I’ve always loved Tanner’s hands, but never more than when they’re holding me in place. One at my neck, the other at my waist, his touch is gentle enough not to hurt but strong enough to distinguish this from the millions of other touches we’ve shared before now.
I grind into his hard erection. His hips roll underneath me, and my head falls back. He leaves hot, warm open-mouth kisses along my collarbone and neck.
He mumbles something but the words are lost to the sensation. More. One word that sums up my current existence. I want more—need it, now and from him.
“Babe?”
“Hmm?”
“I said, I want to take you out. Do this right.”
“Dating is for getting to know one another. We already know each other every way but one. Let’s get naked.” I climb up higher so that I’m basically fucking him through his jeans and push my breasts into his face.
His big hands come to my waist and hold me still. His dick twitches between us and I can see the knit of frustration on his face as he holds back. “I want a do-over. All the things I should have done the first time. Real dates where you dress up for me and I tell you how beautiful you are. I want to woo the fuck out of you.” He lifts me off his crotch and sets me on a less bulge-y and far less fun part of his lap.
“Woo me while you fuck me.”
He smiles that cocky smirk that tells me he’s made up his mind no matter how much his body tells me otherwise. “That too, but first, I owe you five dates.”
13
Tanner
I totally forgot about Datson coming up today when I decided to cockblock myself and take sex off the table until after I’ve taken Sydney on five dates. I woke up to my buddy pounding on the front door at noon ready to get out on the lake which puts a wrench in my plan for date number one.
Sleep was fitful and the blue balls I went to bed with were super distracting, so I planned out all five dates. They’re epic. One plus of dating Sydney now instead of two years ago is how much more I know about her.
My dick aches to finally get inside of my best friend, but I meant what I told her… I want to do it right. Not many people get a do-over so I’m going to guess a triple-over is even rarer. I’m not going to need a third try though. I’m getting it right this time.
I can hear the shower going in Sydney’s bathroom as Datson and I pack the cooler.
“Jonah’s having a party tonight and Ollie’s down this year too.” I toss in a half-empty bottle of Malibu and a couple of cans of Coke.
“I’m so stoked to be here. Two weeks at home sweating my ass off working on the farm with my dad and brothers and I’m ready for school to start.”
“Did you tell them you’re not planning to work there after graduation?”
“Nah, not yet. I don’t want to listen to them lecture me for the rest of the summer about letting down the family.” He rolls his eyes.
The Datson family owns a farm not far from here and despite his brothers all wanting to stay and help run it, my buddy still feels pressure to go back after graduation. I think if he knew what he wanted to do instead, his family would be more understanding. All he does seem to know is it isn’t farming.
I’m hardly one to talk since I’m struggling to make a decision about my own future, but I give him the advice everyone’s been giving me.
“Do whatever feels right for you. It’s your life.” People who say that have never had any pressure from their family or coaches.
With a sigh, I give him my best advice—no bullshit. “Just be honest and tell them you want a chance to pursue other things. It isn’t like the farm is going anywhere if you change your mind.”
He mumbles his acknowledgment but in a way that I very much doubt he’s going to act on my words.
The cooler is packed and I let the lid fall closed.
“All right, let’s do it.” He claps his hands.
I glance toward Sydney’s room. The shower’s not running anymore, but my girl hasn’t come out.
“Let me just go check to see if Sydney’s coming.”
“Yeah, sure. I think I’ll start down.” He picks up the cooler and heads out the back door.
The door to the spare bedroom is ajar, but I knock and call out, “Babe?”
“Back here.” Her voice carries from the small attached bathroom.
She’s leaned over, her hair falling over her face as she finger-combs it and then flips the long, blonde mane back and stands straight. The way girls get ready is strange.
“Datson’s chomping at the bit to get out on the lake. Are you ready?”
“Go ahead. I’m going into town. Coach found a physical therapist here for me to check in with, and I want to see if I can get a yoga mat and some bands for here.”
I hadn’t noticed before, but she’s not dressed for a day on the lake. I slide a hand over her waist. The thin, cotton material of the bright yellow dress isn’t as soft as her skin, but it’s probably good I have a barrier right now.
Being able to touch her like this still trips me out a little. “Is it crazy that I’m thinking a day shopping sounds better than the lake right now?”
Her sweet laughter echoes in the small space, and she steps closer and wraps her arms around my neck. “You’d be bored out of your mind in the first five minutes. I know how you are with shopping.”
Bored while with her? Doubtful.
“You’ll come with us to Jonah’s tonight, right?”
“Yeah. I’ll be back later this afternoon.”
“Keys to the Firebird are on the kitchen counter,” I say like I’m leaving but don’t move.
“Thanks. Have fun with Datson.”
Still, neither of us moves. I bury my nose in the crook of her neck and breathe her in.
“I planned out our first date.”
“Yeah?” I can hear the smile in her voice. “What are we doing?”
“You, your favorite dress, and me trying to keep my jaw off the table.” I work my way up her neck and jaw, kissing every inch.
