by Ruby Madden
“It was stupid. I had just hoped…” Chase let the thought trail off.
“Well, you hoped wrong. If I had the money, I’d pay for a separate room. But you know what? That’s okay, I’ll sleep on the couch.” Day grumbled.
She shoved past Chase and grabbed her suitcase. She lugged the heavy case over to the couch and flopped down angrily.
“You can take the bed, Day. I wouldn’t feel right if you slept on the couch since it’s my fault.” Chase offered, contrite.
Day closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She audibly exhaled through tight lips. She could feel his presence surround her like a familiar lover, and he wasn’t even touching her.
“Win or lose, this is supposed to be a weekend filled with celebrating.” Day turned to look up at Chase. He looked so unsure of himself with his hands shoved in his pockets like he’d done since he was a kid. “I know the Heisman is a huge accomplishment and I’m so proud of you, Chase. Let’s just bury the past where it should’ve stayed…in the past. At least for this weekend.” Day offered amiably.
“Deal,” Chase said in relief. “Thanks, Day.”
Day called her mother and Drew to let them know they had arrived safely. Chase talked to her mom for a few minutes and she wished him good luck. Then they spent the next half hour silently unpacking their bags and hanging up their clothes to get the wrinkles out. It was a big suite, but it still wasn’t big enough that Daylen and Chase didn’t bump into each other a few times. After an innocent touch on the arm. The brush of a muscular thigh against her ass, as he reached past her to hang a shirt in the closet. An accidental caress over the side of her breast, when he turned too quickly as she passed him. Was all enough for Day to want to cry ‘uncle’.
It was as if his simple presence had awoken her long dormant body. Drew was great. He gave her warm fuzzies. But Chase… Chase gave her a nuclear explosion. Her innards liquefied under the heat. Day realized too late that spending the weekend alone with him, was a huge mistake.
“So do you wanna grab some dinner?” Chase asked after they were done. “I know we’re both poor college students, but I’m sure we can grab a famous slice of pizza or a Papaya’s hotdog for cheap,” he suggested.
“Yeah, that sounds good.” Daylen nodded.
~~~
They got giant slices of New York style pizza at a popular pizzeria the hotel doorman pointed them to. The ice finally thawed and broke, as they made fun of each other trying to figure out the New York ‘fold.’ Their natural bond from childhood eased the awkward and volatile beginning of their trip.
Day and Chase finished up their slices as they people watched through the giant windows of the pizzeria. They bundled back up and headed out into the cold New York evening, deciding to walk down Times Square. They both smiled in awe of the bright lights.
“So how’s school going? How’s your mom? She sounded good over the phone.” Chase asked curiously.
“Mom’s great. Kicking ass and taking names, as usual.” Day smiled at him, using the phrase he like to use to describe her mother. “School’s good. I mean…I’m a little frustrated right now because technically, I’m doing everything right. I’m acing my classes and I’m playing well. But all my professors and the college orchestra conductor say that I lack passion.” Day sighed in frustration. “I’m seriously playing better than I ever have. So I have no idea what they want from me.” She shrugged her shoulders and shook her head despondently.
“Have they been saying this all along? Since you started there?” He asked.
“No. Just the last year or so,” Daylen replied.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll find your passion again,” Chase reassured her.
He had a sneaking suspicion that her lack of passion was a direct result of her passionless relationship with her dull boyfriend. But Chase figured that wouldn’t be a really good thing to say at this point. He wanted to keep his head for a little while longer. His bright future as a pro-ball player would be cut short if he was missing kneecaps.
“So what about you? Your last season just ended didn’t it?” Day asked.
“Technically, yeah. But we’re going to the Rose Bowl, New Year’s Day. So that’ll be my last game of my college career.” Chase explained.
“And after that?” Day continued, curious about his plans for the future.
Chase breathed deeply and expelled a white puff of air. “Well, then there’s the draft in the spring.”
“W-Who are you hoping to play for?”
