by Shane Morgan
I smile at her. “Me too, Mrs. Prescott.” After nodding to the headmaster, I step into the entry with Parker. He swathes his arm around me as we walk to the front door. I wave to his mom once more before going outside.
“Everything all right?” Parker asks as we approach his car. He opens the door for me. “Did my dad say anything mean?”
I wobble my head and give him a reassuring smile. “No. I think we’re cool.”
He creases his forehead. “My dad isn’t cool with anyone, Syd. So if you’ve gotten through to him, good for you.”
Sadly, Spencer Academy loses the next football game and won’t move on in the league.
I thought Parker would be a bit more upset, but when we meet up after the game, he doesn’t appear too sad. We walk hand in hand across campus, heading to his dorm.
“The guys are still going out to party. But I’m exhausted. Wanna chill in my room?”
“Okay.”
Entering the boys’ dorm shortly, Parker places his arm around my waist as we step inside the elevator.
He flicks on the light and tosses his duffle on the floor the instant we walk into his room. Then he plops down on the bed. “Shit. I’m beat.”
Parker wipes his face with the palm of his hand. He’s already showered in the sports center, so he has this fresh, soapy scent tempting me to trail my nose all over his exhausted body.
I climb onto the bed and settle beside him. “I’m sorry the team isn’t moving on, being that it’s your final season.”
He sighs. “Thanks, babe. But honestly, I’m kinda relieved.”
This confuses me. “How come? You love football.”
“My dad’s constant pushing took the fun out of it.” He pauses a second. “But, noticed he didn’t leave right away tonight even though we lost. He actually stayed to talk with me a bit.”
I rub his arm. “Yeah. That’s good.”
“Hm.”
Parker asks after a beat, “What did you two talk about last Saturday?”
“Oh, uh…” I dip my head and smile. “Told him to ease up on you.”
“Well, he seemed to have listened. You have a powerful ability to charm people, know that?”
“So do you.” I flatten on the bed, resting my head on his pillow. “You’ve been charming the hell out of me ever since the night of the basement party.”
He shifts closer until our foreheads touch. “Stay with me tonight.”
“Still so bossy. Well, you’re in luck, since it’s Friday.”
I shiver when he lifts a hand to my face, caressing it while staring into my eyes. We say so much without using words.
Not long after, I notice his eyes are starting to appear sleepy. I get up to turn off the light, considerate of his body that’s just been through a few sacks, and had depleted a lot of strength.
Parker peels off his clothes. I do the same.
Crawling back into bed, I pull the sheet over us, kiss him softly on the lips before I close my eyes and go to sleep beside my love.
48
End of year exams is right after Leighton’s excellent rendition of Othello with the drama club. We’re all burned out when we finish.
Kids are free to go home for the rest of the week for an early vacation, but a bunch of us decide to stay at school.
It’s the Thursday before Christmas break. Nia’s hanging out in the room with Leighton and me, killing time until her date with Kawan.
Since we aren’t going home until Saturday, we’re discussing plans for the next two days.
“Jason’s leaving for Japan on Monday,” Leighton says, polishing her nails a dark crimson shade. “We’re staying at his brother’s apartment for the weekend.”
“Cool.” I blow on my nails after I finish applying a soft lilac polish.
“Um…” Nia sits Indian style on the carpet beside me. She scratches at her jeans while speaking. “Kawan’s bringing me to a friend’s place after our date. I’ve decided tonight’s the night.”
“Oh,” Leighton and I utter at the same time.
I touch Nia’s arm. “Well, like you told me, as long as you’re ready and he’s not pressuring you.”
She turns shy, playing with her curls. “Not at all. I’m ready.”
“I’m all out of condoms,” Leighton informs us.
Nia and I look at her and chuckle.
She shrugs, then refocuses on painting her nails.
“Welp,” Nia sputters, straightening from the carpet. “I’m gonna get ready. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“K.”
“Have fun,” Leighton says on a teasing chortle.
