by Jacob Chance
“Huh?”
“I’m just kidding. I got you a giant salad and vegan approved pita bread. I also have some cut up veggies and hummus.”
My eyes go wide when I see him removing containers of food. “Where did you get all this stuff?”
“I made the salad and cut up the veggies. I bought the hummus and pita bread at the store after I researched online to make sure you can eat them.” I can’t believe he went to all this effort for me. What a way to make a great impression on our first date.
“Trevor, thank you. This is so much more than I expected.”
“Why is that?
“Most guys your age wouldn’t put in all this work.”
“Don’t you think you deserve the effort?”
“It’s not that I don’t deserve it. No one’s ever shown me my needs matter. The fact that you looked into what I could eat means more to me than you can know. Being vegan is part of who I am and it’s not something I can change. You didn’t dismiss that or treat it as unimportant. You understand that I can’t substitute one time without getting sick.”
“I would never expect you to eat something you shouldn’t. As for searching online for what to purchase, it took me all of five minutes. Don’t act like I saved the world.” He almost looks embarrassed by my praise.
“Okay. What did you bring for yourself? I hope it’s something good because this salad looks phenomenal.”
“I made a roast beef sandwich and chips.”
“That’s it?”
“I might have made two.”
“I hope you don’t mind if I dig right in, I’m starving.”
“Please do. After that game, I worked up an appetite.”
“You were great, by the way. That play you made in the second quarter on third and twelve when you caught the ball one handed and reeled it in, that was impressive as hell.”
“You saw that, did you?”
“Of course, I saw the whole game.”
“Thanks for coming. It means a lot that you did.” Lips curving into a smile, his expression is filled with pride. Tender affection for Trevor floods my chest, overwhelming me with its intensity.
“I’m glad you asked me.” My answer is the understatement of the year.
We settle in to eating our dinner as the sun begins to set, painting the sky like a canvas with pinks and purples blending softly together. Sailboats in the distance glide over the surface of the water, their white sails unfurled. It’s stunningly beautiful like an impressionistic painting and difficult to look away from. But standing off to the left amidst the resplendent strokes of color is The Pru, the second tallest building in Boston. “Have you ever been up to the Skywalk Observatory in the Pru?”
“In the Prudential Building?”
I nod. “If you’re going to be a Bostonian you have to call it the Pru.”
“No I haven’t. Have you?”
“No. We should go some time. The view must be insane.”
He smiles. “I could get used to you making plans for us. Does that mean you’re willing to see where this can go?” He’s right. I mentioned the future, something I swore I wouldn’t do. So much for taking it one day at a time and not getting caught up in the Trevorness.
What’s going on with me? I’ve always been so level headed and steady about things and now I’m a giant flip flopper. I could give any politician a run for their money.
“Let’s say I’m feeling more optimistic that we’re more compatible than I originally thought,” I answer honestly.
“Good.” Trevor leans forward, rifling through his bag. “Here.” He pops the top off a Heineken and hands it to me before getting his own. He sets the opener down on the blanket. “I almost forgot about these babies. There are more in the backpack. Let me know when you’re ready for another.”
I take a sip of the cold brew and sigh with pleasure. Sometimes a beer is the perfect drink, and right now is one of those times. Good food, great company, and a serene setting, this night is going better than I imagined.
“I’ve always loved the Back Bay area. I’d like to live here someday.”
“Would you? You’d want to live in the city?” Why is he surprised by this?
“I grew up in the city. What do you think Somerville is?”
“When I say the city I mean Boston.” I giggle. “What?”
“It’s funny to hear a New Yorker call Boston the city.”
“I can see that, but I’ve always liked Massachusetts. My brother grew up here and I spent my fair share of time visiting.”
“Is that why you chose Boston University?”
“My dad and Brady both went there, but that’s not the only reason I chose to attend there too. I’ve always loved all the history in Boston. The Revolution began here. I admire what the early Bostonians stood for. They weren’t afraid to fight for what they believed in. Even though they were alone in that fight for years. Maybe that’s why there’s a pride that goes along with being from Massachusetts. It’s ingrained in them and goes back two-hundred and thirty years. I’m a little jealous I wasn’t raised here. Except I feel like an asshole saying that because I got to have my mom and dad while Brady only had his mother.”
“There’s nothing wrong with feeling an affinity for an area. Have you ever thought about teaching history since you seem to enjoy it so much?”
“I have, actually. But I think I’ll stick with English because I’m a big fan of the written word and I want to help inspire kids to read more; find a way to get them off their video games and lose themselves in a great book.”
“You continue to surprise me.”
“How so?”
“I didn’t take you for a reader.”
“Well you haven’t been in my bedroom yet, Red. I’ll show you my book collection any time you want to see it.” He winks and I have to force myself to stop wondering how big his collection is.
“Who are some of your favorite authors?”
“I read mostly thrillers. David Baldacci, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, and Dean Koontz. What about you? What are your hobbies?”
“I don’t really have any. I train, go to school, and work. I’m boring.” I tick each item off on one hand and then raise my shoulders in a shrug.
