Series Starter : Firsts in Series Collection

by Kaylee Ryan

  We’d just gotten through our first hand when Hales and Allison join us. There’s only one extra chair without bringing in another from the kitchen, and I’m fine with that. Hailey sits in the chair next to Aiden as I tug Allison onto my lap and kiss her shoulder. She relaxes against my chest while I continue to play my hand. Having Allison here with me like this is a dream come true. I keep touching her, my fingers splayed out across her belly. My other hand is playing with her hair, or rubbing circles on her thighs; I can’t control it. This makes playing cards difficult. I keep laying my cards down to touch her. I can see the looks my friends and sister are giving me, but frankly I don’t give a flying fuck. I’m happier in this moment than I can ever remember. Did I mention my girl is amazing?

  After about twenty minutes, Allison tries to get up, but I hold her still. She looks over her shoulder at me. “I have to take the enchiladas out of the oven,” she says with a laugh.

  I nod. “You need help, babe?” I ask her.

  “No, Hales will help. We have to get the cake out too,” she replies in a soft voice only I can hear. I turn her in my lap and kiss her slow and sweet, an act that’s quickly becoming my favorite pasttime. When I pull away, her face is flushed. I kiss her on the temple and remove my arms from her waist, so she can get up. Hailey sees her get up and follows suit.

  I turn my head and watch her walk out of the room. When I turn back around, I see my four friends doing the same. “Hey, you fuckers, that’s my girl and my little sister, look away.”

  Aiden chuckles. “Sorry, man, no can do. Hales is hot, and since I just watched you paw at my sister for the past twenty minutes, I’m not going to turn my head when Hales gets up to walk out of the room.”

  I glare at him, but don’t say anything. I know that he’s right. I just don’t want to admit it.

  After dinner, which is delicious, we sit around playing our guitars and singing. We end the night watching movies. We start out watching The Hangover and end with Wrong Turn. Allison’s curled up in a ball on my lap with her face buried in my shirt. My night is perfect. Halfway through Wrong Turn I realize she’s fallen asleep. I gently lift her up off the couch and turn to Hales. “Night, Hales.” I then look at Aiden and the rest of the guys and nod as I carry Allison to my bedroom.

  I know I can trust the guys with Hales, besides Aiden will protect her, just like I would. I know they were checking her out, Hales is beautiful, but they would never touch her. They know Aiden and I would beat the shit out of them if they did. Aiden and I’ve been inseparable for the past four years, and he has grown close with Hales and my parents in that time. He sees Hales as a little sister, just like he does Allison; at least that’s what he tells me.

  Once in my room, I gently lay Allison on the bed before going to close and lock the door. I return to the bed to find Allison curled up in a ball. I retrieve my football jersey out of the closet and begin to slowly undress her. I have her shorts off, and I’m gently lifting her up to remove her top. I want her in my jersey. Caveman, I know, but I still see the images of her wearing Aiden’s. I want to erase that memory from my mind. Allison is my girl. As I lift her up, her eyes open.

  “Liam? What time is it?” she asks groggily.

  “Shh, baby, it’s late and you fell asleep. I’m just getting you changed for bed.” She sits up and lifts her arms over her head. I gently lift her tank and pull it off. I go to place my jersey over her head, but stop when I hear her soft voice.

  “This too.” She’s pulling at the strap of her bra. I nod because speech is not possible. I gently reach behind her and unhook her bra and slide it off her shoulders. Allison bites her lip, and I can tell she’s nervous. Hell, I’m nervous, even after what she shared this afternoon. She lifts her arms, and I slide her into my jersey. Again, I’m too overcome with emotion to speak, instead I tug the covers back and motion for her to slide in.

  As soon as she slides under the covers, she curls back up on her side, facing away from me. I stand here for I don’t know how long, just watching her. There’s an ache deep in my chest. I don’t know how it happened or when it happened, but this beautiful girl means the world to me. I’m brought out of my trance when a soft voice whispers, “Are you coming to bed?” Allison’s looking at me over her shoulder with concern written on her face. God, I love this girl…Wait! Holy fuck! Am I in love with her? I love her smile, her voice, the way she takes care of everyone. I love that she’s mine and I’m the one who’ll be holding her tonight, and I’m the one she’ll be waking up to tomorrow. I’m in love with Allison.

