Sitting back down, I grab my bowl of ice cream and ignore him. He places his hand on my thigh and everything is on high alert and I forget why I’m mad.
“Forgive me?” He’s pouting at me and I roll my eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“Uh huh. Play the movie.”
He presses play and the movie starts. Maybe deciding on a scary movie wasn’t a good idea.
An hour in and I have a pillow in front of my face. I’m so freaking scared it’s not even funny. I look at Jayceon and he’s watching me. “What?” I whisper.
“Why are you whispering?” He takes the pillow from my face and when I look at the TV the damn monster shows his face. I jump into Jayceon’s lap and bury my head in his chest.
“Change the movie! Change the movie!”
“Calm down,” he rubs my back. I feel his heart beating against my forehead and count how many times it beats in a minute. “You okay?” I shake my head. “Do you really want me to play another movie?” I nod my head. He laughs and picks up the remote. “How about we watch The Hangover?”
“Okay.” I climb off his lap and sit back on my side. “Remind me again to never watch that movie.”
“I didn’t mind it,” he smirks and turns his head to the TV.
Wait, what did he mean? Did he legit mean he didn’t mind the movie or he didn’t mind me jumping on top of him? Why are guys so confusing?
Jayceon doesn’t try to put his arm around me or anything. Our legs touch and our hands are close to one another. Maybe he’s not into me and we’re just friends.
When the movie’s over, I help him clean up the bowls and pull out my phone to see if Travis or Kendall texted me.
Travis: Hey where are you?
Me: Sorry I didn’t tell you. I’m at Jayceon’s house. We just finished watching The Hangover
Travis: Ok cool. What time will you be home?
Me: Not sure. Will let you know in 5 min
“So I know it’s kinda late, but did you still wanna hang out? My pool’s heated and we have extra suits in the pool house.”
Pool. Bikini. Bare chest. Me and Jayceon. Oh shit.
Before I can panic even more, I nod my head and follow him outside. I send Travis a text and let him know I’ll be home later.
We walk to his pool house and Jayceon shows me the different suits. “They’ve all been cleaned, but here are some that are new.” He hands me a few different options. “I’ll meet you outside.”
“Okay.” I wait for him to leave the pool house before texting Kendall.
Me: We’re going swimming =O
Kendall: SHUT. UP.
Me: He handed me 2 full suits and 2 bikinis. What the hell do I pick?
Kendall: HELLO! Bikini ;) Show off that body of yours!
Me: Kendall! I’m not gonna do anything with him!
Kendall: So? Give that boy some fantasies. SMOOCHES have fun babe
Honestly, why do I even bother asking her for advice? I change out of my clothes and put on the white bikini. Looking at myself in the mirror, I tighten the straps and grab a towel, wrapping it around my body.
When I walk out of the pool house, Jayceon’s already in the pool. Without realizing what I’m doing, I lick my lips and more naughty images are in my head. Taking off the towel and placing it on the chair, I slowly sit down on the edge and feel the water with my feet.
“Come on in. Are you scared?” He walks over to me and all I can see is the water dripping from his chest. Holy goodness. He has a six pack and his chest is nice and tan. Before I can say anything, his hands grip my hips and he lifts me up in the air.
“Jayceon! Put me down.”
“Okay,” he winks and tosses me up in the air. I let out a high pitched scream before going under. Swimming back up, I shake my head and open my eyes. Jayceon’s a few feet from me and he’s dying from laughing at me.
“You’re so dead.” Swimming over to him, I grab his shoulders and try to dunk him. Why I thought this was a good idea is beyond me. He grabs my hips again and throws me on his shoulder and we both go down. While under the water, I get on top of his shoulders and he lifts us back up to the surface.
I’m laughing so hard and so is he. I play with his hair and give him a faux mohawk. “You should wear your hair like this.”
“Oh yeah? Why’s that?”
“Because,” I swallow and pause for a moment, “It’ll look really cool on you.”
