She lays her cheek against my chest, her hand over my heart. I smile, knowing we’re in agreement. And I’m holding her to it. Never again.
My fingers skim under the hem of her shirt, gliding up and down her smooth skin. “You know,” I murmur, “you still owe me two weeks and seventeen sexual acts of my choosing.”
I feel her smile against my neck.
“When do you want to collect?”
49
Misty
March—Spring Break, Baby
Over the past six months I’ve learned several things. One, Kellin likes to surprise me with impromptu trips to Ohio. At least twice a month, I get a very casual Where are you right now? text. And then he’s knocking on my door.
Two, my boyfriend is insatiable. When he makes these visits, our hellos come after he’s thoroughly ravaged me. Which brings me to my third revelation: I love it.
There’s been a lot of back and forth travel for us both. Though completely worth it, I’ll be glad when we no longer have to do it anymore and I can wake up next to him every day.
Kellin decided to cash in the two weeks I owe him all at once during spring break. I arrived at his place a few days ago, just in time to accompany him to the hospital. Kelly had a beautiful baby boy she named Douglas. After his father. We spent the extra money to get the paternity test done by a private company the day he was born so we could get the results before he left the hospital.
I know Kel’s relieved, but also, even though he’d probably never admit it to me, I think a part of him is a little saddened by the result. I think he was getting used to the idea of being a dad after all the doctor visits.
It was a little difficult for us both at first. Though I tried not to let it, knowing my boyfriend was attending most of Kelly’s appointments bothered me. But being the kind of man to step up and do what he did is one of the reasons I’m so in love with him.
Someday, I’d like to give him a child. Maybe two or three. Little pieces of him and me, made from love. I know he’ll make one hell of a daddy.
For now, however, I’m really enjoying practicing the process.
In fact, I’d like to practice right this moment, but it’s difficult when my best friend—who insisted on joining me this spring break—doesn’t know how to keep herself busy.
Sadie’s lying on Kellin’s bed, completely unaffected by the obnoxiously obvious looks I keep shooting her way. She’s well-rehearsed in my facial expressions, so she’s just being evil at this point. I guess she figures if she isn’t getting any loving, neither can I. I really wish she and Roh would quit skating around the inevitable and do it already.
“I thought this would be more fun,” she whines. “Like when we all went camping.” She sits up quickly, tucking her legs under her and sitting on her feet. “Let’s play Truth or Dare.” Her eyes are bright with excitement as she bounces on the springs.
I glance at Kellin and he shrugs. Maybe I can dare some kinky sex out of him. He winks at me like he knows exactly what I’m thinking. I arch a brow, smiling mischievously.
“Go ask Roh,” I say. Sadie hops off the bed and as soon as she’s through the door, Kellin swings it shut. I hear the lock click into place and laugh.
“You’re so mean,” I murmur.
“It had to be done.”
“You have to be nice to her. She’s not taking the move well.”
He stalks toward me like a hunter on the prowl. I’m terrible prey because I can’t wait to be caught. He lunges at me, knocking me onto my back and begins peeling my clothes off. One sock. Then the other. My pants. My shirt. My bra.
When I’m left in nothing but my panties, he leans in and kisses me.
“Two more months,” he reminds me. “And then I’ll never have to say goodbye to you again.”
“I can’t wait. It’s going to be the longest two months of my life.” As happy as I am to move in with Kellin and Roh, it’s bittersweet to leave my family and best friend in Ohio. At least I’ll be close to Hope.
Kellin’s fingers skim along my cheek. “Are you having second thoughts?”
“Absolutely not. I’m just going to miss everyone.”
“We’ll visit every chance we get,” he promises.
“If we can leave the bedroom,” I add.
“I don’t see that being often.” He grins and I lift my head, kissing his dimple.
After that, all talking stops because Kellin uses his mouth for other things. He presses his lips against my belly button, kissing a heated line up my stomach. His tongue flicks out, licking between my breasts before he latches on to a nipple.
I gasp and it turns into a moan as I begin tugging at his clothes. He helps me, undressing himself quickly.
There are times when I wonder how I ever thought I could live without this man in my life. He’s my favorite person, my best friend, my first love and my last.
I wiggle out of my panties, kicking them onto the floor. Kellin positions himself over me, his eyes meeting mine as we connect.
I’ll never get used to how much I love this. How much I love him.
The room fills with our panted breaths as he thrusts into me. He pulls my leg up, guiding it over his hip. This position allows him deep inside of me and I arch my back in ecstasy.
I no longer know where he ends and I begin.
Goose bumps trickle down my arms and legs as he slides his open mouth along my neck. He sucks on my pulse point before skimming his teeth across my flesh and biting gently.
My nails dig into his back in response. I’m pretty sure this man knows my body better than I do. He knows every little spot that drives me crazy. Every one of his touches make my muscles tighten and twitch in response.
I tip my head up and capture his lips. He kisses me back eagerly, his tongue delving into my mouth. A noise emanates from his chest, the sound mimicking how my body feels. I nip his lip as he moves against me, plunging into me faster.
