by Amber Nicole
I pause and give him a glare. “What she’s been wanting since the end of last year. Ruin an innocent, bathe in the blood of a virgin. You know, the usual.” I shrug and continue walking. He laughs, but doesn’t say anything.
We reach the front door, and I take my bag from him before walking up the stairs to my bedroom tossing it in the corner, I slip my shoes off, shut my door, and smile. The note from this morning is still there. I don’t know what I would do without Jase Hawthorne in my life. I’d probably be dead. I shake that thought away and head to the shower, stripping as I go. I turn the hot water on and step in. I lay my forehead against the tile, letting the hot water pound my neck and shoulders. I’m going to be sore tomorrow. I step back and grab my body wash—well Jase’s body wash and squeeze some in my palm, rubbing it along my upper half. The curtain shifts, and a cool breeze hits my skin. A warm body presses against my back and I relax into him. This. This is what I needed: all the anxiety, panic, tension from today, immediately slips away. “Are you okay?” he rumbles in my ear, kissing my shoulder. I nod, but don’t speak. I just want one moment of peace. One moment of stillness. Just him holding me. Keeping my mind calm of all the bad thoughts. He wraps his arms tight around me and I sigh. “I love you J,” I whisper over the beating waterfall in front of us. “Don’t ever leave me.” He turns me to face him and places his hand on my neck, tilting my chin til I meet his eyes. “I will never leave you, Lay.” He places a quick kiss on my lips, then backs away. “Hurry and finish up. I have a pizza on the way, and I rented us a movie.” I give him a small smile and he leaves.
Yeah I really love that man.
Eighteen
Carson
I wake up early for once and start my morning routine, immediately regretting it. “Oh my god. Oh my god!” It gets louder as a video plays for my eyes to see. I so do not want to see that. I quickly turn it off, then turn it back on, making sure I’m not still dreaming. If my eyes could pop out of my head they would be right now. They would run away and bleach themselves. A loud moan comes from the screen and I turn it off. My door flings open and Sassy’s smirking at me. “Are you watching porn?” I shake my head so fast my bun comes out of the hair tie. I know I’m flushed and my face is probably beet red. “Cara, it is completely normal to watch porn or,” she pretend gasps and whispers, “masturbate.”
Oh god.
“Don’t be embarrassed, girl. Since I know you're not getting any, you do you babe.” I shake my head again and she laughs.
“No it’s not what you're thinking. Um it’s my best friend’s sex tape,” I say with a wince and she pauses for a moment not sure how to respond. Finally she says, “Can I see?” I hand her my phone and she presses play. I hear Memphis' voice and instantly start to feel a wetness in my panties. “Fuck babe, this shit is hot. Who is the chick? I wouldn’t mind her riding my face like that.” She snorts and keeps watching. I didn’t get that far. One flash of Memphis hard and naked was more than I could handle. I’ve always wondered what he looked like, and now that I know I don’t think this attraction will go away. “I don’t know. I haven't spoken to him in a while.” My phone rings and Sassy hands it to me. I sigh and answer, “Hello.”
“Oh my god. Did you see?” Cassie immediately squeals and I cringe, pulling my phone farther from my ear. “Yeah unfortunately. Who would post that on Instagram? How did it get past the violations monitor?” She starts laughing her butt off and I shrug, giving Sassy a look.
“Babe. We just saw Memphis naked, dick hard and fucking Dolly Ray, and you’re worried about legal ramifications?”
I sit up and lean against the pillow. I close my eyes and try to remove the images of him sweaty, head tipped back in bliss, hips thrusting his large, veiny, angry, pierced …
“Cara, are you still there?”
My eyes pop open and Sassy is staring me down, eyes full of heat. I give her a look of ‘what’ and she rushes from the room muttering, “At this point I need to invest in something rechargeable.” Whatever that means.
“Yeah Cass I’m here. I just really don’t want to discuss my future step-brother that way and I just woke up.”
