PENALTY

by Jacob Chance

  The interior is dimly lit and loaded with people, many of them students and twenty-somethings who work in the area. My eyes trek around the room, looking for Cameron and the rest of our teammates. They’re all sizeable guys and should be pretty easy to pick out in the crowd.

  Spotting them gathered around the other end of the bar, we head in their direction. As usual, the three of us are bombarded with people wanting to say hi, or girls who are hoping to be the ones to go home with us. I nod and smile, keeping it brief. There’s a reason for being here tonight and she’s very much in the forefront of my mind.

  Exchanging a barrage of fist bumps and high fives with our teammates we flag the waitress down and order some beers. Scanning the immediate group with my eyes, I’m disappointed when there’s no sign of Harlow. Fuck. I was really hoping I’d get a chance to see her tonight. How am I supposed to get to know this girl if I never talk to her?

  Once there’s a beer in my hand I decide to make the most of the night and enjoy myself with the guys. We had a big win today; it’s time to celebrate.

  “Did you see my skills on the final catch?” Nick asks, flexing his arms.

  I laugh and take a sip of my beer before answering. “Bullshit. That pass was a well-aimed rocket that dropped right into your hands.”

  “I’ve got to agree with Linc on this one. That pass couldn’t have been more perfect,” Zeke offers clinking the neck of his bottle against mine.

  Raising the beer to my lips once more my eyes move down the length of the long bar until they freeze on the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. She came. Using this opportunity to study her while she’s not aware, my eyes take in the long, dark, curly hair draping sexily around her like a blanket. I want to be wrapped up in that hair with her; cocooned from the world and completely lost in each other. Picturing the two of us in my bed, her hair spilling all around me as she leans down to join our mouths has my dick twitching.

  I need to know what her lips feel like, what she tastes like.

  “Earth to Linc,” Zeke jokes, laughing. He follows the path of my gaze and then elbows me in the side. “Close your mouth bro, you’re drooling.”

  My eyes briefly flick to him before returning to Harlow.

  “So it’s like that is it?” Zeke states, smirking at me.

  I raise an eyebrow at him, downing the rest of my beer. Holding the empty up I point to it, signaling to the waitress I need another.

  I slam the bottle down on the bar and turn to Zeke. “Like what?” I ask, playing dumb. I’m not ready to hear any shit about Harlow. I’m not sure what this overpowering attraction I feel for her is and I’m definitely not ready to talk about it with anyone.

  “You like her.” He tips his chin in Harlow’s direction. “I think it’s cute man. The infamous Brady Lincoln finally has his dick in a twist over a girl.” He grips my shoulder in his meaty hand. “Didn’t I just say you’d meet someone who would knock you on your ass? I’m like a fucking prophet,” Zeke jokes. “From now on you need to refer to me as Prophet Zeke. I’ll have more wisdom to impart after I drink about ten more of these.” He points at his beer. I shake my head and laugh.

  “Fuck that. You’re still the same donkey who fell for Amber Marcell freshman year,” I retort, reminding him about an ex who cheated on him. We all told him she was trash, but he ‘loved her,’ and was convinced she felt the same. It wasn’t until he caught her fucking Cameron in her dorm room that he finally believed what we’d been telling him all along.

  “Low blow Linc. Thanks for bringing up all the painful memories.” He pretends to wipe a tear from his eye and I laugh.

  “Yeah, you loved her so much it only took you until later that night to get over her. You were balls deep in some blonde within hours of breaking up with her.” The waitress hands me my beer. The bottle is icy cold in my hand. “I should know, I walked in on the two of you going at it in our dorm room.” Taking a sip from my bottle I shake my head. “I got an up close and personal look at your hairy ass. I think I’m still scarred from it.” Shuddering at the memory I let my eyes search out Harlow. She’s no longer near the door. I find her in the middle of my teammates standing next to Cameron and her friend, Raine.

  My feet are in motion before I even realize it. Cameron leans down to speak to her, his lips near her ear and my blood boils. He needs to back the fuck off. He won’t be able to run any touchdowns in with a busted knee.

