Her hands reach out and grasp the top of my pants, pulling me with her as she drops onto the lounge chair and leans back.
My body hovers, mind racing as fast as my heart, lost in the chaos of everything I want to do to her.
I lean down, my mouth molding to hers, tasting the berries of the wine and the headiness of her breath. I groan, breaking the kiss to trail my lips along her jaw, down her neck, until I make it to the pink of her nipples.
My fingers tease them into peaks. “Gorgeous.”
“You gonna keep talkin’, or are you gonna show your appreciation?” She arches, her breast grazing against my mouth.
I smirk against her skin. “Cute.”
She pushes harder, her nipple breaking past the seam of my lips. I open wider and suck, reveling in her taste. She moans, the sound a straight shot to my dick, making it jerk and swell, straining for some relief.
With one last swipe of my tongue, I release her breast, working my way down further, my hands grabbing greedily at every inch of skin I can touch.
There’s a chill in the air, but I’ve surrendered to our heat.
She bucks against me and mewls. My hand shoots up to her stomach, pinning her in place.
I tsk. “Patience, baby.”
Her eyes blaze as she stares down at me, but she sucks in her lips and doesn’t argue. Good girl.
My palm rises with her heavy breaths as I unbutton her pants. She lifts her hips, and my hands move to slide the jeans off her legs, exposing her perfect flesh to me one sinful inch at a time. Her panties follow shortly after until she’s completely naked, laid out on my deck. The pounding of my heart drowns out the crash of waves against the shore, and I stare at her, transfixed by the vision.
Her thighs spread, her pussy glistening with arousal. I suck in a breath, ripping my shirt over my head and leaning back over her.
“Eli,” she breathes.
The side of my mouth lifts. “Begging for me already, Rebecca?”
She huffs out a breath, her dainty fingers reaching between her legs, daring to touch what’s mine.
I smack her hand out of the way. “Baby girl, you can touch me all you want, but this,” I slide my fingers through her lips, her wetness coating my fingers. “This is all mine.”
She scoffs. “You don’t own my pussy.”
I smile. “I look forward to proving you wrong.”
My fingers slip inside her, my thumb pressing against her engorged clit. She gasps, her head slamming against the lounger.
I lean in, licking the shell of her ear. “Let me show you how good I treat my belongings.”
I dip down, my mouth replacing my thumb on her clit, sucking to the rhythm of my fingers pumping inside her. A gush of liquid coats my hand, her walls clenching around me.
Fingers dive into my hair, twisting around my strands and sending a shiver down my spine. My cock throbs, and I pull back.
She grips my hair tighter. “Don’t stop. Don’t stop. Please.”
“I want you to come on my dick, not my face.” I sit back, the clang of my belt buckle ringing through the silence. The heaviness of her stare makes me dizzy, and my stomach clenches with want.
I push my pants and boxers down in one motion, my cock bobbing free, stiff as hell and leaking at the promise of sinking inside her.
Her legs wrap around my hips. I line myself up and slide into her pussy, my eyes rolling at the feeling.
She moans, lifting her pelvis to drag me in further. Heat rises in my chest and tightens my throat. How the hell does she feel this good?
My hips pull back. Her body follows mine like she can’t bear the thought of us not touching. I thrust back in, working up a rhythm. Her fingernails dig into my skin and tingles prickle from the sting.
“Tell me how good it feels,” I demand.
“So–so good. I need—”
“I know what you need, baby girl.”
My hand slides along her torso, between her breasts, past her collarbone and around the back of her head, gripping her curls in my hand and pulling, hard.
She moans, her back arching and pussy quivering around me. My chest rubs against hers as I move, frissons of electricity lancing through my veins.
“Whose pussy is this?” I growl.
Her eyes snap to mine, a glint passing through them. My fingers tighten in her hair, my other hand angling her hips so I can drive in deeper.
She shakes her head and my hand moves to grip her jaw tight. “Say it.”
“Yours,” she gasps.
My balls tighten, lightning scorching through me, but I hold off, wanting to feel her come undone around me before I let go. I plunge back inside, seating my cock as deep as it will go, our hips flush. I grind against her, giving her clit the friction I know she craves. I pull back and glance down at my cock, soaked from her pussy and pulsing with the need to come.
