Chapter Eighteen
Sydney
By the time we leave the restaurant, I’m more than ready to go home. For my own sanity, I need to escape Brayden’s overwhelming presence. I’m still cocooned in his comfy sweatshirt. It’s tempting to pull it off and give it back, but the night has grown chilly. Since I wasn’t expecting to go out after the game, I didn’t dress with that in mind.
Brayden drapes an arm casually around my shoulders as we make our way to his truck. By this point, I’m practically speed walking in my haste to end this date.
What am I saying?
This isn’t a date.
“That was fun,” he says as if unaware of the thoughts swirling through my brain. “We should do it more often.”
More often?
No way. That’s definitely not a good idea. I don’t think my body can stand it. I’m already vibrating with restless energy. And his nearness only makes it worse.
“Yeah, it was.” I feign a yawn.
He glances at me, tugging me closer until all of his hard lines are pressed against my softer curves. “You must be exhausted.”
“Yup. Long day.”
He nods. “I can understand that. You really tore up the field. You should have finished your burger.”
Yeah, that was impossible with him sitting so close. His proximity was much too distracting.
“Turns out I wasn’t as hungry as I’d thought.”
“Guess it was lucky that I didn’t order a burger for myself.”
When I was only able to choke down a few bites, Brayden easily polished off the rest.
“Yes,” I mumble, not meaning a single word, “lucky.”
“I’ll get you home and then you can hit the sheets.”
I expel the pent-up air from my lungs in relief. The quicker we part ways, the better off I’ll be. I can untangle all these unsettling thoughts and get my head on straight.
Much like earlier this evening, Brayden hits the locks and holds open the passenger side door. Instead of immediately shuttering me inside, he leans down and grabs the seatbelt before stretching it across my torso and fastening it into place. My body stiffens at the innocuous contact. The clicking sound is like a gunshot in the silence of the truck as his gaze stays fastened on mine.
The moment stretches and lengthens between us, ratcheting up the thick tension that permeates the atmosphere. Everything in me stills. Just when I wonder if it’s possible to pass out from lack of oxygen, he straightens to his full height and seals me inside. My heart hammers almost painfully against my chest as my muscles loosen and I collapse against the seat.
I don’t understand what’s going on here, and I’m afraid to push for too many answers. I’m scared of what I might uncover. What if we’re only able to move forward instead of back to the way things have always been between us?
The drive to my apartment is made in oppressive silence. Brayden doesn’t bother to turn on the radio in an attempt to break the growing pressure that fills the cabin. My fingers twist nervously in my lap. I need to get away from him and the stifling intensity that threatens to suffocate the life out of both of us.
By the time he pulls into the parking lot of my apartment, my fingers are curled around the door handle and I’m counting down the seconds until I can escape. A million butterflies have winged their way to life inside the confines of my belly. I don’t remember the last time a guy provoked this kind of reaction from me.
It certainly wasn’t Ethan.
Or Alex.
Or Daniel.
None of this makes sense. I don’t even like Brayden.
What?
It’s true, I don’t!
So why is my body reacting to him like this?
As soon as he parks, I get ready to bolt. Before I’m able to do that, his hand slides into my hair, holding me in place. During the game, I’d had it up in a ponytail to keep it out of my face. When I showered afterward, I’d washed it and left it down to airdry naturally. The thick mass flows around my shoulders. His fingers slide through the golden strands until my temple rests against his wide palm.
“Don’t go just yet.”
“Oh, right. Your sweatshirt.” My fingers flutter to the hem, ready to tear it from my body.
“No.” The edges of his lips quirk. “I don’t want the sweatshirt back.”
“What then?” Barely am I able to force out the question.
Instead of responding, he closes the distance between us until his lips can ghost over mine. As soon as he makes contact, his hand slides from the side of my head to the back of my skull before tugging me closer.
There is nothing rushed about the way his mouth strokes over mine. It’s lazy. As if we have all the time in the world to explore one another. His mouth caresses my upper lip before mimicking the movement on the lower one. When his tongue brushes against the seam of my lips, I open. It’s not a conscious decision on my part. More like instinct. A deep-seated need to taste more of him.
And then he’s delving in. Our tongues mingle until I lose myself in the taste and feel of him. Even though I realize this will only muddle the lines between us further, I can’t stop myself from meeting every thrust of his velvety softness with a parry of my own. Worse than that, putting an end to this caress is the last thing on my mind. The feel of his mouth is like heaven.
“You taste so damn good,” he murmurs against me before diving in for more.
An insistent voice inside my head continues to grow louder until it refuses to be ignored. My palms slide across the steely strength of his broad chest before pushing him away.
Brayden’s eyelids are lowered to half-mast and there’s a hungry look filling his dark gaze. It’s one that sends my belly crashing to the bottom of my toes. His tongue darts out to lick at his lips as if he’s intent on tasting me there.
“What are we doing?” It’s almost impossible to fight my way out of the thick haze that has descended.
