Full Count

by C. A. Williams

  And then Kitty had to walk in and basically woke us up from the best nap of my life. I left Paige to deal with that though. I knew she was probably getting an earful from Kitty right now, hopefully Kitty wasn’t too hard on her.

  I unlocked the front door, instantly assaulted by the smell of pancakes and bacon. Claire must have stayed over last night. I was already in bed when Chris got back and never heard him when he got home.

  “Hey dude, where in the hell were you so early this morning? I know you were home last night when we got back, which I thought was a little weird. Now you’re up early on a Sunday morning?” Chris eyed me over his cup of coffee sitting at the kitchen counter, while watching Claire cooking breakfast.

  “Well, I guess you’re going to find out eventually since I know Kitty will blab to you. Me and Paige kind of have something going on.” Coffee sprayed all over the counter and I patted him on the back to relieve his choking. He acted like such a girl sometimes.

  “Dylan, really? Didn’t we already have this discussion? You were supposed to leave her alone. Don’t you think things will get awkward when you end up screwing this up? She and Kitty are really close. I mean Kitty told me last night she invited her to Thanksgiving, what if you’re not even still together by then. Did you really already forget the whole situation with Rachel?” He waved his hand over to Claire who was setting a stack of pancakes on the counter and had brought an extra plate over for me.

  “Give him a little bit of credit, Chris. I’ve seen the way you are around her, Dylan. Maybe Paige is the girl to finally change you for the better.” Wow, I really wasn’t expecting that, especially from Claire.

  “Thanks,” I replied, dipping a piece of bacon in syrup before stealing a slurp of Chris’s coffee. “Things are different with Paige, you’ll see. I’ll do my best not to screw it up. I’m going to head up; I have a paper to finish before I head into work.”

  “Later,” Chris mumbled out through a mouthful of pancakes with his eyes narrowed at me. I would really need to prove to everyone how serious I was about Paige. Now I just needed to figure out how.

  ****************************

  I threw a duffle bag in to the backseat of the beater mobile before hopping in and heading over to campus for my night shift with Paige. Not that I minded work before, but now it was even better. Now I had something to look forward to every time. Tonight I had plans for Paige and hopefully she liked them.

  I had never really planned dates before, with Sara we just hung out at the bar she worked at or met up on campus every once in a while. So this was a whole new kind of ballgame for me and I had to look at it like there was a full count. I was either going to strike out or get on base, hopefully the latter, in more ways than one. But my relationship with Paige wasn’t just about sex. She was feisty and fun. I could talk to her about basically anything.

  I pulled into the parking lot, leaving my bag in the backseat for later. “Hey stud, I thought I would find you here.” I turned around and watched as Mia sauntered up to me, leaning a hip against my car.

  “Hey Mia, what’s going on?” My eyes darted around the parking lot, hoping that Paige didn’t show up early like I had. I wasn’t doing anything wrong, but I didn’t want her to jump to conclusions.

  “Well, I heard about you and Sara. You completely devastated that girl as I suspected. So I thought maybe you wanted to go back to our arrangement?” She ran a hand up my arm, shifting her body closer to mine but I shrugged her off and backed up a step.

  “I don’t think that’s a very good idea, Mia.”

  “Oh come on Dylan, you know you miss me. And I could always bring Brandy over again. Remember how much fun that was?”

  Instantly images assaulted my head of exactly what she was talking about, but luckily Paige pushed right through to the front of my head.

  “Nah, I’m interested in someone right now and I’m trying to see how things work out with her. So that is not gonna happen.”

  “Ok, fine.” She let out a loud sigh and stood up straight, placing a hand on my chest. “But remember, I’m just a phone call away.”

  I shook my head as I walked away through the front entrance of the library. Chris was right, that whole thing with Mia was a bit degrading but I think more for me than her. I never thought I would ever meet a girl who was more interested in sex than me.

