by Laney Powell
I ran every night, pushing myself harder, and running longer distances. I felt my anger, the anger that I’d worked so hard to manage, coming back. I didn’t like it, but I felt powerless to stop it.
She was right. This wasn’t me. It was her. And I was right. Something had happened. All these things we were both right about, and I still wasn’t with her. Being right sucked sometimes.
Finally, I got sick of myself, and when I woke the next morning, I decided that I was going to make the best of this. I’d wanted to go to college for the last ten years. I’d worked my ass off in the military so that I would be able to. I was going to enjoy it even if something was missing.
As I walked to my first class, it felt good to shake off the pouty bastard mood that had been with me all week. I was thinking about what to do with myself after my classes when someone stopped in front of me.
She was petite, shorter than Casey. She had her arms crossed over her chest, and she was glaring. God, did they all learn how to do that in a handbook or something? It made me think, What did I do?
“You’re Jax, right?”
“I am. You are?”
“My name is Lola. You don’t know me, but I’m one of Casey’s sorority sisters.”
“OK. I’m not sure why we’re having this conversation, but—”
“I’m talking, pal. What did you do to Casey?”
“What did I do? I didn’t do anything!”
“Then why is she dragging around like someone just shot her pony?”
I felt a thrill that Casey was as miserable as I was. That must mean she cared right? Then I told myself I was a total dick for wishing that on her. I looked at Lola. “Shot her pony? That’s pretty disturbing. And why are you asking me this?”
“Because Casey keeps all this sort of thing to herself. Besides, I know for damn sure you’re not part of The Plan.”
“The plan? What are you talking about?”
She eyed me with a great deal of speculation. I felt myself getting twitchy under that gaze. Lola would be a fine addition to the CIA, or some other agency that specialized in interrogation. Or a drill instructor. New recruits would piss themselves under her stare.
“You have time to grab a coffee?”
“I have a class in half an hour.”
“You have time then. Come on.” She turned and headed toward the student center, sure that I would follow.
Which I did. Drill instructors would kill for whatever it was Lola had.
“OK, what’s the plan?”
She laughed, and some sternness faded. “No, no. Show it the proper respect. The. Plan. All caps. Casey has a plan, and guys, and parties, and fun—those aren’t part of it.”
“Why not?” I thought Casey was perfect, but maybe there was something really bad I didn’t know.
“She’s got a scholarship that is grade dependent, which she doesn’t talk about so keep it to yourself. She also wants to graduate in four years. It’s not easy, with her major. Then she’s headed straight for grad school. Probably here,” she added. “But she still has to get in.”
“I’m not an idiot, but I know there’s something I’m missing. What is The Plan, all caps? And why does that mean she doesn’t do anything fun?”
“How much did she tell you about herself?”
“Not a lot,” I admit.
We get a coffee while Lola tells me a little about how Casey grew up, what she faced. And now it starts to make sense. Sort of.
“There was also freshman year,” Lola adds.
“What happened?”
“She fell hard for this guy named Brandon. Total ass. He was in a frat, and she thought it was true love and all that. So after they’d been dating a while, she goes over to his house, and he totally humiliates her in front of all the guys who are there. Tells her they aren’t dating. They’re just friends. And then everyone starts to laugh.”
I feel my face burn with anger. What a fucking douche bag.
Lola sees my anger, and nods. “Yeah, it was pretty awful. I was there, and I got her the hell out of there. She still won’t go to parties at that house. Even though Brandon graduated, she just won’t. She said then that she had a plan, and it was her own fault for not sticking to it. So ever since then, she doesn’t date, or party a lot, or do much more than hang out with us.”
I considered all that she’d told me. “I appreciate you giving me some backstory, but why are you doing it?”
The drill instructor was back in a flash. “Because I love her, like we all do. And ever since she met you, she’s been different. Oh,” she waved a hand, “She still has The Plan, and is still insane over her classes, but she was happier. We all saw it.”
“Well, she’s the one who called things off.”
“Of course, she did. Her last boyfriend totally exposed and humiliated her in front of tons of people! I’m sure you scare the hell out of her. But that doesn’t mean you’re a bad thing. At least, you’d better not be.”
“You’re really interfering in her life.”
Lola smiled, and it changed her entire demeanor. “I’m the bossy bitch. I know it. That’s what I do. Be pushy and interfere. I’m not telling you what to do, Mr. Navy Seal. I’m just letting you know how things are.”
“Marine,” I say automatically.
“Whatever.”
The barista calls her name, and she turns to go. “Listen, all I’m saying is that I think you were good for her. And that she’s on a shift at the haunted house tonight. You should see her nurse’s outfit! I’ve heard a good nurse can make it all better. Cure anything, even.” Lola’s eyes go wide. “All the guys love it. Anyway, I gotta go. See ya!” With a wave, she leaves me standing there.
Information is always a good thing. But just as it was in my former life, the trick is to figure out what the hell to do with it.
As I take my coffee and resume my trek to class, I’m wondering just who ‘all the guys are’ and how Lola knows they love Casey’s costume. Maybe I need to check it out for myself. Maybe?
