A Different Side (University Park #4)

by C. M. Doporto

  “Oh.” I frowned, trying to sympathize with her. “That doesn’t sound like fun.” I rested my arms around her waist and pulled her close. “How long does your period usually last?”

  Her eyebrows lifted in surprise and I hoped she was okay with me asking her. I wanted to be the caring boyfriend and since we were having sex, the subject was bound to come up. “Um, usually four to five days.”

  “That sucks.” My hands slid down her back, resting on her butt. “I’m not sure I can wait that long.” Something inside of me shifted, causing an instinctive calling for her. I wanted Lexi and the desire rising within me told me it couldn’t wait.

  She traced the buttons on my shirt. “It’s a good thing I did…I was late.”

  My head jutted back, totally shocked by her words. I’d only had that scare once when this Freshman claimed I knocked her up. After a negative paternity test, I always made sure I took extra precaution. Then I remembered I’d forgotten to put on a condom when we had sex in my car the night we were at Jared’s. Since I was a little drunk and high, thanks to Jared, I was careless. “How late?”

  She shifted her weight from one hip to the other. “Almost a week.” Her eyes met mine and I saw the desperate plea for me not to freak out. “And I’m never late.”

  It was too late. The chattering in my head started once again. I dropped my hands from her waist and took a step back. I did everything I could to ignore it, but it was hard as hell. All I could hear was how Lexi was trying to trap me. Get pregnant so I couldn’t play football. That I’d make a horrible father. Anger and frustration boiled inside of me and I was ready to punch the wall. I crossed my arms and buried my fists against my chest.

  Why wouldn’t these damn voices go away!

  I pushed the voices to the far recesses of my mind and shook off the anger. Lexi was confiding in me about a serious subject and I needed to discuss it like an adult. “Lexi, I would never tell you what to do when it comes to your body, but have you considered getting on the pill? I mean...it wouldn’t be good if you got pregnant.”

  She pressed her lips together and her eyes glossed over. I wasn’t sure whether I said something wrong or it was her hormones. I was positive neither of us wanted to bring a child into this world with everything going on. We weren’t in a position to care for it financially, much less me giving it the attention it needed. The demons had that part right. “Yes, I was just thinking that I should probably go to the health center when school starts again.”

  “I think that’s a good idea.” It was a huge relief to hear Lexi say that. I wanted to love her, focus on us, and not worry about her getting pregnant.

  “Then I’ll do it. Because the last thing I want—”

  I didn’t let her finish the statement. A sudden feeling overcame me and all I wanted to do was show her how much I loved and needed her. I scooped her up in my arms and carried her to my bedroom. Lexi looked shocked by my reaction and the tears in her eyes quickly vanished.

  “Is for me to worry about knocking you up. If you’re on the pill, we don’t have to be cautious.” A shot her a devious grin and lifted my brows, hoping she got the message.

  A sexual need filled her eyes and she rolled her tongue across her lips.

  Oh hell yeah!

  Lexi was definitely drunk on my love.

  And I’d fill her with my love until she couldn’t take any more.

  I laid her on the bed and she kicked off her heels. I didn’t waste any time either, slipping off my dress shoes. She quickly took off her jacket and threw it on the chair behind me. Watching her get undressed was making me more excited by the second.

  “Good toss.” I glanced over my shoulder, noticing how the jacket caught the edge of the chair.

  She untucked her shirt from her jeans and undid a few buttons. “This really sexy football player showed me how to throw.”

  “Did he?” I undid my tie at lightning speed and unbuttoned my shirt. “I know a few other things he can show you.” I unbuckled my belt and pulled it from my pants, dropping it to the floor.

  “Sounds fun.” Her seductive voice had my heart thundering.

  “Oh, baby, you have no idea.” My fingers fumbled with the hook on my pants, but I jerked the material hard and had them off in a flash. “I plan on making up for lost time.”

