The moment he sees me on my knees, in my orange cheer uniform, sucking him deep, he explodes.
“Holy fucking shit!” he yells, pumping once more then releasing down my throat.
“Figured the athletic maintenance room wasn’t really your fantasy of uniform sex, so I wanted to give you something to think about.”
His eyes darken, and he reaches up, twisting me to my back. “Tell me you’re ready?”
I widen my legs, and he slips into me easily.
“Thank fucking God.” He leans down and sweeps his lips across my mouth “That was fucking hot. Now, I’m going to make sure you think of the same thing each time you wear this uniform.”
I arch into him, clenching hard. “Yes.”
He drives into me deep, hitting the right spot with each thrust. Our bodies rock together as he sets the pace. My hands glide up his back then grip his neck, pulling his mouth to mine. I kiss him slowly, running my tongue along the seam of his lips then nipping lightly. He swivels his hips and then stops, pushing flush against me.
My legs wrap around his waist and he leans back, grinning. Then he starts to move, this time rougher, going as deep as he can. His strokes intensify, and I close my eyes, feeling each sensation as he moves inside of me. The pressure builds low in my stomach and I loosen my hold on his neck, moving my hands to his back.
He reaches between us and grazes over my sensitive skin, setting me off. My eyes fly open and lock with his. Then stars cloud my vision as waves of pleasure roll through me. He slows his movements but doesn’t stop as I come down from my high.
He lays his forehead against mine and holds our stare. His eyes shine bright as love pours out of him. “You own me.”
I nod, hoping my face tells him the same.
Chapter 16
I walk anxiously into the coffee shop and look around for Shana. It’s been a few weeks since I saw her at the football game and her call to meet came out of the blue. She didn’t specify what she wanted to talk about and I didn’t care. Because, seriously, who would decline a meeting with Shana Willis?
She gives me a small wave from a back booth. Her smile is so bright it’s contagious. When I get to the table, she bounces up and throws one arm around me.
“Hi there,” she practically sings. “Thanks for meeting me.”
“Always,” I answer.
“You look nervous,” she observes, sitting down.
“I can’t help it.”
“Isn’t it time you start to get comfortable with me?”
“It’s not really that, but a part of me can’t believe I know you. Three months ago, I’d get drunk and pretend to interview Quinn, doing my best imitation of you. Now, we’re having coffee. It’s surreal.”
“Stop!” She tosses her hands up. “There’s nothing special about me. I can’t take that shit.”
“Okay, I’ll try to behave.”
A waitress comes over and takes our order, clearly recognizing Shana. When she delivers our drinks, her hands are shaking. I raise an eyebrow to Shana, who hides her grin.
“I have to admit, there are several reasons I asked you to meet me.”
“Okay.”
“Henry said you approached him about your classes next semester. He thought I may be able to help you with your schedule.”
“Really?”
“Well, there’s obviously not much we can do about the required courses, but maybe I can help answer any questions.”
“Thanks.”
“Also, we have a week to make any changes and additions to the submission for the University Paper. I thought I’d have the team over to my apartment this Sunday. Henry’s agreed to join us. We don’t have much to cover since it’s basically perfect, so it’ll just be a last minute run through.”
My face falls as my stomach drops with disappointment. She notices, and her smile fades.
“I’m supposed to visit Norfolk this weekend. Bryce has been there for almost a month, and I haven’t been yet. There’s a big party on Saturday. I’m not scheduled to come home until early Monday morning.”
Her eyes fill with understanding then turn soft. “We’ll do it another time.”
“No, don’t cancel because of me. If you need me, I’ll call.”
She nods in understanding. “Tell me what else has been happening.”
“For me, things are great… busy but great.”
“Have you set a wedding date?”
“No, we haven’t really mentioned it.”
She freezes, mid sip of her coffee, and looks at me strangely. Her face is full of questions, but she stays quiet.
“It hasn’t come up in a while,” I say defensively. “We’ve both been busy, and his schedule is erratic. Between cheer, classes, homework, and the feature article, we haven’t really talked about it.”