“For someone who reads as much as you, I’m shocked you’ve never read a forbidden step-brother romance. You may be related soon by marriage but that doesn’t mean you’re blood. You can still fantasize about him, girl. I have the perfect book for you. Look up Kings Of Westbrook High by Bethany Winters, Callie and Damon are just gahhhh, chef’s kiss babe. You need them in your life,” I laugh at her antics and agree. I’m always up for a new read, and she’s right. I have always shied away from the ‘forbidden,’ but maybe I need to read some to figure out my own taboo drama. “Sounds good, babe, I’ll download soon as we hang up, but I need to go get ready for classes today. I miss you. Talk soon.” We hang up and I toss my phone on the chair in the corner, far, far away from me. I grab my shower things, I think a cold shower is just what the doctor calls for this morning.
e
Friday night finally hits and I get to check out that study room downstairs. I was right, it's practically a deadzone down here. I pull out my phone and text Connor, asking if he wants to join me. Kings of Westbrook High is waiting for me on my Kindle. Cassie was right. I was hooked from page one. The tabooness of their relationship is beyond hot and makes me think super naughty things about Memphis. I know I should stop and put it away, focus on one of the guys here, but I can’t help wondering about a future where we could be together.
“Hey Cara,” Connor says, startling me during a really hot scene involving more than one guy on a roof near a pool. I know my face is red. I immediately turn my Kindle off and give him a big smile. He leans down to give me a hug and I melt. Connor’s hugs are the best. “Hey. Thanks for coming down here,” I tell him as he moves back and takes a seat beside me.
“Nowhere I’d rather be,” he says so seriously I know he’s telling the truth. “So what's on the agenda tonight? I was actually thinking of messaging you about grabbing some dinner. Would you, maybe, want to grab some pizza or something?” he asks, hesitantly. I nod yes and he jumps up, pulling me from the couch, tossing me over his shoulder. “What are you doing?” I squeal through my laughter. He grabs my phone and Kindle, shoving them in his hoodie pocket and walks towards the door. “I’m not letting you change your mind Cara. You said yes.”
I laugh even harder till my eyes are full of tears. “Please put me down you goof,” I say, smacking his really nice ass, and he pauses. “Did you just spank me?”
I do it again and he retaliates by smacking mine. I startle and then moan. Holy crap. He stops and sets me down. I hide my face with my hair and look at the ground. That was seriously embarrassing, but I never thought I would like being spanked. It’s that damn book getting me all hot and bothered before he showed up. My back is gently pushed against the wall and my chin tips up to meet his dark blue eyes. “Do you know how you make me feel Carson Matthews?” he asks, staring me down so hard, I think he can see my soul. I shake my head, and he slowly moves closer, giving me time to stop him. He rests his forehead on mine and nudges my nose with his, until pressing his lips against mine. The kiss is soft and sweet until a growl escapes his lips and he grabs my hips picking me up. I have no choice but to wrap my arms around his neck and my legs around his hips, so I don’t fall. He crushes me to the wall, grinding his hardness into the perfect spot. I gasp and he takes full advantage of my mouth being open. It’s messy and so hot. I mewl, grinding as close to him as I can. I rip my lips from his and hit my head against the wall. Ow. I glance around and notice we’re out in the open, anyone could walk in and see this. I bite my lip and blush. Connor groans and moves back for my mouth, but I remove an arm from his neck and press a finger against his lips. “Connor, set me down,” I say softly, still trying to catch my breath. His eyes glaze with a look of hurt and he places me back on the floor.
I grab his hand and give it a tug. He glances at me with confusion and I give him a little smirk. When we ent
er the small room with the window seat, I shut the door and push him back until he sits down. “Look Cara I’m so—” I shut him up by straddling his thighs and taking his lips once more with mine, grinding down hard on his growing bulge. Oh my god. He feels amazing, so thick and hard. Gripping my hips he moves me back and forth, kissing me until I can’t breathe. I pull my head back, arching my chest into his face. He kisses my neck and I bite my lip to keep my moans quiet. “So beautiful,” he mumbles into my cleavage. I smile and shake as the friction brings me to a place I have never been before. “Oh. Oh. Oh my god,” I moan loudly and he groans with me, before chuckling into my boobs. I shift and he whimpers, gripping my hips from moving. My panties are soaked and my breaths are coming so fast, I may pass out. But if that’s what everyone is talking about, I want to do it again and again. I grip his sweaty honey hair and tug his head back meeting his lips with mine. He groans into the kiss and pulls back, I release his head and lean back a bit. I glance at his flushed face and internally smile. I did that. Oh my god I did that. I suddenly feel awkward and look down at the wetness on his jeans. “So um, yeah. I need to take a shower,” I say, before climbing off his lap and rushing to the door.
