Heartfelt Lies

by Alexandra Christopher

  “And now you know my entire horrid experience with guys. Blaine was my first and only. I never took another chance with anyone after I got over him. Reed was the only guy in my life after that and I was perfectly fine with it.”

  “So, you’ve never been with anyone else? Just Blaine?”

  “That would be correct,” I say, not owning one bit of regret over that fact. “I never felt a deep enough connection with anyone else to take another chance.”

  Kohl admires me with an easy smile. “Well, I can’t deny how happy that makes me.” He gives me a carefree shrug. “Sorry if that makes me sound like a hypocritical ass,” he says, with a throaty chuckle.

  All I can do is laugh in return. It does make him a bit of a hypocrite, but I don’t mind. I’m glad I haven’t slept around, I don’t think bad of him or anyone else that has though.

  “Maybe just a wee bit.” I tease. “I think I can manage to overlook it. Only for you though.” I giggle.

  “Why, Ella, are you saying I’m special?” He gives a teasing smile.

  I take a minute to admire him. He really is a sweetheart and despite his screw-up a couple weeks ago, I think he's genuinely a great guy. He's definitely special to me. He has been from the moment we locked eyes.

  “I guess I am,” I say seriously, my focus directly on him. “You’re special to me.”

  “Yeah? I think you’re pretty special, too, beautiful,” Kohl says, bringing my hand to his lips and placing a soft kiss to my open palm.

  “One more question and I’ll leave you alone, I promise. What college were you going to back in Texas? Do you plan to transfer here or are you heading back there after summer break is over?”

  “I wasn't in college. I could have gone though. I graduated from a really nice private school and had an excellent GPA. I know I could have gotten a scholarship somewhere but that just wasn’t the road for me. I've actually been saving up for cosmetology school. It's taken a while, I had to work and help my mom with the bills, and it was hard saving up the money. I’ll be starting here in Jefferson this fall though. I’m really excited about it.”

  “I don't understand. You attended a private school but couldn’t afford to go on to cosmetology school?"

  “I did. I was in daycare for several months after we first moved to Texas. When it was time for me to go to kindergarten, the daycare director gave my mom an application for a scholarship to attend a private school, said I was really advanced for my age. She was insistent on it and helped Mom set everything up. I don’t know why she did it, but I’m glad she did, it’s where I met Reed.”

  “Is he going to college back in Texas?”

  “He was but he just transferred to Auburn. It’s where he should’ve gone a year ago, but he stuck around for me. I can’t believe I let him waste a year going to a school he didn’t want to be at,” I say, filled with guilt.

  Kohl must notice because he gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Hey, that was his choice. Don’t beat yourself up over someone caring about you so much they don’t want to leave you.”

  “I know. That's easier said than done though. I carry so much guilt. I took so much. I even ruined his Auburn celebration. Reed had just dropped me off at home after his going away dinner, he was headed to the party all his friends were throwing him, when I found my mom. I knew something was wrong as soon as I walked through the door that night. Nothing could have prepared me though. I’ve kicked myself a thousand times. Maybe I could have saved her if I hadn’t gone to dinner with Reed and his parents.” I bite my bottom lip to hold the sob I feel growing inside. “I have all this guilt, Kohl. I was actually mad at her that night because she had turned down Mrs. Masters' dinner invitation. I was furious that she didn’t care enough about my best friend, the guy that helped me put her to bed so many times over the years, to help celebrate his admission into Auburn. How could I have been so selfish? I knew she didn’t like celebrations. She couldn’t help it. She wasn’t well.”

  “I’m so sorry, I don’t even know what to say. Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Not just yet.” I shake my head. “I started seeing a therapist as soon as I got to Gale and began getting settled in. Gram thought I needed someone to talk to. Things are getting a little easier to accept. It’s still hard to talk about it though.”

  “I understand that. Just know, anytime you need to talk I’m here to listen. No judgment.”

  “Thanks, that means a lot.” I give Kohl’s hand an appreciative squeeze before changing the subject. “I don’t know about you, but I’m stuffed. I don't think I could eat another bite,” I groan.