  Lexi grabbed my tie and pulled me on top of her. I loved it when she took control. There was something about her hungry craving for me that had me ready to go in an instant. Her eyes widened in delight as she eased my shirt off my body. I was ready to kiss her, but her lips lowered to my chest. Using the tip of her tongue, she traced every ridge, and I lit up like a Christmas tree.

  Every nerve ending hollered in pleasure and my eyes rolled back. My fingers tangled through the strands of her hair as she continued to leave no part of my torso uncovered by her lips and tongue. Lexi’s tantalizing touch had me ready to beg her never to stop. I couldn’t hold back any longer.

  I needed her.

  Now.

  Not tomorrow or in five days.

  I unbuttoned the rest of her blouse and slid it off her arms. Her breasts were plump and full underneath the delicate, pink, lacy fabric. It was more than my eyes could handle. Wanting more, I pulled off her jeans, leaving her in matching panties I quickly identified as a pair I bought at Victoria Secret. Her mother must’ve missed a pair. And damn, was I glad.

  My lips devoured her sweet flesh, kissing and sucking her skin as I left my mark on her. Lexi was mine. Her slender fingers splayed across my broad chest, squeezing my muscles as if she couldn’t get enough of me. And I couldn’t get enough of her. My fingers danced across her stomach and I traced the top of her panties, eager to feel her soft folds.

  Lexi recoiled from my touch. “Um, Raven. Did you forget that I’m on my period?”

  Slowly, I stopped kissing her and inhaled, replenishing my empty lungs. I wouldn’t do anything Lexi didn’t want to do. “No. I just thought we could mess around. Unless that makes you uncomfortable.” I lowered my hand, gliding it along the inside of her thigh. A little teasing couldn’t hurt. A low moan escaped her lips and she arched into me.

  “We can do that,” she whimpered in a low voice.

  “I promise I won’t touch you there, unless you want me to.” Purposely, I pressed my hardness against her, knowing she wouldn’t be able to deny me.

  “How about I pleasure you?” she said, catching me off guard. “Ya know…take some of that stress away that’s been beating you down all week?” She stroked the side of my head, skimming her nails through my hair. Her tongue rolled across her lips and her mouth opened, telling me what she wanted to do. Although Lexi had never given me a blowjob, I was game for it.

  “Only if you want to, baby.” Regardless of what I wanted, I wouldn’t force or expect her to do it.

  A devious grin played on the edge of her lips and I could only hope she was serious. “Let me show you how much I want to.” Without warning, she flipped me on my back. Scooting down, she practically ripped off my boxers and settled between my legs. My mind spun in a hundred different directions as I tried to relax.

  Her lips and tongue dropped to my abdomen, traveling past my navel with deliberate intent. I sucked in my stomach, not wanting to shake. Guys aren’t supposed to tremble, but damn, Lexi had me ready to explode. Not holding back, Lexi willingly threw herself into my trap once more, diving in headfirst.

  ∑

  Chapter 36

  To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you,

  Something to inspire you.

  ~Tony Dorsett

  My unfortunate circumstance had become the most talked about and publicized college athletic topic. Every TV and radio station had something to say, whether good or bad. From what I could tell, it was a split down the middle. Some fans were rooting for me, while others wanted me out. All it did was make me more nervous about Wednesday’s hearing.

  I met with Mr. Marshall and Steve a few times, p
reparing myself once again on what to say and how to answer questions they might ask. Mr. Marshall asked if I wanted to press charges against Jared, but since I had done a few drug runs for him in the past, we decided it would be best to leave it alone. More than likely, Jared would rat on me and I’d go down with him. Even though I was no longer involved in illegal activities, I’d made a deal with him and split the profit sixty-forty, earning me a nice chunk of change. I was honest with Mr. Marshall and told him the truth, and under attorney-client confidentiality, he told me to get rid of the money and any evidence as soon as possible.

  I just wanted to get the meeting over with so I could get on with life. So much was resting on that decision and no matter what I did, it all circled back to the hearing.

