PENALTY

by Jacob Chance

  I dry off and wrap the large towel around myself. I’m covered from chest to knees as I leave the bathroom. “Brady,” I call his name as I turn left, in the direction of his living room.

  “What’s up?” he asks from behind me, startling me. I fumble to hang on to my towel. The back slips down dangerously close to exposing my ass for his view. Keeping my back to him, I secure the towel around myself before turning around.

  His eyes slowly rake over my body. I can see the desire he feels for me and it’s thrilling and intimidating at the same time. “I,” my voice cracks. Clearing my throat, I continue. “I need to borrow a shirt.”

  My breath halts as he stalks toward me - he really walks toward me, but it feels as though I’m his prey and he’s closing in fast. He stops when we’re toe to toe, handing me the gray t-shirt he’s holding in his hand. I never even noticed he had it. I was too wrapped up in the magnetism of his blue eyes. Once they lock on mine, I can’t escape.

  “Here you go,” he says, his voice husky. I know he’s as affected by my nearness as I am by his. Our hands brush as I take the folded garment from him. My eyes flash up to meet his and open wide in shock just before he crashes our lips together. At the first touch of his tongue my lids close and I surrender to the moment. There’s nowhere I’d rather be, no matter how hard it is for me to admit this. The shirt falls to the floor forgotten as I sink my fingers into the back of his neck and hold my towel with my other hand.

  He scoops me up, large hands gripping my ass and my legs wrap around his hips. My bare pussy is pressed against the fly of his jeans as he spins us around toward his bedroom. I lose track of everything but his tongue and the sensual way it moves around mine. He gently lowers me to the mattress, our mouths busy devouring each other. When his hands move between us to slowly spread the towel apart, he pulls his lips from mine and watches, eyes drinking in every inch of my skin as it’s bared to him.

  “Fuck, you’re perfect.” The admiration in his tone makes my stomach flutter excitedly. I can’t believe I’m lying here naked on Brady Lincoln’s bed like it’s an everyday occurrence.

  His hands cup my breasts and his thumbs rub over both nipples. A moan I can’t hold in escapes me. He smiles as he lowers his mouth and pauses when his lips hover over me. “I’m going to make you moan a lot more, Harlow.”

  His warm breath fans over my nipple. I want his mouth on me now.

  “Don’t fucking hold them in. I want to hear how good I make you feel.” His tongue circles around the edge of my nipple, before passing over the tip. He sucks the pink flesh between his lips and another moan escapes me.

  “That’s my girl. Give it to me,” he growls as he moves to the other side. This time he captures my nipple in his mouth sucking and biting until I think I might go mad. My fingers dig into his scalp, caught between the urge to push him away or pull him closer. My nipple slips from his lips as he trails soft wet kisses down my stomach. He slowly moves lower, teasing me. His lips meander one way before moving in another direction. I know what the destination will be; I just want him to take the fastest route possible.

  The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Why is he torturing me?

  “Please,” I whisper. My hands pressing on the top of his head.

  He chuckles against my belly button then runs his nose over the small dip. “Do you want my mouth on your pussy?” He rests his chin on my mound, waiting for me to answer.

  “Yes,” I sigh. “Please.”

  He smiles reminiscent of a shark. My head falls back as his tongue licks from my ass to my clit. Oh god. He teases my entrance with his tongue and then dips inside to wiggle in the best way possible.

  My fingers tug on his hair hard as he sucks my clit between his lips using his tongue to pulse against it. Two large fingers curl inside my pussy pressing exactly how I want them to. My hips move, rocking against his hand and mouth. I can’t hold still as I feel my orgasm building.

  He growls against my clit like he can't get enough of me. His mouth stays locked on me as my orgasm hits me hard, making my legs shake. My whole-body trembles and it leaves me weak and satisfied. He feasts on me, licking up all traces of my release.

  “Fuck, you taste so good,” he says crawling up between my legs to hover over me. He smiles down at me. His lips are still shiny from my pussy. He notices me staring and wipes his mouth on his sleeve.

