Be Brave With Me

by J. B. Havens

  “Oh God . . .” Meg moaned, her hips jerking against his face as she came. Her hands were still in his hair, the bite of pain as she pulled on the strands sent a shock right to his groin. Letting her come down, he backed off and wiped his face with the edge of the sheet.

  “Still pissed off?”

  “Yes, but I don’t care as much. Are you going to fuck me or talk all day?” Her smart ass mouth and sassy grin made him crazy. Standing, he dropped his jeans to the floor, followed by his boxers.

  “Get on your knees,” he snapped, still mad at her. For what, he wasn’t sure anymore, but he decided right then and there that angry sex was his new favorite. She complied, kneeling on the bed in front of him. She reached her hands out, running her palms down his chest and stomach. “Turn around.” She wasn’t moving fast enough for him, so he flipped her around, shoving her down onto her hands and knees before him. He pushed her shoulders down further, lifting her ass higher into the air. “Perfect.” He palmed her globes, squeezing and kneading the flesh. “You’ve got the most perfect ass I’ve ever seen.” Leaning forward, he bit her right cheek, relishing the red mark his teeth left.

  “Drew, fuck. Dammit,” she hissed, angry and turned on. He could smell her arousal, thick in the air around them. She wanted this as much as he did.

  Pulling her hips back with one hand, he used the other to line himself up at her entrance and shoved forward into her with one swift motion. Grabbing a fistful of her hair, he pulled her head up. “What have I told you about that mouth?” He growled in her ear. Goosebumps broke out all over her body, and she moaned loudly. Drawing back, he slammed into her again, harder. He grunted with the force of it.

  “Ugh!” she screamed, rocking her hips back to meet him. “Harder,” she yelled, trying to take control.

  “Harder, huh?” He kept his hand in her hair and gripped her shoulder with the other, snapping his hips against her, pounding into her hard and fast. Her screams and cries poured out, egging him on. The sound of their bodies slapping together was loud, overshadowing the creak of the bed frame. The pleasure was unlike anything he’d ever felt before. Slamming hard into his gut, the bliss he felt in that moment was life altering. She was ruining him for anyone else. With her smart mouth, attitude, and green eyes, he fell into her a little deeper with every thrust into her body. Her wet heat enveloped him, and her cries of ecstasy were a siren’s call.

  “Yes, Drew!” She gasped, her body tensing like a bow string. Her pussy gripped him as she came and he let go, coming with her. His vision blacked out, and he saw stars. Every muscle in his body tensed as pleasure like he’d never known exploded through him. He jerked against her, his orgasm seeming to go on forever. “Shit!”

  Panting, sweat dripping down his body, he rested his head against her back, releasing her hair. He held himself up with one hand on the bed as he wrapped the other around her waist, holding her close. He didn’t want to pull out. He loved being inside her, connected with her. He wanted to live inside her body, but he knew she had to be uncomfortable. Kissing her shoulder, he reluctantly pulled back and fell to the bed beside her as she collapsed onto her stomach.

  “What were we fighting about?” she asked, her voice muffled by the blanket.

  “No idea.” Drew pulled her closer, holding her tightly against his side. “If this is how fighting with you is going to end up, I want to fight every day.”

  Chuckling, she swiped her hair out of her face, smiling at him. “Me too.”

  Chapter 31

  Meg

  “So much for space,” I sigh, feeling Drew tense next to me.

  “So you do remember why you were mad.” He keeps his arm around me, tracing circles on my hip.

  “Of course, and so do you. What happened just now is some of the hottest sex I’ve ever had. Well, not some of. It is the hottest and it’s fucking with my head.”

  Drew taps my ass. “You and your mouth.”

  “You like it, and if you don’t stop ragging on me about it, I’m gonna get pissed off. Yes, I swear, I drink, I listen to rock, and I have terrible manners. Accept it or get out.” There’s an intentional edge to my voice. I’m drawing a line in the sand.

