by Janie Marie
She tore her thoughts from Tercero and took in the few older guys there. Gross; they were either drinking or smoking weed.
She wrinkled her nose when it looked like Ryder was rolling up a joint. “I guess failing means he can act like a loser.”
Emerald eyes darted up to her window, and she froze. When Tercero and Luc also looked up, Ryder barked something at them and then he flipped her off.
Jane’s sadness turned to rage for only a few seconds before returning to sadness. “Fuck, I must be getting ready for my period.” She looked down, gasping because she was still in her towel. She yanked her curtains into place before grabbing her phone to call Wendy and then rushed to hide in her closet.
“Hello?” Wendy already sounded like she’d been asleep.
“I hate all men,” Jane wailed.
Wendy sighed. “Until they smile at you. Which one?”
“Which one, what?” Jane sniffled. “I think I’m about to start my period.”
“Yeah, I just started.” Wendy laughed. “You’ll start soon. Unless you’ve been fucking your sexy stepbrother without telling me, and you’re carrying a little blue-eyed scandal in your belly.”
Jane laughed, rubbing away her tears. “You’re so awful.”
“So, it’s a green-eyed scandal, and those two sexy beasts you are lucky to see every day and night are fighting as we speak, ripping clothes off and . . . oh, dear, I’m getting hot. Record it for me. I’m gonna combust if I see it in person.”
“They’re not fighting.” She sniffed, but she was smiling now. “I hate being me.”
“I know.” Wendy sighed dramatically. “Forbidden love no matter which door or window you look out of.”
“What?” She had no idea what Wendy was talking about.
“Are you serious?” Wendy deadpanned. “David, the boy you’ve loved for years is just the door across yours, and Ryder, the other boy you love but won’t admit to yourself, is out your window.”
“I don’t love Ryder.” She frowned, her tears drying. “He’s the ultimate jerk.”
“To everyone but you,” Wendy sang. “You’re too crazy about your step-bro to notice the heart-eyes he makes at you. I have no idea why.”
“Whatever. He just flipped me off for looking out my window.” Jane stared at the very window, wondering if he was still looking at it.
“I’m sure he had a reason.”
Jane rolled her eyes. Wendy always found excuses for Ryder’s rudeness. “You realize I have to tutor him, right? He could be a bit nice to me.”
“Like I said, he probably has a reason.” Wendy yawned loudly. “I’m cramping like a bitch. Can we talk tomorrow? I took a bunch of painkillers and my sleeping meds.”
“Yeah.” Jane felt bad for waking her now. Wendy had horrible periods. “Love you, always.”
“Beyond the stars,” Wendy said before ending the call.
Four
Jane glanced at the alarm clock by her bed, sighing. 5:45 a.m. David was going to be late for practice. His first damn day, and he was going to mess up because of his party last night.
She sat up, chewing on her lip. Ryder would love for David to mess up on the first day, and for a moment, the sad side of her pitiful heart wanted David to screw up. He’d hurt her yesterday. He’d looked at her like he’d done in the past, then went off with his precious Diane anyway.
All night she’d wondered if he’d renewed their relationship. Had he kissed her? Danced with her? What would she do if things got serious—if he started bringing Diane over to their house?
Well, there was one thing she could do to stop that—let him get in trouble and get kicked off the team. His dad would punish him and then he’d have no time for Diane.
“Seriously, Jane?” she hissed at herself for being such a bitch. David wanted this chance so badly. Christ, he wasn’t even hers to be getting so worked up about. He was her stepbrother, and stepbrothers dated other girls.
Her lips quivered at the painful truth, but she closed the door on her heart. David had been killing it as the strong linebacker, but he wanted the middle position. He was a leader, and he deserved the chance to take back some of his lost glory.
Jane swung her legs off the bed. She wasn’t going to let him ruin his chance.
She walked toward their joined bath. Hopefully, his side was unlocked; she wasn’t in the mood to walk all over the house to wake him. Even if she was going to be mature about helping him, she was tired and annoyed that he chose to be irresponsible last night.
