North Woods University

by Beck, J. L.

  “Very serious,” I tell her, taking in her wide smile and the bright sparkle in her eyes. “I was waiting to hear back from them before I mentioned anything about it. I didn’t want to get your hopes up if it didn’t work out.”

  “Oh, my god. Oh, my god.” Her chest rises and falls rapidly, and I can hear her breathing from across the seat. “I can’t believe this. How did you do it?”

  “All I did was send them a few pictures of your paintings. They loved all your stuff and can’t wait to have you. Your exhibit is in two weeks.”

  That does it. The cheeseburgers on her lap fall to the floor as she basically crawls across the center console and into my lap.

  “Two weeks?”

  I nod, joy consuming me. This makes all of it worth it. I would rather have not had her leave and been able to explain everything to her, but, at the very least, I was able to fix this. I was able to make it so we can be together without being a secret.

  Lily runs her fingers through my hair, and pulls my head into her chest, squeezing me tightly. Fuck, I could die a happy man right now.

  “Holy shit. I have a ton of work to do. A ton of things to paint, and…” She releases me only to bring her lips to mine. She kisses me like I’m the air she needs to breathe. Of course, my cock starts to come to life with her tight little body rubbing against me, and her pink lips on mine. I would kiss her all day and night if I had the time.

  “Thank you, thank you so much. You’re the only one that believed in my art. That believed in me.” Tears glisten in her blue orbs, and I’m so tired of seeing her cry. I only want to see her smile. I only want to see her face filled with ecstasy as I bring her to climax on my cock, fingers, and tongue.

  “I love you, Lily. I love you so fucking much, and I’m so happy that you’re happy, but if you keep wiggling that ass of yours against my cock, I’m not going to be liable for what I do.”

  Lily’s movements come to a halt, and she pulls back, a sly little grin on her lips. I look her up and down, her adorable button nose, delicate throat, and cheeks that are tinted a light pink. You’re corrupting her, Sebastian. She was a virgin when she met you.

  “What do you want to do, Mr. Miller?” The way her tongue flicks over her bottom lip as she says my name has me envisioning a whole lot of things. I’ve missed this, her, all of it. She’s never leaving again, never. I don’t care if I have to tie her to the bed.

  “Do you want the PG-13 version or the R-rated?” I cock a brow and let one of my hands trail over her shirt covered chest. I can feel her hardened nipples through the thin fabric of her bra. They’re begging to be released, to be sucked on. Jesus, she wants me to fuck her just as badly as I want to. “We need to get home, like right now… right now. Sit back down in your seat and buckle up,” I order. My cock presses against the zipper of my jeans in protest.

  Not yet, asshole.

  With a displeased whimper, she follows my directions and crawls back into the passenger seat, pulling the seat belt over her body and clicking it into place.

  “You didn’t want to fuck me in the McDonald’s parking lot?” Lily asks as I start the car. She’s looking at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes, so I know she’s only egging me on.

  “No, I wanted to do so much more than fuck you in the parking lot. I wanted to do things to you that would scare all the families away.” Lily shifts in her seat, her thighs rubbing together, telling me that she is turned on by my words. “You want me to show you what I had in mind?”

  “Yes,” Lily says breathlessly, and for the second time today, I break every speed limit on this damn road until I pull up into my driveway with tires squealing. The need to feel her naked body underneath my own is so overwhelming, all the worry and heartache from this weekend seem a million years away.

  I lead her into the house, the house that’s only ever felt like a home since she’s been living here with me. Bringing her to the bedroom, I slowly strip off her clothes, before stripping out of my own.

  With her naked body sprawled out on my bed, her golden blonde hair framing her head with a crown of gold, she looks like a goddess. My goddess.

  “Do you have any idea how beautiful and sexy you look right now?”

  She nibbles at her bottom lip and shakes her head softly. “But I do know how handsome and sexy you look right now.” The giggle she emits goes straight to my groin.

