Unlike Mia, I have no idea where I’ll be next year. I don’t have a job lined up. I’m not starting a career. I’m applying to more schools so that I can do what I’ve always imagined myself doing, which is practicing law. But the reality of the situation is that I don’t know if I’ll be accepted at any of the schools I’ve submitted applications to.
What am I going to do if I’m rejected?
At all three schools?
Given a thanks-but-we’re-good letter.
The mere thought of opening just such a letter is enough to freeze my blood.
And because I won’t know until the spring, everything is in limbo. My LSAT score of one sixty is good, but not great. Coupled with my three point five GPA, there’s always the possibility I could be rejected. I don’t have a backup plan in place if the worst case scenario actually happens. Plus, it’s a little late to jump tracks and change majors at this point. So, for the time being, I’m stuck.
But still… the question of what I’ll actually be able to do with a pre-law studies degree if I don’t end up going to law school is one I can’t stop thinking about. It’s the million dollar question right now. Or maybe I should say- the one hundred and sixty thousand dollar question since that’s what my education here at Barnett has costed.
My guess is that it won’t be much. I’ll be stuck working some minimum wage job while trying figuring out what plan B is. Which seems, after four years of hard work and student loans, depressing as hell.
Sam’s lucky. With his LSAT score and GPA, he doesn’t have anything to worry about. He’s a shoe in for all three schools that he applied at. Quite honestly, any of them would be lucky to have him. He’s just so damn smart. I know he’s going to make one hell of a lawyer someday.
Thinking about law school and Sam has me once again dwelling on the notion that at the end of this academic year, we’ll both be heading separate ways.
What then?
What happens to us?
I’m startled out of my thoughts when strong fingers wrap their way around my ankle, towing me gently through the crystal clear water until Sam’s handsome face is peering down into mine. He gives me a slightly crooked smile, one that I’ve seen a million times over the last eight years.
I’ve always found it endearing.
Now I find it something more.
A shiver of excitement bolts through me as I continue holding his warm gaze.
“Watcha thinking about?”
I return his easy smile with one of my own. He’s always been so good at picking up on my moods. And then allowing me to talk out my issues without necessarily trying to fix them. “Law school,” I admit reluctantly. Then more softly, “What’s going to happen next year.”
He slants a brow. “So nothing too heavy, huh?”
His lighthearted words have my lips lifting. “Nope, nothing too heavy,” I agree.
For just a moment, we’re both silent before he finally says, “You know everything will work out, right? You’re not going to have any problems getting into the schools you applied at.”
I shrug because you never know what the applicant pool will look like for a certain year and how you’ll stack up against the competition. My score and grades are good, but they’re not outstanding. I did the best I could. I don’t think I could have worked any harder. But will it be enough?
I have no idea.
And that’s scary.
It’s scary not knowing what the next step will be. Or if I’ll even be taking that next step. Maybe I’ll be one of those people who get left behind. Who aren’t good enough. It makes me physically sick to think about everyone else moving forward with their lives while I’m stuck scrambling, trying to figure out my next move.
Closing my eyes, I whisper, “I want to know where I’ll be next year, what I’ll be doing. It’ll be a huge relief to have everything finalized.”
One way or the other…
Leaning down, he presses his lips gently against mine. Just when I’m about to open my mouth, to deepen the caress, he pulls back. Not far, just enough so that I can feel his warm breath feathering lightly across my lips. Just enough to leave me yearning for more. Eyelids fluttering open, I find his blue depths already piercing mine.
“Everything will be fine, Vi. You just need to relax and stop worrying so much about the future.”
I almost snort. Sam has absolutely no idea what it’s like to work your ass off academically. And the grades I’m pulling, they’re not exactly stellar either. I work hard just to earn B pluses and A minuses.
“It’s so easy for you,” I finally admit, “you’ve never struggled with school the way I have.” Ever since I’ve known Sam, he’s just breezed right through everything. Academics have never been a challenge. Even when he loaded up on all AP classes junior and senior year, I don’t think he expended any more energy than he did before. Whereas I took two AP courses each year and had to hunker down, carefully plowing my way through the material. And still I was overloaded and overwhelmed much of the time.
Ever so slowly, he brushes his lips across mine until my breath is catching at the back of my throat. “I know,” he acknowledges, “but look how well you’ve done. I don’t think you’ll have any problems getting into Barnett. And you should be fine for Loyola and Purdue. You just need to relax, baby.”
Baby.
My heart gives a little spasm of pleasure at the endearment.
I absolutely love how the word rolls so easily off his lips, as if calling me that is just so natural.
“I hope you’re right,” I finally whisper.
“Let’s just wait and see what happens in the next couple of months.” His eyes stay locked on mine. “You’re not alone in this, Vi. Whatever happens, I’m here and we’ll figure it out together.”
His softly spoken words have my heart expanding until it very nearly bursts with all the love I have inside for this man.
Because he’s right…
I’m not alone in this anymore and for whatever reason, hearing him say those words makes me feel infinitely better. No matter what happens, Sam will be at my side. And together we’ll get it figured out.
