My plan might be bone-headed, and Caroline might smack me across the face, but I want her. I want all of her. For as long as I can.
* * *
“Oh, my God, that was so embarrassing,” Caroline says, mortified as we enter my bedroom and close the door on the world.
“What? You’ve never gotten caught making out?” I tease.
“No,” she deadpans. “Never.”
God, this girl will be the death of me. Knowing this is a first for her, even if she’s embarrassed, does things to me I can’t explain.
“I’m sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to get you caught.”
She chuckles. “Oh, it was worth it.”
“Come here,” I say, pulling her onto my bed.
I kiss her, but tenderly. I don’t want her to think I brought her back to my house to take advantage of her. Whatever happens between us will be mutually decided.
“I want you to be my girl. Officially.”
She sits up. “What?”
“We haven’t really talked about what this is, but I’m telling you now, you’re mine. I don’t want you to be with anyone else.”
“Yours?” she says quietly, as though she’s testing out the word.
“Mine,” I emphasize the word, leaving little room for argument. I felt the way she kissed me. She feels the same way for me, too.
“I like that,” she agrees. “But I really need to talk to you, Matt. It’s about the auction.”
I narrow my eyes, hoping to God she isn’t still planning on doing it.
“Caroline.”
She sits up on her knees. “Hear me out. I’ve dreamed about being with you all semester, Mathewson, but there is something you need to know.”
My brow quirks.
“In high school I dated a guy for two years. He was a senior when I was a sophomore. I thought I loved him.”
I already hate this conversation. The thought of her having those kinds of feelings for another guy have my blood boiling. It’s ridiculous.
“I’m not a virgin.”
Her words stop me cold. Did I hear her right? Her hands cover her eyes and I know I heard her correctly.
“Why... How are you doing the auction?”
“We made a virginity pact at bid night. I lied.”
I remove her hands from her face, wanting to try to read her better. “Why did you lie?”
“It was important to the sorority. I had sex with one guy. Someone I thought I loved. He hurt me.”
“How did he hurt you?” I grit through my teeth. If he forced himself on her, I’ll kill him.
“No. No. He didn’t force me into anything. I wanted to. I thought we’d get married, Matt. But he left for college and shortly after, he broke up with me. I was devastated.”
I relax marginally, but the thought of her being sad still has me on edge.
“After that, I swore off men and put all my efforts into studying. I haven’t slept with anyone since. What if they find out I lied? I don’t want them to think they can’t trust me. I don’t want them to think that I’m a liar.” A tear falls down her cheek and I reach out and swipe it away.
“Tell me what I can do, Caroline. I’ll do anything for you. If I have to have the entire campus bid on you for me, I’ll find a way.”
“There’s nothing to do. I have to own up to my mistake and face the consequences.” She sounds so defeated.
“Hey,” I say, raising her eyes to meet mine. “It’s nobody’s business who you have sex with or when you do. That’s a personal decision, and if they can’t accept that, then they aren’t worth having as friends.”
“It’s not just them I’m concerned about. I lied to you, too.”
I pull her into me, hugging her tight. “You did nothing wrong. If I’m honest, I wouldn’t have wanted to know. I’d prefer you never know my history.”
She groans. “Yes, let’s not talk about it.”
I chuckle. “Agreed.”
“What am I going to do, Matt? I don’t want to let them down.”
I sigh, trying to work out something in my head that could help. All the while, my hands work their way up and down the curves of her body. Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, my dick hardens. I can’t help it. She’s perfection under my fingertips.
“We could tell them I took your virginity and as payment, I’ll do a concert in a month or two. It’s not like they won’t still need the money.”
She looks up. “I don’t want you to lie for me, Matt. It’s not fair.”
I laugh. “What isn’t fair about it? It’s not like it would be a hardship having guys know you’re taken.”
“Or you could claim my newfound virginity,” she says, her cheeks turning a pretty shade of pink. I gulp, suddenly feeling warm and hungry.
“You’re sure? Really sure?”
She nods.
“Use your words, Caroline. I don’t want to misread this situation.” My words are barely contained. The idea of having her, right now, is threatening to undo me.
“I want you, Mathewson. Please.”
She’ll never beg me for anything. Anything she wants, it’s hers.
I pull her down on top of me and sear her with a kiss that’s meant to remind her whose girl she is. Mine. From this moment on.
I pull her shirt over her head and toss it aside. Her hands go behind her back, undoing her bra and baring her breasts. My breath hitches at the sight. Leaning forward, she comes close enough for me to take a nipple into my mouth. Her moans promise to end me quickly. Sliding her pants down her legs, I groan when I find she’s gone commando.
“You’re killing me,” I say into her neck.
Rolling her over onto her back, my eyes roam her amazing body. Every inch is toned and begging to be explored. My lips start at the curve of her neck and make a trail downward across each of her breasts, further down her tight abs, stopping just above her hip bones.
“Spread your legs, Caroline,” I order, and she obeys.