Nia snorts and waves her off before leaving the room. I lean against the side of my bed and stretch my legs out on the carpet, blowing on my nails to dry them faster.
Leighton rests her chin on the back of the chair. “So, excited to be going to Seattle next week? Your dad and your friends must miss you a lot.”
“Yeah.” I pull my knees up to my chest. “I wish I could spend Christmas with Parker, too. It’s our first.”
Squinting at me, she snorts and says, “Don’t lose yourself in the relationship. Give each other breathing room.”
“I know. That’s why I’m here, and Parker’s with his friends doing whatever.”
“You should go out, too.” She hops up from the chair. “Come on, there’s a beach party tonight. Let’s go have fun.”
“But you never go to parties,” I say, wrinkling my forehead.
Leighton waggles a finger. “Correction, I don’t go to Spencer elite kids’ parties. Now come on.”
She ambles into the closet, pulling out a ripped Rock and Roll graphic tee and denim skirt.
I change into a similar blouse but opt for jeans shorts instead. After fluffing my curls, Leighton does my makeup and hers, giving us both smoky eyes and red lipsticks. We layer our necklaces and bangles and put on flats.
She drives to a private beach where a fire is blazing in the sand. Hip-hop music has teens going hard. I feel the bass in my core and naturally, start to bob my head to the beat.
Draping her arm around my shoulder, Leighton guides me over to a group near the fire.
“Hey, guys,” she greets cheerfully. “What’s up?”
“Hey, Leigh. Thought we lost you to Spencer for good,” the guy with long hair and tattoos says. He flicks to me, smile widening. “Who is this?”
“Sydney,” Leighton introduces. “These are my friends. They taught me to surf.”
My brows go up. “You’re a surfer? That’s cool.”
“I could teach you if you’re interested,” the tattooed guy says, using his tongue to play with the piercing at the left side of his bottom lip.
“She has a boyfriend, Brock,” Leighton informs him before I get the chance.
“That’s too bad.” He watches me while he drinks.
I look away to the crowd of dancing bodies.
Leighton accepts beer from one of the girls. She hands a can to me. I make sure it isn’t open, but I’m still hesitant, ever since the night Parker scolded me about accepting alcohol from anyone who isn’t him.
“Cheers,” Leighton says, raising her beer.
I pop mine open, knock her can, and chug. We giggle with each other afterward.
Leighton grasps my hand and leads me away from her friends. We drink and dance to the groovy sounds of Apeshit.
As the night progresses, so does my alcohol consumption. I end up with my third beer, enjoying myself.
When we’re tired of dancing, Leighton and I sit in the sand with her friends.
My phone buzzes in my shorts pocket. Taking it out, I notice a missed call and a text from Parker.
Are you already asleep?
Crap. How did I miss his call? I wonder if he’ll be pissed that I went to a beach party and I’m drinking.
Getting up, I gesture to my phone when Leighton looks at me. The beach is too noisy, so I walk down a little but still stay close enough to the crowd where I won’t e
nd up in danger.
Parker answers on the second ring. “Hey, listen, Coleman’s…” His voice fades. “Is that music? Are you at a party?”
“Yeah,” I admit. “Leighton brought me to this beach party at Arch Cove.”
“Did you drink? Did Leighton?” Concern laces his tone.
“Uh, yeah.” I snort. “But we’re fine. I haven’t had much.”
He sighs heavily into the phone. “You sound tipsy. I’m coming out there.”
“Parker, it’s okay—” The line goes dead. I stick my phone into my pocket and walk back to where Leighton is sitting.
Brock, the guy with the tattoos, hurries from the sand and stops before me. “So, Sydney. You know, if you are interested in surfing, you could stop by in the morning. Hang out with us.”
“I have a boyfriend,” I reiterate. “He’s on his way.”
Brock snorts. “Is he the jealous type?”
