The Harder You Fall

by L A Cotton

  “Asher, that’s not—”

  “Fair?” he scoffed. “My old man doesn’t care about that. All he cares about is his business and making sure I’m ready to take his place and finally become the son he’s always wished he had.”

  “What about your mom? How does she feature in all this?”

  His expression darkened and I knew I’d hit another chord. “She’s the reason I got four years.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Before high school, Dad tried to make me quit football, said it wasn’t becoming of a Bennet. He’d never hid the fact he resented he got me instead of a carbon copy of himself. When I was a kid, Mom sheltered me from a lot of that, but I didn’t realize just how much she protected me until I got older.” His eyes settled on a spot on the floor, his fists curled tight and rubbing against his thigh.

  I reached for him, uncurling his fingers and sliding them between mine. Asher looked at me and I smiled. “I’m right here,” I whispered.

  “Mom knew how important it was for me to play with Jason and Cam. So she sacrificed herself,” he almost choked over the words.

  “I don’t... what do you mean?”

  It was her husband, it didn’t seem like that big of a deal for a wife to support her husband, unless… “Asher?” I said when he didn’t answer. His eyes were closed, his chest rising and falling with his ragged breaths.

  “When I say he’s mean, Mya.” Asher’s eyes opened. He looked broken and it made my heart ache. “He isn’t just mean with his words.”

  “Oh.” The unspoken words hung between us.

  “Did he ever… hurt you?”

  “When I was younger, he’d get so mad at me. Mom always stepped in though. I thought she tempered his anger, but he’d take it out on her when I wasn’t around. She was good at hiding it but there’s only so much makeup can disguise. Thankfully, he was away a lot for work so it was just the two of us and Serena, the housekeeper. But then the summer before high school he started going on about how it was time for me to learn the business and show more interest in my future.

  “We got into a big fight when he said I couldn’t try out for the football team in high school, but Mom intervened, made me leave the house. When I finally returned, they sat me down and told me that they had come to an arrangement. Mom would start accompanying Dad on his business trips and I got four years of football with my friends. He’d always wanted her to be more involved, but she wanted to raise me.”

  There was so much I wanted to ask. So much that didn’t make sense. But I could see the emotional toll it had taken on Asher to finally tell someone the truth.

  To tell me.

  So instead of pushing for more than he was ready to give me, I shuffled closer to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’m sorry,” I said quietly.

  “That’s the first time I’ve ever told anyone the truth.” Asher eased back to look at me. “I’m glad it was you, Mya.”

  “I won’t tell a soul.”

  “I know,” he said. “I have to tell them eventually. They’re already asking why I haven’t formally committed to the Pittsburgh Panthers next fall. They don’t know it’s because my future is already sealed at Pittsburgh, and it doesn’t involve football.”

  “They’d understand.”

  “Maybe. But I don’t want it to come between us, not when we only have a few months left of senior year. Besides, you know what Jason is like. If he found out the truth…”

  He wouldn’t be able to bite his tongue. Because despite all his flaws Jason Ford protected those he cared about, and Asher was like family to him.

  “There’s more, isn’t there?” I couldn’t stop the words from tumbling out. But something about the whole thing didn’t sit right with me.

  “Yeah,” Asher let out a weary sigh. “If I don’t keep my end of the bargain and go to Pittsburgh like a good little lap dog, Dad will cut me off. No trust fund, no college, no future.”

  “There are other ways, Asher. Scholarships for one.” I knew from Felicity that he’d been offered at least two athletic scholarships.

  “It’s not that simple.” He ground out. “It won’t only be me that suffers. I have to think about Mom. Me and Dad are all she has.”

  “I’m just saying—”

  “Can we not do this right now?” His eyes were soft despite his callous tone. “It’s been a rough couple of days and I’m exhausted.”

  “You’re right. I’m sorry. I should go—” I went to stand but Asher caught my hand.

  “I don’t want you to leave.”