  I clocked in and headed up to the third floor to wait for Paige. Hopefully our shift would go by quickly and then we would be out of here. “Hey.” I felt small arms wrap around my waist from behind and a head nuzzle its way into my back, that flowery scent instantly overtook me.

  “Hi.” I twisted my body around to lock eyes with her. Her eyes were sparkling with excitement and I was guessing it was from seeing me, I’m sure my expression matched perfectly. She stood on her tiptoes to place her puffy lips on mine and instantly we were somewhere else.

  But this time, I was the one to pull back. “Gotta get to work Sparky, I have plans for you tonight.”

  “Oh really? And what if I have other plans, Rookie?” My heart dropped when she said it. Maybe she had changed her mind about us already. She must have seen the dejected look on my face because she grabbed my chin to pull my head down to hers for a quick kiss.

  “I’m just kidding Dylan, I’m game for whatever you have planned. Luckily, I got a late nap in after Kitty finally left me alone, so I’m all rested up. Are you going to tell me what this big surprise is?”

  “Uh, no.” I slapped her ass when she turned around to push the metal cart towards the elevator and she jumped, letting out a squeal. “Oh come on Sparky, that didn’t hurt. You have plenty of extra padding back here.” I squeezed a handful and she let out a huff while punching the up arrow. “Am I supposed to be offended by that or is that a compliment?”

  “That is very much a compliment,” I whispered into her ear, backing her against the wall of the elevator and reaching both hands around to grip her ass in my hands. Her legs instantly went around my waist and her hips arched into me. “I have a feeling we aren’t going to get very much work done tonight,” she panted out after my teeth grazed her nipple through the thin material of her shirt.

  *********************

  “Here we are.” I pulled open the passenger side door for Paige to get in and instantly wished I had cleaned my car out. I leaned down in front of her to throw empty food wrappers and books in the back seat to clear a path for her feet.

  “Sorry about that.” I slammed the door behind me before jogging around and sliding in behind the steering wheel. Thankfully, the late night was still warm and would be perfect for the plans I had.

  “Dylan, you really need to clean your car out. How do you even drive it like this? It’s so gross.”Her nose scrunched up and she pulled her feet up underneath her.

  “I’ll have it cleaned up next time, I promise. We aren’t going too far so you won’t have to endure it much longer.”

  “So you assume there will be a next time?” She quirked an eyebrow at me, while tilting her head sideways. “Well, I was kinda hoping so. I was really hoping that what’s going on between us could sort of well, be exclusive.” I scratched my head, waiting for her response. The silence in the car was deafening and I turned to give her a sideways glance before putting the car in park.

  “Dylan Turner, are you asking me to be your girlfriend?” She batted her thick eyelashes at me and I couldn’t help the corners of my mouth from turning up into a smirk. She was so damn sexy and she didn’t even have to try. “Well, I’ve never done this sort of thing before, so yeah I guess I am. Was I supposed to pass you a note or something? Have you circle yes or no? Because if I was, I’m really hoping you would circle yes.”

  “What do you mean you’ve never done this before? You were just with Sara and it seemed like you guys were in a relationship. She was all over you all the time.”

  “Well, that was sort of just to make you jealous. Sara and I…had a bit of a different relationship. I never really conside
red her my girlfriend. You’re the lucky one to be called the first. And maybe the last.” I mentally smacked myself in the head when that escaped my lips. What the hell, Turner? You’ve known this girl for like two months and you just basically told her you want to spend the rest of your life with her.

  “Hmm….well your plan definitely worked.” She hopped out of the car so I followed her out, grabbing the bag from the backseat. “And to answer your question, I circle yes. I’m not so sure if I’ll be the last but I’m definitely willing to be the first.”

  “Ok, good.” I wiped my sweaty palms on the front of my shorts. This girl was under my skin and somehow made me nervous. I played baseball in front of crowds of people without ever getting nervous, but somehow she did it to me.

  “Now on to our date. You aren’t against doing anything illegal are you?”

