by Leaona Luxx
“Seriously?” I cringe as my chest tightens.
One leans against the counter. “Hold up. What’s the problem?”
I pound my head on the wall. “I don’t know. Sh-she makes me nervous now.” Sweat beads on my forehead.
“I can see that.” One purses his lips. “Why? You’ve been best friends forever, she’s still the same girl.”
I peek over his shoulder, spotting Sarah. There’s a pounding in my ears as my mouth goes dry. “I’ve always loved her, but now it’s different.”
“Still the same girl.” He smiles. “Just continue to be her best friend, respect her, and let love grow.”
“What if we ruin everything?”
He looks over his shoulder. “I don’t know much about love, but I do know she’s always been here and it’s not because of the food.”
I watch as she laughs with Thayer, she’s always had the best smile. “True. I mean, who wouldn’t want all this?” I motion to my body.
“Alright, stud, let’s go.” One pats my back with a laugh.
I open the door to the sound of giggling, and I’m completely entranced by the sight and sound before me that I trip on the rug, falling into Sarah’s lap. Water bottle in her cleavage and pop can on her side.“Ahhh, cold!” She jumps, bumping my head with hers. “Oh, my gracious. Are you okay?”
I look up into her twinkling eyes, “Sorry, I...”
“Dude, I’m sorry.” One chuckles. “I didn’t mean to trip you.” As if I didn’t know it already, my big brother is the best.
“No worries.” I push off from the side of the lounger, sitting at her feet. “It’s all good.” One nods with a wink, and I think I played that smooth.
“Too bad the rug tripped your ass.” Thayer bursts with laughter. One frowns, shaking his head at her. I cut my eyes at Sarah, her cheeks are rosy colored. Great, she’s embarrassed for me.
“Are you laughing at me?” I narrow my eyes, watching her squirm.
Her eyes flicker to Thayer. “Uhh, no. No, I wouldn’t do that.”
I stand, circling the chair to stop at her side. “I think you were.” I cock my brow.
Her eyes wide as they cut to Thayer, I see my chance. I slide my arms under her, picking her up and throwing her into the pool. “Chord!” she screams just before she hits the water.
“Why do boys think that’s funny?” Thayer huffs.
Sarah bobs out of the water. “Oh, paybacks.”
“You’ll have to catch me first!” I dive into the lower end of the pool. We hang out for the rest of the day, deciding to cookout later that evening. Sarah spends the night with Thayer, like she always has the first day of school.
When the bell rings, I rush downstairs, looking for Sarah. She’s stunning today. After searching the halls, I’m about to give up when I run into Thayer. “Hey, where’s Sar...Sutton?”
“She’s out front, but I need to warn you...” My stomach knots. “Randy has her cornered.”
“Cornered? Does he... like her?” My blood boils as that knot turns into a monster. A green-eyed one.
“Yes.” I press my lips into a thin line, nodding. “Chord, you need to tell her.”
“Tell her what? Not to be with that jackass.” I grind my teeth.
“That you love her.” My breath stops as I drop my head to meet her eyes.
“I’m afraid, but I’m more scared of losing her. I need to find her.” I push past my sister, hauling ass through the doors.
What am I going to say? That I love her? I’ve always loved her, I can’t think of a time I didn’t. Yes, we’re best friends but, to be honest, the first time I laid eyes on her, I wanted her as mine.
I’m not sure what that means at six-years-old. I do believe kids can see beyond a person’s face. Hers was perfect, but there was something more about her that told me, this is it. She’s your always.
I’ve tried talking myself out of this for years. I’ve fought wanting to kiss her, to tell her she’s mine. Never did I think I might lose her. I guess I was hoping she’d just realize this is more than friends—it’s love.
I scan the area, spotting them next to the big oak tree. I can’t stop myself, I put one foot in front of the other until I’m running toward her. Sarah’s eyes lock on mine as I get closer.
Coming to a complete stop inches from her, I stand there, fighting the burn in my lungs and the pull of her heart with mine. I drag a deep, ragged breath in, wrapping my hand around her back, holding her against me.