The door to his room stood ajar. She figured he might have left it open by accident when their dad interrupted . . . nothing. Nothing. David meant nothing by the way he looked at her.
Jane held her breath as she pushed the door the rest of the way. There he was, out cold. He had one arm hanging off the edge of the bed, the other over his eyes and a very noticeable case of morning wood. Her cheeks burned as she tiptoed closer. She’d seen this sight a few times on him before, mainly when she’d gone to his house before their parents got married. But the boy had grown.
Bad Jane.
Okay, she could do this without being a pervert. She’d just lock up her heart. It was time to be a stepsister . . . who still pervs.
“David?”
He didn’t move.
She eyed his package and bit her lip as she suddenly imagined him pinning her down and thrusting into her. Jesus, I am so sorry. She needed a therapist. Someone. Maybe just a boyfriend. No. She couldn’t even think about a guy now.
Jane touched a safe place—his shoulder. “David, you’re gonna be late.”
He shifted, groaning, “Jane, baby.”
Her eyes widened. He never called her baby, and she was certain he didn’t know another Jane.
She shook her head; he’d said someone else’s name. Maybe she’d fantasized so much about them that she was now swapping ‘Diane’ for ‘Jane’. What a sad life I live.
Jane leaned down, jostling his shoulder as she spoke a bit louder. “David, wake up.”
His movement was so fast, she barely realized what happened until she felt his hand squeezing her ass before pulling her down on top of him. “Fuck, Jane.”
Her breathing came fast, and she tried to get a good look at him. His eyes were closed, and he suddenly rolled their bodies, pinning her below him. She squeaked the moment his muscular thigh slid between her trembling legs. Oh, Lord, she was in her shortest shorts, and his hand was inching along her thigh. It went up and down until he gripped her ass cheek and pressed his erection into her. And he clearly said, Jane!
Her eyes rolled back, and she grabbed his shoulder, not sure if she was going to push him away or pull him down. “David?”
“Mm . . .” He was still asleep, his weight crushing her as he nuzzled his face against her neck and breathed evenly.
That hand, though.
And his erection . . .
Oh, boy, they were not done exploring her.
He mumbled, squeezing her ass hard, but his head—the one on his shoulders—got even heavier. Definitely asleep.
“David?” She tried to tell herself the breathless way she said his name was just because he was crushing her. But it was probably a bit of the dirty girl in her who still hoped her stepbrother would say fuck it, we’re not related by blood, and then he’d confess his love and rip her clothes off before making passionate love to her. “I need to stop reading dirty books.”
He groaned, moving his hips as his hand slid under her shirt, up to her right breast. She wasn’t wearing a bra.
He squeezed just as his dick hit the spot that ached for him.
And she moaned.
Loudly.
Of all times for him to wake, it had to be when she was moaning underneath him.
David slowly lifted his head, his eyes locking with hers. “Is this real?”
He looked utterly confused and worried. Jane almost told him it was just a dream because she feared the look he would give when she said: yes, he was
feeling her up, and she was in his bed for some reason.
David glanced down at his hand, and it was then Jane realized he’d managed to push her shirt up, and her breasts were fully exposed. “Fuck.” He ripped his hand away and yanked her top down before sitting up. “Jane, what the fuck?”
She couldn't move. “I came to wake you up.”
He stared at her, his breathing heavy as he scanned her. She was only in a tank and her booty shorts, and he was in his boxer-briefs and nothing else. “What?”
She pointed at the clock. “You overslept. I touched your shoulder.”
He frowned, grabbing his head. “I don’t—” He jumped up. “Fuck. I’m late.”
Jane sat up, wrapping her arms around her knees. “I’m sorry.”
David pulled on his shorts and a shirt. He didn’t look at her as he stuffed his backpack full of a change of clothes. “Fuck, why are you in here? In my bed?”
“I was trying to help. You pulled me down.” Her eyes pricked as she got off the bed. “It wasn’t my fault!”