“You’re definitely not that. Hell, you’ve captured and held my interest since the first day we met and that’s not easy to do. Many have tried, and all have failed until you.”
I don’t want to think about how many girls chase after him.
“And yet you’re still so humble. How do you manage?”
“It’s a struggle for sure.”
“I bet.”
“How old were you when you lost your virginity?”
“Whoa, where’d that come from?”
“What? It’s a valid question.”
“I was seventeen. We’d been dating for nine months.”
“Nine months?” I nod. “Jesus.” He grimaces. “That’s a long time to hold out. Are you going to make me wait that long?”
“With that reaction I might have to.”
“What’s wrong with how I reacted? Nine months is a long fucking time.”
I hit his shoulder with the back of my hand. “You’re supposed to tell me you’ll wait forever if you have to.”
“Grace.” He rubs his palm up and down the spot on his shoulder feigning pain. “They only say that in romance novels.”
“Are you sure you’re not a closet romance novel lover?”
“Ha, not quite. Let me just say, no guy wants to wait.”
“It’s good to know you don’t think I’m worth it before anything happens that I might regret.”
“Trust me, Red, you won’t regret anything I do to you.”
“At the rate you’re going, we may never find out.”
Chapter Nineteen
Trevor
Damn, I had to open my big mouth and now she’s annoyed. I can tell by the rigid set of her jaw. Grace’s teeth are clamped tightly together, holding in the har
sh words she wants to say.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have made light of what you told me. And I do think you’re worth waiting for. I hope that I’ve somewhat proven it already and I’ll continue to do so.”
“It’s okay. I’m probably overreacting, but it’s a sensitive subject for me. My ex made a huge deal about it and apparently I’m still bothered.”
“Let’s talk about something else. Something that doesn’t get you fired up.” I smile.
“I think you should share how old you were when you lost your virginity.”
“Are you sure you want to know?”
“Yeah, why not? I told you.”
“I was fourteen.”
“Fourteen,” she yells. “How old was the girl?”
“She was seventeen and my best friend’s older cousin. She was staying with his family for the summer.”
“Did you start it or did she?”
“I was staying in one of their guest rooms and she climbed into my bed. Her hand grabbing my dick made it pretty clear it wasn’t an accident.”
“Oh, jeez. What did you do?”
“I laid back and let her have her way with me. She was hot and I wasn’t about to stop her.” She rolls her eyes. “What? Do you really think any horny fourteen year old boy would refuse that opportunity?”
“Probably not.” She looks unconvinced despite her answer.
“Trust me, they wouldn’t.”
I pick up the trash leftover from my sandwiches and the empty beer bottles and put them in a plastic bag. Grace hands me the empty containers from her salad and veggies plus the leftover hummus and pita chips. I shove them all into my backpack and place it to the side on the deck. Rising to my feet, I stretch my arms over my head and tip my neck from side to side. I’m sore from the game. I took some hard hits from some big boys.
“Are you ready to go?” Grace stands and shivers as a cool breeze wafts over us.
“No. I’m just a little stiff from the game. I was thinking we could move to the chairs now if you don’t mind.” Bending over, I pick up the blanket and usher her over to the adirondack chairs. Catching her hand as I lower to the seat, I pull her down on my lap. “Sit with me. I’ll keep you warm.” Grace relaxes with her back to my chest and her head tucked under my chin. I cover her with the blanket and she murmurs, “Thank you.”
Her sweet scent infiltrates each inhale I take as I rest my cheek against her long, soft tresses. My arms wrap around her waist, banding her close to me. Holding her is amazing and I never want to let her go. Maybe we can sleep here, stay in this chair for as long as possible. Right now there’s nothing but the two of us. No bills, no schoolwork, no father with unrealistic expectations.
Silently, we stare at the darkening sky, the water soothingly lapping against the dock. Neither of us feel compelled to speak and break the charm of this moment. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so content as I am right now, with Grace, watching the sky change from swirls of pinks and purples to orangey golds at the horizon. Geese fly overhead, scattering black shapes against the brightness of the sunset.
Our breaths sync naturally in a duet, drawing in and flowing out simultaneously. She wiggles around, cuddling into me and my teeth clench when my dick reacts. I place a hand on her hip to still her motion and growl in her ear, “Red, stop wiggling around, you’re killing me.” She freezes in place, rigid with tension. I wish I hadn’t said anything. I don’t want her to be uncomfortable. “Relax. You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m just trying to keep this PG-13 and it’s not easy.” I press a kiss to the top of her head and the tautness leaves her frame. Pliant and comfortable once more, she rests her hands on top of mine.
“I don’t know what it is about the water, but it’s so relaxing for me,” Grace shares.
“I feel the same. I can practically feel the stress leave my body whenever I’m near it.”
She tips her head back on my chest, peering up at me. “Yes, me too.” She smiles and I kiss her forehead.
“Good, I’m glad. You work too hard for someone your age.”
“I like being useful and helpful. My dad has a lot on his mind and if I can take some of that away, then I want to.”
“He’s not sick is he?”
