Shattered: A Salvation Society Novel

by Bella Emy

  I’ve never wanted anyone before the way I want Kalen. No one has ever made me feel the way he does. Not even close.

  And to think all we’ve done so far is kiss…

  Once we take the next step and get intimate, I can’t even imagine what it’s going to do to me… what he’s going to do to me. I’m never going to be able to let him go. He will have ruined me for all future guys to come.

  But that’s the thing. I don’t want there to ever be anyone else. I know we’re both young and all, but I also know how I feel about him. I love him. I love him with all my heart and everything inside of me. I can’t picture him not being in my life or me being with someone else.

  He’s all I’ve ever wanted… all I’ve ever needed.

  He takes a deep breath, still staring into my eyes.

  “So, is that a no?” I ask, pulling his hand and we start walking away from the football field.

  He shakes his head. “What? No, babe. That’s not at all what I’m saying.”

  I chuckle. “Well then, what are you saying, because you haven’t said much of anything… I’m sorry if I took it too far. I just thought—”

  He spins around and pulls me to face him. “Hey, no. You absolutely did not take it too far. You haven’t done a thing wrong. I definitely want to… do that. It just took me by surprise but in a good way. A great way,” He chuckles, and I smile. “There’s my pretty princess,” he adds, chuckling again. “Trust me, babe. I want to do that and so much more with you. I think about it a lot.”

  I raise an eyebrow. “Oh, you think about it a lot, do you?” I crack up.

  He laughs, too. “You’re killing me, babe.”

  I squeeze his hands and reach up, kissing him softly. As we part, he smiles down at me, and I give him a devilish stare.

  “Uh-oh. That look… I know that look, that smirk… like you’re up to no good, and I can see the wheels in your head spinning.”

  Gripping his hand, I pull him and only stop when we reach the section underneath the bleachers. I stand against a metal post, pulling him to me. His cool breath caresses my cheek, sending a million goosebumps to cover my flesh. Our lips smash into one another’s and he instantly devours my mouth.

  Mmm. He tastes like peppermint and heaven wrapped up into one.

  As he brings his hands up and places them behind my neck, I grab his right one and bring it down.

  “Touch me,” I moan into his mouth, which I notice sends him into a delicious frenzy by the way he’s kissing me.

  Refusing to stop this, I force his hand on my thick thigh; thank God for short cheerleading skirts.

  Guiding his hand up in between the core of my thighs, I let him feel my drenched cotton panties. What he does to me. What he does to me every single time.

  Jesus Christ. It feels so good to have him so close to the most sensitive part of me.

  “Oh, fuck, Lexi. You’re going to be the death of me, sweetheart.”

  Our mouths crash once more, and I love the way he takes control, touching me. “Move them to the side, and touch me, please, babe,” I repeat, cooing in the sexiest voice I can manage.

  He swallows hard, slowly making his way to the hem of my panties. Slipping his hand inside of them, he caresses my soft center, dripping in my secretions for him.

  A soft moan escapes from my throat, hoping it makes him want to take me right here, right now.

  He moves his fingers to the center of my core, rubbing and massaging in circles as I tense up and groan with ecstasy.

  “Oh, my God… Kalen,” I whisper into his ear.

  He bites down on my bottom lip and then attacks my neck, which is gracefully tilted to one side.

  “Faster, babe,” I beg.

  Fingering me faster, I take him by surprise as I grip his hard-on through his jeans and hear him groan.

  “Kalen, that feels so good. Keep going, please…”

  He bites down onto my neck and then suckles on my skin.

  Just as I can feel him getting ready to push two fingers inside of me, a boastful voice stops us dead in our tracks. “Hey, you two, what’s going on over there?”

  It’s one of the janitors from the school, coming around the other side. Thank God that the janitor couldn’t see Kalen’s hand inside of me by the way we were standing.

  He quickly slips his hand out from me and grabs mine pulling me away. “C’mon, Lexi!”

  We run off just in time so we’re not seen or taken inside and booked for indecent behavior.

  When we’re far enough away, about two blocks out, we slow down.

