Freight Train

by Sapphire Knight

“Do you have any suggestions?” I ask, and they both shake their heads, annoyed. “Me either. At least you guys got him out of here. This week we need to try to come up with a plan. Even if it’s not him getting in trouble for the stuff he does to chicks, it needs to be something that’ll get him kicked off the campus.”

  “Sounds good,” Chandler agrees. “I’m pretty sure I know a few of the women he’s done it to. I skimmed over some pictures he had on his phone before JJ chunked it. At least two of the chicks are in my classes.”

  “I’m down; I want him gone. I probably should’ve kept his phone for evidence. I was just pissed and didn’t want him having it,” JJ grumbles, his buzz officially gone with all the drama going on.

  “Don’t worry about it; we’ll figure something out.”

  Kadence leans over, holding another marshmallow. “Hey, it’s three a.m., and I’ve eaten nearly an entire bag of marshmallows. I think I’m going to bed pretty soon.”

  “Okay, I’m ready too.”

  JJ’s eyes grow wide. “Bro, we usually stay up till at least five a.m. when we do bonfires.”

  “Nope, not tonight. Nearly everyone’s gone and passed out anyhow. The die-hard drinkers can finish the night off by sitting on the back of their tailgates without the fire going.”

  “Already pussy whipped.” He shakes his head, and I shoot him a glare. I don’t want him saying shit like that in front of Kadence. I don’t care if people think I’m ‘whipped’ or not, I just don’t want her to feel uncomfortable or disrespected. She doesn’t deserve that treatment or those remarks.

  “Come on, Pretty.” I hold my hand out. She grabs it and stands up, stretching her legs out. “Sore from sitting?”

  “Yeah, a little. It’s been a long day.”

  “It sure has. Give me a sec. I need to tell Nate to put the fire out, and then we’ll head to the house.”

  “Okay.” She smiles tiredly, and I signal for my brother.

  I thought he was going to ravage my body the first chance he got last night when we went back to his room after the party. Instead, he lay on the bed in only a pair of boxer briefs and passed completely out while I went to the bathroom.

  Now, it’s morning, and I’m lying here in his bed, watching him sleep peacefully. He’s insanely beautiful as he rests, long lashes shadowing underneath his eyes as he sleeps deeply. He’s nearly always wearing some grin or a smirk during the day and to witness him so relaxed, is like watching a piece of sculpted art. He’s got a thin white scar above his eyebrow, probably from a rough practice or maybe a quarrel with one of his brothers, and it’s taking all of my self-control not to run my finger over the small mark or anywhere else on his body.

  Tyler’s bare chest is purely enticing as it rises and falls in rhythm with his deep breaths. It’s practically beckoning me to stare my fill and to just reach over and pet it. God, I want to, ever since we were alone in here yesterday, I can’t get the image of him on top of me out of my mind. I wanted him to go further, even though I know we should slow down and take our time. All I want to do is rush.

  What happened yesterday still has me reeling; I can’t believe I was that noisy and right after we first arrived too. Thankfully neither one of his brothers said anything about it to me, so hopefully, it means they didn’t hear me after all. If he can get me that stirred up inside with my clothes on, I can only imagine what the real deal must be like with him. I don’t think a man’s ever had me so sexually frustrated and wound up inside before.

  Tyler’s door creaks open, with Clyde’s head peeking in. “You want some breakfast?”

  What is it with these guys and food? And thank God I’m in clothes and covered by blankets, or that could’ve been awkward.

  “Ummm...Sure.”

  “May as well, Ty sleeps till noon on the weekends. It’s the only time the kid gets to recharge.” Clyde can’t be but maybe five years older than Tyler, but just now he made me feel like we’re incredibly younger than he is.

  “Okay, I’ll ah, be down in just a few minutes.”

  He nods and closes the door softly. Not a man of many words I take it.

  Well shit, looks like I’m about to be grilled by the oldest. Maybe I’ll get lucky, and Nate will be like Ty when it comes to the sleeping late habit? What if he asks about us fooling around in here yesterday? I know we’re all adults, but that would be pretty mortifying if he ends up being pissed about it. You know how it goes when you meet family for the first time; you just want them to like you. It makes the relationship easier on everyone.