  “I could do this all night.”

  Chapter Ten

  BRADY

  When I tell Harlow I could do this all night, I’m not joking. Making her come was the hottest thing I’ve ever done and I can’t wait to repeat it. But for now, I’ll be happy just to get her to spend the night with me.

  Standing up, I strip off my shirt and remove my pants and socks. Leaving on my black boxer briefs, I climb into the bed next to her and pull her onto my chest. “Let’s go to sleep, kitten. I’m tired,” I say, combing my fingers through the long dark strands and enjoying the way their softness trails over my hand.

  “I should go home,” she murmurs.

  “No, you shouldn’t. You’re staying here with me.” I kiss the top of her head. “I’m not letting you leave.”

  “If you insist,” she says and then yawns.

  Tightening my arms around her a feeling of contentment washes over me. Smiling, I close my eyes and fall asleep, holding the girl I’m crazy about.

  Harlow. She’s the first thought in my mind as I begin to stir from my sleep. Smiling, I think about how last night ended and I’m hopeful we can continue this morning. Reaching out without opening my eyes, my hand lands on a bare mattress. My eyes fly open and scan the other side of my king size bed. She’s not here. Fuck.

  Rolling onto my back, I stare up at the white ceiling. What does her sneaking out mean for us? I hope she’s not regretting what happened last night. I know I’m not.

  Just as I’ve resigned myself I might as well go back to sleep I hear her giggle. Tuning my ears into the sounds around me, I hear Nick’s deep laugh join hers. Oh hell no. He can find his own girl.

  Jumping out of bed, I grab a pair of basketball shorts from the top of my bureau and pull them up. Slipping a clean t-shirt on, I run my fingers through my hair and make my way to the kitchen. Pausing, I lean against the edge of the doorway with my arms crossed over my chest and watch Harlow. She’s frying bacon in a pan on the stove and Nick is sitting on the other side of the butcher-block island, facing her. He has a cup of coffee clenched in both hands and his dark hair is sticking straight up. He must’ve gotten pretty banged up last night because he looks hungover.

  She’s still wearing my t-shirt, but her tight fitting jeans are back on. I’d love to see her standing there in nothing but my shirt, but not while Nick is here. The thought of him seeing her like that angers me. She brings out a jealous side of me I never knew existed. I’m not sure how I feel about it.

  “Dude, you don’t really think that Star Trek The Next Generation is better than Battlestar Galactica. Tell me you’re pulling my leg.”

  “I’m serious. How can you not be a Star Trek fan?” He runs a hand back and forth over his forehead as if he’s in pain.

  She points the fork in her hand at him. “You should be ashamed. Battlestar Galactica is the greatest sci-fi show ever. Admiral Adama is the best. He could kick Captain Picard’s ass, even on a bad day.”

  “I’m sticking with Jean-Luc. Star Trek is a classic. And you can’t beat the classics.”

  She shakes her head as she plates the bacon. “I can’t believe I thought you were Brady’s cool friend.” She casts a smirk over her shoulder at him.

  “You thought I was the cool friend?” he questions with a grin.

  Nodding, she spins to face him.

  “You’re right. I’m way cooler than Zeke. He used to be different before he was with Claire. Now he’s afraid to breathe too loud. She wears the pants in their relationship.”

  Stepping forward into the room, I make my presence known. “Be nice,” I
caution. “She makes him happy. Even if he has turned into a complete pussy since they’ve been together.” Nick and I chuckle as we bump fists.

  “Are you guys joking or has he really?” Harlow questions.

  “He’s definitely changed, but he’s still a great guy. We just like to give him shit about handing his balls over to Claire,” I say as I walk over to her. Leaning down, I kiss the top of her head. “Good morning.”

  Her beautiful face tips up as she smiles at me. “Morning. I hope you like bacon. I fried up the whole package.”

  “I love it.” Reaching behind her I steal a piece from the large pile on the white plate and shove it in my mouth. It’s cooked perfectly. Moaning as I chew, I realize this is just another plus about Harlow. I can add cooks bacon just the way I like to the list of pros about her. No one should underestimate the importance of bacon in their lives. It matters.

