by J. L. Perry
Eventually he lets go and I’m doing it on my own. He’s groaning as his hips buck against my hand. I pause the kiss to look down. I want to watch. I love that little old, inexperienced me is making him feel like this, that I’m capable of giving him pleasure.
His penis is the first I’ve ever seen in real life. Meg always says how ugly they are. She obviously hasn’t seen Carter’s, because his is beautiful. I continue stroking it as I sit up. I can see the pre-cum beading at the tip. I want to taste it. Leaning forward I run my tongue around the head.
“Fuck,” he hisses through a clenched jaw. I open my mouth and slide the tip inside. He starts to gently pump into my mouth as his hand threads through my hair, holding my head still. “I’m gonna blow,” he says suddenly trying to pull my head back. I don’t move. I want to keep going. I open my mouth wider and take him in deeper. Closing my lips around his shaft, I continue to work him with my hand. He pumps into my mouth a few more times. “Indi,” he cries out as his body shudders beneath me. “Sweet Jesus … Indiiii.”
This is the first time he’s ever called me by my real name.
••••
“Indi. Wake up,” I hear someone say. Opening my eyes, I’m surprised to see Carter’s handsome face smiling down at me. “We must’ve fallen asleep,” he says in a sleepy voice as he rubs his eyes. What? I’m still half asleep and dazed. Then I remember where I am and what we did. I bolt upright.
“Crap.”
“It’s okay. It’s still the middle of the night. I just thought you might want to get home before your dad finds you missing,” he says sweetly. Looking over towards his bedroom window, I see that it’s pitch black outside. In his room, however, it’s not. His bedside lamp is on. Shit. I’m still naked. My hands fly up to cover my breasts as my eyes frantically search the bed for my pyjamas. I can’t see them anywhere. I feel my face turn red. “Are you okay?” he asks, propping himself up on one elbow.
I can’t bring myself to make eye contact with him. “Do you know where my clothes are?”
“Hey,” he says, placing his hand under my chin to raise my face to meet his. “Are you okay? Are you having regrets?” he asks when our eyes meet. I’m not. How could I? What we shared tonight was amazing. I just feel a little uncomfortable now. It’s one thing to be naked in front of him in the throes of passion, but now not so much. It’s the first time I’ve ever let somebody see me like this.
“No, I’m not,” I reply honestly. “I just want to put my clothes back on.” He reaches out and removes my hands that are covering my breasts.
“Please don’t hide yourself from me,” he pleads. He almost sounds like he’s hurt by my actions. “Your body is beautiful. Don’t ever be ashamed or embarrassed by it. Especially with me.” He says it with so much sincerity I can’t help but smile. Who knew he was capable of saying something so sweet?
“Thank you.” What else can I say? He reaches down and retrieves my clothes off the floor.
“I mean it,” is all he says as he passes me my pyjamas. My smile widens.
Once I’m dressed I rise from the bed. I’m still shocked by what’s happened tonight. I’m not sure where this is going to take us, if anywhere, but I’ll never regret what we did. Never.
Standing, Carter follows me towards the window. I’m not sure if I should kiss him goodbye, so I don’t. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I say as I swing my legs over the windowsill.
“Hey.” He reaches out and gently grabs hold of my arm. “I know we were just mucking around here tonight, but don’t let it make things weird between us, okay?”
“Okay.” I turn my head and give him one last smile. “Goodnight,” I say as I jump off the window ledge.
“Night, kid.” Looking over my shoulder I narrow my eyes at him, making him chuckle. He stands there and watches until I’m safely back in my room. I lift my hand to wave before closing the window, and he flips me off. He’s smiling when he does it though. I guess that’s his way of keeping things normal between us.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Carter
As soon as she leaves, I lay in bed with a huge shit-arse grin on my face. Christ. My mind is spinning. Did that really just happen? I’ve never not gone all the way with a chick before, but fuck me, if what we just did didn’t satisfy me more than any of the others have in the past. I’d give anything to be able to fuck her. Anything. But, I can’t do that to her. She deserves so much better than a one-night stand. That’s all I can offer. I don’t do commitments. Ever.
