New Love

by Alyson Reynolds

  He snorted a laugh. “Finn was such a dick to me last year. He thought I had a thing for Cora, but I was just trying to get her to introduce me to you. There was this one time he threatened me after they walked in while Adam and I were getting ice cream.”

  I fought back a grin. “You never told me that.”

  “What? That Finn threatened to kick my ass or that I had a thing for you since the beginning of last year?”

  I bit down on my lip. “Both.”

  “Well Hannah Dixon. I have a crush on you.”

  “I think I have a crush on you too, Chance Evans.”

  His lips captured mine in a soft kiss. It took a few minutes for it to heat up, but boy did the intensity ramp up quickly. My fingers dug into the back of his arms as he angled my head for better access. I groaned when his hand started sliding my sundress up my legs. He tugged on my bottom lip with his teeth. I slid my hands down his back and gripped his ass. When he rocked into me, white hot pleasure rolled through me. The combination of his length covered with the rough denim was almost more than I could take.

  “Chance,” I gasped. “Please.”

  He slowly pulled the strap of my dress down my shoulder and kissed the exposed skin. God, I loved it when he kissed me. The stubble from his jawline raised goosebumps on my skin as he trailed over it. I squirmed underneath him, unsure if I wanted to beg him to keep going or hurry up and fuck me.

  The cocky grin on his face when he pulled back told me he knew exactly how crazy he was driving me. It wasn’t fair that he could turn me on so quickly. My dress inched higher up my thigh. His calloused hands, rough from the yard work he did during the summer, made their way to the thin lacy thong I wore.

  I lifted my hips off the bed to help him slide it down my legs. He stood up and unbuttoned his jeans. The intensity of his gaze while he slid them down and kicked them off was almost too much. A soft whimper fell from my lips. One quirk of his finger and I was on the edge of the bed, on my knees, wrapping my fingers around his length and thrusting my tongue into his mouth. I never thought I would be the kind of girl to like being tossed around and spanked in the bedroom, but with Chance, I wanted it all.

  The hickeys that normally covered my body and pink handprints on my ass made me feel cherished in an odd, kinky sort of way. I gasped as Chance flipped me over onto all fours and teased my entrance with his cock. Thank goodness he was handy with protection because at times like this, I stupidly lost my mind. He leaned down and gently bit my thigh. I shuddered in response and rested my head on my forearms. It also didn’t hurt that the guy was packing some major heat. Our strangled moans filled the small room as he pushed inside me.

  Trying to be quiet was almost torture. I’m sure his roommates had heard way too much of me. It was hard not to blush every time I was in the room with them.

  “I love your ass, Hannah,” Chance groaned into my ear.

  I didn’t know if I loved the feeling of him pulling my hair more, or lightly choking my neck. Both were good, and something that he enjoyed doing immensely. He pinched my nipple, making me focus on what he was doing to my body.

  “I’m so close,” I whimpered.

  Chance gripped my hips tighter in his hand and pumped his hips faster. Each thrust left me breathless, closer to finding my release. He leaned forward over my body, his hand clutching my throat. I moaned out my release and felt him throb inside me.

  “Hannah,” he groaned. “Fuck.”

  I bit down on my lip to keep from screaming out. The last thing I wanted was for someone to come looking for us, or God forbid try to get into his room. My arms gave out underneath me. His strong arms wrapped tighter around me and kept me from face planting on the bed.

  I started laughing as Chance rested his forehead on my back. We were both covered in sweat and in need of a shower. He kissed my back once before pulling out.

  We laid in the dark, beers long forgotten, cuddling. Sometimes it was hard for me to remember that Chance was one of the good guys. Yes, he got all gruff and rough while we were having sex, but he actually treated me with respect, even while doing that. His hand brushed along my side and I turned to smile up at him. His eyes were closed; a perfect lazy smile covered his lips. I wanted this every day of the break if possible. If I was being honest, I wanted it for a lot longer than that, but I’d settle for a few more months with him.

