by S. N. Garza
Like, that’s going to be Gabriel in twenty years. And yeah, I can picture us twenty years down the road. Rocking back and forth on chairs on a porch. Reminiscing about our epic tale of romance. Which is scary. And thrilling.
Nine
Willow
Marcus Saint coaches another game, and we win again. Surprisingly, he shows up Monday afternoon for our practice, and sends Vero packing once more, pretty much kicking her off the team. And since Marcus has been here, so has Gabriel after I text him that his dad is here.
They have a small argument, which ends up with Gabriel cursing and just walking around the gates to sit up in the bleachers. Unlike Coach Hanley, Marcus has all of us doing the same thing, not leaving anyone out.
I think he’s really getting a feel for it and enjoying it more than he’s admitting. When we win Thursday, I see an immense amount of pride in his face and he even hugs me. Which is weird, but nice too.
While Gabriel has been wary around his father, it hasn’t stopped our relationship from growing even more. If I’m not spending the night over at his place where I cook for all the guys—which I am loving—or playing video games with Duncan, or fooling around with Gabriel up in his room, he stays at the dorm, saying he needs the space from the guys. Sarah keeps to herself, so she doesn’t really notice him much in the room. She’ll roll her eyes and put in her Air Pods, thoroughly ignoring us.
The last two nights he stayed in the dorm room with me, he makes sure he turns the volume up on the TV show we’re watching, so she can’t hear us having sex. It’s not that I want her to know—no way—but there’s something about him that makes me feel so terribly wicked and wild and I want him, anyway I can get him. He gets in behind me, pulls me close and shunts deep, taking my breath away. Sometimes two, sometimes three times a night. Whether it be his mouth, fingers, or cock taking me.
I can’t yet say the word out loud, it’s too dirty and wild for me, but when I think about it in my head, I feel a little dizzy and lightheaded, but in a very good way.
It’s Friday night and it’s the big Fall Bowl in Grifton Falls. Our football team is amazing, and it reminds me of a high school homecoming game. I’m sitting in between Gabriel’s legs, he has one hand on my hip, where I feel his thumb caressing back and forth over the small amount of skin I’m showing, courtesy of Sarah Conner.
The black crop top she loaned me stops a few inches short from the school-girl pleated skater skirt I went and bought for this occasion. It’s not a formal event, but fun and light. I texted Ragan earlier, but she said she doesn’t do the whole ‘homecoming big bowl thing’ and just told me she’s staying in her room, chillin’ and sleeping.
I’m surrounded by all the ADs, who’re causing a raucous, ribbing each other back and forth as half-time gets called.
I’m ready for a drink and when I stand up, Gabriel flexes his hand on my hip. “What’s up, baby?”
Gah! I love it when he calls me that and when he’s in front of his friends, even more so. I turn to him and quickly glance at his friends before smiling down to him.
“I’m going to get something to drink and grab a snack. Do you guys want anything?”
Duncan lights up, “Yes, can you grab me a root beer, Will?” Then he stands, shoves a hand down into his pocket and tries to give me money, but I put my hand up to stop him.
“My treat, Duncan.”
“What? Nah, Will. Can’t let you do that.”
“Duncan?”
He crunches his brow, refusing to back down. “Yeah, Will?”
“Let me do this for you since I pretty much whip your behind in C.O.D every time we play.”
He snorts, shaking his head. “You got wicked skills, Will. But still.”
“Jesus fucking Christ. Here, Willow.” Gabriel lifts up and grabs his wallet from his back pocket. He takes out a twenty and shoves it in my hand. “Get us a round of sodas, Willow. Dr. Pepper for me. And put on the jacket when you go baby, your nips are showing.”
I look down and oh, my God. I cross an arm over my chest and reach in and smack his shoulder. “Honestly, did you have to say that in front of your friends, Gabriel?”
The look he gives me reminds me of a hungry lion and in a growl, I yank his letterman from his lap and shrug it on.
“At least she’s got good tits, Gabe.” Judas says without a care and the other three guys look at him in amazement.
