Gage kissed my cheek and said, "Thanks, babe."
Trent came walking over yelling, "Party at our place tonight, you in?"
I looked at Larkin and smirked before saying, "Hell ya."
**********
Turning off my car, I heard the music coming from Jinx and Trent’s apartment. The party was already getting crazy and it was only ten.
“Jenna, ‘bout damn time you show up.” A very drunk Trent flung his arm around my shoulder.
“How drunk are you?” I looked over him, curling my lips at his beer breath.
Trent smiled slowly and slurred, “Oh I know what could sober me up real fast.”
Shaking my head I pushed him away. “Have you seen Larkin?”
“Yep, he’s in the kitchen playing bartender.”
Walking into the kitchen, I saw Larkin behind the bar with a girl trying to force her way between his arms. Larkin looked up just as I was about to say something and winked, giving me his full sexy smile as he said, “Hey baby.”
Deciding I wanted to piss this girl off and show her Larkin was mine, I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him. Pulling away I looked into his eyes and ran my hands through his hair. “Hey.” Shifting my eyes to look at the girl I smirked and asked, “Wanna get outta here and have our own little party?”
Larkin nodded before grabbing my hand. As we started walking away I heard the girl comment, “Football slut.”
Stopping in my tracks, I turned to face her and really looked at her. She had on the tightest, shortest gold dress known to man, and she was calling me a slut? Shit didn’t fly with me. “Excuse me?”
The girl hopped off the counter and sauntered over to where I was standing. “You heard me, slut.”
Larkin was pulling on my arm and said, “Come on babe, she’s just jealous. Look at her, then look at you. Fuck I’m jealous and I got you.”
Raising an eyebrow I laughed. “You’re right. I wasn’t the one trying to force myself into your arms and pants. Been there and plan on going back as soon as we get away from Syphi Chicky.” Smiling, I turned around to Larkin and followed him out.
Walking across the hall, Larkin unlocked his apartment door, letting us in then shut it and locked it behind him. Larkin looked me up and down when he said, “Never seen you like that, fuckin hot baby.”
Shrugging, I clasped my hands around his neck and whispered, “There’s a lot you haven’t seen.”
Larkin gave me his pantie melting half smile. “Then baby, let me explore.”
Picking me up, I wrapped my legs around his waist as he walked to his couch. Setting me down ever so slowly, he started kissing my neck moving his way across my shoulder and down my chest.
“Fucking beautiful,” Larkin nipped out.
“Shut up and fuck me,” I said between sighs.
Larkin pulled up my shirt and tossed it the side as his hands went behind my back to undo my bra and slip it down my arms. My hands undid Larkin’s jeans shoving them and his boxers down his strong legs. Bringing my hand back up, I wrapped it around his erection and moved it up and down, hearing Larkin’s moan.
“Shit, Jenna. You really know how to work with your hands.”
Smiling, I pulled his face down to mine and slipped my tongue into his mouth. Larkin’s hand went under my miniskirt to reveal my secret, no panties. Larkin’s sharp intake of breath as his hand hit bare skin was all I needed to make my sexy wild side come out.
Rolling Larkin, I shoved him onto the couch and straddled him. Larkin gritted his teeth and said “I like the no panties thing, and you taking control is sexy as fuck.” Grabbing Larkin’s hardness I slowly slid down onto it. “Umph, Damn baby.”
I slowly moved up and down as Larkin’s hands dug into my hips. “Oh, God,” I moaned out. “I can really feel you’re piercing like this.” Picking up the pace Larkin brought one nipple to his mouth, sucking and tugging with his teeth. Within minutes I felt the warmth stirring in the bottom of my belly building up.
“So close, Larkin. Oh, God. You feel so good,” I cried out.
“That’s right baby, let me hear you,” Larkin spoke through gritted teeth.
Larkin brought one hand down, finding my clit and rubbed it in circles until I flew over the edge. Larkin grabbed my hips, thrusting into me two more times before I heard him calling out my name and resting my head on his shoulder.
“Damn, babe. I like you riding me.”
Kissing his shoulder I laughed, “Well I did take riding lessons for three years.”
