Beautiful Goodbye

by Chandin Whitten

  "Thanks, Jenna. You have no idea how much you mean to me."

  "Back atcha, Gage Tucker." I blew him a kiss then disappeared into the kitchen.

  Dinner was almost ready when the guys started piling into our apartment. Gage must have invited the whole damn team Ok not really there were only about seven guys but still. Luckily, I made enough to feed them, and I even made buckeye brownies. Hello, Ohio State Buckeyes. Cliché? I know, but I thought it was a cute idea. I heard all the guys sitting in the living room discussing football and some football whores. Who got who first, who’s been there, done that. What girl was worth a second time, so on and so forth. Finally, after hearing enough I walked into the living room.

  "Jenna fuckin Reylan!" Tyler Hampton yelled as I stepped into the room. He was a massive guy, about six feet four inches with huge muscles and tattoos. His deep blue eyes sparkled, the only sign he wasn't on the run for murder three states over. He looked every bit the axe wielding murderer, kinda scary, unless you knew him. He was one of the sweetest guys but to an outsider, he probably seemed terrifying.

  I ran into Tyler's large arms and kissed his cheek. "Oh my God, Tyler! How have you been? How is Sadie?" Sadie and Tyler have been together for five years and are crazy in love. I loved Sadie and Tyler like my own family.

  "Ah she's bitchin cause I left her ass to unpack while I came here. Gage mentioned your chicken and broccoli Alfredo, I couldn't miss that. But I think Sadie will be here later."

  "You’re such an ass. I miss her and I really don't want to be the only girl at your penis party." I curled my lips and tried not to smile.

  Of course that earned me a raunchy comeback from Trent, "Baby you’re the only girl my penis needs. Let’s go have our own party."

  "Dammit, Trent. Do you honestly wonder why I can never take you serious about wanting a damn relationship? Give it up man!"

  "I'm tryin’ to give it up baby but you’re makin’ me think you’re playin’ hard to get."

  I rolled my eyes and plopped down on his lap kissing his cheek. "Not trying Trent, you’re never going to get me."

  Gage chose that moment to voice in, "You mean he's never going to get it…again?" I shot Gage a warning look but he just snickered. "What babe? Just sayin. Never should have given it up to him to start with. Now he’s following you around like some lost puppy. Maybe next time you will make it clear that you don't want a relationship just a friendly fuck."

  My mouth dropped open. "Oh my God, Gage! I can't believe you just said that. You just called me a whore without calling me a whore!"

  Gage had the nerve to laugh. "That made absolutely no fucking sense. I didn't call you a whore. You’re just a girl who likes to have fun. If your version of fun is ridin’ dick, well then babe there are plenty of guys here who are willing to offer you more than an eight second ride."

  I just blinked. I had no idea what to say. Gage had never talked to me like that before. Gathering my wits, I pursed my lips. "Now you sound like my fucking pimp trying to whore me out to the highest bidder. Do me a favor and shut the hell up." I stood up and stomped back to the kitchen, smacking Gage's head on the way. "Asshole."

  I was opening the refrigerator door when I heard Gage laughing. "Love ya, babe."

  Opening my beer, I took a long drink before shouting back, "Fuck you, dickweed."

  I walked back into the living room. "There is tons of pasta and salad on the bar and buckeye brownies in the fridge. Goodnight boys." I walked into my room slamming the door behind me.

  I could hear Jinx's deep voice say, "Man you really pissed her off. I don't think I have ever seen her that mad."

  I was sure Gage just rolled his eyes as he said, "She loves me, and I love her. I piss her off. She pisses me off. We fight, and we make up. It’s what we do. Give her an hour or so to cool off then she will be back out here."

  Then I heard that familiar deep voice that sent tingles down my spine. "She's hot as hell when she's pissed."

  All Larkin had to do was speak, and I was getting turned on. It had been way too long. I glanced at my phone six twenty-one p.m. No way was I going to prove Gage right, looks like it’s going to be an early night for me. Well, unless Sadie wants some company. I pulled up Sadie in my phone and called her.

  "Jenna!" Sadie answered on the first ring.

  "Sadie! I miss you. Can I come over? I need girl time, too much damn ego in my place."