No maybe about it. Definitely.
Casey
This costume was so great when I first got it, but now it’s completely questionable. What the hell? It rides up my ass every time I move. Thankfully I figured this out before I left the house and put some shorts underneath it because otherwise, the people coming in here would be getting even more than they bargained for.
I mean, I like dressing a little sexy, but usually my ass is covered. I’m not entirely sure that’s the case at the moment.
The most recent group of leering guys heads out, and I sigh with relief. It’s almost closing time, which means I’ll be done. It’s irritating to me that I’m not having as much fun as I usually do. I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s the costume.
That’s not it, my inner pain in the ass voice singsongs.
The door opens, and I turn around with a big smile, holding a large fake needle covered in fake blood. “Come to get your shot?” I ask.
“Well, I don’t know. What are you offering?”
It’s Jax. He’s alone. And he’s looking at me in a way that makes me want to melt and throw myself at him.
“What… um… what do you need?” I ask. Jeesh. I couldn’t sound worse if I had tried to.
“Well, I do have a problem, Nurse,” he says, coming closer. “I have this pain, and I think I know what the cure is, but so far, I haven’t found anyone who could administer to it properly.”
“Where is your pain?” I ask, playing along.
He gets so close to me that the pine smell on him nearly overwhelms me. He takes my hand, and places it on his chest. “Right here,” he says.
“And what do you think the cure is?”
“I think it needs some serious TLC from my friendly scary nurse,” he says.
“Really?” My voice comes out breathless. I feel like I can’t get enough air in, and my breathing is uneven. My heart is beating so loudly that I’m sure he must hear it.
“
I think so. What do you think?”
I want to tell him that this is not part of The Plan, and I can’t. That he needs to go and let me be alone and miserable and just fine.
I don’t tell him any of that. Instead, I step closer to him and put my free hand around his neck. “Even though you’re not a doctor, you might be right. Some TLC might fix you right up.”
“Then why don’t we see?” His voice is rough as he bends down and kisses me.
I slid my other hand around his neck and brought him closer. I’ve been dreaming of kissing him like this for what feels like ages. And now he’s here. I don’t care anymore that Jax is not part of The Plan.
I want him. “Let’s get out of here,” I say.
“No, no, Nurse. I want to be seen in the office, right here in your infirmary.”
“I’m working,” I protest.
“I know,” he says, his grin flashing at me. “Better be effective.”
“But—”
“I locked the door,” Jax adds.
I laughed out loud. “Very practical.”
“Always. Now, about my pain.” He kissed me again, then pulled away. “That does seem to be helping. But maybe I need some more intense TLC?”
“Really?” I’m all breathless again.
“Definitely. I’d love to know what is under this fine uniform—” he slid a hand up my tiny skirt right onto my oh-so-practical shorts. “What’s this? Why, Nursey! What layers you have!”
“Better to keep most of my patients away,” I say.
“Are you trying to keep me away?” He sounds like he’s teasing me.
I haven’t seen this side of him before, and I like it. “No, with you, I think I want you to be a lot closer.” It felt amazing to say that out loud.
“Good to know I’m special.”
“Oh, you are.”
“Then how about you let me have these?” He reached under with his other hand and slid them down my legs.
I stepped out of the shorts without taking my eyes off him.
“What’s this, then?” He dropped the shorts and ran his hands up to feel my silky tights. “I think these have to go, too.”
Before I can even touch them, he’s pulling them down my legs. I step out of them, along with my shoes. He reaches under my uniform a third time and pulled down my panties. When I step out of them, he bends down and picks them up.
“I’ll keep these, if you don’t mind,” he said.
At my nod, he tucks them in a back pocket. I’ve never given my underwear to anyone. It sends a thrill through me that makes me wet.
Jax looks at me and then carefully puts his hand between my legs. “Why, Nurse? It would seem that I am not the only one with,” he pauses, “An ache. Am I correct?”
“You are.”
“I missed you,” he said suddenly, dropping his act. “I missed you so bad, it hurt everywhere.”
“Especially here?” I touch his chest. “Or here?” I let my hand trail down to the bulge in his pants, which feels ginormous. That’s good for me, I think. It also makes me a little nervous.
“Both. But before I let you address the lower ache, you’re going to let me help you.”
“How?”
He doesn’t respond, but removed his hand from between my legs, and picks me up, setting me down on the same desk we were on before.
“I want to taste you,” he said.
Oh my God. His words make me even wetter, which I didn’t think possible.
“Will you let me?” He asked. He’s touching me like I’m precious, something to be handled carefully.
I nod. He parts my legs and kisses up on leg until he’s right below me. Then he breathes on me. As he does, he slips a finger inside of me, curling it as he pushes in me. His tongue touches my clit, gentle at first. Then harder, and I feel him push another finger in me.
I’ve never had anyone do this before, with such deliberation, paying so much attention to me. I feel like I’m about to go to pieces. I lean back, and as I do, I moan.