“Cool.” He slowly repeats to me.
“Yeah. Cool.” Even though I want to say hot and sexy. He walks around the pool with me still on his shoulders.
“Do you wanna get in the hot tub?”
“Yeah. Help me down.”
When I’m off his shoulders, I follow him to the hot tub and get in. We’re both facing each other and neither of us is talking. It’s nice outside tonight and the sky is clear. I take the opportunity to look around his backyard and love what I see. There’s a small waterfall on the other side of his pool. It’s so big and feels good to swim.
“Thanks for tonight,” I tell him, “I’m having so much fun.”
“Me too.”
We’re quiet again and now I’m staring. I’m trying so hard not to, but seriously, he’s so hot. Like mouthwatering sexy. He splashes me with the water, taking me out of my trance. I narrow my eyes at him and we’re both back in the pool, splashing each other and laughing. I dunk him, or at least try to, and he throws me in the air.
I don’t remember having this much fun with a guy. It’s nice and different. I find myself laughing and smiling the whole time. Same with Jayceon.
He gets out of the pool and throws in a floaty device. “Here. Let me help you on.” I let him even though I could have done it on my own, but let’s be serious; I love it when his hands are on me.
“Thank you,” I tell him. He places his arms on the device and looks at me. Again, neither of us is saying anything when there’s so much to say. I won’t make the first move, so hopefully he will soon.
Chapter 11
Jayceon
What the hell am I supposed to do now?
There she is lying on the float, looking fucking sexy in the simple white bikini. All night I’ve been trying to keep my feelings to myself, but it’s become almost impossible. Her eyes flare and my hand moves of its volition, cupping her face and tracing my thumb along her bottom lip.
It’s now or never, I tell myself. Watching her face, I lean forward and press my lips to hers. They’re soft and fill my senses with the taste of strawberries. The nerves about how she would react completely dissipate when her lips join mine. Sliding my hand back, I sink my fingers into her hair, holding her mouth to mine.
The feel of her tongue against my lips, convinces me to open my lips and let her in. The pool is warm, but I feel the goose bumps rise along my arms, as our tongues continue to taste each other in a slow, sensual dance.
“Jayceon,” the voice is muffled until the patio door slams open. “Why the hell are the pool lights...oh.’
Fuck. Jumping back from Seona, my head whips around to see my dad standing on the porch. It’s dark, but I can see the flush on his face and I’m not sure who’s more embarrassed, me or him.
“Sorry guys, I didn’t realize you were out here.” He backs away slowly until he’s in the house.
When I turn back around, Seona’s climbing off of the float.
“Oh my god, that was so embarrassing,” she giggles.
“Sorry about that. I guess Dad figured I left everything on.”
“It’s getting late anyway. I better get home before Travis comes looking for me.”
“Yeah, I don’t need Travis wanting to beat my ass.”
We climb out of the pool and I grab the towels I placed on one of the lounges earlier. Drying off, we head into the pool house to get changed. Mom didn’t want anyone walking through the house wet, so they had remodeled the pool house to include two changing areas.
Having less to put on, I beat Seona outside to wait. Now that she
’s away from me, my brain is running on overdrive. Is she going to be upset that I kissed her? Should I have kept my hands to myself? In the back of my mind, I know it was an amazing kiss. I may not have slept with a girl yet, but I’ve had my fair share of make out sessions and that kiss was so different from the others.
The sound of the door closing brings me around to face Seona. She looks up at me and smiles. Not wanting to be away from her I walk up to her, lifting my hand to take hers. Her fingers separate and entwine with mine.
“Ready?” I ask.
She nods and I lead her into the house. The living room lights are conspicuously on still and I just know when I get home from dropping Seona off, at least one of my parents is going to be waiting for me.
Guiding her around the front of the truck, I open the door for her and move to my side. Things felt so comfortable earlier in the car, even with silence. Now everything feels a little weird. Looking over at Seona, buckling her seat belt, I’m not exactly sure how to fix it, but when she sets her arm on the center console, I know it can’t hurt to hold her hand on the ride there.
