by C. A. Harms
I started to dose off and she nudged me, “Do you wanna get up in the bed?” I looked down into Riley’s gorgeous dusty blue eyes. She swallowed hard, “Or maybe you wanna go home?”
I smiled down at her and kissed the tip of her nose. She watched me nervously.
“Bed,” I whispered.
Her face lit up and she crawled off my lap. I watched her ass in her cute little shorts as she adjusted the pillows and blankets.
I closed my eyes and hung my head. I silently cursed myself for wanting to wait. Kittens Zander…fuckin’ fuzzy little kittens, dude breathe.
When we crawled into the bed I pulled her tightly against me and rested my chin on her shoulder. I kissed her softly on the neck, “You’re really something special Riley, and you really have no idea.”
I kissed her again and let my lips linger on her skin. “Can I stay with you tonight? I just wanna hold you all night.”
She nodded her head and tucked herself into me just a little closer.
The last thing I remembered was feeling her body relax against mine. I fell asleep with her securely in my arms.
Chapter Nineteen
~Riley~
I woke up completely surrounded by Zander. His legs held mine captive and his arms squeezed my waist tightly. His face was still tucked in to my neck and his breath skimmed across my chest. The feeling of being in his arms was amazing. I turned my face toward him and kissed his forehead.
He groaned deeply and squeezed me tighter.
“No…no, not ready to let go yet.” He mumbled a sexy sleepy voice. I couldn’t help but laugh. His hand gripped my hip tightly and held on for dear life.
“Zander I have class in an hour. I need to take a shower and get ready.”
“Skip it.”
I laughed, “Are you serious?”
His eyes were still shut but he grinned, “Dixie Chick serious baby.”
His eyes popped opened and I lost it, laughing at him. “Oh my god you did watch it…I knew it.”
I rolled over on top of him and his hands rested on my thighs. I straddled him and smiled. “So if I’m not going to class what exactly will I be doing instead?”
Zander’s finger traced the top of my shorts across my stomach. He watched his hand before looking back up into my eyes. “First I wanna see that tattoo of yours and then I think we can come up with something to do.”
I crawled off of him slowly and decided I would tease him a bit. I slowly slid my shorts down my legs and stood just at the end of the bed, in just my tank top and panties. I saw his jaw tense and he sat up pulling himself to the end of the bed. I lowered the side of my panties and he leaned in closer. His finger traced the butterfly on my lower stomach and he grinned.
I could tell what he was thinking as I watched his eyebrows crease.
Slowly he lowered his lips to my stomach and kissed me softly right over the butterfly. He whispered against my stomach. “Beautiful.”
The chills ran over my skin and I gripped his shoulders for support.
I stepped back from Zander to regain my composure. He made me feel such emotions that I sometimes needed to count to ten within my mind to bring myself back down from the high.
I needed to get the ball back in my court and now. I walked backwards toward my bathroom and just before I stepped in through the door I reached down and pulled my tank top up and over my head. Zander’s eyes shot up and he licked his lips.
“I’m just gonna take a shower…in here, all by myself, completely naked.” His jaw tensed and released over and over. He watched me without speaking a word until I could no longer see him.
I took my time in the shower hoping that maybe he would change his mind and join me. After close to a half an hour and when my skin began to get pruned, I turned off the water. I couldn’t help the disappointment I felt.
I was so damn attracted to him and I wanted to be with him so badly. I was beginning to feel like maybe I was being a little sleazy. I was literally throwing my goodies out there in plain sight. I was being to forward and I needed to slow down before he thought I was a slut.
I put my robe around me securely and made sure that I was completely covered up before I opened the bathroom door and found him sitting on my bed watching the television. He turned toward me when he heard the door open and grinned.
“Hey you.”
I smiled in return, “Hey.”
I walked to my dresser and got my panties and bra. Once I grabbed my shorts and t-shirt I turned back toward the bathroom. “I’ll be right back.” I didn’t look at him before I shut the door and quickly got dressed.
The light tap on the door brought me out of my daydream. I opened it slowly to find Zander bracing himself on each side with his hands wrapped tightly around the edges.
He looked tense. “You do know that resisting you isn’t easy right?”
“Then why are you?”
“I want more with you Riley. I want more than just the physical attraction, because baby that’s there. You know it is because you feel it as much as I do. I just want to know that it’s not all we’re about. Can you do something for me?” I nodded my head. “Don’t for one second get it in your head that I don’t want you. I want you so badly Riley but I just wanna make sure that when we are together we have something more than that holding us together. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”
“Yeah…I do. I think that it’s perfect.”
He kissed me softly, “Me too.”
***
An hour later we were pulling into the go-cart track. “You are such a kid.”
He laughed, “Hell ya. I don’t wanna grow up yet.”
Zander took my hand and pulled me along. He paid at the counter for our track time and I followed him to choose our cars. Over the next hour I had laughed so much my insides hurt. Zander was a big kid at heart and it was refreshing. I hadn’t had this much fun in so long. I didn’t for one minute worry about what I looked like or if my clothes got dirty. I enjoyed our time together for what it was.
