Ruthian: Tonight? Your place?
Me: I’m sure Em will disappear with Mason. We have a new girl . . . let me check.
I flip the music to loud and meander to Saylor’s room. Knocking, I call to her. “Saylor, it’s Avery, open up.” I come close to face planting as she yanks the door. I study her and she’s adorable . . . but underdressed. “Oh, you can’t wear that to your first college party.”
Her eyes drop and study her jeans. “I’m not going. I want to finish unpacking, climb into that decadent bathtub, and relax.”
“Is it because of Emberlee? I know she can be a bitch, but she’s a softie. Her armor is as soft as Charmin when you get to know her.” I’m gonna work this shit out because I refuse to live in a war zone.
“I know she isn’t thrilled with me; I haven’t figured out why, but that’s not the reason. I’ve been traveling for days and really just want to unwind tonight.” Saylor and I are gonna be fast friends.
“It’ll be loud,” I cringe, not wanting us to start on the wrong foot. It is her first night.
“I know. Good thing I like my music loud and have headphones. I’ll be fine.” She smiles, trying to smooth things over.
“If you’re sure.” We argue over her drinking the Coke in the fridge . . . which I win because I ignore her protests and bring her a big ole’ cup. This girl is gonna have to loosen up but I can see the arms holding her back are strong.
“Wow, Avery. Thank you. I don’t know what to say.” She’s shocked I wanna be her friend and I’m sad nobody has been kind to her.
“You just did. Drink it. Relax tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll get to know each other and things will be fine.” I wink and study her. She isn’t making any move to drink my gesture. “Just drink it.” I depart so she can’t argue. The allure of that carbonated beverage will win. I’ll let her have her play and avoid us tonight . . . tomorrow is a whole new ballgame.
Me: I’ll sneak to you tonight. New girl is locked in her room and after enduring the noise of the party, I don’t want to scare her with your pleasure pants.
Ruthian: Pleasure pants? Woman you scream loud enough to let your parents know what we’re doing.
Me: You better hope not ☺
I figure Mason will haul Lee Lee to his house— and he doesn’t disappoint, which makes it easy for me to leave after I’ve shooed the last person from my home. I hate leaving this mess, but I’ll be back in the morning so I’ll clean before our pig sty shocks Saylor. Lord knows Emberlee will be comatose half the day— and she doesn’t like cleaning.
I use the key he gave me and tiptoe down the hall to his room. Climbing in bed with him I nip his shoulder. “You gonna be quiet?”
“It isn’t me who shouts the Lord’s name. I’ll cover your mouth.” He winks and I snort at his crassness . . . because it’s the truth. This boy does things with his hips that should be outlawed in all states and countries. Don’t get me started describing what he can do with his tongue . . . I’ve written many hymns detailing its brilliance. As a matter of fact, my last three paintings have taken a tongue-esque vibe.
“Or you can put something in my mouth.” I drag my tongue down his neck to his bare torso. His growl is my answer that I’ve turned the tables . . . and him on.
“Picasso,” his tone is deep and warning. “What happened to my good girl?”
I meet his eyes. “You.” I continue open mouth kisses, nips, and licks over the wide canvas of perfection I’m working with— his chest. He allows this for a few minutes, letting me play, but soon he’s had enough, so I find myself flipped with his body covering me.
“Fucking drive me crazy.” He seizes my mouth, his tongue invading and dueling with mine. Ending the kiss too soon, he nibbles my collarbone. “Should have gotten a room. Want you screaming my name tonight.” I wish that as well. I can’t wait for us to settle in this new adventure so I don’t have to keep this secret.
“Soon.” I promise.
“Shout it anyway and I’ll cover your mouth.” He bites my nipple harder than normal. It sends a signal to my core and I force myself not to come fully clothed. “Jesus,” he yanks my shirt off so I’m exposed to him. Sleep shorts and panties are whipped off my body joining the pile on the floor.
“I’ll whisper it in your ear.” I whimper.
“Good, because you’re in my heart already.”
I.Fucking.Melt.
In a puddle.
I’m his to do what he wants.