Chase hesitated for a long moment. That was the million dollar question. If he told her the truth, would she freak out? Maybe it was best just to fudge the truth a bit.
“I’m hoping for Chicago. Illinois is home, you know?” Chase gave a half truth.
The real reason was that he wanted to stay close to her. Just in case he still had a chance. He could honestly live anywhere and it wouldn’t matter to him. As long as he was close to Day and could get his mom away from his father.
“Yeah. Makes sense.” Day said, deep in thought.
“What about you? What are your plans after you graduate next year?” Chase asked, praying her plans were still in-line with his.
“Remember when I told you about the Chicago Symphony?” Daylen asked.
“Of course I remember. It was on the first night I’d ever seen you perform.” Chase recalled.
“Well, nothing has changed. I still want to play for them, though it’s really hard to get in. And my college conductor says that I don’t currently have what it takes.” Day said, blinking back tears.
Chase could see the bright lights of Times Square reflected in her glassy eyes. It hurt his soul to see her in pain. No matter if she wanted him or not. She was still his best friend and he was still protective of her.
“Fuck him!” Chase shouted. “Who gives a fuck what some stuffy conductor says, anyway? You’re brilliant! But you need to believe you’re brilliant, too. I can’t tell you. And certainly not some douchebag conductor with one of those stick thingys shoved up his ass.” He ended passionately.
“First of all, it’s called a baton.” Day laughed melodically. “Second, you sound like a coach giving a pep talk to your team at halftime.” She grinned brightly at him.
Chase smiled down at her, happy that he could take her mind off of her worries.
“Well, it’s probably because I heard the same speech from my coach. And he was right. He knew I had talent, but what good was that if I didn’t believe it?” Chase said, insightfully.
“True.” Day nodded.
They turned right, down 49th street and walked along in companionable silence, both deep in thought. They were going to turn and head back to the hotel but noticed bright lights and several people in the distance. They decided to walk a little further down and was greeted by an enchanting sight, they normally only saw on TV. It was the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the famous ice skating rink.
Chase looked at Day and raised his eyebrows in question. The look said, ‘Wanna give it a go?’ Day scrunched up her face in doubt.
“Come on! You know you want to!” Chase coaxed.
“Are your knees and throwing arm insured, because I know my playing fingers and arm aren’t?” Day said warily as she watched the skaters zoom by.
“No. But when are we ever going to have a chance to skate at Rockefeller Center? Under the giant damn Christmas tree no less?!” Chase said, gesturing towards the huge tree.
“It does look kinda fun.” Daylen hedged.
“That’s it! We’re doing it!” Chase said with determination.
He grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the skate rental. Chase and Day got their skates and locked up their shoes. They took their complimentary hot chocolate and went back outside. They leaned against the railing as they drank the hot brew. They watched as skaters of all levels went around the rink. The beginners stuck to the outside, more often than not gripping the railing to keep from face-pla
nting on the ice. The intermediate skaters sped around the middle, only stumbling every now and again. And the experts were taking up the inside, twirling like it was the warm-ups for the Winter Olympics. Chase had a feeling they’d be getting well acquainted with the railing.
“Ready?” Chase looked down at Day, as she drained the last of her cocoa.
“No,” Daylen responded honestly.
“Come on, Pretty Day.” Chase prodded, using his favorite nickname for her. He saw her swallow hard at the pet name.
Chase took her empty cup and unsteadily walked over to the garbage can on the thin blades. He tossed their cups and then walked back to her. He guided Day out onto the ice and he followed gingerly behind her.
“Remember when we used to go rollerskating?” Chase asked, a huge grin spreading across his face.
“Yeah.” Day said distractedly as she held onto the railing, inching forward little by little.
“This can’t be much different than- Crap, Day! Are you alright?” Chase held back his laughter.
Daylen’s legs had slipped right from under her and she landed hard on her gloriously round ass.
“Ow! Seriously?! I haven’t been on the ice for more than three minutes!” Daylen rolled to the side and rubbed her butt.