For just a few moments, we bob silently in the water as it laps gently at our bodies. I can’t resist closing my eyes and just enjoying the moment. Taking it in. Savoring it. When I finally open them again, Sam is still next to me. His gaze slowly rakes over my body before coming back up to rest on my breasts which are covered by a white lacy bra.
Glancing down at my chest, I realize that my nipples are hard, blush colored buds that strain against the practically see through fabric. The heated way he continues staring, leaves my body buzzing with thick tendrils of anticipation.
All it takes is just one look for him to stoke everything to life within me.
Reaching around my back, I slowly unhook the clasps of my bra before sliding the straps down my arms and throwing it over to the side of the pool. It makes a wet slapping sound as it hits the white tile. With a small smile curving my lips upward, I continue floating next to him as he admires the view.
Not a heartbeat later, his lips descend, covering one stiffened peak before sucking it deep inside the warm cavern of his mouth. My back arches, thrusting my breasts towards him as need spirals restlessly through me.
With a popping noise, he releases my rosy tipped breast before his fingers gently pluck at my hardened nipples. His face hovers over mine as his fingers continue strumming my aroused flesh. Heat coils deep within my belly. A little moan of pleasure escapes from between my lips as he continues playing with me. There’s nothing rushed or fumbling about the way he touches me. It’s slow and languid and oh-so-tortuous
“Do you know just how long I’ve been waiting for this? For you?”
Even though he keeps touching me in a way that drives me absolutely crazy, the sexual haze clears as our gazes stay locked. “I’m sorry,” I whisper softly, “I didn’t know.” Sometimes I wonder how I could have been so blind. Because when I think
back on it, I’m now able to see his need so clearly.
With a small, half smile curving his lips, he shakes his head. “You don’t have anything to be sorry for. It just took some time.” His gaze sears mine. “You were worth the wait, Vi.”
Reaching up, I slowly trail my fingers over all the hard angles and planes of his handsome face. There’s just a bit of stubble covering both chin and cheek. His bright blue eyes are sharply focused on me. I think they’ve always been focused on me. Almost like tunnel vision. I’m only sorry it took me so long to realize what was right in front of my face all these years. Sam has always been my best friend. With the exception of Mia, girlfriends have come and gone from my life, but Sam has always been, without fail, a steady constant.
I never want to lose that.
Or him.
Coming to my feet, I wrap my arms around his neck, pressing my naked breasts to his hard muscular chest. With our lips mere inches apart, my eyes cradle his tenderly. “It may have taken me a while to catch up to you, but I’m here now and I’m not going anywhere.”
That sexy-as-sin mouth curves up just before he closes the distance separating us. As his lips ghost over mine, I feel a tidal wave of anticipation flood through me. I couldn’t possibly want Sam more than I do at this very minute.
And to know that we could have been together for years…
A little pang of regret slips through me. I feel as if I’ve been missing out on something wonderful. Something I never dared to dream was possible.
Right before his lips crash into mine, he says, “Damn right, you’re not going anywhere.”
And then I’m lost.
Lost to the feel of him as his tongue plays havoc inside my mouth.
Lost to the sensation of his thick arousal pressing against my core, making everything within me dilate with intense, surging pleasure.
His hands slip down my naked back before disappearing inside my panties until he’s able to cup a round cheek in the palm of each hand, pulling me closer until we’re skin to skin except for where my underwear meets his boxer briefs.
He groans as I shift against him, trying to relieve just a bit of the aching pressure that continues to mount within me. “You need to stop doing that,” he mutters thickly as his lips caress a slow trail down the bared column of my neck.
A long, deep guttural sounding moan falls from my lips.
God do I want him.
Right here.
Right now.
Under the silvery moonlight that is pouring in.
“Why?” I say breathlessly, “Doesn’t it feel good?” Because being wrapped around him like this feels nothing short of blissful. And I know exactly what would make it feel even better.
“Too damn good,” he growls roughly, his tongue lapping at the delicate skin of my throat. Bathing my quick thumping pulse with his tongue.
“Is there really such a thing?”
Finally pulling away, his blazing eyes impale mine. The intensity is enough to scorch me alive with just one look. Slowly he rubs his lips across mine.
Once, twice, three times…
“Listen, baby, when I finally have you, it sure as hell won’t be in this pool.”
His words leave me groaning as frustration pounds rampantly through my careening system.
Humor simmers in his voice as he says with faux sympathy dripping off every word, “Awww, is someone feeling impatient and horny?” Scrambling my senses, he nips at my neck.
Hell yes, I’m feeling impatient.
And yeah… horny.
Definitely horny.
All this senseless waiting is killing me. It’s all I can think about. I’m consumed with thoughts of Sam and his incredibly hot body. What I’d really like to do is give him a taste of his own medicine. I want him just as frenzied as I am. So, as he holds me close, his hands still palming my ass, I grind myself slowly against him.
Ahhhh… that feels so damn good.
Even though I want to close my eyes, arch my back, and just enjoy each sensation as it spirals through me, I don’t. I keep my eyes, which must be dilated with all the intense pleasure pulsing through me, locked on his.