  Instead of panic, I’m elated. I love her, and even though she may not be ready to hear it, I know it’s true. What a difference embracing your feelings can make. Shit, if I’m being honest, I think I fell in love with her the day we met. There’s no other explanation for the way I was consumed by her from the beginning. Never in my life have I felt this way. I start to wonder if Allison feels the same way. When she looks at me I can see affection, but is it love? I’m not sure, but I’m going to spend every day from here on out telling her how beautiful and amazing she is. Maybe in time she’ll love me, as long as she remains mine, I can deal with anything.

  I turn off the light, slide into bed, and tug the covers up over us. I reach for her as she moves back to rest against my chest. I drape my arms around her and kiss her on top of the head. “Goodnight, beautiful girl,” I sigh with content. Finally, she’s where she belongs. We lie here quietly, enjoying being in the moment for quite a while until I can feel her body relax and I know she has fallen back to sleep. “I’m never gonna let you go,” I whisper before sleep claims me.

  Chapter 23

  Allison

  I wake up feeling like I’m being crushed. I open my eyes, and it all comes rushing back to me. Liam. I’m lying flat on my back, and he’s sleeping soundly with his head on my chest, arms around my waist, and his leg thrown over mine. I can’t prevent the smile I know I’m wearing. He held me in his arms all night. I glance out the window and it’s still dark outside, good. This gives me some time to watch him in the shadows. I move my hand to his head and begin running my fingers through his hair. Liam has taken me by storm; body, mind, and heart. I was worried he would want more from me before I’m ready and even that he’s ‘playing me’ to get into my pants, but he’s treated me with nothing but love and respect. Love? I highly doubt it’s love, but I can tell he truly cares for me. The way he looks at me, touches me, holds me. He makes me feel cherished.

  I can feel myself falling harder and faster by the minute. I’m scared as hell, but I’m going to go with it. I’m going to paint my colors on the canvas of life and see how the picture turns out. My greatest hope is Liam and I can continue on this journey together.

  I continue running my fingers through his hair, watching him sleep, when a loud clap of thunder rumbles through. Not expecting it, I jump, and Liam bolts up. “Allie, what’s wrong?” I can’t contain the laugh that escapes me.

  “Nothing, the thunder just scared me, I wasn’t expecting it,” I tell him as he pulls me into his arms.

  “Did it wake you up, baby?” he asks softly as he strokes his fingers across my back.

  “No, I was awake,” I reply just as softly.

  “What? Why were you awake? Are you okay?” he asks.

  I giggle at how concerned he is for me. “Liam, I’m fine. I was—I was watching you sleep.” I reach up and run my hands through his hair. “I was doing this, and memorizing everything I can about you.” I decide honesty is the best policy. Well, almost, I refuse to tell him I think I’m in love with him. Hell, to the no. That would scare him off for sure.

  “I thought I was dreaming, but you’re really here,” he speaks softly, his breath tickling my neck.

  “Yes, I’m here. You can go back to sleep. I’m sorry I woke you.” I curl tight against his chest.

  Liam tugs the covers back over us and kisses the top of my head. “Can we spend the day together?” he groggily asks me. I’m not completely
sure he’s not talking in his sleep. I hold in the chuckle that wants to escape me. I don’t want to wake him again if he’s sleeping.

  “I want nothing more,” I reply honestly.

  I lie here against his chest, feeling the rise and fall for several minutes, before I start to feel my eyes grow heavy. I shift a little, settling in further, and feel Liam’s grip tighten on me. Safe in his arms I drift off to sleep.

  I wake up to the sound of pouring rain and pounding thunder. I reach across the bed for Liam, but he isn’t there. I hear a soft chuckle and the sound of the door closing. I look over to find Liam walking toward me, carrying a tray full of food.

  He sets the tray on the side of the bed. “Good morning, my beautiful girlfriend.” He leans down to kiss me. “Did you miss me?” he asks cockily.