  Harlow leans away from him, looking uncomfortable. I react without even thinking. Stopping in front of her, I take her hand in mine. Her eyes get wide when she sees me and the merest hint of a smile teases the corners of her mouth.

  I wink at her. “Sorry to interrupt, but I need to borrow Harlow for a little while.” I don’t even look at Cameron. Turning to walk off, I tug her along with me. Moving through the crowd, her hand in mine, I seek out a place where we can talk.

  At the back of the bar is a wide hallway leading to the restrooms and the rear exit. I pull her in there and then press her back into the wall. “Are you here with Cameron?” I question, my voice coming out harsher than I intend. The thought of her anywhere near that asshole has me tied up in knots.

  “No, I’m here with Raine. I didn’t even want to come.” Staring up at me with her big gray eyes, she chews on her bottom lip.

  I expel a big sigh, closing my eyes for a moment. When I open them she’s staring at my mouth. Fuck. Don’t look at me like that, kitten. That look can get you in a lot of trouble. Her tongue peeks out and traces along her plump bottom lip. I feel my resistance crumbling and there’s nothing I can do about it.

  My hands slide into her hair, tangling themselves up in her long silk like tresses. I hold her head in place and stare into her stormy gray eyes. Slowly moving closer, I lower my lips toward hers. Kissing her is inevitable. This was meant to happen. I connect our mouths and her soft lips part as her tongue snakes out to tentatively touch mine. Her kiss isn’t the kiss of someone with a lot of experience. My dick gets agonizingly hard, thinking about how much fun it will be to corrupt her in the most satisfying way.

  One of my hands slides down her spine, caressing over the curve of her hip and down to cup her ass in my large palm. Oh Fuck. Her ass is heart shaped perfection. I can’t wait to grip it while she’s riding my cock and slap it while she’s bent over on all fours. Head down, ass in the air will look good on her.

  Bending my knees, I scoop her up, dick in line with her pussy. Grinding into her, I use the wall for leverage. She moans into my mouth and digs her fingernails into the top of my shoulders as our tongues rub against each other. I can’t get enough of her. I want more, but this is not the place to take it.

  I tear my mouth from hers, fighting for the next breath. “Come home with me,” I say, a pleading tone in my voice.

  “I can’t.” Her eyes move around the hallway. “I’m here with Raine.” Her cheeks are flushed an attractive pink shade. I like knowing I’m not the only one affected by our kiss.

  “I think we both know Raine’s going to be busy with Cameron.” I stare down into her stormy gray eyes.

  “I know, but it doesn’t change that I’m here with her. If she leaves with him, I’ll go home,” she informs me.

  I frame her face with my hands. “I want to spend some time together and learn more about you. Nothing else has to happen.” My eyes implore her to see I mean what I’m saying. I don’t know why it’s so important for me to be with her; I just know it is. “Please come home with me.”

  I’ve never had to beg a girl to leave with me before. Usually, I don’t need to ask twice, but with every interaction we engage in I realize how different Harlow is from all the other girls I’ve met.

  “Okay,” she whispers so softly I think I’m hearing things.

  I raise an eyebrow. “Yes?” I question.

  “Yes,” she answers a small smile on her pink lips. Flashing her a grin, I grab her hand. I’m getting her the hell out of here before she changes her mind.

  Walking
in the cold night air, probably wasn’t on her agenda, but having her cuddled up to my side, my arm wrapped around her shoulders, feels fucking awesome. This might be the first time I wish we didn’t live so close to C’s. I want to stay like this for as long as possible. She’s not fighting our closeness, she seems to be relishing it. I’m sure it’s out of necessity, but whatever the motivation is, she’s still here, where I want her to be.

  “You’re a sophomore, right?” I question. At her nod, I continue. “Where are you from?”

  “I grew up in Rhode Island. My stepmother still lives there.”

  “Are you glad you chose BU? Was it your top school?”