I’m not sure what time it is when I eventually fall back to sleep, but I do know I dreamt of her when I did. I even woke up with a smile on my face. Shit. That’s not like me. I hope today things aren’t weird between us. I want things to stay just the way they are.
I don’t even notice that I’m whistling when I walk into the kitchen for breakfast, until my mum mentions it. “Someone got out the right side of bed this morning,” she chirps. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you looking so happy. It’s so good to see, sweetheart.”
“Morning, Mum,” I say kissing her cheek and ignoring her observation. My mood actually surprises me as well.
“With everything that went on yesterday, this is the last thing I expected to see this morning. I know how much you love that car.”
Fuck. My car. For a minute I thought she was talking about me and Indi. My head is so clouded with her that this shit with the car completely slipped my mind. The smile instantly drops from my face and that sick feeling I had all yesterday afternoon returns. I’d like to get my hands on whoever is responsible.
“I hope they find out who did this,” she says placing my breakfast in front of me. Suddenly I no longer have an appetite. I don’t know how I’m going to find the money for the repairs. My insurance only covers the other party if I have an accident. That’s all I could afford. “I won’t be needing my car today, sweetie. You can use it to get to school if you like.”
“Thanks, Mum.”
“Eat something,” she encourages, gently rubbing my back from behind me. “I’m sure Ross will get to the bottom of it.”
I fucking hope so.
••••
Making my way towards the car I’m not sure if Indi is going to turn up, but I’m hoping she will. I’m surprised my stomach is churning about seeing her. I have no regrets about last night. How could I? I just want things to be normal between us again. I need to pull my shit together and play it cool. Last night was a one-time thing. As much as I’d like a repeat, for both our sakes, it can’t happen again.
I throw my backpack in the back seat just as Indi comes through the side gate. I hate that I have to take my mum’s car today. I hate that someone fucked mine up. God help whoever it was when I find out. Even though I’m pretty sure it’s that prick Brad.
“Hey,” she says walking towards me. “I thought we’d be catching the bus today.”
“Who said I’m giving you a lift?”
“What?” she gasps before narrowing her eyes. “I see you didn’t forget to put your arsehole attire on again today.” I chuckle at her comment. Thank Christ we’re okay.
••••
“I heard what happened to your car,” Brad laughs as I pass him in the hall on the way to my locker. “Sucked-fucking-in.” I had planned on ignoring that prick until I had some kind of proof it was him, but not now. Not after what he just said. Something inside me snaps. My backpack doesn’t even hit the ground before I lunge at him.
I only get a few good hits in before I’m being dragged off him by one of the teachers. “Cartwright, Reynolds, principal’s office now!” he screams pointing down the hall. Great. After all the trouble I got in at my last school, I promised my mum I’d try and keep my nose clean here. Guess I just broke that promise.
The teacher leaves us both seated outside in the waiting room once he’s had words with the principal. “You’ll pay for what you did to my car, cocksucker,” I say through gritted teeth as I glare over at Cartwright.
“G
ood luck proving it, arsehole. You think I was stupid enough to do it in front of witnesses?” I fucking knew it was him. I rise from my chair, ready to give him another serving.
“Sit back down, Mr. Reynolds,” the principal says sternly from the doorway of his office before turning his attention to Brad. “Did I just hear you correctly, Mr. Cartwright?” Christ, I fucking hope he heard his confession.
“What?” Brad says as the colour drains from his face.
“If I’m not mistaken, I just heard you admit to vandalising Mr. Reynolds’ car.”
“Noooo,” that lying cocksucker squeals.
“So now you’re going to add lying to your list of offenses. I had the police here earlier this morning, making a few inquiries about this particular incident. I think I may need to call them back.”
“I didn’t do it,” he screeches, panic lining his voice. Like shit he didn’t. I’m so glad that smug bastard couldn’t keep his big mouth shut.