More of that sweet laughter slips into my mouth when her lips press against mine. “I can’t wait. Gives me a good excuse to find a new favorite dress, too.”
All I want to do is stay with her, take her out now, but I’ve waited this long. Another day or two won’t kill me. I don’t think anyway. I should Google the health risks of extended blue balls, just in case.
I kiss her harder to make sure she knows that just because I didn’t pull her into my bed immediately last night like I very much wanted to, I want her in a way that goes so far beyond what we’ve shared before. This is new territory and I need her to feel the difference so there’s no mistaking my intention. Things can never go back to how they were. That scares the shit out of me, but it feels too good and right to worry much.
“I better go.”
“Have fun,” she singsongs.
Datson and I spend the first hour out on the lake just driving around. I can see my buddy relaxing more with every passing minute. He turns the black cap covering his hair backward and takes off his T-shirt.
“Now you look like a real farmer.” I point to his tan lines and then grab the sunscreen from a cabinet and hold it up.
“Nah, I’m hoping to even it out a little today.” He digs around in the cooler and gets us each an ice-cold beer. I put mine in a koozie and kick back in the captain’s seat. We’ve reached a quiet section of the lake, the same spot I brought Sydney on her first day. It’s my favorite part of the nearly two-thousand-acre lake. Don’t get me wrong, party cove is awesome, but this little secluded area is perfect for chilling, getting in the water, and just relaxing.
Datson and I do just that after he’s finished his first beer. The water feels like it’s warmed up a little over the week or maybe I’m just used to it.
He lets out a giant sigh and tilts his head up to the sky. “Now this is the life.”
“It’s not bad,” I agree. “Is the farm really that awful?”
“It isn’t
the farm. I love the farm. It’s my family that makes it painful. I wasn’t home for two hours before my dad was cornering me to find out my graduation plans.”
“What happens if you don’t choose the farm?”
“They’ll hire someone else.”
“That’s it?” I can’t hide the surprise in my tone. I always assumed the ramifications must be pretty serious for as much grumbling as Datson does about it.
He stares at me blankly, like I just don’t get it. “Well, what about you? Have you decided what you’re going to do this fall? Baseball? Basketball? Both?”
A knot of annoyance tightens in my chest. “No and I’m not going to think about it until I have to.”
“What about that scout from the Dodgers? Have you heard any more from him?”
“No, and I don’t think I will. He was pretty hung up on getting me to answer which sport I was going to explore after college.”
Like everyone else.
“That sucks. I’m sorry,” my buddy says.
“It’s fine. I’m not going to worry about it.”
There’s absolutely no reason to ruin my last awesome summer by worrying about real-world shit. It’ll still be there, and the decision will still suck.
The corner of Datson’s lips twitch and pull into a smile. He lifts his beer. “Welcome to avoidance, brother.”
Jonah’s boat comes into view while we’re still swimming in the water enjoying our beer and talking about everything except our futures. My mind goes there anyway, even as Jonah and Ollie jump into the water and I listen to my friends shoot the shit.
Playing two sports is a lot of planning and work. I think that’s part of what I love about my summers at the lake. Sure, I could stay in Valley, do camps, work that off-season hard, but this keeps me sane.
Can I handle the life of a dual sport athlete professionally? People thought I was nuts when I signed on to play two sports at the division one college level. Pick one and specialize. I’ve been hearing that same advice since I was a kid. I’ve never wavered on my decision to chuck their advice and prove I could handle both until now.
This is my last year before the draft. Final chance to make an impact. If I continue to play both, I know that I’m making it harder to be drafted by either sport. But any time I seriously consider giving one up, I feel sick to my stomach.
Jonah finishes his beer and pulls it from the koozie. “I’ve got a bunch of friends that should be getting in pretty soon. Do you guys want to come back with us and hang for a while?”
“Definitely,” Datson answers for us and then glances to me. “We don’t have anywhere to be, right?”
“Let’s do it.”
Back on the boat, I check my phone for any missed texts from Sydney, but she must be enjoying her afternoon by herself. My sister tried to call but she didn’t leave a text or voicemail, so it can’t be that important.
Datson and I follow Jonah to his place. His friends arrive as we’re getting in the pool. From a raft, I wave as Jonah introduces us to Willow, Jade, and Beth.
They go inside to drop their stuff and Jonah jumps into the water. “You’re welcome, all of you.”
“For?” I ask.
Datson looks at me like I’m crazy. “Dude, did you see Jade?”
With a chuckle, Jonah nods to him. “I knew you’d dig her. She looks a little like that actress you’re always going on and on about. Kate Bosworth or Beckinsale... one of the Kates.” He nudges me with an elbow. “And Willow. Exactly your type, Shaw.” He winks.
I’m quiet.
Datson laughs. “He’s right. She looks a little like Amelia and that girl you dated sophomore year.”
“And Sydney,” Jonah points out.
“Don’t get him started, man,” Datson warns. “They’re just friends.”
“They don’t kiss like friends,” Ollie chirps as he hops off his raft into the water.
Datson’s head swivels back and forth. “What? When? What?” He stops on me. “You and Sydney finally kissed?”