  We've just finished the best meal I’ve ever eaten. I’m almost too full to move but I can’t take my eyes off the cannoli displayed on the dessert tray. It looks delicious!

  “Want to get one to go?” Kohl asks, noticing me eye the goodies. “We could go back to my house, watch a movie and snack on dessert.”

  “I don't know, I’m not sure I’m ready to meet your parents tonight,” I laugh nervously. “I’m totally not prepared. I’ve never done that before. What if they don’t like me?”

  “No need to worry, they’re out of town at a wedding until tomorrow afternoon. It’ll just be the two of us.”

  “Say you’ll buy me two cannolis, and you’ve got yourself a deal.”

  “Done!” Kohl agrees, a sexy smile on his face.

  10

  Kohl

  I love having Ella in my house. Seeing her standing here in the kitchen, in my space, feels right.

  “Wow! Your house is huge, Kohl. I think half of my old house could fit inside your kitchen alone. Everything's so… polished, it’s really beautiful.”

  “Thanks, my mom is a bit of an obsessive cleaner,” I laugh.

  “There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s nice coming home to a clean house,” she shrugs.

  “Where do you want to watch a movie? We can go to my room or we can go down to the game room in the basement. We’ve got a pool table and stuff down there, too. It’s where the guys and I usually hang out when they come over. Lily, too.”

  “Your room is good.” Ella purses her lips, before turning to survey the kitchen.

  Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned Lily. I guess that cut is still fresh, judging from the look of annoyance on her face. Sometimes I just don’t think before I speak. Why would I bring up the very girl I stood her up for? Much less offer to watch movies on the exact sectional she and I fell asleep on while doing the same thing. I swear I can’t stop sticking my foot in my mouth lately.

  My ringing phone breaks the tension in the air. I glance over to the counter, seeing Zach’s name flash across the screen and decide not to answer. As soon as it stops ringing, it starts right back up again.

  “Don't you want to answer that? It could be something important,” Ella suggests.

  Picking up the phone, I bark out a “yeah” as greeting.

  “Dude! I need a ride to the falls tomorrow. The starter went out on my truck tonight and I had to call for a tow home. I asked Jax if I could catch a ride with him, but he said he's got a truck full already,” Zach says.

  “Man, I had forgotten that’s tomorrow. Yeah, I’ll pick you up about eight in the morning. Be ready.”

  “You got it! Thanks, man,” he says before disconnecting.

  I’ve been so busy at work and so completely consumed with Ella I had completely forgotten about the trip tomorrow. I sure hope she doesn’t already have plans. I look across the counter at her, “do you have plans for tomorrow?”

  “Actually, I do. Jessa and I are going with a group up to Blanchard Falls. There's no way I can cancel on her. I promised her weeks ago that I would go.”

  “No, I don’t want you to cancel. I’d never ask you to do that. I’m actually going to the falls, too. I’d love it if you rode with me. Jessa can come with us. It'll give Zach some company in the back seat, cause' I want my girl up front with me."

  I give her a crooked grin as I walk around the ba
r to where she’s perched on a stool. I slide my body between her legs and take her lips in a wet demanding kiss. I kiss along her jaw, then place a soft kiss just below her ear before pulling back. “What do you say?” I ask, cupping her cheek.

  “It sounds good to me, but I need to text Jessa first and make sure she’s alright with it.”

  “Sure, take your time. I'll grab us some waters to take up stairs.”

  I go to the fridge and pull two bottles of water from the bottom drawer. I take my time walking to the pantry and grabbing a handful of napkins to take up as well. When I turn back around, Ella is placing her phone down on the counter with a huge smile covering her face.

  “Does that gorgeous smile mean Jessa’s on board?”

  “Yep! It’s a plan,” Ella squeals. “I’m so excited! I’m nervous too though. I think I’m going to stick to the baby cliffs. Maybe I’ll work my way up to the toddler cliffs, I don’t know. But there’s no way I’m jumping from the tall ones. Nope. No, thank you,” she says, shaking her head from side to side.