“Wait, Cara,” he calls, but I can’t handle the look I know he’s going to give me right now. “Call me.” I say before running out into the hall and upstairs to my room. I unlock the door and slam it shut. I lean against it, panting. Wow. I move to the bathroom to clean up and even though I feel awkward now I can’t deny I feel amazing. Yeah I really need to do that again.
I leave the bathroom and go to my room to change. I need new panties and then food. I’m starving and pizza sounded really good. I throw a hoodie on and some sweats. I walk to the door and grab my keys from the floor. I must have tossed them there earlier. I look around for my phone, but can’t find it. Crap. It was in Connor’s pocket. I slam my forehead against the wood and groan. This is going to be so weird. I open the door and step out, almost tripping over something.
A smile instantly hits my lips and I sigh in relief. A box of pizza sits in the hall outside the door with my phone and kindle on top of it. There is also a note, but I’m nervous to read it. I bend down and pick up the box, bringing it back into the room. I place it on the table and take a seat. I remove my phone and kindle, setting them off to the side and open the box. He got me my favorite calzone. I think I may love him. I pick up my phone to thank him, but pause. I should read his note. I hesitate but unfold it.
Cara
I have no words to describe tonight, but I can tell you how I feel. I’m no poet so don’t laugh.
Your smile brings me joy
Your laugh gives me hope
Your friendship brings me peace
And I hope one day you bring me love
Wow that was awful, but it’s the truth. I don’t regret anything and I pray you don’t either.
I got you a sausage and ricotta calzone. I know you used to get them back home. If I haven’t made this more awkward with this note. I’m free and would love to share it with you. Or just talk.
Please don’t shut me out.
I hope to hear from you soon.
XO Connor
I set his note aside and take a large bite of the amazing food. I really like Connor, but I don’t think I am ready to settle for just one guy. This is college, and I feel like if we start something serious I’ll end up breaking his heart. I set the calzone down and get up from the table. Grease covers my hand so I wipe my hand off then grab a drink from the fridge. The note is sitting there. Teasing, tempting. I pop the cap of my tea and take a drink. Enough stalling Cara just text him. I send him a message, before I can back out. A knock on the door makes me jump. What the hell? Was he outside this whole time? I shuffle to the door, then slowly open it. Connor shoves it open the rest of the way and wraps me into a huge hug. I instantly feel calm, and sigh, snuggling into the hug. I pull back a bit and meet his eyes.
“I don’t regret it Connor, but I do think we should talk.”
He nods and shuts the door and takes a seat on the couch. He rubs his hands on his thighs and won’t meet my eyes. After a few deep breaths he claps and shakes his head. “Okay I’m ready. Just go easy on me, because I really like you Cara,” he says quietly. Oh my heart. I rush over to him and straddle his lap, shocking him. I reach down and wrap my arms around his neck, kissing him hard. “You are too adorable, Connor. I like you too, but if I’m honest I kinda like someone else too, and I don’t want to get into anything serious, so if you are okay with this. Friends with maybe benefits. Then I would love to continue this.”
He looks at me in shock and I can see the wheels spinning in his head as he thinks over what I said. I climb off his lap and move to the side, next to him. After a few moments of no response, I’m worried I broke him. “Okay,” he says louder than I expected.
“Okay?” I ask hesitantly. He turns to look at me and smiles.
“Okay. If it means I get to keep you in my life, I am okay with it.”
I give him a grin and lean down to kiss him. “You’re stuck with me, Connor Hannaberg.” He stands up, and I worry he’s leaving, but he grabs a drink and the food, bringing it to the couch and handing it to me. He sits back beside me, before plopping me on his lap and handing me the remote. I take it and give him a kiss, “You’re kinda amazing.” He gives me a big grin then leans back to get comfortable. We dig into the now cold food—but it’s still delicious and watch The Expendables. When the food is gone he tosses it to the side and dominates my mouth and shows me what he can do with his fingers. He better be careful or I may fall in love.
Nineteen
Jase
Layton has always had issues with PTSD and addiction. It’s something I have come to accept, and lately it’s been getting better. Well, until Cara arrived. Now he seems to have a new addiction: her. I should probably be jealous that my guy is obsessed with someone that's not me, but I can’t because I’m just as bad as he is. Always watching her. Waiting for the day I can finally join psych class and try to become her partner. May seem silly, but that’s the plan. East has to get her to fall for him and then blow her off so I can swoop in and make her trust me. Do I want to do this? Fuck no. But I have to. One stupid fucking decison has changed the course of our lives and now we are the guinea pigs of one Penelope Smith.