“No, nothing like that. Business has been slow for a while and he’s concerned. That’s why we’re doing the extended hours. If it helps, then we may increase the number of days. And so far it’s been a success. We’re hoping it continues.”
“I’m glad he’s okay, and if I can do anything to help out please let me know.”
“Thanks. That’s really sweet of you to offer.”
“Hey, I’m a sweet guy.”
“Yeah, a sweet brute.” I slide my hand over to poke her side with my fingertips and she giggles.
“Are you making fun of me?” I continue tickling her.
“No,” she shrieks. “I’m only repeating what you said.”
My hand moves back to rest over her stomach. “Okay, I had to be sure.”
“What’s the age difference between you and Brady?”
“He’s four years older than me. Why?”
“Just wondering. You guys seem close from what you’ve told me.”
“Yeah, we are. He could resent me for coming along after him and feel like I stole his father away, but he doesn’t.”
“He seems really sweet. Is he a brute too?”
“Nah, Brady’s Brady. He’s an original. He might be the nicest person I know. He’s had my back more times than I can count.”
“Harlow’s great too. I’ve only seen her a few times, but she’s so welcoming to be around. Look how she asked Amelia and I if we wanted to grab dinner last week.”
“I’m glad Brady found her. He’s settled down a lot since they’ve been together.”
“Do you think he’d ever cheat on her?”
“No. Why would you ask that?”
“I don’t know. He’s a good looking guy and he’s got his own talk radio show. Women probably throw themselves at him.”
“It wouldn’t matter if they locked him in a room full of naked women. Nothing would happen. He loves Harlow too much to fuck that up. What’s the real reason you’re asking about this? Are you worried I have a cheating gene or something?”
“No, not necessarily.”
“Look, if I wanted someone else I’d have never asked you out.”
“You might not realize you want them yet.”
“So, I’m going to meet some girl I’ve never seen before and immediately forget about you, the girl I’m crazy about?”
“You’re crazy about me?” She tips her head back, peering up at me.
“Yes, I am.”
She smiles. “I’m kinda crazy about you too.”
I grin. “I know.”
“How do you know?”
“I’ve always known, but you wouldn’t admit it to yourself.”
“And what were you going to do if I never did?”
“I wasn’t going to give up on you if that’s what you’re wondering. Defeat is not in my vocabulary.”
“I’m glad you didn’t think I was more work than I’m worth.”
“Red, I think I’ve proven I’m willing to do whatever I need to when it comes to you.”
She shakes her head. “I still don’t get what your fascination with me is.”
“Why shouldn’t I be enamored with you?”
“I’m so different from the girls I’ve seen you with.”
“You haven’t seen me with anyone. You’ve seen girls around me and that’s different.”
“Yeah, I guess, but I’m definitely not your type.”
“How can you say that when I’m holding you in my arms? Do you think this is normal behavior for me?”
“No, probably not.”
“No, definitely not,” I retort. Inhaling her vanilla scent calms me down and I know it’s time to change the subject. She’s going to realize the truth the more time we spend together. “Can I take you
out for coffee on Monday after class? I’ll even throw in a lumpy brown muffin.”
“You make it sound so appealing, how can I refuse?” she giggles.
“Can I have your phone number, please?”
“You don’t have it already? What kind of player are you?”
“A retired one. I wanted to get it from you.”
“Aww, that’s sweet. Give me your phone and I’ll send it to you.” Is this a test? I shift her weight on my lap and reach in my pocket. Typing in the code, I hold it up in front of her. Grace hesitantly reaches out as if she’s startled that I’d hand it over so easily. Does she think there are naked pics in my texts or something? Raking my teeth over my bottom lip, I fight the smile battling to break free as I watch her tentatively navigate her way through sending herself a msg.
She hands me back my phone. “All set. Now I have your number too.”
“Are you going to use it?”
“Probably not.”
“Why wouldn’t you? I’m going to call and text you.”
“And when you do I’ll answer.”
“So, I have to be the one reaching out?”
“Not always. What can I say? I’m old fashioned that way.”
“You’ve never called a guy?”
“I had a boyfriend for three years, of course I did.”
“I don’t want to hear about other guys,” I grit. “I expect to receive at least one text from you tomorrow.”
“Then so do I,” she counters. Her eyes gleam with the challenge.
“And you will. In fact you’ll get more than one. You might get so many you’ll regret giving me your number.”
“Maybe I already do,” she jests.
Gripping her hips, I turn her sideways in my lap. “Do you know how hot it makes me when you get all sassy and spirited?”
“No.”
“I guess I better show you.” Cupping the back of her head I hold her in place. Seizing her lips, my tongue ravages her sweet mouth. She moans and I lift her to straddle my lap, her knees falling to either side of my thighs. My fingers grip her hip through the denim, digging in and urging her to rock against my hard cock. Her hips roll into me like an exotic dancer giving me the lap dance of my life. Every grind of her pussy on my dick brings excruciating pleasure. I can’t wait to be buried inside her. I know we’re going to be phenomenal together. But not yet. I need to put the brakes on this before I lose my grip. I’m seconds away from lying her down on the blanket and claiming her as mine once and for all.