by Leila James
I’m surprised to find his body trembling against mine. Big, strong, capable Micah is shaking.
One of his hands dives into his pocket, coming up with his phone. His thumb flies over the screen, quickly tapping. “Done.”
I stare up at his face, mesmerized by the hard set of his jaw. “Huh?”
“It’s taken care of.”
“What do you mean?”
“Xander and Beau are relaying to Shayne and Carter that they aren’t to touch you, speak to you, or even look at you ever again.” He growls, “They’ll be lucky if I don’t fuck them up at the first opportunity.” He backs up until he can lean against the building and pulls me snugly to him. “Now, do you want to tell me what you were doing in the locker room in the first place?”
“Oh.” I take a deep breath. I close one eye and squint up at him with the other. “I’m your spirit girl?” It comes out like a question. I’m mildly astonished at my own words because the idea of it is still so bizarre to me.
“You’re fucking kidding me.” I feel the rough chuckle reverberate through his chest. “That was you? The drawings and the cookies and the candy?”
I nod, peeking up at him again. “Yep.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
I laugh. “Are you joking? When they first asked me to tutor you, you weren’t exactly friendly. And I was terrified that if you found out they wanted me to take Jana’s place that you’d say you didn’t want me to do that, either.” I shrug. Then more quietly, I add, “And I need it for my college applications.”
His brows raise. “I’ve been a real pain in your ass.”
I give him a closed mouth smile, my shoulders inching toward my ears again. “Maybe.”
We’re quiet for a while as he holds me, offering me comfort within his strong embrace. I burrow closer. “What else do you need, Daph?” His voice has gone husky, and he nuzzles the shell of my ear with his nose.
When our gazes meet again, I’m spellbound, shaking my head. I’m not sure what he’s asking.
“Do you need … me?”
The storm in his eyes causes heat to flow through my veins. “I know I’m not supposed to want you. But I do.” My quiet admission seems to knock him off balance. “Needing someone. That’s another level entirely.” I swallow, watching his eyes flash with emotion.
“Daphne … I think I need you. But I don’t want you to get hurt.”
I blink. “I—”
He brushes his lips over mine. “Things might be hard for a while.”
“Is anything worth having easy?”
He shakes his head, then sighs. “I hate to bring it up, but Alora—”
“Is psycho. I know.”
“Aren’t you going to ask what we argued about this morning?”
“That’s not my business, Micah.”
“What if I want it to be your business?”
My breath hitches as he lowers his mouth, delivering a soft, sensual kiss to my lips that leaves me trembling. He strokes his hands down my back and cups my ass, bringing me closer.
I want to be so much closer.
“Are you still coming to the game tonight? And the party?”
I smile. “I’m about to go to physics and confirm that, but yeah. I’ll be there—” I bite down on my lip, trying to stop myself from finishing my thought. It’s completely useless. “I’ll be there either way.”
“Really?” His eyes light up.
I nod. “I won’t let you down, Micah. If you say you need me, I’ll be there. Not like—”
His body stiffens and his eyes slam shut for a split second right before he takes my head between his big hands. His tongue sweeps along my lip before it plunges inside my mouth to tangle with mine. The rest of what I was going to say about his family letting him down is lost to the moment.
Forgetting where we are, I return his kiss with equal heat and slide my hands up his chest. I want to rip his clothes off and feel his skin against mine again. I want all of his lust. All of his passion. All of his desire.
His tongue strokes against mine, hungry. “Fuck. I want to fuck you right here against this wall. Make you scream my name.” My mouth gapes at his words, and he chuckles. “Don’t worry. I have a little more decorum than that. It’s just a fantasy. What do you dream about, Daph?”
I look up at him, feigning confusion. “Don’t you know?”
He frowns.
“I thought that’s what Daph’s Dream Dick was all about.”
Laughing loudly, he hauls me to him, kissing the top of my head. “You surprise me all the time, Daph. I like it. A lot.”