She stays quiet, but there’s disappointment written all over her.
“Why does it seem like you disapprove?”
“I’m sorry,” she says softly. “It’s none of my business.”
“What’s none of your business?”
“I’m thinking like a lovesick puppy. I’d have thought you’d be looking at china patterns and honeymoon destinations.”
I was wrong earlier. She’s not disappointed; she’s sad.
“I forget that I’ve lived a lifetime beyond yours. If I had a ring on my finger and a man who loved me as much as Bryce loves you, we’d be in front of the Justice of the Peace the day after he proposed.” Her voice is hollow, and for the first time ever, I notice sorrow in her eyes.
“You’ve hardly lived a lifetime, Shana. You’re only thirty-four,” I tease, trying to lighten the mood.
She tips her lips up in a pathetic attempt at a grin.
“Is this about Professor Grant?” I ask cautiously.
She looks around, scanning the area. Satisfied no one is within hearing distance, she exhales loudly. “I fucked up, Devon… really, truly fucked up. Jesus, what was I thinking?”
“Is this about your decision to follow your career?”
“Yes, I was an idiot.”
“Why?” I question softly, reaching for her hand.
“I could have had it all, everything I ever dreamed of, but I was too ambitious and arrogant. Leaving Henry was the worst decision ever. I didn’t know it at the time, but these last two months here with him proved I’m a fool.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“He’s still perfect for me. He knew in Brazil I was coming to Virginia, and that my network rented me a corporate apartment, but his mind was more focused on the Summer Expo, so we didn’t really talk about it. When I moved in, the first thing I did was invite him to dinner. That night, I let it all out. There was no reason to keep dancing around what happened all those years ago.”
“Oh my God. What happened?”
“In true Henry fashion, he was understanding, supportive, and one hundred percent forgiving—no hard feelings, no regrets. He held no animosity or anger. We decided to never discuss it again. Gradually, we’ve built this incredible relationship. The last eight weeks have been more than I could ever wish for.”
“Maybe I’m missing something, but this all sounds like really great news. It was obvious at the game a few weeks ago that you have chemistry. No one could miss the way he looked at you, or the way he held you close when you walked away.”
“That’s what kills me. This could have been the last nine years—us together, living the life we should have had. Guilt eats me inside. He’s trying to help me get over it, but I’ve cried more in the last month than I have in my life… and that’s saying a lot.
“He wouldn’t have a son with another woman, a beautiful little boy who fills him with happiness and purpose, but each time I see him, he reminds me of my mistake.”
“Shana, there’s no way for me strip away the hurt, but you’re overlooking a few things. You’re an inspiration to women all over the world at an extremely young age. Journalism aside, you’ve accomplis
hed major achievements that stand out. People trust and respect you. That is why they allow you into their homes and businesses to do your stories. You may be sad, but nothing you have done is a mistake. You’re back now, fighting for the love of your life. He’s forgiven you and opened the door for a future together. You have to stop looking back.”
Her eyes gloss over with unshed tears, and she visibly swallows, holding them in. The hand under mine flips and squeezes as her face clears of sadness.
“You’re a spunky little thing, aren’t you? Can’t believe I unloaded on you like that.”
“Anytime. But I’m glad to know it worked out with Professor Grant. Quinn and I had a complete plan when school started. Good thing we didn’t have to meddle. That could have gotten embarrassing.”
“Dynamic duo, huh? Trying to sprinkle love on everyone?”
“Something like that.”
“You do know that you can never, ever take another one of Henry’s classes now, right? You know too much.”
I smile and nod. “Good thing I already had him for my courses then.”
“Enough heavy stuff. Let’s talk about your next and final semester.” She smiles widely, her mood changing completely.
We go over my class options, and she openly gives me her opinion on the courses.
I make a mental note. This weekend, Bryce and I are going to discuss our wedding. It’s time.
