Lighter

by Gia Riley

  I’m entirely too comfortable in my reclined seat and could doze listening to the monotone voice from the recording going on and on about the Milky Way galaxy. From the corner of my eye, I notice Sophie pulling her knees to her chest while hugging her legs with her arms. She’s so tiny the seat could fit two of her. Folding into a tight ball of blond gorgeousness, I lean over so she can hear me. “Are you cold?” I make the mistake of looking down after asking and can almost see her ass cheek with the way her shorts are riding up. Jesus.

  “It’s freezing in here!” She whispers back while running her hands over her arms to generate some warmth. Personally, the temperature is comfortable, but she’s not exactly carrying around any extra pounds to insulate her either.

  I hate knowing she’s cold so I do the only thing I can to help her and take off my top T-shirt. I wore a plain white one underneath so I’m not naked in class or anything. Her eyes watch me the entire time, curious as to what I’m up to. When I lean over and drape the shirt across her legs, she gasps in surprise. “You can’t undress in the middle of the planetarium!”

  “Are you still cold?”

  She starts to speak but pauses before answering. “Well, no. Not anymore.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Thank you, Kipton. I wasn’t being ungrateful. I’m sorry.”

  “Sophie, you don’t have an ungrateful bone in your sassy little body. Now make a wish.”

  She tucks her hands under my shirt and gets comfortable again. “Why do I have to make a wish?”

  “If you were paying attention you would see the shooting stars on the ceiling, beautiful girl.”

  Giggling, she leans her head back to rest against her seat. She squeezes her eyes shut tight while making her wish. I can hope it has something to do with me because I only intend to step up my game. I’m drawn to her and I need to find out more. This class combined with our date tonight will hopefully work in my favor.

  “Did you make a wish?” I whisper.

  She nods her head. “Yep.”

  “A good one?”

  “I hope so.”

  I lean in close to her ear. “I know so.” And I do. Because if it had anything to do with the two of us, it was a perfect wish. She cuddles under my shirt and blushes.

  Class ends and we’re dismissed, but neither of us move to get up. Instead, we stay rooted in our seats watching the rest of the class file out of the room. “What are you thinking about over there?” I ask.

  “My wish,” she responds quietly. Her body stays facing forward but her head turns so her eyes are staring into my own. We sit in silence, simply looking at each other’s features for a few seconds before the anticipation strangles me, forcing me to make a split second decision. I lean closer to her, praying she wants this too. When she doesn’t move away, I know I’ve been given the okay. “Kiss me, Kipton.” Her words are small, barely above a miniscule whisper, but I hear them loud and clear.

  Leaning overtop the armrest, it digs into my stomach but the only sensation I’m aware of is the softness of her lips as we meet each other for the first time. The kiss starts off slow as we’re testing each other out. When I realize the only part of our bodies actually touching are our lips, I place my hand on the nape of her neck pulling her even closer to me. I run my tongue over the seam of her lips, seeking entrance. Never hesitating, she opens for me and the kiss is kicked up another notch. The moment is sexy as hell. She moans softly into my mouth assuring me she’s enjoying this as much as I am.

  Not wanting to break our connection but knowing we need a better position, I pull back far enough to wrap my arms around her slim waist, hauling her onto my lap. Instinctively, she straddles my hips as her hair forms a sensual curtain around our faces. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Sophie.” I dive back into her lips, this time more aggressive than the last. She kisses back, matching my intensity.

  My hands slide under the hem of her shirt where I come in contact with her baby soft skin beneath the fabric. Desperately wanting to strip her bare, I know we can’t take it that far inside the planetarium. Instead, I remove my hands from underneath her shirt and squeeze the soft globes of her ass, bringing her as close to my body as physically possibly. The frayed denim strands of her shorts tickle my fingers as I caress her thighs. Caught up in the moment, she grinds against me.

  “Kipton,” she moans again when I move my mouth to the side of her neck, gently sucking and leaving small kisses. I want my lips to be the ones she remembers touching her, erasing any memory of Caleb’s hickey.