But before Gabriel can say anything, and I can see he’s ready to, I tell Judas, “Thank you, Judas. That’s so sweet of you,” at that, he gives me a droll look before shaking his head. I tell them, “I know I do. Now, anyone want anything?”
“Coke for me, Lil’ Saint.” Lochlan says, but after giving my body a quick look, he smirks, shaking his head and focuses on something in his phone.
I turn to Judas once more, and after giving me this cocky smile, says, “Water for me, honey. Any bottle is fine.”
Gabriel’s hands fist at the endearment, but I don’t pay it any mind as Duncan sighs.
“Fine. The root beer will do. Thank you, Willow.”
Nodding, I walk down the steps and get a glimpse of Alann walking off with his team. “ALANN!”
His head whips over and scans the crowd until his gaze finds mine. His eyes widen when they see my outfit and then he shifts his gaze towards the stands where I’m sure he’s looking for Gabriel. When they get back to me, he sends me a wink and a thumbs up. I wave at him, giving him a thumbs up in return and he saunters off with his team. I make my way through the crowd to the concession stands and naturally, the line is long. I’m bundled up in Gabriel’s letterman when I hear my name being called. I look around me, but I don’t recognize anyone. I take a few steps forward in the line when my name is called again.
“WILLOW!”
I look again, and my breath catches.
Peter.
It’s been almost six months since I saw him. After we graduated, I really didn’t see him around our small town. Not even at the weekly social the town held for everyone to socialize and mingle.
To see him here, now, looking like he’s a blond, Greek God—yeah, I can’t help it, he looks good. Great even. His blond hair is smoothed back, his body fills out his college’s marching band uniform really well with broad shoulders and a tapered waist. I always knew he was a good-looking guy, but this? He looks hot.
And I don’t know how to feel about that. Maybe sex has changed my view on guys in general? I don’t know. But when he gets close, I feel propelled in his direction. I get out of line and when we’re just a few feet from each other, this radiant, white smile plays on his face.
“I knew it was you. I can spot you anywhere, shug.”
Shug—sugar. The endearment he’s called me all our lives. It’s a familiar sound and I sigh, smiling up at him. “Hey, Pete. How you doin’?”
“So much better now I’ve seen your pretty face. You? You look different. Never thought I’d see the day where you’d be wearing an actual skirt.”
I stepped away from him and shrug in answer. “I don’t know what you mean, but I’m glad to see you’re doing good. How’s school?”
“College is great. I got into a fraternity. It’s pretty wild.” He gives me a long, drawn out look of appreciation. “You look really good, shug. I’ve never seen you in a skirt. And it’s kind of short. And the top?” His eyes scanned me from toe on upward and when he gets to my chest, his eyes are glued right to them. I can see a shudder running through him as he shakes his head, coming back from whatever thoughts he was thinking. “You look really sexy, shug.”
And I don’t understand why, but I’m starting to feel uncomfortable with the deep stare he’s giving me. And I’m looking in his eyes, but I see his hand move to his crotch and he’s adjusting himself.
Oh, my God. My eyes avert somewhere to the side. Not really understanding why I feel so… wrong. This feels so wrong. I only know what he’s doing because I’ve seen Gabriel do it plenty of times, but on Gabriel, it looked sexy a
nd he always had this look on his face conveying how much he wants me. But having another guy do the same thing?
Awkward.
“So, how’s college treating you? Is that a letterman? How did you get one?”
“School is great. I think I should go, my—
“Willow?” I turn and see Gabriel walking through the crowd—what am I saying? The crowd parts for him like the Red Sea as he prowls his way towards me.
Turning back to Pete, I say, “I gotta go, Pete. I’m sorry.”
“Who’s that?” Pete asks, his brow crunching, mouth thinning.
“He’s—
“I’m the boyfriend.” Strong hands take hold of my hips and he presses me back into his broad chest. A chest I’ve found so much comfort in. And now that we’re a couple, in public, I find solace in his arms. I don’t feel so uncomfortable anymore. As if he can protect me from any and everything. I take a deep breath and see the emotions cross over Pete’s face. Shock. Confusion. Bitterness.
I can tell that. He had been gone an entire summer and came back all buff, broad shouldered and sexy. Which I had liked until he wanted more than I was ready to give.
