A Cross to Bear

by Julieanne Lynch

  My mother had been my pillar my whole life. I’d never known a stronger, more passionate, kind-hearted woman. She was made of the stuff that would knock a grown man from his pedestal and left little in its wake. I couldn’t have been more proud to be her son. And even though there were times I hated who she decided to conceive with, I could never hold it against her.

  By the time four p.m. came around, I was rushing out of the door and making my way across the quad.

  Bree stepped into sight. She tapped her finger on her watch and scowled at me.

  “You’re late,” she said, and smiled.

  “Yeah, I got carried away doing some work. Then I had to shower, and you know the drill,” I replied, catching my breath.

  “Well, you’re forgiven.”

  She moved forward to kiss me on the cheek. Bree’s unique aroma, a mixture of her shampoo and perfume, smelled delicious. Her pretty brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail.

  I found it hard not to stare at her in awe.

  “I guess I can live with that.” The smile on my face was now a permanent fixture.

  “So, a movie?” she suggested.

  “I’m cool with whatever you want to do.”

  Bree slipped her hand into mine and we moved forward.

  I stepped inside our own cocoon whenever I was with her. It was just the two of us, and no one else mattered.

  “I missed you,” she muttered. “Isn’t that so weird?”

  “No, not really.” I glanced down at her. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

  The dimples on her cheeks made her smile more intoxicating. She tried not to look taken aback by my honesty, which made her more desirable.

  “So tell me, how was your first week?”

  “It was…interesting. I got slightly freaked out on Friday once I sat down and read through this semester’s schedule. It’s going to be tough, especially with all my training and the upcoming meets.”

  “Not to mention making time for a little R&R,” Bree said, resting her head against my arm.

  “Well, that goes without saying.” I kissed the top of her head. This was the beginning of something special. I couldn’t wait to spend all my spare time with Bree. She brought out the best in me, and for that alone, I couldn’t thank her enough.

  Chapter Ten

  Bree couldn’t believe how fast she was falling for Logan. She’d had no intentions whatsoever of getting close to him. She’d told herself as much the first time she’d met him. Yes, he was cute, but from the way he acted and spoke, she could tell he was one of the good guys. She wanted to spare him any unnecessary heartache or trouble.

  Yet, there she was, beside him, her hand fitting into his as if they were made for each other. Every time she saw him, something she couldn’t name coursed through her veins. She wanted nothing more than to be wrapped in his arms.

  As they walked to the movie theatre, Bree wondered about mentioning her altercation with Ethan, but decided against it. She wasn’t sure how Logan would take it. Things could become uncomfortable, and the swim team didn’t need that. So she kept quiet, letting Ethan’s words fester inside her.

  “How did things go with Tommy last night?” she asked.

  “How did you know?”

  “People have a tendency to play Chinese whispers on campus. Not much goes unnoticed. Besides, a few girls from my house were there. They enjoyed letting me know.”

  “That figures. It was okay, I guess. Both Drake and I are going to be pledges. We sign something during the week.”

  “Wow, so you’re going ahead with it?”

  Logan shook his head and stared at Bree. “I think it might cause a little friction in the team if I were to reject Tommy’s invitation. I’ll see how things go, and if I don’t like it, I can leave, that much I know. Besides, what’s the worst that can happen?”

  “Logan, you have no idea. The Greek system can work for some. For others, it changes them. I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve witnessed the ugly side of this stupid world they think they’re entitled to live in.” Bree’s mood was going down fast. She didn’t like the thought of seeing Logan become another jerk who allowed the power to go to his head.

  Logan stopped and wrapped his arms around Bree’s waist, pulling her close to his chest. “You don’t need to be worrying about me,” he said. “I’m not one to fall for tricks or power trips. I’m my own man. I don’t see myself becoming a jerk anytime soon.”

  “Promise?”

  “I promise,” he replied, brushing his nose against hers.

  Logan kissed her softly.

  “Good!” she said. “Now, let’s go and lose ourselves in a classic.”

  “What are we watching anyway?”

  Bree laughed and grabbed his hand. “You’re only asking this now?”

  “Well, yeah.”

  “Something old, but worth our time.”

  As they stepped into the theater, Bree smiled and pointed to the poster.

  “Seriously?” Logan asked, sounding a little stunned.

  “It’ll be worth it. I promise it won’t bore you.”

  “Some Like It Hot wouldn’t be my first choice, but I’m open to the challenge.” Logan tried his best not to sound like an uncultured ass.

  “Good answer,” Bree said, as they stood by the kiosk where Logan purchased two tickets.

  They took a seat at the back of the empty theatre.

  Bree snuggled up to Logan as he sipped his water. They were comfortable together. It was evident in the way Logan took her hand in his, running his thumb over her skin.

  Once the movie started, Bree found herself engrossed in the storyline. Every so often, she’d steal a glance at Logan, observing his facial expressions as he watched.

  Once the movie was over they left the theater. Bree held onto Logan as they made their way back to campus. She didn’t want the night to end. She wanted to spend a little more time with him.

  “Fancy grabbing something to eat?” she asked.

  “Yes!” Logan’s reply was quite enthusiastic.

