“Damn, that’s cruel.”
I shrug. “Just being honest. Mind tipping that camera down a bit?”
He slowly moves the phone down his torso to his happy trail. He’s always been muscular, but now he’s got the build of a gladiator. My fantasies kick into overdrive as I soak him in.
“A little further.”
“Nope,” he says through perfect lips. “Skin for skin.”
“I’m already naked.”
“Really?”
“No. I have on a grumpy cat T-shirt with a strawberry oatmeal stain. You’re dating a single mom, dude. Wise up.”
“Not single anymore.”
“Sorry,” I wince. “Force of habit.”
“Yeah, well sexiest mom I’ve ever seen.”
I drop the phone to my T-shirt and zero in on the stain. “Like that? That doing it for you?”
“Fuck, yes, that’s hot,” he chuckles.
“Oh, wait, here’s some toothpaste, freshly sprayed.”
“Damn, let me get one-handed real quick.”
We laugh together as I pull the camera back up.
“Do you want more?” He asks.
“More toothpaste? I’m all set.”
He rolls his eyes. “You know what I’m asking.”
“Kids? Sure…probably.”
“How many?”
I can’t stop staring. He’s glowing, literally glowing on the screen. For just a second, I revel in the fact that he’s mine. “I don’t know.”
“How about five?”
“I’m so sorry this had to end. It was awesome knowing you,” I say, lifting my finger to end the call.
“Don’t you dare,” he warns. “I’m serious.”
“Why five?”
“Because I’ve always pictured myself with a big family one day. I don’t know. I love the idea of a houseful of kids.”
“Well then, you can push them out of your penis. Let them suck the marrow out of your breasts and bones and scream in your ear for the first five years.”
He shrugs. “We can negotiate. You know, seeing how this is an adult relationship.”
“Smartass. Are you always going to use that against me?”
“Probably.”
My curiosity gets the best of me. “Have you ever been serious with a girl?”
“Yes,” he says easily.
I feel my hackles rise, but I asked. “Tell me about her.”
“Gorgeous blonde. Shaggy hair, perfect teeth, doe eyes. I was so in love. Never been in love like that and never will again.”
“Really?” I ask, swallowing. “So, what was her name?”
“Maura.” I hate that name. I hate her.
“What happened?”
“We had to put her to sleep.”
“You ass, you were talking about a dog!”
“God, you’re sexy when you’re jealous.”
“I don’t get jealous.”
“Liar. You so do. Your nostrils flare. Dead giveaway.”
“Eat poop, Jenner.”
“What about you?” He asks.
“I had the typical high school love story that ended out of boredom, and then I had the great honor of dumping the guy who didn’t give a damn about my affections in college.”
He snorts. “Sweet revenge.”
“Exactly.”
“I love that you dumped him for me.”
“It was because he was not for me…and because I wanted to keep making out with you. I’m a classy bitch.”
“So classy and beautiful.”
“So, you’ve really never been in love?”
“I have. October 5th, 2012, was the first time I fell.”
“I love that he’s the love of your life. He’s mine too.”
“He told me he loved me the other day on the phone while I was talking with my mom.”
“He did?”
“Yeah. I’m glad I was alone after.”
“Why? Did you get emotional?”
“Little bit.”
“Such a softie.”
“You’re making me this way.”
“Am I?”
“Yeah.” He bites his lip. “Between you and that kid, I’m so screwed.”
“Listen to your pillow talk, who knew you were so romantic?”
“I finally found the right girl. Maura may have to take second.”
“Troy,” I murmur.
“Oatmeal stain or not, if I were in the bed with you right now, I wouldn’t take my lips off you all night.”
“Trust me, all of me misses you.”
“Miss my lips?”
“Yes,” I sink into the bed.
“Show me where,” he whispers hoarsely.
“No way.”
“Come on. I’ll show you what’s missing you.”
“Troy—”
“Nope, if you tell me there’s no sexting in adult relationships, I’m calling bullshit.”
“I was just going to say, let me lock the door.”
“Oh, well then, carry on.”
“Give me a second.”
I drop the phone and lock my door while running my fingers through my hair and slipping off my T-shirt. Getting comfortable in bed, I fan my hair out on my pillow and lift my phone.
“Are you naked now?”
“Panties.”
“Which ones? Tell me the ones with the black lace and purple bows.”
I slip the phone beneath the sheets and hear his groan. “Hell, yes.” I pull the phone back up, face hot with embarrassment.
“So, what are you kissing first?” I ask.
“Sucking, I’m sucking on your lips.”
“Okay,” I giggle. “Troy, this is—” I shake my head. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
He rakes his bottom lip with his teeth, a habit I now love, his voice coated in heat. “Trust me?”
“Yes.”
“I miss you,” his voice is gravelly, and instantly he’s with me in the room. I can practically feel his whisper in my ear.
“I miss you too.”
“You’re so beautiful, from those lips to that neck to those nipples. Show me what I’m missing, show me how you touch yourself,” he murmurs.
“Tell me what to touch,” I whisper back, hypnotized by the heat of his voice and the neon blue eyes gazing back at me.
“Start from the top.”