He sighed, closing his eyes. “Can we just pretend this—whatever the fuck it was—didn’t happen?”
Jane was too hurt to respond. It was her fault for having dirty thoughts, but it wasn’t her fault he’d felt her up in his sleep. She marched past him, her sob breaking free.
He didn’t stop her—didn’t apologize or tell her it was okay.
All she heard was something slam against the wall and then the door closing and his footsteps racing down the stairs and out of the house.
“He felt you up?” Wendy asked, her jaw practically on the floor.
“Don’t yell it!” Jane covered her friend’s mouth. It was the last period of the day, and she was barely getting a chance to talk to Wendy.
“We're the only ones awake,” Wendy pointed out.
Jane didn’t care. Yeah, they had a weird teacher who let them meditate and sleep for the last ten minutes of class, but she and Wendy were working on a project together, and the class was snoring or on their phones. “Just whisper softer.”
Wendy rolled her eyes. “So, are you together?”
“What?” Jane cringed at her raised voice before lowering it. “I just said he yelled at me and told me to forget ‘whatever the fuck’ happened.”
“Hm.”
“That’s all you have for me?” Jane shook her head. “You’re my ‘words of wisdom’ friend.”
“I’m your only friend. I should charge for this,” Wendy mused. “Give me one of the Godsons.”
Now, she laughed. “Get one, girl. They’re always hooking up with girls. I’m sure they’ll keep you. You’re a keeper.”
“Even Ryder?” Wendy chuckled, and it was hard for Jane to understand why Wendy saying his name in this context annoyed her.
“He’s not exactly a country boy, but I’m sure if there’s anyone who can change him for the better, it’s you.” She deserved an award.
Wendy snickered, hugging her. “I’m messing with you. Go have fun with that godly piece of ass and forget about David. He’s an asshole.”
“David’s not an asshole,” Jane muttered, her emotions all over the place again because she hated how he looked at her this morning.
“He’s not perfect, Jane,” Wendy said, hugging her again. “And you already know Diane was probably all over him last night. You need to move on. He has, or maybe he never felt what you feel for him.”
If hearts could truly wither and die, Wendy was saying everything that would make hers do just that.
“I’m saying this as a friend who loves you,” Wendy said, touching her arm. “If David is hooking up with Diane, or any girl, you have to accept it. Go have fun being a sexy tutor. That should cheer you up. How many chances are you going to get to fuck with Ryder Godson?” Then she wiggled her eyebrows. “Better suggestion—just fuck him.”
Jane smacked Wendy’s arm as the bell rang. “You’re terrible.”
“Nah, I’m just dying to find out how things go with you. Your boy drama gives me life.”
“Glad I can be of service.” Jane hesitated when the room quieted from everyone grabbing their stuff and waking up. She hesitated because as she went to grab her stuff from the floor, a pair of black boots stopped right in front of her.
“You haven’t serviced me yet, babe.” Ryder smirked at her when she finally looked up. He didn’t even glance at the others all gasping and whispering. “Get your shit and come on.”
Jane didn’t move.
He sighed, retrieving her backpack. He slung it onto his back with his own backpack. “Don’t get used to this.”
“What are you doing?” she finally managed to choke out.
“Picking up my tutor, genius.” He put a hand on her back. “I want to get out of here now. I have shit to do later.”
“I could’ve just gone to your house after I got home,” she said, waving to Wendy who gave her a thumbs up.
“Not in the mood to wait around for you.” His hand moved to her mid-back, but he was pushing her to walk faster. “Do I have to carry you?”
Jane smacked his arm, realizing everyone was watching. “Stop touching me.”
He dropped her backpack on the floor. “Then find your own ride home.”
She gaped at him as he walked away. Her own ride? Fuck. David was staying late, and the car they shared was at the shop. She’d gotten a ride with her mom that morning, but her mom worked at the hospital, and she was on a twelve-hour shift. Her stepdad worked too far to get her.