  “You don’t?”

  He shook his head. “Stay.”

  “Asher, I’m not sure…”

  “Look, I know you don’t want anything serious and I know you’re still hung up on your ex, but I like you. I like you a lot. I can go slow, if that’s what you need.”

  He looked so adorable staring up at me with his big blue eyes. “Give me a chance, Mya, please. That’s all I’m asking.”

  There were so many reasons it was a bad idea.

  So many.

  But how could I deny him when he’d trusted me with something he’d never trusted anyone else with?

  “I’ll stay but I’m not making any promises. Our lives are both complicated and us being more than just friends will only complicate them further.”

  “I can live with that.” He got up and hooked his arm around my waist, drawing me into his body. His eyes homed in on my lips and he started to lean in.

  “Asher, friends don’t kiss.”

  “Maybe we can be the exception to the rule,” he said around an irresistible smile.

  A dangerous smile.

  A smile I knew would get us both into a lot of trouble.

  Asher

  Mya stared up at me, lust and indecision swirling in her eyes. She wanted me. She wanted this. But she was still fighting it.

  “I promise I won’t fall in love with you, if that’s what you’re worried about,” the words were barely a whisper against the corner of her mouth. “I know we’re heading in different directions. I know this is only temporary, but you make all the shit fade into the background.”

  “Asher,” she breathed, pressing her forehead closer to mine.

  “I won’t hurt you, I promise.” But you might destroy me. Because although I’d promised her I wouldn’t fall in love with her, I could already feel myself doing exactly that. It was a small price to pay though, if it meant having her in my life.

  Mya fisted my t-shirt, fighting whatever battle raged inside her. Maybe it was her lingering feelings for her ex, or maybe it was the fact he’d hurt her and she didn’t want to trust another guy so soon. Whatever it was, I wanted to prove her wrong, to show her nothing else mattered except the way we made each other feel.

  This time when I brushed my lips over hers, Mya didn’t resist. She pulled me closer, anchoring us together, deepening the kiss. Our tongues tangled in soft lazy licks, setting my body on fire. My hands glided down her spine, finding her perfect ass, pressing her into my rock-hard dick.

  “See what you do to me,” I said against her swollen lips. “See how much I want you.”

  Mya whimpered, rubbing herself on me, letting me rock into her at the perfect angle. I wanted to strip her down and take her right here on the couch, but I knew she wasn’t ready. She was only just getting her head around us being kissing friends.

  “Come on,” I said, pulling away, smirking at how flushed and breathless she was. Leading her back up to the first floor, we walked in comfortable silence upstairs to my bedroom. “At least I can walk in a straight line tonight,” I joked.

  “I should probably text my aunt,” she said.

  “What will you tell her?”

  “That I’m staying with the girls.”

  I gave her a curt nod. I didn’t expect her to tell her aunt the truth, but it still stung knowing I was her dirty little secret.

  “It’s just easier this way, Asher,” Mya added, sensing my chang
e in mood.

  “It’s all good,” I said around an easy smile as we entered my room. “At least your aunt gives a shit what you’re doing and who you’re with.”

  My dad hadn’t cared in a long time. As long as I wasn’t tarnishing his reputation, he’d pretty much washed his hands of me. Most kids eagerly awaited the day their parents went out of town and left them home alone, but I’d been used to my own company since ninth grade.

  “You want a t-shirt to sleep in?”

  “I… uh…” Mya lowered her eyes, toying with the hem of her shirt. “I guess.”

  With a quiet chuckle, I went over to the dresser and pulled out a clean Raiders jersey.

  “Oh, hell no, I’m not wearing that.” Her nose scrunched up in disgust.

  “Please.” I stuck out my bottom lip. “For me?”

  “Asher, come on… isn’t there some kind of jersey ritual where you should only let your girl wear your number?”

  “That’s a thing?” I teased. “I never knew.”

  “I’d rather sleep naked than wear that thing.”

