They grow quiet when they spot us sitting on the porch steps. Awkwardness descends as the pair grind to a halt on the sidewalk about ten feet away.
Brett clears his throat, avoiding eye contact at all costs. “Well, this is uncomfortable.”
He’s got that right. I wrack my brain, unsure what to say or how best to smooth over the situation.
When I remain silent, my brother blows out a lengthy breath before plowing a hand through his damp hair. “I’m sorry, Dani.” He glances at Lizzie who stands beside him. “We never meant for it to happen; it just did.”
I stare at them, still unable to wrap my brain around what I stumbled across. It’s so odd to think of Lizzie and my brother romantically involved. Then again, is it any stranger for me to be kissing Brett’s best friend? As much as I hate to admit it, maybe Ty is right, and there isn’t a difference. If they have feelings for each other, who am I to stand in their way? This isn’t something I’m willing to lose my best friend over, especially when we’ll be going our separate ways in the fall.
It’s those thoughts that have the tension leaking from my body and my shoulders loosening from around my ears. “It’s okay.” Until the words escape from my mouth, I don’t realize how much I mean them.
Relief rushes from Lizzie’s lips in a puff of air. “You’re really not mad?”
I shake my head. “No.”
She dashes forward and throws her arms around my shoulders before swallowing me up in a monstrous hug. I hiss out a breath as her chilled flesh comes in contact with my skin. “I’m so sorry! I wasn’t sure how to tell you about this.”
I pull away enough to search her eyes. “We’re best friends for life. You can tell me anything.”
“You’re right. I should have been honest with you.” A mischievous smile dances across her face. “FYI, in case you two are planning on using the pool tonight, the heater isn’t working.” She shoots an amused glance at Brett. “And your brother had some serious shrinkage going on.”
“Gag me out the door!” I scrunch my nose and shove that image from my head. “New rule, I don’t need to know everything.”
“On that note,” Brett grumbles, “we’ll see you inside.” He grabs Lizzie’s arm and drags her around the back of the house.
With a shake of my head, I watch them disappear from sight. It’s going to take some time to get used to seeing them together as a couple. Although, I’m sure Brett feels the same way about us.
“So,” Ty bumps his shoulder into mine, “alone at last.”
A fresh wave of awareness crashes over me as I glance at him from beneath my lashes. I’ve spent so many years wanting Ty to see me as something other than Brett’s little sister, and now that he has, it feels almost surreal—like this can’t possibly be happening. I want to stop time and make this moment last forever.
“If you’re not busy tomorrow night, I’d like to take you out.”
Elation explodes in my chest. “I’d like that.” More than he’ll ever realize.
“Wicked.” He pops to his feet. “I should motor. It’s late, but I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“For sure.” I rise to mine. For a night that started out like crap, it somehow ended on an amazing note. One I never saw coming.
He takes a few steps backward before swinging around and moving toward the street where his cherry-red Firebird is parked. As I consider slipping inside the house, Ty spins around. Four long-legged strides bring him right back to me.
My breath catches as his hands rise to my cheeks. “There’s no way I can leave without one last kiss.”
I melt beneath him as his mouth slants over mine. When the velvety softness of his tongue licks at the seam of my lips, I open until it can slip inside and mingle with my own. Time stands still as he drags me to the very bottom of the ocean. I have no idea how long we stay fused together.
All I know is that there is no way I will forget this night for the rest of my life.
How could I when it feels like all my dreams have finally come true?
Danielle
I take one last look in the mirror before adding large silver hoops to my ears and a few matching bangles to my wrist. As I blow out a breath, the doorbell rings from downstairs, and my belly drops to the bottom of my toes.
Part of me still can’t believe I’m going out on a date with Ty Nelson.
Ty Nelson!
The very same guy I’ve crushed on forever.
Anticipation bubbles up inside me as I grab my purse from the top of my dresser and head to the staircase. Halfway down, Ty comes into view. A fresh wave of nerves careens down my spine. My feet almost stumble before I flatten a hand against my lower abdomen, attempting to still the butterflies that are winging their way to life inside the confines of my belly.
A slow smile spreads across his face, and somehow, it has the power to settle everything rioting dangerously inside me. All of the noise in my head goes eerily silent, and the world falls away until it’s just the two of us. I can’t imagine another guy affecting me this way.
As I step off the last riser into the foyer, he says, “Wow, you look beautiful.”
“Thanks.” Heat suffuses my cheeks. There’s no way I’d ever admit it, but I spent hours picking out the perfect outfit for tonight and getting ready.
When Dad clears his throat, I blink out of my Ty-induced haze. Honestly, I forgot my father was standing near the front door. “So, Ty, I hear that you’re taking my little girl out on a date.”
And just like that, reality crashes around me, and the spell I’d been under vanishes into thin air. “Dad!” He’s so embarrassing.
“What?” My father shrugs before stuffing his hands into the front pockets of his slacks. “I’m just trying to keep up with the times. Ty used to come around for your brother. Now he’s here for you. Lizzie’s always been your best friend, and now she’s dating Brett. Do you blame me for being confused?”
