“I don’t want to let you out of my sight.” I kissed the top of her head. When I thought about what almost happened last night my whole body tensed. I wanted to keep her safe, preferably in my arms.
“I don’t want to leave either, but I have to. I have class in the morning and I still have homework to finish.” She snuggled her head into my chest and it was hard not to pick her up and carry her back to my apartment.
“When will I see you again?” I was almost afraid to ask. I was busy with classes and tutoring and I knew Stella was busy too.
“Tomorrow night?”
“Shit! I can’t. I’m tutoring until 10. What about Tuesday?”
“I have night class. Wednesday?”
“I think I’m free,” I replied, but my voice didn’t sound sure. I felt like I had something going on, but I couldn’t remember. I didn’t want to think about waiting until Wednesday or after to see her again. If I did have something to do, maybe I could rearrange my schedule.
The station vibrated with the approaching train. “Text me when you get back. I want to know you made it safely.” I squeezed her tight one last time.
“I will.”
She pushed up on her tiptoes and kissed me goodbye. My heart slammed inside my chest and I felt weak in the knees. I memorized the feel of her lips and the taste of her mouth. I’d dream about Stella tonight and every night from now on. She was under my skin and in my heart. I didn’t know how I was going to live without her until our schedules freed up and we could be together again. I ran my hand through my hair as I watched the train disappear. It was going to be a long few days.
Stella
Tori and Lena were on me even before I could open the door. “You have a lot of explaining to do.” Tori steered me to the edge of her bed and sat me down.
“I can’t believe you never showed up last night. I was starting to worry and then you finally sent us the text that said you weren’t coming and that you were with Teddy,” said Lena. Last night I was supposed to meet them out. I’d had a modeling job that ran late and I’d told them not to wait for me, that I’d catch up with them as soon as I could—only I never made it.
“He saved me.”
“Huh?” Tori’s forehead creased. “You’re not making any sense. Start at the beginning.”
“I got home and quickly changed.” I took a deep breath. Now for the hard part. “Before I was meeting up with you, I had a date scheduled with Reed.”
“You what?” Lena shook her head in disbelief.
“He’s a fucking douchebag. He belongs behind bars after the texts he sent you. Why in hell would you go out with him?” Tori was livid. She was tiny, but she scared me sometimes.
“Don’t tell me this was a plan to make Teddy jealous?” Lena bit her bottom lip.
“No. I didn’t know he was going to be there. I went out with Reed because I thought he’d help me forget about Teddy.” It was hard to admit what an idiot I was.
“So what happened?” Lena was still biting her lip. She did that when she was nervous. She’d already chewed out her friend’s ass back in St Paul for setting us up with Reed in the first place. He confessed that Reed had seemed a little off the last time they’d seen each other.
“Reed bought me a drink. When I went to go to the bathroom, he followed me. He pushed me up against the wall and started to kiss me even though I told him to stop and that’s when Teddy showed up. He pulled Reed off of me and punched him.”
“Was Reed arrested?” Lena stopped biting her lip and looked at me.
“No. Nothing happened because Teddy got there just in time. And all I wanted to do was get out of there and put the night behind me. I didn’t want to be alone, so I asked Teddy to take me home.”
Lena whooped loudly. “Good for you, girl.”
“It’s about fucking time.” Tori hugged me fiercely. I had gotten used to her being touchy-feely.
“Yeah, it was pretty amazing.” I fell back onto the bed. My skin still burned where Teddy’s hands had roamed freely over my naked body. I didn’t give them details—words didn’t exist to describe what it was like being with Teddy—but I was sure they could tell by the blissful look on my face that I was more than happy. I was in love. And the best part was—Teddy loved me too.
***
Unfortunately our schedules were jammed so tight that it was Friday before Teddy and I could get together again. The week went by slow even though I was busy. My mind drifted off in the middle of class—long, lean, hard muscles and liquid amber eyes. I couldn’t wait to touch my lips to his and mold my body against him. It was difficult to concentrate.