  “Good, because I’m starving.”

  “I’m always hungry.”

  They settled on getting takeout from Arby’s.

  Logan stuffed his roast beef sandwich into his mouth, chewing as if he hadn’t eaten in days.

  “Whoa, you might choke if you don’t slow down,” Bree remarked.

  “I’ve not had anything since last night,” Logan admitted. “I never skip meals, but I needed sleep more.”

  “What are your plans for this week?”

  They sat on a bench, feasting on their not-so-healthy food.

  “Training, classes, and a date with my dad.”

  “Your father?” Bree asked. “I thought he wasn’t on the scene?”

  “He’s not,” Logan replied between mouthfuls. “He called me out of the blue last night. I’d be a complete dick if I’d said no.”

  “How do you feel about seeing him?” Bree sipped at her cola.

  “Honestly, it’s not the first time, but… I don’t know. I always think he has an agenda, which makes me nervous.”

  Bree glanced at Logan. “I’m sure he just wants to build bridges.”

  “Possibly. I don’t know, and I don’t care. I don’t want to be a douche like him. I’m doing this for my mother, not him.”

  “Don’t get into a fight or anything like that,” Bree said with concern. From the way he spoke about his father, she noticed there was no love lost between the two.

  “You don’t have to worry about that,” Logan said. “I don’t make a habit of getting into fights. Even if my father is a prize prick.”

  “Good, just keep it civil, and if you’re pissed, call me. I can be your shoulder for the night.”

  “Oh, is that an invitation?” Logan asked, winking at her.

  “Maybe!” Bree replied, acting coy.

  “Nice.”

  After finishing their food, they headed back to campus, holding hands, completely lost in each
other.

  “I don’t want you to go,” Bree said. They made their way to the front door of her house. “Come up to my room.”

  His eyes opened wide. Her request must have caught Logan by surprise.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. My roommate won’t be back for hours. It’s only after seven. I’m not ready to let you go yet,” she said, taking him by the hand and leading him inside the house.

  “This is kinda… I don’t know, bad!” he whispered.

  They walked across the front hall toward the staircase.

  “Don’t be silly. Hardly anyone is home.”

  Bree looked back at him and smiled as she led him to her room. Once inside, she locked the door.

  Logan glanced around the room. Two beds sat on either side of the large bay window, where a small bench was filled with cushions. The pale blue walls were covered with some interesting art, a notice board filled with paperwork, and schedules.

  Bree sat on the bed to the left of the window. She kicked off her shoes, rubbed her ankles and patted the bed beside her.

  “I won’t bite,” she joked. “Not unless you want me to.”

  He laughed and stepped over to the bed, sitting beside Bree. “Who’s your roommate?” he asked.

  “Jenny,” Bree answered. “She can be a bit of a slob sometimes, but I’ve been training her.”

  “Training her?” Logan laughed.

  “Yup, basically if she doesn’t pick up after herself, I dump her crap in the trash. She’s beginning to get the gist.”

  “That’s so mean!”

  Bree noticed the look on Logan’s face. He raised his eyebrows and smiled.

  “I can be a bitch, sometimes, but mostly, I’m a nice girl.”

  “I think you’re an incredible girl,” Logan said, and relaxed, easing off his shoes.

  Bree tugged at his shoulders, gesturing for him to lie beside her.

  Like an obedient little boy, Logan followed her signal and rested his head on her pillow, staring into her face.

  “You know, you’re the first guy I’ve brought back to my room.”

  “Really?”

  “Don’t sound so surprised.” She playfully hit his arm.

  “Hey!” Logan reached out to touch her waist. “I was only joking.”

  “Seriously, I don’t make a habit of this, so don’t get the wrong idea.”

  “Do you know how beautiful you are?” Logan asked, his words taking Bree by surprise.

  “Uh, don’t be silly,” she replied. Her cheeks burned.

  “You really are,” Logan whispered, brushing the hair from her face. “Every time I see you, you take my breath away.”

  “Logan, you’re not meant to say things like that.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it’ll lead to me wanting you more than I already do. It’s way too soon for that,” she said, gazing into his eyes.

  “Then let’s take it slow.”

  Before Bree could say anything else, Logan found her lips. The kiss was soft and sweet, full of all the possibilities of their newfound romance.

  Bree ran her fingers through his hair, unable to contain the burning desire running rampant within her. She didn’t want to be an easy lay, so she fought hard with her demons.

  Logan traced his hand across the outside of her leg, gently stroking her smooth skin.

  Bree broke the kiss and held on to him.

  Logan slipped his hand under her skirt. His fingers grazed the outline of her panties.

  Neither said a word as they stared at each other.

  Logan slid his hand inside her panties, gently running a finger down the folds of her wetness. He rubbed her clit before slipping her panties over her knees and sliding them off.

  Bree spread her legs wide and let out a little gasp as Logan inserted two fingers inside her.

  She kept her eyes locked on Logan’s as he continued to finger her. Bree matched his movement, rocking her hips against his hand. Her breathing grew ragged.

  Logan moved his fingers up to rub her swollen clit. Her hard nub responded as he increased his tempo.