  “Is that so?” I tease as I crawl up and over her wriggling body.

  “Yes, that is very much so, Mr. Miller…” And that’s all she can get out before my lips clash against hers and I try to tell her with my body what words couldn’t…that I’m sorry, so fucking sorry. I should have never kept anything from her. I love her more than life itself.

  Until now, sex with Lily has been passionate, raw, and sexy. This is all of the above, but still, it’s different, because it’s more. This is lovemaking… two people coming together, forming one soul. I can feel her becoming part of me with every second that passes, and while it terrifies me, it excites me at the same.

  Taking her slowly, I thrust into her deeply, so deeply that I can’t tell where she starts, and I begin. All I can do is claim her, worship her as she should be.

  “You’re so deep,” Lily whimpers as I kiss against her jawline.

  “Am I hurting you?” I stop mid-thrust, praying like hell that I’m not. It would pain me to stop right now, but I would.

  Her eyes shine brightly in the dim lighting of the room, “No, it feels good, it’s just different.” I get the feeling she can’t put into words how what we’re doing feels because neither can I. All I can do is continue to thrust, grinding my body into her center, swallowing every whimper and cry.

  We go like this for what seems like forever, me rocking into her, feeling the beat of her heart against mine. Sweat dribbles down my back, and forms against my forehead, my muscles straining with the slow strokes. My body begs me to fuck her, hard, deep, fast, but my mind, my heart, it knows better. It knows that the reward, though, it may take more time, will be far greater if I do it this way.

  Lily’s nails sink into my arm, and I hiss through my teeth, keeping my rhythm the same.

  “More, please, more,” Lily pants, as she tries to lift her hips to gain more friction, but I ignore her pants, and instead, kiss her, continuing my leisurely strokes.

  Slowly, I up my pace, but only a little and just enough to set her off into a spiral of pleasure.

  “I’m… I’m…” She’s so caught up in the pleasure, her mouth forming the perfect O that she doesn’t even finish her sentence.

  Instead, her channel tightens around my length, squeezing the fuck out of me, making it damn near impossible for me to move in and out of her. Gritting my teeth, I hang on to the last shreds of patience I have, and fuck her, letting the pleasure build at the base of my cock. When I finally fall apart, coming like I’ve never come before, Lily is right behind me, my name nothing more than a hoarse scream on her lips.

  Collapsing against her, I barely catch myself before I crush her with my body. We’re both sweaty, our chests heaving as we try and catch our breaths.

  “That was…”

  “Amazing?” I turn and grin at her.

  “Yes, but it was different, it was…” Lily looks unsure of how to explain herself, and I get what she’s saying, I don’t understand it either. There are no words to describe what just happened between us. All I know is that she touched something deep inside of me, something that no one has ever touched before, and because of her, I’ll never be the same. There is no life after Lily. There is only her. Only us.

  84

  Lily

  I can’t believe it. I just can’t wrap my mind around this. It’s amazing. I’m standing in the center of the gallery looking at the many paintings displayed all around the walls… but these aren’t just any paintings, they’re mine. My paintings are on the walls, being sold, and displayed to everyone.

  “Everything looks great,” Sebastian whispers into my ear
, his arms wrapping possessively around my waist.

  “Stop,” I order attempting to push him away even though I really want to do the same to him, “People are going to be here soon. Other students, and you know, your staff.”

  The gallery is still empty, but hopefully, it will be bustling with people when the doors open. Even if it isn’t, I’ll mark this day down as a success.

  “Okay,” he pulls away with a frown. “I’ll save it all for later.” Even though we’ve been having sex every night, I feel like we haven’t touched in months. It’s how I always feel about him now. It’s like I can’t get enough like I’m always starving for more.

  The sound of high heels clicking against the gallery’s pristine hardwood floor meets my ears, and when I look away from the wall, I see Margret, the gallery’s manager walking out of the back room. Actually, not walking, more like runway strutting.

