And suddenly, I knew what I was going to do.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Ian
It was another night without sleep for me. Another night where I tossed and turned over and over again. The thoughts kept milling about in my brain. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to see Eliza again. She wasn’t in the wrong, and I shouldn’t have gotten so upset. But now I was worried that I had ruined everything by being so hasty so quickly. Why did I have to react like that? She probably hated me now. And if she spoke to anyone about what was in the newspaper, they would more than likely be telling her to stay away from me. It was the price I paid for joining a club with a bad reputation, and I had always been okay with that decision. But now I wasn’t so sure. I didn’t even know if I wanted to be in the club anymore, especially now that Patriot was in charge over me. I wasn’t sure if I could bear the humiliation.
I spent the rest of the day walking around like a zombie. Sometimes I tried to get back into bed, and every now and again I would feel myself dozing off. But then I’d wake up again and remember why it was that I couldn’t sleep to begin with. It was incredibly frustrating. Now, it was the afternoon, and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with my day. I needed to clear my head. So I did what I always did when I was feeling down: I climbed onto my bike and went for a ride.
I wasn’t sure where I was going, but I soon found myself riding toward the spot where I had taking Eliza that very first time. I hadn’t even realized I was there until I stopped my bike and got off. I loved that spot. I loved it mostly because nobody else seemed to know about it. It was the perfect clearing to sit and think for a while. I got off the bike and started walking, but I immediately saw that I was wrong. Someone had found out about this place. Up ahead, in exactly the spot I was heading to, was someone who from afar looked like a woman. I was just about to turn around and get back on my bike when the woman started to look more familiar to me. I took a few more steps and squinted. The sun was shining in my face, and I was battling to see. But it didn’t take long for me to finally figure out that it was Eliza. And she’d spotted me too. She stood up and turned toward me, and I felt my heart rate increase as I walked toward her.
Eliza was wearing a yellow sundress, with a big straw hat. She looked ridiculous and beautiful all at once. I looked down at her little white sneakers and smiled.
“Hey, Lashes,” I said.
She smiled. “I was hoping you’d be here.”
“Really?”
She sat down and patted the ground next to her for me to join. I sat down and faced her. I’d forgotten how beautiful she was. And as the suns’ rays hit her face, she looked like an angel.
“Yeah,” she said. She was playing with a blade of grass, looking at it instead of looking at me. “I wanted to talk to you, but I was scared that if I went to your work or home that you wouldn’t let me in. I knew you came here when you needed to clear your head.”
“How did you know I was coming today?” I asked.
“I didn’t. I was planning on coming every day in the hope that one day you’d come. And here you are. On the first day.”
“Here I am.”
“Ian, I’m sorry about everything. I feel so awful about what I did. It was just my immediate reaction to call the cops. And I know that I ruined everything for you. I cannot believe what the media did. I called them, by the way, but it didn’t seem to get anywhere.”
I smiled. “You called them? That’s nice of you. Yeah, they’re sharks. Trust me, I’ve been through all of this before. And I’m sorry for getting so mad at you. It wasn’t your fault that they did that. You didn’t know how hungry they’ve always been to come after the club. It’s not the first time that one of the members has been in the paper for reasons that were untrue. The only reason I got so angry is because we’ve been trying to sort out our reputation for so long. But that’s not your fault. Anyway, I blame Raymond.”
Eliza chuckled slightly. “I blame him too. Thanks for sticking up for me, by the way.”
“Has he called again?” It was the one question I’d been dying to ask Eliza the whole week. I wasn’t sure if I had frightened Raymond away or if I had just added fuel to his fire.
She shook her head. “No. I think you scared him for life.”
“Good. I also punched him in those pearly white teeth so that he couldn’t use them to charm any more people.”
Eliza laughed. “Thank you for that. I still can’t believe he came to the party like that. I don’t even know how he knew about it. What an idiot. I sometimes can’t believe I was ever with him.”
“He really is an idiot. I’m glad you’re through with him. And I’m sorry for messing up your party.”
“Nah, you didn’t. To be honest, not many people knew about it. Most people were still inside at the time. And thankfully the paper didn’t mention the party at all. My boss didn’t even know.”
“Did you tell him?”
“Yeah, I was worried about him finding out through the papers. I mean, the party wasn’t mentioned, and neither was I. But you were, and he knew that you were at the party. But he was cool about it. He really liked you. So did Mae. They were totally on your side, by the way.”
“They were?” That was a surprise to me. I wasn’t used to having people on my side. And even though John and I were completely different in many ways, I had liked him too.
“Yeah. Actually, it was Mae who suggested I go and talk to you. I think she knows I’m miserable without you. I’ve been moping around all week like a sad puppy.”
“You were? I was worried that you might have seen a side to me that you didn’t like. I’ve been worried about that all week, actually. It’s why I haven’t been in touch with you. I figured you didn’t want to see me again.”