“Ryder!” She snatched up her bag and chased after him. The damn jerk ignored her and kept walking. His strides were fast enough that she had to run. “Wait!”
He didn’t slow down, and he didn’t turn as she kept hollering for him to stop. He continued out the door, through the parking lot, and left Jane panting like she’d just played jump rope by the time she reached him.
“Ryder.” She grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop.
He stared down at her before pulling his EarPods out. “What?”
“Oh.” She rubbed her cheek. “I didn’t know you had earbuds in. I was yelling for you to stop.”
“Get in if you’re coming,” was all he said. He put his earbud back in as he got into his gray Camaro.
She didn’t blow it this time. Running around, she pulled open the door and dived in. It was then that she noticed Ryder had been parked right beside the practice field, and the team was watching. David was watching.
Ryder slipped on his sunglasses as he started the car, then patted her leg. “Seatbelt, babe.”
Jane pushed his hand off. “I’m not your babe.”
His smile was both deadly and sexy at the same time. “You sure about that?”
It was pointless to argue with him. She turned away, ignoring the tingles on her leg as she yanked the seatbelt in place.
“Like it rough, huh?” He twirled a lock of her hair, laughing when she smacked his hand away. “Okay, you like rough and sweet. Gotcha. Good thing I’m good at everything I do.”
“Just drive.”
He nodded, placing his hand over the shifter. “Want to grab my stick with me?”
“Oh my God. Just go.” Jane looked out the window, cringing when she spotted David still staring.
Ryder just chuckled, then he was driving dangerously fast. Well, he was until he peeked down and saw her gripping the seat.
“Sorry.” He patted her hand. “Forgot.”
For some stupid reason, she warmed from knowing Ryder was talking about her dad. Her father died after he lost control of his car in the rain one night. Of all people comforting her, she never expected it to be Ryder to bring her the most comfort with just a simple gesture.
“Thanks,” she whispered, releasing her death-grip.
He nodded. “Ever think you’d be in my car?”
“I’ve contemplated stealing it.” She grinned as she spoke. It was a sexy car.
He frowned at her. “You can’t drive a manual.”
&
nbsp; “You don’t know that.”
He scoffed.
“Okay, you got me, but I could figure it out.” She studied the interior. He had the ZL1 model, and she was pretty sure she’d drive it right off the road if she ever got behind the wheel. She had a fear of driving which was why David drove her everywhere.
“I’ll teach you,” Ryder finally said. “Can’t have you thieving my car and not even making it out of the driveway before I catch your ass.”
Jane laughed, surprised as hell she was laughing with him. “Thanks for setting me up for the life of crime.”
He grinned at her. “Whatever you want to be, Sweet Jane, you’ll be greater if I’m your teacher.”
She couldn’t stop smiling, and she didn’t care that it was David’s rival that had her feeling happy after such a stressful day.
Ryder groaned, throwing his head against the couch. “This is confusing. Can’t you just write it for me?”
“I thought you were good at everything,” she said, trying not to laugh that his words were biting him in his muscular ass.
They were in the living room at his house. She sat at the desk while Ryder lounged on the sofa, tossing a football up and down. Every sentence she read to him, he’d groan or growl.
He shook his head at her, but there was a faint smile on his lips. “I am good at everything, but I don’t want to be good at this shit. It’s Beowulf. The movie was lame. Who the fuck has sex with the Mother of Monsters?”
“That’s not what happens in the real epic.” She stretched her arms over her head, feeling her cheeks burn when he peeked at her exposed stomach.
“Trying to make me feel like a dumb jock.” He returned to tossing the football. “You said, Anglo-Saxon Kenning. Why do I have to do that for things that are not even in the story? You’re telling me I have to read the story, then make up evil Anglo-Saxon Kenning things for modern shit?”
She shrugged. “I didn’t have Mrs. Santiago. That’s just the assignment. I only said fast-bringer for a car or light-bringer for a flashlight. You don’t have to be lame like that. She’ll probably have Beowulf questions on your quizzes. Like pointing out the types in the poem or something.”