by Anna Brooks
“Hey, don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?” I ask.
“Like you feel bad for me. I’m a big boy, I’ll be fine after a cold shower,” he chuckles. “I’d stay like this just to see the sated look on your face right now.” I touch my cheek and feel the heat even more. “Yeah, that’s hot, and you fucking know it.”
I throw a bottle of water at him out of embarrassment, and he gets up, determination on his face. I laugh and turn to run away, but he scoops me up and sets me back on the couch. His strong arms cage me in, and he gives me a chaste kiss. “You good?”
God, he’s so sweet. “Yeah, I’m good.”
He leans down to kiss me again, and I grab the back of his head, keeping him there. I’ve gained some confidence and want to make him feel good, too. I trail my hand down his body until it reaches the band of his boxers. He grabs my wrist and hauls me up.
“Nope. As much as I want your hands on me, that was all about you, baby.”
Disappointment registers and I hang my head. I knew he would never want me like that. I’m not good enough for that, I don’t know what to do. “Okay.” I try to sound strong, but he sees right through me.
He tilts my head up again, and when I look at him, he smiles. It’s not a huge smile, and all the other features on his face are tense. “Trust me, I’d like nothing more. The thought of it makes me…”
He’s doing this for me. I finally get it. I reach up and give him a hug but avoid touching anything below his chest. I’m not a guy, but that’s gotta hurt.
I really need to get home. My parents left the barbecue before me and think I’m still there. I’m a little mad at myself for how easy it’s been to lie to them in order to spend time with Travis. Plus, I need to get a handle on my emotions, and I can’t do that with him standing rock hard in front of me.
“I really need to go. Just so you know, I didn’t come over for that.” I wave my hand wildly at the couch. “I really wanted to see if you were alright after what happened.”
“And I told you, I’m fine. I don’t care what excuse you have to use. You can come over and do that,”—he mocks me and waves at the couch laughing—“any time you want.”
I chuckle under my breath. “What did he say that made you so mad? Whatever it is, you have to know it’s not worth it.”
His face becomes serious, and he comes close enough that when he talks, his lips brush mine. “Oh, trust me, sweetheart, it’s worth it.”
Chapter 5
Charlotte
I LAY IN BED all night tossing and turning. I can’t wipe the smile off my face. Being with Travis makes me feel… happy. The simple word doesn’t even begin to describe the magnitude of its meaning. He doesn’t treat me like a kid, and I appreciate that more than he knows. Granted, I can’t tell him that. He’s gotta think I’m older. I mean, what twenty-something-year-old messes around with a girl in high school? Oh well, I guess since he hasn’t asked how old I am, he already knows and is okay with it. I bet Pierce told him.
I wake up in the morning, and my phone beeps with an incoming text. I jump out of bed and run to my dresser in hopes it might be Travis. I grab it and run back to the bed to flip it open.
Got any plans today?I want to see you again.
-T
I jump up and down in my bed and smooth the hair off my face before I reply.
Not really.
I press send and slap my forehead. Idiot. Not really. That’s the best you can come up with? I groan and fall back on my pillow. Hugging my cell to my chest, I close my eyes and remember everything that happened last night. My phone beeps again, and I almost drop it opening the screen.
Can I pick you up?
Shit, there’s no way. My dad will be watching me like a hawk. Plus, whenever someone comes to pick me up, he always walks me to the car and talks to my friends. He thinks he’s cool, and I guess he is, for a dad, but it’s kind of embarrassing.
I’ll drive to your place.
I rip through my suitcases and pull out a pair of shorts and tank top. I’ll have to tell my parents I’m hanging out with my friends again today. I hate lying to them, but it’s the only way.
I’ll be waiting.
Shit! I’ve gotta hurry. I jump in the shower and take extra time shaving. If Travis touches my legs again, I want them to be smooth. In less than half an hour, I run downstairs and grab a banana.
“Where are you off to so early?” Mom asks from the back porch. She and Dad are sitting on the back step with a cup of coffee. She’s leaning against him reading a book. It’s sickening how cute they are.
“Spending the day with some friends. I’ll probably be late again.”
“Eleven, young lady,” Dad chimes in.
“Come on. It’s summer vacation.” If I have to resort to begging again, I will.
“Fine, midnight. But I’ll be waiting, so don’t be late.”
“Thanks, Dad!” I give him a hug and Mom a kiss on the cheek. “Love you guys.”
When I get to Travis’, he’s leaning on his doorframe and pushes off when I round the corner. My steps falter for a minute because I realize he’s waiting for me. Me. The quiet girl that boys don’t look at. The one that can only fantasize about a guy like him but knows it could never be a reality.
His lips curve up in a sexy smile, and I jump into his arms and wrap my legs around his waist.
“Hi,” I say against his lips.
