he grins, shaking his head. “I didn’t want to shout, that’s all.”

  When my face smooths out, he leans in again. “I don’t know exactly,” he whispers, his hand finding my lower back. “I don’t trust her, that’s all. She’s always wanted Nate. She’ll probably try to make a play for him.”

  I laugh when I hear his explanation. “I’m aware, trust me. She can try, but it won’t work.”

  He pulls back and looks down at me. “How do you know, Lolli?”

  “Trust me, Jarrod.” I smirk. “I know.” I look back at Nate, finding his eyes narrowed in my direction.

  He pushes out of his chair, shaking off Liv’s hand as she protests and stalks toward me, his eyes dropping. I follow his gaze, realizing I’m still holding on to Jarrod’s arm, and his hand is still on my back.

  I quickly let go of him and step back.

  He laughs like he’s been waiting for this, and lifts his hands in surrender when Nate steps in front of me. “Get the fuck outta here, Hollins.”

  Jarrod winks and walks a few feet away to dance with some others from our school.

  He turns toward me. “What was that all about?”

  “Just dancing.”

  “Did he hit on you?” He clenches and unclenches his fists at his sides.

  I smirk and lean into his chest. “No. He acted normal for once.” I shrug a shoulder. “I think he’s over it.”

  “Over you, you mean?” he scoffs, raising and brow. “’Cause I highly doubt that.” His eyes run down my body, his tongue sliding across his bottom lip on their way back up.

  “You jealous, Handsome?”

  His jaw ticks, but he says nothing. He grabs ahold of my biceps, kissing me before spinning me around, gripping my hips tight and moving to the music.

  After a few minutes, he leans in, his words a low growl in my ear. “Don’t let anyone touch, Kalani. I can’t handle it.”

  I nod and push my ass into him, feeling as he starts to grow hard.

  “I’m serious.”

  I nod again and he chuckles, knowing damn well having his body against mine is doing bad things to me. The good kind of bad things.

  We dance and drink the night away and, before we know it, we’re all creeping up to our beds just before the sun is set to rise.

  Mia yawns, leaning up against the elevator wall, her black wedges dangling from her fingers, red hair sticking out of her forgotten ponytail. “Hangin’ by the pool tomorrow?”

  We all groan our agreeance and shuffle out into the hall.

  “Don’t call me, Mia. I’ll have my ass there when I’m good and ready.”

  “Whatever.” Bringing her hand to cover her mouth, she yawns again, scrunching her face when she gets a whiff of her sweaty shoes. “Have your morning, but be ready to party tomorrow night, birthday girl.”

  I flip her off and step into my room.

  Nate and I drop onto the bed at the same time, laughing when the impact bounces us to the center.

  He hooks his arm around my waist and pulls me closer, tucking my head into his chest.

  “I still need to take care of you.” His voice is thick with exhaustion.

  I grin, using the little bit of energy I have left to tilt my head and kiss his neck. “I can’t even undress, let alone get freaky,” I tell him, making us both laugh. “Tomorrow.”

  He pulls me in impossibly tighter, and kisses my forehead.

  “I love you, Kalani.” It’s the last thing I hear him whisper before sleep takes over.

  The sun is warm and shining bright over the resort. Hundreds of people mill around, some swimming in the turquoise waters, some lounging, like me, and others having drinks at one of the many surrounding bars.

  Mia chose the Grand Park Royal resort specifically because, from the lounge area of the hotel pool, you can look out over the Mexican Caribbean that’s only a good fifteen to twenty feet further, so we have a killer view of miles of open sea and clear blue skies.

  Though we woke around ten, Nate and I didn’t make it down until around noon. Once showered, we decided on room service for brunch instead of going to the dining area with everyone.

  After we ate, we dressed in our swimsuits which, naturally, distracted the both of us. So we had some fun with the balcony doors open before redressing and joining the group.

  Alyssa plops down in the lounger next to me, covering her face with a large sun hat. “Ugh…hangover from hell,” she grumbles.

  “Nate fed me Excedrin and a Bloody Mary for breakfast.”

  “You know, you came along at the perfect time for him. He needed someone to straighten him out before he headed to college. If not, he’d have a baby and Chlamydia by the first semester.”

  I pop one eye open, laughing, finding her grinning at me with the hat still lying over her eyes.