  Graduation was creeping up quickly, and we hadn’t discussed what would happen afterwards. I still had another year, but this was it for him. Well, for him, for Cora and Finn. I would be the last one here. I wasn’t excited about all my friends graduating and moving away. We’d already lost Olivia and Nate when they moved for Nate to go to medical school. Chance and I still had a few months to figure it out. I just hoped that I didn’t get hurt when we discussed our future.

  Chance

  I woke up with Hannah wrapped in my arms. She looked so peaceful when she slept. It had taken me months to actually work up the nerve to ask for her number, which wasn’t like me at all. I was the kind of guy that took a girl home from a bar for one night of fun. But something about Hannah made me want more. It might have been the adorable blush that covered her cheeks every time I teased her. Or it could have been the fact that even though she was quiet, she didn’t put up with people’s bullshit. She was quick to call someone out when they needed it, me included. It also could have been how loyal she was to her friends.

  Everyone liked her. Guys wanted to date her because she was gorgeous. She had this long strawberry blonde hair that I loved to run my fingers through, and her eyes were this hazel color that changed with her moods. If she was upset they were darker, and when she was happy they were this amazing golden color.

  I sounded like a sap, but I noticed everything about her.

  Hannah yawned and ran her hands up my chest as she woke up. Her hair was wild like Medusa and I’m sure we both had morning breath after all the beer we drank last night, but I didn’t care.

  “Morning, beautiful.” I kissed her forehead and she snuggled in closer.

  “Good morning.” Her voice was still husky with sleep. “What time did we actually fall asleep last night?”

  I grinned. “It was late, probably after two.”

  “You basically called me your girlfriend to my friends last night.” She gave me a lazy smile. “I liked it.”

  I checked myself for signs of panic. Luckily, nothing seemed to be peeking through. “I did too. I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it.”

  She groaned. “I’m supposed to hang out with Caroline and Brooke today.” She picked her cell phone up off my night stand. “I’m already late.”

  “Were you supposed to be meeting them at Finn and Cora’s house or at your apartment?” I asked through a yawn.

  “I don’t even know. I’m a horrible best friend. Instead of being in here with you, I should be with them. They did fly all the way in from Texas to spend spring break with me.”

  “They have family here other than you, right?”

  “Yeah, like four hours away, but—”

  I raised an eyebrow. “You aren’t your cousin’s keeper. I bet she would probably agree with me.”

  She sighed. “I haven’t seen her since she left for Texas. I want to spend as much time as possible with her and Brooke while they’re here.”

  “I get that, baby. I really do, but don’t put yourself in the position that you feel obligated to entertain them the entire time they’re here.”

  She pushed back from my chest and sat up, pulling the sheet across her chest. “I know we wanted to spend the break together, but this is important to me, Chance. I’m sorry if you don’t get all my attention for a week and a half, but can you deal with that? For me?”

  I wasn’t trying to be a selfish bastard for once. She didn’t understand that I didn’t want her to put so much pressure on herself. Hannah was one of the most giving and selfless people I knew. I wanted her to take care of herself too.

  “I’m really n
ot trying to be a dick, Han. I know you’re excited to see Caroline and Brooke and I’m not trying to keep you from them. I just don’t want you to beat yourself up over being late.” I watched as she bent down to pick up her clothes and start pulling them on, all of her luscious curves disappearing from my sight. “I’ll be there later to take you guys to dinner.”

  “Okay,” she said quietly.

  I reached out and took her hand in mine. “Baby, I really didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry.”

  “You know how much I’ve missed Carolina and Brooke. I love Olivia and Cora, but I’m still an outsider to them. Those girls you don’t want me to beat myself up over, have been my best friends since I was born. I miss being able to drop everything and rush over to them.”

  “Hannah—”

  God she was cute when she worked herself up.

  “No, I’m not done. Caroline and Brooke are here for two weeks, not even that really, nine days. I get nine days with my friends. That’s it. So either suck it up buttercup or don’t call me again.”