“Your instructor teaches magic.”
Laughing I eased off Larkin. “I will be sure to tell my aunt.”
“Fuck, your aunt?” he asked.
“Mmhmm.” I smiled and nodded.
Larkin shook his head as he stood from the couch and grabbed his clothes, walking down the hall to his room. I gathered my clothes and followed him, catching a glimpse of his nice, firm ass. That boy was going to be the death of me.
**********
The next month flew by. Larkin and the guys had three more pre-season games. It sucked that two of the games were away games. I didn't get to see Larkin as much as I wanted, but it also gave me time to get prepared for school, which started in a week.
The night before Larkin came home from his last preseason game. I was lying in bed snuggled up with a shirt he had left and playing with my necklace. It was then I came to the realization that I was falling in love with Larkin Nayler. I wasn't sure how to tell him, or if I even would. The last guy I told that I loved him only destroyed me, no big deal. I was freaking out. I. Was. Freaking. Out.
I sent Sadie, Libby, and Megan a text asking them to come over for a late night movie and icecream. As soon as they stepped through the door Libby was on to me asking, "Hey Jenna, you ok?" Libby eyed me suspiciously.
"Ya, why?" I asked shrugging my shoulders.
"You sure you’re ok? Last time we had a late night movie and icecream was when you told us about you and Trent." Libby, Sadie, and Megan all had their eyes on me like I was about to freak out or had grown another head.
I let out a sigh, "I think I'm in love with Larkin. I want to tell him tomorrow but I’m terrified of how he will react. I mean we haven't really been together that long and I'm so fucked up that maybe I'm just toying with my own heart."
Sadie pulled me into her. "Honey, you’re not fucked up, you’re a girl. He is completely in love with you too. Anyone can see that. Don't be afraid to tell him. He's not stupid enough to throw a girl like you away. Honestly I'm surprised you two aren't planning your wedding yet."
Megan popped up, clapping her hands she squealed, "Oh I better be a bridesmaid but I swear if you pick ugly ass dresses I will strangle you."
"What the hell are y'all spitting out about getting married? I do not ever want to get married. I’m pretty sure Larkin is on the same page. I'm not certain he's on the same page as far as our feelings are involved. I don't want to ruin a good thing by opening my damn mouth."
Libby grabbed the small chain and heart pendant Larkin had given me. "Oh really? He coulda fooled me," Libby smirked.
"Ah I don't know. This is why I didn't want anything serious, too damn complicated!" I folded my arms across my chest and laid my head back on the back of the couch, closing my eyes.
"Sometimes love is crazy. Hell I didn't expect to find Tyler in high school and fall in love but I did. Honey just stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think of everything that could go right. Trust me, Larkin is crazy in love with you and he will catch you when you fall. Stop holding back. Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can come together." Sadie stood from the couch. "I'm going home. Call me tomorrow, I want all the details. Love you."
Megan and Libby hugged me and told me to call them tomorrow also. "Love you girls, too."
I spent the rest of the night tossing and turning in my bed. Needless to say I didn't get much sleep. I knew Larkin wouldn't be home until around five in the evening so I had all day to thin
k, not good.
I set my iPod to Maroon 5, seriously who wouldn’t want to listen to Adam Levine? I spent the day rearranging furniture and reorganizing our pantry. First in alphabetical order then by expiration date. After reorganizing, I went to scrub my bathroom then I baked a chocolate cake followed by chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter pie. That’s what I do when I'm nervous, I clean and bake. Anything to keep my mind off life.
A little before five I heard Gage's key in our front door, I was in the kitchen mixing up batter to make a batch of drunken cupcakes.
"Mmm something smells good babe." Gage said as he walked in the front door and looked in the kitchen. "Ok what haven't you baked. Oh shit, what’s wrong?" I looked behind him hoping to see Larkin following. Nothing.
"Where's Larkin?" I asked trying not to sound too disappointed it was just him and totally avoiding his question.
"Gee babe, good to see you too. Yes, it was a great game but I sure did miss you." Gage's voice was full of sarcasm.
"Ass. Of course I'm happy to see you and yes, I missed you too. Great game. Now where is Larkin?"
