Pushing Limits (Fighting Love: Book 1)

by cross, kali

  His arms are hard and defined, even for a rancher. His delts stretch the sleeves of his green t-shirt as his biceps and triceps bulge with every swing of his arms. His loose jeans hint at a fabulous ass, but hide what I suspect is some mighty fine muscle definition there, too.

  As we approach the bike, I lift the helmet, but my efforts are stopped by a pull into a hard chest and lips on my neck.

  “God, you smell like heaven, darlin’.” His lips graze my neck, dragging them up to my Achilles’ heel, my weak spot…my earlobe. His arms hold me to his chest as mine dangle helpless, unable to move. It feels too good. He licks it lightly, nibbling tenderly, and finishing with a sharp nip. I strangle a moan deep in my throat as I feel a surge all the way down to my aching clit.

  I drop my helmet. I hear it roll across the ground, colliding with his. Lacing my fingers into his curls at the nape of his neck, his silky hair plays hide and seek with my fingers. As his lips meet mine, our tongues do war, each fighting to coax the other into submission. My breath is ragged, as my heart pounds. He lifts me and sets me on the bike seat, his hand fisting my hair, taking possession of my mouth, my neck. His kiss is hard and demanding. Moving my hands over his body, our mouths enter into heated battle. My hands roam deliberately, fierce drags over his chest, arms, and stomach, pulling at his shirt, the offending barrier. Teasing him, I glide my finger over the top of his jeans.

  “We need to go.” He growls, reaching for my helmet, handing it to me. His eyes darken as his hand cups my face, tracing my lips with his thumb. He puts on his helmet, lowering me to the ground as he swings his leg over, and pulling me onto the bike. He turns the key, revving the engine. My lips lick the side of his neck……to taste him again…wanting him to see me do it. His skin is hot. He pulls into the street and I tighten my grip around his waist. Letting the throttle out, we speed down the streets along the edge of the campus to my dorm.

  “Do you want to come upstairs?” I ask, trying to sound subtle but failing. My leg swings over the bike. My heart is racing from the ride and the kiss.

  He looks at me, smiling, and shaking his head with a chuckle. His mouth twists into an evil grin as he swings his leg over in one fluid movement. Taking my hand, he strides up the stairs of the entrance through the lobby and into the elevator. My legs do double time to keep up. As the elevator doors close, his body surrounds me, bending down, and encircling me in his arms. His mouth trails up my neck, sucking lightly on my earlobe, nipping it between licks. My groan fills the elevator, followed by a soft ping. We are off again down to my room. Stopping at my door, I yank the key out and turn it. How did he know where I lived? The thought flashes and is gone, as the door swings open, bouncing against the wall with the force of his push.

  My back slams against the wall, his hands grabbing my ass, lifting me to rest against the wall. My legs circle his hips on instinct. His lips capture mine, forcing his way into my mouth, his tongue demanding my complete submission. My hands encircle his neck digging into his dark curls, my lips melding with his. He kneads my ass as he resumes his assault on my neck. My head rolls to the side, giving him sweet access. His lips suck my earlobe as he bites again, a touch harder. Hard enough to elicit a low, guttural moan. “Fuck!” My clit throbs as I enter that wonderful space where pleasure and pain collide.

  His hand kneads my breast. The excitement of his hands on me forces my back to arch out of pure need. My nipple bunches up, grazing his palm through my tank. Showing itself, fighting for more of his attention. The boy shorts under my skirt cling to my throbbing clit, soaking wet.

  Finding the hem of his t-shirt, I yank it up signaling - no demanding - it come off. His lips only leave my neck and ear long enough to allow the shirt over his head. His chest meets mine again, and it is better than I had imagined. I need my clothes off now.

  Exploring his neck with the tip of my tongue, I glide down, settling on his shoulder, biting it. He growls pulling me away to look at me, his eyes dilated, and his dick hard, pushing its way to my pussy. His breathing quick, he licks his lower lip, as a devilish grin appears. Panting, I search his face and with a husky whisper, I demand, “More.”