My tongue runs a trail to her pussy, eager to taste her. With one swipe of my tongue she’s wriggling, and with another, she’s begging for more. Several laps at her wet folds and she’s convulsing under my tongue. I devour every last drop of her, needing to be inside of her.
“Are you sure?” I ask one final time, while I grab a condom.
“Yes,” she pants.
Rolling it over my hard dick, I spread her folds until she’s wide-open to me. I place my head at her entrance, knowing that from this moment on, everything between us changes. She’s mine. With one quick thrust I’m inside. She moans, which pushes me to continue.
“Oh, God. P-please more,” she begs as I slowly drag my cock out and let it hover at the entrance. Her hips lift, pulling me deeper inside her.
With that, I pump harder. Faster. Eager to give her everything she wants. Picking her hips up with my hand, I have her angled just the way I want. My dick throbs as she squeezes it, milking it of precome. She swivels underneath me, showing me how desperate she is to find release. I love it.
I love the sounds she makes, so I pull out again and wait for her groan of displeasure. When she answers me with a long primal moan I then let myself slip back inside her.
In. Out. In. Out.
Her hips push back as I thrust myself inside her. As her breathing becomes frantic I place my finger on her clit and massage her in time with my cock. I’m so close. I need her to fall over the edge. I press harder and firmer against her clit with one hand as my left hand moves to her breast, palming it and tweaking the nipple until she’s mewling and begging for more.
My thrusts become harder, deeper. We’re moving in sync, her hips meeting me thrust for thrust. Her tits bounce as I fuck her, and I can’t hold it anymore. I increase my speed until I feel her pussy flutter around me. I release everything I’ve got into her tight puss
y and she rides me until I’m thoroughly spent.
I collapse on top of her, panting and sweating. My lips meet hers, and we share an intimate kiss. Looking down at Caroline, it hits me. I might not be her first, but she’ll be my last.
Chapter Nine
Caroline
Hours have passed, night has blossomed into day, and it’s time I finally go home. It’s time the truth comes out, and I tell my sisters I’m not a virgin.
As much as I should feel guilty, I don’t. How could I? Mathewson and I have a plan and they’ll either accept it, or I’ll leave the sorority. Now I just have to tell them.
It’s early when I walk in, early enough that I find most of the girls in the dining room eating breakfast. Matt holds my hand and gives it a squeeze to assure me he’s here and it’s all going to be okay.
The girls notice us, and I have to hold back the laugh at how quickly they each sit up straight, fussing with their hair, clearly in shock to see the Matt James.
“Hey, Caroline,” Bridgette says, giggling. She looks me up and down, noticing my clothes. It’s obvious I’m doing the “walk of shame”—not that there is anything shameful about what Matt and I did.
“Y-you’re Matt James,” Melody stutters. Sighs sound throughout the room and I suddenly feel protective of the guy at my side.
“Is everyone down here?” I snap, acting like a child.
“Terry and a few girls are still upstairs getting ready.”
I walk up to the intercom and announce that I’d like to have a meeting in fifteen minutes.
Matt and I take a seat and wait for the girls.
“Are you okay?” he asks with concern.
“I will be. I just want this to be over.”
“I’m here,” he assures me with a smile.
Fifteen minutes later, the room is full of confused faces. Whether it’s due to the hot campus superstar seated next to me, or the fact I called a house meeting, I can only guess.
I proceed without taking any breaths. “I’m not a virgin.” I just blurt it out.
“Hold up? What?” Melody says, seemingly more confused than before.
“I lost my virginity...” My words hang in the air, making the silence that stretches out between us awkward.
“Yes, I got that part.”
Before I can say another word, Matt’s talking.
“Sorry, ladies. I pushed her into it.”
“You...pushed her into it?” Terry says, not buying that at all.
“No, he didn’t,” I interject. “I gladly gave it to him.”
“You lost your virginity to the lead singer of Punch-Drunk Kids?” someone asks, but it’s so loud in the room now, I can’t tell who is speaking.
“That’s me.” Matt points to himself, looking smug.
“Calm down,” I say, annoyed. Everyone seems more interested in the who rather than the what. “I care about him. We’re together.” As the words fall out of my mouth, I realize just how much truth is in that sentence.
“Oh, my God,” one of my sisters squeals. I look at the crowd and can’t figure out who. They’re all staring at me, dumbfounded. I wait, cringing for the scolds but it never comes. Instead they are all smiles.
“Tell us everything?” Leah asks, as though Matt isn’t standing right here in front of us.
My checks heat. “Umm...no.”
“Did it hurt?” someone screams from the back of the room, and now I’m sure I’m beet red, because my face is on fire.
“I’m an expert. There was only pleasure,” Matt says, winking. I smack his chest, scowling at his overshare.
“What. This whole thing is awkward. Might as well boast a bit.” I roll my eyes at my boyfriend. Boyfriend!
“I’m here with Caroline to let you all know that I intend to hold a concert to raise her portion of the money you are all raising. She won’t be continuing with the auction. No way in hell. She’s my girl now.”
More sighs and some clapping in the back have me blowing out a breath. Nobody seems angry and the relief is palpable.
