by L A Cotton
“Good job I have no plans to run then. Now,” I slid my hands up his chest, “Fess up. What did you say to George to get him to give me a position?”
“It was nothing a few play-off tickets couldn’t solve.”
I balked. “Tickets. That’s all I’m worth? Wait until I see him.”
“Don’t give him a hard time over it. I think he would have agreed without me throwing in the tickets to soften the deal.”
“How did you even know... Asher,” realization dawned on me. “Asher told you.”
“He was only trying to help.” Jason pulled me closer, his lips finding the soft skin beneath my ear. “I missed you.”
“It’s only been a few hours.”
“Too fucking many.”
“Is this the kind of boyfriend you’re going to be? Needy?”
Jason lifted his head and frowned at me. “Needy? I’d handcuff you to me if I thought it wouldn’t cause some serious trouble with your parents.”
“Jason!”
“What?” He played dumb. “I can’t help it if all I can think about is kissing you, getting inside you.”
“Ssh, you can’t say things like that to me here.”
He leaned back in, brushing the shell of my ear with his lips. “Babe, I can say whatever the hell I want.”
He was so bad.
So very bad and so very all mine.
It was going to take some getting used to.
“What did Principal Finnigan say?”
He took my hand and started leading me across the street to his car. “He’s yet to make a decision. But it’s not looking good for Asher.”
“I still can’t believe he did that.”
“Really?” His brow shot up. “Because when I think about it, it’s exactly the kind of crazy shit he would pull.”
“He’s a good friend.”
Jason opened the passenger door for me and I slipped inside, waiting for him to get in. Once the door slammed shut behind him, the air in the car turned thick. “Do you wish it’d been him?”
“What?” I asked taken aback.
“Do you ever wish it was him you’d fallen for?”
“No.” I didn’t even need to think about it. “There was never a choice, Jason. You don’t get to choose who you fall in love with.”
“You love me, Giles?” His eyes slid to mine, dark and uncertain and so vulnerable it made my heart melt.
“I love you so much it terrifies me.”
“Good.” He leaned across and kissed me. “We can be terrified together.”
Ten minutes later, Jason pulled up to his house, and cut the engine. “Nervous?” he asked, reaching over and tangling our hands together.
“Nervous? What could I possibly have to be nervous about? I’ve been in your house more times than I can count. Hailee’s mom loves me.” It came out smug despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
“No one’s home, babe.” His smooth laughter filled the car.
“Oh,” I stuttered, heat spreading through me. “Where are they all?”
“Hailee’s with Cameron, and Denise and my dad are off doing whatever the fuck they like to do on an evening. The house is ours for at least the next four hours.”
“Oh.” This time I gulped.
“Hey,” Jason’s hands glided up my arm until he was brushing my neck. “You good?”
“Yeah.” I blinked over at him. This was Jason. Nothing I hadn’t already experienced—and survived—before.
“No pressure, okay?” His eyes searched mine. “We can go in there and watch TV and eat our body weight in chips. Or we can go in there and do homework. I just really, really want to go in there... with you.”
“Okay.”
“Yeah?”
I nodded, finding the courage to step out of his car. I don’t know why I was so nervous suddenly. I’d let him claim me in front of half our class today at school. But this felt different.
This felt like coming out to each other, and after everything we’d been through, there was a little voice at the back of my mind whispering for me to be careful. To not jump in headfirst with him in case he had a sudden change of heart.
But it was too late.
I was already in deep waters hoping Jason would throw me a life raft.
Hoping he would be my life raft.
We entered the house in silence. It was the same four walls, the same collection of gaudy ornaments lining the shelves, and family photos Hailee’s mom had scattered over the walls. Everything was exactly the same.
But I was different.
We were different.
“Is this weird for you?” Jason asked, no doubt sensing my hesitation.