I recall the time Parker tackled Landen and punched him repeatedly for just touching me. He was hungover and probably wasn’t in the right frame of mind. Still…
“Um, something like that. Either way, I’m not interested in learning to surf. Cool lifestyle, though.”
“Thanks.” He motions behind him. “Want another beer?”
“No, thanks. I’ve had enough.” I continue to my roommate and crouch beside her.
“Everything cool?” she asks, smiling.
“Yeah. Parker’s on his way here.”
Leighton laughs short. “Geez. He couldn’t let you have one night out?”
I shrug. “It’s okay. Come Tuesday, I’m leaving for two weeks, so we should spend the weekend together.”
“Gosh, you two are so in love.” She jerks my arm, then straightens from the sand.
I do the same, asking, “Still go surfing? How come you never mentioned it?”
She releases a long sigh. “Probably because I haven’t surfed in a while. Jason doesn’t like me hanging out with other guys so much. Besides, I’ve been busy with the drama club and school. Just didn’t have the time.”
“Got it.” I bump her arm. “It would be cool to see my roomie surfing, though. It must be so fun out there. I’m terrified of the ocean.”
Leighton shakes her head. “Don’t let fear stop you from living your life, Bell.”
I nod slowly. “Yeah, I’m letting it go more and more each day.”
Brock sidles close again. “You said no to beer, but how about a dance?”
I shake my head. “I don’t think it’s cool to dance with other guys while I have a boyfriend.”
He snorts and reaches for my waist. “Oh come on, Sydney. Just one dance.”
Leighton slaps his arm. “Knock it off, Brock.”
“I’d back away from her if you value your life, dude,” Davidson warns, coming up to us with Coleman and Nunez.
Parker stops at my side and stares at Brock without saying a word, only huffing.
“Geez.” Brock lifts his hands in peace, scoffs, and walks away.
The guys continue to a group of girls.
Turning to me, Parker sucks his teeth and says, “I could have come with you.”
“You were with your friends. I wanted to give you space.”
He flicks to Leighton. “You good to drive?”
“I’m fine,” she tells him. “Didn’t drink much.”
Parker looks at me again. “Spend the weekend with me. Penn’s parents own a rental. It’s empty.” I glance at his friends. They have the girls cracking up at their jokes.
“Sure. I’ll need to get some stuff at the dorm.”
“I’ll take you back,” Leighton says, and steps up to her surfer friends, saying her goodbyes.
“Are you mad I came?” Parker asks, touching my hand.
I turn my head and reply, “No. It’s all right.”
The heatwave starts as his hand slithers up my arm. “I just worry about you, Syd. Parties around here can get crazy. Don’t know what I’d do if something happens to you.” The sincerity in his tone gets me every time.
Flattered, I tip and kiss his lips.
He smiles in return.
Leighton comes back over, asking, “Ready to go?”
“Yeah.” To Parker, I say, “See you in a bit.”
He nods. “Gonna pick up something first.”
“K.”
Looping our arms around each other, Leighton and I head from the beach. She drives back to the academy.
“Sorry I ruined our little girls’ night out,” I say, packing clothes into my bag.
She shrugs it off and stretches out on her bed. “It’s cool. Go have fun with your boyfriend and enjoy your last weekend together before the new year.”
I smile at her. “You too. I’ll call you next week since we won’t see each other again this weekend.”
“Cool.”
Parker texts me that he’s out front.
“See you,” I tell Leighton.
“Happy holidays.”
I hurry downstairs to the student lot, expecting to see Parker at his SUV. An elated gasp rushes from my lips when I glimpse the bike instead.
Continuing over, Parker hands me the extra helmet. “I’ve been missing it.”
“You know what? Me too.”
He nods behind him. “Let’s go for a ride.”
I climb on and fix the helmet on my head, wrapping my arms around Parker as he revs the bike and takes off through the gates.
We stop to purchase food along the way, reaching Huntington Beach almost fifty minutes later.
The rental property is pitch-black because it’s unoccupied. Parker unlocks the front door and flips on the lights, emphasizing the large and nautical-style house.