Chapter 17
My heart sinks when I spot Nate, not Bryce, leaning against his truck in the hotel parking lot. He pushes off and meets me at my car, helping me out.
“Hey, sis.”
“Hey. How are you?”
“Wiped. Long day, actually, long week. Glad you’re here.” He reaches in my back seat to get my bag. “Bryce got caught up with a last minute project. He sent me to get you.”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, but he couldn’t call and didn’t want you to worry, so I came to get you checked in. I can take you to base. He’ll only be about an hour.”
“Let me get changed.”
“Absolutely.” He throws his arm around my shoulders and ushers me inside the hotel.
Once we get the keys and get into the room, Nate drops my bag on the floor and falls across the bed.
“Get ready.” He closes his eyes, using his hat to cover his face.
I change quickly and then sit on the bed, nudging his arm. “Can I hold your phone? I’d like to forward a few of the pictures we took from the graduation to myself. I keep forgetting to ask Bryce to send any. Thought it may be nice to get a few framed.”
“Sure.” He unlocks his phone and hands to me.
I scroll through and send a few to myself, hoping the quality is good enough to upload. I freeze when I come across one of Bryce and the girl from the ceremony. He has his usual grin, but she’s smiling brightly, her face glowing. Her head is tilted and leaning on his shoulder in a more than platonic way. My heartbeat speeds and thumps against my chest.
I glance over and see Nate’s eyes are still closed, so I scroll through his text messages to see if it was forwarded or if he took it. Because if he did, I’m going to have a whole lot of questions.
The text was sent the night after graduation, when Bryce and I were already back in Virginia. The name is saved under Liza, and the caption reads “Love this picture of the two of us. We make a great pair.” She sent it to Bryce, too. I lose my breath momentarily then grow slightly dizzy at the implication. Does she know about me? And what does she mean by ‘we make a great pair’?
“You about done?” Nate startles me, and I click out of his messages.
“If you’re tired, we can stay here.”
“I’m fine.” He gets up and pats me on the head. “Let’s get your ass to Randolph. He’s about to crawl out of his skin.”
His words do little to reassure me, but I decide not to put him on the spot. I’ll ask Bryce about this girl later. For now, I try to play it off. “It has been almost a month since we’ve seen each other.”
He cuts his eyes to me and shakes his head.
My excitement builds when we get onto the Navy base, the unease from earlier lifting. As we drive, he points out the main buildings. When the ships come into sight, my eyes almost pop out of my head. It’s beyond incredible. Nothing could prepare me for the sheer size and magnitude of these vessels.
“Pretty amazing, huh?”
“I can’t believe it. Can we go on one?”
“I think Bryce is working on getting you a tour, but for now, we’re meeting him at the commissary.”
We pass the area where their base housing is located, and Nate points out their place. Bryce explained their furnished two bedroom, two bath was clean and well kept, but it was a complete bachelor pad. They were hardly ever there, so they had only the basics. It was a quick decision to live on base for a while, getting used to their new roles, but they had their name on a wait list for a townhome nearby.
“Why didn’t we meet him at your place?”
“I needed to pick up a few things, so it was my idea.”
Bryce isn’t here yet, so we sit at a table outside and wait. Nate explains his job. He and Bryce have similar roles, but with different teams and areas of the ship. I bring up the latest version of the diving article on my phone and show him all the pictures I chose. He’s making fun of me about my dive when I’m hoisted from behind and swung around.
I squeal loudly as strong arms squeeze me, shaking me lightly. “Hey, superstar!” Tommy Betts booms. “We finally got you here!”
“Hey, Tommy,” I hug him back. “Good to see you.”
“You ugly prick, you want to let my girl down?” Bryce runs up, out of breath and his face beet red.
Tommy lowers me slowly, his body vibrating with laughter.
I turn and jump into Bryce’s arms, not caring about the sweat pouring down his cheeks. His lips seal over mine, and I almost groan when our tongues touch. The taste of spearmint fills my mouth. He pulls back too quickly, nibbling on my lower lip. His eyes dance with happiness.