“Hey.” Layton comes up behind me and gives me a hug. I take another sip of my coffee and look out the window over the kitchen sink. I relax into his arms and sigh.
We stand like that for a few moments until he becomes impatient and starts to kiss my neck. I spin to give him a kiss when someone gags behind us. “Not in the kitchen again. Maria just deep cleaned this house.”
Layton starts to shake behind me and I know he’s laughing. I turn and glance East's way, “We wouldn’t dream of it, baby brother.” I place a quick kiss on Lay’s lips, then slide past him to the fridge. “What do you guys want to eat? I’m fucking starving,” I ask, digging through the sparse items we have. “We need to go shopping,” I say but East and Lay yell, “Not it,” at the same time. I slam the door shut and give them a glare.
“What are you guys, five? We can’t keep depending on Maria to do the shopping. She’s only meant to clean the house.”
East shrugs and steals my coffee. “Just pay her more, if you're seriously worried.”
I snatch my mug back and growl. Lay comes around the counter and gives me a look. “I’ll go with you, J. We can load up on snacks, things we know East won’t touch.” He gives me a grin and I love that he’s starting to feel better and joke around again. We had a few bad days there and I thought we may have to call Shelly in to have a chat with him. As much as I hate the woman, she is a fantastic therapist. “Sounds like a plan, Lay,” I tell him, returning his grin. East mutters something and leaves the room. “So how about we go grab some breakfast in the dining hall? I’m seriously starving after last night,” I tell him with a kiss on his pouty lips. He tries to deepen it, grabbing my h
air, and clawing the back of my neck, making me growl. I feel myself hardening and he reaches down to grip me through my basketball shorts. I pull back and grab his wrist. “Food, babe.”
He pants, but nods yes. I back away and adjust myself, before slipping my shoes on and walking outside through the back door. The morning chill hits my skin, and I welcome it. I need to cool down. I start down the path and Lay catches up to me a few minutes later. He shoves a hoodie at me and I take it with a smile. I slip it over my head and put my arms through the soft sleeves, before reaching over and taking his hand. It took us a while to get comfortable to the point of showing PDA in public, but now it’s like a second nature. I love Layton Willis and he’s my forever.
We get to the dining hall and it’s packed. A few guys from our fraternity catch my eye and wave us over. We weave in between the mass of hungry coeds and I let go of Lay’s hand to slide into the booth. “Hey what’s up?” I ask Cole, who’s shoveling scrambled eggs in his mouth with a large spoon. He chews and swallows before responding. “Not much, bulking up for the game on Friday. Are you boys ready to dominate those bitches from CCU?” The table lets out a loud roar and I smile.
“Fuck yes. Those bitches are going down. I’m so over their shit. Last year was a fluke.” Layton walks up with two trays piled high with eggs, bacon, sausage, and biscuits with gravy. My mouth waters and he gives me a wink, setting the tray down in front of me, before sliding in beside me. I dig in and moan when the peppered country gravy hits my tongue. For college cafeteria food, I have to say it’s pretty damn good. Lay places his hand on my thigh, giving it a little squeeze, before taking a bite from his own plate. I glance his way and he has a small smile on his lips. He loves to tease me in public, it’s a bit of a game of his, and I’m usually all for it, but this morning I didn’t bother with boxers and if he keeps this shit up everyone at the table will know. I place my hand over his and squeeze, giving him a subtle shake of my head. He pouts but let's go. The guys carry on talking smack about CCU, so I lean over and whisper in his ear, “Later.” I move away and finish eating. The guys say something that catches my ear and I pause. “Wait, what was that?” I ask Todd. He glances my way and shrugs. “I said, there’s a bitch in the room next to mine. Always complaining about the noise. I banged Trish against the wall last night and the springs creaking from my neighbor’s room plus her huffing ‘to shut the hell up’ really put me out of the mood, so I ended up having to fuck Trish’s mouth. She was pissed, just about bit my dick off.” The guys laugh and commiserate with him while I hide my smile. Todd is next door to Carson and I think I just found an accomplice to help us. “If you're looking to get back at her, I have some ideas.” I tell him. He glances my way and rubs a hand down his chin. “Fuck it. I’m in.” I lean closer and give him some ways to make her even more miserable. He laughs and shakes his head. “That’s awesome man.” I sit back and continue eating, ignoring the glare from Lay. It may be a dick move, but it’s harmless in the long run.