Tori sat by me in one of my classes and she jabbed me in the arm with her pen. “Earth to Stella.”
“Ouch!” I rubbed my arm. I already had a bruise on that same arm from earlier in the week. “You don’t have to do that.”
“But I do. I said your name like three times and you didn’t even blink. Daydreaming about a certain someone again.” Her tone was light.
I felt my face go red. I had been thinking about Teddy. Again. He was coming over to pick me up and meet my friends later today. The teacher looked in our direction, so I didn’t respond. The remaining ten minutes were long and painful, but at least I stayed focused.
“Damn, girl. You have it bad.” Tori laughed as we collected our things and left.
“I can’t help it. I’m excited to see him.” My face was set in a perma-grin.
“What time is he coming over again?”
“Like you don’t know.” I bumped Tori’s shoulder. She was almost excited as me to finally be meeting him, but I answered. “Four o’clock.”
“’I’ll be there. But right now I gotta run. I have a quiz in my next class and I can’t be late. The teacher locks the door and doesn’t let anyone else in once the class has started.”
“Really? I didn’t know teachers actually did that.”
“Seriously.” Tori frowned and took off in the direction of her next class.
I had class too, and even though I didn’t have a quiz and as far as I knew the teacher didn’t lock the door, I walked quickly. I didn’t like being late. The perma-grin was back. Teddy had rubbed off on me over the years. I settled into my seat and did my best to listen to the professor, but it was difficult. Daydreaming about Teddy was even more fun than photography.
I got back to my room with plenty of time to get ready for my date. I wanted to look perfect. It was going to be our first real date. Ever. The day we meant for brunch didn’t count. I didn’t know where Teddy was taking me, only that we were going out, and honestly I didn’t care. All I wanted was to be together.
I showered and dried my long hair. I was in desperate need of a haircut. I had a lot of split ends. I’d have to remember to make an appointment over Christmas break. For tonight, I left it down. I had a feeling that was how Teddy liked it best. He had played with my hair, wrapping it around his finger, while we laid in bed together talking. I didn’t even think he realized he was doing it. Also I swore I felt him sniff my hair a few times. Smiling, I ran a brush through it one more time.
Next, I raided my wardrobe. I always had a hard time deciding what to wear and tonight was no exception. I held up several outfits, rejecting them. Then my eyes landed on a short sexy red dress hanging in the back of my tiny closet space. I’d forgotten all about this one. I quickly pulled it over my head. It would be perfect. I paired it with stockings and boots. My face heated when I thought about Teddy removing them later like he had the last time.
Tori and Lena showed up at the same time, just as I was finishing my makeup.
“Holy shit! You look gorgeous!” exclaimed Tori.
“I couldn’t have said it better myself.” Lena laughed. “I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he sees you in that dress.”
“I can’t wait to meet him. Period.”
Not ten minutes later there was a loud knock. I glanced at my friends and then tore open the door. “Hi, Teddy.” I fle
w into his arms. It had only been one week, but it left like ten years.
He picked me up and kissed me long and hard. I’d missed him even more than I’d realized. His lips on mine felt amazing and I didn’t want to ever stop. I was glad he was holding me or I would have ended up as a giant puddle on the floor. My bones had melted and my insides had turned to mush. I couldn’t think straight. Teddy’s kisses were intoxicating.
“Are you two done saying 'hi' to each other? I’m dying over here. You haven’t introduced me to your hot boyfriend yet.” Tori shouted from inside our dorm room. Teddy and I were standing in the middle of the hallway making out like our lives depended on it.
He chuckled and let go of me. I slid down the front of his chest until my feet touched the ground.
“Sorry.” I stepped into the room. “This is Teddy. Teddy, these are my roommates, Tori and Lena. ”
Teddy moved around me and shook each of their hands. “Nice to meet you.”