“Chord?” She searches my eyes as I harness the ball of nerves twisting in the pit of my belly. Her eyes glisten as she trembles in my arms. This, it’s meant to be.
I take her lips, pressing them against mine as an explosion of light flashes behind my eyes. The heat builds between our bodies as her soft lips work with mine, as if we’ve done this a million times.
I sweep my tongue over her plump, pink lips as she opens them freely. I tangle her hair in my right hand, molding her body to me. Her tongue swirls around mine, coaxing a long-awaited groan from me.
In the distance, I can hear catcalls and whistles. But it’s a throat clearing that pulls me from her lips. “Hey, guys. You’re drawing a crowd,” Thayer chirps.
I unwillingly release Sarah’s lips and place a light, soft peck on the swollen pucker. Laying my forehead against hers, I give her my heart. “Sarah, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get here.”
“I would’ve waited a lifetime.” Her warm breath floats across my lips.
“I’m not sure when I fell in love with you, but I promise to never stop.”
Sarah slowly lifts her lids, her eyes finding mine. “You called me Sarah.”
I run my nose against hers, reveling in her touch. “You’ve always been my Sarah, even when you were my best friend Sutton.”
“I’ll always be yours.” Her lips collide with mine as chills race over me.
Thayer coughs again. “Y’all, you’re gonna get busted.”
“She’s right, we’ll pick this up later.” Sarah sighs. I twist our fingers together, tugging her to my side.
“Oh, Randy.” I extend a fist. “Sorry, man.”
Randy bumps my fist. “It’s all good.”
“Gracious, I’m glad that’s over with. Y’all were killin’ us.” Thayer laughs, bringing me up short.
“What?”
She looks from me to Sarah. “We’ve all known you two were gonna end up together.”
“Was it that obvious?” Sarah pinches her face up.
Thayer wrinkles her nose. “Yeah, pretty much.”
I turn to Sarah, and her face flushes with the realization. Leaning in, I place a soft kiss on her lips. “They could’ve said something, saved us all this time.”
She giggles against my mouth before breaking away. “Sounds like we have lost time to make up for, right?”
“You better believe it.” The light dances in her eyes as I move in, taking her lips again. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of her.
We walk to class, hand in hand, spending the rest of the day passing notes and flirting. We have all but two classes together, making the day go faster. I know nothing’s changed yet, my heart tells me everything has.
I find myself staring at her throughout the day. I thought I knew everything there was to know about her, so why I am seeing her so differently? She’s kind, even when she thinks no one is watching.
“Penny for your thoughts?” she whispers.
I rouse from my daze. “You. I’m thinking about you and just how amazing you are.”
“Do you have any idea what you mean to me?” She glances around the room, checking to see if there’s an audience.
“Tell me.” The tip of her tongue sweeps between her lips, drawing me to them.
She scoots closer, leaning in so her breath brushes past my ear. “I love you.” Her words knock the breath out of me. My heart stutter steps as I see forever in her eyes.
“The girl who doesn’t believe in love, is in love?”
I murmur against her cheek.
Her fingers tangle with mine as she squeezes. “You make me believe anything is possible.”
We break apart as the bell rings, bringing the best moment in my life to an end. I grab my backpack, throwing it over my shoulder before taking her books in one hand and her hand in the other.
Two years later...
“Do y’all have any plans for Chord’s birthday?” Thayer quirks her brow, smirking.
“None that I care to share, unless you want to hear about the cake I’m baking him?”
She giggles. “I can’t believe he’s eighteen already, time flies.”
“Tell me about it! We’re seniors, I’m so ready to go to college,” I huff.
Thayer’s brows knit. “Has your mom asked what your plans are for college?”
“You’re joking, right? You know she doesn’t give a shit about me. I’m ready to run as fast as my feet will carry me. I’d leave now, if I could.” I crash onto her bed.
“It won’t be long, this year will fly by, I know mine did.” She joins me on the bed.
I roll to my side, propping up on my hand. “Do you like Clemson?”