  His mouth takes mine as his hand moves inside my tank, pushing its way up my stomach to my nipple, pinching and rolling it. His hands feel rough against my skin, coaxing more from me. My mouth involuntarily gapes open, trying to suck air in chanting my mantra of the day, “Fuck!” His lips find my shoulder and he treats me to a double assault. Pinching and nipping along my collarbone with his teeth. My head bangs against the wall, as I grab his hair, eyes closed, feeling every nibble, every sensation down to my aching pussy. I gasp, “Fuck me.” My eyes open as my hands glide down, eager to unzip his jeans. A flash of blond hair catches my eye.

  Sally freezes in the doorway, mouth open, with Tracy behind her with the same stunned expression.

  “Shit!” I scramble, trying to get down, pulling my clothes back into place.

  Tommy turns his head, noticing Sally and Tracy for the first time, drops me softly to my feet, reaching for his shirt.

  “I’m sorry. We can give you guys the room,” Sally says with an amused grin. “I need to grab my wallet.”

  Tommy drops his eyes as a wicked grin plays on his lips. Pulling on his shirt, he snickers, looking at his watch, “I’m afraid I have to get back to the ranch.”

  “Are you sure?” I ask.

  “It’s almost calving season so I have to stick close by.” His hand encircles my neck pulling me to him, kissing me lightly and whispering in my ear, “I look forward to picking up where we left off.”

  “You gonna be all right for the ride home?” Sally giggles.

  “It’ll be hard.” He chuckles at his witty repartee.

  Sally smiles, saying, “I bet.”

  “I better go.” His eyes move up and down my body, and I wonder if he’s picturing me naked. His lecherous grin all but confirms it, bringing a soft smile to my lips.

  As he reaches for the door, I jog to join him, giving him a hard, long kiss. Cocking a brow, I say with a merciless glint, in a low rumble, “Isn’t it hard to leave?”

  Sliding his finger sweetly down my face, he taps my nose saying “Brat” and closes the door behind him.

  Leaning against the door, I notice Sally and Tracy staring at me. “Damn, Girl.” Sally groans. “Now, can you give us the room so I can stop this aching between my thighs?” She smiles. “Jesus, darlin’, that was hot.”

  I smile a shy smile still feeling his hands on me.

  Crossing her arms, she glares at me as she taps her foot. “No, I’m serious. You need to leave.”

  My hands pop up in surrender. “Ok, ok. I’m out.” I smile an evil grin and close the door behind me.

  Chapter 6

  I take the not-so-subtle hint and head to the student union for a bite. Breakfast has come and gone, and my stomach is grumbling. After climbing the stone steps of the union, I walk into a mini food court sporting all the latest junk food. I grab a taco at Taco Bell and sit down at one of the tables. The place isn’t crowded, but I have an opportunity to observe the local wildlife. A group of jocks sit in a table together, yelling and laughing. A group of Ms. Perfects watch on, hoping to be noticed by said jocks. They are all dressed in their khaki shorts and Ralph Lauren polo shirts in various summer shades, not a hair out of place. A few scattered students are reading textbooks even though the semester doesn’t officially start until Monday. Several students sit eating alone with their cell phones glued to their ears.

  It’s interesting. The guys seem to be engrossed in conversation, completely oblivious to the girls who giggle loudly and flip their hair, trying to glance subtly at the guys. Finally one lone girl takes the slow walk over to a dark superstud. He speaks politely to her, but as she walks away, he makes some joke to his buddies that they find hilarious.

  The girl walks back to her friends, and I recognize her. It’s Lily and her nose is definitely out of joint. She did not enjoy being the butt of the jok
e as she sits back down.

  Spying me, the Ice Princess stalks her prey. She noiselessly gathers her pack, prowling, careful not to attract too much attention. She and her posse walk toward my table. Her eyes scan the room in a vain attempt to appear unconcerned and unaware of my presence. As if she is seeing me for the first time, she stands in front of my table saying, “Hi Amber. Settling in ok?” The fake smile plastered across her face doesn’t reach her eyes.

  “Hi Lily. Yeah, I’m all moved in. Sorry about last night. I guess Sally, and I got a touch rowdy. We didn’t mean to wake the whole floor,” I say with a condescending tone, smiling my best fake smile. You don’t fool me for a minute, Chica.