“You think I saw a different side to you because you hit a guy that has been harassing me for ages? I don’t think that exactly counts as you being violent. John told me that he would’ve also punched him. Hell, I wanted to punch him. He was asking for it. I still think you’re the sweetest guy in the whole world.”
I smiled at her. The sun was starting to set, and a cool breeze was blowing through Eliza’s hair. Her hat had fallen to the ground after she’d tilted her head back to laugh, and she hadn’t put it back on. Her hair was long and silky and smooth. I didn’t need the sun. With Eliza’s bright-yellow dress and beautiful shining blue eyes, it was all the sun I needed.
“You stole my spot, you know,” I teased.
“Since when was this your spot?”
“Oh, I claimed it a long time ago.”
“You did? Well, you’re going to have to work very hard to get me away from here.”
“Is that a challenge?” I asked.
Her eyes shone brightly at me as she laughed. “It’s a challenge, Gunner.”
I looked at her in surprise. She was looking at me with so much intensity that I was taken aback. She licked her lips.
“Gunner, is it?”
“Yeah, you’re Gunner right now.”
I looked at her sundress blowing in the breeze, and leaned in. I was more than happy to be Gunner again.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Eliza
The sun was starting to set, but there was still enough light for me to see Gunner moving toward me. The moment his lips touched mine, I knew that we were meant to be together. Not being with him was the reason that I’d been so upset the past week, but now that he was kissing me, everything suddenly felt right with the world again.
“I’ve missed you so much, Lashes,” he said.
“I’ve missed you, too,” I whispered back. I loved my nickname. I loved the fact that he was the only person in the world that called me that. All week I’d been saying it in my head.
“And you look beautiful today.”
I wondered briefly how alone we were. The spot was quite secluded but it was still quite easy to come across. But I didn’t care. There was no way that I was going to able to stop kissin
g him just because someone might walk past. It was a risk I was willing to take. I’d missed it too much and my entire body ached for him. I lay down on the grass, and Gunner moved on top of me; he smiled and then kissed me again. There was something about feeling the earth beneath me, and having Gunner on top of me, that made me feel even more turned on than usual. I could feel that the wind had picked up, and yet I didn’t feel cold. As he kissed me, his hands moved under my dress, and he groaned when he felt how wet I was.
He sat up and pulled my panties off, and then he lifted my dress up and opened my legs. My shoes were still on, so he kissed my ankles, and then made his way up to my calves, my thighs . . . my body shivered with every kiss. And then he used his tongue and trailed his way from my thighs to the inside of my legs. I opened up even more and held onto the grass for support as he licked me. He hadn’t shaved in quite a while, and the hair on his face felt rough against my smooth skin. The sensation was incredible and I made a mental note to tell him not to shave too often. I didn’t want it to end, and tried desperately not to lose control too quickly. It wasn’t easy, and I almost sighed with relief when he pulled away. I wanted more, but I also didn’t want it to be over. I needed a bit of time to find my composure again—although it was hard to ever truly feel composed with him around.
He stood up and took off his shoes, then pulled down his jeans and underwear. I used that time to gain back a bit more control by breathing deeply in and out. But just the sight of his half-naked body made me feel light-headed all over again. He grinned down at me and then moved back on top of me. I liked the fact that his shirt was still on. It was as if taking it off would’ve taken too much time. There was a sense of urgency that we could both feel after having been apart for so long. He kissed my forehead, sucked on my neck, and then lastly joined his lips with mine again. And as we kissed, he rocked over me until he finally entered inside me. I gasped as my entire body shook with pleasure. This was it. This was what I had been missing out on all week. Nothing had ever felt more right in my life. We were kissing with more urgency now, almost as if our lives depended on it. He stopped kissing me to look into my eyes, and I could feel how much he wanted me. I licked my lips and groaned as he thrust harder against me. There was no going back now. This time, I was not going to be able to stop myself.
“More,” I whispered as he pushed against me.
“Eliza,” he said. “Eliza, Eliza, Eliza,” he whispered my name over and over again. “I’m going to come.”
He seemed apologetic, but I smiled at him with gratitude because there was no way that I could hold out anymore. “Me too. Me too,” I whispered back.
While we were having sex, I’d completely forgotten where we were. At that moment, the only thing that I could see was Ian. The only thing that I could feel was him inside me. The only thing that I could smell was his aftershave. He was everything to me.
It was only once we were done that I remembered where we were. I pulled my underwear back on and shivered for the first time.
“We sure have sex in the strangest places,” I said.
He laughed. “I’ve always liked this spot. But I think I love it now. Hey, you’re cold. Where’s your jacket? Back in the office?”
I giggled. “I didn’t think I’d be here this long,” I said. The sun had now set, and it was starting to get cold.
“It feels like a night for hot chocolate and movies. How about you come home with me?” he asked.
He was standing, putting on the rest of his clothes and looking down at me. He held out his hand for me to take it. I took it and allowed him to help me back up.