••••
I received lunchtime detention for my part in the fight, but Cartwright got his pretty boy arse suspended. Indi’s dad came back to the school and took him away for questioning, and he was later charged with vandalism and malicious destruction of property.
After school was out, Indi and I made our way home. I’m glad last night hasn’t changed things between us. Although we still act like we annoy the crap out of each other, I think we’re actually becoming friends. I haven’t had a real friend since I was a boy.
After the day I found out the true meaning of what a bastard was, I started to act out. The older I got, the worse my attitude became. The friends I had back then were soon stopped from hanging around me. I guess their parents thought I was a bad influence. Maybe I was, but it only served to make me feel more worthless than I already did.
Indi’s dad comes out to greet us when we pull into the driveway. “Hey, Daddy,” she says as he walks towards the car.
“Hi, Pumpkin. Do you mind if I have a few words with Carter?”
“Not at all. I’m going to take Lassie for a walk before I start my homework.” We both watch her walk towards the house. Of course my eyes are glued to her arse again. Well I thought we were both watching, until I turn to face Mr. Montgomery and find him staring at me. Fuck.
“Can I ask what your intentions are with my daughter?”
“We’re friends, nothing more,” I lie. Well it’s kind of true. Friends with benefits you might say, but I don’t have a death wish so I’m not going to tell him that.
“I’m not stupid, son. I see the way you both look at each other.” I nervously shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans. It’s one thing for me to know how I feel, but it’s another for anyone else to know. I don’t like where this conversation is heading. I’m waiting for him to tell me I’m not good enough for his daughter. I know that, but it’s gonna suck to hear him say it. Up until now I’ve liked the way he’s treated me. “It’s the exact same way I used to look at my wife when she first moved to town,” he confesses.
“Yeah. I’m sorry about … you know … what happened to your wife,” I say.
“Thank you.” The sadness I see in his eyes makes me feel bad for him. I’ve never been in love so I can only imagine how he feels, but I can tell that he is far from over her death. “If her passing has taught me anything, it’s to live life to the fullest. You never know what’s around the corner.” He exhales then shakes his head.
“I’m sure it hasn’t been easy for you.”
“It’s been tough, but having Indi has helped. She’s so much like her mother.” I smile when I see his face light up. I’d never admit it, but she has the same effect on me. “Do I need to warn you not to hurt her? To always treat her with respect? She’s all I have and she means the world to me, Carter.”
What? That’s the last thing I expected him to say. “No, Sir,” I answer before clearing my throat. Shit. Is that the right answer, or was that a trick question?
“Good,” he says gripping my shoulder. “I like you, son, but if you hurt or disrespect her in any way, I won’t hesitate to kick your arse. You understand?” When he smiles at me, I feel the corners of my lips turn up. This is not how I envisioned this conversation going. Indi and I will never be more than what we are, but it’s nice to know that her father isn’t repulsed by the idea of his daughter being with someone like me.
“Yes, Sir.” He nods and taps my shoulder like he’s pleased with my response.
“I called past the wreckers this morning and collected your personal belongings from your car,” he says passing me the plastic bag he’s holding. “I threw out the cancer sticks I found in the glove compartment. Don’t let me catch you smoking again, you hear.”
“Yes, Sir,” I answer dropping my head. I feel like a child being scolded, but on the other hand, I like the fact that he seems to care.
“I also found this.” He pulls a crumpled piece of paper out of his pocket. Without even opening it I know what it is. The sketch I did of Indiana. Fuck. Why did I leave that on the floor of my car? I should’ve thrown it in the trash, but for some reason I couldn’t bring myself to do that. “Did you draw this?”
“Yes,” I answer reaching for it. He pulls his hand back.
“It’s good. Do you mind if I keep it?” Christ. This conversation is getting more awkward by the minute.
“Sure,” I tell him. I’m sure I could draw another one if I wanted, which I don’t. We’re friends. Nothing more. “You’re not going to show her are you?”
“The picture?” he asks, a small smile playing on is lips.