  “Yeah, not too considerate. But, hey, that’s Sally.” She shrugs with a blasé look on her face. “Did I see you at McCain’s this morning with Tommy Bolt?” Her eyes peer down her elongated skinny nose at me, waiting for a confirmation of something she clearly already knows.

  “Yeah.” I shrug. “Nice guy.”

  “Huh, by the way you guys were going at it in the parking lot, I would say you think he’s a tad more than ‘nice.’ Tell me, Amber, do you always make a habit of fucking the help…or is this a one-time thing?” Her brow arches, her head tilting sideways in a questioning glare. “I can certainly understand wanting to have a fun while you’re here. He’s quite a hottie. But, the chauffeur, Amber? It is a little cliché, don’t you think?”

  “I don’t know, Lily…” I give her a snide grimace. “It’s not quite as cliché as fucking around with your roommate.” I smile, hoping she wonders if I am talking about her or myself. Sally never confirmed, but judging from the number of texts, I’m betting Sally bagged Lily. Either way, mission accomplished.

  “Right.” She snorts, tossing her hair. She bends down, her voice dripping with sugary sweetness. “Don’t forget, we have a student clinic in Hopkins Hall should you need to get tested. I would hate to hear that you had picked up something.” Her entourage chuckle and snicker as they walk away in search of her next victim.

  I stare after them, shaking my head. She’s going to have to come at me a lot harder than that. Twelve years in boarding school builds up tough skin, one immune to snide comments and innuendos. Bring it, Bitch.

  I stand, taking my trash to the can and notice one of the jocks staring at me as I walk out. Glaring back at him, I roll my eyes as I push the door open.

  ***

  The sun is setting over campus, and it’s serene. I’m not ready to admit that I like it here though. As sure as shitin’, if I do that mom will find some way to pull the rug out from under me. As I ride the elevator up to the top floor, my hand touches my lips remembering this morning. I walk the hallway thankful I don’t see Lily. As I make it to the door, I knock - just to be safe. Come to think of it, why didn’t Sally knock?

  Sally opens the door in her bathrobe, pulling me in. “Where have you been? We have to get ready. Party in the house to-night!” She raises her hands in the air, singing the LMFAO tune, bouncing her palms up to the ceiling and wiggling her hips. “I invited some of the guys from downstairs to play beer pong. Karen from down the hall is coming, and Kat and Darren. They’re great, a total blast.”

  “Great. Sounds like fun.” I smile. “I could use some fun.” I don’t know if it’s the music, or Sally’s party mood, but suddenly I feel like throwing down, too.

  Her face apologetic, she says, “I hope you don’t mind, Lily is coming, too. I had to invite her so she doesn’t call the resident advisor on us.”

  And, my bubble pops. Great. Just great.

  She looks up, appearing to go through a mental checklist, she continues, “Now, I have Karen headed to the liquor store.” She eyes my bags. “Oh good, you got snacks. Ok, that’s taken care of.” Pushing me to the bathroom, she says, “Get ready, goof. Everyone will be here in an hour.” Wagging her finger at me, she warns, “And no jeans, either. We dress up for one of my parties.” Snapping her fingers, she says, “Oh, and I need you to go get some champagne after you get out of the shower.” Her face shines as her eyes dance. “This is going to be such a blast. Par-tee!” She claps her hands and shakes her ass as I head for the shower.

  “Check the bag. I bought you a shot glass for your collection.” I call as I disappear into the bathroom. I take a hot shower, anxious for some ‘me’ time to relieve all the tension from the day…but I’m short on time. As I soap down my body, it’s hard not to think of him. As horny as I thought I was, now it feels like turbo-level sexual tension. I wonder if I should call him up for my own booty call. Smiling, I wash my hair, rinsing it, watching soap and hot water run down my chest. I guess my rack’s not bad after all. He seems enamored with them. I giggle to myself.

  “What are you laughing about?”

  As my eyes pop open. I step back against the wall instinctively, covering my tits and pussy. Like that’s going to help anything, the door is etched glass. Duh! “Sally, what the fuck?”

  “What? I need to finish getting ready.”

  Grabbing a towel from the hook outside the shower, I wrap it around my petite frame. “Seriously?”

  “I told you before. You don’t have anything I haven’t seen before. We’re roommates, get over it.”

  I stomp out of the bathroom with a sneer, gathering the clothes I plan to wear. You have got to be kidding.