I drop my legs, digging my heels into the mattress, and arch my hips to meet him thrust for thrust. He ducks his head, pulling my nipple back into his mouth and I explode.
I circle my legs around his waist, my feet pressing into his ass as I quiver in a frenzy of euphoria.
He follows me over the edge a few moments later, his face buried in my hair, his breaths quick and heavy against my skin.
We’re sweaty and sated. And I’ve never been happier in my life.
“I love you,” he breathes. “So much.”
I cling to him tighter, never tiring of those words. “I love you too.”
50
Kellin
Two months later—Moving In and Moving Forward
Time.
I’ve spent it. I’ve counted it. I’ve wished for it to slow.
There were moments when it couldn’t go by fast enough and instances when I’ve begged for more.
I’ve loathed it. And then I’ve loved it.
I’ve also tried to cheat, freeze, stretch, hold, stop, and ignore it.
But in the end, it will always win.
There is no conquering time. No matter what I do, I know I will never have enough.
But I’ve realized I can find victory in the way I pass it.
In the last eight months, I’ve tried to make the most of each day. Every chance I get, I tell her how much I love her. Not always with words. When I can, I tell her with a look, a touch, a gesture.
Sometimes I make plans, sometimes I don’t. It drives Misty nuts.
Roh stops beside me, chewing on his lip ring as we both watch Misty and Sadie reorganize the upper kitchen cabinets. Apparently we were doing it wrong. So now I’m sitting back, watching Misty bend and stretch as she makes room for her belongings. I wonder what else I can get her to reorganize?
“God. Damn,” Roh breathes. I glance over at him and find his eyes pinned on Sadie’s ass. Just like every other time she’s been around.
He pulls the chair out, dragging it up beside me so he has an unobstructed view. His legs stre
tch out in front of him as he sits heavily. “I’ve never wanted to do so many dirty, disgusting things to a woman I like as much as her.”
My brows shoot up and I throw one of his signature smug smirks his way. He has no idea—this is just the beginning.
“What?”
I press my lips together, shaking my head. “Nothing man, just wondering if you’re seeing rainbows.”
Roh chuckles lowly, but he doesn’t deny it, which I think speaks volumes.
Misty opens the cabinet door on the end and I sit up. I’ve been waiting for her to find it. A bark of laughter leaves her lips and she glances over her shoulder at me.
“I guess we’re stocked up for a while?” she asks, gesturing to the cupboard full of Nesquik.
“For the rest of our lives,” I say with a grin. What I don’t tell her is that I’ve placed a ring in one of those containers. An engagement ring. Because I plan on marrying this woman some day. I’m just going to leave it up to her to decide when.
But I’m not all that patient, so I made sure I put it in the open one up front.
Misty hops off the counter and pads over to me. I tug her into my lap and press a kiss to her gorgeous mouth. When I finally come up for air, Sadie and Roh are gone. I bury my face into Misty’s hair, holding her tight.
“I love you,” I whisper into her ear. “I always have. Always will.”
Her lips lift into a smile against my neck. “Always?” she asks.
I nod, my chin bumping against her shoulder. “Always.”
“Forever.”
Epilogue
Kellin
Three Months Later—Another Wedding
“Okay,” Misty says, straightening my tie, her expression severely serious. “You are my plus one. You are my date. You are my other half. So I don’t want to find you with your tongue down anyone’s throat.” She pauses, her eyes meeting mine playfully. “Unless it’s mine, of course.”
I sigh. “I guess I can give it a try.”
She smacks me on my arm and turns to walk away. I grab her wrist, yanking her right back to me. My hands slide around her hips, pulling her close so I can whisper in her ear. “You forgot one.”
She pulls back, her nose scrunched adorably. “What? What did I forget?”
My hands move lower, palming the dip just above her ass. She looks incredible in this dress—I can’t wait to get out of here and rip it off her.
“Fiancé.” I lick my lips and press them just below her jaw. “I’m your plus one.” I kiss her throat. “Your date.” A kiss to her collarbone. “Your other half.” I flick my tongue out, licking the sensitive area between her neck and shoulder. “And your fiancé.” I nibble the same space and she shudders against me.
“I’m also your lover, your sexy best friend, and the best roommate ever.”
Misty laughs softly. “I don’t know how you manage to find room for that many titles when your ego is taking up so much space.”
“Is that what we’re calling my penis now—Ego?”
“Oh, my God. Stop.” She tucks her head into my neck, giggling.
“Misty?” Hope tips her head through the door, yelling down the hallway. “Get in here. Annie’s freaking out.”
“Shit,” Misty murmurs. “Stepsister duty calls. Gotta go.” She starts to hurry down the hall, stops abruptly, and circles back toward me. “I love you.” She smacks a soft kiss on my cheek and takes off again. “Don’t kiss anybody else or I’ll tell my brother,” she calls over her shoulder before disappearing into a room.
