He lowered his hand, dipping his chin to look at me. He didn’t look like he understood what I said.
“I mean, would it be a big deal if people found out? I’m graduating soon, Griffin. Moving on. I don’t know if it would matter too much. No one really knows me here.”
His brows twitched up. “It really wouldn’t matter to you if people found out?”
I shook my head. “I don’t for me, but you…” I gazed away. “I don’t want to create any problems for you because of me and—”
He swept his thumb over my mouth. “I told you to try this with me. Nothing’s changed. This doesn’t change anything for me.”
He wanted to keep me. He wanted to keep this. I hugged him, smiling against him. “Then we’ll deal with this. If something happens we’ll deal with it.” I lifted my head to see his face.
He gave a wide smile and kissed my forehead. “Correct. We’ll deal with it.”
I snuggled against his chest and he held me tight under his arm. I should go. I should leave for him, but in that moment I was allowing myself to have something. I wanted to keep him, too.
He massaged his hand up and down my back. “There’s something else I wanted to talk to you about. Something a little less heavy.”
I chuckled, lifting my head for him to go on.
“Well, there’s this thing going on back home. A family reunion. I haven’t gone in a few years, and my gram has been bugging me to go. I was wondering if you’d want to go with me.”
My brow lifted. “To Texas?”
Chewing his lip, he nodded. “Yeah, but you don’t have to. I… I just thought I’d ask. In case you wanted to. My grandma… This thing’s a big deal to her, and well, yeah. I just thought I’d ask. But like I said, you don’t have to.”
I giggled because he was so flustered. His cheeks went red like he was embarrassed he asked me. I tilted my head. “Griffin, do you want me to go with you?”
His eyes widened, almost like he was thrown by how assertive I was. He parted his lips. “Yes.”
I kissed his lips, lingering there. “Then that’s all you had to say.”
He laughed under my mouth. “Cool.”
And yes, that single word still got my heart going. Griffin really was dangerous to me, but maybe a walk on the wild side wouldn’t be so bad for a while.
I pulled my head back, but only just a bit. I wanted to ask him something. “Will you come to my bake sale tomorrow night?”
His sculpted eyebrows drew in. “Bake sale? Like a real bake sale with cookies and stuff?”
I had to laugh at his reaction. I suppose this did sound weird and incredibly random. “My derby team does it every year. We donate the proceeds to the local Humane Society.”
“Hmm,” he said. Quirking a smile, he moved me against him so close. “I think I can swing that. Where do you want me to be? I’ll be there.”
I hoped he wasn’t cancelling any major plans for my benefit. He’d been so busy and that thought worried me. “It’s at the Union near the bowling alley, but if you got something else going on—”
“Stop it. I’ll be there. I’ll even get a bunch of the guys to go and buy some stuff.”
Oh, wow. “Seriously? Griffin, that would be awesome. Thank you.”
He curled his fingers around the back of my neck, brushing his thumb over my skin. “The way you’re looking at me right now…” He shook his head, giving a small smile. “I’d do anything for that.”
I placed my hands on his cheeks, closing the way too large gap between our lips. Curling my leg over his hip, I rolled my own against him. His length pressed into my stomach and he grabbed my bottom with a large hand. A groan deep in his chest filled the air as he pulled me on top of him.
Now that was a sound I’d do anything for. I eased my tongue into his mouth, sighing. “Stay. Stay with me tonight.”
He moaned, nibbling on my bottom lip. “I probably shouldn’t,” he said, easing my t-shirt off. “I have an early class in the morning.”
He tossed my shirt to the floor and I smiled inside when his hand went for my bra clasp. I guess he planned on staying for a little while. This was confirmed when he snapped the bra open.
The restraint of the material released from my back and Griffin tugged the straps down my arms. I’d been with him before, but my natural instinct was to cover myself. He didn’t let me as I was forced to use my arms to wrap around his neck when he picked me up by my thighs.
I choked down a yelp in surprise. I’d never been picked up before. I didn’t want to say it wasn’t possible, but no one before Griffin had attempted this. He not only did it, but the act was effortless. Air rushed my body as he carried me into the direction of my bedroom.
The room was blanketed in darkness, but Griffin had no problem maneuvering around. He placed me on the bed, both our chests bare.
He muttered a, “Fuck it. I’m staying,” before he crashed his mouth down on mine. He took me deep, so deep into my bedding, and didn’t break the kiss when he said, “Tell me what you want.”
He breathed out the words, his voice husky and aroused. Bracing my thigh, he rocked himself against me. Between his invitation and what he was doing to my body, a whimper escaped my throat. I didn’t know what to tell him. I didn’t know what to do. I just needed him so badly it hurt.
“Just make me feel good,” I said, dragging my fingers into the grooves of his biceps.
The noise he called out was nearly primal, and I did that to him. With something I was doing and something I was saying, I did that. Though not used to this power, this emotional connection, I relished in it. Griffin Chandler made me feel empowered. He always had.
