by Anna Brooks
“Chill, man. What the fuck?” Pierce yells, pulling me away from Johnny and gripping my shirt so I don't go after him again. I look around to see everyone has stopped what they were doing and is staring me; masks of confusion, pity, and fear on their faces. I hate people looking at me like that.
“Fuck!” I yell, ripping out of his grasp.
I pass Charlotte on my way out. Her eyes are wide, and I can see her hands shaking as they cover her mouth. I can’t talk to her right now. I need to cool the fuck off. This is not me. Not anymore. I don’t allow myself to care about women like that. I got burned once, and I’ll never fucking do it again.
I’m about to pull away when there’s a soft tap at my window. I drop my head to the steering wheel. I’m not ready to see her yet. She doesn’t know why I got so pissed, and I don’t want to explain it. She won’t understand this need I have to protect her; hell, I don't even understand it. The interior light flashes, and the passenger side door closes. Her tiny hand on my shoulder makes me feel like even more of a jackass that she’s seeing me like this.
“Are you okay?” Her voice is hesitant, scared.
I look over and cup her face in my hand. She flinches; it’s a tiny movement, and unless I was looking for it, I might have missed it. “Yeah. I’m fine. Don’t be scared of me. I’d never hurt you.”
“I’m not. I’m worried about you.” She nods her head, like she’s encouraging herself. “I don’t know why, but I feel different around you.”
I lean back in the seat and tilt my head up, shutting my eyes. I really need to get away and clear my head. “You’re not alone, sweetheart.”
“What happened?”
“Nothing for you to worry about. Listen,” I turn and look at her, “I gotta get outta here.” I really need to be alone right now so I can figure out what the fuck is going on with me.
She looks confused for a minute then shakes her head. “Oh, yeah… duh. Well, I’ll see you around, I guess.”
I put my hand on hers before she gets out. Fuck it. “I do want to see you again.” I lean over and give her a soft kiss. “Put your number in here.” I hand her my cell and curse myself for forgetting about hers. “Did you get a new phone?”
“Yeah, I did,” she laughs. “I said I accidentally dropped it in the toilet, thank you very much.”
She hands it back and when our hands touch, I pull her a little closer and give her another kiss. My phone slips from my fingers, and I pull her over the center console. She grips my arms and sucks my tongue in her mouth.
Hesitantly, I pull back. I can’t rush her, rush this. She got flustered when I was touching her at the picnic table, so I know I need to tread lightly. “I really have to get out of here.” If she stays any longer, I’ll end up fucking her in the backseat, and she deserves so much better than that.
“Okay,” her reply comes so soft, so innocent.
I watch as she walks back to the party. I’m not worried about her safety with Pierce there, so I drive away.
Once I get home, I head for the shower, instead of the bottle, and let the freezing cold water pour down over me. I haven’t lost it like that in a while. All I could see was red. That fucker deserved so much more than he got. I was willing to let him walk away, but then he mentioned her boots, and I knew exactly what he was thinking, because it’s the first thing I thought when I saw her. What she would look like naked, in nothing but them, riding me. Fuck, that doesn’t make me any better than him. Except I’d never disrespect her like he did.
I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around my waist. Fucker got me good, there’s a bruise on my ribs, and my knuckles are a little swollen. It was worth it, though. I pull on a pair of boxers and hop into bed. As I’m about to fall asleep, there’s a light knock at my door. I get up and open it without looking to see who it is, because I know it’s her.
Charlotte
My heart is pounding out of my chest as I wait for him to answer the door. The look he had on his face when he was hitting Johnny reminded me so much of what he looked like the first night I met him. Sad and angry at the same time. But still hot. I’m embarrassed to think that, but it’s lingering in the back of my mind.
He said he wanted to see me again, and even though it’s only been about an hour, I want to check on him before I go home.
I’m about to walk away because I think this might be a mistake, when the knob turns. He opens the door and neither of us says anything. I can’t help but check out his almost naked body. He’s so solid, so strong. We look at each other, question obvious in his eyes. I’m sure he wonders why I’m here. I’ve only known him for a week, but it feels like an eternity. And I can’t stop thinking about how I feel when I’m with him.
“Hi.” I twirl my fingers in front of me out of nervousness.
“Hey. What are you doing here?” He stands up straight and continues, “Not that I’m not glad to see you.” His lips tip up in a smile, instantly relaxing me a little bit.
“Umm, I guess I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Yeah, I’m good.” His eyes travel down my body again and when they stop on my boots, his jaw clenches, and he quickly averts his gaze by looking at the floor. After he takes a deep breath, he lifts his head and asks me, “Do you want to come in?”
I bite my lip in contemplation, remembering how out of his league I am. I really should walk away, but there’s a magnetic pull, and even though my mind is telling me no, my feet answer the question by putting one in front of the other.
The click of the lock makes me jump, and I set my purse down on the coffee table. He follows me into the living room and gestures to the couch. I sit and play with the hem of my dress, not knowing what to say. I shouldn’t have come here.
“Do you want something to drink?” His voice interrupts my nervous thoughts.
“No, thanks. I’m good. You sure you’re okay? When I went in the house you were fine, then I came out, and you were punching that creepy guy.”