“Do you need help with that?” Chase chuckled, wanting nothing more than to massage her backside.
“No, thank you!” Day said prudishly.
“Suit yourself.” Chase shrugged, before reaching down to help her up.
He gripped the railing tightly as Day tried to get her footing. Her feet slipped back and she fell into him, propelling him backwards. Now it was Chase’s turn to land on his ass though this time Daylen landed on top of him.
Chase gripped her soft, thick waist to him. He gladly took the pain of busting his ass, just for a chance hold her for a few seconds. Even through the thick layers of their coats. Day’s large coffee brown eyes gazed up at him, and Chase could’ve sworn he saw longing there before she turned away.
Daylen awkwardly pushed herself up and Chase rolled over onto his knees. They both grabbed the railing and hoisted themselves off the ice. They worked at their skating a little while longer until they felt comfortable enough to let go of their safety net. Chase held onto Daylen’s arm, supporting her as they slowly made their way around the rink.
As they wobbled along, big fat snowflakes started falling, creating a lace curtain made of ice.
“It’s snowing!” Daylen breathed excitedly.
Chase was catapulted back to the night he realized that his best friend would forever be the love of his life. Just like that night three years ago, Day raised her face up to catch the delicate flakes on her beautiful face. And just as before, Chase felt a kick to the gut.
Unfortunately, the kick in his gut must have propelled him backwards again. Chase started to go down and Daylen was so busy catching snowflakes that she didn’t see it coming. As he fell and saw Day going down with him, Chase reached out to pull her into him so she’d break her fall on him and not the hard ice. Luckily he took the brunt of the fall on his ass and back and tightened his neck so his head wouldn’t crack on the ice.
“I’m sorry, Day! Are you alright?” Chase asked in concern.
“I’m alright. What happened?” Daylen questioned as she pushed herself up from his chest.
“I…I got distracted.” Chase hedged. Then decided to say it anyway. It could only help. “I got distracted by the most exquisite sight I’ve seen in nearly three years.” He confessed and saw the look of shock on Day’s face. That’s right…I said exquisite. I’m not just a dumb jock. I can use big words too. Merriam-Webster ain’t got nothin’ on me!
Daylen looked away shyly, but not before Chase caught the flush of pleasure spread across her plump, butterscotch cheeks.
“Well, we better move, before we get creamed by another skater,” Daylen suggested as the other skaters whizzed by them.
There was no way that they could stand up without the assistance of the railing. Instead, they shuffled across the ice on hands and knees, dodging skaters as the made their way over to the railing. They looked at each other and started busting up laughing at the sight they made.
“We look so ridiculous!” Day gasped.
“Right?! I swear I need my football pads and helmet to participate in this sport.” Chase said incredulously. “I used to think figure skating was a stupid sport. I’ve changed my mind.”
“Can we go now? Before we really do get hurt.” Daylen practically begged.
“God, yes! Let’s go.” Chase agreed wholeheartedly.
They pulled themselves back up on the railing and inched their way to the exit. Relieved, they sat on a bench to remove the evil death traps. As they worked at the laces, Day brought up a subject that brought down their jovial mood.
“So…have you talked to your mom recently? Are you gonna stay away for the holidays again?” Day asked gently.
“I’ve talked to her a few times. When I have free time and when my father isn’t around. So not often.” Chase shrugged nonchalantly though he felt anything but. “I doubt I’ll come home for Christmas. I can’t stay with them, obviously. And it would be too hard to stay with you…to see you with him.” Chase admitted sadly.
Day fidgeted uncomfortably. She then cleared her throat and skipped over his last statement. “Do they know you were nominated for the Heisman?”
“Who knows? If they do, it’s not because I told them about it.” Chase told her. He pulled his beanie off his sandy blond locks and ran his fingers through it. He took a deep calming breath. “You ready to head back?”