I lift the phone, angling it down and uncover one of my nipples, circling it with my finger. His eyes close briefly before he opens them, setting me on fire. He’s turned on, and there’s nothing funny about it.
“You’re so perfect, lick those lips for me,” he whispers, and I can see his hand descending as I dart my tongue along my lips.
“Let me see.” The phone drifts down his ripped torso, and I nearly gasp when he pulls out his rock-hard cock. My mouth waters at the sight of it.
This is really happening.
I imagine what I’d do if he were in front of me.
“Brush your thumb over the tip,” I order, and he does before giving his cock a long pull.
“Good, but I would have licked that pre-cum off first.”
His eyes close as he slowly strokes his length. “Jesus, Clarissa.”
“I’m swirling my tongue over the head, waiting for you to buck your hips so I can take you to the back of my throat.”
“Fuck, yes,” he’s working his cock now in full view as I slip my hand in my panties.
“Uh uh,” he says, watching me intently. “Let me see.”
“I’ll give you a partial view,” I say, shying away from his demands.
“No. Fucking. Way. Let me see that beautiful pussy,” he’s working his hand faster, and I use my free hand to slip my panties off.
“Naked?” He drawls out, slowing his pace.
“Yes.”
“Show me.”
I lower my phone and spread for him using my middle finger to rub my swollen clit. I tilt the camera, so I’m able to get a partial view and am surprised at how turned on I
am by the sight of us both touching ourselves so intimately.
“I need you here,” I whimper, “I don’t want to do this without you.”
“I’m there,” he says, pumping his cock, his breaths coming fast.
“I’m with you,” I bow a little off my mattress, the sight of him enough to have me working my fingers, massaging my clit in circles. I’m soaked, and I can feel the onslaught coming.
“Look at me,” he orders as his body tenses, his strong jaw locking as his cock spills over, and he pumps his orgasm out. It’s so fucking filthy on the screen, and all it does is turn me on more.
“Show me,” he groans as I work my fingers flicking my clit, over and over until finally I tip and spill, gasping out his name more frustrated than sated. I need him too much. I want him too much. I miss him too fucking much for not having had him long enough.
“I need more,” I say softly.
“I’ll give you everything,” he promises, his voice sincere, “everything.”
“Hurry up and come home.”
“Soon.”
Clarissa
“Golding wrote The Lord of the Flies, penning one of the best representations of the end of innocence.”
“Funny, I witnessed the end of innocence in my back seat last week.”
The whole class bursts into laughter. Inwardly I cringe before turning to face him, the one cocky student who thinks it’s fun to goad me until I lose my cool. Every classroom has one.
I narrow my eyes at the little bastard who’s wearing a satisfied grin. “How fantastic for you, Mr. Timmons. I’m sure she too was enlightened as well on how experience really does make the man.”
“Trust me, I’m good,” he snickers, and every student in the room looks on at me with expectation. I refuse to give in.
“I’ll just have to take your word for it.”
“No need,” he kicks back in his seat, lifting his chin in suggestion. “I’m free tonight.”
“Watch it,” I snap in warning, which does nothing to wipe the smile off his face. Gathering myself together, I glance at the clock. Four more minutes until I’m free of this adolescent prison. “So, what do you think Golding’s ideals were regarding government?”
I perch on the side of my desk, imploring thirty students to raise their hands. It’s been one of the toughest years of my career. The longer I teach, the less relevant I feel. Or maybe it’s this particular day that has me bummed. I search the crowd of students and am relieved when a hand pops up in the back. It’s the face and body attached to the hand that has me reeling.
“Sir, mind telling me what you’re doing in my classroom?” I’m elated to see him looking sexy as the devil in a hoodie and jeans and of course, his signature Cheshire smile.
“Rumor has it, it’s your birthday.”
“Happy Birthday, Ms. Arden,” one of the girls squeaks, her eyes glued to Troy. It’s all I can do to keep from rolling my own eyes.
Troy’s remain trained on me, an infuriating smirk on his lips. “And I’d like to answer the question, if I may.”
“This question is for my students.”
“Technically, I am a student.”
Commotion erupts in the back, and I can hear the faint whispers of a few of the football team. “That’s Troy Jenner, man.”
“No shit?”
“He’s going pro. Did you see his highlight reel? Sick.”
I cross my arms. “Okay, Mr. Jenner. Let’s hear it.”
“While anarchy was the basis of the book, they still formed a set of rules which, in essence, is government. I think he was trying more or less to highlight the corruption of those governing. Oh, yeah, and it’s a really bad idea to leave a bunch of sadistic kids unsupervised on an island.”
I nod. “I don’t disagree.”
“There’s a first.”
“To a point.” I scowl at him, where he sits dwarfing a desk that’s far too incompetent for his frame. He raises his hand again, and I have to bite back my smile.
“More to add?”
“Yes, I’d very much like to take you to dinner.”
“I don’t date students. That’s highly inappropriate, Mr. Jenner.”
“One can only hope.” The bell rings, and the laughter fades as my students gather their books.
“I would do more than read the Cliffs Notes,” I call after them as they pass my desk. “You will not pass this test without reading the novel, I assure you.”