“Wow,” I murmur, mouth agape as I peer around.
“Yeah, huh.”
Parker brings the food into the kitchen.
I walk to the tall windows, turn on the outdoor lights, and stare out at the dark ocean.
He comes over and kisses me lightly on the neck. “It’s a pretty cool place. I’ve been here a few times for parties. Come on.” He leads me downstairs to the lower level. “There’s a bedroom here that’s never used.”
Turning into a short passage, Parker opens the door and hits the switch. We drop our bags on the comfy carpet and stare at the king-size bed.
He hauls me into his strong arms, kissing me once. “I wanted to spend another weekend with you before you leave for Seattle. Just us, away from everything.”
I smile. “Great idea. Nice of Penn to let you stay here.”
“Yeah.”
Linking my fingers at his neck, I ask, “What are you doing for the holidays? Is your family going anywhere?”
Parker tightens his hold on me. “Nope. Staying home.” He pouts. “What am I supposed to do while you’re away for two weeks?”
I roll my eyes. “You’ll survive, the way you have before meeting me.”
There’s absolute passion in his hypnotic gaze as he regards me. “I don’t remember that time, to be honest. Feels like I started living when I met you.”
“Geez.” His sweet words turn me mushy. “You really know how to mesmerize girls, Parker Prescott.”
He licks his lips and whispers, “Only you.” Then kisses me slow and tenderly.
Breaking away, he tells me, “I’m gonna get water and snacks, cause I’m holding you prisoner in here for the rest of the night.”
“Mm.” I smack his butt when he turns.
After Parker leaves the room, I mosey around, spotting a small box under the vanity. Picking it up, I snort when I see the blunts inside.
Parker returns shortly with water and a bag of cinnamon veggie puffs. He locks the door and sets everything on the media table.
Curious, I show him the box.
He smirks. “I see you’ve found Coleman’s stash.”
“Have you ever smoked?”
“Is that a deal-breaker?” he jokes, taking the box from my hand. He sets it on the table and plucks o
ut a blunt, finding a lighter in the drawer.
We sit on the bed.
“I haven’t since the start of the football season. But now that it’s over…” He lights the joint and takes a drag with ease. Not even a cough.
“What’s it like?” I ask, watching for a change in his demeanor.
“Wanna find out?” He reaches it to me.
Zero hesitation, I take the blunt from between his fingers, put it at my lips, and close my eyes as I draw it into my lungs. I cough immediately and hand it back.
Parker chuckles and rubs my arm. He smokes some more before saying, “I’m happy your first experience is with me.”
“Why is that?” I ask in a flirty tone.
He squints at me, a cocky grin on his face. “Because I’m possessive like that. Don’t you know?”
I suck my teeth and reach for the blunt, puffing slower this time. I don’t cough.
The more we smoke, the lighter and happier I feel, giggling at everything. Even if Parker just looks at me.
When we finish, he sets the remains in an ashtray on the nightstand and flattens on the bed, eyes drowsy as he stares at the ceiling.
“I am possessive,” he repeats, voice raspy. “There’s something about you, Syd. It’s freaking crazy.” His Adam’s apple bods as he looks at me intensely. “I need you like air. And every time I draw you in, it burns to the point where it feels incredibly good. Does that scare you?”
“No,” I whisper, squeezing his hand. “It would only scare me if you didn’t feel that way. I want you to need me so much it hurts.”
He sniffs. “You’re wicked.”
“Let me show you just how wicked I can be.”
Undoing Parker’s jeans, I yank them off along with his underwear and pull his shirt over his head. I suddenly have a craving for him, and I need to feed.
I hurry out of my clothes and crawl on top of him, pressing kisses all over his chest before moving to his lips, tasting a mixture of herbal and fruity flavors as our tongues battle.
Parker groans and touches my hair, then squeezes my body. I tear my mouth from his and flash a devious smile before I slither down past his waist, pleasuring him for the first time in a different way.