He peeled off my panties, causing me to turn on my side during the removal. He trailed kisses from the curve of my hip down my thigh, all the while whispering, “I can do that, baby. I can do that.”
His kisses burned my skin, but his words did more. My body shuddered, feeling both cold and hot at the same time. My breasts felt so heavy, my nipples needing to be touched.
Like he knew, his large hand covered one of them while his tongue tended to the other. My legs fell part, and he fit right in, his chest against my stomach while he licked.
I played with his hair, my hips jerking up, my heat seeking to be filled. I knew I was grinding on him, but my body did it involuntarily. He didn’t seem to mind, and while he tweaked my nipple with one hand, he pressed my thigh against the bed with the other, widening my legs and encouraging my movement.
So many words left my mouth. His name. The need to be fucked. The feeling brewed with intensity, and when he rose up to unbutton his pants, my clit actually tingled from anticipation.
Griffin, with his chest bare and fitted jeans sitting low on his hips, was the most erotic image I’d ever seen. He didn’t have to do anymore. He could just be on his knees like that. He did continue though, and I licked my lips as he exposed himself to me. At one time, his size had me unsure, but tonight I was only open to him. The clenching of my walls told me that.
His thighs, speckled in blond hairs so fine they were hard to make out, surrounded his manhood. This man was magnificent.
I saw the condom this time when he pulled it from his jeans. After he sheathed himself, he leaned over me. He hovered above me and I was surprised he wasn’t attempting to enter me immediately. He kissed my neck, sliding his hand between us. I opened up, ready and waiting for those long fingers. He didn’t disappoint and moved his thumb over my swollen clit, all the while using two fingers to coax my opening, massaging it.
He moved his mouth to mine. “Open yourself up to me, Roxie. Let me make you feel good.”
My eyes rolled back and I sucked in a breath when he slid his fingers back, my wetness taking him to another hole. I tensed for a moment, but when he whispered, “Trust,” my hands released the hold I had on his biceps. I didn’t know what I expected, but whatever it was, what he did, wasn’t it. It was by far much better.
He played at the area with hi
s fingers, not daring to enter right away, while his thumb moved slowly, gingerly, over my clitoris. My walls clenched for him, but I was surprised by the feeling further back. I kept wishing for one of his fingers to slip, slide in, and when one of his fingers did, I thrust my hips forward from the invasion.
My mouth dropped open as my head pressed back into the pillow. He only had the tip of his finger in and did no more as he continued to massage me with his thumb. This was so different, and when I pushed my bottom against his seeking finger, I knew this difference was good.
He only went so far, not hard or intense, but easy. He was going slow with me like he always did. Giving me only what he felt I was ready for.
I was ready for more.
I reached between us now, sliding my hand onto his length. He pushed against my hand and I was the one who brought him to me this time. I knew my limits, and he groaned when I tested them, easing his length inside me. We both went slow at first, him with his fingers and me with him. But when I slid him in to the hilt, we both got our rhythm. I’d never felt so filled, so unrestricted.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, and with my hips, I rocked him to his back. I took his mouth deeply, tenderly, and he let me take control. His hands moved to my ass, and he squeezed, pushing me against him.
“God, Roxie, yes,” he said, his voice strained and seeking. “Fuck, yes.”
I pushed away the lock of hair that covered my vision, and I got to see his eyes. They were half-mast and laced in the pleasure I was providing him. I didn’t want this to end, and the build up starting low in my belly felt more like an invasion. My orgasm hit and shot numbness throughout my entire body. The man below me wouldn’t let me fall. He held me there by my back, his hips lifted off the bed during his release.
Only when my head drooped did he lower me down to him. He put his hands to my cheeks, leaving not an ounce of space between us while he gave me the most intense kiss I ever had; it was slow and incredibly sensual.
“Yes, Roxie,” he repeated, panting as he moved his mouth softly over mine. “Yes.”
I put my hands to his on my cheeks, never wanting to let him go.
Chapter Seventeen
Griffin
I didn’t need to think hard to know last night with Roxie was the best sex I’d ever had in my entire fucking life. The girl made me a slave to her last night. I was begging her, calling out for more. Like from our whirlwind beginning, this thing with Roxie felt so foreign. She had me feeling things; intense emotions that didn’t scare me, but made me long for them like a man for water dying of thirst. She was everything. I was learning that more and more everyday.
One of the first things I did this morning was book our flights to Texas. Seriously, before I even brought up my word document to take notes in my class, I was on airline websites. My professor was going on about something I probably needed to know, but I was making the decision between first class and coach flights. First class it was. I wanted Roxie comfortable. I didn’t care how it affected my wallet. Call me crazy, but I really wanted my family to meet her. My gram had great intuition…
She loathed Tanya. Roxie was so different, and I wanted to see them together. I had no doubt she’d approve of her. My old man was the wild card. He wasn’t about telling with his emotions. Hard work all his life made him tough and dry. Only exposing him to her could tell, but I was going into this positively.
