No Choice

by Steele, C. M.

  “You seem grumpy—let’s fix that.” I took her mouth again, claiming my woman in case anyone missed it the first time. Damn, I thought I wouldn’t feel like I did the first time, but I was seriously mistaken. Her lips were soft, and this time she opened her mouth with a little moan. I took advantage of her slip and slid my tongue inside. Our tongues danced together as she melded into me. Wow, she packed a punch. My cock was excited and leaking with just a kiss, like I’d been pumping into her sweet pussy. I was a goner.

  “Um…ahem…” I heard the cough behind me. I turned to see one of the school officials looking sternly at us. What the fuck ever. This was a place for supposed adults. The guy needed to get a grip.

  “Miss Cromwell, please refrain from such behavior in the student union,” the stick-up-his-ass official said. I turned back to my girl who was full of shame and mortification.

  “Sir, excuse us. My fiancée and I were just leaving.” The look of shock on her face was almost laughable. I told her I was serious.

  Lord, my panties were soaked. So, I made a total ass of myself, and instead of him running, he was claiming me. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, but I knew that I enjoyed his kisses. That was a first for me. All the other times, I usually pushed the guy away because I felt nothing. They would be gorgeous, athletic, or brilliant, but there was just nothing there. This guy got me so hot and bothered that I wanted to fall into his spell of seduction.

  He just called me his fiancée after kissing me stupid in front of my academic advisor. I didn’t buy it. He was probably trying to save me the hassle.

  “Come on, babe. Let’s go talk.” He grabbed my hand and dragged me along. I didn’t give much fuss, and we popped in a cab. Nervous was just the tip of the iceberg on how I was feeling. We didn’t say much because the ride was short, and I was too tongue-tied to answer the simplest question. I only managed to tell him that I wanted a venti with cream and sugar.

  We got to Starbucks, ordered, and took our seats. The whole time he’d been touching me in one way or another. I tried not to react, not to shiver with anticipation and thrill, but it was a lost cause. The man just did something unexplainable to me.

  I wasn’t the loving and cuddly type. I spent the last decade just trying to survive. Getting close to someone who was going to abandon me wasn’t a priority of mine. Emmy had been the closest thing to a family I’d had in a long time, and she’d proven her friendship over and over throughout the years.

  “So, pretty little Natalie, how old are you?”

  “I thought you’d know, since you’ve got my information.”

  “True. I just wanted you to tell me. So you’re twenty-two—young and beautiful.”

  “If you want my trust, don’t play games with me. I don’t have a file on you, so how old are you, Mr. James?”

  “I just turned twenty-nine.” He smiled at me, which did funny things to my heart and core. I blushed and looked down at my coffee cup.

  I looked up at him when he started to speak, “Now back to you. So, what do you like to do for fun?”

  Let’s see how fast he could run once he realized how lame I was. “I go to the local Salvation Army and help out. I know it’s not fun for someone like you, but I enjoy it. If I’m not there or busy studying, I go swimming at the gym.”

  “Yeah, helping out doesn’t seem like it would be fun, but if it makes you happy, then that’s cool. Giving back is great. My mom does that stuff all the time, but it’s with her snooty friends. I just prefer to give the money.”

  “You don’t like your mom’s friends?”

  “No, most of them have daughters that they keep trying to pawn off on me.” Thoughts of my father and all his mistresses popped in my mind, giving me verbal diarrhea.

  “Please spare me the lies. You’ve probably fucked them all, but with no intentions of settling down with them,” I stated sternly, but immediately blushed with embarrassment from my outburst.

  “No, I haven’t. Dating those girls means dealing with the speculation and the unrealistic expectation that you’re going to marry them.”

  “Then, why do you want to date me? Do you think I’m not going to have any expectations or rather that I shouldn’t?”

  “No, you should have every expectation of marrying me. I’ve already told you and that ass at the union that you’re mine and that you’re my fiancée. Did you think I was just saying it to save face? I meant it, babe.” Whoa—this was moving too fast. Hell, he skipped all the preliminaries and went straight in for the kill. “Don’t you think you’re moving in a hurry? Hell, hurry is an understatement—more like lightning speed?”