  “Sophie, you smell so good.” She slides her chilled fingers underneath my shirt and scratches her nails softly down my abs. The sensation has me hard as steel behind the zipper of my shorts. Each move she makes gets a little bolder. When I’m positive I can’t wait another minute to get her naked, the lights come on, illuminating the front of the room. “Shit.”

  I don’t spot him right away, but find Professor Bell near the side entrance preparing for his next class. I stay still, but Sophie gasps and stands up quickly. Her foot gets caught in the seat and she quickly loses her balance. I steady her with my hands and pick up our bags, tossing them both over my shoulder. By the time I exit the row of seats, she’s halfway to the door already. With embarrassment written all over her face, I chuckle. She’s a sexy little thing when she’s all worked up and I fully intend to explore her more tonight.

  With her head down, she passes by Professor Bell who finally notices the two of us scrambling out of the room. I’m on cloud nine and not ashamed in the least bit about getting caught considering that was the best first kiss I’ve ever experienced. “See you next week, Professor.” He smiles and shakes his head. Even he has to realize how perfect the planetarium is for an impromptu make out session. I jog to the exit, hoping Sophie didn’t already leave. Remembering I still have her bag, I relax as the sunshine blinds me when I step outside the building. I spot Sophie standing at the bottom of the staircase waiting apprehensively. Her blond hair is sparkling from the light of the sun which only makes her look even more angelic.

  “In a hurry, beautiful?” She blushes as usual. It appears shy Sophie has returned. Only now, I know better. The little vixen that came out to play a few minutes ago has the potential to blow my mind. Sexy Sophie is going to be so much fun to get to know. “Hey.”

  “I have to drop this class. There’s no way I can go back in there and see Professor Bell. He has to think I’m such a slut.”

  Her expression makes me laugh even though I try not to. “You worry too much. He was our age once you know. In fact, he was smiling when I walked by him.”

  “He was?”

  She’s looking hopeful that this might not be as serious as she expected. I’m going to do everything I can to make sure she doesn’t shut down completely. “Yeah. He didn’t say a word about it. It’s not like he saw anything anyway.”

  “God, I hope he didn’t. I’m so embarrassed.”

  I hand her bag back to her even though I don’t mind carrying it. “Even if he did, it’s not like college has detention. Don’t sweat it, okay?” She shakes her head in agreement, but I’m not convinced she’s over it.

  “I better get back to the dorm before Cara wonders where I am.”

  “Come on, I’ll drive you back.” I turn toward the parking lot but she doesn’t follow.

  “No, that’s okay. The walk will be good for me.”

  “Sophie.” She’s already clamming up on me.

  “I appreciate the offer, but I have to stop being so lazy.”

  “You’re not lazy and you’re supposed to be taking it easy. We’re still on for tonight right?” I’m not leaving until I’m positive she hasn’t changed her mind.

  “Yeah. Why? ”

  “Just making sure. You seem nervous.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Do you regret our kiss?”

  “No.”

  She’s not giving me an inch with any of these answers. “Did you at least enjoy it?�
��

  Finally she smiles. “Yeah.”

  “Come ‘ere.” Sophie walks into my open arms and I cuddle her. She doesn’t move right away, so I soak up the feeling of her against me. Rubbing my hands up and down her back, I never thought I’d be so down with cuddling. But there’s so much more I want to do with her. “That was only the beginning, Sophie.” She shivers despite the warm temperatures. “I’ll pick you up at eight tonight.”

  “I’ll be ready.” She releases me and when she does I realize how much I don’t want her to leave. She turns to walk away, but I reach out my arm, pulling her back to me before she’s out of reach. Not saying a word, I kiss her one more time knowing it’s going to have to hold me over until tonight. I take my time exploring her mouth all over again. She’s as eager as she was the first time. But when she sucks on my tongue, I almost blow.