He sucks on my clit and I can feel myself getting closer to the cliff of no return. His fingers move in and out of me, curling at times, making me jump. He’s so, so good at this. I want this, I want him to do it harder, faster.
I hear a hum that I realize is coming from me. Oh, God. I’m going to come all over him and please don’t let me fall off this desk and oh my God — “Jax!” I half-whisper, half-scream.
He doesn’t respond, only increases the intensity of what he’s doing. I push up a little. I want to watch him as he makes me come. It makes this even hotter, which doesn’t seem possible.
“Oh, God, Jax,” I whisper.
And then I come so hard I see stars.
Jax
I look up at her as she comes, sighing my name. I love that. My name on her lips. It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.
The silence is loud afterward. I stand up and bend over to kiss her. “You are delicious, Nurse.”
“Well, thank you. Now about your pain.”
“Yes, I’ve been thinking hard about that,” I say. “I think I know how you can address this.”
“Please share. I’m happy to help.” Her hand reaches for my pants.
I brushed it away. This is all about her. After what Lola told me, I thought about how that would feel all afternoon. First major boyfriend, and he completely ruins you.
One of the reasons that there aren’t any guys in Casey’s Plan is because she’s not going to put herself out there. She doesn’t expect that any guys would actually be worth her effort. I need to show her that I am more than happy to put her first.
Besides, if we end up fucking the way I’ve seen in my head, then I will be more than happy with my part in this.
“I’m sure you are. But as I am the patient, you should follow my lead.”
“How so?”
“Letting me enjoy this uniform, and all that’s under it,” I say.
She reaches up and unbuttons it. I love seeing that her hands tremble. Since I know she just had a mind-blowing orgasm, I’m going to tell myself it’s the aftermath.
But if it’s nerves, I’m going to show her there’s no reason to be nervous. That I’ll always put her first.
Win win for both of us.
The uniform falls open to reveal a lacy bra. She reaches for it, and I shake my head. “No, I think that can stay.” I pulled my shirt over my head and then undid my pants, kicking them to the side.
Her eyes move up and down my body. There’s no hiding the scars, the physical representation of what I’ve been doing for the past twelve years. I find that I don’t want to. Not with Casey.
Her eyes widen. My ego swells a little.
“I don’t have any protection,” she said.
I burst out laughing. I can’t help it. Here I was thinking she was all in awe of my manly self. “Marine, remember? Always prepared.” I reached down and pulled a condom out of one of my pants pockets. “If you’re sure,” I add.
“Yes. I want this. I want you.”
“Right answer,” I said.
I have the condom on in no time, and she lays back on the desk. I stepped between her legs and ease my cock into her. Now I need to concentrate, because what I really want to do is just pound into her, claim her, make her mine. She is so amazing I want to lose myself in her.
But I can’t. So, I think of running, and move slowly. She reaches down and grabs my ass.
“More,” she said.
I nearly lose it right there. I push myself into her, and she feels like nothing else. Her pussy is tight, and warm, and I don’t want to move.
If I do not move, my cock might explode, so I start to move. She pulls me close to her, her nails digging into my ass cheeks.
“More,” she said again. It was more demanding this time.
I increase the tempo, running my hands across her chest and leaning down to suck at her nipple over the bra. She arches into me. I suck at both of them, enjoying the way she squirms und
er me. It’s making me crazy.
Running. Think about running.
Could she be any more perfect? I’m kind of biased, but I don’t think so. Her nails dig into me again, and I finally give in, pounding into her. She takes it, takes all of me, and her eyes are half-closed.
Her mouth opens in a silent cry, and that does it for me. I let go and feel myself fall into her. She tightens around me, and it’s enough to make me shout. I manage to keep myself from advertising what we’re doing to the rest of the house. I’m thrilled to have this woman naked with me, in my arms, saying my name, but that doesn’t mean I want to share her with anyone else.
Casey opens her eyes and looks at me. “That was amazing,” she says.
I lean down to kiss her. “You are amazing.”
We stare at each other, and then her brow furrows.
“No,” I said.
“You don’t even know what I’m going to say.”
I pull out of her and help her sit up. “I have an idea. And I’m going to say that we should get dressed, and then we can talk later. Deal?”
I can see the desire to say whatever it is she’s going to say all over her face, but finally, she nods. “We don’t want to have someone walk in on us again,” she said.
Our eyes meet and we both laugh.
“I was so embarrassed. No one needs to see anyone else like that,” she said.
“You mean it wasn’t just me?” I ask lightly as I get my pants back on.
“No! Why would you think that? I don’t need my chapter president seeing either of us all naked.”
She didn’t want to share me either. That gives me a warm glow. It makes me feel like no matter what’s coming, it will be all right.
This is the woman I was meant to be with. I knew it. I knew it when I met her.
Now I just needed to let her figure that out on her own. And hope like hell she did.
“How much longer do you have here?” I asked.
She checks her watch. “It’s closed. We can get out of here.”
We walk to the door holding hands. As she reaches for the door to unlock it, I pull her to me to kiss her. To let her know this isn’t just a onetime thing for me. She kisses me back and then pulls away.