  Drew’s chest rises as he takes a deep breath. “Fine. I don’t know why it bothers me. I sure as hell have no right to correct you on it. You’re just so different from anyone I’ve ever known, I’m havin’ trouble comin’ to grips with it.”

  “Why?” Frustrated again, I sit up, running my hands through my hair. “Look Drew, you’re an amazing guy and I like you more than I should. I love spending time with you. But you shouldn’t read into this more than it is. I’ll be here through Friday, maybe a little longer, but I have to finish something. I will be leaving. If you can’t handle that, then you should go.”

  He pulls me back down beside him. “Darlin’.” Leaning up on one elbow, he looks down at me, his eyes full of emotions I can’t name. He grazes his knuckles down my cheek. “I know we just met. I know this is insane. Half of my anger today comes from bein’ so damn confused about this. There is something between us. I can feel it and I know you do, too.” He presses his lips to mine, kissing me gently. “You said one day, one night, at a time. I’m good with that. For now.”

  “I can work with that, too. I don’t want regrets. I have enough of those already. I’m confused too, that’s why I said I needed some space. I’m fucking terrified and I’m not ready for something more right now. I’m broken, Drew. I can’t promise I’ll ever be ready for more.”

  “You’re not broken, at least not to me.”

  Chapter 32

  Meg

  Friday is here. Over the past few days, Drew and I had fallen into somewhat of a routine. He went to work and practice, I spent time with Sally, and cooked for us. It was domestic and sweet. I’m leaving for Chicago soon. It’s still on the bucket list I made with Brandon, and after talking to Sally about her hometown, I’m more determined than ever to go to the starting point of historic Route 66.

  Leaving Drew is going to be hard, but I know I can’t stay here. If I do, I’ll always regret not finishing this journey, and I owe Brandon more than that. My mind attempts to drift to the future, but I refuse to let it. Today I’m going to make things special for Drew. This night means a lot to him, so I’m going to the game, wearing my fancy dress, and showing my support for him. Since our fight, we haven’t spoken of the future, we’ve been living in the moment. I can’t believe I’m going to a homecoming dance! I feel seventeen again. Drew is still at work, and I’ve gone back to my room to primp and get ready for tonight. I don’t need to meet Drew at the field for a while yet, but I’m so anxious. My plan is to get there late on purpose, then show up in the dress, and tease the hell out of him. I’ll be brave tonight—for Drew.

  Maybe this night will lead to something more? I feel a nugget of hope blossom in my chest. Is it possible for me to have, not one, but two loves of my life? I hadn’t let myself consider the possibility until now. The loss of Brandon and our baby shattered me. My soul and heart are scattered all around me, and I still don’t know if I can ever put them back together again. The possibility of a life with Drew makes me consider trying. I think back to the argument we had. I’ve been such a bitch and completely unreasonable—going from calling him my man one day to trying to kick him out of my room the next. I’m surprised he’s stuck around through that. Most men would’ve hightailed it in the other direction without looking back.

  Chapter 33

  Drew

  Drew was on the field warming up the team, focused on getting the boys ready but anticipating what was to come tonight. He thought about how nice it would be to have someone in the stands cheering him on again. It had been a long time since his glory days. Although he was kind of glad Meg hadn’t been around for the pre-game announcements. As an alumni and hall of fame recipient, Drew had been introduced to the spectators, who cheered for him as if he were a rock star. Even though the entire town always came out to home games, sch
ool spirit had been especially high this week due to homecoming festivities. All the streets were decorated with spirit ribbons, banners, and signs in the school colors of green, white, and black.

  The founding fathers of Green Springs had been of Scottish origin, and had worn the Patrick family tartan, so when Green Springs High was established in the early 1900s, it was natural for the school to adopt the colors of the plaid and establish the Highlander as the school mascot. The sports teams became known as the Springers and it had remained that way throughout the generations. Although uniforms had changed over the years, it was customary at homecoming for the cheerleaders to wear tartan plaid skirts, scarves, and Scottish caps. Another sacred tradition reserved for homecoming was the appearance of The Highlander mascot, accompanied by bagpipe players from the marching band. Meg was going to lose her shit when he stepped out onto the field at halftime wearing a kilt and playing the role of the Highlander.