  “Oh my God!” she whispered. “I’m coming.”

  Her body stiffened. The orgasm rolled through her like a continuous wave, causing her body to shake.

  Logan stared deep into her eyes as she moaned.

  Bree giggled and hid her face.

  “Don’t do that,” Logan said.

  “I can’t believe I just let you do that!”

  “Why?”

  “Because I thought we were taking it slow,” she said, giggling once more.

  “We are.” Logan smiled. “I just had to touch you.”

  “Like I need to touch you now,” she responded as she slid her hand across his jeans, his hardness pressing against the material.

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “Shush,” she said, touching his lips. “Take off your sweater.”

  Logan sat up and threw his top to the floor.

  Bree pushed Logan on to his back and knelt beside him. She unfastened the belt of his jeans before pushing them down to his knees. Running her hands over his hard chest, Bree kissed his neck. Her nails grazed along the waistband of his boxers. She slid his boxers down after teasing him for a few seconds. Her eyes grew wide as she caught sight of his generous length. “Do you want me to, Logan?” she teased, inching her mouth closer to the head of his cock.

  Logan leaned up on his elbows, watching her intently, before nodding his head in anticipation.

  Bree moved in farther and opened her mouth. She enveloped the tip, lapping at it with her tongue. She could taste his salty pre-cum on her tongue, and she greedily devoured it.

  Logan’s head dropped back onto the pillow. He clutched the sheets in both fists.

  “Oh God, Bree!” He gasped. Logan smiled.

  She wrapped her lips around his rock-hard manhood and sucked enthusiastically. Bree loved how good he tasted. Each little gasp and whimper he released made her eager to get him off.

  Bree toyed with his balls with one hand, using the other to rub up and down his chest. His muscles tightened and his hips thrust forward. Bree could tell he was close. She bobbed her head up and down, tracing the veins along his shaft with her tongue. The noises of pure satisfaction that escaped his lips excited her, so she sucked a little harder.

  “Oooh, fuck!” He growled. “Faster, baby!”

  He spoke with such urgency that Bree didn’t want to deny him his pleasure. She used one hand to steady herself against his hip and the other to cup and massage his balls. Bree worked him hard.

  He started to sweat. His balls tightened beneath her fingertips and the muscles along his stomach twitched. Logan soon started panting.

  “Stop, I’m gonna come!”

  She ignored him. Bree used her hands, gripping and sliding down the length of him as she sucked the head of his cock. Knowing that he was about to climax, she wanted to push him over the edge. She locked her lips around his head, sucking with every ounce of strength she had.

  The first shots of his hot, salty cum coated the back of her throat. Logan grunted with each jolt.

  Bree eagerly swallowed all of it. Once she was sure he’d spent every drop, she let go of him. She slid across his body, smiling and resting her head on his chest.

  “That was…amazing,” Logan said, stroking her hair.

  Bree turned her head to look at him. “I like to shower my man with all the goods,” she said.

  She pressed her head to his chest once more, listening to the rhythmic beating of his heart. Bree became acutely aware in that moment just how much she’d fallen for him. They were only a week in, but already their blossoming romance was laced with fire.

  Chapter Eleven

  After what Bree and I had done the night before, I had a little too much adrenaline that needed to be burned off once I hit the locker room.

  Drake was already there, lost deep in his own world.

  “Hey, man, you go
od?” I asked.

  “Yeah, just thinking about this whole pledging thing.”

  “Are you changing your mind?”

  “No,” he said. “I’m just worried about what will happen over the next six weeks.”

  “Hey, I can tell you now, I won’t let anything happen that’s not above board.” I rested my hand on his shoulder.

  “Yeah, about that,” he whispered. “I think Spence is going to pledge, too.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yup, we were talking yesterday after you disappeared with Bree.” He smiled. “And I think it would be cool if the three of us were in the same fraternity.”

  I was a little taken aback. Then again, the idea itself seemed like the solution to my breaking the news to Spence.

  “I think it would be pretty cool,” I replied before the weight room coach made his appearance.

  “Good morning,” he bellowed. “You know the drill. Let’s warm those joints up. Eight laps around the perimeter!”

  None of us spoke as we ran.

  Tommy and Ethan seemed to be immersed in a little competition. Ethan was in the lead, trying to prove he was top-dog material.

  I kept at my own pace, listening to my heart, knowing that once I did all of my stretches, the real work would begin. After what seemed like an endless session of jumping jacks, arm swings with trunk rotation, squats—the list was endless—I was relieved finally to hit the pool.

  The morning sets were written on the board. A few grumbled once they saw what lay in store for us.

  I smiled. I loved the challenge.

  Warm-up was easy. It was the first set that tested my endurance. As coach said, “If you’re not feeling it in your legs, you aren’t going hard enough.” The leg burners made sure you felt it. I swam the first six twenty-five meter lengths without fins, and the final six with fins. I held my kickboard out vertically in front of me. When I was in the zone, I rarely paid attention to what went on around me.

  Sets two and three were always the hardest. The drills always pushed me to the point I was convinced I couldn’t do another length. Somehow, when my legs burned the worst, that was when I pushed through the pain barrier and did some of my best work.