The only sound in the car is the song on the radio and I can’t even pay enough attention to figure out what song it is. She doesn’t say anything, nor does she dance around in her seat, like she’s done every other time in car. I step on the gas, wanting to get to her house quicker. For this conversation, I want to be able to look at her and see what she’s feeling. Whether she knows it or not, her eyes are very easy to read.
Pulling into the driveway, I see Travis’ car, but only the porch and a small light in the living room are on. Travis must not be pissed at me for keeping her out, if he’s already in bed. I put the car in park, but don’t unlock the door right away. When I turn to face her, I find that she’s already looking at me.
“I was hoping that you’d let me kiss you again.”
“And I was hoping that you’d want to kiss me again.”
Tilting her chin up, I say, “I can’t imagine anything that I would rather do more.” I press my lips to hers and let the kiss begin again. Knowing I can’t get carried away sitting in her driveway, I enjoy the feel of her mouth moving against mine. Even though I know I need to let her go, I really don’t want to, but I do it anyway. We’re both breathing harder as I rest my forehead against hers.
“I’m glad you came over tonight.”
“Me too. We’ll talk tomorrow?”
“Definitely.”
She kisses me once more before opening the car door and going inside. During the drive back to my house, I can’t get my mind off of everything that happened tonight. I mean, I knew I felt something different, but I wasn’t sure she felt the same way. To know that is making me want to dance in my seat.
The lights are still on in the living room when I pull down the driveway to the garage and I wonder who will be waiting for me when I walk in. Using the back door, I walk through the kitchen and grab a bottle of water from the fridge. Twisting open the cap to take a drink, I see my dad walk into the room and take a seat at the counter.
He watches me and smiles. “You’ve seemed happier over the last week. Is that because of Seona?”
I guess I was happier. It’s nice to finally have someone, besides Alyssa and Brendan, ignore all of the bullshit rumors. “Yeah. I guess it is.”
He laughs, but it’s quickly replaced by a serious look. In a tight grip, he clasps my shoulder. “Just remember to be careful.”
I flinch. “Shit, Dad. We had the sex talk years ago.”
At least he has the grace to look as uncomfortable as I feel. “I know. I just wanted to remind you.”
Putting my hands up in surrender, “Okay, okay. As long as there is no more talking.” I need a change of subject and fast. “Where’s Mom?”
“Oh, she went to bed when we got home. I only wanted to stay up and tell you that it’s nice to finally see you interested in someone.”
“It’s nice to finally meet someone worth being interested in.”
He stands up. “I’m heading to bed. We have a big game tomorrow. You’re coming, right?”
“Of course, Dad. Maybe I’ll text Seona and see if she’s wants to come with me.”
“I think that’s a fantastic idea.” He walks towards the door, but stops suddenly and turns around. “Jayceon?”
“Yeah?”
“I am sorry I interrupted you guys tonight.” He has the decency to look at the ground when he says it and without another word, heads upstairs.
I send a quick text to Seona about the game, hoping she’s not already asleep.
Seona: Love that idea. See ya then
Suddenly exhausted, I climb the stairs to my room and fall into bed. My body’s so wiped out, it’s hard to keep my eyes open and I fall asleep in my clothes.
The next day at the game, things go really well for me and Seona. I get the chance to introduce her to my mom, who instantly falls in love with Seona.
“Hello, Seona. It’s so wonderful to meet you.” Mom fawns all over her until it’s time to pay attention to the game. It’s actually kind of fun to watch. Then cheering on my dad and Travis, we watch as the Aggies pull another victory for the season.
Mom and Dad take us to dinner, including Travis, and it’s nice to spend time all together. If Seona’s going to be around a lot, I want her to get to know my parents. Having no siblings, I find that I’m really close to my parents, especially since I love what both of them do.
