by Ashley Beale
Instead of stopping, he goes harder with his fingers. His thumb disappears as he flicks my swollen clit with his tongue, doing circles and sucking on me. My hips jerk into him and since I have nothing to grip onto, my release feels even more intense. "Holy shit, Pierce!" I scream. His fingers only go harder and he licks at my release. When my waves of ecstasy slow down Pierce stands up, removing his fingers from inside me.
His lips go to my ear, "God I've missed this." I nod my head in agreement, not able to talk without a moan. I feel his erection against my throbbing entrance and he doesn't hesitate any as he plows into me in one hard thrust.
"Fuck," I breathe out. Pierce slowly pulls out and thrusts back into me harder. He does it a second time and I start to black out. "Holy shit Pierce, fuck me... harder."
His fingers grip into my hips as tight as possible, probably leaving bruises, but it turns me on even more. He pumps into me harder and faster with each thrust. "Like this baby? You like when I fuck you like this?"
His words send shivers of delight all over. "Yes, I love when you fuck me like this Pierce. I love it hard."
"I know you do baby." One of his hands releases from my hip to grab at my hair, tugging on it, exposing my neck. He licks at my neck, biting down softly. I can hear his erratic breathing in my ear and I love knowing how turned on he is.
"Pierce," I moan, "I'm going to come." His hand leaves my hair and makes its way down to my clit. Two of his fingers start rubbing circles as he continues pumping into me, still hard and fast. "Oh fuck, yes," I scream. "Fuck!"
His cock starts pulsating the same time as my pussy does, and I know he is going to come with me. "Come for me baby, I want to feel you come around my dick." I explode just then, screaming out his name over and over with each thrust. He slows down when I'm filled with his warm liquid. He kisses my shoulder a few times, then my cheek and my ear. "I love you Cassandra."
I don't register his words right off, I'm too high on ecstasy, and when he pulls out of me I collapse onto the sink. My breathing slows down and I stand up, turning to face him, raising my eyebrows. My breath is still slightly uneven, but his words finally register. "What did. You just. Say?"
His face is the one that blushes this time, and it causes my heart to start pounding all over again. "Sorry," he mutters, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand.
"Don't be sorry. Tell me what you just said!" I demand.
Pausing, he looks me in the eye. He walks over and puts his arms around my waist, pulling me to him. My chin rests on his chest as I look up into his soft eyes. He stares down at me with adoration, causing the butterflies to flee. "I said I love you Cassie." I swallow and nod my head. I don't answer him, I just stare. I don't want to tell him I love him, only because I know it won't work out. But I don't want to tell him I don't, because that would be a lie. He kisses my forehead, allowing his lips to linger. "Are you going to say something?"
I bite down on my lip as I try to think of what to say. "Pierce, I do love you too. I have, for a while. But I can't do a relationship, not right now."
He smirks, although a sad one. "Yeah, I thought you'd say something like that. But I'm not leaving town after I graduate, I just won’t be at school. I'll be working. I can give you the world Cassie. I know I'm not Avery, but if you ever give me the chance, I'll prove to you that I'm worth it. I'll fight for you, each and every day."
"I know you will. That’s what I do love about you. I'm leaving this summer though Pierce. I'm going to Hawaii, alone. I leave three days after school lets out, and haven't decided when I'll be back, all I know is it'll be before school starts again in the fall. When I get back, let’s see how things go then, okay?"
"I'll be waiting." He leans down and kisses my forehead.
I smile. "Okay, well, let’s go party. This is time for you to celebrate, and I'm here with you tonight, all night."
"Let's get you dressed first," he chuckles.
The rest of the night is fun. We play poker- the regular kind where I don't strip- with a group of Pierce's friends, I drink, we dance together, and we even play a game of dodge ball outside with others. Everything is perfect and goes smoothly. When the party ends, he brings me back to my apartment, walking me to the door and giving me a kiss, but doesn't come inside with me.