  I’M NOT ONE FOR PUBLIC displays of affection in the middle of the quad, but Kipton’s kisses are my favorite addiction. It’s been awhile since I’ve made out with anyone, so I’m probably rusty, but I have no problem practicing on his lips. My body was on fire inside the planetarium the second he touched me and I’m still coming down from lust overload. If he’s capable of those skills outside of the bedroom, I’m scared of what he’s capable of doing to my body beneath the sheets.

  I’ve spent the entire fifteen minute walk to Johnson Hall replaying our first and second kisses in my mind, not even paying attention to anyone I’ve passed or bothering to look both ways before I crossed the street. Magically, I’ve floated back to my dorm still in one piece of romantic mush. I touch my fingers to my lips and smile. Part of me wants to continue to get lost in the moment, but I’ve felt this way before about a guy and lived to regret it.

  “Earth to Sophie,” Cara says from the comfort of her bed. Must be nice to have the entire afternoon off even if she did have to suffer through an eight o’clock class.

  “Hey Cara.” I open the fridge and grab a bottle of water.

  “So how was it?”

  “We went to the planetarium.” I can’t even say the word without smirking. It’s my new favorite place on campus. Even though it feels slightly forbidden now.

  “We?” Cara asks with knowing smirk.

  “Your brother’s in my astronomy class. Can you believe that?”

  “Yeah. He told me when he called.”

  “He called? What for?”

  Cara sits up and crosses her legs Indian style, hugging her pillow to her chest. “To see if you were home safely.”

  It’s oddly comforting having him call to check on me. Maybe he’s as affected by the kiss as I am. “Does he want me to text him or something?” I have to play it cool or Cara will be all over me for details.

  She smiles. “I’m sure he’d love that. But it can wait until you fill me in.”

  Shit. “Okay, what do you want to know?”

  “About the kiss for starters.” Shocked by her request, I spit some of my water out of my mouth wetting the floor in front of me.

  “He told you!” I ask in shock. I didn’t realize he swapped stories with his sister so freely. Especially with how pissed he was catching her doing the deed.

  “No, but you just did. I knew something was up when he called to check on you. Then you waltz in here like a fairy princess practically petting your freshly kissed lips.”

  “Cara, I was not.” I totally was petting them.

  “You were. So, as much as it pains me to ask about my brother’s skills, how was it?”

  I smile at the memory of him pulling my body on top of his, unexpectedly removing me from my chair. “It was good.” It was fucking fantastic!

  “That’s it? Good?” She looks at me knowingly, waiting for more.

  “Are you sure this isn’t too weird for you.”

  “Oh, it’s creepy as all get out but I love you both and need to know regardless.”

  I dive onto my mattress and giggle. “It was freaking amazing, Cara. I’ve never been kissed so passionately in my life. Your brother has amazing lips.”

  Cara flops back on her bed and quickly covers hear ears with the sides of her pillow, creating thick earmuffs surrounding her entire head. Groaning, she rolls around like she’s in pain. I, of course, can’t stop laughing at her reaction. I knew she wouldn’t be able to handle it.

  Drew strolls in our room and looks back and forth between Cara and I wondering what’s going on. Cara’s oblivious to him even being in the room. “What’s her deal,” he asks.

  “Ask her, I’m sure she’d love to tell you all about it.”

  He sits down on the edge of Cara’s bed and sneaks his hand under the blanket. I’m pretty sure I know where he’s headed so I look the other way even though I can’t see anything. When I hear Cara’s high pitched squeal, I assumed correctly.

  “Shit, Drew. I thought you were Sophie!” Drew’s dying of a laughter fit which earns him a love tap to the gut.

  “Sorry, babe. When’s dinner? I’m starving.”

  “You’re always hungry.” She rolls her eyes and sits back up, rearranging her shorts in the process.

  “Mostly for you.” He leans in and kisses her on the mouth. They’re entirely too cute and it makes me wish Kipton lived in the dorm too. “Since I can’t have you right now, let’s get pizza for dinner.”