“I’d love to come home with you.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Ian
I looked over at Eliza lying next to me in bed. She’d stayed over the night after we’d made up, and we’d spent another full day and night together. The only time we’d been apart was for her to go home and get some of her things. And just those two hours had been torture. It was as if we were making up for lost time, squeezing in as much time together as possible. Now it was Monday and we were both going to work. But for a little while, I just watched her sleep. Then I kissed her gently on the mouth and smiled when she opened her eyes.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” I said. How was it possible that she looked even more beautiful first thing in the morning? I thought that was the time when people were supposed to look their worst. Clearly, I’d been hanging out with the wrong women.
“Morning. Ah, I slept so well,” she said. “I didn’t even know I was sleeping so badly until now.”
“Yeah, me too. How about I make you some breakfast?”
“Is it peanut butter?” she asked.
“Of course. Only the best for my girlfriend.” We’d decided the night before that we were now officially going out, and it felt fun to say the word out loud.
She grinned. “Then yes. I’d love some.”
“By the way,” she asked before we got out of bed, “how many girlfriends have you had in the past? And this is not a loaded question. I honestly don’t care. I’m just curious.”
“Uh, none.”
She raised her eyebrows at me. “Sure, pull the other leg. No seriously, Ian. How many girlfriends have you had? You don’t have to lie about it.”
“Seriously. None.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“Well, I’ve been with a lot of girls. And I guess I’ve seen some for longer than just a night. But I’ve never actually had a girlfriend. I’ve just been with girls. And there’s a big difference.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“I’m not.”
“How come?”
I looked at her and pinched her nose. “Because I was waiting for you, Lashes. And you sure took your time to come into my life.”
She smiled. “Wow, that was not what I expected you to say. So I’m the lucky girl that gets to be your girlfriend. Cool!”
“I’m very pleased with your enthusiasm,” I said. I didn’t ask the question back. I knew that she’d been with Raymond for a long time, and I didn’t feel like talking about him again. I knew she didn’t want to, either.
We made our way to the kitchen. I made the peanut butter on toast while she made the coffee. We grinned at one another the whole time. Ever since we’d gotten back together, we hadn’t stopped smiling. It was as if we were on some sort of level that nobody else was. I put the toast onto two plates and walked over to the table.
“The most extravagant breakfast in the world,” I said and bowed.
She chuckled. “It’s like being in a five-star hotel. So, have you decided whether you’re going to speak to your father or not?”
I took a bite of the toast and considered the question. I’d told Eliza all about what my father had said to me and how he’d given Patriot the new role. She’d been horrified and said that it wasn’t fair at all to me. I’d been willing to just sit back and ignore the whole thing, but now I wasn’t so sure. Eliza was teaching me that it was good to stand up for what I believed in. And I certainly believed in that club.
I nodded. “You know, I think I will. I was a bit nervous about the idea at first. I mean, my father might just laugh at me. He was pretty clear that he didn’t want me to be the head of the club anymore. But it’s worth a shot. I really enjoyed being head of the club, despite the fact that I didn’t think I would.”
“I’m glad. I knew you’d rock it. You’re got the sort of personality that makes people stand up and take note. I know you don’t think you do, but you do. And it’s pretty obvious how much that club means to you. What do you think Patriot will say?”
I shrugged. “I get the feeling that he doesn’t really care one way or the other. Like he’ll do whatever my father asks him to do, but I don’t think he has any serious feelings about the club like I do. I could be wrong, but that’s the impression I get.”
“From what you’ve told me, I get the same feeling. And I’m glad you’re going to talk to you fath
er, no matter what the outcome is.”
The two of us got ready for work and headed out together. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to have her around. There were no airs and graces, and we both just slotted right into each other’s lives. I felt as comfortable at her house as I did in my own, and I knew she felt the same.
“Any chance you can drop me off at work?” she asked suddenly.
“Of course I can. But why? Is there something wrong with your car?”
She shook her head and smiled at me. “No, I just feel like going for a ride.”
“I don’t think you can get any cooler, and then you go and say something like that. Yes, I definitely want to take you to work. Let me get a helmet for you.”
I grabbed a helmet for her to wear, and she hopped on.
At work, I walked through the doors with a huge smile on my face, which Chris immediately noticed.
“Let me guess: you made up with Eliza?” he said.
“How can you tell?” I asked, although I was sure the constant grin on my face had something to do with it. I was generally not a very smiley person.
“Oh come on, it’s pretty obvious. You can’t stop smiling. You’re usually such a grump. I like this Eliza chick. She’s turned you into a happy person, and I never thought I would see the day.”
I laughed. I couldn’t even deny what he was saying as it was every bit of the truth. “Okay, you know me too well. Yeah, we made up. And we’re officially going out.”
“It’s about time!”
“I know. I’m a bit slow with things like this.”
“I’m happy for you, man.”
“Thanks. Well, my smile might be turning into a frown soon. I’m about to confront my father about the club.”
“You serious? How come?”
“I want to run it while my father is recovering. It’s my job. Not Patriot’s.”
Chris grinned. “Good for you. I tell you what: if you can convince your father that the job needs to be yours, I’ll join.”
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