His forehead wrinkles, and he gently tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Why is he creepy?”
“Oh, umm. I ran into him earlier, and he creeped me out.”
“Why? Did he say something to you?”
“No. Well, I mean, I bumped into him and apologized. He said it was okay.”
His brows now furrow, and he tilts his head so our eyesight is even. I can’t look anywhere but at his amazing blue eyes.
“Did he touch you?” The words come out slow, controlled.
“No, I don’t think so.” The ring around his eyes darkens, and I know I made a mistake.
“You don’t think so?”
“Umm…” He said honesty, right? “Well, maybe he held on a little longer than necessary when I ran into him, and maybe he touched my butt.”
“Fuck me,” says as slow as before.
His eyes remain locked on mine and unblinking. I see his lips moving, counting down from ten. When he reaches one, he lifts my hand and kisses the center of my palm.
“Okay,” he states.
“Okay? What’s okay?”
“Nothing, I’ll take care of him later.”
“Travis, it’s fine. You don't need to do anything.” I laugh a little. “Anything more than you already did.”
“No, I didn't know he made you uncomfortable and put his hands on you. Don't worry about it.” He blows it off like it’s nothing, but there’s more meaning behind his actions. You don’t do that for someone you don’t care about.
“Why did you hit him anyway?”
He begins tracing a figure eight pattern from my wrist to the center of my hand. “He said something that pissed me off.”
“What did he say?” I ask, mesmerized by the softness of his bruised hands.
“Nothin’. You wanna watch a movie or something?”
“Not really.”
“What do you want to do then?” he whispers.
I look down and see him growing inside his boxers. I gasp because I’ve never ac
tually seen one before. Sure, in movies and stuff, but in real life, no. All I’ve ever done is make out with a few boys, but I’ve never felt with them what I do with Travis. I know I shouldn’t be here.
I feel a tingling between my thighs and shift uncomfortably on the couch. This is not why I came here, but kissing him the other day felt so good and so right. I want to do it again but don’t know how to tell him.
When I don’t answer, he asks again in a husky voice, “What do you want to do, sweetheart?”
“I…” I stop and look at his mouth. He smirks.
“You what?”
“I want you to kiss me again.” I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and shut my eyes. He tips my chin up at the same time telling me, “Open your eyes.” I look into his, and see the dark ring is back, but this time it’s not anger, only desire looking back at me.
“Don’t be embarrassed around me. All I ever want is honesty. If you want me to kiss you, all you have to do is ask. Okay?”
“’Kay,” I whisper. He pulls me on top of his lap so I’m straddling him. I feel his hardness and involuntarily grind my hips into him. I’ve never felt anything like it before so I do it again and again, gasping every time. He grabs my hip with one hand and the other goes to the back of my head, pulling my face down to his. Our tongues explore and our teeth nip and crash together in a kiss that consumes every part of my body. He releases my head and grabs my other hip, pressing me harder onto him.
“Oh, God,” I moan into his mouth. Is this normal? I begin to get dizzy and pull my head back, sucking in some much needed oxygen while my body experiences a new high.
I drop my head onto his shoulder. Words can’t describe how I feel right now. Light, dreamy, happy. My body lax and satisfied, I smile on his shoulder. Oh. My. God. That was better than I’d ever imagined. After the tremors fade away and I’m able to think straight again, I sit up and look at him. He’s breathing deep, as if he’s trying to calm down, and his handsome face is flushed. He smiles at me and ever so slowly and kisses my shoulder.
I smile back and get off his lap to get some water. It’s better if I don’t say anything right now. I’ll probably end up putting my foot in my mouth. When I return with a bottle for him, he’s still hard and adjusting himself. I immediately feel guilty because even though I’m inexperienced, I know I need to do something for him.
“Hey, don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?” I ask.
“Like you feel bad for me. I’m a big boy, I’ll be fine after a cold shower,” he chuckles. “I’d stay like this just to see the sated look on your face right now.” I touch my cheek and feel the heat even more. “Yeah, that’s hot, and you fucking know it.”
I throw a bottle of water at him out of embarrassment, and he gets up, determination on his face. I laugh and turn to run away, but he scoops me up and sets me back on the couch. His strong arms cage me in, and he gives me a chaste kiss. “You good?”
God, he’s so sweet. “Yeah, I’m good.”
He leans down to kiss me again, and I grab the back of his head, keeping him there. I’ve gained some confidence and want to make him feel good, too. I trail my hand down his body until it reaches the band of his boxers. He grabs my wrist and hauls me up.
“Nope. As much as I want your hands on me, that was all about you, baby.”
Disappointment registers and I hang my head. I knew he would never want me like that. I’m not good enough for that, I don’t know what to do. “Okay.” I try to sound strong, but he sees right through me.
He tilts my head up again, and when I look at him, he smiles. It’s not a huge smile, and all the other features on his face are tense. “Trust me, I’d like nothing more. The thought of it makes me…”
He’s doing this for me. I finally get it. I reach up and give him a hug but avoid touching anything below his chest. I’m not a guy, but that’s gotta hurt.