  “Lily, darling! Everything looks wonderful,” she exclaims, waving her hands dramatically through the air. That is how I would describe her entire personality and personal style, dramatic. From her hair to her shoes, she reminds me of a peacock, always having her beautiful feather train on full display.

  “Thank you, Margret, it means so much to be here and have my paintings displayed in your gallery,” I tell her wholeheartedly. She has no idea how much this… her support really means to me. Some commotion in the back room draws our attention, and for the slightest moment, I worry that something might be wrong.

  “That must be the catering service,” she chimes and walks back, swinging her hips like she is walking down the catwalk. “Corbin, please watch the paintings,” she calls walking a little faster. I turn and meet Sebastian’s eyes, both of our lips turning up into massive grins.

  “Is it bad that I want to take you back into one of the studio rooms and have my way with you?” His words cause a rush of heat to pulse through me.

  “Sebastian,” I warn knowing if he touches me, I’ll end up giving in to him. I’m drunk on him. High off his love, and his touch all but short circuits my brain. I haven’t dropped out of classes yet, but if I have my way, I will soon. I’m tired of school, I want to concentrate on my art, and I’m tired of sneaking around.

  “Yes, I know. I’ll behave myself, but it doesn’t mean I’m not going to be thinking about stripping you down when I get home.”

  Shaking my head, I ignore the heat that flames my cheeks and walk over to a different set of paintings to put some space between us. I can practically see Sebastian grinning out of the corner of my eye. That bastard. He knows what he does to me.

  It doesn’t take long before people start to file in, Jules, Remington, and Lex are the first people to walk through the door, they all showed up to show their support, and the gesture isn’t lost on me. Especially knowing that my grandparents are not going to come. Trying to force the thought away, I turn my attention back to Jules.

  “Congratulations, Lily,” Jules beams with excitement as she wraps her arms around me, “All these paintings are gorgeous.”

  “Thank you.” I’m not sure if I’ll ever get used to all this praise.

  “It’ll be nice to have an artist in the family,” Remington says next, also giving me a hug. I don’t respond because what the hell do I say to that? I’m not really part of their family, but they have been treating me as such since I came back to North Woods. Still, Sebastian and I aren’t going to get married anytime soon. That is unless Rem knows something I don’t.

  Jules elbows him in the side and rolls her eyes, “Don’t worry, he’s just making plans inside his head for his brother.”

  “Take a look around and let me know if you see anything you like. I may know the artist and could possibly get you a discount,” I wink as I’m walking away. Jules gives me a tiny wave, and I meander around the room, conversing with the other guests. I do my best not to get jealous when a group of female professors walk in and greet Sebastian.

  All I want to do is scream he’s mine when I recognize one of the women, it’s the woman I’ve seen him with twice now. The last time I saw her was the night in his office, and even though that night ended well, the sting of jealousy remains.

  She innocently places her hand on his arm, and it takes everything in me not to walk over there and remove it. I can’t wait till the day that everyone can know that he’s mine and I’m his. As if he realizes she’s touching him, he takes a step back, putting some space between them. I can feel eyes on me, and when I look up, I find Sebastian staring at me. The heat in his gaze is enough to burn me to the ground.

  My core tightens. Stop staring at me. I will my gaze to say, but instead, I’m sure I look like a doe waiting for the hunter.

  The night carries on, and more and more people fill the gallery, looking at my paintings in awe. Soon all the paintings that adorned the walls of the gallery are sold, and I’m left standing in the middle of the room, my entire face filled with wonderment.

  “Lily, love, it seems as though you are a hit.” Margret smiles, showing off her perfectly straight white teeth, a flute of champagne in her hand.

  “Thank you, Margret. I’m a little shocked. I can’t believe it if I’m being honest.” And I can’t. I went from being told there was no money in art, that I would never make it, to selling every single painting in one night.