Chapter 20: Goodbyes Aren't Forever
A phone ringing next to my head wakes me the following morning. I'm sad, because I was dreaming about my night with Pierce and the perfection it was. Who knew the guy I hated at the beginning of the year was making me the happiest at the end of the year? I grab my phone and see Avery's name on the caller ID. He hardly ever calls me.
"Hello?" I answer, a little groggy still.
I hear his chuckle and it causes butterflies. I've missed his tiny little laugh. "Morning Angel. You busy today?"
"Uh, no. Just planning to sleep my hangover away," I laugh.
"Oh, right. I forgot you were at that party yesterday. Anyway, can I swing by? I want to discuss something with you."
My heart starts thumping at the seriousness in his tone. "Uh, sure. When will you be here?"
"Give me twenty."
"Okay." I click the end button and run to the bathroom.
I look like hell, so I jump in the shower and wash up as fast as I can. When I get out I brush my teeth and hair, add a little mascara and get dressed, with three minutes to spare. I go into the kitchen to wait for Avery, making myself a cup of coffee. I look around and I don't think that Aubrey is here, it's almost noon and there isn't a sign of her. Since she didn't drink last night, I know she isn't sleeping. So great, I'm going to be home alone with Avery, a week before he takes off. This isn't a smart idea at all. Especially after last night.
It's been twenty seven minutes since I ended the call and there is still no Avery. My nerves are out of control the more I think on why he is coming over. What does he have to discuss with me? I'm confused. We hardly talk, unless it's a ‘hey, how are you’ type thing. I take several deep breaths, practicing what my yoga teaches me, trying to tame my nerves as I over think everything. Suddenly I'm jumped as there is a knock on the door. I sprint to the door, but have to take another deep breath so I don't look desperate as I slowly open the door.
Avery is all smiles when I open the door and he has a single white rose in his hand. "For you Angel," he says, handing me the flower.
I smile back at him but raise an eyebrow. "What’s the occasion?"
We both walk into the kitchen, where I sit at the bar. He sits next to me and looks around before he speaks again, "I'm leaving in four days. I'm going a day before school lets out. I'd hate to leave without having a day spent with you."
"Okay. Well, what do you have planned?"
He swallows and looks down at his lap, playing with her fingers. "Since we never got to do that weekend away for your birthday, I wanted to do a similar day with you. Not for the night, just for a few hours. We can get room service and sit and talk about things."
"You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars for a few hours of room service and conversation. Why don't we just do take out and sit here? I can call Aubrey and ask her to stay away."
That boyish grin that I adore so much shows up on his face and I'm tickled with happiness. "That sounds perfect. You tell me what you want to eat and I'll order it."
After we fill up on pizza and breadsticks, the two of us go into my room and cuddle up in my bed together, turning on the television. Neither of us are paying attention to what is on, as we start talking about this summer.
"So when will you be back from your first tour?" I ask. I know it's six months but I want to know exactly when to expect him back in my life, even if it's not going to be for long.
He smiles softly at me, "a week before Thanksgiving."
"Oh," I say kind of bitter, "that's a long time from now."
"It is, but I'll keep in touch with you, I promise you that. And you know I'm good with my promises."
I snort out a dry laugh, "you promis
ed me a lot of things, and the only one you kept was coming back into my life. And you probably only did that because your parents came back to do business with my dad."
"What?" he nearly yells out. "No, they followed me here. My parents lost a shit ton of money moving business down here, which has made me feel like a total dick. But I came here for you Cassie, and when I'm done with this shit, I'm claiming you as mine once again."
"What if it's too late?" I ask him with the same tone he used on me.
His eyes widen in surprise. "It'll never be too late for me."
"Yeah, well, it may be too late for me Avery. I can't wait around for you. I can't let everything go for you. I've lost Carson because of you, I've had my world turned upside down because of you. And you're taking off, this time by choice. To leave me alone and hurt."
Avery cringes at my choice of words and I know he feels really bad. "I'm doing this for us, Cassie."