Chapter 30
Scarlett, Max, and I stand at one end of the football field watching the game, but I haven’t a clue what is happening. There’s a blur of red-and-black uniforms mixed with the gray and black of the other school, and it’s hard for me to tell what’s going on at any given time.
It feels a little surreal to be here; this is only my second game ever. The last time I was in this exact spot I’d been supporting Scarlett and would never have dreamed I’d be back because Micah invited me. Sure, we made a bet, but I’d been telling him the absolute truth when I said I would come no matter what his physics grade had been. Turns out he’d scored a ninety-four—a ninety-freaking-four. That’s an A. I’m positive he could have been scoring that high all along on his own. I don’t understand what his motivation could be for flunking, especially since it was about to affect his position on the football team. Why would he purposely tank his grades? I tuck my questions aside as I return my attention to the game. The only person who can answer them for me is Micah.
With a little sigh, I scan the field for him and spot him returning to the bench as the defense takes the field. Before sitting down, he surveys the crowd, looking pointedly at the spot where I told him I’d be. His unwavering gaze settles on me, and he lifts his hand. I can practically sense the relief rolling through his body because I’m actually here—I kept my promise to him.
And I freely admit I desperately hope the person he always wants—always needs—is me.
A second later, he’s forced to look away as his teammates get his attention. Right in front of the bench, the cheerleaders wave their pom-poms around, executing a complex routine of kicks, twirls, and jumps.
My eyes land on Alora, whose face seems to contort into a terrible sneer every time she glances in this direction. I never should have told Micah I didn’t want to know what was said between them because, oh man, do I ever. Especially given the way she is now shooting me the evil eye.
I chuckle to myself. Something inside of me has changed, has me doing things that are not typical Daphne. Micah has me doing things I definitely wouldn’t normally do. For example, here I am, hanging out at a football game, watching the big guy do his thing on the field. If you’d told me a month ago that I’d be attending football games on a Friday night, I’d have laughed in your face and gone right back to my book.
I frown as a thought occurs to me. I have a rudimentary understanding of the game—four quarters, four attempts to move the ball at least ten yards or hand over possession of the ball, touchdowns, field goals, etcetera. Got it. But, oh my God, I have no idea what a tight end does.
Scarlett and Max have been talking while I’ve been lost in my thoughts, but the moment they see me perk up and start really watching the field, they take notice.
“Hey, Max, what exactly does a tight end do?”
Scarlett snorts out a giggle. “I have an answer, but I’m pretty sure it’s not the one you’re looking for.”
Max shakes his head at her, sliding her a faux grimace. “Cupcake, you’re lucky Xander is a wide receiver. It’s pretty obvious what he does.” He turns his attention to me just as a flag is thrown on the last play and everything comes to a halt. “So, a tight end is a hybrid player—that means Micah is a cross between an offensive lineman and a wide receiver.”
“Oh.” My brow furrows, and I glance at Scarlett to see she doesn’t under
stand any better than I do. It’s all a bunch of mumbo jumbo to me. “Um, what’s a lineman do?”
Max groans. “Maybe you should get your google on. Or ask Micah to explain.”
I swat at his arm. “No, I need you to explain it better.”
“Okay, okay. He helps block just like the linemen, opens up holes in the defense, will help protect the quarterback if necessary, and can catch passes.”
I bite my lip, nodding as I grip the fence in front of me and stare out onto the field looking for number twelve.
Scarlett leans close to my ear. “Don’t worry. I’m not ever one hundred percent sure what’s going on either.”
Funny she said that because it’s exactly what I’m feeling. I have no idea what’s going on—not with this game, and not with my life.
I’m a mess. And my heart is sprinting up and down the field right along with Micah as he plays. Is it a mistake to let it?
After the game, Max and Scarlett left to get something to eat before the party, but I’d stayed back when Micah had texted me to wait for him. I lean on the fence, watching the door as the team trickles out a few at a time.
Chewing on my lip, I scan them as they come out. I notice Shayne and Carter walk by with a few other guys, and my gut twists, but they immediately turn their heads away from me. Wow. I don’t know what Xander and Beau said to them, but whatever it was, it was effective.