“Oh, fuck, Eli, do that again.” Her hands reach down and grasp my ass, urging me into her and rubbing against my groin, getting herself off on my dick.
Fuck, it’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.
Her body tenses, legs tightening and breaths wavering. I tug on her hair again, baring her neck as her body conforms to my pull.
I lean down, whispering in her ear. “Give it to me, Rebecca.”
She does.
She screams, the sound harsh against the calm of the sea. Her pussy tightens around me, and the intensity of her orgasm makes me lose the hold on my control. My balls draw up and my cock lengthens. I speed up my thrusts, drawing out her orgasm and chasing my own.
Heat coils low in my gut, spiraling up and bursting through me. I pull out and stroke myself, groaning deep as I paint her body with my pleasure.
She takes a finger and drags it through the mess, sucking my cum into her mouth. I’m panting above her, my dick still in my hand, stars dotting my vision as I stare.
Christ.
She’s perfect.
I pick up my shirt, running it over her skin and cleaning her up. She doesn’t say a word, and neither do I, afraid to ruin the moment.
Scooping her in my arms, I walk us inside, taking her straight to my room, and plopping her in my bed. She giggles, and I lay down next to her, smiling.
The beat of my lonely heart strengthens, battering against my chest, urging me to lay it at her feet, hoping she picks it up and keeps it forever.
20
Becca
It’s been a month since Eli and I started whatever this thing is that we’re doing. A month of rendezvous at his house, longing looks on the court, and secret touches in the halls.
We’re not together. We couldn’t be even if I wanted—which I don’t. The guilt threatens to swallow me whole as it is. I’m fucking him, then calling his sister and acting like I don’t know his face from Adam.
I’m a terrible friend.
But I sure as hell can’t tell Lee. She’s pissed off at him enough, no need for me to widen their divide. Not when I can tell they both wish it would disappear.
Tonight is the first official game of the basketball season, and the arena is packed. Eli’s been working around the clock, so I haven’t seen him outside of practice all week, and even now as I stand in the back of the locker room, I’m relegated to watching him from a distance. He’s calm, cool and collected, like usual, but I see the tension in his posture. After so many nights of feeling every dip and ridge of his body, I can tell when it’s not his normal gait. I’d bet my bottom dollar he’s nervous.
He’s leaning against the far wall with his feet crossed, staring at whatever is written on his clipboard. His dark-blond hair is messier than usual, a sure sign he’s been tugging on it. A thought of how much I’d like to tug on it flashes through my mind.
His face snaps up, roaming the room until he finds me, and I’m sucked into his gaze. My stomach lights up like pop rocks, heart swelling in my chest. I break our stare, uncomfortable with whatever this feeling is.
We smoke the team we’re playing. On
e-hundred-forty to eighty-nine. Jeremy is a fantastic ballplayer, and the way Eli puts aside his animosity, embracing him after they win has my chest bubbling with warmth. A pang of guilt hits my gut knowing it’s Jeremy’s fourth year playing, and this is the first time I’ve actually seen him in action.
Tack another one on the shit friend tally.
I haven’t told him about Eli, and even if I wanted to, he’s been missing from my life a lot this semester. If I wasn’t so busy hiding secrets of my own, I’d probably be badgering him about where he’s been. As it is, it’s probably for the best he hasn’t been around, I already feel shitty enough not telling Lee, I’d rather not add my other best friend to that list. Plus, I’m worried Eli will lose his job if word gets out. It’s a dangerous game we’re playing, and if either of us had a lick of sense, we’d put a stop to it. Cut our losses and call it a day.
But no matter how many times I think it, I know I won’t.
I’m in the locker room after everyone has left, picking up the discarded towels, and throwing them in the laundry bin to be washed. I hear the door open, straightening from where I’m bent, looking to see who it is.
Eli walks toward me.
“Hi, big head.” I smile, my stomach flipping at the sight of him.
He smirks, stepping into me, pushing until my back hits the lockers, my hair catching on the metal. His chest presses against mine, and his hands cup my face, thumbs brushing against my cheeks.
“I’ve come to claim my victory kiss.”
