PENALTY

by Jacob Chance

  “I want to take you out and you want me to. Whether you’ll admit it or not is another story.” He smirks.

  He’s such a cocky bastard. I want to refuse him and give his ego some much needed bruises.

  I want to.

  I should.

  But I can’t.

  I really like him; even though I see hazard lights flashing in my mind every time I think of giving him a chance.

  “Come on. Haven’t I been a perfect gentleman so far?” His expression is exaggeratedly innocent. I shake my head.

  “You’re killing me here. Do I need to get down on my knees and beg you?” He starts to lower down to the sidewalk in front of my dorm.

  “No,” I shout, gripping his arm. “You don’t need to.” The last thing I need is someone seeing Brady on his knees in front of me.

  “I’ve never dated anyone before.” He shakes his head. “I really like you and I’m hoping you’ll give me a chance to take you out.”

  I chew on my bottom lip, nodding my head slightly.

  “Does this mean you’ll go out with me tomorrow night?” He pulls his sleeve up and glances at his watch. “Actually, it is tomorrow now,” he comments taking note of the time. “Can I take you out tonight?”

  I lick my lips and then press them together drawing out the moment. I’m not strong enough to refuse him, but I can make him sweat it out a little.

  He tips his head and raises an eyebrow as if to say - what’s it going to be?

  I don’t answer. I hold out my hand. “Keys, please.”

  An expression of doubt briefly flickers in his eyes before he gently places them in my palm.

  Spinning around I start down the walkway leading to the front door.

  “Hey,” he yells.

  I stop and turn to face him. “I’m just messing with you. We can go out tonight.”

  He stalks toward me. Oh god. He grips both my arms and tugs me into his chest. My breath leaves me as every inch of our bodies is plastered together from groin to the tips of my breasts. One of his hands slides to the middle of my back and continues down until it caresses over the curve of my hip.

  “Not so funny now is it, naughty girl,” he growls. Cupping one of my ass cheeks in his big hand, he squeezes it. His mouth swoops down to take mine in a hot, wet kiss that has me thinking of being naked with him as soon as possible. His tongue thrusts against mine. Gripping the back of his neck, I wish I didn’t have gloves on. I want to feel his warm skin under my fingertips.

  He pulls away, his breathing labored. “You need to get inside before I throw you over my shoulder and take you back to my place.”

  My cheeks flush red at the vision his words conjure up. Stepping back, I nod. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Eight o’clock. I’ll be right here, waiting,” he says, pointing at the spot he’s standing in.

  “Okay.” I pivot and practically float to the door.

  I have a date with Brady Lincoln, I have a date with Brady Lincoln, I have a date with Brady Lincoln.

  I peek over my shoulder at him as I’m about to go inside. “See ya.” I awkwardly wave.

  He doesn’t answer me. Instead, flashing his damn irresistible smirk at me. I’m so screwed.

  Watching the clock tick down until it’s eight o’clock, has kept me occupied for the past thirty minutes. I don’t want to appear too eager, but I am. Going out with him is all I’ve thought about since he walked me home last night. I’ve replayed our kiss about a thousand times and each time it seemed even hotter.

  Will he kiss me again tonight? I hope so.

  I inhale a deep breath to compose myself as I push open the door to my building. There’s a moment where the nervous flutters in my stomach take over.

  Will he be there waiting?

  What if he changed his mind and he doesn’t show?

  Relief washes over me. All the worry is for nothing. He’s standing in the exact spot he said he’d be. His hands are in his jeans pockets, broad shoulders rolled forward in the gray B.U. hoodie he wears so well. We had an unseasonably warm day for November and it’s carried over into tonight.

  Happiness overtakes me and bursts out of me with a huge smile. I couldn’t contain if I tried.

  He moves forward and I do the same, meeting him halfway.

  “Hi.” He smiles and pulls me in for a hug.