  I fought back a grin and tugged her back down on the bed. She leaned into me when I covered her mouth with mine. It was a very effective way of silencing her. She sighed and deepened the kiss. Apparently my little bruiser didn’t really want to be mad. Once I felt her relax under my fingertips, I reluctantly pulled away.

  I leaned back until she had to look me in the eye. “I know you want time with your friends, I’m not trying to deny you any time with them. Honestly, I hope you let me hang out with you guys some so I can get to know them, and them me, but I don’t want you to lose yourself in trying to make up for lost time. Show them your world. Let them meet your new friends. They want to see you as much as you want to see them. Okay?”

  She nodded and bit down on her bottom lip.

  “Okay,” she whispered. “See you tonight?”

  I smiled. “Of course. Text me when you’re ready for me.”

  Her eyes skimmed my body as I sat up. I grabbed a pair of basketball shorts off the floor and tugged them up.

  “You can’t look at me like that and then leave. It isn’t fair,” I groaned. I hissed out a breath when Hannah reached out to grip me through my basketball shorts.

  “I’ll make it up to you,” she purred. “But, I need to go find my friends right now.”

  I grinned. “Tease.”

  She smiled back and threaded our fingers together. I kissed her neck and followed her to the door. To both of our surprises, Caroline and Brooke were walking up the hallway towards my room. Caroline had a funny look on her face and wouldn’t look me in the eye. Something had gone down last night, and I didn’t like the feeling of foreboding I had. Hannah leaned in and kissed me goodbye. My lips lingered on hers for a few seconds longer than normal.

  “Bye, baby. I’ll see you tonight.”

  She nodded and I watched her walk away with her friends. Brooke gave me a questioning look before following Caroline and Hannah down the hall. I wanted to ask her what was going on, but I didn’t know her well enough. I just hoped that the feeling in the pit of my stomach let up. It was going to be a long damn day if it didn’t.

  ____

  Finn was a lot nicer to me now that I was dating Hannah and he was officially together with Cora. I made an effort to join him at the gym at least once a week, even though he normally put me to shame with his routine. It was even worse whenever Nate was here and they started showing off, or even worse, sparing. I wasn’t some chiseled god like they were, but Hannah didn’t complain. She had a thing for arms and I made sure that she got what she liked. I was more the nerdy guy next door that still looked good with his shirt off, but it was a little surprising what you found underneath.

  Nate saw me walk into the weight room first and raised a hand in greeting. He was one of the nicest guys I knew and I wish that when he’d went to school at SCU I’d gotten to know him better. Finn and I had spent more time together, mainly because we were both manwhores and trying to get laid every night. It’s amazing what a difference a year could make.

  “Hey Chance. Are you going to let us put you through your paces?” Nate grinned and I fought back a grimace. That meant my entire body would hurt for days.

  “Yeah, just be kind to me. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve stepped foot in the gym. Between mid-terms and going to see my parents last week,” I trailed off. “Just don’t make me puke.”

  Finn clamped a hand down on my shoulder. “That’s the fun part, Chancy.”

  I groaned. “Why do I torture myself like this?”

  “Because you want your girlfriend to have sex with you,” Finn answered, smirking at me from over Nate’s shoulder where he was adjusting the weight racks. “At least we’re not making you kickbox today.”

  “Thank God for small favors, you nearly broke my ribs last time.” I winced thinking about how painful it was. “Let’s just get this over with.”

  The guys did make me work harder than I would have pushed myself normally. It’s not that I was weak, I was just lazy. The guys saw working out as a stress reliever, I thought of it as a way not to put on the freshman fifteen my senior year.

  When we were done, we decided we would pick up lunch and take it to our favorite hill on campus. It had been a few years since we’d spent much time there, maybe since Finn’s and my freshman year. Honestly, it had been a while since we’d hung out other than parties or at the frat house. Now that I wasn’t trying to kill myself in the gym, the uneasy feeling I’d had when I saw Caroline and Brooke was coming back full force.