He grits his teeth as his deep blue depths heat.
Moving my body against him, I ask softly, “Don’t you want me?”
“You know I do,” he groans.
Very slowly he rolls his hips against me. A little moan of desire slips from my lips as his covered cock hits my clit at just the right angle. Unable to help myself, I bow my back as he continues holding me against him with those big strong hands of his. My eyes feather shut as pleasure ripples through my entire being. It’s almost like throwing a stone into a calm lake and watching the way soft rings continue to grow as they spiral outward.
I’m so close.
From grinding…
Sad, but altogether true.
My back bends just a bit more, everything within me tightening. My teeth sink into my lower lip as all that delicious-
“Oh, no you don’t!”
His harsh words cut right through the sexy haze clouding my brain as he rather unceremoniously drops me to my feet. My mouth falls into a stunned little circle of displeasure as my eyes widen.
Just as our gazes clash, Sam leans forward, gently nipping at my bottom lip. His eyes continue holding mine captive. The heat within them snaps and sizzles, nearly slapping at me with their barely controlled need. I realize with a start that he’s just as turned on as I am.
“The next time you come,” he rumbles against me, “it’s going to be because you’re riding my hard cock.”
With that he takes my mouth in a deliciously punishing kiss. One that’s so demanding I can’t help but surrender under the firm pressure of his lips as they rove hungrily over mine. His tongue plunders my mouth, leaving everything within me to pulse and throb. A little whimper escapes. Only then does he pull away, his eyes searing mine as my tongue darts out to lick at my now tender lips.
“Understand?”
Even though my core is literally aching for release, my clit pulsating between my thighs, I give him a tight little nod.
I’ve never seen this side to Sam before.
Assertive.
Demanding.
Forceful.
I probably shouldn’t like it as much as I do. Because, damn it, hearing him talk like that is so freaking hot. It just makes me want him even more than I already do.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sam
Our hands are all over each other, frantically stroking and exploring, as we burst through the apartment door. I find, now that we’re finally together, that I have this insatiable need to always be touching her in one way or another. Whether it’s just holding her hand within my larger one, kissing those plush lips, or cocooning her sweet little body in my embrace. I crave that physical connection.
No… not crave. Crave isn’t nearly strong enough a word for what I feel.
I need it.
Like oxygen for breath.
I need Violet.
I’ve always needed her.
Even if we’re just sitting in class together, I need the intimacy, the contact. The reaffirmation that this is really happening between us. That this isn’t some fucking amazing dream I’m going to wake from.
I’m chalking it up to this whole thing being new. At least, I hope it is. It’s just that I’ve waited so damn long for her to finally see me as something more than just a friend. And now that she does, I need to have my hands on her all the damn time. She’s like a drug pumping wildly through my veins.
All I really want is to pull her into my room and finally have my way with her. Holding back this entire week has been fucking nothing less than torture. Even though I’ve been vibrating with the intense need careening through my system, I didn’t want to rush her right into bed. That’s not how I want this going down between us. Instead, I’ve spent the last week holding off, trying to give Violet some time to acclimate to what we now are to one another. The la
st thing I want is for her to have regrets.
Because once I have her, she’s mine.
I won’t be letting her go anytime soon.
That being said, I sure-as-shit wasn’t going to make it easy for her…
Nope.
The plan all along had been to drive her damn near crazy with my touch. Of course, the downside to that has been driving myself just as freaking nuts. The mere thought of burying my cock deep inside her soft pussy has been tormenting me ever since she ended up in my bed about two weeks ago.
Aww hell, who am I kidding?
I’ve been dreaming about her for years.
Years.
As the sound of voices hit me, I quickly realize that we aren’t alone. Damn. I rip my eyes from Violet. Roan, Dylan, his girlfriend Lexie, and Liam are all sitting around in the living room. Dylan and Liam seem to be focused on gunning down zombies in some post-apocalyptic world. Nothing new there.
There’s a round of hellos as we make our way into the living room. I’m suddenly wondering just how long we have to stand here making small talk before I can drag Violet off to my bedroom.
Is there a protocol for something like this?
Two minutes?
Five at the most?
Because I am so done with holding back. I’ve given her precisely nine days. More than enough time to process what’s happening between us. More than enough time for her to change her mind.
Which, thank fuck, hasn’t happened.
Violet Winterfield is mine.
And tonight, I’m claiming what’s mine.
Dylan unfortunately chooses that moment to break into my one tracked thoughts of seducing Violet. “Hey, you don’t mind if Liam crashes in my old room, do you? Shit’s getting intense over at his place.”
I shrug. As far as I’m concerned, Liam is welcome to stay with us. He’s just not welcome to eye fuck Violet. As long as we’re totally clear about that, everything should be copasetic.
As Liam’s eyes meet mine, a wide grin slides its way across his face. Not a moment later his gaze shifts, crawling slowly over Violet. I can’t help but haul her a little closer to my body.
I really am going to beat the piss out of that guy one of these days…
Friend Zoned (Barnett Bulldogs #2) Page 19