  He checked the stands once again, but still didn’t see Meg anywhere. He was beginning to worry she wasn’t coming. His attention snapped back to the field. There were three minutes left in the quarter, then it would be halftime. He nodded to the head coach, pointing to the locker room. It was time to change into the kilt. He just hoped when he came out, he’d find Meg waiting for him.

  He headed into the locker room. His kilt and the rest of the outfit were hanging in the coach’s office. Shutting the door behind him, he quickly stripped. He left his black T-shirt on; it was fine under the jacket. He considered removing his boxers. If it was just him and Meg, he’d go without, in traditional Scottish fashion, but he was at a football game. Best to leave them on. He pulled the kilt on, wrapping the layers of fabric around his waist and pinning it in place with a decorative pin. The pin was large and heavy, shaped like a broadsword with the school’s motto engraved on it. He then pulled on a tall sock and soft boot on his right leg. With the blade sports prosthetic he wore, a left boot wasn’t necessary. He added the belt with the sporran and followed it all with the soft jacket. Checking himself out in the mirror on the back of the door, he ran his hands through his hair, but it refused to lay flat.

  “Whatever.” He was nervous and excited. He knew lots of women lusted over guys in kilts, he was hoping Meg was one of them.

  Chapter 34

  Meg

  It’s nearly halftime by the time I am ready to leave for the field. My hair appointment had run longer than expected and then nerves had kept my feet rooted in my room. I had an amazing time at Tegan’s Tresses, the local salon. The girls there were hilarious and kind. I quickly lost track of time, laughing and gossiping. The girl time had been refreshing.

  Dread cloaks me; this is going to be our last night together. I know I have to tell him I’m leaving tomorrow, but, first, I want to enjoy every second I have left with him. I check my appearance in the mirror for what feels like the hundredth time. The dress I’d settled on has a fitted bodice and an A-line skirt that falls to just below my knees. My black hair and red lips contrast beautifully with the white dress. Buckling the tiny strap of my heels around my ankles, I grab my clutch purse, making sure I have my room key. I see the cab waiting for me outside. It is time. Time to be brave.

  Chapter 35

  Drew

  Drew had just come off the field following the halftime performance, when his breath caught in his chest, and he was sure that his heart had stopped for a moment. Meg looked radiant. She stood near the sideline, a few yards from the team. Her hands were clasped together in front of her, nearly hidden in the white ruffles of her dress. The soft fabric fell to just below her knees in a fluff of white. The strapless bodice hugged her breasts, pushing them up to spill out slightly over the white, sparkly material. Her dark hair fell in waves over one shoulder, the rest was clipped back with a silver barrette on the side of her head. It was as if she were clothed in stars and moonbeams. Her feet were clad in silver heels. The straps wrapped around her ankles and her toes peeked out in the front. An image of her underneath him wearing nothing but those shoes roared through his mind.

  “Meg,” he croaked, walking closer to her. He ignored the stares of his team, the people in the stands, even the boom of the band’s drums faded into the background.

  “Hi, Drew.” She smiled shyly, and he was surprised to see she appeared nervous.

  “You’re . . .” He ran his hand down her arm, clasping one of hers in his own, unable to go a moment more without touching her. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

  “You don’t look so bad yourself, Highlander.” She beamed. “Nice legs.” Reaching a hand out, she ran the hem of his kilt between her fingers. He was thankful for the position of his sporran; it hid the evidence of what her beauty did to him.

  He looked down, his sports prosthetic entirely visible. His chest swelled with an unnamed feeling when she again showed him she didn’t notice his missing leg at all. Reaching forward, he brushed a stray piece of hair from her cheek. “You slay me.”