  My laughter fills the air. “That was fun!”

  He turns to face me with wide-opened eyes. “Fun? We almost got caught, babe.”

  I shrug. “And I would gladly do it all over again. I don’t care. It would have been worth it.” Smiling, I reach up onto my tippy toes and kiss him on the cheek.

  I clear my throat as we continue walking away from Tranquility Creek High. “So, I just want to change before we go to your house tonight to have dinner with your dad. I don’t want to show up in my cheerleading uniform… and my drenched panties.” I whisper the last part, hoping it makes his dick harden for me once more.

  He chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Okay, thanks for that visual. I’m never going to go limp with you talking like that.”

  Cool. Confirmation that my comment worked. I smile to myself.

  “But damn, you look so cute in that outfit,” he adds, and I blush.

  “Thanks, love. I just want to make sure I make a good impression, that’s all.”

  “There’s no way you could ever not make a good impression.”

  I turn my head right before we cross the street and say, “You’re too sweet… Thank you.”

  “Are you hungry? Why don’t we grab a snack to hold us over until dinner time later?” he asks as the sign for the diner comes into view.

  “Yes, but I’ll pay,” I say, fidgeting through my wristlet. I have no issue paying for the both of us.

  He pulls me softly with a smile. “No, babe. I got it.”

  I turn to face him. “Are you sure? I don’t mind paying when we go out.”

  “Lexi, I’m sure, and I want to. What kind of man would I be if I could never afford to take my lady out, not even for a snack on a Saturday?”

  I consider his statement for a while and then nod. “You’d still be a great man to me. But, okay, fine. Just this time. But next time, I got it.” I pause for a second and then say, “And speaking of it being my turn, my parents want to meet you. They’re inviting you over tomorrow for brunch, so you’ve gotta come.”

  Okay, so it’s not a total lie. My mom wants to meet him, but I’m sure Daddy would want to as well. I just hope he’s back home by then.

  A smile pulls on his lips from ear to ear. “Really? You told them about us? I thought you wanted to wait a little bit.”

  I shrug as we reach the diner. Before he pulls open the door for me, I say, “I did, but the opportunity came, and I took it. My mom came into my room last night as I was getting ready for bed, and I told her. I didn’t speak to my dad, but I know she told him. Anyway, she’s happy for me and is glad I’m meeting your dad. She thought it was a good idea about dinner, so she wanted you to come eat with us as well.”

  We walk in and seat ourselves in my favorite booth: the last one on the right.

  “So, is that cool with you?” I ask as we skim through our menus.

  “Yeah, yeah. Definitely.”

  I peek my eyes over the menu and smile behind it. “Good. Because I can’t wait for them to fall in love with you just like I have.”

  “Well, Kalen told me you were pretty, but I guess my son was being subtle. Come on in, Lexi,” Mr. Starling says after opening the door for us.

  “Aww, Dad. Come on now.” Kalen walks in behind me as we enter their home. It’s definitely a lot smaller than my own, but it’s cute and cozy and perfect for just the two of them.

  His father lifts a hand over hi
s head and waves Kalen away. “Aww, Dad, nothing. It’s the truth.”

  I blush at his words. “Well, thank you very much, Mr. Starling.”

  He waves a dismissive hand in front of himself. “No, no. No need for formalities. You just call me David or Dave.”

  I nod. “Very well. Thank you for having me here tonight.”

  Kalen places a hand on the small of my back just as his father answers, “It’s a pleasure to have such a beautiful girl in our home.” He pauses for a moment and then says, “Well, you kids make yourselves comfortable in front of the TV. Dinner should be ready in about ten minutes or so. I need to go check on something. Excuse me.”

  Mr. Starling walks out of the living room and heads down the hall.

  I giggle and cover my mouth.

  “What’s so funny, babe?” Kalen asks as he walks over to me and places his arms around me.

  “Oh, nothing,” I say. “I just think your dad might like me a tad more than you do.”

  Kalen smirks. “Not a chance.”

  I crinkle my nose, and as I do, Kalen leans in and kisses me.