“Gabriel, this is Peter Lancôme. I knew him in high school.”
“Oh? Is that so, baby?”
“Knew? I was your boyfriend since freshman year and I’ve known you our entire lives, Willow. You’re with this guy? He’s not your type, Will. I thought we could—
Gabriel swiftly gets in front of me, reaching back and I grab his hand and squeeze. “Don’t think. Stay away from my girl. Let’s go, Willow.”
“Bye, Pete.” Gabriel begins walking away when Pete’s voice is loud and clear.
“Willow? This guy? Is this why you’re looking like a tramp?”
First, I look sexy, now I’m a tramp? Blood curdles in my veins and I see Gabriel stiffen and I know he’s going to punch Peter out, but he doesn’t have to.
I let his hand go and turn swinging, punching him right in the nose, knocking him on his ass. “Go back to where you belong, Peter. I look like this because I choose to. I never have to explain anything to you after everything you did. And you know I don’t take shit from anyone either. You knew that punch was coming when you chose to say that to me.”
He stands, grits his jaw and I know he’s sorry, but I don’t want to hear it when he tries to open his mouth.
“Don’t. Just go, Pete.”
And then I turn, see pride in Gabriel’s eyes when he looks at me and when he looks past me to Pete, his eyes narrow. “Be grateful it was her. I wouldn’t have stopped until you stopped breathing.”
Gabriel leads me away and he opens his mouth, but I say, “Thank you. That was a rescue I needed before he smarted off. And I know how hard it was for you to let me handle what he said to me.”
He stops, turns me, and looks back to where Pete is now standing there, staring at us like he just can’t believe I’m with someone like Gabriel. There’s this look of guilt and loneliness in his gaze that I’d feel sorry for if he hadn’t just called me a tramp.
“You get another admirer, Will?” Gabriel never calls me that. He’s only ever called me Willow, baby, or fairy-girl. I look at Gabriel, and you can see the differences between them. While Pete’s grown into his figure, he’s nothing compared to Gabriel. Gabriel is rock solid. All man.
“No, Gabe.” His eyes narrow, red-hot jealousy blazing in his eyes. He hates it when I call him Gabe. I know it’s because of the jealousy thing. The whole thing with Alann had only happened a few weeks ago and I haven’t told anyone about his secret; knowing it’s not mine to reveal. I’d never betray him, but when I saw Pete, I saw familiarity. Something of home. And maybe that’s what I miss, but he’s never called me anything like that before and it cut deep.
I hear Gabriel sigh and feel his hand reach for the back of my neck. Squeezing gently, I look up to him to find him glaring daggers at Pete.
“Do I need to go back over there and beat his ass? Because if he keeps staring at you like a favorite treat, I’m going to.”
“Pete’s my ex-boyfriend. The one you overheard my Uncle Luke said—
“Dumped you because you wouldn’t put out. Fucking asshole. It’s reason enough to go back over there and pound his face into the ground. That and for calling you a tramp. Fucking little creep. And a fucking nerd. Not just any nerd, but a band nerd. I don’t know what you ever saw in him.
“He was actually a pretty great guy before he left and came back all big and buff.”
His gaze flicker back to mine, “He’s a douchebag.”
I lift my brow because really? “Really? And you’re sweet as apple pie, Gus?”
He snorts, rolls his eyes. “My douchebaggery isn’t anywhere on that level. If a bitch don’t want to put out, I don’t feel bitter about it. I move the fuck on.”
“I didn’t put out when we first met.”
His eyes blaze fire and it melts everything inside me. He comes right up against me, lifts his other hand to my neck and caresses his thumbs back and forth over my cheeks. “That’s because you’re fucking different than all the rest. You’re golden, Willow. And I knew I’d be a fool to force you into doing something you didn’t want to do. That… and you’d smack me. I’m not a fucking gentleman, but goddammit, baby, I’m not a forceful guy. I’d never pressure you like that. Is that what I did? Pressure you?”
I shake my head no. “You’re right. I would have totally smacked you. And no pressure. I did everything of my own free will. I was ready for you.”