  “Baby cliffs? Did you just say baby cliffs and toddler cliffs?” I can barely get the words out while laughing my ass off.

  “Yes! Baby cliffs. You know the little ones. Do not make fun of me Kohl Kingsley!” she huffs.

  “Sweetheart, I wouldn’t dare make fun of you,” I say, running my thumb softly across her cheek. I can only hold my laughter in a few seconds before it bursts from my lips once again. I’m laughing so hard tears pour from my eyes.

  “Kohl! Stop it! You’re making fun of me, you ass!” She slaps me on the arm, but she’s laughing just as hard as I am now.

  “Look at you. You’re a violent little thing, aren’t you?” I joke.

  “Yeah. And it’d do you good to remember that mister,” Ella warns while squinting her eyes and cracking her knuckles.

  “Ooh. You’ve got me shaking in my boots now.” I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close before placing a kiss to the tip of her nose. “You grab the cannoli, I’ll get the drinks and napkins.”

  Ella silently follows me up the stairs and down the long hallway to my room. When we reach the door, I slip my arm inside and flip the light on before stepping aside.

  “Ladies first,” I say, with a sweep of my arm.

  Ella steps inside the door before pausing to look around the room. I wait quietly while she takes it all in.

  My walls are painted a deep charcoal color. My bed's a tall, black, modern canopy style frame. The posts and top rails are made of thin angular black wood. A dark gray comforter covers the California king size mattress. Several large, square, black pillows rest against the headboard, and two brown suede rectangle pillows sit in front, they match the large black and brown faux fur rug on the floor.

  Matching black tables sit to each side of the bed. Each holds a pewter lamp topped with a cream shade. A brown leather sofa, with wooden claw feet sits at my footboard, facing an oversize black dresser and large mounted flat screen TV.

  My mahogany desk and chair sit in front of the window that faces the pool out back. Two charcoal black-out drapes hang to each side from ceiling to floor. My walls are bare, other than two doors, one leading to a walk-in closet, the other to my en suite.

  “I love it! It’s so masculine… and big. It suits you. That bed is massive, Kohl. I had no idea they were even made that big.”

  “Well, a guy my size needs plenty of room to… stretch out.” I laugh.

  “Um, huh. I’m sure.” Ella rolls her eyes.

  I sit the drinks and napkins on the bedside table, before walking to Ella and taking the dessert to place on the table as well. “Hop up on the bed and get comfy,” I say, placing a quick kiss to her lips.

  I find the remote and turn the TV on before closing the door and turning out the light. Ella's on the bed, removing her heels when I turn back around. I remove my dress shirt as I make my way over, leaving me in a white tee, before climbing in beside her.

  “What do you want to watch? Netflix? Or we could rent something if you’d rather do that.”

  “It doesn't matter to me. I’m not picky, just no blood or guts please. I’m way too full to stomach it right now,” she says with a small laugh as we settle in and choose our first movie.

  Ella and I have just finished the second chick flick of the night, while curled together on my bed. I honestly couldn’t tell you what either one was about if I had to. Lying here with her is absolute ecstasy, but it’s also torture. I’ve tried to be good. I told myself I was going to be a perfect gentleman tonight, but my patience is running out as this want inside me grows.

  Her sexy little body has been pressed against me for hours now, and I’m craving a taste. Even a small one will do. It’s getting close to eleven p.m., so I know my time is running out. I’ll need to get her home soon if we’re going to get up early and drive to Blanchard Falls.

  Ella arches her back as she stretches her arms above her head, causing her ass to push back against my aching cock. She turns toward me when I trail my hand up her smooth thigh. I place my hand on her cheek and guide her mouth to mine.

  She tastes so fucking sweet. A perfect mixture of our cream filled dessert and Ella. I grip her thigh, pulling her body flush against mine before flipping her over onto her back. I position my hard cock between her legs and thrust against her hot core. Fuck, her body is amazing.

  “I want to touch you so bad. Please let me make you feel good,” I whisper into her mouth. She slowly opens her eyes. The heat spilling from their blue depths has my mouth watering in anticipation.

  “Yes,” she replies breathlessly.