  I shift my seat so my back is inclined and my legs are stretched in front of me. My eyes find Nate across the pool. His hat is turned backward and his trunks hang enticingly low. He’s laughing with the guys, a beer in his left hand while using his right to tell a story.

  “You love him.”

  I turn back to Alyssa. “Yeah, I do.”

  She places her hat back on her head and mirrors my position on her lounger. Her eyes find the boys and she takes her time ogling each one. When her face turns sour, I turn to see Liv and her minions slink up to the bar where the boys are.

  My lips purse. “It really is too bad she’s such a bitch.”

  “Right.”

  “Her body is bangin’.”

  “Your tits are so much better, though.”

  Laughing, I swing my legs over the side of my chair. “But her legs…God damn. They’re like half her body.”

  “True, but her face is only pretty with all that hooker makeup.”

  I stand, pulling the hair tie of my high ponytail tighter. “So I win, then?” I grin.

  She looks me over in my white bikini.

  The bottoms are low, with the skinniest of strings that lays just below my hip bones, connecting the front fabric to the back. The double-D top cuts down to my breastbone with a small gold pendant in the center and wraps around, hooking like a bra would, while the triangle top ties around my neck. I’ve been tanning recently, so I knew the white would be a nice contrast against my skin.

  “Girl…” she draws out slowly, licking her lips seductively, “I’d fuck you any day over her.”

  I laugh hard, bending down to snatch my sunglasses off the floor. “I’m ready for something strong. You want?”

  She leans back, closing her eyes. “Nah, I’m good for now. I still haven’t been able to eat.” She brushes me away with a sweep of her hand.

  I decide to walk to the bar closest to me. I hop onto the bar stool under the bungalow-style overhead and order a shot of Jack.

  “Make that two.”

  I look to my left, finding Jarrod stepping up next to me.

  I can’t help but notice his body, him being shirtless and all.

  He’s hard and defined in the right places. Mix all that with his green eyes and blond hair, it’s no wonder he’s a popular piece of meat. It does nothing for me, though.

  He smirks, knowing I was looking. “Hey, Lolli.”

  I roll my eyes behind my glasses and place my elbows on the countertop.

  “How you feeling today?” He sits on the stool next to me.

  “I’m good, actually.” I turn to him. “You?”

  He thanks the bartender when he sets our shots in front of us. “I’m good. Didn’t drink much last night.” He lifts his drink.

  I hesitate for a moment, then lift mine, clinking glasses with his.

 
The dark liquor burns on the way down, but the sweet aftertaste soothes it enough.

  “You want another?” Jarrod tilts his head.

  I nod.

  He orders us both another round. “So, it’s your birthday tomorrow, huh?”

  I blow out a breath. “Yes, sir.” I raise a brow at him. “How’d you know?”

  “Mia has a big mouth.” He grins and we both laugh.

  “That she does.” This time, I raise my glass to him.

  His eyes freeze on me for a moment, then he turns and grabs his shot.

  We cheers and throw ’em back.

  I go to push off the counter but he reaches for me, gently wrapping his fingers around my elbow.

  I look from his hand to his face.

  He smiles softly. “Thanks for this, Lolli. I didn’t mean for things to get weird between us.”

  I drop myself back into the seat and he releases my arm. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “No really.” He looks away, then turns back to me. “I shouldn’t have gotten so upset about you and Nate. It’s not like we’d been dating and then it happened. I guess I just didn’t expect it, that’s all.”

  Damn Nate and his bringing out my emotions because now I feel kind of bad, and I don’t like it.

  “Two more and a Jack and Coke, please,” I order and shift toward Jarrod. “It was kind of shitty how it went down, though. Sorry about all that. I had no idea Nate was gonna go full on ‘me Tarzan, you Jane’ on me that day.” We both laugh. “If I had, I would have suggested a different place to eat.”

  Jarrod stops laughing and looks over at me. I turn to my shot, realizing maybe I shouldn’t have said that.

  I can see his eyes rake over my body out of the corner of my eye, watching me as I down my shot.

  When I turn to look at him, he grabs his, smirking into the glass before he tosses it back.

  Spinning the chair around, I push my glasses onto my head, and look out over the water, laughing when I see Mia jump onto Parker’s shoulders, a bright smile on her face as she tries her best to dunk him.

  “Looks like they’re having fun.”

  I nod, biting my nail.

  I jump slightly when Jarrod’s hand wraps around my wrist, pulling it from my mouth.