I am so crazy in love with that woman.
~*~
“Have you seen Guy?” Misty asks me as I hand her a glass of champagne. Her eyes skim the designated dance area in search of her brother.
“No,” I say. “Not since Chase and Annie smashed cake in each other’s faces and he got caught in the crossfire. He probably went to clean up.”
“I was hoping to spend a little more time with him. Hope claimed him for the whole day tomorrow.”
“She’s so greedy,” I tsk, shaking my head disapprovingly.
“You have no idea,” Mason says, taking a seat beside me. He pulls Hope into his lap, locking his fingers around her waist. “I asked for one bite of her cake, and she refused.”
“It was the icing,” she says, adamantly defending herself. “I gladly would have given you the cakey part if you would have asked sooner.”
Annie slides a chair out, sitting heavily with a sigh. “Hope’s not good at sharing.”
“Nope,” Chase agrees as he joins us. He narrows his eyes at her accusingly. “I’ve never forgotten the oatmeal cream pie incident.”
Hope throws her hands up, exasperated. “It wasn’t an incident. I was unaware we had a snack pact.”
“You knew,” Chase says flatly, his head moving up and down slowly.
Emari runs over to Chase with her hands out for him to pick her up, Lucy on her heels. “Tase,” Emari sings. “Up.”
“You heard the girl,” Lucy pants. “She wants her Chase. And I want to sit.” She drags a chair out, but before she can sit, Park is there. He slips his hand onto Lucy’s hip, his lips brushing her cheek.
“I’ll take her onto the dance floor and wear her out.”
Lucy smiles gratefully. “God, that is the sexiest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
Park chuckles, giving Lucy one more kiss before he scoops Emari up and heads out to dance it up with his daughter.
Mason bumps my shoulder with his. “It’s going to be your turn to get married next,” he says.
“Yes it is,” I agree. And I can’t fucking wait.
“Remember the ring stunt you pulled at my wedding?”
“Yeah. Of course I do, that shit was hilarious. Why?”
Mason shrugs his broad shoulders, giving me a sidelong smirk. “I remember it too.”
Maybe we should elope.
Misty’s hand slips into mine. I squeeze it, bringing it up to sweep my lips across her knuckles. As I look around, I realize that though there are some new faces, this is pretty much how it started out. This little group. All so different, but somehow, we all fit.
I gaze at Misty, her blue eyes crinkling in the corners as she laughs along with everyone else. It took a long time for us to get here, a lot of ups and a lot of downs. But I know I wouldn’t change a minute of it.
“What?” she asks, noticing me staring at her.
“Just thinking about how much I love you. Always.”
She leans in, her mouth meeting mine. “Forever,” she says against my lips.
About the author
Cheryl McIntyre is a mother, author, and insomniac, as well as a reader, self-proclaimed movie critic, and incredibly bad singer. Turn
Her life revolves around four things: family, music, books, and really bad scary movies.
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See how the Sometimes Never series all began. Turn the page to read chapter one of Sometimes Never.
Sometimes Never
1
Mason
When people talk about what initially attracts them to someone, that first glimpse that makes them turn around and take a second glance, they usually say something sweet. Like pretty eyes or a nice smile. For me, it’s her toes. Shiny, bright pink, polished toes dangling from the passenger side window of a car. He
r milky white feet bounce up and down as she sways her legs to the beat of music I’m unable to hear. And I really wish I could hear it. To know what sound flows through her ears and makes her move like that.
My eyes trail up her legs, over her knees, and follow the path down her thighs. I don’t think I’ve ever seen skin so smooth and pale. My gaze sticks on her faded Beatles t-shirt for several seconds before I finally find her face. Her eyes are closed, long dark lashes resting on her cheeks. Her lips are shiny and I catch myself wondering what they taste like.
Tearing my eyes away from her mouth, I flick them up to her hair, pooled around her like spilt silk. Shades of pink, purple, blue, and green peek through the otherwise dark strands. She has ear buds in, the cord stretching to the iPod clutched in her hands above her head as she lies across the bench seat. I can see the red vinyl through the gages in her earlobes. Everything about her is different. Singular.
Special.
She’s the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.
I don’t use the word beautiful often. It’s an overly used word that has begun to lose its importance. But it fits here. Every one of my senses recognize this girl as just that. Beautiful.
I force myself to keep walking toward the school, but I allow a quick look back as I step out of the parking lot. Her feet are gone. The car windows closed.
I’m about to turn back around when I spot her walking next to a girl that fits into what I refer to as “the mass produced” category. Tall, tan, blonde hair, name brand clothes that half of the girls at this school probably own as well. She looks like the perky cheerleader type—popular and well liked for her status. I’m not trying to stereotype. I’m just good at reading people. It throws me off to see these two completely opposite girls walking together. Their heads are turned toward each other, engaged in conversation.
I wonder for a second what they’re discussing. What topic could be mutually gratifying to such different girls? It bothers me that I really want to know.
Always Forever Page 18