  “Yes, I know, but like I said before, I know what this is between us, and soon, so will you. I’m going to walk you to your dorm, then I’ve got to get back. Just so you know, I not going to give up on us the moment I’m gone. Fuck, right now I don’t want to even go, but I’ve got a corporation to run.” He actually sounded annoyed at the prospect of leaving.

  We walked back to the dorm because he wanted more time alone with me. He held my hand the whole time like we were some high school kids in love for the first time, but I was still skeptical of his motives.

  “Besides women, what do you do for fun?” I asked.

  “Ha-ha. I actually don’t have a lot of time for women. I’d rather be watching a baseball game or playing it than chasing women.”

  I didn’t know how much I believed that, but I’d roll with Cameron’s claims of like sports over women.

  “Do you like baseball?” he asked.

  “It’s okay. I really don’t watch sports often. I’ve been focused on school.” It was true. He was going to think I’m so lame and run, I thought.

  “Then I’m going to have to take you to a game and show you what you’re missing. I’ve got season tickets for the Mariners. I go as often as I can, but sometimes I just give up the seats.”

  “I’m not sure I can picture you having fun at a baseball game. Do you wear a suit there, too?”

  “No, you little brat. I wear tee shirts and jeans or some relaxed-fitting clothes, but I’m a businessman, baby, and suits are my regular. You’ll just have to get used to it.” He had no idea that suits on a man were sexy as hell. Then again, this man could dress like a bum and still be hot.

  “What kind of business are you in?” I was curious and eager to know more about this handsome stranger.

  “I own my own investment brokerage firm,” he said proudly.

  “So you’re always busy, aren’t you?” I was actually disappointed by the revelation.

  “Most of the time I am, but don’t worry—I’ll make time for you,” he said with a cocky tone.

  “Oh thanks, I feel so blessed,” I said with a hand to my chest and a roll of my eyes.

  “You should. I don’t take time I don’t have for just anyone.”

  “Full of yourself much?”

  “A bit, but I’m serious. I was supposed to leave the day I saw you for the first time, but I couldn’t walk away.”

  “Really?”

  “Really. I told you I’d make time for you. Now I feel like kicking myself for missing two days of talking to you, touching you, and kissing you.”

  “Stop it.”

  “What? Stop telling you that I want to be with you? Not going to happen. The next two months are going to suck.” We got to the dorm and he pulled me to the side of the entrance, kissing me hard.

  “Ahh,” I mewed. The man was an amazing kisser. It was hot, sweet, and electric. My knees were shaking and my chest was pounding. I was glad he was holding on to me tight, or I’d be a puddle on the ground, and that would be embarrassing. I wondered if he could tell how inexperienced I was at kissing.

  “Fuck me… where did you learn to kiss like that? Don’t answer that, or I’ll have to murder a motherfucker,” he growled in my ear. I guess I was better than I thought.

  “What time is your flight?” I said, all out of breath.

  He looked at his watch, then said, “In
about two hours.”

  “Then you really have to get going.” I couldn’t believe how put out and upset I sounded. I didn’t really know this crazy man before this afternoon. Yes he’d been starring in my late-night fantasies, but I still shouldn’t miss him. It was nutty.

  “Yeah, I do, but not before I kiss the fuck out of you some more. Then I’m going to make sure you’re secure in your dorm before I head out.”

  “This is crazy,” I said as I shook my head with a smile.

  “Know this, Natalie. I’ve never felt the way I do right now. My heart’s pounding hard and fast, and the thought of leaving you is making me a nervous wreck. So keep being a good girl while I’m gone, and I’ll call you as soon as I land.”

  He walked me into the hallway and to the elevator.

  “I’d walk you to your room, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t stop until I was buried inside you.”

  I squirmed with need—fucking ass.

  “Soon, baby. Stay perfect.” The elevator pinged, I entered it slowly, and he waved goodbye as the doors closed. Damn, why were there unshed tears in my eyes?