  "Hell yes, you can even help me unpack since dickwad left me to do it all by myself."

  "Screw guys. I say we unpack then hit up a club. It’s Friday night we’re young and hot."

  "Let's do it," Sadie said through giggles.

  I hung the phone up and smiled. I hopped off my bed and opened my closest skimming my clothes. I found the dress I was looking for. I had bought it over the summer, but Gage refused to let me wear it. It was black and skin tight, long enough to just cover my lady bits. The back was, well there really was no back. There was a small piece of material covering my butt cheeks and the front had a deep cut in the center going all the way down to my navel. The top was held together by a strand of silver beads and across one shoulder there were more silver beads. I grabbed my glittery zebra print heels and my small pink Coach wristlet.

  I put a little more eye makeup on to make my eyes look smokey, and a few coats of my dark red lip gloss. I didn't need to do much to my hair. It was in perfect waves and fell down my back. I changed and examined myself in the mirror, I had to admit I looked damn good. My normal five feet two inches, thirty-four C boobs, size four body had it rockin’ tonight.

  CHAPTER 5

  I opened my bedroom door, and all conversations stopped. I heard a few whistles and some damns. I looked around for Gage, but didn't see him. I saw him round the corner from the kitchen. "The fuck, babe?"

  I looked innocently at him and shrugged. "What? I figured if you’re going to whore me out I might as well look like one. I mean you did say this dress looked like a slut special, right?"

  "Babe. You know I wasn't tryin---"

  I held up my hand to stop him, "Gage, really I'm fine. No need for you to go all big brother on me when I'm not going to listen to it. I'm meeting some friends and we are going out. Not to worry, I'm not turning into some football slut who screws any guy with a jersey."

  I went to walk around him and he grabbed my arm demanding, "My room, now."

  "I'm not some child Gage. I'm going out. I will see you tomorrow. Goodnight boys, enjoy the food and take whatever’s left home with you."

  Gage didn't give me a choice, he flung me over his shoulder and stalked off to his room, throwing me on his bed then turning to slam his door. "What the fuck is your problem Jenna?"

  "I don't have a damn problem. I just want to go out but some asshole won't let me."

  "Not fuckin looking like that I ain't. Every fuckin guy will be itchin to touch you. Did you not see the looks you got from the guys out there? And they know you’re off limits to them."

  "Off limits! Are you fuckin kidding me? Gage, I am almost twenty and I have been through more than most people our age, I do believe I'm old enough to make my own choices. Back the hell off."

  "I will never, and I mean fuckin never back off Jenna. I would kill the fuckin guy who hurt you. Wearing that dress you’re just asking for me to kill some poor bastard."

  I was getting angrier and angrier as the minutes wore on. "I'm not asking you to do a damn thing. Now move so I can go out with the girls."

  "Where the fuck are you going?" Gage stood in front of his door with his arms crossed.

  "Out. Now move outta my damn way. Or I will move you." I stood right in front of him, pretty sure I was shooting flames from my ears.

  "Not moving until you tell me what club you’re going to."

  "I don't know and even if I did it’s none of your damn business. I'm only saying this one more time before shit gets real, MOVE!"

  Gage just shook his head and smiled. That was it. I lost my control and pulled my arm back to
hit him. He ducked, grabbing me by the waist and flung me on his bed. He got on top of me pinning me down. "Dammit, woman. I fuckin love you and I try to protect you. I don't want you getting hurt. Why can't you understand that?"

  "I do understand Gage but at some point you’re going to have to let me go. You can't always be there. You need to let me live my life and learn. I know you love me and I love you but it’s not always going to be just us. Your dreams are happening fast, you do realize this time next year I will be a junior in college and you will be playing for the NFL, we won't be together so don't you think it’s time you let me go?"

  "I can't let you go. Last time I did that you almost died. As for my dreams, they can wait. If it wasn't for you I would never have had the courage to fight for them, so without you by my side there is no reason to play in the NFL. We will always be together and I will always be there for you. You mean more to me than anything." Gage leaned up then kissed my forehead.

  "Gage, I know what I mean to you. And without you who the hell knows where I would be but please just let up. I need to live my life." I kissed his cheek.