  “Always.” I decide he needs to know the truth. I’m so far gone when it comes to him, and he needs to know he has the power to tear me apart. “Why were you laughing?” I question him, although I have a pretty good idea.

  He smiles at me. “I saw you reach for me. The pout on your face once you realized I wasn’t in bed was adorable.” He taps the tip of my nose with his index finger. He then proceeds to feed me bites of fresh fruit and French toast.

  “This is amazing, did you make this?” I question between bites.

  “Yes, beautiful, I did. I wanted to do something special for you.” He laughs. “Hales, however, is not too happy she had to take over and finish for her, Blitzen, and Aiden. I was in a hurry to get back to you.”

  I lean in to kiss him on the lips. “Thank you for making me breakfast in bed.”

  “I have to admit I kind of had an ulterior motive.” He winks at me.

  “Oh, yeah, and what might that be?” I ask as he feeds me my last bite of French toast.

  Liam sets the tray on his nightstand. “Well, I have an amazing, beautiful, sexy girlfriend, and I’m hoping I can convince her to spend the rainy day in bed with me.”

  I bite my lip, am I ready for that? “Liam—”

  He places his fingers over my lips. “Baby, I just want to hold you and spend time with you. When we make love for the first time, we’ll be alone, and you’ll be one hundred percent certain you are ready to take that step. All I need is you, beautiful girl.” Then he kisses me soft and slow. We kiss for what seems like hours, only stopping long enough to catch our breath before our lips merge once again.

  Liam’s so gentle and caring with me. Touching me everywhere, caressing me, but never taking things too far. Honestly, I want him to take things further. I crave the way he makes me feel. I’m also really enjoying making out with my boyfriend. This isn’t something I’ve experienced, so it’s nice to lounge around in his bed kissing, touching, and getting to know each other more intimately. We also talk a lot. Liam tells me about the draft and how nervous he is. I don’t want to think about that. As of this morning, I’m able to admit to myself I’m in love with him. When he gets drafted and has to leave me, I’m not sure how I’m going to cope. I knew going into this I would get my heart broken, but it didn’t stop me from forging ahead. I guess we’ll cross the bridge when we come to it. Liam tenses up when we talk about him moving away. I can tell it’s not something he’s looking forward to, now that we’re together. We still have several months before we need to worry about the draft. I’m going to take it one day at a time.

  I’m currently wrapped in Liam’s arms, his front to my back. We’ve decided to take a nap when there’s a light knock at the door. “Go away,” Liam growls at the intruder.

  I can’t help it, I giggle. In retaliation, Liam starts to tickle me, and my giggle turns into full blown laughter. “Uh, guys, ready or not, here we come,” Hailey says as she swings the door open. Liam releases me, and I try to gain my composure.

  Hailey shakes her head. “Hey, love birds. Aiden and I are headed to Mom and Dad’s for lunch, are you two coming with us?”

  “No,” Liam growls at her. “We’re staying in this room all day. Tell Mom and Dad we said hello.” With that he draws me tight into his arms and kisses my shoulder.

  Aiden appears behind Hailey. “He said no, didn’t he?” he asks her.

  “Yep, the beast has been tamed.” They both roar with laughter.

  “You’re damn right I have, now get the hell out, so I can take a nap with my girl.” He then throws a pillow at the door.

  Hailey and Aiden back out and shut the door. I can hear them laughing all the way down the hall. “Liam, we can go to your parents’ if you want.”

  “I don’t want. I want to lie here with you in my arms. I want to enjoy the fact that you’re mine, and I no longer have to lie here in this exact spot and wonder what it would feel like to hold you. I can do it, and that’s all I want. Allison, you have no idea the effect you have on me. I’m consumed by you, and until forty-eight hours ago, having you here was a dream. You’ve now made my dream a reality, and I’m not ready to step outside this bubble of happiness. The football season is gearing up, and my time with you will be cut short with away games, school, and practice.” He leans over me, so he can look in my eyes. “I just want to be with you today, baby.”

  I nod in agreement because words fail me. If there were ever any doubts that I love him, his last little speech washed them all away. Liam holds my heart, and I’m scared as hell to tell him.