"That's a little better. He said he was going to his place to shower then he would be over." Gage kissed the top of my head and asked, "You really like him, huh?"
I felt my cheeks heat and replied, "I think I love him, Gage."
Gage stepped back looking into my eyes. I thought I saw sadness flicker across his face, but as soon as it came it was gone. "Wow. I never thought the day would come where my girl said that again. I'm proud of you babe. And trust me the feeling is mutual. If I have to hear another sex story or listen to him whine about missing you I might rip my ears off. Boy is whipped." Gage hugged me then whispered, "You will always be my girl and I will always love you."
"I'm scared, Gage. Last time I gave my heart out I got hurt. I can't do that again, I won't survive it." I hugged Gage a little tighter.
"Jenna, you can't let that selfish prick ruin your life. You need to forget him, don't let him dictate you. I know the kind of person you are Jenna and you want to get married and have a family. You always have. It takes a strong heart to love but it takes a stronger heart to continue to love after being hurt."
"I do want the long walks on the beach, snuggled on the couch, sharing my milkshake kind of relationship but I can't risk it. I have this fear that when Larkin finds out about my past he will run or look at me like I'm not as great as he thinks I am."
"Jenna! You’re amazing and if his thoughts change because of something that’s not your fault, I swear I will fucking kill him. But based on the facts I have the boy is in love with you."
I buried my face in my hands, fighting the tears. "Gage, I can't do this. I can't allow myself to be in the same position I was in just a few years ago. What if Larkin wants kids? Then what?"
"Adopt." Gage shrugged his shoulder like it was a no brainer. "You have built so many walls around you over the past few years and the only person you have let in is me. Not that I'm complaining but like you told me we won't always be together. Then what will you do?"
I looked up at Gage and felt the tears sliding down my cheeks. "I don't fucking know. I'm a mess and I know you’re right. I need to let Larkin in, I love him. But giving him all the power to ruin me is hard."
"Part of love is trust babe, you have to trust him not to hurt you."
Gage was right, but it was easy for him to say. He had never lost a child at the hands of somebody else. He had never had to fight for his life. He had never been in a relationship like I had with Jacob.
CHAPTER 12
I was still in Gage's arms when Larkin walked in. "Hey, baby. Sorry I didn't come straight here. I wanted to get a shower and cleaned up first."
I let go of Gage and looked at Larkin. In Gage's arm, I felt safe and comfortable, but with Larkin, I felt free and wild. He was my unsure, my unknown. He scared the shit out of me. I needed more time. Just a little more time.
"It's cool. I figured we could just eat dinner and chill here tonight. I need to start looking through all my books before classes start. This semester is going to kill me."
I spent the evening with Gage and Larkin, listening to them talk back and forth while I attempted to read. It really wasn't a lie. I did need to start looking over things before walking in the first day and having no idea what was going on. Being a double major was no easy task. Toss in a new boyfriend, crazy friends, and the lack of study ethic, and I was screwed. No matter what, I would get this for me, for my future. This is something I had to do for me, no one else, but myself. Succeeding with college was something I never imagined just a few years ago, I had come a long way since then and grown so much as a person, failure was not an option for me, no matter what.
"Whatcha thinkin 'bout over there. Looks serious," Larkin asked catching my attention.
"Ah nothing, just thinking about school." I shrugged and looked up to see Larkin and Gage watching me.
I could see in Gage's eyes he knew I was lying. He slightly shook his head before standing. "I think I'm going to go to bed, could ya'll keep it down tonight or maybe go to your place? I need some damn sleep without hearing my girl screaming or her bed banging the wall."
I felt my cheeks heat as I dropped my gaze back to my book. Larkin snickered, "I can't help I have the dick of God."
Gage flipped Larkin off before leaning down and kissing the top of my head. "Night, babe."
"Night." I watched as Gage’s feet as he walked away. When I heard his bedroom door open, I brought my head up to see him standing in his doorway watching me. He looked pained to be leaving me. When he caught me looking, he mouthed 'love you' before turning and closing his door. Something was going on with him, and I needed to find out what. We hadn't had any time alone in a while. Maybe we needed a Gage and Jenna night soon.