  “You can have me later. Little Italy works for me. They even have the crushed ice in the soda fountain.” Cara moans and licks her lips. The girl has an ice addiction.

  “You’re an easy woman to please, you know that Cara?” Drew declares.

  She smiles adoringly at him and holds his hand, interlocking their fingers as she fiddles with the ring on her thumb. “You always please me.” She looks up at him through thick lashes and I can tell she’s about to jump him from the looks of it.

  “Guys, cut it out! I don’t need to hear about your sexual shenanigans.”

  Cara’s quick with her comeback. “Says the girl who was sucking face with my brother all afternoon.”

  Drew raises his eyebrows in surprise. “Bout time. Oh, and speaking of Kipton. I forgot to tell you he’s stopping by to talk to me tonight before his date with Sophie.”

  Cara’s freak out coming in 3, 2, 1. . . .“What! Why would he do that? I’ll kick his ass.” Drew and I both crack up at her exuberant reaction.

  “Calm down, killer. It was my idea. I called him and asked,” Drew assures her.

  Cara huffs and crosses her arms defensively as she looks back and forth between Drew and I. “You two are making me nuts. First I hear about Kipton’s lips, now my, well whatever you are is calling him to chat.” She waves her hands back and forth between her and Drew in exasperation.

  “What do you mean whatever I am?” Drew questions.

  “Well, I don’t know. We never discussed anything.” Her cheeks heat and for the first time, I get a glimpse of shy Cara. I wasn’t sure she existed.

  “Then let’s make it official.”

  Cara’s eyes widen in surprise. “You’re sure?”

  “Yes. We’re having sex aren’t we?” Drew leans in to Cara and claims her lips in a sweet, chaste kiss. It’s very PG for the two of them.

  “We are, but that doesn’t mean anything.”

  Drew looks like she just slapped him. “It means something to me. You’re mine.”

  “I didn’t mean it the way it came out, Drew. Just that it doesn’t have to mean something if you don’t want it to.”

  He caresses her cheek in his hand and places a few more soft kisses on her lips. “Well, I want it to.”

  “You’re sure?” Cara asks again for clarification she knowingly doesn’t need.

  Drew jumps on top of her in the bed and pins her arms above her head. “Ask me again, I dare you,” he challenges. Cara starts laughing as Drew tickles her senseless. I’m worried clothes are going to start flying so I chime in before either of them forget I’m sitting here.

  “Okay kids, playtime’s over. As romantic as that whole moment was, I nee
d to get a little work done before my own hot date tonight.”

  Drew climbs off Cara and huffs. “Fine. I’ll let you two ladies do your thing. I’ll be back for pizza in an hour though.”

  Cara sits up, resting on her elbows while she watches him leave our room. I don’t miss the blissful look in her eyes as she realizes she has officially landed herself a boyfriend. I’m happy for her, although slightly jealous of their effortless connection. Maybe someday I’ll be able to dive head first into a relationship without carrying a bunch of heavy baggage along with me.

  I take out my astronomy notebook and page through my chapter notes. Doodling in the margin, I draw a few hearts and stars haphazardly around the paper. My mind becomes lost in thoughts of Kipton simply from opening the textbook for the class. Deciding this might not be the best time to tackle my astronomy homework, I find my phone and fire off a text to Kipton.

  Sophie: Thanks for checking on me.

  Kipton: Always.

  He replies within seconds, making me smile at the words on the screen. Always. I’ve never had an always anything. I almost don’t know what to do with the letters, but I welcome them.

  “Hey, Sophie.”

  “Yeah, Cara?” I turn around in my desk chair and am surprised to see Cara looking incredibly defeated.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I dunno. I’m happy, but really really nervous,” she admits.

  I get up from my chair knowing my work will have to wait. “About what exactly?”

  “I don’t want to screw it up with Drew.”

  I have no idea where she’s going with this. “Okay. Why would you screw it up?”

  “I don’t have the best track record when it comes to dating guys. I’ve been looking for a guy like Drew forever. I finally found him, but what if he’s too good to be true?”