“We were kissing. I thought that would be obvious, but if you need further demonstration, I would be more than happy to provide it.”
I huff out a shaky breath as some of the sexual fog clouding my better judgment dissipates. “That’s not what I meant.” There’s a pause before pointing out, “We’re alone. There’s no need to put on a show.”
His hand is still wrapped around the back of my skull. He drags me closer until his forehead is able to rest against mine. Only then do I realize how labored his breathing has become. “Is that what you think? That I’ve been putting on a show?” Before I can react, he says, “I assure you that any time I’ve kissed you, putting on a show was the least of my concerns. I kissed you because I wanted to.” The fire that flares to life in his eyes nearly singes me alive. “It’s the only thing I can think about.”
With that, his lips slant over mine. First one way, then the other. They’re as soft as a butterfly wing. I find myself anticipating the next angle and preparing for it until I’m once again a full participant in what’s unfolding between us.
“I’ve spent months thinking about your mouth,” he confesses in a rough tone. “Wondering what you would taste like. The way it would feel to explore it at my leisure. Don’t you want that, too?”
Yes.
No.
I don’t know. Everything feels so much more complicated than it did an hour ago.
When I fail to reply, he murmurs against my mouth, “Doesn’t this feel good?”
Of course it does.
Although I’m of the mindset that just because something feels pleasurable, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a great idea.
“Is there any reason this can’t be more?” he whispers, continuing to stroke my lips.
More?
What kind of more?
“I want you, Sydney,” he says as if to confirm the questions zipping around in my head. “And I’m pretty sure you want me, too.”
It would be ridiculous for me to even attempt to deny it. Not after we’ve been making out for fifteen
minutes in the front seat of his truck.
“Just because I want you, it doesn’t make sleeping together a good idea.”
“It certainly doesn’t make it a bad one.”
I blow out a steady breath. “It’ll only complicate matters.”
“It doesn’t have to.” His thumb rises to stroke over my lower lip. Back and forth it strums until I want to nip at it with my teeth.
Argh!
“It’s just sex, Sydney. We can do whatever we want. We can make up the rules as we go. We’re both adults here.”
When he closes the distance between us, my palms land against the solid strength of his chest to hold him at bay. It becomes difficult to think when his mouth is gliding over mine. Even though it’s so tempting to curl my fingers into the soft cotton of his T-shirt and drag him closer, I resist the urge.
“I should go.” My body is clamoring for me to stay and make out with him, but I know exactly what that will lead to. Brayden isn’t like the other guys I’ve been with. He rouses too much intensity within me to not tread lightly.
“Are you sure about that?” The hungry look in his eyes tells me exactly what he’s thinking. And it would be so easy to give in and invite him upstairs. Somehow, I know that sex with Brayden would be good.
Oh, who am I kidding?
It would probably be mind blowing.
But I also realize that it’ll mess with my head, and that’s the last thing I need. I’ve got enough shit to figure out to invite further complications.
And Brayden is nothing if not a complication. Only recently have I managed to untangle myself from one relationship. The last thing I need to do is get sucked into whatever the hell this is. We’re not involved.
It would be sex, pure and simple.
Unable to push the answer past my lips, I jerk my head into a tight nod and yank on the handle until the door flies open and I nearly tumble sideways. Brayden snaps forward, both hands wrapping around my shoulders to stop my descent.
We stare for a handful of heartbeats before I clear my throat. His fingers unlock from around me as I slide from the truck onto unsteady legs.
His gaze rakes over my body, nearly setting me to flame. “Have I mentioned how good you look wearing my sweatshirt?”
“Oh.” I’d almost forgotten. I tug at the material. “Did you want it back?”
He shakes his head. “Nope. I’ll get it from you another time. It’s not like I don’t know where you live.”
“All right.” I raise my hand in an awkward wave before hustling to the front entrance. When I glance over my shoulder, Brayden is still idling in the parking spot, watching me through the windshield. He might not be actively pursuing me, but that’s exactly what it feels like.
Chapter Nineteen
Brayden
Sydney and I are hunkered down at the library, putting the finishing touches on our accounting project. Every once in a while, my gaze will meander to hers. The other night, I oh-so-casually suggested that we should sleep together. I mean, why not? Even though she didn’t immediately shut down the idea, she hasn’t said a word about it. As tempted as I am to push for an answer, I won’t. If she’s not interested in having sex, then that’s the way it is.
Which is too damn bad.
I’d like nothing more than to fuck this girl right out of my system. Then, when this is over with, I can relegate her to the back of my brain where she belongs. I’ve got enough on my plate with school and football to get caught up in a hot girl.
It’s not like they aren’t a dime a dozen around here.
But still...
There’s something about the blonde soccer player that draws me to her. No matter how many times I’ve tried to move on, she continues to circle relentlessly at the back of my brain.
When my gaze cuts to hers again, I find Sydney’s attention already locked on me. A little sizzle of awareness scuttles down my spine as she holds my stare, refusing to glance away. It’s the stupidest thing. I have no idea why I react this way to her.