  She nods her head. “Yep, I always dreamed of coming here. My parents brought me to Boston for a long weekend as a kid. I fell in love with the city and from then on I dreamed of attending college here. Some of my favorite memories are from that weekend.”

  The questions I’m asking are mundane, but I don’t know how to do this. How do you get to know a girl beyond sex?

  I run my hand through my hair. I’ve never done this before and never cared enough to put the effort in. I glance down at her upturned face; I hope it gets easier with time.

  Directing her up the front steps of the brick and mortar brownstone where I live, I unlock the main door and usher her inside out of the cold.

  She rubs her palms together searching for any warmth she can find. I take her hand and lead her through the open space of the main entryway and over to our first-floor apartment. Key in hand, I unlock and open the door as quickly as possible.

  She enters first; I follow behind, eyes swinging down to her ass. I remind myself I need to behave. No matter how difficult it is - no matter how much I want to lick every inch of her tempting body, I need to act like a fucking boy scout.

  “What do you want to drink?” I ask kicking off my shoes by the door. “We have beer, and just about every liquor you could want.”

  She presses her lips together as she thinks about what she wants. “I’ll take a water, please.”

  “Give me your jacket and you can go get comfortable.” Helping her to remove it, I hear the song ‘Let’s Get It On,’ playing in my head. Stop it, boy scout -remember? I hang it on an empty hook next to the door and lift my chin in the direction of our large black leather couch in the living room. “Have a seat and I’ll be right there.”

  Slowly she walks across the floor, the soles of her red converse quiet against the hardwood. I shake my head disgusted with myself and move into the kitchen to grab our drinks. Standing with the refrigerator door open, I allow the cool air to wash over me. Being in her company without trying to get her clothes off is going to be a challenge. Especially, when seeing her naked is on the top of my list of goals. I grab a beer and a bottle of water, then use my forearm to close the fridge.

  Harlow is lost on our large couch. The top of her head barely peeks over the back edge. She’s kicked her shoes off and her feet are up on the coffee table. I smile as I come around the front and notice her socks are light pink and have the Patriots logo on them.

  “Here you go.” Handing her the bottle, I sit down next to her. She shrinks into herself when my thigh touches hers. Her water clutched in her hands, her elbows tucked into her sides, reflects how uncomfortable my presence makes her. Fuck.

  “Let’s watch some TV.” Grabbing the remote, I flip through the channels. What kind of shows does she like? She probably likes some wholesome, do gooder shit I’ll have to suffer through.

  “Wait. Go back.” Her voice interrupts my thoughts. I flip back a channel, then another, not really paying any mind.

  “Yes,” she says excitement in her tone. My eyes flick to her, taking in the big smile on her face. I glance at the screen to see what has her so enthusiastic. No fucking way. Patriots All Access, one of my favorite shows is on.

  I take a gulp of my beer, my heart pounds out of control in my chest. This girl is fucking perfect and the more I find out about her the more I want to know. This is some scary shit for a guy who’s never held a meaningful conversation with a woman before.

  “You like Patriots All Access? I thought you hated football?” I question, my eyebrow raised.

  “I used to watch every episode with my dad.” She smiles, a sheepish expression on her face. “I may have lied about not liking football. I love the Pats.” She sips on her water, her eyes glued to the TV as highlights of the past week’s game are being discussed and plays are being diagramed.

  “Yeah I figured. Your socks kind of gave you away.” I nudge her foot with mine. “Do you guys still watch it together when you’re home?” I ask, resting my beer on my thigh.

  Her eyebrows draw together in a small frown. “No, my dad passed away when I was sixteen.”

  Fuck. I wish I could go back thirty seconds and ask her another question.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up tough memories,” I quickly apologize.

  She shakes her head, then glances at me. “It’s okay. I miss him, but I’m fine with talking about it.”

  “What happened to him?” I ask. I want to learn as much as I can about her. I don’t know if I’ll get another opportunity like this. Tonight, might be my one chance to get to know her before she hides from me again.

  “He died in a car accident.”