  “Really? Because that can be arranged.”

  Shaking her head, Mya fought a smile. “Fine, give it here.”

  “The bathroom’s through there.” I pointed to the door.

  “Oh, I remember.” She gave me a bemused look as she stalked past me, my jersey in a death grip. “I hope you cleaned up after last night,” her voice drifted back to me and I smothered a laugh.

  While Mya got changed, I stripped out of my clothes and dumped them on the chair. I didn’t expect to turn around and see her standing in the doorway watching me through hooded eyes. “See something you like?” My brow quirked up as I patted my abs.

  Heat blazed in her eyes as she let her gaze run down my body. “Nice… tattoo.” She grinned.

  I stepped toward her. “We both know you weren’t looking at my tattoo, Hernandez.” It was my turn to let my eyes trace over her body. “Fuck, you look good in my jersey.” It clung to her curves, hinting at her killer body underneath.

  “At least it covers my ass,” she shot back, fingering the hem which landed almost at her knees.

  “I should probably check.” I spun a finger and mouthed, “twirl.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You wish.”

  Oh how I did.

  “You’re not sleeping like that, are you?”

  “I always sleep like this,” I said. “But if you think you can’t resist touching me, I can put something on.”

  “I…” Mya swallowed. “I think I’m capable of resisting.”

  “Wanna bet?”

  “I’m beginning to think this was a very bad idea.” Mya got that caught in the headlights look again. Before she could bolt, I hooked a hand around her waist and pulled her closer.

  “I’ll behave, I promise.” Ducking my head, I kissed the tip of her nose. “Thank you for agreeing to stay with me.”

  I wouldn’t tell her, but it meant a lot she’d agreed to stay. Not only because I wanted her something fierce, but because it got lonely sleeping in an empty house day in, day out.

  “Just don’t get too used to it,” she replied, eyes dancing with amusement. “It’s one night.”

  “Better make the most of it then.” Without giving her any warning, I bent down, slid my arm under Mya’s knees and scooped her up.

  “Asher, what the hell?” she shrieked, clinging onto me. I walked us over to the bed and dropped her down on the mattress, her laughter filling my room.

  “I couldn’t resist. You look good on my bed.” Almost too good. Especially wearing my number. Her eyes fell to my black boxer briefs and I rose a brow at how her gaze lingered on the outline of my dick.

  “You’re making it really hard for me,” I warned her, smirking at my double entendre.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Innocence edged into her expression, but I knew better than to be fooled by her attempt at demure.

  Mya was anything but innocent.

  Kneeling on the bed, I crawled toward her, wrapping a hand around one of her ankles. Her skin was so soft and smooth. I wanted to acquaint myself with every inch of her body. My palm glided up her leg, brushing her inner thigh. Mya’s eyes flared, her breath catching.

  “Asher…”

  “One day,” I said huskily. “You’ll be moaning my name.”

  “You’re so full of it.”

  “Oh, you think?”

  This is what I needed from Mya. The banter, the games, and teasing. She made it so easy and she gave as good as she got. And I fucking loved it.

  My fingers traced the contour of her leg again, inching higher and higher, disappearing beneath the blue and white material.

  “Asher.” It was a warning this time. “I didn’t agree to this.”

  “Kissing friends only, right? So what about if I kiss you right...” Dipping my head, I ran my tongue over her warm skin, “here.”

  I didn’t kiss her panties, but I did let my mouth linger there enough that her hand shot out and grabbed my shoulder. “You’re not playing fair.”

  “No?” I looked along the line of her body, meeting her eyes, blowing soft puffs of air against her. Mya stifled a moan, her legs tensing either side of my head.

  I wanted nothing more than to hook the lacy material to the side and taste her, but I wouldn’t, not without her explicit permission. Lifting myself up, I moved over her, bringing my eyes level with hers. “Hi,” I said.

  “Hi.” Mya smiled, her eyes sparkling with desire.