  “What else are you making for breakfast?” I ask rubbing my hands together. “I usually only make myself a protein shake. This is awesome.”

  “The ladies don’t usually get to stay until morning,” Nick blurts out.

  I can feel Harlow’s eyes burning into the side of my cheek as my eyes narrow while I give him a shut the fuck up glare. Don’t help me any dude. Fuck. When I glance in her direction she’s cracking eggs into the frying pan.

  “It’s not like girls come back here very often,” I say trying to downplay the situation.

  “No, we usually fuck them at their places,” Nick interjects to clarify.

  Taking a deep breath, I remind myself to calm down. I’m about to shove my fist in his mouth and rip out his tongue so he can’t dig the hole any deeper than he already has.

  “Relax. It’s not like I thought you were a virgin, Brady.” She rolls her eyes.

  Nick barks out a laugh. “That ship sailed a long time ago, like seven years to be exact.”

  I’m going to knock this motherfucker out in a minute. He’s seriously pissing me off. “Nick, don’t you have some place to be?” I question, my teeth clenched. Take the hint motherfucker.

  “No, I don’t actually. And even if I did, there’s no way I’m leaving without this home cooked breakfast. This beats one of your shit tasting protein shakes any day.”

  “Well, if you want any teeth left to chew with, then I suggest you shut your big fucking trap.”

  “So much anger, dude,” Nick says his hands held palms up. “Relax. You need to get laid. Harlow, can you help him out?”

  She doesn’t react to his words. “The verdict is still out. I’m not making any promises,” she replies as she cooks the scrambled eggs.

  I wrap my arm around her and give her a brief, reassuring squeeze. I want her to know I’m into her for more than the sex. Although when the two of us are finally together, we might burn the building down with how scorching hot it’s going to be.

  When we’re all seated at the island, Harlow and I on one side and Nick on the other the conversation lulls. We’re all too busy digging into the fluffy eggs and crunchy bacon she prepared for us. I can’t remember the last time I had a big breakfast like this. I think it was during this past summer when I was home with my mom.

  “Thanks for cooking all this food. It’s the best thing I’ve eaten since…” My voice trails off as I lean toward her, adding the words I left off. “Late last night,” I whisper in her ear.

  She drops her head forward, mouth pressed together in a close-lipped smile. “Brady,” she mumbles as her cheeks flush pink.

  “I’m not going to apologize for being honest.” I run my nose along the sensitive skin just behind her ear. She shivers. “I can’t wait to bury my tongue in your delectable pussy again. I may never stop.”

  She closes her eyes and bites on her bottom lip. I can tell my words are affecting her and it’s more than embarrassment at my honesty. She likes what I’m saying. She’s just not used to someone speaking to her this way. I’ve never said these things to anyone before. I’ve never felt this strongly for one person and frankly, I never thought I would. Now that I know she’s what I want, I’m not letting her slip through my fingers no matter how slippery she might try to be.

  I walk her home when it’s early afternoon. Her stained clothes from last night are in a plastic bag I’m carrying. The temperature is cooler today than it has been. I made her put on one of my thick BU hoodies and a knit cap of mine. She looks sexy wearing my clothes.

  I tried to get her to stay at my apartment for the remainder of the day, but she insisted she had a lot of studying to do. School is important to her and I would never interfere.

  As we make the ten-minute walk to her dorm, I hold her hand the entire way. I like the way her palm feels resting against mine and it goes way beyond sexual attraction. The smallest touch from her makes me feel things I’ve never experienced before. Just looking at someone has never made my chest feel weak or my heart pound. It’s new to me and I’m not sure I like it. But I know I like her so I’ll take the good, the bad and the different.

  Lost in our own thoughts, both of us are silent. We reach her dorm too soon and I’m not ready to say goodbye. “When am I going to get to see you again?” I question as I tug on her hand, moving her in front of me.