  Gage squeezed his eyes shut before saying, "I know I need to loosen up babe, just take it easy on me. This is hard."

  "I know Gage. I'm thankful to have someone like you in my life who I can always count on."

  Gage reluctantly got up and helped me off his bed. He ran his hand down my back and shook his head and said lovingly, "Be careful babe."

  "I will, don't worry. Enjoy your last night of freedom with the guys."

  I could see in Gage's dark blue eyes that he would worry about me until I was home. I loved him for it, but it irritated the hell out of me all the same. I opened Gage's door to find most of the guys eyes trained on his door. I stopped and Gage nearly ran me over, "Hell babe?"

  “Sorry, just wanted to say, thank you.”

  "Ok, now go have fun but please for the love of God, be fuckin careful."

  I walked into the foyer and stopped turning to see all eyes on me, I felt my cheeks flushing. "Ugh night guys."

  I heard a few grunts and some goodnights before I opened and closed the door.

  When I got to Tyler and Sadie's apartment she already had her old roommate, Libby and my old roommate, Megan ready and waiting.

  "Day-um girl. You’re lookin smokin hot." Sadie consumed me in a hug. I pulled back and looked at her. She was gorgeous, every bit of five feet eight, size zero, long blonde hair and big blue eyes. If she wasn't so sweet, I might actually hate her for being absolutely drop dead beautiful. Megan who was a few inches taller than me and had the curves all the girls wanted. She was simply beautiful with her auburn hair and forest green eyes. Libby was around Megan’s height, but she was the same size four like me, with brown eyes and brown hair. She reminded me of the girl next door innocent look. I loved the three of them, and I knew I could always count on them for a fun worry free time, just what I needed.

  "God I missed you! I missed you all! I am ready for a night out."

  Libby and Megan were my kind of crazy and since the three of us were single Sadie decided she would be our DD that we could enjoy being back in the college life. As soon as we hit the club we had drinks and were on the dance floor. I let my eyes drift closed as the music took over. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my back slowly moving around my hip to my stomach. My eyes opened to see a giant smile on Sadie's face, and I looked over my shoulder at my dance partner. Damn he really was hot.

  "Holy shit, Larkin?" He was wearing a black button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up showing off his tattoos. The shirt was straining against his muscles making my mouth water. Hot didn't even begin to describe this piece of male meat.

  "Didn't get to tell you earlier but you look sexy as hell, Jenna," Larkin's deep voice rumbled in my ears making my girly parts shiver.

  I leaned back into him and yelled over the music, "Thanks. You look pretty good too."

  We danced a few more songs before Larkin motioned to the bar and I nodded. I stayed on the dance floor as he made his way to get us drinks.

  "Who is he and where did you find him? I want one!" Libby shouted over the music.

  "That’s Larkin, Jinx's cousin. He came over to my apartment last night with the guys and was there again today. Hot as hell, huh?"

  "Oh yeah. Maybe Jinx has a few other cousins he's holdin out on us."

  I rolled my eyes. "What about Jinx?" Jinx was his own kind of sexy. He was six foot, hazel eyes and he wore black framed glasses. He looked every part the sexy but nerdy football player.

  "Eh I just don’t see him that way. Plus I'm pretty sure he is into Megan."

  I just shrugged as I saw Larkin walking back towards us. I looked over and saw Libby staring at him. I was pretty sure at any moment there would be drool running down her chin. I jabbed my elbow into her ribs and said jokingly, "I think you have a little something on your chin, drool maybe?" I smirked at her.

  "Shut up." She closed her mouth and tried to act unaffected, but as I looked back at Larkin I saw her rub her chin out of the corner of my eye. I smiled and shook my head.

  "Wasn't sure what you wanted so I told them make something fruity." Larkin handed me a cup with some sort of pink liquid in it.

  Smiling I yelled over the noise, "Thanks." I took a drink. "Mmm this is good. Did they tell you what it was?"

  He shrugged his shoulders. "I guess if you want more of them you will have to come out with me again."

  I got butterflies! Holy shit! Why in the hell a guy like Larkin Nayler was interested in plain Jane, fucked up Jenna Reylan, I have no idea, but I sure as shit wasn't going to question it. "Hmm well I guess we will see what happens."