  I don’t care about making any kind of an impression. But, I do want to look good. Fuck, it’s Saturday night. Well, maybe I care a little, I guess I’m nervous. I spike my hair up with gel and it looks pretty damn good. I choose some black boy shorts and nix the bra. I do my usual smoky eyes but I go for deep red lips to match my Sex Pistols shirt. I make a few cuts in the fabric to give it some shape and make it sexier. Very 80s. Strategic rips and cuts are a lost art. My red mini skirt and my combat boots and I’m ready.

  “Hey, you look smokin’,” Sally says giving me a wolf whistle. “Love your outfit. Totally fresh. Can you run and get the champagne before everyone gets here? The wine store is across the street. You’ve got a fake ID right? Of course you do.” She laughs rolling her eyes. “Go out the lobby, cross the street and its two doors down – Piney’s. Grab three bottles, ok?”

  “Got it.” Grabbing my phone and my wallet, I head out in search of the wine store. I stop outside the door to text Tommy:

  How was the ride home?

  The wine store is exactly where she said it would be. Only a few people line the aisles of the store which is surprising for a liquor store on a Saturday night so close to campus. I grab three bottles of Cristal and head to the counter. There are two sorority chicks in front of me, waiting to be checked out.

  “I heard she’s into girls and had to leave her last school because she was sleeping with her professor when her husband walked in on them,” the blond says.

  “Eww, I heard her parents went postal on her ass when they found her in bed with her dad’s lawyer....got her a rehab stint for sex addiction and coke.” The brunette whispers.

  “That’ll be one hundred twenty-five dollars and thirty-four cents,” the clerk says to the two girls.

  The brunette collects her change, shoving it in her wallet saying, “Lily told me Sally will bang anything with two legs.” They both laugh. Fucking Lily. I thought she was Sally’s friend.

  I smile, shaking my head and clear my throat. “If you had any brains in those pretty little heads, you would have the good sense not to listen to gossip, especially when it comes from a bitter ex.”

  Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. The wheels turn a touch slower for the two brain trusts in front of me, but the cogs finally fall into place.

  The blond asks with a skeptical look, “Lily McAllister? She slept with Sally Westin?”

  “Sure did.”

  The brunette asks with weary gaze, “How do you know?”

  “Trust me. Lily McAllister is as butch as they come,” I say with a wink. “I should know.”

  The girls walk out whispering and looking back at me. Fucking St
epford drones.

  My phone beeps and Tommy’s name appears:

  It was long and hard. ;)

  Chuckling, I text him:

  Is it too early to request a booty call?

  The clerk rings up my purchases, and I pay him using the last of my cash. As I walk out the glass doors, my phone beeps again.

  Wish I could. Got church tomorrow.

  Don’t you have a roommate?

  I seem to remember one watching as I mauled you this afternoon.

  I text:

  Yeah, but what if I can get rid of her for the night.

  Would that motivate you to make that long, hard ride out here again?

  My phone beeps:

  I don’t know. I’m not sure I could be a gentleman once I get there.

  I text:

  I’m counting on that. ;)

  I walk the rest of the way to the dorm smiling ear-to-ear.

  When I walk in, the room has a lot more than the five people she mentioned….more like fifteen. Someone has set up an iPod player and the tiny speakers are thumping out Will.i.am. I hear a bunch of people whooping and hollering in the kitchenette and over all the random noises…I hear her laugh. She has a great laugh. It was one of those laughs that are purely contagious and draws you right in. It sounds like bells or chimes, or something.

  I hear her yell, “Amber!” Sally squeezes through our room to give me a hug. Man, she is well on her way to wasted! I was only gone for a half hour. How is that even possible? She leans into my ear, giving it a quick lick, and with a slight slur to her voice whispers, “Wow…you look good enough to eat.”

  My heart jumps as I blush, my face burning. She whispers in my ear, “Here….have some of my drink,” handing me her red cup. I take her drink and swallow a sip of smooth double malt. She smiles and gives me a wink saying, “Kat brought some ecstasy. Want one?” Covering her mouth with her hand as I sip from her cup, she says, “Oops, too late. I think I put one in my drink.” Shrugging, I take another sip of her drink, and she cracks up.