by Ruby Madden
Day looked back up to his eyes and she was sure that the hunger she saw in his eyes were reflected in hers. Her breaths came in soft pants. A vision of Drew’s bright blue eyes and hurt face hit her in the chest and she squeezed her eyes shut and clamped her lips together. She blocked out the vision of the Adonis standing before her. And stopped the word that trembled on her lips. Please.
“W-We better get some sleep.” Day said before lying back and pulling the covers over her.
The muscles in Chase’s jaw flexed several times before he turned to the closet to grab bedding for the couch. He did nothing to try and hide his ‘condition’. It was like he wanted Day to know what she did to him. She was not immune.
Once the couch was ready, Chase laid down and faced her. His eyes and posture were open, inviting. Day bit her bottom lip and then turned over on her side, giving him her back. Successfully shutting him out. Yeah, right!
Chase’s image was burned into her retinas. The memory of his touch was etched into her skin. His skill cauterized on her throbbing sex. His name tattooed on her soul. There was no getting him out of her system. She was in for a long sleepless night.
Chapter 19
The following evening, Chase stood in front of the hotel room mirror as he worked on tying his tie and waiting for Day to come out the bathroom. His mind was more focused on the horribly awkward day they’d had, than making a decent knot. He’d had the most restless sleep of his life, and it had nothing to do with whether he’d lose the coveted trophy. It had everything to do with the girl that had tossed and turned all night, in the bed only a few feet away from him. Chase knew that Day wanted him, just as badly as he wanted her. But she was trying her best to remain faithful to that dick that had no remorse when he took her from him, in the first place. It was Chase’s respect for her that made him keep his distance. And his pride that kept him from begging.
Earlier in the day, they’d spent the morning and afternoon touring around the large city. All while Chase had to combat a perpetual hard on. The natural ease of their friendship slightly stilted because of the sexual tension that oozed off of them. That sexually charged moment the night before, where they both knew what they wanted but continued to deny, making the light of day that much harder. Their need was put on display in the cold sunny December day.
Daylen would flinch or gasp at every accidental or intentional touch Chase gave her. He caught her eyes, as she gazed at his mouth longingly. Or looked hungrily at his obvious erections throughout the day, which were usually brought on by the looks she gave his mouth. It was sheer torture.
At one point, when Day stared up at him on the top of the Empire State Building, her eyes begging him to kiss her. Chase leaned close to her ear, close enough to hear her shaky breaths.
“I won’t touch you, till you ask me to,” Chase said softly and heard her breath hitch.
“I won’t,” Day replied defiantly as if she was trying to convince herself as much as him.
Chase currently regretted making that challenge as Day walked out of the bathroom, dressed for the ceremony. She was stunning, and all he wanted to do was strip her out of her dress, toss her on the bed, and fuck her senseless like the caveman he wanted to be.
Day was in a formfitting red lace sheath dress. The lace hugged her soft curves beautifully. It stopped above the knee, showcasing her thick shapely legs. It was sleeveless and the neckline plunged into a crisscrossing V that showed off the most cleavage Chase had ever seen her bare. Her heels were also red and made her calve muscles flex invitingly. Day’s hair had the slightest wave to it. The long extensions combed to the side, seductively hanging over one shoulder. Her makeup was light, with just a slight emphasis on her large, almond-shaped dark brown eyes. Her round cheeks were naturally rosy, as usual. And her lips were painted the same deep red as her dress and shoes. Simply put, she was breathtaking and Chase wanted to keep her all to himself.
“A-Amy made me get it.” Day said self-consciously as she smoothed her hands down the dress.
“I’ll have to remember to give Amy a great big hug the next time I see her. You look breathtaking, Day.” Chase complimented her earnestly.
Daylen’s cheeks brightened further as she looked down bashfully. “You look really great too, Chase.”
“Eh…I do alright.” He looked down at his gray suit and white shirt. “Though I’m having a hard time with this tie,” Chase said as he pressed his chin to his chest, trying to look down at his shiny patterned silver tie.