“A little. I just... I never thought we’d get here and now we are and I’m so happy, I am. But—”
“You’re worried I’ll hurt you again.” Shame washed over him. “Wait here.” Jason dropped a kiss on my head before disappearing down the hall.
I stood there, arms wrapped around my waist, wondering what the hell could be so important he had to abandon me.
When he returned, he had that sheepish look again. “Jason,” I said, “what did you do?”
He was holding a white plastic bag. “I was trying to think of a way to show you I want this. That I’m serious about this.” He motioned between us. “So I got you something.”
I peeked over, trying to see what was in the bag. But nothing could have prepared me for the Penn hoodie he pulled out.
“I wasn’t sure of your size.” He handed it to me. It felt soft and heavy in my hands.
“I don’t understand...”
“Well, you’re going to need one come next fall.” Nervous energy radiated from him. “I have one too, but mine’s black.”
“You’re telling me you got us matching hoodies?” My heart swelled.
“Well, yeah.” He lowered his face, rubbing the back of his neck, looking up at me through thick dark lashes. “Isn’t that what couples do?”
I had no words.
None.
I think Jason had stolen them all right around the time he completely stole my heart.
“I know I said I don’t want you there, at Penn, but I was just lashing out. Of course I fucking want you there.”
“Four years, that’s a long time.” I smirked. “What if things go south and we have to be around each other all the time?”
“Not possible.” He hooked his arm around my neck and pulled me flush against his chest. “I already told you, we’re endgame. So if you have doubts, I suggest you run now. Because I am locking you down for the next four-and-a-half years at least.”
“Only four-and-a-half years?”
“When I enter the draft, I might need to cut you loose.”
“Works for me, dating a pro football player isn’t on my list.”
His fingers dug into my sides, tickling and pinching. My laughter spilled freely, filling the space between us, the remaining cracks in my heart.
“I fucking love you.” Jason’s hand curved around my neck. “I never thought I needed anyone. But I need you, Felicity. I need you so much it hurts.” He pressed his head to mine, breathing in sharply.
“So take me,” I whispered.
“Yeah?” His eyes were wide and full of wonder.
And hunger.
So much hunger, my legs turned to jelly.
“I’m right here, what are you waiting—” The air whooshed from my lungs as Jason hoisted me over his shoulder and carried me up the stairs, ignoring my cries for mercy.
Inside his room, he slowly lowered me to the floor, letting every inch of him press up against every inch of me. We stood there, our eyes locked on one another’s, neither of us saying a word. Simply soaking up the moment.
Eventually, I broke away, moving deeper into the room of the most complicated, most gorgeous guy I’d ever laid eyes on.
It was just as I expected. Dark and manly. Slate gray walls with splashes of black and chrome. The bed was drenched in b
lack sheets with silver flecks. It reminded me of a storm. Alluring and mysterious from a distance, but deadly if you got too close.
Just like Jason.
“You’re the first girl to ever see inside this room except Hailee,” he said. I turned to meet his sincere gaze. He’d moved back to the door jamb, leaning against it casually, watching me.
“It’s very... you.”
Prowling toward me, Jason took an ounce of air from the room with every step, until he was on me, the air gone and my lungs burning with need. “You are so fucking beautiful. I don’t deserve you.”
I reached up and palmed his cheek, his scruff like sandpaper beneath my skin. “It isn’t for you to decide what you deserve.”
“The things I want to do to you would definitely make me undeserving.”
My lips parted on a soft ‘Oh’.
“Last chance,” he warned, his eyes darkening to the color of his sheets.
“I’m not running,” I said defiantly.
“Good, because I’d chase you to the ends of the earth. You’re mine, Felicity. Every single piece of you.”
Jason
My eyes traced over her face, taking in the flush of her cheeks; her slightly parted lips, soft and pink and utterly kissable.
“Where to start?” I pressed my palm against Felicity’s breastbone, dragging it down her sweater until my fingers found the hem. Slowly, I tugged the material up her body, letting it bunch around her shoulders. “Fuck, I want to taste every inch of you.”