  Chapter 18

  Paige

  I followed Dylan through the tall green bushes and dropped his hand when I saw the glistening water. Of course, this is where we were. I hadn’t been really paying attention on the short ride over. Instead I had been focused on Dylan, the way that his brown eyes constantly changed. One second they were twinkling with amusement, the next they were so filled with intensity, they overtook me. And then when were together…intimately, they turned almost black with desire.

  “I thought you said this was illegal.” I watched him as he dropped the bag he was carrying and tugged at the hem of his shirt, revealing his defined chest and the deep v that disappeared into his shorts. Having a body like that was what should be illegal. I could see why every girl on campus wanted a piece of him and somehow I was the lucky one to have him.

  “Well it is, Sparky. Do you see anyone else around? It’s closed, actually getting ready to close for the season. I like to live dangerously, you know? I just wanted to have some alone time with you and I figured this would be fun.” He waved a finger at me while his other hand flicked open the button on his shorts, and I couldn’t help but lick my lips. “Now strip.”

  “Wh-at?” I stammered out as he sauntered closer, left only his black boxers, making me lick my lips at the perfect sight. “C’mon Paige, don’t be shy. You know I’ve seen everything under here before.” His hands found the button on my shorts and he lowered them until they pooled around my ankles. My shirt came next and I was left standing in my panties and bra under the moonlight.

  “Mmm, I like these.” His hands found the curve of my ass that peaked out from underneath the purple boy shorts I had on. He gripped me tighter, lowering his head to kiss me and I felt my body being launched forward and hitting the cool water.

  “Dylan, I can’t believe you did that,” I sputtered out, catching my breath as my head broke through the surface. “I’m more of a ‘dip your toe in the water’ kind of girl.”

  “Sorry,” he called out from across the pool, his arms splashing in the water. “Guess you’ll just have to catch me if you want payback.”

  Little did he know, I was on the swim team back home for the past three years and I caught up easily with him, dunking his head under from behind. We splashed around in the water for what felt like hours, playing every swimming game that we could come up with, until both of our bodies had turned into prunes and my teeth started chattering.

  I watched the water drip off Dylan’s body as he rested his arms on the outside of the pool and lifted himself out. He unzipped the bag, pulling out two fluffy towels and holding one open for me. I stepped into it as he wrapped it around me and pulled me close to his body.

  “Thanks, that was fun. I never got a chance to go swimming in it, Kitty and I would just go and study by the pool every once in a while, but it was always so crowded.”

  “Not a problem.” He kissed me on the forehead and backed up a step to sit down on one of the chairs, pulling me onto his lap. “And for the rest of the surprise.” He popped the tab on a Diet Coke, wedging it between my toweled covered legs and put a giant cookie in each hand.

  “Mmm oatmeal raisin my favorite. These are probably the best I’ve ever had.” I took a bite out of each one and washed them down with a swig of pop. Dylan took a big bite out of the one in my left hand and smirked, revealing the dimples that I loved so much. “Damn, maybe I’m the next Betty Crocker or something. Those are pretty good.”

  My jaw dropped open as he leaned down to take another bite and I pulled my hand quickly away. “These are mine mister, so back off. Did you really make these all by yourself?”

  He shrugged his shoulders, rifling around in the bag until he pulled out a whole container with what looked to be at least two dozen cookies. “I got the recipe from Susanne and I took it from there.”

  “Wow, I’m impressed.”

  “Good, I’m glad you like ‘em. Have you ever tried eating cookies with a big glass of big milk though?” His forehead wrinkled up as I tipped the can back to wash down the rest of the cookies. “Nope, sweets and pop has always been my thing.”

  “Well, I don’t know how in the hell you look like this then.” His hands dug into the sides of my hips and he easily lifted me off his lap. “I should get you back to the dorms, I don’t want Kitty to think I’m defiling you more than I already have.”

  I snorted out a laugh, while he tugged my hand back to his car. “I think you’ve already accomplished that, Rookie.”