Chapter Twenty
~Zander~
“Okay let me get this straight…you two have been together for almost three weeks. You have made-out a million times not to mention slept over with one another at least a dozen times.”
I shrugged my shoulder at Beth as her and Mark stared at me from across the table at Marco’s pizza. “Yeah so…what’s your point?”
“My point is after all that you still haven’t had sex with her?”
I tossed the piece of crust down onto the plate and leaned back in my chair. “What?” I looked between the two of them repeatedly, waiting for the point.
“You are such a pussy Z. I never pegged you for the pansy type man.” Mark chuckled and got up from the table.
“Why is it such a big issue? This is my life and you two wanna keep analyzing it. What gives?”
Beth took a deep breath and looked at me a few seconds longer before she continued. “I just don’t want you hurt Zander. I don’t want you falling for Riley and then in the end you get your heart broken.”
What the fuck? I stared at her in confusion. Beth has always been there for me but lately she is really pissing me off.
“I miss you, Zander. We used to hang out together for hours and now I barely see you. I miss our time together.”
I reached across the table and took her hand in mine. “This Saturday…you and me, we’ll hang out. Just us two and go to the mall, make fun of some people like old times. How’s that sound?” She smiled over at me and agreed.
I stood up and pulled her from the booth. I took her into my arms and held her tightly. “I love you Beth…that will never change babe.”
I kissed her on the cheek and looked up as the door came open. Grant stood in the doorway watching Beth and I with a smug look on his face. Beth must have sensed my tension because she turned in my arms and looked at the doorway.
“Oh boy, aren’t we lucky.”
He walked toward us and I knew by
the look on his face he was in the mood to stir some shit up.
“I thought you were seeing Riley, but I had no idea that you were juggling Beth too. I mean how would Riley feel about you two embracing one another so intimately? I’m thinking she may have something to say about that.”
I wanted to punch him in the fuckin’ face.
“See here’s the thing Grant, my relationship with Riley is none of your fuckin’ business. I think your cocky ass better walk away before I break your fuckin’ nose. Run home to daddy and let him buy you something new and shiny.”
He laughed and turned toward the front door. “I’ll be sure to let Riley know just how close you and Beth are.” He winked before walking out.
“God, I really hate that kid.”
Beth flopped back down into the booth just as Mark submerged from the bathroom.
“You just missed a little visit from daddy’s boy…Grant.” She told Mark and rolled her eyes.
“Hmm…now my day feels incomplete.”
Beth laughed and I chuckled. “Yeah.
***
Beth and I had gone back to my place to watch the ball game and Mark had to go to work. I was trying to pass the time until Riley was out of class. Carla, Beth’s mom, had brought over the pan of lasagna she had made and we scarfed it down before the game had even started.
I stretched out on the couch and Beth curled up beside me under the blanket. I hadn’t meant to fall asleep but I couldn’t fight it any longer. Riley stayed the night last night and we were up late watching movies and fooling around. I had class early and barely stayed awake during my lecture this afternoon.
I figured when Riley called me the phone would wake me up. I just needed an hour or so to catch up. I felt Beth curl into my side and slowly drifted off.
Chapter Twenty-One
~Riley~
I rushed home after class to get a quick shower, after I stopped for a little shopping. I had a plan to surprise Zander. I bought myself a new pair of black lacey panties, with a matching bra. I had every intention of making sure Zander saw them. If he didn’t find them on his own I would lead the way. I was so sexually frustrated from our make-out sessions lately. I felt like if we didn’t get busy soon, I may possibly explode.
After my shower I did my hair and left it down. I slipped on my new lingerie, with a cute little dress over the top. Slipping my feet into my wedged sandals, I quickly sprayed on my favorite perfume and grabbed my bag. Just in case my plan worked out I may need a change of clothes for the morning.
I heard a loud whistle as I came into the living room. “Hot damn girl,” Kate smiled, “Are you on your way to Zander’s?”
“Yeah, do you think he’ll like it?” I asked her as I spun in a circle.
“Well if he doesn’t he has got to be secretly gay. You look sexy.”
I gave her a quick hug and thanked her before leaving to surprise Zander.
I stopped on the way to get a few things at the store. I got some ice cream, hot fudge and strawberries. I figured he had eaten by now but maybe something sweet to share would be nice. Or we could use it for other purposes. I smiled to myself thinking about licking chocolate from his chest and stomach. I think I even sighed out loud just as I pulled into his driveway.
As I walked up the steps I saw the flicker of his television. When I looked through the window on the door, I could see his head over the back of the couch barely sticking up. He must have fallen asleep. I slowly opened the door and walked in closing it behind me. I placed the bags on the counter and walked quietly to the couch. I had considered sliding up onto his lap and waking him, until I stopped immediately.
My throat felt like it was closing up and my chest tightened. For a moment I even thought I may get sick. Beth was sleeping pretty much on top of him with her head on his chest. They were both under the same blanket and his chin was resting on the top of her head. Her arms were wrapped around his waist and his were linked around her shoulders.