  Chapter 24

  Liam

  Time is flying by. Allison and I have spent every spare minute together. We’ve adjusted to our life as a couple rather seamlessly. We’ve received several questioning stares around campus, but I couldn’t care less, they’ll get used to us and move on to someone else soon enough. Tonight is the first football game of the season, and I’m stoked to have my girl in the stands. Last night she stayed over, since she doesn’t have class on Fridays. We’ve spent the entire morning together. It was the perfect way to spend the day before my first game of my final season of college football.

  I just finished zipping up my equipment bag when Allison comes walking out of my bathroom. She smiles at me, which makes my heart kick into overdrive, just like always. She begins to get dressed and starts looking around, like she’s lost something. Which she has, I hid the shirt she’d picked out to wear, because I want her to wear my jersey. I want everyone there to know she’s mine.

  “Babe, have you seen my shirt?” I smile at her calling me babe. We’ve settled quite well into our relationship.

  “Yep, I hung it back up in the closet.” I smile sweetly at her.

  “Why would you do that?” she questions as she heads toward the closet. I reach out and grab her hand.

  I take a deep breath, why I was nervous I have no idea. “I was actually hoping you would wear this.” I hold up my away jersey.

  She smiles at me, her emerald eyes sparkling. “You want me to wear your jersey?” She drapes her arms around my neck and kisses me deeply. “Can I tell you a secret?” She waits for me to respond. I nod. “I really wanted to wear it, but I wanted you to ask me. I didn’t want to be that girl. You know the one who parades around wearing her boyfriend’s jersey, staking her claim.”

  I tuck a loose hair behind her ear. “Baby, you are not that girl, you’re my girl, and you staking your claim would make me very happy.” Then I kiss her, trying to convey to her that she means everything to me. The past few months have been the best of my life, even before she was mine. I can’t picture my life, my future, without her in it. I still have yet to tell her I’m in love with her. Several times it’s almost slipped, but I want the moment to be right. I want her to always remember it. I’m hoping all goes well for our trip to my parents’ beach house tomorrow, and I can tell her then. I need her to know what she means to me.

  Allison has slept in my jersey several times, and that, too, is a vision I’ll always remember. Today she’s just as beautiful wearing it with her jeans and tennis shoes. She has her hair pulled into a side ponytail, my name and number clearly visible on her back. She also has a small number s
eventeen on her cheek. I kiss my number. “You’re beautiful,” I tell her as I lead her out of our room and down the hall. Aiden and Hailey are ready and waiting.

  When we arrive at the stadium, we have to part ways, so they can get to their seats while Aiden and I hit the locker room. Their seats are prime real estate, right behind the team on the fifty yard line; I want her as close as I can get her. I kiss her soundly before leaving her. It’ll be several hours before I can taste those lips again. Cat calls and whistles come from my teammates walking by. I raise my hand to wave at them before kissing Allie on the forehead and leaving her there with her face flushed with embarrassment, and Hales laughing her ass off. She’s going to have to get used to being in the spotlight. I’m talked about to be a first-round draft pick for the NFL, and she’s a permanent part of my life as far as I’m concerned. She’ll have to ignore the attention.

  The season opener is kick-ass. We beat Ohio State University thirty-four to twenty-two, and I couldn’t be happier. I send Allison a text telling her and Hailey to meet Aiden and me at the main entrance. Her reply is, ‘hurry your fine ass up, I need a hug.’ I laugh, of course, I’m going to hurry. There’s nothing I want more than to wrap my girl up in my arms.

  As we approach the entrance my eyes immediately start scanning for the girls. When I spot them, I’m overtaken by anger. The high I was feeling from our win instantly dissolves. Hales and Allie are leaning against the wall, and those fuckers, Jason and Todd, are standing in front of them, blocking them in. I can see they’re trying to be cordial, but are uncomfortable with the situation. I look over at Aiden; he’s obviously just as pissed off as I am.

  I step behind Jason, place my hand on his shoulder, close to his neck, and squeeze as hard as I can. His knees buckle as he turns to face me. He throws his arm back, like he’s going to punch me, and I catch it mid-air. Aiden’s standing toe-to-toe with Todd, neither of them moving.