“Yes,” I answer shyly. I don’t want her to think I’m obsessing over her or anything, because I’m not.
“Not if you don’t want me to,” he says, his lips turning up further. I have no idea why he’s smiling. I divert my eyes. The way he’s looking at me is the same way Indi does. Like he can see straight through me. He clears his throat. “Why didn’t you have full insurance on your car?” he asks changing the subject. I’m grateful for that.
“I couldn’t afford it.”
“Fair enough. The guy at the wreckers owes me a few favours, so I’ve asked him to get started on the repairs to the body. You can sue Cartwright for the damages. His parents can afford it. I’m going to talk to his father about it. He’ll probably agree to pay for the repairs before it comes to that. He won’t want this going public.”
“Thank you,” I say extending my hand out to him. Even though I’m still pissed about my car and the fact it’s going to take weeks, possibly longer before I get her back, I couldn’t ask for a better outcome.
••••
The rest of the week goes by without incident. On the days my mum needs her car, she drops Indi and I at school. The other times she lets me take it.
Ross talked with Cartwright’s father. He was right. He didn’t hesitate to agree to pay for any repairs needed for the car—in exchange for our silence, of course. Fat lot of good that’s going to do. This is a small town. Shit’s already spreading like wild fire.
Late Friday afternoon, Ross comes knocking on my door. “Got a spare half hour?” he asks. “I need your help with something.”
“Sure. Just let me tell my mum I’m going out.” I have no idea what this is about, but I go along with it. Once I’m seated in the passenger seat of his car, he informs me why I’m needed.
“It’s Indiana’s birthday on Sunday, so I’ve decided to buy her a small car. That’s where you come in. I’m working all day tomorrow, so if I’m going to have it here for Sunday, I need to pick it up today. You’re going to need to drive it home from the car yard.”
“Are you giving it to her today?” I ask.
“No. Frank across the road is letting me hide it in his garage until Sunday morning. I’m taking that day off to spend it with her.”
“Okay. Cool. Does she have her driver’s licence?” She’s lucky her father can afford to buy her a car. I know if my mum had ever been in that position she would’ve
done the same for me. She always let me borrow hers though, until I could afford to buy my own.
“Yes. Only her provisional licence,” he answers.
••••
It’s getting dark when we arrive back at the house. Ross got me to park down the road for five minutes so he could go in the house and distract Indi. Frank was already waiting out front with his garage door open when I pulled into his driveway.
I had no idea it was her birthday this weekend. It has me thinking, should I get her something? We’re kind of friends. Friends do shit like that I guess. Christ. I don’t want her getting the wrong idea about us.
••••
Saturday, Indi’s dad invites me to come over Sunday night for a birthday dinner. I guess that means I have to get her something now. I’ll admit I did lay awake half the night wondering what sort of gift she’d like before he even asked me. I suppose my mind was already made up.
“Mum, can I borrow your car?” I ask walking into the kitchen.
“No,” Fuckwit says cutting in on the conversation.
“John. That’s not nice,” my mum replies. “Why can’t he borrow my car?” He clears his throat and squirms in his seat. As much as I hate him, I almost want to laugh. He’s usually very calculated with his attacks against me. Guess he’s slipping.
“If he can’t look after his own car, why should we reward him by letting him use ours? How is he ever going to learn his lesson?”
“That’s a little unreasonable,” my mum says holding her hand against her chest like she’s hurt or shocked by his words. If only she knew, ‘unreasonable’ is his middle name. “Carter had no control over what happened to his car. Why should he be punished for that?”
“You’re right, Elizabeth,” he says in his fake-arse full of shit voice. Placing the paper he was reading on the table, he rises from his chair, making his way towards her. “I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he adds sliding his arms around her waist. My mum smiles up at him. Fuck, he has her hook, line and sinker. Of course he doesn’t apologise to me. Arsehole.
“My keys are in my handbag, sweetie,” she says smiling at me. I shift my gaze and hold it on Fuckwit.