Her smiles grows wide. “I love it! I love being home, but I’m on my own and love the freedom.”
“Ughh, I can only imagine.” I sigh, falling over.
She pats my arm. “Soon enough, hang in there.”
“So this party your mom is throwing, is she inviting a lot of people?” I nibble on my nail.
“Just family; with me leaving and his birthday, she wants it to be us.” Thayer slides from the bed, standing in front of her suitcase.
“How much more do you have to pack?” I sit up, still chewing on my nail.
She walks over to her closet, searching through the racks. “Not much, I need to go shopping for a few things.”
“Do you care if I tag along? I want to pick up one more thing for Chord.”
She spins, hands on hips. “Duh! Since when do I shop without you?”
“Never.” I jump from the bed. “Let’s hit it.”
“Alright”—she grabs her purse—“we’ll stop downstairs and tell Mom.”
I step out into the hall and am suddenly grabbed from behind. “Shit! Oh! You scared me.”
Chord’s arms are wrapped around my waist, his face buried in the back of my hair. “Listen at that mouth.” I spin in his arms, smiling.
“I’ll be with Mom.” Thayer rolls her eyes as she slips past us.
“You like this mouth, so why are you complaining?”
Chord’s sly grin warns me of his mischief, but not before I can stop him. “I’ve got you now.”
His lips smash mine as he lifts me, stepping back into his room. He turns, closing the door with his free arm. Pushing me against the door, I wrap my legs around his waist.
Chord’s shoulders are as broad as a barn now, I can’t even get my hands around his biceps. He’s not just shot up in height over the last two years, but he’s muscle-bound as hell. Makes my mouth water.
He releases my lips for a brief second. “What are you doing? Your momma is gonna flip shit if she catches me in your room!”
He smirks and everything south of my bellybutton tightens. “I’ve dreamed about pinning you to this door.” His nose travels down my jaw, to my neck where he nips at it. The scruff on his chin tickles as it prickles me.
I lick my lips as my mouth dries. “Oh, yeah?” I groan.
“Yes, I have. It’s getting increasingly harder to keep my hands off you,” he growls into my neck.
My breath becomes ragged, and I struggle to speak. “I-I think... maybe, yeah... I think we sh-should, you know...do this.”
Chord stops cold, and my heart pounds in my ears as I wait for his response. “Are you sure?” He leans back, searching my eyes. “I can wait, baby. I can wait as long as you need.”
I swallow past the knot in my throat. “I know we discussed waiting until we get to college, but...” I wet my lips. “I don’t want to wait. I want you, in every way.”
He holds me close, sweeping my hair over my shoulder. “And I want you the same way, but there’s no way in hell I’ll have your mom saying I’m using you. I can wait.”
I take his face in my hands, pressing my mouth to his. “I know, but we’ve been together two years, we’re planning to get married, and college is an entire year away.”
“I can wait, baby. You’re more important than my hard-on.” My mouth drops open at his frankness. I slap at his chest as we chuckle.
“Well, thank you.” I kiss his tender lips.
“I better let you go before they come looking for us.” He releases his hold as I drop my legs to the floor. Tiptoeing, I place a kiss on his cheek.
“I won’t be long, we’re only going for a few things. Besides, I want you ready to roll after the cookout your mom has planned.” I slap his ass before turning to the door.
“Hey, now.” He winks.
“By the way, where are we going tonight?” He narrows his eyes at me.
“It’s a surprise.” Smiling at me with his lopsided grin. “Just be ready, beautiful.” I practically float down the stairs with a smile on my face, but apparently, that’s not the only thing on my face.
Thayer’s eyes bug out as I turn the corner. I stop dead in my tracks, cocking my brow. “Your shoe’s untied.” She points, rushing over to me. I bend over, checking my Chuck’s laces. They’re fine but before I can raise my head, Thayer’s pulling me down.
“Your face and neck are blood red, did he try to eat you alive?” I try to stifle my laugh, but I end up snorting, making us burst into laughter.