“Here, I’ll help you.” Day offered, taking the few steps that brought her within kissing distance.
“What do you know about tying ties?” Chase teased.
“Uh…I learned helping Drew get ready for concerts.” Day admitted softly.
“Oh…” Chase sighed dejectedly.
In such close proximity, Chase watched Day intensely as she fixed his tie. Her creamy skin flushed even deeper under the weight of his stare. Her long lashes fluttered as she tried to avoid looking up at him.
“Alright. All done.” Day confirmed as she quickly stepped back to put more space between them.
She wobbled on her heels in her rush to distance herself. Chase’s reflexes were quick from being developed playing football and he caught Day in his arms before she fell. He held her longer than necessary though she didn’t pull away. His thumbs stroked her upper arms gently. Her red lips were parted slightly and her eyes asked what her mouth wouldn’t.
“Chase…” She breathed.
“Hmm?” He hummed, leaning in closer.
Day remained silent, still trying to withhold her capitulation. Chase knew that she would rather have him take without asking. That way she could try to remain blameless. She could say that it was his fault. He wasn’t going to let her off that easily, so he leaned in the last few inches and softly kissed the corner of her mouth. Just a hint of his tongue touched her skin and a powerful shiver quaked her whole body. Day reached out to grasp his biceps to steady her knees. Chase leaned his forehead against hers and they breathed in each other’s scent.
“All you have to do is ask. And it would be all over. You’d be mine and I’d bury myself so deep inside you, I’d eradicate the memory of anyone else.” Chase spoke confidently.
Day squeezed her eyes shut and her hands gripped the arms of his jacket even tighter. She inhaled deeply and he heard her breath tremble.
“I-I can’t.” Day spoke softly, painfully.
She pulled out of his embrace. Chase’s hands trailed down her bare arms, leaving gooseflesh in his wake. His hands clenched tightly as they felt the loss.
Dammit. Dammit. DAMMIT! Daylen screamed inside. She wondered if it was appropriate for twenty-one-year-olds to throw themselves on the floor and have a temper tantrum. Since that was exactly what she wanted to do. Her clit thrummed painfully, her panties were ruined, and her sex practically blazed with the need to feel him slamming into her.
She wanted to ask him to make love to her so badly that her throat ached with the effort to hold the words back. All day she’d held back her feelings. So many times she’d been tempted to say, ‘Fuck it! Let’s try again’. But Drew’s nervous voice earlier that morning over the phone had stopped her. He’d sounded so forlorn like he was waiting for her to deliver the bad news. She’d tried to make her voice sound bright and cheery though she felt anything but. In reality, she felt desperate, horny, and guilty.
“We should get going. They want the nominees there a little early to get pictures of us.” Chase informed her, finally releasing her from his intense stare.
“Let me get my purse and I’ll be ready.” Day said, relieved the tension was lessened marginally.
She grabbed her silver clutch purse that matched her necklace and dangly earrings. Her bracelets from Chase still held their place of importance on her left wrist. As did his matching bracelet and the necklaces she’d gotten him, she’d noted the day before. As Chase helped her put on her coat, Day reali
zed that they weren’t fooling anyone but themselves.
They made their way to the lobby and the doorman hailed them a cab. The ceremony was only a few blocks from their hotel at the Yale Club of NYC, but there was no way that Day could walk there and back in her heels.
Once they arrived, it was a whirlwind of activity. Chase entwined his fingers with hers and rarely let her go the rest of the evening. He proudly introduced her to his coach and university dignitaries as his lifelong, childhood best friend. Though the way he looked at her, it was obvious to anyone who had eyes, that Day was way more than a friend to him.
Endless pictures were taken of them together, Chase alone, or with his coach and the other nominees, as she stood to the side and watched. Daylen was so proud of him, she felt she could bust. He was confident, yet humble, and gracious during all the hoopla.
