by S. C. Adams
“So,” she says with an uncontainable grin. I can’t tell her how much I hated every second I spent with the obnoxious jock and how it broke my heart to see my former softball coach out on a date with a golden-haired woman. She wants to hear that I had an amazing night with Bobby and that we shared a passionate kiss, but that couldn’t be any further from the truth.
“I had fun,” I lie. I don’t know what else to say. If I tell her that he tried to pressure me into sex, my hot-headed best friend would show up on his doorstep and give him a piece of her mind. The tall, thin blonde might not look like it, but she’s very feisty when she wants to be.
“Did you guys kiss?” she asks. If you could call the way Bobby tried to devour my face a kiss, then yes. I shiver as I relive the moment in my mind.
“Yeah,” I admit half-heartedly.
“I knew it!” she shrieks. “How was it?”
“He’s not that great of a kisser.” At least I can be honest about that part. Her smile fades a bit, almost as if she’s disappointed to hear that the former football captain’s smooches aren’t as magical as she has imagined. I hate that I have to burst her bubble, but in my opinion, Bobby is the worst kisser in the world.
“Really? What was it like?” she asks.
“Extremely wet. I never knew one person could produce that much saliva,” I giggle. She laughs too, and suddenly I feel better about my horrid date. It’s easier to make light of the situation than it is to wallow in my own sorrow.
“Are you guys going to go out again?” she inquires. I hope not. Hopefully, after witnessing me sprinting a marathon from his house to mine, Bobby doesn’t ever want to see me again. I’m pretty sure that I’m the first girl to ever turn him down, so the promiscuous playboy is probably too embarrassed to ask me out on another date.
“I doubt it,” I say. “I’m not really interested in him.”
“You’re so lucky, Tessa. You can have any guy you want. You get your pick of the litter,” she says. Her words surprise me. Up until recently, guys never really noticed me. The boys in high school always went for the skinny, pretty girls like Nicole. I’ve never had a boyfriend, and up until last night, I had never really been intimate with a guy before. Nicole is way more experienced than I am, and she has never had trouble reeling in boys. Besides, she’s not completely right about me being able to have any guy I want. The only man I really desire is Coach Mason, and he’s off limits.
“Are you kidding, Nicki? Guys practically throw themselves at you,” I giggle.
“Yeah, the loser ones. The boys at Evergreen are total scum bags. I wish I went to Trinity like you. The guys there are probably way hotter than the ones hanging around my school,” she laments as she leans against the counter.
“They’re not that much hotter, trust me,” I reassure her. I get that she wishes she could go away to college, but she isn’t missing out on much. My words don’t seem to settle my blonde bestie, though. She thinks that I’m the lucky one, but she has no idea how much I cried last night when I got home. I wouldn’t wish the pain I’m feeling right now on my worst enemy.
The bell above the entrance door chimes. Thank goodness for the bagel craving customer that just walked in. I was on the verge of telling my gal pal about how I’m secretly in love with my old coach. Keeping this secret to myself has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. The elderly man takes his time as he makes his way to the counter, striking his cane against the ground with every step he takes.
“Good morning, sir. Welcome to Bagel Bunch,” Nicki sings like a chipper bird. For the moment, she seems to be back to her normal animated self.
“Hi. Can I have a plain bagel with onion cream cheese, lightly toasted?” the senior citizen asks with his raspy voice.
“Right away!” she says as she scurries off toward the bagel storage container. I feel horrible that my best friend is slightly jealous of me. In all honesty, I wish I could switch places with her. The only reason I chose to go to Trinity is because my parents wanted me to. They were so excited when they found out I got in that they told my entire family I’d be going there before I even had the chance to make a decision on whether or not I actually wanted to go. I felt pressured to go away to the Manhattan-based school because it was what my mom and dad wanted. My dad thinks I’ll be the world’s best accountant, but after taking a few accounting courses this past year, I can’t see myself actually pursuing a career in the numbers game. I’d much rather open my own bakery someday.