  Wednesday arrived quicker than I thought and I was getting dressed, ready to face how the rest of my life would go. Lexi remained by my side, supporting and encouraging me in the best way she knew how. It made me appreciate her even more. There was nothing this woman wouldn’t do for me and I would be forever grateful for her. I just hoped her parents didn’t ruin it for us. Recalling what her mother told me had me concerned that she was planning something on her end.

  “Everything is going to be alright, man. Trust me.” Josh hooked an arm around my neck. “Just be honest with them. They’ll see that it was a slip and that you’re going to keep on the right track.”

  I stared at the floor, trying to soak in his words, but nothing was helping me feel at ease. “I know. Your uncle feels that they will believe me and I’ll get another chance.”

  “That’s right.” He patted me on the chest and squeezed me in a tight hug. “You’re going to be back on the field for spring training. Mark my words.”

  Josh had a good sense of judgment, something I obviously lacked. I just hoped he was right.

  Lexi handed me my suit jacket. “We better go. You don’t want to be late.”

  I noted the time on my watch. “Yeah, that wouldn’t be good.” Being late would definitely place a sour taste in their mouths. I needed to make a good impression whenever and wherever possible.

  Josh grabbed his keys from the coffee table and walked toward the door.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, sliding my arms through the sleeves of my jacket.

  He stopped and turned around. “I’m driving you up there. We’re going to wait with Lexi and your mom. Is that okay?”

  “I think that’s a good idea.” My mom gave Josh an approving nod before adjusting my tie and straightening my collar. Between Lexi and my mom, I was sure every button was fastened, my collar was flipped down, and everything lined up perfectly. I knew they had good intentions, so I didn’t complain.

  “Sure. I guess I need all the support I can get.”

  “It never hurts.” Mom leaned forward and pressed a kiss to my cheek. I hugged her and let out a silent sigh. I hated that I had put her through another round of unnecessary shit. None of us needed it — especially her. Time after time, she stood by my side, her love and support not wavering for one minute regardless of the stupid mistakes I’d made.

  We left the apartment and piled into Josh’s truck. He dropped us in front of the Wilson building, where the admissions’ offices were located. The grounds were media-free and I was glad Coach Anderson asked that we keep the meeting confidential. After a week of being in the spotlight, I needed a break.

  Holding on to Lexi’s hand, we entered the newly renovated building and took the stairs to the second floor. The muscles in my legs weakened with each step and my hands moistened with sweat. I was positive Lexi could feel the tremors leaving my body. No matter how tightly I held on to her, I couldn’t stop from stressing out. By now, you’d think I’d be a pro at these situations, but I just wanted this shit to go away and be done with it.

  Mr. Marshall and Steve were waiting in the hallway along with Shawn, Luke, and Delaney. Shawn promised he’d be here no matter what and like a good friend, he held true to his word. “Don’t worry, man.” Shawn hooked an arm around me and gave me a hard pat on the chest. “I’ve got a good feeling about this.”

  “I hope you’re right.” I cracked a half smile.

  “Good mornin’,” Mr. Marshall said, with his deep, Texas accent.

  “Hello.” Mom extended her hand. “Thank you so much for helping my son. It means a lot to me…to us.” Her voice squeaked and tears pooled in her eyes. It sucked to see her cry over me.

  “No worries.” Mr. Marshall gave her a heartfelt shake. “I care about your son. He’s a good kid and I want to see him succeed. He has a bright future ahead of him.”

  She blotted the tears from her eyes with a tissue. “We will pay you back. It might take me a while to do it, but I promise I will pay you for every penny of your time.”

  “Nonsense.” The attorney waved off my mom’s pledge. “You owe me nothing. I believe in giving back to the community and those in need. God always seems to reward me more when I do that. Besides, this is my Alma Mater. We need this guy.” He placed a hand on my shoulder.

  “Well, I don’t know what to say…thank you.” She hugged the big guy and he returned the gesture. Mom then turned to Steve. “Thank you so much.” Grabbing his hand, she shook it. “I appreciate it.”

  “You’re welcome.” Steve adjusted his glasses while keeping a straight face. “Raven’s a good guy.”

  Mom nodded, agreeing.