Finally, I spot Beau and Micah exiting together in a crowd of other football players. As they approach, there’s some mumbling among them, but I distinctly hear someone say, “Who’s she waiting for?” A few pairs of eyes snap in my direction.
Micah claps Beau on the shoulder, and he separates from the group, hurrying toward me.
As he jogs over, I glance over his shoulder to see the rest of the guys watching him, the question clear on their faces: What’s he doing with her?
My breath stutters as Micah gets to me. “Hey.”
I give him a tight smile. “Hi.” His teammates are still staring in our direction.
Micah glances over his shoulder to see what I’m looking at. “Don’t pay them any attention.”
Swallowing hard, I nod before my eyes drop to my feet.
He cups my cheek with one hand, fingers sliding back into my hair. He glances down my body as he tucks a few fingers into the waistband of my jeans and drags my body to his. “I like you in these.” His mouth hovers over mine. My heart pounds. He’s doing this out in the open. I’m still lost in trying to figure out if this is a good thing or not when his lips softly brush mine. “Thank you for coming tonight.”
“I wanted to be here.”
“Mm-hmm,” he groans as his lips skate across mine again, nibbling before his tongue slips into my mouth.
I melt into him, my body taking over. His clean, fresh, straight-from-the-shower scent goes right to my head and makes me dizzy. I have the urge to run my fingers through the damp hair at the back of his head, so I do.
“Still want to go to the party?” With a hooded stare, he dips his head down to my neck, licking first, then kissing the spot where my pulse has gone haywire.
“You’re asking?”
He brings his face back to mine and slicks his tongue over his lip. “I want you to enjoy yourself. And I’d enjoy myself at the party or alone with you.” He wriggles his eyebrows. “So, it’s up to you.”
I tap his chest with my finger. “Aren’t you hosting the party?”
“Yeah. But it’s whatever you want. The party can go on without me.”
“Aren’t you worried about what could happen if you aren’t there?”
He shrugs, noncommittally. “No, not really.”
“What would your parents do if—”
He cuts me off with a scoff and jerk of his head. “They don’t give two shits what I do.”
I blow out a breath, hurt for him worming its way into my heart. What kind of crap parents must he have? I mean, I’d heard some rumors, but I’d thought they were just that—rumors. “I want to go to the party.”
His lips twitch in amusement. “You’re sure?”
“Yes.” I nod my head adamantly.
Micah turns and hooks his arm around my neck, resting it on my shoulders. “We’ll have fun. Promise. Come on.”
Chapter 31
Micah’s Lexus GX has that new car smell and is so comfortable I almost tell him I’d like to stay in here with him forever and forego the party. But then it hits me how this vehicle also serves as a reminder of how different my life is from Micah’s—the party at his home will be the same. He’s a Rose through and through, no doubt about it. He doesn’t think twice about any of this, as far as I can tell—expensive cars, clothes, houses …
I gaze out the window at the homes on Micah’s street, which only seem to increase in size as we continue along. I’m somewhat used to this neighborhood since Max lives nearby and, every once in a while, I hang out at his place. But I’m never entirely comfortable here, and always think I should park my car around the corner and out of sight. My little sedan doesn’t exactly fit in.
As we drive up to Micah’s home, my eyes widen. He could fit two homes the size of Max’s in there.
He hits the garage door opener. The middle of five bays opens and Micah drives in. Looking first one way and then the other, I note that there are a couple of fancy sports cars that probably would cost as much as my house, a large, expensive-looking SUV—maybe a Cadillac like Xander’s—and a sleek, black Raptor. “What did you say your parents do again?”
He side-eyes me. “My dad’s whole family is in pharmaceuticals. It takes him away a lot. My mom,”—he shrugs—“does a lot with charity work. Fancy fundraisers. Stuff like that. She’s always off at some gala or luncheon or whatever. But I’m pretty sure her favorite job is spending my dad’s money.”