  Margret rolls her eyes, “Please, I knew the moment that I met you, you were destined for great things. When Mr. Miller showed me one of your paintings, I was… I cannot even describe it. You literally gave me goosebumps.”

  I’m not sure what to say. In fact, I’m a little speechless.

  Thankfully, my brain connects the dots, so I’m not standing there like a mute unable to speak, “Thank you. Thank you so much. I’ve always been told that I would never be able to support myself with my art, and while I’m not doing this to make money, I truly love painting, to be able to do this for life, for a job, it would be nothing but a dream come true.”

  She smiles against the flute of champagne, “Is that so?”

  I nod, “Yes, it’s my dream. My biggest goal.”

  “Hmmm,” she purses her red lips, “what if I told you that I had a spot for you. A full-time apprenticeship?”

  Shock fills my features, and the swooshing of blood fills my ears. She didn’t just say what I think she did, did she?

  “What?” I ask, even though I’m pretty sure I heard her correctly.

  “Full-time paid apprenticeship. It’s yours if you want it.”

  “Really?” I lift a hand to my chest. My heart feels like it’s going to burst right out of my chest. Margret nods her head and smiles.

  “Is it really so hard to believe? You sold every single painting tonight and brought in many new customers. I would be stupid not to bring you on.”

  “I….” I’m floundering, my lips aren’t moving, and I probably look like a fish plucked out of the water, gasping for air.

  Placing a hand on my shoulder, she leans in with a smile, “A thank you is sufficient enough, darling. I’m more than excited to be working together. I already know there are great things to come from our joining.”

  “Thank you,” I whisper graciously.

  “You’re welcome, now go celebrate and do whatever it is that you college kids do.” She moves her hand from my shoulder and waves it in the air, in a get out motion.

  “I was going to stay and help you clean up.”

  “No need, child. We have a cleaning company that will do that for us. Go enjoy the rest of your night. I’ll call you tomorrow, and we’ll talk about all the details for your apprenticeship,” she says, before giving me kisses on each cheek.

  She turns around and heads to the back room. Only then, do I realize Sebastian has been standing a few feet away. I look over my shoulder, and our eyes meet. “Did you hear?”

  He nods, a massive grin on his lips. I spin around all the way and fall into his arms. We are the last two people left in the gallery, so we don’t have to hide our affection any longer.


  “Let’s go home and celebrate,” Seb suggests, tugging me toward the door. “I always wanted to bang a famous artist.”

  We leave the gallery laughing, hand in hand, we walk to Seb’s car, and I can’t remember the last time I was this happy. Maybe not ever. Once in the car, I turn to Seb.

  “So… I’ve been thinking,” I start while Seb pulls into the road. “I want to drop out of school, and before you say anything, I will tell you that I have been thinking about this for a while. This is not a spur of the moment thing. Honestly, I never wanted to go to college anyway. I only went because of my grandparents. This is what I’ve been wanting to do, and getting this position just sealed the deal for me.” The words pour out in a faster than normal tempo, and when I’m done, I find I’m sitting there waiting for him to respond.

  All my life, I have been a disappointment to people around me, never meeting anyone’s expectations. I don’t want Seb to be disappointed in me too. If he was, it would crush me.

  “Lily, if that’s what you want to do, then I will support your decision one hundred percent. I’m so proud of you,” he tells me, and I can’t stop the tear from trailing down my cheek.

  “Really?” I gasp, and it feels like I can finally breathe like I’ve escaped the suffocating pressure on my chest.

  “Really… although, as your dean, I should probably advise you against dropping out,” he chuckles. “You know education is important, blah blah blah…”

  “Dean Miller, is that what you tell all your students?”

  “No, just the ones I’m in love with.”

  “I love you too.” So, so much.

  85

  Sebastian

  “So, things are good now? You’re officially together?” Rem asks before taking a drink of his beer. It’s guys night, him, Lex and I are chilling at his house eating pizza and drinking beer like a group of frat boys.