  I kneel on the bed between her legs and run my hands up the inside of her thighs. “Can I take this off?” I ask, gripping the material of her dress. “I want to see you.”

  She sucks her plush bottom lip into her mouth before giving me permission with a small nod.

  “Is that a yes?” I ask, wanting to be sure.

  “That’s a yes.” She smiles shyly.

  Hot damn! I bend forward and give her a slow sensual kiss before returning to my kneeled position. My hands explore the smooth silk of her legs, before sliding under the hem of her dress. They continue a slow torturous path to her waist, revealing the gorgeous body beneath inch by inch. Ella raises her back slightly off the bed, allowing me to remove the material, before laying back down.

  I toss the dress to the floor without thought. I can’t move a muscle. I’m frozen, still as a statue, staring at the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid eyes on.

  My eyes take inventory as they make their way from her head to her feet. Her long dark hair spills across my pillow, a light blush covers her cheeks, and her eyes are bright with desire. My gaze trails down her slender neck to full, round breasts, covered by pale blue lace. I take a moment, picturing them spilling out the sides of my palms as I take turns sucking each pebbled nipple into my mouth.

  My eyes continue their journey down her tan, flat stomach. Matching pale blue panties sit just below and I can see through their lace, her bare pussy is wet and glistening for me.

  Long, tone legs lead me to black painted toe nails. I take my time, my fingers lightly trailing my eyes, back to her beautiful face. Full, pouty lips beckon me forward. I ease my way back down onto the bed beside her and softly kiss her neck. My lips trail a path across her jaw until our mouths meet. I slant my mouth over hers, kissing her slow and deep as my hand massages her breast. She releases a breathy gasp when I pinch her hardened nipple as I grind my throbbing cock against her hip. I want her to know the effect she has on me, how hard she makes me, and how much I want her.

  I enjoy her silky skin as my hand glides down her stomach to the edge of her panties. I slip my hand under the lace to find her wetness.

  "Fuck, Ella, you're so wet for me." I run my middle finger down between her wet lips and dip them just inside her heat before dragging the wetness back up to her swollen clit. Before long she’s circling her hips and moaning into my mouth, as I rub slow circles
to her hardened nub.

  “Mmmm, Kohl,” she moans, tugging my hair with a harsh grip.

  “I’ve got you, sweetheart.” I suck her tongue into my mouth as I plunge two fingers inside her hot pussy. I curl them forward, so I hit her sweet spot while fingering her hard and fast.

  "Damn, your pussy's tight. You feel so good, sweetheart."

  If she feels this good gripping my fingers, I don’t know how I’ll ever last with my cock inside her. I’ll probably embarrass myself after a couple minutes at most.

  I kiss my way down her neck to her breast, sucking and licking the top of each swell before taking a lace covered nipple in my mouth. I suck the hardened nub between my teeth and bite down slightly.

  My thumb finds her clit and within seconds her legs begin to shake, just before she finds her release. I prop myself up on an elbow so I can watch as she comes. She’s so fucking beautiful. Her back is arched, and her head thrown back, her eyes squeezed tightly shut, and mouth open as her throaty voice moans my name.

  I continue gently stroking in and out of her as she rides out the last waves of her orgasm. The snug squeeze of her tight walls clenching my fingers has me wanting to do it all over again.

  Ella grabs hold of my wrist tightly as her back rests against the bed once again. “No more. I can’t take anymore,” she pants between breaths.

  I slowly remove my fingers from her panties and paint a wet trail of her release across her stomach, up to the top of her breasts. Sitting up, I place a knee on each side of her legs, and bend forward, following the glistening trail with my tongue, licking, sucking, and teasing my way across her smooth flesh.

  I stare into her eyes after licking the last of her release from her breasts. "Mmmm, you taste so fucking good," I say, licking my bottom lip. She rises, meeting my lips for a slow, passionate kiss. When we're both out of breath once again, I pull back and rest my forehead against hers.

  “Thank you,” I whisper. “Thank you for trusting me, Ella. I can’t tell you how much it means to me after what we went through a couple weeks ago.”