  “Earth to Chance,” Nate said, waving a hand in front of my face. “Do you want to go surfing tomorrow morning? Olivia text me and said the girls all planned to go shopping in Charleston tomorrow.”

  I ignored his question. I was positive I’d get drug along whether I wanted to go or not. “Did you guys ever get the feeling you fucked up with Olivia and Cora? I have this gut instinct—”

  “You screwed up, didn’t you?”

  “Maybe.” I sighed. “Yes, I probably fucked up.”

  Finn grimaced. “I promised Cora that I would kick your ass if you hurt Hannah. Do I need to give you a head start?”

  “Maybe, but I didn’t mean to hurt her.”

  Nate gave me a look. “Look, we’ve all fucked up with our girls, but I think we need to hear the whole story before you start running for your life.”

  “Remember last summer I was supposed to take Hannah to Niagara Falls?”

  “Yeah, you guys reschedule it a few times,” Finn said, his voice dropping dangerously low. “What did you do?”

  “We didn’t end up going. Hannah was…upset. Understandably so, but she didn’t want to tell anyone else that we weren’t going. She decided to go back home so Cora wouldn’t find her in their dorm room and I hid out at a buddies house because I felt like a bastard.”

  “Why didn’t you guys go?” Nate was trying to be a little nicer, but I could hear the anger tingeing his voice now too.

  “I made the mistake of asking her if it was too soon for us to go away on a trip—we’d only been dating for a few months at that point—but, she took it to mean that I didn’t want to go at all. It wasn’t that, I was just afraid we were moving too fast.” I huffed out a breath. “That first night I got pretty trashed, which looking back now was a horrible choice. I was pissed off at myself for disappointing Hannah. Lila was at the house I was staying at. She tried to get me to sleep with her because we’d messed around before, but I swear to you, I blew her off that night. I thought it was over. Apparently not though. I have this feeling that someone’s going to tell Hannah.”

  Finn knocked me upside the head. “Are you a fucking idiot? Have you learned nothing from me and Nate? Lila Tate is a viper.”

  I looked between my two friends, my gaze finally landing on Nate. “What did she do to you?”

  He laughed humorlessly. “Remember the party where Olivia disappeared and I sat on the steps of the frat house for almost eight hours?”
>
  “Yeah.”

  “Lila. Fucking. Tate,” he spat. “That bitch almost ruined my relationship with Olivia.”

  “Remember when I got smacked across the face at that party last semester?” I turned towards Finn. “Lila. That shit was my fault though. I deserved to be smacked, but it wasn’t a good situation. Cora can’t stand Lila, so naturally she was the one that I used to make her jealous.”

  I winced. “Tell me you didn’t.”

  “Oh, I sure as fuck did, and it was a mess.” He shook his head, trying to clear away the memory. “I recommend coming clean to Hannah as soon as possible so you don’t have to beg for forgiveness later like I did. Something about that girl makes guys do stupid things.”

  “Aww look, Finn’s learning to share his feelings,” Nate said laughing. “It’s about time asshole.”

  Finn flipped him off and turned back to me, raising his eyebrow in question.

  “I’m meeting Hannah and her friends for dinner tonight. I guess I’ll talk to her then; I just have this feeling that something’s wrong.”

  “That’s known as a guilty conscious, bud.” Nate shot me a look. “We all make mistakes, but you know how protective our girls are of Hannah. Make sure you figure your shit out before you hurt her.”

  That night I waited for a text from Hannah to tell me to meet up with them for dinner. I tried to ignore the fact that the hours kept passing without any word, but when nine o’clock rolled around, I finally had to face the fact that something was wrong. Someone knew something about that night, and from the lack of communication, they’d told her before I could.

  Hannah

  My stomach sank as I listened to Caroline and Brooke tell me what they’d overheard the night before. The coffee I’d been drinking a few minutes before soured in my stomach as they gave me sympathetic looks. Caroline took my hand. Surely they misheard. Chance was supposed to be one of the good guys.