When I was a little girl, my mom and I would make the fluffiest cakes and gooiest chocolate chip cookies every Sunday. I snuck a pastry decorating course into my schedule last semester. My parents have no idea I opted out of a required accounting class so that I could spend a few hours a week doing what I love. I’m always happiest when I’m baking, and I feel the most comfortable in a kitchen.
I feel like my parents are wasting their money on the over-priced university, but I don’t have the heart to tell them that being an accountant isn’t what I want to do and that I really just want to come back home permanently. They’d freak if they knew the fifty thousand dollars they just spent on tuition is going down the drain. Nicole wishes she were in my shoes, but that’s only because she doesn’t know how unhappy I was all semester long, being away from my family, my friends, and Coach Mason. Contrary to what she thinks, I actually feel very unlucky right now.
“Here you go, sir.” She hands the old man his breakfast. I want to open up to my girlfriend and tell her what’s running through my mind, but I can’t. I wish I could rest my head on her shoulder as we share a tub of strawberry ice cream and tell her everything. Maybe then she wouldn’t envy me.
The elder’s cane clunks as he makes his way out of the bagel shop. My stomach turns, and the truth rumbles in my stomach like vomit that’s ready to project upward.
“Nicole, I-”
“Tessa, I’m sorry,” she interrupts before I can say another word. “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. I’m proud of you; you’re really coming out of your shell. I feel silly for being a little jealous about how great things are for you right now. You deserve to be happy.”
“Trust me, you shouldn’t be jealous of me, Nicole,” I say.
“I can’t help it,” she admits. “You went away to college for a year, and you came back with this amazing body and a hell of a lot of sex appeal. Guys are drooling over you. You made it out of this small town, and now you’re staying in New York City. You’re living my dream life,” she chuckles. Nicole always has fantasized about moving to the Big Apple. She said she wanted to grow up be Carrie Bradshaw. I was never much of a city girl, which is probably why I’m having such a hard time adjusting to the fast-paced environment. I cringed every time I took the filthy, rat-infested subway. The crowded sidewalks made me miss my small suburban neighborhood. I felt alone in the over-populated city and often wanted to catch the next ride back to Sunnyside.
“Sometimes, I wish I never went away to college,” the truth flows from my lips. “To be honest, I’m a little jealous of you. You get to be here with your family and our friends.”
She smiles. “I guess the grass is always greener on the other side.”
“I guess you’re right,” I say with a half-smile. I feel relieved that I’ve finally admitted out loud that I’m unhappy at Trinity, but I’m still holding onto another secret, one much larger than feeling lonely in the Big Apple. Nicole has been my best friend since the third grade. She’s kept every one of my secrets, even the really embarrassing ones, but can I trust her with this one too?
“Too bad Bobby is a shitty kisser. I guess you’ll just have to find another boy to have a summer fling with,” she says with a smirk. Little does she know I have absolutely zero interest in boys.
“Yeah, I guess so,” I giggle nervously. I can trust Nicole with anything, except for this. My bosom buddy would think I’m insane for crushing so hard on the Sunnyside High staff member.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure you�
�ll find someone at my parents’ barbeque. Everyone from our class is gonna be there, so you’ll see a bunch of familiar faces,” she says. There’s only one familiar face I want to see, though. I couldn’t care less about the boys we graduated with a year ago; I only have eyes for Coach Mason.
I know I shouldn’t feel this way about him, but he helped mold me into the young woman I am. If it weren’t for him, I’d still be the shy klutz I was during my first two years of high school. I grew because of him. Because he never gave up on me. He taught me how to love myself, and in learning to love myself, I fell in love with him. I’m young, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to find that with someone else.
“Maybe your mystery man will be there, too,” she says. I blush at her mention of Mason.
“I doubt it,” I say. What are the odds that my handsome former coach would show up to my best friend’s barbeque? Slim to none. Sure, everyone in town knows the muscular athletic director, but he and Nicole’s parents aren’t exactly chums. He’s more acquainted with my folks than hers.