“Yeah.” Day answered and Chase started to rise from the bench, but her hand stopped him. “Chase, I…” She started, her eyes filled with empathy. “I’m so sorry that your family isn’t there for you, but you know that I always will be. No matter what. Aside from my mother, you’re still the most important person in my life. I…I just wanted you to know that.” Daylen stated honestly.
“Thanks, Day. Same here.” Chase said huskily. Her words seemed to have created a giant knot in his throat and a burning in the back of his eyes. “Let’s get outta here.”
They turned in their skates, put on their shoes, and started back towards their hotel. They both remained silent on the way back. Chase wondered how he was going to get through a night with Day in the same room, but not be able to touch her. When all he could think about since he saw her at the airport was touching her, kissing her, and burying himself inside her.
Chase shut out the thoughts that ran through his head, as they made their way up to the fourth floor. He unlocked the door and held it open for Day to walk through. Her eyes refused to meet his and he knew he didn’t have a shot in hell of getting her back. The attraction may have still been there, but he’d fucked up so badly two years ago that she didn’t want anything to do with him.
He let Day use the bathroom to get ready for bed first. When she came out, Chase swallowed hard. Like the night they’d lost their virginity, she was in girlie fleece pajama pants and a tight-fitting tank top. She wasn’t wearing a bra and her nipples pebbled underneath the cotton fabric. The curved underside of her large breasts begged to fill the curve of his cupped palms.
Day crossed her arms over her chest and Chase glanced up, realizing too late that he’d been caught staring like a horny teenager. Not a fairly experienced twenty-two-year-old. He quickly strode to the bathroom, to put needed distance between them. He was already finding it hard to control his body’s reactions to Day. Something he thought he’d left behind at age fifteen. He guessed that when it came to Daylen Daniels, it didn’t matter what age he was.
Daylen expelled a harsh breath and her head dropped down to her chest when Chase disappeared into the bathroom. She’d seen the way his eyes focused on her breasts and hard nipples, the moment she stepped into the room. He had licked his lips and absentmindedly bit his full bottom lip and her sex had clenched in re
sponse. When she squeezed her legs together even know, Day could feel the slick liquid that had pooled between her legs. It felt like a lifetime since she’d been this turned on.
She needed to figure out something to take her mind off of the piece of hot blond temptation in the other room. Day reached for the remote control to the TV. She switched it on and started looking through the movie guide. Just then the door to the bathroom opened and her mouth nearly dropped open in awe.
In the two years since she’d seen Chase, he’d beefed up several muscular pounds. He wore a pair of plaid flannel pajamas with Illini written down one leg. The pants rode low on his hips, putting on display the sexy muscles leading from his sides to his package. He was shirtless and every muscle that he had honed and developed rippled and flexed with every movement. Day squeezed the remote in her hand, pressing random buttons as her breath hitched.
Chase’s broad shoulders created a V down to his narrow torso. His long arms were corded with muscles and thick veins. His defined pecs were home to pretty pink nipples. And his eight pack was like human topography. A road map. Four bisecting paths heading east and west between the foothills, with one main road going north or south. Day imagined her tongue following the road south.
Chase cleared his throat and Day’s eyes shot up to meet his. His hair hung over one eye like sin. They held each other’s gaze for several beats before the sounds of moaning and skin smacking brought Daylen out of the spell that Chase had put her under. Her head whipped to the TV and she realized that she’d accidentally selected a porn as the movie of the night. The man had the woman bent over a couch. His her hair was wound around his fist tightly, as he fucked her hard.
Daylen’s eyes widened as big as golf balls. Her pulse pounded in her clit and a heated flush spread across her skin like wildfire. She quickly grabbed for the remote and started pressing random buttons to change the channel to anything else. Once she had safely changed to a cooking show, completely mortified, she reluctantly turned to look at Chase. Her breath caught in her throat when she saw the look of raw hunger on his face. Of their own accord, Day’s eyes dropped down to the front of his pajama pants and they were tented out temptingly. His erection pointed directly at her, teasing her.