"How the hell are you doing this for US?" I yell out.
"I'll be making so much money in the next year that we'll be set for years. Maybe life."
"And then what? You'll still join in the UFC's?"
He rubs the top of his head, thinking on his answer. "I don't know. There’s no definite answer there. I don't even know if they'll want me."
"Yeah, well I want you. That's something that you know, yet you still don't have a definite answer there."
"Look, I'm not here to fight with you." He sighs and looks almost like he is going to cry.
I'm fuming at this point. I don't even care if he feels guilty or sad, because I'm the one that got hurt in all this, not him. He is being selfish, even if he doesn't believe it. I want to work hard, I want a job and not to depend on his money, or my parents money, or anyone else but myself. He never discussed leaving with me, he chose it, knowing I wasn't happy about it. It ruined us once, and I know it'll continue to ruin us. Especially if he gets an offer to fight professionally.
"Good, I don't want to fight either Avery. But I don't want you to do this for me either. This is all for you, and don't you dare say differently. When you're done with this shit, I may be here, but I may be gone. And if I'm gone, do not fight for me. You're letting me go right now, remember that."
He pulls me close and hugs me tight, his voice full of more emotion I've ever heard come from him. "I'm following my dreams Angel, it's something I do. You're just like me, remember? Your mom used to tell you that you dreamed wild, and I used to tell you to keep dreaming as wild as you can. And you did, and it's worked. And I want it to work for me. I want it to work for us. I'll let you go, because we both need it, and we're both only nineteen years old. Let's live a little, let’s follow our own dreams, and when we've completed those things, here we'll be. Don't ask me not to fight for you, because I always will."
Tears fall from my face as I breathe him in, taking in all his words. "Okay."
He pulls back and looks at me intently, searching my face for any signs of doubt. "Have fun my Angel. Be happy, enjoy your life. If you move on, then I'm the idiot who thought we were strong enough. But you're the only girl in the world I want to be with. The girl who I want stealing my last name one day. I didn't leave you back in February because I didn't think we wouldn't work, I did it because I want you to experience the college life. It has killed me, but I needed you to live for yourself. Keep doing that okay? Promise me?"
"I promise you Avery."
The rest of the day we watch movies, talk about school, my plans for being in Hawaii, and everything else that eases into our conversation. There is a weight that has lifted off my shoulders being here with Avery. My heart starts forming again, and I'm happy. Truly happy for once in months. At supper time, we get more take out from a sushi restaurant, but once supper is done, Avery kisses me and leaves.
********************
The day before school lets out, I'm standing in the parking lot on campus waiting on Avery. When I spot him finally making his way towards me, I smile, anxiously waiting for him to get closer. "You leaving soon?"
"Yeah I am," he smirks, "I got to head out in a few minutes. I just wanted to say bye to you first."
I reach up and hug him tight. "I'm glad you did, I got a surprise for you." He pulls back and looks at me excited. I point to the necklace around my neck, the same silver necklace with an angel pendant he gave me all those years ago.
"It's perfect. It suites you well. You are an angel after all."
"Hold on!" I open my car door and pull out an envelope, handing it to him.
"What’s this?" he asks, starring at the thick envelope.
I giggle, "you’ll find out when you open it."
He opens it up and pulls out the pile of pictures I placed in there. Some of them are us as kids, some from a few months ago when we were dating, and others of just me. Ones I thought I looked really pretty in. I even placed one in there of me in some sexy lingerie, hoping he'll like that one the most. And from the look on his face when he sees it, I'm assuming he does.
"These are perfect, thank you Cassie." He leans in and kisses me ever so softly on the lips. "I'll keep these with me for sure."
I smile, happy that he loves them. I kept a few for myself, so that I can have them to bring with me to Hawaii. I know I'll see his face on the cable, but it won't be the same as the memories we shared together in these photos.