I quirk a brow. “Mighty presumptuous of you.”
“I don’t presume anything when it comes to you.”
I huff out a laugh. “Oh, I beg to differ, you—”
He steals the rest of the words from my mouth. My eyes flutter closed, losing myself to the bliss that is Eli’s lips. A deep-seated joy settles in my chest until every part of me is encased in the feeling.
What is he doin’ to me?
He breaks the kiss, leaning his forehead against mine. “Will you stay with me tonight?”
I nod, breathless from the emotion coursing through my body. It’s been happening more often lately—this feeling. Thinking about what it means makes nausea churn in my stomach, so I ignore it, content to be in the moment.
A door slams and Eli jumps back, leaning against the opposite lockers, his hands in his pockets. I hurry to pick up a towel from the floor.
“Anyone seen a sweet ass attached to a fiery redhead around here?” Jeremy’s voice rings across the room.
Eli’s eyes turn glacial and I cringe, a guilty rock sinking in my gut. I want to tell him about Jeremy. Let him know there’s nothing to be jealous of. But I can’t betray Jeremy’s trust. So, I’m stuck on this teeter-totter with no way off—one where Jeremy doesn’t know not to flirt, and the man I’m with has to stand back and think the worst.
“Hey, Jer.” I sigh.
“Hey, girl.” He picks me up off the floor in a bear hug. I look past his shoulder to see Eli’s fists clenching tight. My chest constricts around my lungs, a knot forming in my throat. I try to convey my apology through my eyes, but he breaks our stare, his face turning to the side.
Jeremy sets me down, and I back up immediately, throwing the dirty towel in the laundry bin.
“You coming out with me tonight to celebrate?” Jeremy wags his brows. I swallow, not sure what to say. I hadn’t thought of a reason why I couldn’t, and now that I’m standing in front of him, I’m worried it will look suspect if I think of something on the spot. Eli’s eyes laser into me, and I know he’s waiting to hear my answer.
Jeremy hasn’t even noticed him yet.
“I don’t know, Jer. I’m tired. I might just go home and sleep.”
“That’s cool. I’ll come crash at yours then.” He smiles and when I don’t immediately smile back, his grin lessens. A creak sounds from Eli straightening off the lockers, and Jeremy turns, noticing him for the first time.
“Coach! You’re like a ninja. I didn’t even know you were here.” He looks at Eli then back at me, his eyes narrowing the longer they bounce between us. “What are you doing in here?”
Eli’s jaw clenches and I see the coldness trickle through his irises. “Thought I’d check and make sure the locker room was cleared out before heading home.”
Jeremy’s chin lifts as he looks at me. I fidget under his stare, trying to blanket all my secrets and hide them from his view. But I’ve always been a shit liar, and Jeremy reads me better than almost anyone, so I’m not sure it works.
I glance at Eli one more time before focusing my gaze on Jeremy. “Yeah, Jer. That’s fine. Just let me finish up here, and I’ll meet you at my place.”
“Sweet.” Jeremy grins, leaning in and smacking my ass.
Eli’s nostrils flare. Jeremy nods to him, waltzing out the door.
The door clicks shut, echoing off the concrete walls. The silence that follows slices through my skin like a thousand knives, gripping my heart and holding it hostage. I’m afraid for it to beat.
My hand shoots up, twisting the ends of my hair.
“So that’s it then, huh?” Eli asks.
My chest squeezes, but the intensity of my emotions throws me off-kilter. Why do I feel like I have something to apologize for? We’re not even in a relationship. This is ridiculous.
“What’s it? What did you expect me to do, Eli?”
“I don’t know, Becca. Maybe not bail on me to sleep with the guy who claims you’re his ‘other half,’” he snaps.
“What was I supposed to say?” My hands hit my thighs. “Sorry, Jer, can’t hang out with you. I have plans with my best friend’s estranged older brother. Oh, he also happens to be your coach and my damn boss. You know, faculty at the school where I attend as a student!” My voice rises with each word.
Eli’s eyes narrow and he stalks toward me, clamping a palm over my mouth, stifling my voice and stuttering my breath. “Shut the hell up. You want the whole buildin’ to hear?”