  “Hi,” I say, my greeting muffled against his sweatshirt. He kisses me on the top of my head. It reminds me of my dad. He’s the only who’s ever done this. I blink back the sting of tears. Now’s not the time to turn into an emotional mess. I’m sure for him it was just a reflex and not some declaration of his feelings for me. I pride myself on being practical and logical. I refuse to turn into one of those girls who thinks if a guy says hello to her or holds the door it means a lifetime commitment.

  Pulling away, he holds me at arm's length. Sweeping his eyes over me, he slowly studies me from the tip of my head down to my converse covered feet. I flush from his stare.

  “You look beautiful,” he tells me. I appreciate the compliment, but I know I’m not dressed to impress tonight. I’m wearing my most comfortable jeans and my favorite black sweater.

  “Thanks, you look pretty good yourself, but you don’t need me to tell you.”

  “I like hearing you compliment me. I think this might be the first time you have.”

  Rolling my eyes, I reply, “I don’t need to feed your ego, it’s hefty enough already. In fact, that sucker could use a diet.”

  He chuckles. “I’ve a feeling you’ll be the one to lighten the load so to speak.” He holds his hand out for me. “Come on. Let’s get some dinner. I’m starving.”

  Placing my hand in his, I walk beside him. The soles on my shoes scuffing over the jagged cracks in the concrete as we head down the sidewalk.

  “How do you feel about pizza? Do you love it or just like it?”

  My nose scrunches at his words. “Doesn’t everyone love pizza?” I question, glancing up at him - glancing way up at him. He’s so tall. He has to be at least six foot three.

  “Actually, Zeke doesn’t like pizza. I almost considered finding a new roommate freshman year because of that anomaly. But, then I realized he was the perfect person to room with because it meant I didn’t have to share my pizza. And I can eat a lot.”

  I giggle and he flashes me a quick grin. He taps his head with his index finger. “Sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture.” He glances down at me. “Take us for instance,” he pauses. “I know going out with me didn’t seem like such a great idea at first, but now you must see the value.”

  My eyes flick up to him, one eyebrow raised skeptically. “I do?” I question.

  “Sure, you do. You already know I’ll keep you warm when I walk you home. I’ll never push you to do something you don’t want to. I love pizza and so do you. I can get you tickets to any football game you want.” I open my mouth to reply and he shakes his head. “Don’t even go there. I saw you at the game miss I don’t like football or football players.” He smirks and then his expression changes. It becomes serious and heated, his blue eyes burning into mine. “Our chemistry is off the charts. The kisses we’ve shared have been fucking phenomenal. I’m getting hard just thinking about them.”

  “Brady,” I shout, my cheeks hot with an embarrassed flush.

  “What?” he questions. “I’m just stating the facts. I prefer to be direct.” He stops walking and tugs my hand. I crash into him and a high-pitched squeak leaves me.

  Cupping my face, his palms are warm against my cheeks. He stares intently in my eyes. “I plan to have you, any way I can. If that means taking you out for three months straight before I get to kiss you again, then that’s exactly what I’ll do. But I’m hoping you won’t make me wait too long.”

  Our eyes remain locked in a tension filled stare off. I couldn’t look away, if I tried.

  I want to kiss him. Should I? Chewing on my lip, I’m lost in indecision. I’m not sure what to do or say. I’
ve never been in a situation like this before. And before I can decide he interrupts.

  “You ready for that pizza now?”

  Chapter Eight

  BRADY

  “Have you ever eaten here before?”

  She shakes her head, her gray eyes open wide as she takes in the lively atmosphere of Gino’s.

  “It takes a little while to get used to the noise level and all the people. Their pizza is worth the assault on your ears, I promise.” I smile as my eyes sweep around the room. This is one of my favorite places to come for dinner. I end up here at least twice a week, sometimes more.

  “Wow, it must be pretty amazing pizza if it’s worth suffering hearing loss.” She smiles.

  “I don't want to influence your opinion. I’ll let you be the judge.”

  The waitress stops beside our table. Steam rises from the thick layer of mozzarella cheese as she sets the pan down in the middle of the table.