He continued to hold her hand tightly as they sat and listened to a speech about the history of the trophy. Some of the past Heisman winners spoke, as well as other important people in the college football community. Then they played highlight reels of each nominee. Daylen squeezed Chase’s hand tighter when it was his turn. Finally, the chairman of the Heisman Trust stepped up to the podium to announce the winner.
“The winner of the 2002 Heisman Trophy has displayed amazing dedication to the sport of football. Not only has he worked harder than most, but he’s also shown great sportsmanship and integrity. He is a phenomenal leader and will go on to do great things in his professional career, I’m sure. So without further ado, I’d like to present this year’s Heisman to…” He paused for effect and Daylen gripped Chase’s damp palm tightly. “…Chase McCoy!”
Day yelped with excitement as Chase expelled a huge breath. His coach clapped him on the back proudly. The audience applauded happily and nodded their heads in agreement. The other nominees stood up in a supportive standing ovation, no hard feelings being shown. Chase smiled brightly, his eyes holding a telltale sheen to them.
“Congratulations, Chase. You so deserve this and I’m so proud of you.” Day’s voice quivered and her eyes shined with happy tears.
Chase leaned over, grabbed her face, and kissed her hard on the lips in thank you. Day’s surprised face as he stood to head up to the podium, made the audience laugh loudly. Daylen blushed and then sunk down into her seat in embarrassment.
She watched as Chase strode confidently up to the podium to receive the trophy. He shook hands with the chairman, and then took a deep breath as he faced towards the audience.
“I just want to say thank you to everyone that voted for me. I’m truly mind blown. Thank you to the Heisman Trust for making all of this possible. I’d like to thank Coach Kramer for believing in me and making me believe in myself. I didn’t realize my potential until you pushed me to see it. I’d like to thank my teammates. You guys are like family to me, protecting me on and off the field. I’m gonna miss you guys after the season’s over. I’d like to thank my mom for doing her best by me, even in difficult situations. And finally, I’d like to thank Daylen.” Chase looked at her from the podium and smiled. “The one person who has always been there for me no matter what. Who’s put up with my nonsense and stupidity. You’ve been my biggest cheerleader, my best friend, and…the love of my life. Thank you for believing in me.” He finished with a nod and everyone stood to applaud as he came back down to his seat.
A few tears fell unbidden onto Day’s cheeks, at his beautiful, heartfelt words. She quickly wiped them away as Chase walked up to her after shaking hands with nearly everyone he passed by. When he finally reached her, he wrapped Day in a warm embrace and rocked her from side to side.
“That was a low blow.” Daylen scolded him.
“Yeah, I never said I would play fair, but I meant every word,” Chase whispered in her ear.
As he released her and turned to talk to his coach, Day remembered that this was all televised and Chase’s speech would be all over the news. At least sports news. She hoped that Drew didn’t decide to watch it for a glimpse of her or to check up on her. Though for some reason, she was finding it harder and harder to care. God…this can’t end well.
For the banquet dinner, they sat at a large table with Chase’s coach and other important people from U of I. There was a continual stream of people in attendance that came up to congratulate Chase. Many were different sports personalities from all over the country. Day remained silent for most of the dinner, reflecting on what she wanted to do about Chase and Drew. It was Coach Kramer that broke her train of thought.
“So Daylen, are you in school too?” The gruff but handsome older man asked.
“Yes, sir. I attend the Chicago College of Performance Arts.” Day answered with a soft smile.
“Really? What is your specific art?” Coach asked curiously.
“I’m a cellist,” she replied.
“Wow! I didn’t know Chase had such cultured taste.” Coach said, impressed.
“Aw man, Coach! I’m not some dummy.” Chase chimed in with a smirk. “I always listen to some classical music before every game. Day got me started doing it.”
“I thought you were listening to some rock music or something on your headphones, before every game. I had no idea!” Coach Kramer said in surprise.
“You still listen to classical?” Day asked shocked.