  *************************

  The first day back to classes I was nervous about facing Ben. Luckily, I didn’t have to much though. I arrived early and pulled out my book, burying my nose in it even though all of the lines just blurred together. When Ben walked in, I held my breath, waiting to see what he would do or say, but he didn’t even glance in my direction and instead found an empty seat on the other side of the room.

  I was a little nervous to talk to Jake though. I had told him I would at least think about things with him. So what did I do? Jumped right into a relationship with Dylan. Things just felt so right with him and even if Jake was around to start up a relationship with, I don’t know if I would.

  He had been there, as my best friend for as long as I could remember, and I didn’t want to lose that. So I had been pacifying him with short texts, but I knew that wouldn’t last long. Sooner or later, I would have to confess to him that I, in fact, had another boyfriend. I really wasn’t sure how he would react.

  “Do you think this looks alright?” My thoughts were interrupted by Kitty who was staring back at her reflection in the floor length mirror attached to our closet door. “Well, you look like a little bit like a slut.”

  “Perfect! Totally the look I was going for since that’s basically what Julia Roberts’s character is.” She hiked up the spandex blue skirt just an inch higher before adding on the thin black suspenders that went over her bare belly. Somehow her blonde hair was curled up to make it look like it was only chin length and her lips were painted a bright red.

  “I can’t believe you got conned into working on Halloween night. Now I’m stuck going with Kylie.” She stuck her tongue out at me as she hiked up her knee high black boots.

  “I thought you and Kylie were getting along?” Not that I liked Kylie much after our day of tailgating. She had basically been throwing herself at Dylan and I just couldn’t look at her the same way anymore. Instead, I saw her as competition. Dylan never gave me a reason, but still I saw how other girls looked at him, even when we were together.

  “Yeah, well you know. We have sort of a love/ hate relationship. At least you’re stuck at the library with Dylan tonight. I’m sure he always keeps work very interesting.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me while sliding in a pair of hoop earrings to the complete the outfit.

  “You’re not mad at me about dating Dylan, right?”

  “Of course not! Sure, I had a crush on him, but that’s all it ever was. You two are perfect together. Seriously.”

  “Thanks,” I grumbled out. “I’m just afraid he’ll get bored with me. I’m way less experienced than probably any girl he’s ever been with. What i
f I’m not enough?”

  “Paige, you think way too much. Dylan is practically in love with you and you guys have only been dating for like two weeks. I’m sure he’s not bored, besides you can always spice things up. Guys love when you do that kind of shit. Come up with something you guys haven’t done yet or take over control every once in awhile in the bedroom.”

  “Yeah, you’re right.”

  “Okay, chica. I’m sure I’ll be home late or not at all. See you in the morning. And remember my closet is always open to you so take whatever you want, just make sure it comes back clean.”

  Chapter 19

  Dylan

  The library was even quieter than usual tonight since it was Halloween. I had lost count of how many naughty nurses I had seen on my way over, but I could have cared less since I was getting to see Paige.

  “Hey dude, what’s going on?” I greeted the guy, whose name I still didn’t know, who seemed to be a permanent fixture at the welcome desk, who only acknowledged me with a nod like usual. I clocked in and checked on the to- do list for tonight. With any luck, Paige and I would be finished up pretty quickly.

  I had already gotten a jump start on re-shelving, when I felt small familiar hands wrap around my waist from behind. “Sparky, how do you expect me to be able to get any work done if your hands are always all over me?”

  I twisted around to place a quick kiss on her waiting lips and had to do a double take. Her hair that was normally almost always down in its loose curls was wrapped up tight into a bun and she had a pair of black framed glasses perched on her nose. But that wasn’t what was throwing me off. The black trench coat she had on that was buttoned up to her throat and reached almost to her ankles was. She looked like she had just stepped out of the Matrix or something.

  “Uh, what are you wearing? I know it’s starting to cool off a little bit but not that much. And what’s with the glasses? Don’t get me wrong they make you look sexy. I’ve just never seen ‘em before.”