“It wasn’t like that.” Not then, anyway. Sydney and I didn’t talk about what, if anything, we were going to tell people, so I don’t give him more than that.
Luckily, I’m quickly forgotten as Willow and the other two come out in their bathing suits. Datson doesn’t waste any time chatting up Jade. She does look a little like Kate Beckinsale.
Jonah practically shoves Willow at me. She seems cool, and if things were different, she’s someone I would have been into, but now I just want to get back and see if Sydney has returned.
I can hardly blame Datson for looking conflicted when I tell him I need to head back a little while later, but he comes with me so we can get ready for tonight and pick up Sydney.
The house is quiet, and my car is still gone. I shoot Sydney a text to let her know we’re back and hop in the shower. My shampoo and body wash now remind me of Sydney since she’s been using them for the past two weeks and I’ve got a stupid grin on my face as I lather up and count down the minutes until I see her again.
14
Sydney
I’m later than I planned getting back to the house. After an hour of physical therapy and several hours of retail therapy, I decided to get my hair trimmed. That turned into a pedicure and somehow that turned into a facial. I’m polished from head to toe.
I’m excited and nervous, and okay maybe prepping a little too much. I know that tonight is supposed to be a fun night with our friends, but who says Tanner and I can’t also make a date of it? If he’s holding out on me for five dates, I’m ready to get them started.
Datson’s laughter and deep voice filters out from the patio as I enter, followed by Tanner’s—one I know well, could pick out of a crowd anywhere. A fluttering low in my belly forces me to take a deep breath and remind myself it’s just any other night. There’s no reason to be this nervous. I pause in the kitchen, drop my bags, return Tanner’s keys where I got them, and plug my phone in to charge.
I start toward the patio as Tanner’s tall and muscular body fills the doorway.
“Hey, babe. You’re back.” His face lights up as he steps inside. “Sydney’s here,” he calls over his shoulder to Datson.
“Yo, Syd!” Datson leans his chair and cranes his neck so I can see him and waves.
“Hey! Good to see you.”
“You too.”
“How was shopping?” Tanner’s hair is still wet and curls at the nape of his neck. He’s in jeans and a black T-shirt that stretches across his chest and arms.
“Good. Sorry I’m so late.” Six hours apart and there’s a clumsiness between us as if neither of us knows how to act.
“It’s fine. We’re just chilling. We ordered food. I got you a couple of things in case you didn’t eat.”
“If I eat, can we consider that one date down?”
Finally, the tension breaks, and he shakes his head slowly as he closes the space between us. “No chance.”
“Should I get us a ride?” Datson joins us, beer in hand. He glances between us. Tanner doesn’t move or answer.
“I just need to change. I can be ready in five,” I say.
“Coolio.” Datson moves to the kitchen and picks up the bottle of Jager. “We’ve got time for a shot.”
Jonah’s house looks even more amazing at night. Big windows inside lead to a view of the lake. Outside, twinkle lights hang everywhere, illuminating the patio and pool.
Datson is quick to blend into the horde of people outside, but Tanner and I hang near the back-patio doors.
“You look incredible.” His hand makes small circles where it rests at the middle of my back.
“Thanks. You told me once you had a thing for girls in white dresses.”
“I can’t believe you remember that. I don’t even remember saying it. Totally true though.”
“Has anyone ever told you that you have very boring taste?” I ask him. My preference for bright colors aside, Tanner’s wardrobe is primarily made up of shades of gray,
white, and black.
“Only you.” He leans in. “You light up my world.”
“Oh my god, you did not just say that.” My insides go squishy no matter how cheesy it sounded.
“Totally did. Not taking it back either.”
“I need to find the booze in this place because I’m entirely too sober for you right now.”
His laughter is easy and light. “I got you. Come on.”
There’s a keg set up outside and Tanner informs me there’s a stash of liquor inside that we apparently walked by while I was too busy scoping out the house. He pours foamy beer into cups for each of us.
“Shaw! Shaw!” The feminine voice invades our bubble and I turn to see a tall, blonde girl in denim cut-offs and a white bikini top jogging toward us. Her cheeks are flushed and her large, blue eyes wide with excitement when she reaches us. “Hey, you made it.” Her friendly smile pulls higher when her gaze slides to me. “Hey there!”
“Willow, this is Sydney.” Tanner inches closer to me. “Willow goes to college with Jonah.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say.
“Same.” She grabs a hold of Tanner’s wrist. “We need you for badminton.”
“Badminton?” I ask quietly as she pulls him behind her. I follow them to the opposite side of the yard where, sure enough, a badminton game is going on.
Willow jogs off to one side and picks up a racket on the ground. “We’ve got Shaw.”
“Teams will be uneven,” someone calls.
“It’s fine. I’m good.” Tanner holds up a hand and stays on the sideline beside me.
Irrational jealousy and a competitive spirit that often gets me in over my head (see kissing my best friend) makes me speak up. “Not if I play on the other team.”
Tanner chuckles, which just makes me more determined.
The Pass (Smart Jocks Book 5) Page 9