  “Can I get you anything else?” she asks.

  Harlow smiles and shakes her head.

  “We’re all set, thanks.” She walks away and my gaze settles back on the gorgeous girl across from me. “Dig in. I can’t wait to see what you think.” My eyebrows raise as I wait for her to take the first bite.

  “I feel like there should be a drum roll or something,” she jokes. Picking up the oversized slice with both of her hands, she raises it to her lips. I watch in envy as she blows on it before the pointed end enters her mouth. I wish she was wrapping her lips around a certain appendage of mine.

  Her eyes shut as she bites into the slice. When she begins to chew, a moan escapes her lips. I can’t stop watching. The pizza is all but forgotten as I study her. I want my hands on her to be the reason she moans. I want to be the one who’s repeatedly drawing them out of her.

  Her eyes open and she flushes when she notices me taking her in.

  “Would you like me to order my own pizza?” I joke.

  She giggles, then places the piece down on her plate. Wiping her lips with the white cloth napkin she then answers me. “This is the best I’ve ever had. How is it possible I’ve never heard about this place?”

  “A lot of the football team comes here. Which is how I learned of it freshman year.” I bite off a large chunk of crust.

  “At least I still have the rest of sophomore year to enjoy it and then two more. I think I’ll be eating here a lot.”

  “I’m excited to be a senior next year. Only one more year of having this place easily accessible will suck.” I take a sip of water, studying her over my glass. “I meant to ask you last night, what your major is?”

  She finishes chewing, then answers. “I’m getting a psychology degree. I’m not sure what I want to do, but I know I’d like to help people through emotionally hard times.” She takes a sip of her coke and wipes her mouth on her napkin. “What about you?”

  “I’m going for communications.” I shove the rest of the crust in my mouth and chew.

  She nods. “You want to follow in your father’s footsteps?”

  I swallow past the lump in my throat her mentioning my dad brings up. “I want to play football in the NFL and then get into broadcasting like him, but that’s where the similarities will end.” I wipe my mouth with the napkin and throw it down on the table. “I don’t want to be anything like him in any other way.”

  “I didn’t mean to bring up a sore subject for you,” she says, her expression apologetic.

  “No, it’s okay. I don’t want to get into the dysfunction of my family yet. Let’s save that for another time.” I wink hoping to lighten the mood.

  Shit. I didn’t mean to reveal anything about my father. I don’t like to talk about what he’s done to our family. When he and my mom were married, he couldn’t keep his dick in his pants. She would forgive him every time. It wasn’t until I was three years old that they split for good and only because his mistress was pregnant with my little brother, Trevor.

  My dad’s been a better father figure to him than he ever was to me. He and I don’t always see eye to eye. He has his plan for my future and it doesn’t follow the same path mine does.

  “So, where are you taking me after this?”

  “Who said we’re going anywhere else? Pizza’s not a good enough date for you?”

  “I..,” she sputters at a loss for words.

  I chuckle. “I’m just kidding. I’m taking you to a party. I want to introduce you to some of my friends.”

  She presses her lips together. “What’s wrong?” I ask before grabbing another slice from the tray.

  She scrunches her nose up. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

  My eyebrow raises and I pause with the slice of pizza halfway to my mouth. “Going to a party?” She nods her head.

  “Why not?” I question.

  “Because you’re you.” She gestures to me with her hand.

  My eyebrows draw together. “What does that mean?” Placing my slice down on the plate, I continue. “Why does who I am matter?”

  “You’re the quarterback of the football team. Everyone knows who you are and I’m not comfortable being on display.”

  “You didn’t know who I was. Who’s to say you’re the only one?”

  A sheepish look passes over her face.

  “Wait a minute.” I lean my arms on the table. “Did you know who I was that night at the party?”

  Her eyes lower to her plate and when they move up to meet mine they’re filled with humor. “I might’ve known who you were.” She shrugs her shoulders.