“You never know. The whole town is invited,” she says. I’d love to get another glimpse of his perfectly chiseled face, but would he bring the blonde he shared dinner with last night with him? My stomach knots up as I imagine his godlike body roaming Nicole’s backyard with the dainty little woman on his arm. I’d burst into tears in front of everyone if I had to watch him with someone else again.
The thought of seeing Mason again sends butterflies fluttering through my stomach, but I love him too much to sit back and watch another woman throw herself all over him. I need to get him alone. I know it sounds crazy, but I have to tell him how I feel. I can’t keep my feelings on the inside anymore, not after seeing him with someone else. He has to know the truth.
6
Mason
My eyes are locked on the busty brunette. I watch from my pickup truck as Tessa giggles like a school-aged girl with her best bud Nicole. The two were inseparable in high school. Nicole had often attended Tessa’s softball games, cheering her on from the sideline. Seems like nothing has changed between them.
I had to see her again. Last night, she left me stunned by her beauty. Even without all of that makeup she had on last night, I’m still captivated by how gorgeous she is. The floral dress she wore drove me crazy with the way it accentuated every one of her curves. She doesn’t look half bad in her Bagel Bunch uniform either. I heard from a few of my softball players that she’ll be serving bagels all summer long. I’m not usually a breakfast kind of guy, but if ordering a couple of ring-shaped croutes can get me closer to Tessa, I’ll take it.
She brushes a lock of coils behind her ear, revealing her sweet face. I managed to work up the nerve to drive over here, but I’m having trouble actually going inside. Usually, I’m a ballsy guy, the kind of man that can take on any challenge. Nothing much scares me, but for some reason, the young belle has me stuck, unable to make a move. All I can do is watch her from a distance.
The innocent girl gossips with her tall, blonde best friend. I wonder if she’s telling Nicole about her date with Bobby. My blood boils as I think about the teen boy touching the once timid Tessa. Her year away at college has made her grow on the inside and the outside. She seems sure of herself now. Almost like she doesn’t need my words of encouragement anymore.
Maybe she never needed me. What was I thinking? A young woman wouldn’t want to date a guy my age. Even though I can’t stand the kid, at least Bobby is the right age for the guys she should be dating. I should never have come here. I can’t taint Tessa with my romanticized thoughts of her. She’s way too young, and I’m old enough to know better.
I place my hand on the gear shift, ready to speed away from the bagel shop. But before I do, I glance up at her beautiful face, and my heart melts. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t fight my feelings. Fuck. I should never have let my feelings for her grow this much, but it’s too late now. I’m in love with this woman.
I take a deep breath as I place my hand on the glass door plastered with bagel stickers. She’s only on the other side of this door, but to my heart, it feels like she’s a million miles away. I have to see her up close and hear her sweet voice. She’s my drug, and if I don’t get my fix, I think I’m going to lose it.
A bell rings above my head as I push the door open. The restaurant is filled with patrons, and the dining area is a bit chaotic. I file onto the end of the line, watching as Tessa maneuvers through orders without a breaking a sweat. She always knew how to handle pressure with grace. The bombshell doesn’t even notice me. I still have time to slip out without her ever detecting that I was here, but I can’t. I can’t leave without looking deep into her alluring caramel eyes.
The crowd thins out, making it easier to admire the curvaceous teen. She does a double take as she realizes I’m standing here. I stare into her warm honey eyes, unable to break my gaze. I know I’m not crazy; there are definitely sparks of electricity flowing between us right now. Can it be that Tessa has feelings for me too? She freezes where she stands, completely forgetting to hand a customer his bagel.
“Miss? Miss, my cinnamon raisin bagel?” the hungry customer asks, snapping us both back to reality. Tessa glances at the bagel in her trembling hand.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she says apologetically as she hands him his order. Her once pale cheeks now beam a crimson red. God, the girl is gorgeous. I try not to get aroused as I stare at her full breasts. In all my years of teaching, I’ve never seen a teen with her kind of body before. The high school girls I coach are all thin and undeveloped, but Tessa has the body of a woman. The kind of body I’d love to get my hands on.