  Was she crying? I swore I could see tears in her eyes before the doors closed. I hurried out of the building and to the nearest taxi. It didn’t take long to get my shit together and get to the airport. While I waited to board, I gave her a call because I already missed her like crazy.

  “Hi, beautiful,” I said, feeling instantly better knowing she was safe.

  “Hey, you couldn’t have gotten there already. That must’ve been the fastest flight in history,” she said mockingly.

  “No. I’m waiting to board the plane. I just wanted to make sure you were safe in your dorm.”

  “Yeah, I am. Are you going to be checking up on me all the time?” she asked with suspicion.

  “Why—you planning to sneak out to meet guys? Think about that answer before you say it. You don’t want to get me to come back over there.”

  “Oooh! I’m shaking in my boots—sorry, my sneakers. No, I don’t go out and meet guys often.”

  “And you’re not going to be doing that shit anymore. Understood?” I growled.

  “As long as you’re not meeting women and all,” she replied with jealousy coating her tone. I loved it.

  “I already told you I wouldn’t. You’ve got to believe the words that come out of my mouth, woman.” I could hear my flight being called to board, so I had to let her go.

  “Baby, I’ve got to go. My flight is being called. I call you later, okay?”

  “I’ll look forward to it,” she said happily.

  I boarded the plane with a smile. Fuck me. That was the first natural smile that I had when thinking about a woman for anything other than fucking. I knew that I’d be working hard for the next two months to keep my mind off her. Plus, there was a lot of things I would need to do to set up our life here—together.

  We needed a house. My condo wasn’t going to do for the long haul. The instant my flight landed, I got out and grabbed a taxi, then headed home. I tried calling her, but it went to voicemail. What an ass! I forgot about the time difference. She was sure as hell asleep by now. Generally, when I got home I felt comfortable and content, but now there was something missing. It couldn’t be because of her, could it? I thought.

  Shaking my head for being so pathetic, I went to my fridge and pulled out a cold beer and tossed on the game from the DVR. The Mariners were playing the Tigers in spring training. They had some good prospects this year, so I had some serious hope for them. We’d be going to tons of games. I couldn’t wait.

  Chapter 3

  I woke up the next morning from a tantalizing dream of Cameron and me. It was so hot I was afraid Emmy could have heard me moan in my sleep. It was the naughtiest dream I’d ever had. Hell, I may be a nerd and still a virgin, but I was still attracted to the opposite sex. I’d dated and fantasized about men before, but nothing lived up to my dreams. Cameron already had my panties burning up with just a kiss. It was more than any other man made me feel. Gosh, I loved the feel of my hands in his hair with him growling in my ear. I shook from just the memory.

  My dream was so amazing I wanted to fall back to sleep. Then I realized I was supposed to get a call from him. I picked up my cell, and it had one missed call. I listened to the voicemail and laughed, then I rushed to shower.

  Hey, beauty. I completely forgot about the time difference, and I know you’ve got an early class tomorrow. I hope you sleep well, and I’ll call you before you go to class. Miss you.

  When I got out of the shower, I had another miss call. Shit. I dialed him right back.

  “Good morning, beautiful. I’m glad I caught you before you left for class.”

  “Good morning, Cam. Sorry I missed your call again. I just got out of the shower.”

  “Did you have to say that?” he moaned. “Now, I’ve got a hard-on—thanks, babe.”

  “Sorry,” I said with a giggle. Of course I didn’t think anything of it when I said it, but I just gave him a visual of me, naked.

  “No, you’re not. Damn tease. You waited until I was far away before unleashing the vixen on me,” he accused playfully.

  I giggled—I couldn’t help it. I knew he was full of shit, but I wanted him to want me as much as he claimed.

  “I’m surprised you’re up so early. I thought you’d be sleeping for another couple of hours,” I said.

  “I only need four or so hours of sleep a night.”

  “I need at least my seven, or you’ll have to run for cover,” I warned.