  I rake my teeth over my bottom lip. “I think there’s a lot more to you than anyone knows.” I study her and slowly nod my head. “Much more than you let everyone see. It’s going to be a lot of fun discovering all those hidden layers.” I flash her a grin.

  Her hand squeezes mine when we enter the frat house the party is being held at. I’m almost positive it was only a reflex on her part, a burst of nervous energy. I tighten my hold and hope it helps to calm her. It’s obvious she’s uncomfortable. Her eyes are cast downward and she’s pulled my arm in front of her like a shield to protect her from all the people she doesn’t know.

  I lean down, my lips next to her ear. “Relax. You’re with me,” I reassure her.

  She manages a small closed lipped smile in reply.

  I know she’s apprehensive about being here. Pulling her to the side of the room, I tuck her in front of me and lean back against the wall. My arms are loose around her narrow waist. Lowering down, I peer into her eyes. “Harlow, I want you to have a good time while we’re here. You need to stop worrying about everyone else and focus on me.” I flash her a quick grin. “You can stay as close to me as you want.” I raise my eyebrows up and down and she giggles. “That’s what I’m talking about. I want to see your beautiful smile.” My hands move up to cup her shoulders. “We can leave any time you want. Just give me the signal.”

  “What’s the signal?” she asks a curious expression on her face.

  Rubbing my chin, I think of what it can be.

  “Just tell me you want some alone time with me. Those words will get me out of here in flash.”

  She slaps my chest. “Brady,” she says rolling her eyes.

  “Okay, that might not be the best one, but just for the record, I’d love to hear those words come out of your sexy mouth.”

  She looks away as a flush of pink washes over her fair skin.

  “I’ve got it,” I say.

  Her eyes return to me.

  “What if you just tell me you’re ready to go? Good communication is important in relationships. We should always be upfront and honest with each other.” Internally I grimace at my words. I’ve no fucking idea about relationships and all I learned from my parents are lies and mistrust. “What do you think?” Can you do that?”

  She nods her head. “I can.”

  My hand slides from her shoulder, my fingers skimming over the back of her arm to clasp her hand. “Come on. I want to introduce you to some
friends.”

  We maneuver through the crowded room toward Zeke’s broad back and dark head. As we come upon the group of my friends I pull Harlow into my side, slinging my arm around her shoulders.

  “Linc buddy, it’s about time you showed,” Zeke says. He smiles down at Harlow. “Now I see what the holdup was.” He holds his hand out. “I’m Zeke, one of Brady’s roommates.”

  Harlow tentatively places her hand in his and he pumps it up and down a few times jerking her around.

  He releases his hold. “I’m sorry about that. I get a little carried away sometimes and you’re just a little thing.”

  “Zeke, this is Harlow,” I interject.

  “Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” she politely replies and then shakes her hand as if she’s in pain.

  Zeke’s eyes open wide. “Oh shit, did I hurt you?”

  She giggles. “Just messing with you.”

  I bark out a laugh. For someone who was worried about meeting my friends she’s jumped right in.

  “Zeke is like a bull in a china shop. We call him Hulk because he doesn’t know his own strength. “Hulk smash,” I joke.

  Harlow covers her mouth to hide her smile.

  “I get no respect. Who protects your ass on the field every week?” He points at himself. “That would be me.”

  “Are you planning on introducing me at any point?” Claire, Zeke’s girlfriend asks, placing a hand on his arm. Staring up at him, she pouts her lips. Zeke smiles down at her, falling for her ridiculous need to be the center of attention. She can do no wrong in his eyes and he won’t listen to reason where she’s concerned.

  “Of course, babe. I’d never forget you,” he says with a wink, before turning back to Harlow. “This gorgeous angel is my girlfriend Claire.”

  Harlow smiles. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”

  Claire looks her over. “Hi,” she says her tone cool and definitely not angel like.

  Harlow reflexively leans into me.

  Wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I pull her to my side. “Be nice, Claire. Harlow’s important to me.” My tone is light, but the seriousness in my expression gets the point across.