Thayer springs from the floor, grabbing her purse. “We’ll be back in a bit, bye.” She wraps her hand around mine, dragging me out the door, laughing all the way.
We hit the mall wide open, stopping at every shop until I get a chance to sneak in a gift for Chord. “What’cha got there?” Thayer eyes my bag.
I wrinkle my nose. “Nothing, really.” I avert my eyes to keep from telling on myself.
“Would it have anything to do with tonight?” She elbows me.
My head is shaking before I can utter a word. “Nah, it’s nothing like that.” Again, I window shop as we walk, doing my best to keep her at bay.
“Sarah, you’re one of my best friends. I know you love Chord, I’m only wanting to make sure you two are safe.” She nudges me with her shoulder.
I roll my eyes; the jig is up, I might as well come clean. “How did you know?”
“You’ve been together for two years, you’re crazy in love, and your planning to go to the same college. It’s easy to deduce—you’re sleeping together.” She smiles coyishly.
I sigh heavily. “We haven’t, yet. I told him I wanted to, but I’m not positive we will.”
She nods knowingly. “I understand, even for two people who have been together for a while, it’s a big step.”
“It is.” I pull her to the side. “I’m on Depo and have been for a few years, my mom made me. I know it’s not a reason to do it but, for the record, I want to spend the rest of my life with Chord.” I take a deep breath.
“As long as you’ve both thought about it and he’s not pressuring you.” She takes my hand.
“Oh, no. He would never, he’s the kindest person I know. And, Thayer, I know we’re young. So many people would tell us to wait but we know this is it for us. It’s me and him, no one else.”
She stares at me before a grin pushes her brows up. “I know. He loves you too. Just be safe, nothing’s foolproof.”
“I promise, we don’t want anything to mess up our future.” I wrap my arm around her, continuing to the car.
Sitting in the corner of the patio, I take in the Hamilton family. Chord’s parents, Elise and Calder, are so loving. One is the epitome of the doting big brother, I actually thought it was just Thayer he treated like that, but it’s his baby brother too.
Thayer beams as her brothers tease her, knowing she’s th
eir princess. She loves them unconditionally. I can’t help but to be jealous from time to time, my heart’s desire is to have a family. Chord tells me all the time, I already have one.
“Hey, you okay?” Chord wraps his hand around the back of my thigh, squeezing it playfully.
I work on pulling the wrinkles out of my forehead. “Yeah, I’m fine. Are you having fun?”
He gives me his most mischievous grin. “I am, but we could be having more.”
“Such a perv.” I wink. “But I’m down.”
His eyes sparkle with playfulness. “I’m so ready to go down.”
My mouth hangs open with his words, recovering only to slap at him. “You are so bad. Oh my gosh. I bet my face is blood red.” I place my hands on my cheeks, hoping to cool them.
He chuckles as he leans in and whispers, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” as he places a soft kiss on my nose. “Wanna get outta here?”
I bite my lip, nodding. “Yeah, I do.”
“Give me five minutes.” He presses his lips to mine as all those butterflies take flight.
I watch as Chord sits next to One, and Thayer blocks my sight as she joins me. “I’m assuming One’s gonna help cover.”
I cut my eyes from her to Chord and his brother. “No way. Oh, no. Please tell me you’re joking?” I start chewing my thumbnail as I watch them talk among themselves. Chord glances at me, shifting in his seat.
“One will call him out, I bet money they’re having ‘that’ conversation.” She giggles.
“Good Lord. Please say it ain’t so.” A flash of heat races through my body. “I’m gonna die now.”
Thayer’s full-on laughing now. “It’s all good, he’s probably giving him the ‘talk’ and making sure he knows what to do.”
I slam my head into the back of the lounger. “Yeah, kill me now.”
“Why on earth would I do that?” I squeeze my eyes together.
“Go ahead, I’m ready. Just do it.”
“Not a chance, gorgeous.” Chord’s lips are on mine before I can respond. I open my eyes to find him hovering, his eyes twinkling. “Come on, let’s hit the road.”
“I’ll be right behind you.” One throws his hand up. I turn to him, eyes wide.