“Jason,” my name sounded like fucking heaven on her lips. I dropped to my knees, tracing my name on her stomach with my tongue. I wanted to mark her. Brand her in every way possible until we were bound so tight, she could never leave me. Because there was no going back now. I meant every word I’d said to her. She was endgame. I still wanted football, I still wanted Penn, and the NFL, and everything that came with it, but I didn’t want any of it if Felicity wasn’t right by my side for the ride.
Kissing a path to her bra, I slid my arms around her back and unhooked the clasp. My mouth greedily sucked one of her breasts, and then I gently bit her nipple. Her body jerked with pleasure, so I did it again… and again, until she was writhing in front of me, clawing at my shoulders.
“You’re teasing me,” she moaned, burying her fingers in my hair and yanking sharply.
My girl had claws and it was such a fucking turn on, I thought I might explode right there and then.
“I’m only just getting started.” I climbed up her body, pulling her sweater and tank top off, letting her dusky pink bra slink off her arms and drop to the floor. My own hoodie and shirt went next. Hooking my arm around her waist, I pressed my hand against the small of her back until we were skin on skin, her delicate curves flush against my shredded muscles. Everything about us was different.
Hard and soft.
Rough and smooth.
Cruel and kind.
But we fit to perfection. Two parts of the same whole.
Her hair hung between us like a silky curtain, so I wound it around my fist, gathering it at her nape and pulled gently, forcing her to arch her back. Giving me perfect access to kiss and suck the hollow of her neck. I took my time, tasting and savoring her salty sweet skin.
“More,” Felicity’s cries filled the room, “I need more.” Her nails grazed my shoulder blades.
“I got you, babe.” Our lips met, hot and wet and needy; our tongues lapping and stroking and exploring. Her kisses were addictive and I knew no amount of hits would ever be enough.
Felicity became impatient, her hands tracing my abs, painting a torturous path down to the waistband of my jeans. She expertly popped the button and shoved her hand inside, grasping me. “Fuck,” I choked out as she pumped me slowly. “This isn’t what I had in mind,” my voice cracked with raw lust.
“I can’t wait. I need you,” she breathed, “now.”
I wanted to make her wait, to reacquaint myself with every inch of her body, and then all the parts I’d yet to explore, but truth be told, I couldn’t wait either. My need for her was like a firestorm raging inside me, burning higher and higher with every touch, every taste.
We made quick work of each other’s jeans and underwear, then I scooped her up and dropped her on the bed, not bothering to ask permission. Felicity giggled, the sound so fucking perfect I wanted to bottle that shit for a rainy day.
“Come here.” She crooked her finger, scooting up the bed and letting her legs fall open. There wasn’t so much as a hint of shyness or uncertainty in her eyes, her love for me blazing in her sea-green gaze.
Crawling over her, I slid between her legs, my rock-hard dick settling at her entrance. “Do I need to stop?” I arched my brow at her, hoping, praying she wouldn’t make me.
“There’s only ever been you,” she said, “and I’m on birth control. But I know you’ve been with other—”
“No one.”
“What?” She blinked up at me.
“There hasn’t been another girl since New York.”
Confusion swam in her lust-filled eyes. “But Jenna—”
“I never slept with her, I just let you think... Fuck.” I dropped my head to her shoulder, regretting so much that happened between us. In trying to protect her, I’d hurt her, and it would always be there, in the background.
“Jason, look at me,” her voice coaxed me out of hiding. “I don’t care about what happened before, I only care what happens now and in the future.” She hitched her legs higher, almost pulling me into her body. We both groaned at the intimate contact.
“So if I do this.” I rocked my hips, pushing another inch inside her, “you’re not going to hate me?”
Licking her lips, Felicity looked right at me, a seductive smirk spreading across her lips. “Didn’t I tell you? There’s nothing more I love than to hate you.” Sliding her hands down to my ass, she pressed me further into her.