“Hey, babe.”
“Hey, yourself.”
“Shit, you should have seen your face!” Tommy yells, still cracking up. “Priceless.”
“Payback is a fucking bitch, Betts. Remember that,” Bryce snarls.
I step back and notice we’ve been joined by a small group. I recognize Tommy and Rick from graduation, but there’s another man and woman watching us with amusement. My gut coils when I recognize her not only from the ceremony, but also the recent picture on Nate’s phone. Bryce introduces them as John and Liza. The minute I touch Liza’s hand, my blood runs cold.
When our eyes meet, her gaze is no longer amused but indifferent. There’s no warmth or kindness at all. Her stare alone makes me uncomfortable.
Bryce kisses my neck gently, and her face turns to stone.
“Stop, you dipshit.” Nate slaps the back of Bryce’s head. “I’ll say it again—she’s still my baby sister.”
Anyone not paying attention would miss it, but I don’t. Liza’s eyes slice between Nate and me then land on Bryce. Bitterness pours from her gaze. She catches me watching and holds my stare.
“How was your drive?” Bryce wraps his arms around my waist, oblivious to the silent show between Liza and me.
“Great. Why are you all sweaty?”
Tommy and Rick start howling again, John joins in.
“Dickhead over here,” Bryce motions to Tommy, “left me behind. Thought it would be funny to make me run.”
“You running wasn’t the funny part. It was watching your face in the rear-view mirror when I told you I’d get to your girl first.”
“Hardy-har-har. Told you, payback’s a bitch. We may find ourselves too busy to come to the party tomorrow.”
Tommy’s dark face pales, all humor gone. “Man, Nicole will kick my ass if you two aren’t there.”
“I’m feeling a sharp pain in my calf.” Bryce bends over dramatically, rubbing his leg.
<
br /> “He’s joking! Of course we’ll be there.” I slap his shoulder and smile at Tommy. “Aren’t we celebrating a birthday?”
“TJ’s going to be one next week, but it’ll be small. We’ll have a family party next time our folks can get here.”
“Looking forward to it.”
“Did Bryce talk to you about our favor?” he asks nervously.
“Sure did, and I’ll be there early to get the family shots.”
When Tommy found out about my love of photography and saw some of my pictures, he asked Bryce if I’d take some pictures of his son, TJ, and their family at the party. They’ve never gotten formal family portraits, and Nicole really wanted some nice shots. I agreed immediately.
I smile sweetly and look directly at Liza. Her face is twisted in confusion.
“You guys want to grab a beer?” Rick asks.
“Not us. We’ve got dinner plans. See y’all tomorrow.” Bryce links our hands and tugs, indicating he’s ready to go.
I give Nate, Tommy, and Rick a quick hug and wave politely to Liza and John. She’s no longer giving me a death stare but is looking at Bryce with sadness. Maybe she didn’t know about me? That seems impossible, but regardless, obviously, Bryce isn’t hiding his feelings.
“We have dinner plans?” I question Bryce when we’re out of earshot.
“Oh, yeah.” He raises his eyebrows, and his face splits into a knowing smile. “I definitely know what I’m having for dinner.”
A rush of heat travels through me. Liza’s quickly forgotten.
The nervous anxiety I had about meeting Bryce’s friends is gone three seconds after we walk through the door. There are no introductions before Nicole Betts yanks me into a tight hug and squeals in my ear. “Devon, it’s so good to meet you.”
“You too.” I pat her back. She obviously shares her husband’s love for affection. She releases me and goes for Bryce.
He kisses her on the cheek, smiling.
When she stands back, I finally get a good look at her. I have to fight my jaw from dropping. She’s stunning. Looking at her is like looking at Vanessa Williams—beautiful mocha skin, sleek styled hair, striking blue eyes. When she smiles, her entire face lights up. Bryce runs his fingers down my arm lightly, breaking my trance. She stands back, inviting us in, as Tommy yells from somewhere in the house.
Finding Our Course: Collision Course Duet Page 23