“Happy Birthday, Ms. A,” a few of them say on their way out.
“Thank you.”
The students scatter quickly due to the weekend itch while Troy remains at the back of the class, his smile appearing between the warm bodies crossing his path. When we’re alone, I sit on the edge of my desk.
“When did you get back?” It’s taking all my strength not to fly down the aisle and launch myself in his arms.
“An hour ago, and I had to come straight to you. You make tweed slacks fucking sexy. I knew I wouldn’t be the only teenage boy who fantasized about you.”
“Thanks for encouraging inappropriate behavior in my classroom, Mr. Jenner. Way to set an example.”
“Sorry, couldn’t help myself, Ms. A.” He stands and begins sauntering down the aisle toward me. “You know he’s got a thing for you. I’m willing to bet most of them do. Half of them were probably half-mast looking at you in those pants.”
I look down at my outfit. “I dress like a nun here.”
His eyes rake me in, and I do the same. He’s absolutely perfect, and every day I pinch myself that he’s mine. And not just because of the way he looks, but because of what lies beneath. While he was away and when our schedules permitted, we fell asleep together after hours of talking on FaceTime, no subject off-limits. But nothing beats having him here, seeing him in the flesh, being able to touch him. He’s definitely the rainbow after more than forty days and nights without land. His presence a promise of something new.
And the fact that I’m comparing him to a biblical story only proves how deep I’m in.
“No, not at all a nun,” he murmurs as he finally reaches me. “You’re every man’s dream. This man’s dream.”
Fingers itching to touch him, I hear myself whimper. He smells so damned good. “I would give anything to kiss you right now, Clarissa.”
“Same.”
“Then get your things, sexy, I have the rest of the day planned.”
“What about Dante?”
“Parker’s doing us a solid.”
“You two finally call a truce?”
He shrugs. “She hasn’t poisoned my food lately.”
“Don’t get cocky, you’ve been absent.”
“I’m here now, and you’ve got seconds before I snap. Hurry up, baby, I’m fucking dying.”
I gather my books as he darts his eyes toward the door and then leans in.
“No, Troy, we can’t. Not here.”
“Then hurry up,” he grits out, his voice molten. “Fuck, what I wouldn’t give for ten minutes alone with you in this room.”
I gather my bag and toss it over my shoulder, not giving a damn about what I might’ve missed. “How did you even get in here?” I ask, unable to hide my elation as we both walk down the hall at a manic pace.
“Sweet talk.”
“Poor girl.”
He sighs. “Wasn’t a girl.”
“Damn,” I laugh, “you went there, huh?”
He pushes the door open and ushers me out. “There’s very little I wouldn’t do for you, Ms. A.”
In Troy’s truck, I study him as he drives. He’s so fucking handsome, so masculine, and yet I find myself completely floored with how different his personality is in comparison to all his perfection. He’s the first to admit when he’s wrong. The first one to take others into consideration. Sure, he’s cocky but only to a point. He’s never played indifferent to the feelings of others, especially his son’s. Troy isn’t the reason women stereotype, he’s the exception. You don’t have to di
g deep to see his layers. He’ll gladly lift his armor to show you what lays beneath, you need only ask.
The most dangerous people are the ones you let get close, only to reveal their Gemini side once you’ve confessed or given them a lot more of yourself than you should’ve. Troy’s the opposite of that type, giving you only enough to draw your conclusions before subtly blowing you away with his depth, the beauty of his strength, the inner workings of his heart. I’ve seen his anger, his temper, I’ve seen his lows, the good and the bad, and none of it has changed my opinion of him.
“What are you thinking?”
“That I’m lucky,” I say without hesitation. “That I’m so lucky you’re mine.” He turns to me, his eyes filling with emotion as I tell him my truth. “You’ve surprised me, Troy. In the best way.” He stares at me for long seconds and then pulls his truck over at a bustling car wash. “What’s going on here?”
“Quick stop. I want to give you something.”
He plucks his phone from the console before jumping out of his truck, cornering his hood, opening my door, and hauling me into his arms. We hold each other for long seconds while he strokes my back, running his fingers through my hair before pulling away to smile down at me.
“Welcome home.”
“Home looks so beautiful.”
I look up at him through my lashes. “What are we doing?”
He leans past me, turning up the volume in his truck.
“Putting our dance lessons to good use.”
“Here? Are you crazy?”
“Shhh…” he says, tapping play on his phone before pulling me back in his hold, just as Ray LaMontagne starts to croon “Hold You in My Arms.”
“This isn’t embarrassing at all,” I nervously giggle as a few people tirelessly scrubbing their cars glance over at us like the love-crazed weirdos we’ve become.
“I’m up here,” he says softly while tilting my chin up with his finger.
“So, the car wash, huh? Does this often work with the ladies?”
“You’re my first.”
“Your first what?”
“You’re all my firsts. Relax,” he whispers, kissing my cheek before nuzzling my neck.
“Who knew you would be such a romantic.”
His eyes fill with pride. “Isn’t that a good thing?”
“It’s a great thing. By the way, my sweater is almost out of cologne.”
The Underdogs: The Complete Series Page 50