Avery pulls me in for another hug. "I really do need to get going Angel." When he pulls back, he presses his lips to mine, causing a tingle, reminding me of when he left me those years ago. "I love you Cassandra McKnight, I'll see you in a few months."
"I love you, too, Avery Manning. I'll miss you." He smiles down at me, and this time, he is the one that walks away without another word. And here I am, counting down the days until he makes his way back into my life all over again.
Chapter 21: I'll Be Back... I'll Be Waiting
Now it's my turn to say bye to everyone, since I'm leaving tomorrow for Hawaii. School let out yesterday, and I haven't heard from Avery once since he left. I got a chance to say goodbye to friends in school, but I want a last goodbye with those close to me. My parents are the first ones I say goodbye to, but they're making their way to Hawaii for the fourth of July to celebrate with me, so it's not that emotional.
They're the ones paying for my trip, and both support it fully, saying I need this time to get my mind set straight once and for all. We have a summer home right on the beach in Honolulu, and I haven't been there since last summer, where I only spent four weeks. This time, I plan on staying the whole summer.
Next I head to the frat house. This is Carson's last day in San Diego until the fall as well, and I know he is busy packing, so it'll be a short visit. I just know that I have to say goodbye to him, so we can leave on good terms, in hopes that next year we can start the year off being friends. When I arrive he is walking out the door, suitcases in hand. "Oh, hey Cassie. I was wondering if you'd be stopping by."
"Yeah," I smile at him, "I know you're busy, I just wanted to say bye. It's going to be a long few months without you around."
He throws his suitcases into his trunk then shuts it before looking back at me. "Yeah, I know the feeling."
We walk to one another and hug. "I hope you have a fun summer Carson. I'll miss you."
He pulls back and looks me up and down, like he is memorizing me. "I'll miss you, too, beautiful. You be safe in Hawaii. Keep in touch, okay?"
"Yes and yes," I laugh, "I'll see you in a few months."
Carson kisses my cheek, just as a friend would. "Have a safe flight. See you then."
I leave feeling good about everything between us. I'm glad it wasn't too awkward saying goodbye to him. I'll always have love for Carson, I just know that I'm not in love with him. I wish that he didn't love me either, because he could be a great friend. A best friend. Especially after all our times kick boxing together, we had so much fun and got along very well. But of course, like most good things, it didn't last. He had to admit he still loved m
e, which I'm sure felt good getting off his chest, but it changed things between us for certain.
My next stop is the one that has my heart thumping. I've talked to Pierce a handful of times since the graduation party, and I even attended his graduation itself. But to be alone with him again, saying goodbye, there is going to be an undeniable awareness between us. I pull up to his condo complex, his truck is parked out front, so I know he is here.
I walk up to his door, trying to keep my breath steady as I knock. He answers his door and his face brightens right up. "God you look beautiful," he says as a greeting. Of course I end up blushing at his words but I don't say anything, which causes Pierce to laugh at me. "Come in," he orders, opening the door wider.
"I'm leaving tomorrow, I just wanted a proper goodbye," I state.
He grins knowingly, "that sounds good to me."
Laughing, I shake my head. "I didn't mean it like that Pierce. God, you're relentless."
"Only with you." He walks over and hugs me tight. My ear to his chest, his heart beating faster and faster, echoing through me. "I'm going to miss you. I wish I could come with you."
I look up at him smiling. "That'd be fun. But you're a big, bad business man now. You'll have to send me a picture of you in your suite and tie sometime."
He chuckles, "I can show you a tie right now. It's in my bedroom."
I smack his chest playfully. He really is relentless. "I'm sure you will."
"No really, you wanna help me pick out what I'll wear on my first day? I start Monday."
"Sure, lead the way," I say, pulling away from him. We walk together in his bedroom and he shows me two shirts and a handful of ties he is choosing from. I match up the ties to the shirts to figure out what will look best together and what will make Pierce look the best. Since he is dark skinned with grey eyes, I figure the dark blue shirt with a black and grey tie would be best, so I tell him.