Every.
Damn.
Time.
When I raise a brow in silent inquiry, she shifts on her seat and breaks eye contact. Something inside me sits up a little straighter and takes notice. This girl is one of the most brazen chicks I know. She doesn’t back down from anything. If there’s something on her mind, she’ll tell you about it. Whether you want to know or not. It’s one of the things that attracts me. She doesn’t take shit from anyone. Including me. And if that’s not sexy as hell, I don’t know what is.
My attention sharpens, only now noticing the slight flush that fills her cheeks. “What’s going on?”
Her gaze flickers back to mine, momentarily touching it before flitting away. “I was thinking about what you said the other night.”
That’s all it takes for my muscles to tense and body to go on high alert. “Oh?”
She straightens on her chair before saying lightly, “You’re right.”
Of course I am.
Was there ever any doubt?
“About what?” I have a sneaking suspicion that I know what she’s referring to, but I need her to confirm the information so there aren’t any misunderstandings.
“We’re both single.” She gulps and forces out the rest. “We want each other and...” Her shoulders jerk as her voice trails off.
I press closer to the table until the thick wood bites into my rib cage. If I could leap across the damn thing, I would do it in a heartbeat. “We’re both single, want each other, and what?” I repeat. My voice grows lower with each word I force out.
Do you have any idea how long I’ve waited to hear her say that?
This girl has spent years cutting me down with her sharp tongue. The thought of using it along with that sassy mouth for something all together different has my cock stirring in my athletic shorts.
Her gaze stays riveted to mine as a challenging light fills it. She reminds me of a warrior preparing for battle. That’s exactly the way sex with Sydney would be. Like a battle. And I relish the thought of it.
“We should fuck,” she says, head held high. Shoulders tensed. Gaze pinning me in place.
Damn.
She went there.
There’s no coy skirting around the issue with this girl.
I bolt out of my seat so quickly that the chair scrapes back against the carpet, teetering precariously but not quite tipping over. I wouldn’t give a crap if it did. We set up camp on the third floor where there’s less student traffic. Plus, it’s a Monday night. This place is like a ghost town.
Her eyes widen as I close the distance between us before reaching down and grabbing hold of her hand, hauling her to her feet.
“Brayden!” she squeaks.
Like I’m going to give her a chance to change her mind.
No fucking way.
When she doesn’t put up a fight, I tow her through the stacks, winding my way to the very back row. It’s doubtful anyone would stumble across us here. We’re in a dusty section that doesn’t get much action. All right...that’s not true. If I have my way, it’s going to see a little action tonight.
When I grind to a halt, Sydney stumbles against me. I shackle her other wrist so that both are locked in my tight grip before walking her backward until her spine hits the metal shelves. Her attention stays locked on mine as I press my chest against hers, dragging her hands upward until she’s stretched out against the periodicals. Her chin tilts upward as my mouth ghosts over hers. The feel of her warm breath drifting against my parted lips as it comes out in short, sharp pants is nothing less than intoxicating.
I want more.
I want everything she’s willing to give me.
Sydney has the look of a deer trapped in the bright glare of headlights. “What are you doing?”
Did this girl really think she could tell me that she wanted to fuck, and I wouldn’t react like this? I’m so damn hard for her. It’s been this way for a while. More than I’m willing to admit even to my
self.
“What does it look like I’m doing?” Before she has a chance to respond, I answer the question. “I’m taking you up on your sweetly proposed offer.”
She swallows thickly. The sound is like a gunshot in the stillness of the library that surrounds us.
“We can’t do it here,” she whispers, voice quivering.
A groan rumbles up from deep within me as her nipples pebble against my chest. “Why not?”
Her gaze jerks from mine as she glances around nervously. “Someone might see us.”
“Isn’t getting caught half the fun?” I lean forward and nip at her plump lower lip. The pressure is just enough to pull her attention back to me where it belongs.
Heat ignites in her eyes and her pupils dilate, eating up the green of her irises.
Actually, I have zero intention of screwing her here. But that doesn’t mean I can’t give her a little preview of what she can expect in the future. When I take Sydney, it won’t be some rushed fuck against a bookshelf.
Hell, no.
It’ll be in a bed, where I can take my sweet damn time. Where I can get my fill of her body. And if I’m lucky, it’ll last for a couple of weeks, which will be more than enough time to purge her from my system.
It’s the perfect solution.
Sydney isn’t looking for long-term attachments, and neither am I.
It’s nothing more than fucking.
“Should I stop?” I allow that question to hang in the air. “All you have to do is say the word and we’ll return to the table and finish working on our project.” I lower my mouth to her ear. “Or, if you prefer, I can take you back to your place, treat you like you’re made of spun glass, and screw you nice and slow like some of the other guys you’ve been with. Maybe we can do it missionary style. I bet that’s exactly what turns you on.”
Not.
Her breath hitches as a delicate shiver slides through her body.
Campus Heartthrob (The Campus Series Book 2) Page 13