  Larkin pulled me close to him and kissed my neck. "Oh trust me, I think I can persuade you."

  "MmmHmm…" I closed my eyes and we danced with the music, his hands on my hips.

  Grabbing my hand he led me off the dance floor and to a table with a couple guys standing around. “Jenna, this is Aaron, Dallas, and Justin.”

  Smiling I sat my drink down on the table. “Hey boys.”

  Dallas nodded at me then said, “Larkin, man you came at just the right time. Aaron here is thinking about piercing his dick, what do you think?”

  Larkin shrugged. “Why the hell you asking me?”

  Dallas smirked then turned his deep blue eyes on me. “What do you think?”

  I scrunched my face before letting my shit eating grin cover my face. “I can’t tell you how it would feel to have your dick pierced but if it feels anything like getting your pussy pierced…hurts like a bitch but it’s worth it.”

  Seeing the faces of all the guys almost caused me to burst out in laughter. Larkin let his eyes slowly travel down my barely there dress before stopping on my center. “You have your pussy pierced?” he asked in complete shock.

  I nodded as I slowly said, “Sure do.”

  Larkin looked at his friends then back to me. “Bullshit princess.”

  I cocked my head to the side and asked, “Don’t believe me?”

  Larkin shook his head before saying, “Nope. Not unless you prove it.”

  “Let’s make this interesting, badboy.”

  “I bet your sweet little ass you’re not pierced anywhere but your ears and maybe belly button. And if I’m right, which I know I am, we go right now and you get pierced.”

  Shrugging I said nonchalantly, “And when I win? What do I get?”

  “You come home with me,” Larkin stated.

  Biting my bottom lip, I looked around the table. Slowly smiling I stuck my hand out to shake his. “You’re on.”

  Larkin shook my hand. He took his other hand off the table and slipped it under my short dress. Seeing his eyes heat when he realized I didn’t have any panties on was almost enough to make me jump him right there in the middle of the club. Running his hand along he stopped just where the piercing was and used his thumb to rub back and forth. “Shit, you ain’t lying.” Larkin said through gritted teeth.

 
I shrugged and whispered, “Lost a bet. And I never back out of a bet.” Trying to control myself, I clenched the table and closed my eyes. Nothing I did helped, and within seconds, Larkin had me covering my mouth trying to drown myself out as I got off.

  Pulling his hand away Larkin leaned down into my ear, "Best fucking bet I ever lost. Now let's get outa here."

  I nodded, "Let me tell the girls I'm leaving." I looked around but there were too many people and being short didn’t help. I pulled my phone out and text Sadie.

  Me: goin with Larkin. Have fun. Drive safe

  "Ok, let’s go." I turned to see Larkin watching me before he grabbed my hand.

  We walked to the parking lot, my small hand in his large, strong hand. He led me to a black crotch rocket and unhooked a helmet, handing it to me. I glanced at that sexy bike then back to Larkin. "Ugh. I can't ride that thing; I'm wearing a dress and heels. The entire world would get a free peek-a-boo show at my hoohah," I screeched while motioning up and down my body then to the bike.

  Larkin raked his eyes over my body before landing on my face again. "I'm wearing jeans and boots. You will be sitting behind me babe, no one will see your, what did you call it...'hootyhoo'?"

  "That would be my hoohah buddy and I don't give out free shows like the five dolla holla girl on the corner. Don't you have like a normal car or hell a truck we could take?" My eyes left Larkin's and looked back at his bike, it really was a sexy bike and I'm sure he looked damn good on it but, seriously? Did he expect me just hop on?!

  I heard Larkin's low chuckle. "Damn country girls. As a matter of fact I do have a car, a nineteen seventy-one Dodge Challenger, but as you can see I don't have fucking super powers and can only drive one at a time and tonight it was my bike. Now put the damn helmet on, suck it up, and hop on."

  I grabbed the helmet and slammed it on my head. "Happy now, city boy?"

  "I will be when you get your sexy ass on my bike, like now." Larkin swung a leg over his bike and held a hand out to me and said, "Come on."