"Baby, what's going through that pretty little head of yours?" Well damn, maybe Larkin knew me better than I thought.
"Just thinking."
Larkin eyed me suspiciously. "About?"
"Honestly, us. Our relationship."
"Ok, and how are you feeling?" Larkin asked.
I shrugged and said, "I'm not there yet but I'm closer than I was yesterday."
Larkin gave me a small smile. "I can't promise that I can fix all your problems but I can promise that I will be beside you, helping you face them. Trust me I know from my own fucked up life that you have to struggle through some bad days to have some of the best days of your life, that’s what you give me. Some of my best days are because of you."
"I don't want you to have to face my demons, if you had any idea about my past you would turn and run. I'm damaged and I'm screwed up. One day you're going to realize just how fucked up I am and leave me. That's what I'm preparing myself for."
Larkin pulled me into his lap, kissing my cheek and said, "I have my own fucking demons that could make yours look like damn saints. Anyone can fucking give up, it’s so damn easy sometimes to just say fuck it but it’s those times we really need to hold it together and push forward whenever other assholes are waiting to see us fail, show the world how fucking strong we are. Our lives haven't been easy and maybe that’s why we're together. Maybe because we're both so fucked up that we're perfect for each other.”
I laid my head on his chest, kissing just between his two pectorals. "You have no idea how fucked up I really am. There have been so many times I wanted to say screw it and give up everything. My life, my family, my friends. But I won't let my past control me. I don't need anyone to save me, I need to save myself."
Larkin said, "You're right. We can't save each other, we need to save ourselves but that doesn't mean we can't be there helping each other. My life has been so much damn easier, so much better since you came into it. I thank Jinx every day for introducing us. You know I'm not a fucking sappyass guy and I don't do emotional talks but I like you Jenna. A lot. We still have so much to figure out but for now let’s not worry about anything stressful and just enjoy each other."
> I leaned up so my face was even with his. A smile broke out across my face as I teased, "Maybe if we make out for a few minutes it will help us figure a few things out."
Larkin took my not so subtle hint and trapped my mouth with his. Running his tongue along my bottom lip I finally opened my mouth, allowing his tongue to dive in. He tasted like beer and Larkin, a very intoxicating mix.
Pulling away I breathed, "Anyone ever tell you that your kissing is awesome?"
Larkin raised his eyebrows and lifted one side of his mouth into a cocky grin. "Oh that's not all my tongue is good at." Larkin wrapped his arms around me and stood with ease, making a bee-line for my bedroom. Once in my room, he kicked the door closed with one foot and walked over to my bed. Lowering me down he kissed me, hard and full of lust.
Feeling his hands run up my thighs sent chills over my body, and I felt Larkin smile. Slipping one hand into my cotton shorts he rubbed over my panties. "Already so wet and ready for me,” Larkin stated.
I couldn't say anything, so I just nodded. Larkin removed his hand and pulled my shorts and panties down at the same time he pulled me to the edge of the bed so my legs were spread, and he was standing between them. Dropping to his knees, I felt his warm breath blowing on me. Using one hand, he ran his finger up and down before finally slipping it inside me. I felt his mouth covering me. His tongue darted in and out and licked up once then again. "Mmm just as I imagined, you taste like heaven." I let out a cry as his mouth was back on me, and his tongue caressed me.
Now, this wasn't my first time, but hot damn did this guy know exactly what to do. I had some guys in the past fumble around and there were a few that were pretty good, but none compared to this. I felt him slip another finger into me and slid them in and out as he continued fucking me with his mouth. I grabbed a pillow and covered my face as I let out the loudest scream of my life. You know the kind of high pitched, bitch being chased by a guy with a chainsaw in her underwear through the woods- that kind of scream.
As I felt my body coming back down after another earth shattering Larkin induced orgasm Larkin was pushing his hard length into me. Another moan escaped me as he pushed all the way in and just stayed there, filling me up fully. "Shit, you are so fucking tight." I used my inner muscles to squeeze him and saw him wince, "Baby you can't do that if you want this to last longer than thirty seconds."
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