  I have on my sleep tank and pajama shorts, but I need something to give me a little more confidence when facing down an Owens sibling. Glancing around at Tyler’s stuff, I decide to lose my thin tank and yank on one of Ty’s big t-shirts.

  The material smells like him still and easily swallows me up. He doesn’t seem so big around all his friends and the other players, probably because they’re all large-sized men, but to me, he’s huge.

  Perfect. I nod, continuing my search.

  Going a step further, I pull on a pair of his long socks. I probably look like a huge dork, but I couldn’t care less. They’re comfy, and since he’s officially my boyfriend, it gives me free rein to wearing his clothes. If we’re still dating come winter, I’m living in his hoodies. I’m already laying claim to them...

  Wait, if we’re together? Of course, we will be, there’s no reason not to be. It’s only been one day, and already I’m worrying about losing him. I need to stop all the negativity and have hope.

  Digging through my bag that’s still in the same spot as yesterday, on top of Ty’s dresser, I grab my toothbrush and a hair tie. I quickly throw my hair up in a messy bun and brush my teeth before I head downstairs. I won’t win anyone over with bad breath and Medusa hair.

  The kitchen’s quiet as I come down the stairs and head for the table. My steps are light, as my stomach knots up, nervous about being alone with Clyde for the first time.

  “Coffee?” he asks, without turning around. He has that ‘eyes in the back of his head’ gift that parents often have. It’s impressive and a little freaky.

  “No thanks, I’ll just have a glass of OJ.”

  “Help yourself,” he offers, and I grab the pitcher in the center of the table, filling a small glass tumbler in one of the places that's already been set.

  After a moment he brings over a plate loaded down with heaps of bacon and another overfilled with pancakes.

  “This looks amazing. Do you enjoy cooking?”

  “I don’t mind it,” he replies, shrugging and sitting to the left of me.

  “Do all of you cook?”

  “Pretty much, but on the weekends my brothers sleep late, so I make breakfast. Usually, pancakes or French toast so they can microwave it whenever they decide to get up.”

  “That’s nice of you. Tyler’s grilled me chicken kabobs. They were delicious.”

  Clyde glances at me briefly, placing six pieces of bacon on his plate along with four large-sized pancakes. “Eat up.” He gestures to the food, so I take a few of each. “Let’s get the awkwardness out of the way, Kadence. I’m not your enemy when it comes to my brother. You obviously mean a lot to him, or you wouldn’t be here. I can’t remember the last time he had a girlfriend or one he cared to introduce us to. I’m happy for you both. That being said, I will always watch out for my brothers’ best interest. If I catch you bringing him down in any way, you’ll hear it from me immediately. Those boys have become more to me than just my younger brothers. They’re my heart and not to replace my own parents, but in a way, they’re mine. You understand me?”

  “Yes, sir. I respect that,” I reply the same way I would if it were a father saying it, as I know that’s what my own dad would expect.

  “Good, I’m glad that’s out of the way. Now make yourself at home and relax. We’re family. If Ty bringing you home is his indication on how he feels about you, then you’ll eventually be a part of this family down the road.”

  I h
ave to hold the tears from falling at his declaration. It’s said with such sincerity; it makes me want to be in this family, surrounded by these brothers. It may be too soon for me to declare my love for Ty, but I can see it happening quickly if this is any indication how he and his family will treat me.

  “Thank you.” I smile graciously and dig into the best pancakes I’ve had since my nan cooked for me.

  Later that afternoon...

  “I thought you were going to sleep forever!” I tease Ty as we walk to the swimming hole on the ranch that he’s told me all about back at school.

  “Oh come on, my brothers weren’t so bad, were they?”

  “Nope, not at all, but you should’ve warned me you like to sleep all day on Sunday.”

  “Just until noon, then usually football’s on, and we eat bad while we watch whoever’s playing.”