I shake my head, heat flooding my core at his aggressive stance and tone.
What is wrong with me?
His eyes bore into mine, his hand pressing harder against my mouth. We’re frozen for long moments, until he finally sighs, drops his hand and backs up.
I dart forward, gripping his jaw in my hands. “Eli, listen to me. Jeremy is just a friend.”
He scoffs, but he grips my wrists, leaning into my touch.
“I hate this,” he whispers. “I want him to know you’re mine. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
My heart slams against my ribs with fervor, but my stomach flips and twists, dropping to the floor. I lean my forehead against his chest. He blows out a breath and kisses the top of my head, wrapping his arms around me.
My body buzzes from his touch, but it doesn’t bring me comfort. The echo of his words wrap themselves around my neck and tighten like a noose.
I clear my throat and push the feeling down.
21
Becca
“What are you doing for Christmas break?”
I grimace in Sabrina’s direction, taking a bite of sushi instead of answering her.
She sighs, dropping her chopsticks, leaning forward on our couch. “Are you planning to ignore me all night?”
“I’m not ignorin’ you, I just don’t have anything to say about it, is all.”
Sabrina stares, her gaze searing into the side of my face. I avoid eye contact—something I’ve found myself doing more of lately, ever since I’ve been with Eli.
It’s exhausting, keeping this secret, and I’m sick of hiding it. Over the past month, I’ve slowly come to terms with the fact that I want to be with him. I like him, no matter how many times I try to convince myself I don’t.
Still, that noose around my neck dangles, threatening to pull tight with every twitch of my heart.
“Are you going home?” Sabrina prods.
I shrug. “Momma keeps callin’ every other day, tryin’ to strong-arm me. It’s not gonn
a happen, though. Once I go back, I reckon they’ll never let me leave again. Diploma be damned.”
Sabrina scoffs. “They can’t hold you hostage.”
My lips turn down. “You’d be surprised at what my old man can do.”
She looks down, fiddling with the wooden chopsticks on her sushi tray. “Well, I think it’s ridiculous. You’re a grown woman. You have rights.” She crosses her arms.
I smile at her. “Oh, girl. It’s adorable you think Sugarlake, Tennessee gives a damn about my ‘rights.’”
Her forehead scrunches. “Your dad’s one of the biggest assholes I’ve ever met.”
Confusion tilts my head. “Technically, you never have met him. But… can’t really argue your point.”
“Yeah…” She takes another bite of sushi. “I guess you’ll have the place to yourself if you decide to stay. I’ll be in Colorado with the fam. They rented a cabin so we could ski.”
My stomach clenches at her words. My mind wanders, thinking of what it would be like to spend it with Eli. No interruptions. No friends to steal me away. In a spur of the moment decision, I grab my phone and send a text.
Me: Whatcha doing for Xmas, big head?
Eli: You, hopefully.
I bite my lip, a tingle pricking between my legs.
He texts again.
Eli: You’re not going home?
Me: That depends. If I stay with you, can we get a tree?
Why the hell did I say that? It’s dumb, and I feel stupid for asking.
Last week, he told me Christmas was his favorite holiday even though he usually spends it alone. We got into a debate because I strongly disagree with that statement.
The truth is, I don’t think there’s a holiday I hate more. Growing up, all my friends spent the time loving on their families and spreading Christmas cheer. Mine was spent listening about our savior, Jesus Christ, and reading scripture. Our tree was set up before I even had a chance to know it was in the house—tucked in the corner, and pristine in its glory.
Sometimes, I’d try to touch it, marveling in the twinkly white lights and crystal ornaments. That was always a quick way to get a wooden spoon on the butt. After all, Christmas isn’t for the children. It’s for celebrating Jesus. No reason to indulge in silly traditions like Santa, or throwing on cheesy Christmas songs while we decorate the tree. No hot chocolate by the fire while we read a story, or cozy cuddles in front of the TV. I had presents, of course. Usually a new Bible or a nice Sunday outfit. Something to honor God, and the fact he sent us his most precious gift—his only son.
Beneath the Stands: An Enemies to Lovers, Best Friend's Brother Romance (Sugarlake Series, Book Two) Page 9