We had early flights out Saturday and would be back late on Sunday. I’d probably skip class Monday to rest before practice that evening. I hadn’t before, so I figured I could get away with one absence. Maybe I could convince Roxie to play hooky with me.
I couldn’t keep the grin off my face when I texted her the details for this weekend.
Sounds good, she responded. I can’t wait. I’ve never been before.
Feeling a little mischievous that morning, I texted, As long as you watch out for the snakes and tarantulas you’ll be good. I’ll protect you, though. No worries.
A long time past before she got back to me, and I nearly broke and told her I was joking. I’d seen snakes, but not often, and the biggest spider I’d seen was a house spider. It had scared the shit out of Gram as she was babysitting us at the time.
My phone buzzed. Griffin, don’t play.
I had to force in my chuckle and the struggle was so hard I nearly fell out of my seat. It also got me a few glares from people actually paying attention in my large seminar. I left Roxie hanging and she noticed.
Seriously, Griffin. Please tell me you’re joking.
So I did. I’m joking.
I hate you.
No, you don’t.
She left me the following emoticon: -_-
I had to put my fist over my mouth to control my laughter.
You’re lucky I don’t, she said.
I was totally supposed to be paying attention, but teasing my girl was far too much fun. I decided to give her a break. I’m sorry. I’ll bring you coffee tonight to make it up.
Hot chocolate.
As corny as it was, the first thought that came to mind was that the request was sweet like her. I grinned to myself. Hot chocolate it is.
Six o’ clock. I’ll see you at the Union.
*
Later that night, I was handing the barista cash for Roxie’s hot chocolate when a hand with bright blue polish settled on my arm.
My eyes rolled to the heavens at my odds tonight. I turned and Ursula lowered her hand from my arm.
“Griffin,” she said, grabbing her order that just came up. She tipped the paper cup to me. “Where have you been hiding?”
The girl gave herself far too much credit. I honestly hadn’t given her much thought. But that was my and Ursula’s way, though. Our relationship was strictly sex. She knew that and I knew that. That’s what we both wanted. When I ended it, I just assumed she was getting it somewhere else.
The barista called my order up by beverage name and I accepted it.
The edge of her glossy lips lifted. “A little lighter than your usual five cups a day, isn’t it?”
She was obviously exaggerating. Coffee wasn’t good for my training and she knew that. When I did have some, it was no more than two. Three was rare. I gave her a tight-lipped smile. “Well, it’s for my girlfriend.”
She reacted lax about that, leaning her skirt-clad hip against the counter. Ursula knew she had the sultry thing down. I was glad I was no longer drawn in by it.
“So it is true,” she said before she moved her mouth on her cup lid to take a drink. She left a red mark from her lips. “Griffin Chandler is no longer single.”
I’d ask how she knew, but I didn’t really care. I kind of wanted this whole run-in over. I had priorities and someplace I’d rather be.
“I have to say I’m kind of surprised, “ she continued. “When you broke things off I assumed you—”
“So you want to give me a hard time about it? If so, let’s have it out so we can both go about our day.” My patience was thinning and the hot chocolate warming my fingers was a reminder of how much I wanted to leave and get the beverage to its owner.
She lifted her hands, raising her cup in surrender. She laughed. “I’m not going to do that. You and I both know it was going to end eventually. You moving on. Me moving on. Both of us with graduation in a couple months. I just figured Tanya would follow you on your way.”
Maybe if I’d felt something for her I might have. She was the type of girl the cameraman flashed to when he wanted a shot of a basketball player’s wife as she cheered for her man courtside. That image was materializing into someone else. A different person. A different woman. I smiled inside at the thought.
My attention went back to Ursula. “I suppose things change. You know, growing up and all that.”
She tilted her head, raising her cup in agreement. “Ah, that thing called adulthood. Leave it to that to kick you in the ass about your priorities, right?”
Her response actually had me laughing. I guess we
both were really moving on. I tipped my cup to her this time. “Right. I’ll see you around, okay?”
She did the same with her own cup, nodding.
I turned to leave her, but she called my name. She surprised me when she stepped up to me.
“I don’t owe you anything, Griffin Chandler,” she said, “and you don’t owe me anything either. But we did have a good time, an understanding even. I believe that’s good for something, right? A favor. An act of good faith between friends.”
I frowned, not understanding. “What are you talking about?”
She simply smiled. “I was at a party last night. I know, surprising, right? But I saw Tanya there. I guess I just figured I’d mention you should stand your ground with her if you’re serious about moving on. Make sure she knows you’re done.”
I had, and then some, with her, and honestly, I was over tying to get through to someone who clearly wasn’t trying to hear it. I thanked Ursula for the info, and then, well, moved on.
*
Roxie
My jaw nearly dropped to the floor by what Clare just told me.
“Hey, uh, can I get that puppy chow?”
I blinked up at the large basketball player who just spoke to me on the other side of our selling table.
Found by You Page 13