  “Especially the Patriots?”

  “Hell yeah, them and the Saints for sure.”

  “So where’s this swimming hole at, exactly?” In the afternoon warmth, it feels like we’ve been walking longer than we really have.

  “Right over this small hill.” He smiles, and we trek up the short climb. Sure enough, there’s a giant, uneven oval that’s full of water, with a small dock leading out nearly to the middle.

  “Oh my God, this is awesome!” The area’s surrounded by various established trees, giving it the perfect amount of shade and privacy. We set our towels down, and I take it all in.

  “See, I told you.”

  “You weren’t kidding. No wonder you guys lived out here during the summers. I would’ve too.”

  “When I was younger, my dad wouldn’t let us near it. He said it was for the animals only, drove us crazy as kids.”

  “So who built the dock then?”

  “He did. Once we learned how to swim, my dad couldn’t keep us out of it. He gave in eventually.” Ty chuckles, reminiscing over the happy memory.

  “Your dad must’ve been one amazing guy to have run this entire place and deal with three boys.”

  “Oh he was, but it was my mom who took on my brothers and me. To put it lightly, she was a force to be reckoned with. My father provided for our family, and my mom held the fort down, so to speak.”

  “They both sound very strong. I wish I would’ve had a mom like that. But you already know that mine was never around. Luckily my dad and my Nan was there for me, though. Clyde seems a lot like I’d imagine your father to have been.”

  “He is. It’s like they should’ve been brothers or something. He’s more like my father than Nate and me.”

  “He loves you very much,” I reply softly, and he nods.

  “Enough with all the serious talk, it’s time for you to strip.”

  “What? Who said I was stripping?”

  “It’s called skinny dipping!”

  Nate comes over the hill. “Yes, this is what I like to hear!”

  “Not a chance,” Ty hollers at him. “Go back to the house!”

  “Screw you. If she’s going to get naked, I’m staying.”

  Laughing, I argue, “Well rest assured, it’s not going to happen.” Pulling my shirt over my head, I slip my flip-flops off and push my stretchy shorts down until I’m left in my bra and panties. Both guys stand staring as I take off in a dash, running over the dock and jump straight into the middle of the pond.

  Seconds later two loud splashes follow, bringing a cheesy smile to my face. It must have been so much fun growing up here, with siblings around all the time to do things with like swimming. Looking back, my life was sort of lonely growing up. I was loved, don’t get me wrong, but today so far has shown me an entirely new look at what family is. Could I be so lucky to have Ty and his brothers in my life for the future? And if Ty and I had a family, they would have a chance to grow up in what was pretty much a dream life to me when I was younger. I could see us here, with a family of our own, teaching them things.

  Okay so Ty, Nate, and Clyde would teach them, along with me. I’m more of a city person, but I would definitely show them all the love a person has to give. It’s crazy to be picturing this when Ty and I are such a new couple. It’s merely been weeks, and we have to get through the part where he eventually meets my father. I still haven’t even shared with him who my dad is, exactly.

  Will he like me more when he finds out? There’s a possibility, but then he could also not be happy about me keeping it from him for so long. Usually, when you start a new relationship, you’re busy sharing every little detail with each other. All those small pieces of information that mean everything to you, but the other person eventually forgets about.

  I’ve started doing that, shelling out pieces here and there, but I don’t think Tyler will be able to grasp what I’m talking about when I tell him those things until he knows just how famous my father was, and in many cases, still is. It’s nerve racking, but I hope he’ll forgive me for keeping it from him.

  If you don’t believe in yourself,

  why is anyone else going to believe in you?

  - Tom Brady

  Sitting underneath an old oak tree on a blanket after hours filled with laughter and swimming, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s been one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. This wasn’t what I was expecting when Ty invited me to come home with him. I’m going to miss this place when we have to go back to campus tomorrow.

  “You’re so perfect.” Ty leans over, tucking a strand of sun-dried hair behind my ear.

  “That’s a word I don’t usually associate myself with.”

  “Why not? You should.”