  “I’m not going to kiss you there, not yet, not until you beg me.”

  “Asher...” it came out a pained groan.

  “Yeah, Hernandez?”

  “I’ve been thinking about our situation.”

  “Situation, is that what we’re calling it?”

  “Yeah, and I think kissing is allowed. Maybe some clothed groping.”

  “So I can do this.” I smoothed my hand up her stomach, over the jersey, and rested it against the swell of her tits. “And you’re not going to knee me in the balls?”

  “Your balls are safe.” She laughed. “I meant what I said though. We need to take this slow. Friends... with kissing benefits.”

  “Don’t forget the clothed groping.”

  “That too.” Mya leaned up, kissing me slow and deep, her tongue exploring every inch of my mouth. My dick hardened, nudging up against her.

  “Shit, that feels good,” I rasped, pretty certain that if I created enough friction, I could get us both off. I broke the kiss, grinding my hips, watching her eyes flutter closed. “What about this? Is this okay?”

  “Hmm-mm,” she murmured, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth, stopping herself from saying whatever was on her mind.

  “And this?” I dipped a hand between us, rubbing her through her damp panties.

  “Asher, don’t...”

  “Don’t what, Mya?”

  “Don’t stop,” she panted the words, letting her head fall back as my fingers continued moving over her.

  “Let me touch you. I need to touch you.” I was so fucking hard for her. I wanted to feel how wet she was, slide my fingers into her and make her come.

  “N- no.” Her voice quivered, her body trembled. “Not yet.”

  What the hell did that mean?

  Not yet as in right now?

  Or not yet as in a week... a month... never?

  I withdrew my hand, stroking the side of her neck as I kissed her senseless. It was messy, all teeth and tongue and sweet desperation. But I couldn’t get enough of her.

  Mya hitched her legs around my waist, letting me press deeper into her. If it wasn’t for the thin material of my boxers and her panties, I’d be buried deep inside her. But as it was, I could almost imagine it.

  “One day,” I repeated the words over and over. Against her mouth, her damp skin, as I rocked harder and faster, driving us both toward the edge.

  “It feels...” Mya took a shuddering breath.

 
; “I know.” It shouldn’t have felt so good, but it did. And we still had a layer of clothes between us.

  “Oh God,” she cried, “More, I need more.” Mya grabbed my hand and pushed it between us. I took the hint, rubbing her again but she whispered, “Touch me, Asher.”

  I jerked back, staring down at her with surprise. “Yeah?”

  She nodded, capturing my lips again, kissing me like she was drowning and I was the last source of air.

  Tentatively, I dipped one finger inside her panties. Mya let out a soft moan, her nails digging into my shoulder. I added another finger, letting them slide between her wetness and push inside her.

  “Is this okay?”

  Suppressing another moan, Mya nodded. My thumb found her clit, rubbing slow torturous circles. “God, that’s…” The words stuck in her throat as her body began to shudder. “Asher…”

  “I’ve got you, Mya.” I pressed my fingers deeper, kissing her neck, sucking the soft skin between my teeth. My other hand slid up her stomach, underneath the jersey this time. I found the shell of her bra and yanked it down, teasing her nipple with my fingers.

  “Ah, God,” she cried. “I’m going to…” Mya buried her face into my shoulder as she shattered around my fingers. Slowing my pace, I drew out her orgasm, holding her while she rode the waves of pleasure.

  “You okay?” I asked, slowly detangling her from my chest.

  “I’m good.” She smiled up at me, but I saw the hesitation there. Mya was already second guessing what had just gone down between us. But I didn’t want her to regret it. I didn’t want her to regret a single second with me.

  “Come here.” Hooking an arm around her waist, I pulled her into me, her back to my chest.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Spooning. Friends can spoon, can’t they?” My hand rested against her stomach as I breathed her in.

  “Yeah,” she chuckled softly. “Friends can spoon.”