“You aren’t mad?” I ask, to be clear.
“How could we be mad? You like him, and he likes you.”
“But what about the auction? Aren’t you pissed?”
“Not at all. Girl, you never wanted to do it anyway,” Emma responds.
“As long as you’re happy, we’re happy,” Melody chimes in.
“I love you guys.”
“Sisters,” Emma yells.
“Always,” we all shout back.
* * *
After the meeting with the girls, Matt and I have to get to Economics. Walking through campus, his hand in mine, has me on cloud nine. The looks we get are priceless. The girls on campus look devastated. Matt walks tall, glancing in my direction every couple of minutes. I can’t help but be intimidated by the sheer amount of attention he gets. I’ve never witnessed the love they have for him around here. I was never part of the scene before.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?”
“They love you,” I say with a bit of annoyance at all the attention he’s gotten from the girls.
“That bother you?”
There’s a smile in his voice and I want to wipe it out. He enjoys that it bothers me.
“Nope,” I lie.
He looks at me for a minute, his eyes not blinking. His face is unreadable. Then he grabs my hand and pulls me behind him, through a building, down a hallway, until he’s flinging a door open and we’re in a locker room.
He slams me against the wall, his body pressing against me, his rock-hard cock evident through his clothes.
“Does this feel like I want anyone else?”
I whimper as he latches on to my neck and starts to suck. “Does it feel like I care about anyone but you?”
His mouth is on mine. Fierce and promising. With each swipe of his tongue, he tells me how much he wants me, how much he needs me. How beautiful I am to him. How I’m enough for him.
Our mouths collide frantically. Next thing I know, he pulls away, turning me around to face the wall. He places his body behind me. His hand pulls my pants down to my knees; he pushes gently on my back, so I bend at the hip.
I hear him rip open a condom. I feel him press against my opening. Then he pushes in. All the way to the hilt. My breath is lost in a heated passion that only he can bring me.
He thrusts in and out, making me quiver and cry. Fucking me hard, making me his.
“You’re all I want,” he grits in my ear. “Do you understand?”
I answer his question with a tortured moan. I’m so close to falling over the edge. His hand reaches around to rub frantically on my clit.
The pressure of his ministrations is enough to send me into the most amazing orgasm of my life.
He rocks inside me and then I feel his cock jerk as he finds his release. Slowly he pulls out and turns me toward him.
“You’re everything I’ve ever wanted.” He seals his mouth to mine one last time, but this time...
I believe him.
Chapter Ten
Mathewson
We’re standing onstage, looking out at a massive crowd. Somewhere out there, Shelby Wright sits with Adam Montgomery, the most prominent name in music. He has the opportunity to change everything for us tonight. All we have to do is shine.
I glance over at Ian, and he nods. Kip’s fist pumps the air, and Rocky sports a wide grin.
None of them look nervous, which is reassuring. We’ve done this a million and one times. I just need to block out the ramifications of what happens if this goes downhill. You’ve got this, James.
The music begins and I let it enter me, swaying to the music and getting ready for my part.
I never knew you were all that I want Never knew you’d be all that I need H
ere you are standing in front of me Bringing me to my knees I won’t let you go.
I repeat the words, and all I can see on every face in front of me is Caroline. I’m here chasing my dream, yet she’s the only thing on my mind. As much as this band and tonight mean to me, Caroline is beginning to mean something else. Something more.
I’m in love with her.
The thought has my heart swelling and voice sounding rough and sultry. The crowd goes wild as I sing the refrain once more. The song ends, and if possible, the crowd gets even louder. A lazy smirk spreads across my face. Looking around at my bandmates, it’s clear we did it. We rocked it. We end our set and run off the stage, fist-bumping and high-fiving along the way.
Shelby walks up. “You did it, man. Congratulations.” I nod, feeling proud.
Adam Montgomery holds his hand out. I take his in mine and shake it.
“I will be in touch on Monday. It’s a done deal. I want you on my label.”
“Thank you, Mr. Montgomery. I’m excited.”
He grins. “You should be. This is a life-changing moment right here.”
“Congratulations,” Caroline says, walking into the room. My heart thumps loudly in my chest as I take her in. She looks like an angel. My angel.
She walks toward me, and I meet her the rest of the way, crashing my mouth to hers. Hoots and hollers ring out at our embrace but I don’t pull away. Instead I trace her lips with my tongue before speaking.
“You came,” I say, our mouths still touching.
“Of course, I did. I wouldn’t miss it. You were amazing.”
I pull back and look down at her as she beams up at me. She’s fucking gorgeous and I need her right now.
“I want to be alone with you.”
No matter how exciting tonight was, she’s all I care about right now. I don’t want to celebrate or hang with the guys. I need her. Alone. In my bed.
Grabbing her by the hand, I head toward the exit.
“James, where the hell are you going? We have a party to throw,” Rocky calls out.
“I’ll see you jackasses on Monday,” I answer, jogging backward. Tonight, I’ve got to get my girl alone.
Epilogue
Star Crossed Page 5