“Of course I do. I still listen to that same mixed CD you made me though it is getting worn out. So I bought a few more CDs on my own.” Chase confirmed, to her amazement.
“You’ve made a good impression on him, young lady.” Coach said approvingly.
Daylen flushed in response.
The rest of the banquet went by quickly. All the young people decided to go out for a night on the town. Coach Kramer took the trophy for Chase, so he could go out and have fun without lugging the heavy award around New York City. Some of the banquet workers told them about a club not far from there; so Daylen, Chase, and the five other nominees and their guests grabbed cabs to the club.
They arrived at Club Indigo and there was a line as far back as the eye could see. The club bouncer saw all of them pile out of two taxi vans and instantly recognized the guys. He just so happened to be an avid college football fan, having played himself several years back. And he quickly let them through the blue velvet rope, without having to wait in line.
“You guys are like celebrities,” Daylen shouted to Chase over the music.
“Nah! Only to people that love college football.” Chase brushed it off.
“Then that’s a lot of people.” Daylen grinned up at him and nudged him with her shoulder. “Admit it. It’s awesome.”
“Okay, yeah. It’s kinda cool.” Chase admitted as he gave her his sexy sideways smile.
They checked their coats, and then made their way through the packed club, over to the bar. Chase towered over nearly everyone at the bar, so he easily got the bartender’s attention. Day ordered a Captain and Coke and Chase got a beer. They waited for everyone else in their group to get their drinks. No drinks were allowed on the dance floor, so they all toasted congratulations to Chase’s win and slammed down their drinks. Then they all headed towards the dance floor.
Day tried to maintain her distance from Chase but found that it was next to impossible on the crowded dance floor. The song Days Go By, by Dirty Vegas, pumped through the club and they were both slowly shoved towards each other. Until nothing stood between them but their clothes. The moment their bodies touched, Day felt an electric charge course through her and felt Chase harden against her stomach. The lyrics of the song narrating the past two years of their life.
She looked up at him and was so tempted to kiss him that her lips tingled. Day bit down on her bottom lip as she turned, feeling it was better to dance with her back to him than face to face. She was wrong. Chase crouched lower, fitting her ass snugly against his erection. His fingertips touched the skin on her thighs, just below the hemline of her dress. Then they trailed up her dress, over h
er arms, leaving a path of burning flesh in his wake. Chase moved her hair further to the side, baring the back of her neck. Day felt the whisper of his breath on her skin and involuntarily rolled her ass into him wantonly.
Chase was driving her insane with want. From the first glimpse of him at the airport to this very moment. He had gotten under her skin and into her system. She was on sensual overload and she had no idea how much more she could take.
Day pulled away from him and grabbed his hand to lead him off of the dance floor. She needed another drink. If she was going have to continue to be tortured, she might as well get drunk. She walked to the bar and Chase followed.
~~~
A couple hours later, Day and Chase stumbled into their hotel room drunk and laughing hysterically. One of the nominees, a buff and rather cocky running back, puked his guts out in the cab on the way back to the hotel. The cabbie kicked them out of the taxi and cursed in every language possible. They hadn’t stopped laughing since.
“I can’t believe he was such a lightweight. And after he talked all that smack!” Daylen collapsed back on the bed.
“Yeah, you drank him under the table. When did you learn that little talent?” Chase asked curiously.
“Just because I’m at a performance arts school, doesn’t mean that we don’t have a good time. And besides, my roommate is Amy.” Day gave him a look.
“You have a point.” Chase conceded as he plopped down on the couch.
The room suddenly became awkwardly silent. They stared at each other and the once jovial mood turned sultry in a matter of seconds. Day watched as Chase stood up and started towards her. She swallowed hard and then nearly jumped out of her skin as the hotel phone rang shrilly next to her. Chase stopped his slow path towards her and Daylen looked at the phone wondering who would be calling this late. She reached for the phone to answer it and quickly wished she hadn’t.