  “Thanks for the tip, babe.” We talked for about five more minutes, but I was already in a hurry. He promised to call me later, but I doubted it. He was a busy man from what I gathered, and he’d already played hooky for almost a full business week. He wasn’t going to be able to be calling me all the time.

  I was right. He didn’t call me before I was already asleep. The message he left was apologetic, sweet, and full of promises.

  We’d talked every morning, afternoon, evening, and I received at least one voicemail message while I was asleep. Each call got more and more personal. During the latest call we were talking about what he wanted to do to me when we were finally alone. It was the closest thing I’d had to phone sex. I came after I got off the phone and slept like a baby.

  After the first week, the calls got fewer and fewer. He called about three or four times a day, but now it was maybe two to three times a week. It’d been a month, and I’d pretty much given up on this fake romance.

  My breaking point was when I called him and got no response all day. I worried and worried, but when his majesty decided to grace me with his voice the next evening, I was so angry that I didn’t care for his bullshit excuses. He’d been at his mother’s birthday party and didn’t hear my call, then he lost his phone.

  Bull. Yeah, at a country club, with tons of women who wanted him, and I was here, Miss Plain Jane waiting for him like a fool. I knew the long distance wasn’t going to work, but why did he have to lead me on, to make me feel so much for him? Every call, every silly little joke made me fall further and harder in love with him.

  I was sure he’d been busy hooking up with the debutants at the party. His story wasn’t believable to me at all. I’d been to those gatherings with my father. Even though I had ties to such circles, I made my own way, especially since I hated the fakeness that came with the scene.

  The last straw that broke my heart was the next day when I got a call from some woman named Courtney, claiming she had her Cam’s phone after he left it at her place, and she didn’t appreciate him two-timing her with me.

  “So listen, little girl, stay away from my man. We’re engaged, and you’re in the way,” she hissed before she hung up on me.

  I sat there in my room crying for the next two days. Emmy was ready to murder the bastard, but I just didn’t give a fuck. I refused to answer any of his calls, and by the third day, I changed my number. Graduation was in two weeks, and it couldn’t come soon enough.
Emmy offered me a place to stay in Chicago while I got my bearings and found a job.

  “Nat, you’ve got to move on. He isn’t worth it. Look at it this way—you found out who he really was before you two went any further.”

  “But it hurts so much,” I cried into my pillow. My head was pounding, my eyes were red and sore, and my heart felt broken. Finals were here, so I needed to get my act together and forget I’d ever met Cameron James. I hadn’t seen his sister, which was good because I couldn’t handle the reminder. Come to think about it, neither did Emmy.

  “Listen…tomorrow there is a huge party. We’ll meet some hot football players, and you can lose a little control.”

  “Sounds good. I need to start living again. At least I learned I had a heart to give. From now on, I’m not letting any man get to me. Have fun and live life. That’s my game plan.” That was going to be my motto. I needed to let go of the pain some way, somehow.

  The rest of the day and night, I studied as hard as I could. I got ready for the party after going to a salon. I wanted to look as hot as possible. My long brown hair got some sexy blonde highlights and was styled with hot waves. They did my makeup, and now, I needed to get dressed. When I got to my dorm room, Emmy was shocked the moment she caught the new and improved me.

  “Damn, you biatch, you look hot as fuck! The boys are going to lose their minds tonight, and there’s going to be the finest guys at the party. Cameron is going to shoot himself for being an ass when he sees all he lost. I’ve got to take a pic of you once you’re dressed.”

  “Damn right. I look good tonight, and there are tons of hot guys on campus who’d love to touch me.”

  “You look better than good, and they’ll be fighting over who you go with,” Emmy said as she finished putting on her makeup.

  Once we were ready, we posed for selfies. I hadn’t laughed in more than a week, and it felt good. I still felt hollow, but it felt nice to be normal for a night.

  When we got to the party, it was already popping. We got in and immediately I saw my ex-boyfriend, Jeff. He was a decent boyfriend. He just wanted more than I was willing to give, but tonight that might change. He smiled at me and approached.