“Love you,” I yank his hair, forcing his mouth back to mine. I pour every emotion, each feeling, and my love into his mouth. Panting, I pull back and he dives back in as his hands skim my body. Starting at my neck, he drags them down my sides in a languid motion that sets me aflame. I moan into his mouth and catch his groan in return. One hand holds my hips down as he plunges two fingers deep inside me.
“Mine.” He demands and I agree. Every inch is his. “You this wet all night?” Busted.
“Yes.” I exhale.
“Fuck.” My nipple’s sucked into his mouth as his fingers bring me higher and higher. Letting go of my hips he drags his shorts down until I can hook my feet in them and push them the rest of the way off. His erection thuds against my stomach— hot, heavy, hard— and all for me.
I grip his shaft and tug upwards feeling the drop of pleasure on the head of his cock. “You ready for me?”
“Fucking born ready.” Withdrawing his fingers, he places them in his mouth sucking every bit of me off. “We still good with bare?” I nod. The shot I get every three months makes us safe. I hated having any barrier between us. My words are the only encouragement he needs as he thrusts inside with one push. I wince as I acclimate to his size— he was gentle at first, and he isn’t rough now, but he unquestionably lets me know he’s there.
As his power increases, it seems to release an animalistic tendency in me, so I wrap my legs over his hips and meet him thrust for thrust. His arms snake between my legs and his body as he pulls them wider and pushes them higher. Rising to his knees, he powers into me over and over.
Taking my hands in his, he positions mine to hold my legs in the place he wants as his seek my clit and nape. Tugging my head back, he brings his teeth to my neck, his bite stings and lights me up. Finding my clit, he presses and pinches, alternating rubbing in his actions. Like he knows my body, he drops his head and swallows my scream as I detonate from his ministrations. Never breaking rhythm, he lets me ride it out as he shares my air. Pulling from me, he flips me and enters me from behind before I’ve fully come down.
“Scream into the pillow, Aves.” I grab his pillow and bite down as he grips my hips, holding me in place as he pounds into a rhythm that’s fast. Hard. Pleasure inducing. As he pushes one last time, I explode and use his pillow to muffle my shouts of pleasure. He swells inside and fills me with his essence as I milk him from my contractions. Lips trace my spine as his hot breath teases my flesh. I absorb his strength, his weight, as I collapse and sigh in euphoric bliss.
“Love you.” He chuckles as my words are barely audible— I’m falling asleep. The bed dips as he stands, disappearing into his bathroom. A few minutes pass as he comes back and cleans me followed by insulating me in his arms.
Best night’s sleep ever.
I hate waking and sneaking back home like I’ve done something wrong. Nothing I do with him is wrong— and the sooner I’m comfortable with sharing this secret, the better for all involved.
Chapter Seven
Walking in I freeze, bend in half in laughter, with tears streaming down my face at the sight in front of me. Saylor turns, screaming in shock. “Jesus. You scared the shit outta me.”
“That was the most real I’ve seen you. Ass shaking, head bopping. The cussing is just adorable.” I tease in good fun.
It’s a sight to see her mask fall as she climbs from her self-imposed exile. “Sneak up on me again, and I’ll cut you.” Shooting her a wink, her laughter makes me happy.
“Why’d you clean up?” I’m s
taring at the house in a stupor. This place was a mess a few hours ago.
“It was nasty.” She isn’t thrilled.
“But you didn’t make the mess.” I don’t want her placing that burden upon her shoulders.
“But I couldn’t leave it like this.” There’s some accusation in her tone.
“Where’re you going?” I’ll flip the script, engage her another way.
“Book store and somewhere to find stuff to decorate my room. It’s kind of blah.”
“Give me twenty.” I don’t give her a chance to decline my invitation. That she didn’t issue.
“Hey!” I stop and spin. “Is Emberlee a heavy sleeper? I need to vacuum.”
“She’s not here. Her fuck buddy drug her to his cave last night.” I continue to my room so I can get ready.
“Huh?” She’s clueless.
“Mason. Girl, you need to pay attention.” I’m gone from her view so the conversation is done. I speed through my routine . . . she’ll ditch me if I don’t hurry. “Come on. I’ll drive so you don’t get us lost.” She puts the vacuum in the closet and follows me.