“We unofficially met out on the sidewalk the night of the Halloween party. I’m Pat’s girlfriend. It’s good to see you again.”
“You’re hot.” Tori looked Teddy up and down. I wasn’t sure if I should be pissed at her or not for so blatantly checking out my boyfriend. Her expression was hard to read. “But you better take good care of Stella or you’ll have me to answer to.” I smiled. She was a fierce and loyal friend, and once again I was reminded how lucky I was to have her in my corner. Even though she was only five feet three inches without heels, I could easily picture her doing serious damage to anyone who crossed her or one of her friends. Reed better hope he never ran into her. Teddy didn’t have anything to worry about. I knew he wouldn’t hurt me.
“Don’t worry, I promise to cherish her always.” Teddy looked me in the eye and gently ran his finger down my cheek. Goosebumps covered my arms and I shivered.
“Ahh, true love.” Lena was such a romantic. She put her hand over her heart.
“Get out of here.” Tori pushed us toward the door. “You two lovebirds are making me sick.” It was her way of letting everyone know that she approved.
I grabbed my coat and purse. “See you guys later.”
Teddy stopped at the door and said over his shoulder, “I’ll make sure she calls if she’s not coming home.”
I looked back into the room before closing the door; both my friends gave me encouraging smiles. He’d won them over with his charm. It meant a lot to me that they liked Teddy. He was here to stay.
We walked around the city and ended up at a small and intimate restaurant. The setting was romantic and the food was delicious.
Teddy looked at his watch a few times, and I wondered what else he had up his sleeve. “Are you bored with me already?” I asked, feigning hurt.
“No. We just have someplace else we need to be soon and you know how I feel about being late.” He motioned to the waiter to bring the check.
“Where are we going?” I looked at him through my eyelashes and blinked.
“I know what you’re doing, but it won’t work.” He shook his head.
“What am I doing?” I twirled my hair, acting innocent.
“I’ve known you my whole life, Stella. I’ve seen that look many times. It’s the look you give to get what you want—but it won’t work on me.”
I changed tactics and flashed him my brightest smile. “Are you sure it’s not working?”
Teddy laughed out loud. “I’m not going to tell you. It would ruin the surprise.”
“Can I have a hint?”
“Nope. But I promise you’ll like it.”
“How do you know?” Flirting with Teddy was fun. I could sit here for hours. This date thing was a good idea.
“Because I know you.” His eyes had that golden glow and my imagination ran wild.
“Yeah, you do know me—like no one else.” My flirting had reached an all time high. My comment was a reminder of what happened between us last weekend. And where I hoped this date was headed by the end of the night. I couldn’t wait to get Teddy alone. I missed him this week. Now that I had a taste of him—I was addicted. I wanted more.
“Don’t tempt me.” He looked down at his watch, then he pulled out his wallet and put down enough cash to cover the bill. “We have to go.”
Out on the street he gave an address to the cab driver in a low voice. Teddy wasn’t giving anything away. The driver stopped in the theater district. Teddy ran around the car and opened the door for me.
“Teddy, what are we doing here?” I asked slowly. My brain was trying to make sense of it all. I loved Broadway, but tickets were expensive.
“I’m taking you to the see your favorite show. Dinner and a movie sounded so ordinary. I wanted something bigger for our first real date. And this is New York. I got us tickets to see Wicked.” He pointed to the theater.
I threw myself into Teddy’s arms for the second time tonight. “Thank you. You’re the best.” I peppered his cheeks with light kisses.
“Come on. Let’s go.” He laughed.
We entered the theater and found our seats. We were sitting in the balcony section. The lights dimmed and Teddy held my hand the whole time. I felt him watching me but I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage. The music was powerful and gave me goose bumps, especially the love song between Elphaba and Fiyero. I couldn’t sing a note and that was part of the reason why I liked it so much. I watched in amazement. This would be a night I’d never forget.