With every other customer gone, I make my way to the counter. Tessa keeps her puppy dog eyes on me. I can’t seem to break out of the trance we’re locked into either. I swallow hard as I try to think of what I want to say. Sure, I could just say hi and place an order, but let’s be honest – I didn’t come here for a damn bagel. I came here for her.
“Hi, Coach Mason!” Nicole chimes as she slides in between untouchable Tessa and me. “Tessa, look! It’s your old softball coach!” she adds. She doesn’t mean any harm, and she genuinely seems excited to see me, but I wish she’d get the hell out of the way. Tessa and I made eye contact long before the bubbly teen noticed me standing here. And she’s so tall that she completely blocks Tessa, making it impossible to catch another glimpse of the beauty.
“Hi, Nicole,” I say politely. “How are you?” I generally like catching up with old students who’ve graduated, but right now, all I care about is Tessa. I wish the eager teenage girl would scoot to the side a bit so that I can stare in awe at my softball sweetheart.
“I’m good,” she says with a wide smile. “How’s the team without Tessa?” She finally moves out of the way, unveiling the curly girl behind her. Our eyes lock once again.
“The team isn’t the same without her,” I manage to blurt out. “She was my star,” I say sincerely. She still is my star, the one that lights up my world the same as the sun does the Earth. A sweet smile graces her face, and I find myself smiling too. But I shake the smile away once I remember we aren’t alone. The attractive blonde with the stilt-like legs is only a few feet away. She seems completely oblivious to the sparks that are flying between Tessa and me, which is a good thing. I can’t let it get around town that I’m making eyes at the young girl.
“The team is fine without me,” Tessa says softly. She’s so modest, it’s actually kind of sexy. She isn’t boastful. She’s just a humble hometown girl.
“No way,” the blonde chimes in. “You heard him; you were the star,” she says as she slings her arm around Tessa’s shoulders. The two share grins with one another. Tessa’s smile makes my heart beat a little faster, causing me to lose my senses. I want to grab her and hold the teen tightly as I kiss those smiling lips. She has no idea what she does to me.
How the hell is it possible that she makes the bagel uniform look so good? If I wasn’t already in the
mood to eat one before, I sure am now. A bagel isn’t the only thing I have a taste for at the moment, though. If I could get Tessa alone for one minute, I would spread her open and drink every drop of her juices. The young girl probably tastes sweet, like a juicy piece of fruit. Thinking of being intimate with Tessa makes my cock a little hard. I try to drown out my filthy thoughts of my former athlete.
“What can I get for you, Coach?” Nicole asks. I wish she could get me five minutes alone with Tessa.
“I’ll take a plain bagel toasted with butter,” I say as I rub the scruffy hairs on my chin. Hopefully, neither of the teenage girls notices my slightly engorged dick. When it’s hard, it’s impossible to hide. I don’t want it to scare the inexperienced girls.
“Coming right up, Coach,” Nicole says as her feet scuttle away. Finally, the moment I’ve been waiting for. Tessa bashfully looks at the ground.
“How did your date with Bobby go?” I ask. Hopefully, he was a gentleman to the young lady. She deserves nothing less.
“It was okay,” she says. Her words are a bit unconvincing. I know her well. Something is on her mind. Something is bothering her. “How was your date?”
“Not bad,” I say as I shrug my shoulders. “But I don’t think I’ll be seeing her again.”
“Really?” The brunette perks up. “Why not, if you don’t mind me asking?” Of course I don’t mind. I’ll tell her anything she wants to know. For her, my life is an open book.
“She isn’t really my type,” I admit.
“What is your type?” she asks as she twirls a lock of her luscious curls around her finger. The coy girl is unintentionally teasing me. I want to run my fingers through those long coils. I bite my lip as I try to keep my composure.
“I like curvy brunettes,” I say, hinting to her that my type is standing right before my eyes. She raises one of her perfectly arched eyebrows. She’s been my type all along.