  “Well, son, you ready to get this show on the road?” Mr. Marshall adjusted his purple and white bowtie.

  I shook my head and inhaled a full breath. Lexi turned toward me. “Good luck, babe. I know everything is going to work out for the best.” She placed a soft kiss on my lips.

  “Thanks, baby. Thank you for everything.” I hugged her and then captured her lips. With one long kiss, I showed her just how thankful I was. I hoped she felt my sincerity and gratefulness because without her, I wouldn’t be able to survive this. Slowly, I parted our lips and released her from my embrace. Her eyes glazed over and she pressed her lips together, as if trying to hold back tears.

  I quickly turned toward my mom, fearing I might start crying with her. “Thanks, Mom, for being here. I love you.”

  “Love you, too.” She threw her arms around me and squeezed me tightly.

  We hugged for a moment and then I kissed her forehead.

  She patted my chest and then pulled away. “Stay strong, son.”

  “I will.”

  Luke came up to me and shook my hand. “Good luck.”

  “Thanks for being here.” I was a little surprised to see him, even though he told me to expect him. Lexi had mentioned the idea of inviting him and Delaney to watch the Lone Star Bowl game with us and I had agreed. It was a good start at smoothing things over and allowing him to get to know me on a different level. It took him a while to get used to seeing me with his sister and I still wasn’t convinced he’d accepted the fact that we were together.

  I took in another deep breath and rolled my shoulders. “Let’s do this.”

  Steve approached the heavy oak door and turned the knob. We walked into a large boardroom set up somewhat similar to a panel interview. A row of curved tables, positioned at the front of the room, faced a single table — the table I’d be sitting at while my fate was decided.

  A side door opened and in flowed a steady stream of people, along with Coach Anderson. I immediately recognized Ralph Kenney, Director of Athletics. His tall, slender build and thick head of jet-black hair made him hard not to miss. At his age, the guy had to be dying it. They shuffled to the front of the room and took a seat at the long table.

  “Good to see you, Raven.” Coach Anderson walked over and shook my hand.

  “Nice to see you, too. Congrats on winning the game.”

  He pursed his lips together and his head lowered. “It would’ve been even better if you had played.”

  I agreed with a headshake. Missing one of the best games of the season sucked. I just hoped I’d be back for spring practice. Coach ack
nowledged Mr. Marshall and Steve before walking to the front table, visible disappointment in his stride.

  “Good afternoon, Raven. I’m David Flores, Director of Admissions.”

  Immediately, I sprinted to the front of the room and extended my hand. “Nice to meet you.” The guy looked somewhat familiar, late fifties, Hispanic with dark skin and brown eyes. I didn’t recall him in the first hearing I went to, but maybe I had seen him around campus or at the games. Mr. Marshall and Steve introduced themselves to Mr. Flores as I worked my way down the table, hoping to set a favorable impression among the university leaders.

  “Mr. Kenney, always nice to see you.”

  The director tugged on his suit jacket, making sure it was straight before offering his hand. “Likewise.” He gave me a firm handshake, but kept a twisted expression on his face. The less than friendly welcome told me he wasn’t happy to see me under these circumstances.

  I turned to the last two people at the end of the table. “Hello, I’m Raven Davenport, nice to make your acquaintance.”

  The elderly man adjusted his glasses and extended a shaky hand. “I’m Paul Turner, Representative for the Board of Ethics, and this is my colleague, Nancy Contee.”

  Mr. Turner had a blank face while Ms. Contee wore a stoic expression that told me she didn’t care if I stayed or went. I greeted them, making sure to keep eye contact and a firm hand. After a few awkward minutes, Mr. Marshall, Steve, and I, returned to the table facing them.

  “If you men would please have a seat, we can begin.” Mr. Flores opened a folder and picked up a stack of papers. Papers that probably had my life story on them, along with what happened the last time I was called to this room. A sickening shiver shot through me and my stomach twisted. Like it or not, this was it. I pulled out the hard wooden chair and sat, ready to test my fate once more.