“I have GPS, smarty-pants.” Ah, a feisty one.
“Smarty-pants? Where the hell are you from?” She’s mild compared to what I’m used to.
“Florida.” Her tone is ‘duh’ because we did go over this last night.
“Backwoods?” No cussing. Sweet as honey. Manners.
“Pretty much. Macclenny.” Direct hit— I’ve never heard of that town.
“Never heard of it.” I lead her to my BMW and don’t miss the nose scrunch. She’s intimidated by money . . . and status. Time to show girly that we don’t roll like that.
“Yeah, blink and you miss it.” Her eyes watch Lee Lee leaving next door and Mason and Caden heading to Deacon’s.
“Weight training,” I inform her. “Baseball players. They live for that shit. Well Mason and Caden do; Deacon loves it, but since Julie, he’s not set on going pro. That’s the reason Caden and Mason came to school instead of going minor leagues. Those three are tight. My boys of summer.” I want to let her know we’re tight, and loyal. Bring her into the fold and show her we’ll have her back. No bullshit. No falsities.
I answer all her questions, the interest in Deacon evident— though she tries to downplay it. She’s hung up with the role Julie plays in his life and it hurts my heart. He’s a great dad and an amazing guy. She volleys from subject to subject as I take us to the mall, loving she is opening up and I fall in love with her wit.
As we go back to explaining our friendships I can see she’s still cynical. “I see you thinking. We’re all blessed and don’t want for anything, but it isn’t all sunshine and roses. We all have issues.” Putting her in her place as gently as possible took tact but I need to make her understand. Pre-conceived notions can be a bitch.
“Noted.” She smirks and I change the subject. I lead her from store to store until I’m starved. Lee Lee meets us for lunch and Saylor gulps in astonishment as she’s greeted with a genuine smile from Cybil— I call her Emberlee— but she’s got multiple personalities where Saylor is concerned.
“She got laid. This is her post-coital bliss. Roll with it.” That’s the easiest way to make her understand we’re all in a difficult time with her.
I’m giggling seeing Shortstop— Saylor’s nickname— give Deacon hell. She sure has come into her own. And they’re fucking happy. We’re almost done with first semester and although Emberlee isn’t one hundred percent on board with Deacon and Saylor dating, she’s happy in her life— we’re all happy and that’s why I’ve decided I’m gonna spill the beans during Christmas break. I’m telling my secret, consequences be damned.
I’m tired of hiding.
Sick of sneaking.
Ready to be in love— out in the open. It’s been simple to hide my relationship while everyone was getting into the groove, but now we’re settled and questions will begin.
Me: Movie night?
Ruthian: In public?
Me: Yes. Meet you at our spot.
Ruthian: You’re buying the popcorn.
Me: As if you’d let me.
Ruthian: Busted. I take care of what’s mine. And you, Picasso, are mine.
He greets me outside the theater, tickets in hand. “What movie?”
“Nosy.” He kisses me. “It’s a surprise.”
“Good. I have a surprise for you.” I wink and take his hand. He stops in front of the marquee. If I Stay is lit in neon and I fall in love all over again. Seems he makes that happen on a daily basis. “How? What?” This movie isn’t in theaters any longer and he knows my obsession with it. I’ve read the book and seen the movie several times.
“They’re doing some kind of flashback each week and I requested this. Got the email last week they chose my application.” He grins as my eyes fill with tears. The good kind. That’s all he brings me.
Happiness.
“Hurry. I don’t want to miss any of the movie but I want to tell you my surprise.” He leads me to a seat as I bounce in excitement. He’s placed the drinks and snacks in our seats . . . I’m sure he arrived an hour early to set everything up. I hit the jackpot with him.
“What’s your surprise, Aves?” He turns to face me without releasing my hand.
Giddy with excitement, I launch into what I know will rock his world. “So . . . Christmas trip.” I waggle my eyebrows at him. The crew is going to Colorado with our parents; we do an annual trip each year. “I’m ready to tell them. Oust us. Everyone seems to be good. This should be a good time.” I’m hurrying through the explanation, hoping he’ll be on board.