They take us to a steak house not far from the school. It’s one of my dad’s favorite places. The tables in the restaurant are round, giving me the chance to sit between Seona and my mom. It’s a little weird, considering this is the first girl, that I’m actually interested in, to hang out with my parents.
The minute Dad opens the menu, he wastes no time ordering a bunch of appetizers and drinks for him and mom.
“I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving,” he says, after the waiter leaves to put in our starters.
“What’s new about that? You’re always starving,” I say with a smirk.
Mom rolls her eyes at our banter and turns to Seona and Travis. “I’m so glad you two could join us tonight.”
“Thank you for having us,” Travis responds and looks back down at his menu.
Everyone is concentrating on what they want to eat, when I lean over to whisper in Seona’s ear. “Decide what you’re having?”
“No,” she laughs. “I’m terrible at choosing when there are so many options. What are you getting?”
“Same as always.” I shrug.
“You make it sound like you’re a regular here.”
“It’s Dad’s favorite place. I think we come here at least twice a month.”
Dad’s menu lowers to show his face. “We do not come here that often.”
“Really, Robert? Jayceon’s right, because whenever we go somewhere else, you pout,” Mom states.
Travis’ eyes go wide and his face gets red as he tries to hold back his laughter. I can only imagine it from his point of view. He’s his big, bad football coach who pouts when he doesn’t get his favorite steak for dinner. I don’t even attempt to control it, and let the laughter spread across the room. Mom is so right, he definitely doesn’t like it when we go to a different restaurant.
“Ha, ha very funny, you two.” He’s pointing back and forth between me and my mom. “You’re going to make Travis think I’m some sort of wimp.”
Travis shakes his head quickly. “Never, sir.”
Saved by the bell. The waiter comes over, giving us the chance to place our orders. Once that’s taken care of, Mom turns to Seona.
“So, Jayceon tells me you just moved here; what do you think of Texas so far?”
She looks over at Travis with a smile. “I love it here, I’m so glad Travis suggested it.”
“And your dad travels a lot?” Seona begins to fidget in her seat. It’s something I notice she does whenever someone mentions her father or her life in Michigan.
> “Yeah.” Her eyes are downcast.
Seeing her upset, hurts me in more ways than I can explain. Reaching over, I cover the hand in her lap with mine, squeezing gently.
“I’m really glad she decided to come here.”
She turns to me and her face positively lights up the room when she smiles. It’s hard not to get lost in the look she’s giving me. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I hear my mother clearing her throat and changing the subject. Whatever it might be, I only have eyes for Seona.
Eventually, our dinner is delivered and the conversation turns to the game. Seona and I trade seats. It’s not that I don’t think she’s interested in football talk, but I’m guessing she gets enough of that at home and would rather hear more about my mom’s art classes at the college.
Dinner goes off spectacularly. It feels amazing to know that Seona got along so well with my parents. I could say that every night I spend with Seona is perfect, but each one seems to be better than the last. Since Travis is planning on going out with friends after dinner, he asks if I’ll give Seona a ride home, which I am more than happy to do.
We climb into the car and I turn to her. “Thank you so much for coming tonight.”
“I had fun. It was nice to get to know your parents a little bit better. Your mom and dad are so funny together.” She seems a bit sad when she says this, but quickly shakes it off. “Plus, Travis sees your dad as a second father, especially when Mark is deployed.”
Her driveway is dark when we pull in. “Damn,” she says. “I forgot to turn on a light before we left.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll leave the headlights on so you can get inside. Plus, it means I get to kiss you under the stars.”
Taking her face in my hands, I pull her lips to mine, letting my desire for her burn into the kiss. It’s a sweet kiss, but it’s just enough to have my heart pick up speed and desire to flood my system. I’ve never wanted a girl like I want her.
When the kiss ends, she pulls back and smiles at me. It sucks that I need to let her go. Then an idea hits me.
“How about I take you for a picnic in the park tomorrow? It’s still nice out.”
Beautiful Lessons Page 9