  “Have you seen me?” Chuckling, I pull my shirt back over my head, now that I’m completely dry.

  “I have, and every day I can’t believe you weren’t already spoken for. Men are stupid to not be following you around.”

  “Thank you, that’s sweet of you, but I’m a klutz. Running into you wasn’t my first time colliding with someone; it’s pretty much a weekly occurrence. And I don’t like dressing like the sorority girls, so most guys just look past me, I suppose.”

  “Is it wrong that I’m happy that they’re too dumb to see what’s right in front of them? And that I’m grateful, because it means you’re mine?” His words make my cheeks heat up; they’re heartfelt, and he says them with such honesty in his gaze it makes my heart beat fast.

  “Ty, that’s very kind of you, but I’m really not that special.”

  He bends forward until his nose brushes mine softly. “Oh, Kadence, you really have no idea...You’re so much more than just special.” At that, his lips meet mine, softly, not hastily like yesterday’s tussle in his room, but tenderly coaxing mine to give in to him.

  I think it’s at that moment that I completely fall in love with him.

  No one’s treated me with such a high amount of respect and care that he has. Tyler’s always saying exactly what’s on his mind, and for it to be something like that, I can’t help but melt and fall for him. With a few swipes of his skillful tongue, he owns me, not because he claims me, but because I offer myself freely to him.

  Lying back on the blanket and hard ground, I give him not only my heart, but all of me and every movement is beautiful.

  Like the way he carefully removes my shirt, taking the extra moment to make sure I’m comfortable, and how he makes sure to nearly kiss every piece of my body, not leaving a spot untouched. His lips and intense gaze make me feel wanted, needed and adored. His hands cherish each of my soft curves, rough palms grazing over me as they leisurely explore.

  “Please,” I utter, and he complies, peeling off my panties. Lying back, I watch as he pulls free of his light gray boxer briefs, releasing his length—fully aroused and wanting me. It’s the perfect size, big enough so that I’ll feel everything.

  He enters me gradually, letting my body adjust to him, so it doesn’t hurt too badly. It’s been a while for me, and even though I’m sure he’s much more experienced than I am—if the playboy rumors are true—I almost
wouldn’t believe it. He so careful and attentive, it’s like he’s been waiting for this moment his whole life. Part of me believes I have been too; it couldn’t be more right. It’s like a scene out of one of my books, and he has no clue that he’s making my dreams come true.

  “Jesus, you feel good, Kadence.” He mumbles my name, and it’s all I need to set a fire ablaze inside.

  It’s as if he’s tuned in to my body, and within moments he has me wanting to come, just like yesterday. Men have had to work for it in the past, but not Tyler. No one even compares to how he feels filling me. Not only does my mind want him, but so does my body, my soul, every piece of my being.

  “You do too, just the right fit,” I answer as he kisses my neck. Up and down his lips whisper over my throat, pausing exactly where I need them too, each scorching touch of his breath unleashes goose bumps flooding my skin. Every marvelous swipe of his skillful tongue has my core growing wetter and wetter with my excitement.

  With a thrust and a nibble on my throat, he grumbles, “You were made for me.”

  I know what he means. I feel it too. He’s right about perfection, but it’s not me. It’s all him. He’s the one who has no idea just how truly special he is. He has to be, to capture my heart completely, for me to offer myself up so easily to him.

  “Yes,” I moan. My core clenches around him tightly, silently begging to keep him inside longer. He’s forced me to blossom into this wanton version of myself, ready to hold him in me as long as possible, wanting him to expunge every last drop of his cum.

  Tyler’s hands stroke my skin, driving my body on further, making it crazier with need for him. His muscles ripple with each thrust, showcasing his strength, making him more gorgeous than before. His body’s a thing of pure beauty, carved from hours of hard work and dedication. I feel unbelievably lucky to have him sharing it with me.

  His drive speeds up, becoming more urgent and his fingers follow, pulling and softly twisting each of my nipples. The sensations have me hot all over, my body becoming lava as my orgasm climbs inside, nearly ready to burst as my stomach spirals with anticipation.