“Yes, sir,” Ty straightens to his full height, “with your permission, I’d like to take Dani out.”
Dad nods before slipping one hand from his pocket and pointing at me. “You see the condition my little girl is leaving the house in?”
Ty’s gaze slides toward me before his brow crinkles. Clearly, he doesn’t understand where this line of questioning is headed. “Umm...yes, sir?”
“That’s the condition Mrs. Wentworth and I expect her to be returned in.”
“Dad!” Oh my God, someone kill me now before this conversation becomes any more embarrassing.
“By midnight,” my father adds.
I groan, wishing the floor would open up and swallow me whole.
“And no necking at The Point either.” There’s a pause. “I might drive by to make sure there’s no funny business going on.”
Yup, I’m definitely on the verge of spontaneous combustion. Without another word, I grab Ty’s hand before dragging him out the front door.
“Have a good time,” Dad calls after us, humor simmering in his voice, “but not too good of one.”
Ugh.
“After that interrogation, are you sure you want to take me out?” I mumble as we hit the sidewalk.
“Absolutely.”
Most guys would be baling by now, but Ty is different. He’s always been different. It’s one of the reasons I’ve fallen so hard for him. My heart flips over when he opens the passenger side door of his Firebird and shutters me inside before jogging around the sleek hood and sliding onto the black leather seat.
“You ready to do this?”
I nod as excitement bubbles up inside me, banishing all of my previous anxiety. I still can’t believe this is happening. I’m almost tempted to pinch myself just to make sure this isn’t a dream.
His gaze slides over the length of me. “I meant what I said earlier; you really do look beautiful.”
My smile widens. I can’t help it. “Thanks.”
He turns the key, starting up the engine and shifting the car into gear. Duran Duran’s Hun
gry Like the Wolf blasts from the stereo. I’ve always loved this song. It doesn’t take long before I’m humming along with the tune. Ty does the same, and before I know it, we’re both singing along, belting out the lyrics.
Less than ten minutes later, we pull into the crowded parking lot of Skateland. It’s been a while since I’ve been to the roller rink. Lizzie and I used to hang out here all the time when we were in middle school, and it was so much fun. Ty takes care of the admission as we head to the counter and grab skates before finding a bench to switch out our shoes.
Once he’s finished tightening his laces, Ty rises to his feet and extends a hand for me to take hold of before we move onto the floor. The lights are low—a strobe light of colors bounces off the shiny wood. Our hands stay clasped as one song bleeds into the next. Testing out my skills, I flip around until I’m skating backward. Ty grabs my fingers and guides me as we weave in and out of other people, circling around the rink.
As we skate in front of the DJ booth, I wave to my friend, Marissa. She’s got some serious skills when it comes to music. Her eyes widen, and her face morphs into one of surprise when she sees who I’m with. A few minutes later, the song changes and Madonna’s Crazy for You comes on.
Ty wraps his hands around my waist. “You might not realize it, but I always have been.”
My brow crinkles as I replay the words in my head. Did I miss part of the conversation? “Have been what?”
Even in the darkness, I see the serious light that fills his eyes. “Crazy for you.”
My heart melts, and I couldn’t stop myself from admitting the truth even if I wanted to. “I’m crazy for you, too.”
A slow smile spreads across his face—an answering one curls around the edges of my lips. As we continue to skate, Ty holds me close. I didn’t think it was possible for him to see me as anything other than his best friend’s little sister.
Thankfully, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I have no idea what this summer has in store for us, but I’m stoked to find out.
Ty
The moment Danielle exits the stone building, her gaze coasts over the crowd of students until it lands on me. As corny as it sounds, my heart skips a beat. When she stares at me like that, everything around me falls away until it’s just the two of us. I blink out of those thoughts as she hurries down the short flight of cement steps and throws herself into my arms. Unable to help myself, my lips fasten onto hers. We’ve been together since June, and I’m still not able to get enough of this girl.
“Get a room, Nelson!” one of my teammates shouts from across the quad.
My lips tremble as I pull away. Ignoring the not-so-subtle suggestion, I focus my attention on her, “How did class go?”
“Amazing! I love my poli-sci professor. He’s so funny.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard that about Professor Higgins.”
We’ve been on campus for exactly one month and dating for three.
“Are you hungry? Do you want to grab lunch at the Union?”
Dani slants a look my way before biting her lower lip and shaking her head.
My attention fastens on to her mouth. She knows how much that turns me on. My voice drops a few octaves. “You got something better in mind?”
Color blooms in her cheeks as she glances around. “I was thinking we could go back to my dorm. My roommate won’t be home for a couple of hours. We’ll have the place all to ourselves.”
My feet stutter before I catch myself. I’ve done everything in my power to take our relationship at a gradual pace. I haven’t wanted to rush Dani into something she’s not ready for.
But that doesn’t stop the excitement from attempting to break loose inside me. “Are you sure?”
She slips her fingers into mine. “Positive.”
I blow out a steady breath before halting on the path and taking her into my arms. A few people grumble as I block the flow of student traffic. My hands settle on her cheeks until I can tip her chin upward so that her attention is focused solely on me. I don’t give a shit if we’re in the way. This is too damn important.