“Thank you, Teddy,” I said when the musical ended and we waited to exit the crowded theater. “This was the best night of my life.”
“You’re welcome.” He kissed the top of my head. “But the night’s not over yet.” His voice took on a deeper tone and I grinned. The date had been perfect, but all night I looked forward to the part where we ended up back at his apartment. And that time was now.
It was quiet when he put the key in and pushed the door open. His roommates were still out. “Are you hungry?” Teddy asked, making his way through the kitchen.
I was hungry, but not for food, so I shook my head no.
“Thirsty?”
Again I shook my head no. I couldn’t seem to find my voice—I was too caught up in what was going to happen next. I was already wet just thinking about Teddy’s hard body pressed against mine. I wanted to do things with him I’d never done before. I wanted it all.
“Okay.” Teddy held my hand and led me to his room. He locked the door and then pushed me up against it. He licked my neck and kissed me behind the ear, before his lips landed on my mouth. The kiss was hard and deep. An unintelligible noise erupted from the back of my throat and Teddy broke away. “I missed you this week.”
“I missed you too.” I grinded my hips against him.
He picked me up and my legs wrapped around his waist. My already wet pussy got even wetter. My dress had crept up, revealing thigh high stockings and garters.
“Fuck, Angel. Are you trying to kill me?” he asked. His voice was raspy and rough.
“You aren’t the only one who can keep a secret you know.”
“Touché. And for the record, I like this secret.”
“I thought you might.” I let out a deep sigh as he moved the panties aside and put his finger in my hot box. I’d gone to bed dreaming about Teddy all week, but it didn’t even come close to the real thing.
“You're so damn wet.” His voice was raw and sexy. “I can’t wait another second to be inside of you.”
“Then don’t.”
He put me back on the ground and I quickly undid his belt. He didn’t even bother to remove his pants, but left them around his ankles. I grabbed the condom out of his hand and rolled it onto his pulsating cock, then he picked me back up and we resumed our earlier position. I slid onto his cock and he pulled in and out while my back banged against the door. It didn’t take long. We were both really turned on. My body released all the built up tension from being away from Teddy all week. A scream tore from my lips and he buried his face in my hair.
>
Afterward he carried me to the bed and we stripped off our clothes. I laid with my head on his chest as I came down from the high. He leisurely drew circles on my back. This time sex had been hard and rough and I’d loved it. I was discovering there were many wonderful sides to our lovemaking—sometimes it was slow and gentle and other times it was fast and hard. And each time I fell deeper in love.
I got up to go to the bathroom and I was surprised when I climbed back into bed to find Teddy’s hard cock pressed against me. I didn’t know guys could be ready again so soon. I reached down and stroked it. It was beautiful just like the rest of him. “I want you.”
“I’m all yours.” He breathed heavy.
“Tell me what you like.”
“You’re already doing it.”
“Yeah, but what else do you like?” I continued to touch him while I moved between his legs. Teddy had done this for me, but I hadn’t returned the favor yet.
“You don’t have to do this.”
“I want to.” I looked up at Teddy’s eyes as I put my mouth around his cock. I watched as his amber eyes turned to pools of gold.
I moved my mouth up and down on Teddy’s hard cock, while continuing to stroke him with my hand. Damn! He was big. He tangled his fingers in my hair. His breathing sped up and I could tell he liked what I was doing. I teased him by circling just the tip with my tongue and licking the outside slowly, then quickly I took all of him in my mouth again. I did it over and over again.
“Watch out, I’m going to come.” He tried to pry me off, but I wasn’t having it. I wanted to taste Teddy—all of him. He tensed and then came. I swallowed, loving it. Teddy was mine. All mine.
I moved back into his arms and listened to the pounding of his heart. “I love you.” His eyes closed and within seconds he drifted off to sleep. I closed my eyes and fell asleep, too.
Theo
Never Far Away Page 12