I felt the tears burn my eyes and I attempted to stop them but it was too late. I backed away and grabbed my purse from the counter. I left as quietly as I had entered and drove home with a knot burrowed deep within my stomach.
When I walked in Carson looked up and saw my face. He jumped up from the couch and came toward me. “Ry, what happened? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” I just nodded my head. “Talk to me…please.”
“I’m okay. Just tired…I think I’m just gonna go to bed.”
“Bed…it’s only seven.”
I tried to force a smile, “I didn’t sleep well last night and I just wanna get to bed early.”
I didn’t wait for him to say anything more. I turned toward my room ignoring the questioning eyes of Kate.
Once I entered my room, I curled up on my bed without even changing. I cried myself to sleep. Seeing Beth curled up with Zander made me question their friendship. I hated how it made me feel and I just wanted to forget that I had saw them.
My phone ringing in my purse woke me. I looked over at my dresser and noticed it was after nine. I made my way to the doorway of my bathroom were I tossed my purse when I entered the room. By the time I pulled my phone out it had stopped ringing. Flipping through the phone I noticed Zander had tried to call twice and texted once.
Where are you?
That was all he said. I took a deep breath and dropped my phone to the floor. I pulled my dress up over my head and removed the new lingerie I had bought. I slipped on a big comfy t-shirt that I was pretty sure at one time belonged to Max. It hit me just above my knees and hung off of one shoulder. I didn’t even bother with undergarments before I crawled back into bed taking my phone with me this time.
After I was comfortable and covered up I sent a text to Zander.
I came over earlier. You should’ve noticed the ice cream still sitting on your counter unless your company already put it away. After I saw how relaxed you two were I realized that I could use some sleep too. Talk to you tomorrow…I’m too tired tonight.
After I hit send I dropped the phone to the bed and rolled over with my back to the door. Almost immediately my phone started to ring again. After the third time I just turned it all the way down and closed my eyes. I didn’t want to cry again.
It didn’t take long at all for me to fall back into a deep sleep.
Chapter Twenty-Two
~Zander~
“FUCK!” I groaned out after the third unanswered call to Riley. Running my hands into my hair I stood and walked to the fridge. When I opened up the freezer sure enough there sat a pint of chocolate ice cream. The fudge still sat on the counter in plain sight.
I grabbed my keys off the table and went for the door. As I was walking down the stairs Mark’s jeep pulled into the driveway and Beth climbed out of the passenger side.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the ice cream?”
She looked at me a little puzzled. “Well hello to you too. How’s your night?”
I brushed past her reaching for my helmet, “Well it fuckin’ sucks, considering my girlfriend showed up to find us sleeping on my couch together, then she leaves pissed off and hurt. What does my best friend do when she wakes up to find desert melting on my counter?” I paused to face her, “She stuffs it in the fuckin’ freezer without waking me up. Now I got a girlfriend that thinks she saw way more than it was and she won’t answer my damn calls.”
“Zander I’m sorry, but she knows were friends. She needs to get over it.”
I slipped my helmet on and looked over at her. “Could you just for a second imagine what that looked like to her? You sleeping across my chest, pretty much on top of me and we’re sharing a blanket.”
Mark stepped forward, “I gotta agree with Riley on this one. I’m not so sure I fuckin’ like that either.”
I pointed toward Mark as to tell Beth ‘I told you so’. She rolled her eyes, “Do you want me to call her?”
“No, I’ll handle it myself.”
I jumped on my bike and started it up. M
y mind was racing a mile a minute and I felt sick to my stomach.
When I pulled in to the parking lot I noticed Carson’s truck was nowhere in sight. I was instantly happy that my only obstacle may be Kate.
After three knocks and a few minutes of waiting the door came open. Kate had a blanket wrapped around her and I knew it was to cover her pajamas.
“She’s asleep Zander. She has been ever since she came home.” She leaned against the door frame, “Maybe you could explain why she left looking hot as hell with the intentions of surprising you, but showed up a half an hour later crying her eyes out.”
My chest felt tight and ached with Kate’s words. I was responsible for Riley crying. “Please let me in Kate. I need to talk to her. It was a misunderstanding and I can’t let it go. Please, if she asks me to leave I will. Just give me a chance to fix this.”
Kate watched me closely and then stepped aside to allow me in.
“Thank you.”
“You better not make her cry again.”
I looked over my shoulder, “I won’t.”
When I reached Riley’s bedroom door I panicked for a minute. What if she kicked me out before we could talk? What if she broke things off? I took a deep breath and opened the door slowly. I could see her tiny frame beneath her covers. My knees felt weak and once again my chest felt tight. I closed the door behind me and made my way to her bed. I took a seat next to her and brushed away her hair that had fallen across her face.
She turned toward me and looked up at me blinking a few times, trying to focus her eyes. “Zander, what are you doing here?”
“Well you wouldn’t answer your phone and I needed to talk to you. Will you hear me out, please?”
She pulled the covers tightly to her chest and looked away from me. “I just wanna sleep. It’s not important, we can talk tomorrow.”