His eyes light up with mirth and then devilish smile twitches on his lips. “I know, baby. So… don’t go over there and beat his ass to a pulp? You should let me. It would make us both feel better.”
And he tries, but I grab his bicep and pull him back. For a man who’s supposed to be a complete douchebag, he sure has a white-knight complex deep down.
“Gabriel, he’s not worth it.”
Gabriel stops and gets close to my face. “He made you feel not good enough. He broke your heart because he couldn’t control his dick. He’s not worth a shit, but you are. You’re worth it all.”
“How’d you figure that?”
“I heard it in your voice, Willow. When you spoke to your uncle. It cut you when he broke up with you because he thought you’d give it up to him easy.”
“I gave it up to you pretty easy, didn’t I?”
“I don’t think so, Willow.”
I look around to see a crowd starting to get curious. I never really cared for onlookers and now isn’t where I’m going to start. I feel too raw.
“Can we leave? I really don’t want to be here anymore.”
“Willow.” And somehow, his eyes soften and his thumb sweeps past my jawline, causing goosebumps to rise along my skin. “You’re far from easy. But one thing you should know right now, baby, is that I would have waited any amount of time. There’s plenty of other fun ways to get to the big win.” His lips twisted in an arrogant smirk and I playfully shove him back.
“Gabriel.”
He takes my hand, walking us back to the concession stand. “Let’s grab a snack and finish watching the game. Y’all won last night, your buddy’s gonna win tonight—
“Alann can be your friend too, ya know? He’s nice once you get to know him.”
“Nope. He tried taking you from me. He’s lucky he didn’t get pummeled.”
“Sweet baby Jesus. Jealous much?”
His hand wraps around my waist and he hauls me into his side. “Only around you.”
“Never got jealous over any of your girlfriend’s ex’s skirting around?”
“You know I’ve never had a girlfriend before you, fairy-girl. And I’ll never be your ex.” His ocean eyes blaze with lust and fire and it sets me ablaze.
This burn begins low in my belly as that fact sends a wave of smugness to course through my veins. It must have shown on my face because he leans down and kisses the stuffing out of me. I get lost in his dark stare and a ripple
of heat shoots down my spine, making me want to get him alone. Right. Now. My breath catches and I feel a slow burn begin to grow and heat pools between my legs.
“Gabriel.”
“What, baby?”
“Do we really have to stay?”
He takes measure of my shortened breath; of my lust-filled gaze and he says, “Fuck it.”
I can’t help giggling as he hauls me out of the football stadium and right to his truck. But instead of opening the passenger door, he opens the back cab, takes my waist, hoists me up and this animalistic sound rumbles from his chest. “Scoot back.”
I push back to the opposite side and I feel amped up. Ready. Desperately waiting for him to come to me. “Right here?”
“Fuck yeah. Right here. Right now.”
Ten
Willow
Since the first time, we’ve had sex at every opportunity we can between classes, practice, and games. It’s been a whirlwind of a few weeks and I can’t get enough of him.
I pull myself to the other side and he climbs in, slamming the door shut and pressing the lock on the key fob.
“Thank God, you’re wearing a skirt.”
I giggle as his hands crawl up my legs and flip up my skirt to take hold of my panties. He draws them down and over my shoes. I feel so hot. Everywhere.
“You look so amazing, baby. This little school-girl skirt has brought some wicked fucking fantasies, baby. All this beautiful innocence belongs to me.” He pops open the buttons of his jeans and shoves them down to his thighs.
Seeing his jutting erection, so big and long, sends a shiver to coast up my spine. But instead of coming over me and taking me, he hooks my knees in his elbows and stretches me open for him to dive right there with his lips, licking up my slit before taking the soft flesh of my clit into his mouth and sucking. Licking. Stealing the very breath right out of me. I feel my body begin to rise higher. My fingers dive into his thick black hair and I pull him closer. The overwhelming sensation ignites in my blood and within a few minutes, I'm panting, trying to keep a lid on the emotions swirling inside me. Just when I feel him stick a finger inside me, it doesn’t take me much longer before I’m calling out his name. Pleasure chills rack my body in rampant waves.