I really need to get home. My parents left the barbecue before me and think I’m still there. I’m a little mad at myself for how easy it’s been to lie to them in order to spend time with Travis. Plus, I need to get a handle on my emotions, and I can’t do that with him standing rock hard in front of me.
“I really need to go. Just so you know, I didn’t come over for that.” I wave my hand wildly at the couch. “I really wanted to see if you were alright after what happened.”
“And I told you, I’m fine. I don’t care what excuse you have to use. You can come over and do that,” he mocks me and waves at the couch laughing, “any time you want.”
I chuckle under my breath. “What did he say that made you so mad? Whatever it is, you have to know it’s not worth it.”
His face becomes serious, and he comes close enough that when he talks, his lips brush mine. “Oh, trust me, sweetheart, it’s worth it.”
5
Charlotte
I lay in bed all night tossing and turning. I can’t wipe the smile off my face. Being with Travis makes me feel… happy. The simple word doesn’t even begin to describe the magnitude of its meaning. He doesn’t treat me like a kid, and I appreciate that more than he knows. Granted, I can’t tell him that. He’s gotta think I’m older. I mean, what twenty-something-year-old messes around with a girl in high school? Oh well, I guess since he hasn’t asked how old I am, he already knows and is okay with it. I bet Pierce told him.
I wake up in the morning, and my phone beeps with an incoming text. I jump out of bed and run to my dresser in hopes it might be Travis. I grab it and run back to the bed to flip it open.
Got any plans today?I want to see you again.
-T
I jump up and down in my bed and smooth the hair off my face before I reply.
Not really.
I press send and slap my forehead. Idiot. Not really, that’s the best you can come up with? I groan and fall back on my pillow. Hugging my cell to my chest, I close my eyes and remember everything that happened last night. My phone beeps again, and I almost drop it opening the screen.
Can I pick you up?
Shit, there’s no way. My dad will be watching me like a hawk. Plus, whenever someone comes to pick me up, he always walks me to the car and talks to my friends. He thinks he’s cool, and I guess he is, for a dad, but it’s kind of embarrassing.
I’ll drive to your place.
I rip through my suitcases and pull out a pair of shorts and tank top. I’ll have to tell my parents I’m hanging out with my friends again today. I hate lying to them, but it’s the only way.
I’ll be waiting.
Shit! I’ve gotta hurry. I jump in the shower and take extra time shaving. If Travis touches my legs again, I want them to be smooth. In less than half an hour, I run downstairs and grab a banana.
“Where are you off to so early?” Mom asks from the back porch. She and Dad are sitting on the back step with a cup of coffee. She’s leaning against him reading a book. It’s sickening how cute they are.
“Spending the day with some friends. I’ll probably be late again.”
“Eleven, young lady,” Dad chimes in.
“Come on. It’s summer vacation.” If I have to resort to begging again, I will.
“Fine, midnight. But I’ll be waiting, so don’t be late.”
“Thanks, Dad!” I give him a hug and Mom a kiss on the cheek. “Love you guys.”
When I get to Travis’, he’s leaning on his doorframe and pushes off when I round the corner. My steps falter for a minute because I realize he’s waiting for me. Me. The quiet girl that boys don’t look at. The one that can only fantasize about a guy like him but knows it could never be a reality.
His lips curve up in a sexy smile, and I jump in his arms and wrap my legs around his waist.
“Hi,” I say against his lips.
He grunts and squeezes my butt. “You have the nicest ass. Have I ever told you that?” He walks me back into his apartment and kicks the door shut.
“No. You haven’t.”
“H
mm. Well you do. It fits perfectly in my hands, see?” He palms and squeezes again.
“You’re such a perv,” I joke and kiss his lips before hopping down.
“What do you want to do today?”
“Whatever,” I shrug.
“Let me take you somewhere?” he asks, biting his lip, unsure. He makes me feel safe, so I don’t even ask where, but turn and walk out with him.
“Where are we?” He’s brought me to a place I’ve never seen before, off a main street and very secluded.
“You’ll see.” He parks the car and jogs around to my side.
We walk for a few minutes, and I’m in absolute astonishment of this place. It’s breathtaking. Trees taller than I’ve ever seen in my life surround us, and sun filters in through lush green leaves. Birds sing and crickets chirp, making me squeeze his hand tighter.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” I lie.
“What is it?” He laughs at me, practically glued to him.
“Well, when I said spiders were my biggest fear, I may have lied a little.” Another chirp, and I squeal, lifting my knees up to my chest as I run away.
“What are you talking about?” He’s full on laughing now, trying to keep up with me.
“I really, really hate crickets.” My voice squeaks.
“Seriously?”
“Stop laughing at me! Ahh!” I jump again when I feel one on my leg.
He stops and squats down, wheezing he’s laughing so hard. “I’m… damn. You’re scared of crickets?”
I mock irritation but am happy to see him laugh. I put my hands on my hips and tap my foot. “They’re all long antennas and jumpy. Yes. Okay, they scare me.”
His face sobers, and he saunters toward me. When he gets close enough, he picks me up and cradles me in his arms. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.” His eyes penetrate mine, and I lean up and kiss his cheek.