  She kissed him softly, gentle and sweet. He groaned, fighting to keep himself from deepening the kiss. “Just wait until you see what I’ve got on under this dress.”

  “Woman.” He growled, taking her face into his hands, resting his forehead against hers. “Good thing this outfit is forgiving. I can’t be walking around with a tented kilt. Let’s get you settled on the coach’s bench so you can watch the rest of the game. You can sit on my jacket so you don’t ruin your dress.”

  “Go, Mr. Moyer!” The team’s quarterback hooted from down the sideline, followed quickly by applause and whistles from the entire team. His face burned, but Meg’s laugh and grin chased away his embarrassment.

  “Good job, Coach! Kiss her once for me!”

  Meg tossed her head back, her laugh punching him in the gut. There was a challenge in her emerald eyes, one that was impossible for him to leave unanswered. Wrapping one arm around her waist, he slid his other hand up her neck and dragged her mouth to his. Her hands gripped his shirt tightly as he dipped her backward over his arm. The shrill whistles and catcalls grew louder around them, but the noise of the crowd was nothing compared to the thud of his heart. Her lips fit against his like they were made to be there. Her tongue slid against his own, the taste of her a drug he couldn’t live without. She gasped against his lips, fitting her body against his as tightly as she could. He pulled back slightly; her cheeks were flushed and her eyes shone with a heat that matched his own. Pulling her back up, he ensured she had her balance back in her heels before kissing her again softly.

  “You’re something else, Drew Moyer,” she whispered.

  “You do this to me. Now go sit down before I drag you out of here. We have a game to win.”

  Chapter 36

  Meg

  I hold Drew’s hand as we walk into the dance. Music is blaring and I can feel the thump of the bass in my bones. A grin nearly splits my face. I’m walking into the gym with a guy in a fucking kilt. He wanted to change after the game, but I begged him not to. I’m enjoying this way too much. He looks killer in that kilt. All he needs is a broadsword slung across his back and I’d be willing to let him carry me off through the moor on horseback.

  “Will you stop it?” He leans down, putting his mouth close to my ear to be heard over the music and screaming teenagers. A shiver races down my back.

  “Stop what?”

  “Starin’ at me. It’s distractin’. I’m supposed to be chaperonin’ this dance and I can’t concentrate with you lookin’ at me like that. Especially when you’re wearin’ that dress.”

  I pull the sides of the fluffy skirt out slightly. “What? This old thing?” I twirl, dancing around Drew’s body.

  “Woman.” Circling my waist with his arm, he pulls me tightly against his body and lowers his forehead to mine, whispering for only me to hear. “I want to kiss you until you’re breathless, then hike that skirt up, and fuck you against the wall, but we’re in a room packed with horny teenagers. So, yes, stop starin’ at me wit
h that look in your eyes.”

  Glancing around, I see several girls standing together in a group glaring at me. “Oh my. Looks like I pissed off your fan club there, Coach.”

  “What are you talkin’ about?”

  “You’re not serious?” I ask, taking his arm and leading him deeper into the packed gym.

  “Meg, I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.”

  “Every single girl in this school probably has a crush on you. You’re hot as hell in that kilt.” I fan myself dramatically. “I’m sure there’re young hearts breaking all over Green Springs tonight, seeing you with me on your arm.” I feel the smile drain from my face as I say it. I would only be on his arm tonight. I’m leaving in the morning. Brandon’s memory surges into my mind. My feelings about Drew are at war with my need to honor Brandon’s memory.

  “I don’t know what to say to that, except that these girls are young enough to be my daughters.”

  “Hey, lookie there.” I point to a couple in the corner. The boy has his girl wrapped in his arms, their lips locked together as they sway to the music.

  “Shit. I hate doin’ this. I feel like my whole job is to be a cock-blocker.” Shaking his head, Drew stalks over to the couple, tapping the young man on the shoulder. They nod their heads to whatever Drew is saying. He clasps the boy on the shoulder before returning to me.