Movement through the windows has my brow furrowing. The party seems like it’s already in full swing. I shift in my seat, meeting Micah’s eyes across the console. “Um, how are people already inside?”
His jaw twitches once before he says, “Alora knows where the spare key is and has the security code.”
I glance out the window, away from him. My chest tightens and my mouth goes bone-dry. Don’t make more of that than it is. So, she’s been here a lot … that’s no surprise. “Is she going to flip out that I’m here?”
“If she does, she can take herself right the fuck on home. I warned her I didn’t want any drama tonight.”
Micah seems pretty sure of himself. And I trust him—I think. But I don’t trust Alora as far as I can throw her pom-poms. There’s a fairly high probability that she’ll try another bitch move tonight, no matter what he’s asked of her. Maybe she’ll shove me into the pool or … wait, who am I kidding? She wouldn’t let anyone see her actually do that. She’d pay someone to send me fully clothed into the water. Or to trip me. Or maybe just spray me down with whipped cream? Sounds like a good time all the way around.
“Okay.” Breathe. Scarlett will be here with Xander. And Max. It’s going to be okay. I’m just getting up the nerve to unbuckle when I blink and see Micah already at my door, opening it. I release my pent-up breath and slide out.
Micah holds his hand out to me, and I take it. Another first. Funny to think how incredibly out of order and backwards Micah and I are with everything.
He’d given me an orgasm before he’d held my hand.
He’d touched my bare ass before he’d kissed me.
He’d caught my eye before he’d known my name.
I chuckle internally. I guess we’re finding our own way.
We enter through a door at the side of the garage that leads directly down a hallway, at the end of which lies a massive kitchen. We get about halfway to the kitchen when Micah halts and looks down at me.
“What?”
“You’re squeezing the hell out of my hand.”
I loosen my hold, but my gaze bounces everywhere, taking in our surroundings. “Sorry. I guess I’m a little nervo
us.”
He studies my face. “Because of my house? I promise what we have means next to nothing.”
“Eh, not necessarily the house, though I do feel like I’m in an alternate universe right now. I’m not used to any of this. The party, the people …” I give an uncomfortable laugh.
“And that makes you nervous?”
As I steal another glance down the hall, I whisper softly, “What are they going to think about you showing up with me?” My eyes drift down to the floor.
“Daphne.” When I don’t immediately look up, he hooks his knuckle under my chin, gently forcing me to look into his eyes. “First of all, there are very few people whose opinions I genuinely care about. And as for the rest of them partying in there, I don’t give a fuck what they think about anything. They’re only here for free booze and the social standing that comes with being invited.”
He squeezes my hand. “So, let’s go get a drink and then we can figure out what we want to do.” He scans my body. “You wore a swimsuit, right?”
Self-consciously, I reach for the back of my neck where my halter-style suit is tied, nodding my head.
“What color is it?”
“Green.” I wore it knowing it’s his favorite color. I may have taken a peek at that spirit squad form for that tiny tidbit.
He growls a little, deep in his throat. “Just like your eyes.” His hooded gaze holds steady on them.
My heart skips a beat right before he covers my mouth with his, slipping his tongue inside my mouth. He’s just adjusted his mouth and swept his tongue deeper to twist with mine when we hear a shout from the direction of the kitchen.
“Stop sucking face and get your asses in here!” Beau bellows.
My fingers clench at Micah’s forearms. He’s set me off balance with a single seductive kiss.
Micah grips my waist with both hands. “Ready?”
I nod. The kitchen comes fully into view and it’s complete bedlam. Beau is bartending, which I’ve heard is his role at these parties. There are a handful of people milling around getting drinks and more leaking into the two-story open living area. As we walk farther into the kitchen, I can see the majority of partygoers are outside. My mouth drops open a little as I walk closer, staring toward the wall facing the backyard, which is mostly windows. There’s a huge pool area off to one side that connects to a pool house by brick pavers. A rather large hot tub that can probably hold at least fourteen people—ew, people soup—is over at the far side of the pool house, further from the main house.