  She stares up at me, her gray eyes bright in the afternoon sun. “I’m not sure what my schedule is like this week.”

  “We can eat lunch together at least.” My hands move up to rest on her shoulders, holding her in place. “Let’s meet tomorrow at noon in the food court.” Staring down into her eyes, I hold my breath and will her to say yes.

  “Sure, I can be there,” she says. Her lips curve into a smile and I know I’m going to kiss the fuck out of her right now. There’s no way to avoid it. Dropping down, I slide my hands in her hair, covering her mouth with mine. Our cold lips quickly warm up and so do the rest of our body parts. Her tongue dancing around mine has my blood roaring through my veins and my heart thumping in my ears. I want to carry her back to my apartment and finish what we started last night. I want to, but I know I must move slow with her. One wrong move and she’ll push me completely out of the picture. Not knowing where I stand with a girl is not something I’m familiar with. They all love me. Except for Harlow. I’m not sure how she feels about me from one moment to the next and I don’t think she knows either. I need to show her that she wants me in her life.

  Pulling my mouth from hers, I rest my forehead on hers. “I had a great time with you last night and this morning. I’m going to miss you.”

  “I had fun too.”

  I kiss the tip of her nose and then release my hold, letting my hands fall away. She hesitatingly takes a step backward and then another.

  I smile, lifting my chin, gesturing for her to go. “Get inside before you freeze. I’ll see you tomorrow at noon.”

  She nods. “See ya then,” she says, pivoting to walk away from me. My eyes lock on her retreating form, watching every step she takes until with a smile and a final wave of her hand, she disappears inside the building.

  Chapter Eleven

  HARLOW

  “Well, well, well. Look who’s doing the walk of shame,” Raine says as I walk inside our dorm room.

  I spin around and lean back against the inside of the door. I can’t keep the smile off my face. It stretches from cheek to cheek, so wide and full it makes my eyes squint. “You’re never going to believe who I spent the night with.” The words leave me in a jumbled rush of excitement. Now that I’m back in my own space the magnitude of what happened last night is sinking in.

  “Brady?” Raine questions, looking at the sweatshirt I’m still wearing, emblazoned with his number.

  “What gave it away?” I joke. Stepping away from the door, I make my way over to my bed. Kicking my shoes off, I sink down on my mattress lost in a lust filled haze of Brady Lincoln.

  It’s such a relief to be home and not keep my defenses up. It’s a constant struggle when I’m with him. I want to dive head first into whatever is developing between u
s, but my self-preservation instincts kick in.

  Tugging off his black knit cap I’m still wearing, I fall to my back with a large sigh. “I really like him, Raine. What am I going to do?”

  “Keep liking him?”

  Raising my head, I roll my eyes at her. “If only it were easy. A little cut and dried would be awesome right now. It’s not like that, though. There are so many factors that’ll work against us if I allow this to go on anymore.”

  “How do you know? Maybe you should try to roll with it and see what happens.”

  Closing my eyes, I picture Brady smiling at me and I know I should let this play out however it will. At least then I’ll know I didn’t let fear stop me. Giving us a chance is a risk, but I’m already crazy about him at this point. I can’t play it safe any longer. Tomorrow at lunch I’m going to tell him how I feel. Maybe.

  Adjusting the strap of my messenger bag higher on my shoulder, I navigate my way down the sidewalk. Hurrying from one class to another is never fun, and today the air has an extra crispness to it, making my lungs ache and my cheeks burn. I shove my phone into the side pocket of my coat, annoyed I’m waiting to hear from Brady. He usually says good morning around this time. I know we already have plans to eat lunch together, but I was looking forward to his sweet message.

  Glancing around, I search the immediate area for a sign of him. We don’t have many classes near each other, but right now his lecture is one building over from the one my next class is in. Just as I’m about to give up hope I notice him talking to a redhead. Her back is to me and I can’t see who she is but they seem familiar judging by his wide smile. My hand covers my mouth smothering the gasp before it can escape while I watch them share a hug. Shaking my head, I run up the stairs and into the building. I can’t watch any longer.