  God, I want more. But I know this isn’t the time or the place.

  Once we’re sitting at the table, enjoying a fantastic meal of grilled chicken over penne alla Vodka, jokes and stories from when Kalen was a kid are being told.

  “So, you know when Kalen was just about four years old, we could never get him to keep his pants on…” Mr. Starling points to his son and adds, “That little boy would run around with his little ding-a-ling just hanging out. It was the tiniest thing you ever did see.”

  I cover my mouth with a napkin, cracking up. That was totally unexpected.

  Kalen turns six shades of pink. “Dad, please. I’m sure she doesn’t want to hear about that.”

  He chuckles, tilting his head. “Well, looks like she thought it was funny. I certainly do to this day.”

  Kalen smirks, shaking his head, and takes a sip of water from his glass.

  “So, Kalen tells me you work down at the boat shop in town?” I ask, trying to save my boyfriend from any further embarrassment.

  Kalen’s father nods. “That’s right. Boats, ships, and basically life at sea are my passion. I love it all.”

  I take the last bite of chicken from my fork then nod my head. “Oh, yeah? I see Kalen must’ve gotten his passion for the sea from you.”

  Mr. Starling nods. “Yeah, his mother was never one for the sea life. But someday, I plan on taking a nice boat around the world, or as far as it’ll get me.”

  I turn to face Kalen. “Wow, that’s kinda like what you want to do some day, isn’t it?” I wink.

  Kalen nods, and then looks past me at his father. He’s watching us and finally smiles. “Well, dessert is just about to be served. How do you feel about homemade apple pie, Lexi.”

  I snap my head and divert my attention over to Mr. Starling. “Homemade apple pie?”

  He places a hand on his chin. “Oh, yes. It’s an old recipe that’s been in the family for over a hundred years.”

  My eyes widen. “Wow, that sounds amazing. I’d love some homemade apple pie.”

  He smiles at me. “With ice cream on top?”

  I nod with a smile, repeating, “With ice cream on top.”

  “Great. Would you like some coffee with that?” he asks.

  I smile. “Yes, sir, I would.”

  He nods happily. “Perfect! Then homemade apple pie topped off with vanilla ice cream and a side of coffee it is.” He rises from the table and then says, “Lexi, make yourself at home on the couch. I’ll meet you kids there in just a second.”

  After he walks out of the room, Kalen and I rise next and he holds out his hand for me to take. “Come on, sweetheart. Let’s go.”

  “Okay.”

  He smiles down at me and then kisses me quickly on the lips. “I’m so glad you’re here, babe.”

  “So am I.”

  He pulls me into the next room, and then we take a seat on the couch. I notice a large photo album on the seat next to me and I pull it open on my lap.

  “Oh, crap. I see you’ve found the pot of gold. Of course, my dad left it out for you to get a good laugh,” Kalen says, turning red again.

  I smile, flipping through the pages. It’s Kalen’s baby album. “Aww, this is adorable!”

  I snap my head up, meeting his gaze. “I can’t believe this little boy with the golden-brown curls is you,” I say, pointing to a picture of Kalen when he was about three or four.

  He nods. “Yup… that was me.”

  “You were so adorable!” I look back down at the pictures.

  “Were?” He raises an eyebrow as I catch his expression.

  I place my arms crossed over the album on my lap and turn to face him. “Yeah, were. You were adorable… but you’re sexy as fuck now.” Whispering the last part, I lean into him and kiss his lips; I wish he could take me right here on this couch.

  I pull back, but I want more of it, and from the look on his face, he does, too, and he notices I do as well. Then I whisper the words, “You’d better slow down, Mr. Starling, or we might have to say good night to your dad early and go make out in your room.”

  He bites down on his bottom lip. “Holy mother of God, baby girl. Is that a promise?” he whispers back.

  I giggle and kiss him once more on the lips.

  We pull apart just in time.

  “All right, here’s the apple pie and coffee,” Kalen’s father announces, waltzing back into the room, balancing a tray of pie and coffee cups in his hands, interrupting our moment.