“Fuck,” I groaned, bolts of pleasure shooting off in all directions inside me. “Do you have any idea how good you feel?”
“Show me,” it came out breathy.
I rocked forward again, my hand sliding up one of her legs, anchoring us closer, making it so much deeper. My other hand found her neck, my fingers splaying around her possessively as I pulled out before sinking into her heat again.
My lips claimed Felicity’s again, my tongue loving her mouth, the way my body loved her. “I love you,” I whispered against her swollen lips, “I love you so fucking much.”
“I love you too, Jason. I do.”
My pace quickened, needing more. Needing everything she had to give. Our skin became damp, our kisses clumsy, all while Felicity met me thrust for thrust.
My partner.
My equal.
The girl who taught me there was more to life than the game.
Who taught me how to love.
The girl I planned on keeping for as long as she would have me.
The next morning rolled around too quickly. I’d dropped Felicity off at home last night and then gone home and drunk one too many whiskies. I was so fucking happy things between us were finally good, but there was still a lot hanging in the balance. So when Coach called me and Asher into his office after a grueling practice, I knew the wait was finally over.
“Come in, ladies,” Coach motioned for us to take a seat. “Principal Finnigan has consulted with the school board, and in light of everything, they have decided to suspend you from the team, effective immediately.”
Asher let out a heavy sigh, leaning forward on his elbows. “And Jase?”
“Principal Finnigan pushed for a suspension but the board felt that since you were coming to the aid of your teammate that a more lenient punishment was adequate.” His mouth pulled into a grim line. “You’re out for next week’s game but if we make it through to the next round, you can play.”
I sank back in the chair, running a hand down the back of my neck. I could play. If we made it to the second round of the play-offs, whic
h I had every faith we would, I could play. But it came at a price.
Asher’s season was over.
“Coach,” I said ready to defend my teammate, my brother.
One of the best friend’s a guy could ever have.
“It’s fair,” Ash interrupted me. “I won’t contest. Besides, maybe they’ll let me wear Vinnie the Viking. Go Raiders.” It came out drolly despite the defeat in his eyes.
“Ash—”
“It’s cool, bro.” He shrugged. “I knew what I was doing when I went down there to meet Thatcher.”
Coach Hasson watched us, watched me. He knew. Deep down, I didn’t doubt he knew the truth, but he was letting it play out this way because sometimes good men had to make sacrifices, and without Asher’s sacrifice, the Raiders would be going into the play-offs without their star player.
“I’m sorry it came to this, real damn sorry,” he addressed Asher. “You’re a good kid, Bennet, and I don’t doubt you’re going to have a successful career with the Pittsburg Panthers. Principal Finnigan might get the final say on whether or not you play, but it’s my team and my field and I expect to see you sitting there on the bench supporting your teammates, you hear me?”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else, Coach.”
“Good, now get out of here.”
The door clicked shut behind Asher, sucking the air from the room.
“You know, I couldn’t sleep last night. I lay there worrying I was about to lose not one but two of my best players going into the play-offs. It’s a Coach’s worst nightmare.”
“Coach, I—”
“You listen up and listen good, Jason,” he gritted out, disappointment rippling off him. “I don’t know all that happened with Thatcher and quite frankly, I don’t want to know. But you have got to learn to channel your anger, Son. You think I don’t know kids like you and Thatcher? Hell, I used to be you. I thought I was untouchable, a god on and off the field. But my old man refused to let me forget who I was and where I came from. He kept my feet firmly on the ground.
“I know you and Kent have issues, I know it hasn’t been easy growing up in his shadow, but for the love of God, do not throw away what could be the opportunity of a lifetime for the likes of the Thatcher’s of the world. You’re better than that. You take all the crap, all the anger and resentment, and channel it into football. Or if that fails, you find yourself a damn good woman to help keep you grounded.”