His grin is soul shattering. It isn’t just his lips. Or his cheeks. It’s his entire being. Eyes lit and twinkling. Exhilaration radiating. Love pouring from him. “You sure?”
“Positive.” I miss the first ten minutes of my favorite movie . . . because I’m kissing my favorite person. Easy sacrifice. One I’ll make every day.
My hair is stroked as I cry into his chest. My hand isn’t barren because he doesn’t lose his hold. After, my lips are swollen because he refuses to release them.
And in a few short weeks— I’ll have this love shining in the spotlight it deserves.
It’s adorable how Deacon has kept it a secret; Saylor is going to Colorado with us. Going as far as planning a pre-Christmas night so she can celebrate with all of us. Julie is with Sara and Josh, Deacon’s a nervous wreck because he feels he ambushed Saylor’s parents with our parents— and I have to agree. They can be a rowdy bunch.
“Why are y’all exchanging gifts tonight? You’ll all be together Christmas.” Saylor questions us when we join her around the tree. I smirk, wondering how Deacon will get outta this hole.
“If we all gave you your gifts, you’d have five. We’d only have one from you. Stop being greedy and let us enjoy.” Mason stops Deacon’s struggle and I admire how quick he is with that lie.
“I hope the gift certificate I got you covers all the hours the therapist will need.” Shortstop throws at him— I love their banter. All of us are close with her but other than Deacon’s role in her life— Mason is second in line.
“I don’t need a therapist.” If he wouldn’t lie, I’d love him more.
“Good thing I got you the penis pump instead . . . for your little problem.” Mason’s face turns red and Caden isn’t helping with his laughter. I digress and join him.
“It’s not funny. Deacon, your girl is obsessed with my dick. Are you not satisfying her?” And Mason follows suit with departing wit that isn’t tactful. He’s the only one obsessed with his dick. Emberlee doesn’t seem latched onto it as much in the last few weeks. Something’s changed with her since she spent Thanksgiving at her aunts.
“He satisfies me just fine. I’m not obsessed with your dick, but it is a mystery. Like finding the missing object. You search and search. Your eyes strain and finally it appears. But wait, are you sure that’s it? Hence the vibrator for Lee Lee. The next guy she s
leeps with will think she’s a virgin because I don’t know if you’re capable of breaking her hymen.” And she dropped the hammer. I catch Caden’s eyes and shake my head. The quicker we keep encouraging this the sooner I can end this night.
“You’re evil. Evil woman. I don’t like you.” We all crack up at Mason’s expense. Saylor leans over and smooths things over, thank fuck.
After the gifts are opened and Saylor has a bomb dropped on her— poor girl didn’t realize she, or her parents, are part owner of the house she lives in. This trip is getting better and better. That little tidbit won’t ruin anything and I’m praying my bomb won’t either. I’m tempted to burst out in song, sing the lyrics that are lodged in my throat, but I refrain.
Mason got his way and we’re throwing a party after this private one is over and I don’t know why. Lee Lee is gung ho at being a hostess— which is far from her normal. I don’t know what her deal is but we can’t keep the princess waiting.
All the furniture is shoved aside and covered. Bedroom doors are locked and people start arriving. Yet, Saylor and Deacon wrap themselves in their own world and sigh. I catch his eye walking from the kitchen and he sends me a wink. Way to be inconspicuous . . .
Mayday . . . May fucking day . . . My eyes bug as it registers who Emberlee is chatting with. As Saylor emerges from the back of the house, I notice Adriane move to the kitchen . . . where Lee Lee shoved her. I sprint to the showdown Saylor is in with Lee Lee . . . only one is the victim.
“Nope. I’m excited. It’ll be like old times.” I catch the end of Lee Lee’s comment with her sinister ass grin. “Oh, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Adriane is stepping close and my heart sinks. “You all packed and ready for Colorado, Adriane?” Nice, Emberlee. Throwing that lie in Saylor’s face. “Saylor, this is Adriane.” I can’t stop the shit show. Saylor steps back, pain etched on her face.
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