  He places it down onto the coffee table in front of us and hands Kalen and me a dessert plate with the slice of apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream as promised. The aroma finds its way into my nostrils, and my mouth waters, anticipating the flavors.

  Mr. Starling takes a seat across from us after placing a mug of coffee in front of where we’re sitting. “Enjoy, kids.”

  I dig in, and oh my God. The apple pie is scrumptious. The coffee is soothing, and it all goes down so well.

  For the remainder of the evening, Kalen and I continue hanging out with his father, enjoying dessert, telling jokes and stories, and just having the best time. I haven’t had fun like this in a long time, and it’s nice just getting to know more of Kalen than he could have ever shared with me. The stories I’ve heard from when he was a kid are truly entertaining.

  Once Mr. Starling turns in for the night, Kalen and I remain on the couch watching TV. He’s got his arm draped over my shoulder, and I cuddle closer into him.

  “Mmm,” Kalen moans as he runs his fingers up and down my arm.

  I giggle and turn my head to face him. “What?”

  I feel him shrug against me and see his lips break into a smile. “Nothing. I’m just really loving having you right here beside me. I could totally get used to this every single night.”

  “You are the sweetest thing, Kalen Starling.” I reach up with a finger and tap his nose.

  Finally turning to face me, his smile fades and a serious expression replaces it. “I’m serious, babe. One day… one day…”

  I chuckle again. “One day, what?”

  He smiles again and leans down, placing a soft kiss upon my lips. It’s gentle and sweet, but at the same time, it feels as though there’s something more behind it. Something else that I can’t quite make out. But I don’t ask him about it because before I even have a chance to say a word, he pulls back and looks deep into my eyes, searching for something in them. “One day, you’ll see, Lexi. But right now, I just wish I could show you how much I love you.”

  “Okay, so show me.” My lips pull into a wide grin. I’m teasing him because I know what he’s talking about, but I also know that he can’t show me because we’re not here alone.

  He smirks, not missing a single beat. “You know I would, but I—”

  “Sorry, sorry! Coming through!” Mr. Starling comes running through the living room, grabbing his jacket off the coa
t rack, causing Kalen and me to pull back. Thank God we weren’t doing anything we weren’t supposed to be doing or this would have been utterly embarrassing.

  “Dad? What’s going on?” Kalen says, watching his father.

  “Can’t find my keys… have you seen them?”

  Kalen points to the end table near the front door. “Check there… that’s where you’ve been leaving them lately.”

  Mr. Starling walks over to the table and opens the drawer. Seconds later, he pulls out a set of keys, smiling. “Well, would you look at that? Thanks, Son.”

  Kalen smiles back. “No problem, but where are you going?”

  “I have to run to the shop. My boss called and needs me to check on some stuff. Then since I’ll already be out, I’ll run to the store and grab some things for breakfast; we’re out of milk.”

  Kalen nods. “Okay, no problem. I’m going to get Lexi home within the next hour or so if you come back and I’m not here.”

  I stand up, getting ready to say goodbye.

  Mr. Starling nods. “No worries,” then turning to face me, he offers his hand, and I take it in mine. “Lexi, it was a pleasure meeting you, young lady… you’re welcome back here anytime.”

  “Thank you so much, Mr. Starling. The pleasure was all mine, and dinner was absolutely delicious. I’ll be sure to visit again soon.”

  “Dave…” he says reminding me. “And you’d better.” He winks at me.

  I chuckle softly. “Dave…” I repeat.

  “Son, come lock this here door behind me,” Dave states walking closer toward the front door.

  Kalen jumps up from the couch and heads over to where his father is standing. “Sure thing, Pop.”

  Once he’s gone and Kalen locks the door, he turns around with a look on his face I recognize so well.

  I tilt my head to the side. “What are you doing?”

  He clicks his tongue and takes a few steps toward me. “I’m admiring how beautiful my girlfriend is. And I’m loving the view.”

  I giggle. “Oh, is that so, Mr. Starling?”

  Finally reaching me, he wraps his arms around me. “Why, yes, that’s so, Ms. Alderidge.” He leans down and meets my lips with his own.