  “That had to be tough for you. You were young, only in high school.” I take a sip of beer, hoping the alcohol will help make me a better conversationalist. So far, it’s not helping.

  “It was, but it does get easier to think about him the more time passes.”

  “Who’s your favorite Patriots player?” I ask, changing the subject.

  “Edelman,” she replies.

  “Because you think he’s hot, right?” I question, shaking my head. Nothing ruins football for me more than having a woman watch the game with me. Been there done that. I don’t want to hear about the player’s asses or how hot the team is.

  I made a no females rule in our apartment for game days. Watching my team in peace is a top priority. My boys need all my focus to win. They’re counting on me.

  She laughs. “No, he’s my favorite because he’s awesome. He’s had ninety-eight receptions so far this season, but the best thing about him is his bromance with Tom Brady.”

  I stare at her in complete awe. Who the fuck is this girl? She’s like a beautiful alien. I’ve heard they exist, but never had any proof they do. One thing is certain; she’s one of a kind.

  Chapter Seven

  HARLOW

  I burrow my cheek further into the warm cushion I’m lying on. Inhaling, I smell the pine scent of men’s cologne and my eyes snap open. Holding still, I move my eyeballs only. Glancing down at the surface I’ve been napping on, I realize it’s Brady’s chest. Oh crap. My eyes scroll up his muscular pecs to his thick neck and finally to his face. I breathe a sigh of relief when I realize he’s asleep.

  I move slowly, gently easing his hand from where it rests on my hip, lowering it down to the cushion. Carefully raising my torso, I scoot to the edge of the couch. Sliding on my Converse before rising to my feet, I head toward the door. I’m grabbing my jacket from the wall hook when I hear Brady stirring.

  “Harlow,” he softly says my name. Shit. Hurriedly shoving my arms in the sleeves of my coat, I don’t answer.

  His head swivels to the side. Catching me in his periphery he twists his torso around. “Where are you going?” His voice is hoarse from his nap and impossibly sexy. He rubs the sleep from his eyes with his fists like a little boy, and my stomach flutters. He’s so much different than I expected him to be.

  “I’m going home,” I say, pulling on some blue gloves I had stashed away in one of my jacket pockets.

  He smoothly rises to his feet. “I’ll walk you home. You shouldn’t be out at night by yourself in the city.”

  I look him over as he walks in my direction. His dark blonde hair is a mess and his sweatshirt is wrinkled from where I was lying on it. He’s never looked more te
mpting to me. Why does he have to be so attractive? When our eyes meet mine awkwardly bounce away.

  Reaching past me, he grabs a black winter vest from a hook and shrugs it on. He pulls on a black knit cap and shoves his keys in one of the front pockets on his jeans before sliding on some sneakers.

  Opening the door, he gestures. “After you.”

  “Thank you,” I murmur as I walk past and start toward the exit. The sound of the door closing behind me startles me. Being in his company has me on edge. I just need to make it through the next five minutes and then I’ll be safe inside my dorm.

  I make it outside and down the front steps before he catches up with me. He slings an arm around my shoulder like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Maybe for him it’s not a big deal, but for me it is. I can barely breathe from his nearness. The scent of his cologne wraps around us and the heat of his arm is both comforting and nerve wracking. I know he’s a lot more affectionate with the opposite sex than I am. I won’t allow myself to make a big deal out of this even though my stomach is fluttering with excitement. It’s perfectly normal for him to sleep with random people so why would an arm around my shoulders mean anything?

  We remain silent the entire walk, until I pull my keys out of my pocket.

  “When can I see you again?” he asks, a crooked smile on his lips.

  Now. My body shouts silently. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I play with the ring of keys, the sound of the metal jingling. I stare at them as if they’re the most fascinating thing I’ve ever seen.

  He steps forward, crowding me until my nose is practically buried against his chest. Plucking the keys from me with one hand, he tips my chin up with the other. His blue eyes stare into my gray ones. I exhale with a wavering sigh. I know he’s not going to make this easy on me.