“There’s no rush,” I whisper. “We don’t have to do this.”
Some of the nerves dancing in her eyes fade. “I know.”
“You need to be one hundred percent certain before we move forward.”
“I am. I want you.” Her breath hitches. “And I want this.”
When she puts it like that, how can I say no?
“Okay.” I jerk my head into a nod as we continue walking.
It takes five minutes before we reach the residence hall and take the staircase to the sixth floor, where Dani’s room is located. I live off-campus with four other guys from the football team. Privacy has become a precious commodity. Danielle’s roommate is a girl she graduated with from high school and has turned out to be a real homebody. Carving out time to be alone hasn’t been easy. Sometimes we’re only able to snatch fifteen minutes here and there—and that’s not nearly enough.
With a quick glance tossed over her shoulder, she shoves her key in the lock and pushes the door open. It’s a standard-issue dorm room with a narrow twin bed shoved against one wall, a desk near the window, and a dresser built inside the closet. The same layout is echoed on the other side of the rectangular-shaped space. Just like Dani claimed, her roommate, Allison, is conspicuously absent.
As soon as the door slams shut, she clicks the lock in place. An anxious smile flits across her lips as she steps toward me, twining her arms around my neck and pulling my face down for a kiss.
It’s not like I want her to change her mind, but that doesn’t stop me from asking one last time, “Are you absolutely certain about this? We have all the time in the world. We’ll take this as slow as you need.”
It’s gently that she presses her mouth to mine before whispering, “I appreciate how patient you’ve been, but I want to do this. I want you to make love to me.”
Her words reverberate inside my head, and I’m struck with a realization. That’s exactly what this will be.
Love.
And I want it to be special. Dani deserves that and so much more. “Okay. How much time do we have?”
“Allie won’t be home until after six, so a couple of hours.”
I nod as my mouth settles over hers. That’s all it takes for her to open under the firm pressure. We’ve spent so much time exploring each other’s bodies. Dani’s father would kill me if he knew that we spent hours this summer necking at The Point in the front seat of my Firebird. As quickly as that thought pops into my brain, I shove it away. If I think too much about Richard Wentworth, there’s no way I’ll be able to go through with this.
It'll be over before it even begins; then again, I’m so turned on, that might happen regardless. Sometimes it feels like I’ve been waiting for this girl forever. She was too young when we were in high school.
But now?
Now is the perfect time.
Now is our time.
I’ve never been so crazy about someone and that has everything to do with Dani. She might have started out as Brett’s little sister, but she’s grown into so much more.
With our bodies pressed together, I walk her back toward the twin bed before gently pulling her down to the mattress. Her fingers slide through my hair as our mouths stay fused together. My hands slip beneath her top, slowly inching it up her body. I allow enough distance between us to pull the soft fabric over her head and toss it to the floor. Her fingers grasp the hem of my T-shirt before doing the same. As soon as the cottony material has been removed, she flicks open the button of my jeans.
My brow hitches. “Impatient, much?”
She slants a coy look at me. “You have no idea.”
I snort, capturing her fingers and placing them over my hard length. I want her to understand exactly what she does to me. “Actually, I do.”
Heat flares to life in her eyes as she squeezes my erection. A bolt of pleasure sizzles through me. Sure, I’ve jerked off
dozens of times to thoughts of her, but nothing compares to her delicate hands stroking over me.
At this rate, I won’t last long. There’s too much pent-up need careening around inside me. I rise to my feet and pull her up. In a matter of moments, I’ve stripped off my jeans and removed hers until she’s standing before me in nothing more than her bra and panties.
Need pounds through me as I reach around and unfasten the clasp of her bra. The narrow straps slink down her arms before pale flesh is revealed. As the lacy material drops to the floor, my gaze fastens on to her softly rounded breasts. I’ve played with them numerous times in the front seat of my car, but this is the first chance I’ve had to admire them in the daylight.
Unable to help myself, I reach out, plucking at one tiny bud until it stiffens beneath my touch before giving the same attention to the other. A whimper escapes from her lips as her head lolls back. My hands drift from her breasts to her ribcage before arriving at the elastic band of her cotton panties. My movements still as I glance at her face, waiting for a signal to proceed.
Understanding my hesitation, she jerks her head into a nod. “I want you, Ty. That’s not going to change.”
As soon as those whispered words leave her mouth, I slip my fingers beneath the band, lowering it over gently flared hips and thighs until her pussy comes into view. My cock stiffens as the dark curls covering her center are revealed.
With my boxers firmly in place, I carefully lay her on the narrow bed before settling between her legs. I run my hands over her silken skin, touching every part, wanting to put her at ease. The first time we talked about having sex, Dani admitted that she was a virgin, which is precisely why I want to make this experience amazing for her.
I’ve slept with my fair share of girls over the years. Sure, I wanted them to enjoy it, but it was my pleasure that always took precedence. That’s not how I feel when I’m with Dani. I don’t give a rat’s ass about me or if I’m going to get off. It’s all about her. And that, I realize, is exactly the way it should be.
Crazy for You: 80's Baby Series Page 5