He grunts and squeezes my butt. “You have the nicest ass. Have I ever told you that?” He walks me back into his apartment and kicks the door shut.
“No. You haven’t.”
“Hmm. Well you do. It fits perfectly in my hands, see?” He palms and squeezes again.
“You’re such a perv,” I joke and kiss his lips before hopping down.
“What do you want to do today?”
“Whatever.” I shrug.
“Let me take you somewhere?” he asks, biting his lip, unsure. He makes me feel safe, so I don’t even ask where, but turn and walk out with him.
“Where are we?” He’s brought me to a place I’ve never seen before, off a main street and very secluded.
“You’ll see.” He parks the car and jogs around to my side.
We walk for a few minutes, and I’m in absolute astonishment of this place. It’s breathtaking. Trees taller than I’ve ever seen in my life surround us, and sun filters in through lush green leaves. Birds sing and crickets chirp, making me squeeze his hand tighter.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” I lie.
“What is it?” He laughs at me, practically glued to him.
“Well, when I said spiders were my biggest fear, I may have lied a little.” Another chirp, and I squeal, lifting my knees up to my chest as I run away.
“What are you talking about?” He’s full on laughing now, trying to keep up with me.
“I really, really hate crickets.” My voice squeaks.
“Seriously?”
“Stop laughing at me! Ahh!” I jump again when I feel one on my leg.
He stops and squats down, wheezing he’s laughing so hard. “I’m… damn. You’re scared of crickets?”
I mock irritation but am happy to see him laugh. I put my hands on my hips and tap my foot. “They’re all long antennas and jumpy. Yes. Okay, they scare me.”
His face sobers, and he saunters toward me. When he gets close enough, he picks me up and cradles me in his arms. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.” His eyes penetrate mine, and I lean up and kiss his cheek.
“I know,” I whisper.
He holds me a little tighter, and I nestle my head on his shoulder. My jaw drops open at the view he’s carried me to. The entire city is nonexistent, no cars or buildings, only crystal clear blue water, rocks, and trees are before us.
“How did you find this?”
He hit the jackpot bringing me here. By the smirk on his face, he knows it.
“This”—he sets me on the edge of a
cliff—“found me.”
Sitting down, he extends his hand for me to do the same. Before my butt hits the grass, he pulls me into his lap and wraps his arms around me. Words aren’t spoken because they’re not needed. A silent tear runs down my face when I realize this is it. This is my one chance at happy, and it’s going to be over way too soon.
I look up at him, and he silently wipes my tear. His hand stays on my face while he leans down and caresses my lips with his own.
* * *
Every day for the next three weeks, I spend as much time with Travis as I can. We go for walks on the beach, out to eat, to the movies, and spend time together at his apartment. We talk about everything and anything. He makes me laugh so hard I cry. Makes me think about things in ways I never have before. I’ve never felt as close to another person in my life, not even Caroline.
He tells me he’s going to get fat since he hasn’t been to the gym, and I’ve been lying to my parents telling them I’m with friends. I’ve become something I hate, a liar. I know my dad won’t approve of Travis. Mom won’t either, but Dad’s the bigger obstacle.
We really haven’t done more than heavy make out sessions since that night on his couch. I’m fine with that because he’s always finding ways to touch me, and that’s all I need. He’ll wrap one of his fingers around mine, brush hair away from my face, or have a hand in my jeans pocket. Being near him is enough for me.
We’re lying on the couch watching Backdraft because it was his turn to pick. I made him sit through some pretty bad girlie movies, and he was a trooper, never once complaining.
“What are you going to school for?”
Shit. Shit. This would be the time to tell him the truth. I feel like there’s an angel and a devil on my shoulder right now. I turn my head to look at him and get all the answer I need in his eyes. They look back at me with the same longing I feel for him. We have a connection, and I don’t want to cut that any shorter than it’s already going to be. I only have another two weeks here, and I want to make the best of it. I’m almost eighteen… well in another ten months I will be. Ultimately, the devil wins out.
“General studies.” There, that wasn’t necessarily a lie.
“Yeah? That’s cool. What year are you?” He laughs. “I feel like I should already know this.”
Clearing my throat I answer, “I’m going to be a senior.”
* * *
I must have fallen asleep because I feel myself being lifted. I open my eyes to Travis’ handsome face and run my hands along his jaw. He hasn’t shaved today, so there’s a bit of stubble on it.
“What are you doing?” I whisper.
“You’re tired; I don’t want you driving home. You can stay with me tonight.”
“’Kay.” Curfew doesn’t matter right now, but being with him does. He lays me down in his bed and stands over me for a minute, studying me. I feel self-conscious until he slowly moves so he’s lying on top of me. His forearms are supporting most of his weight, and his rough hands frame my face.
“You’re so goddamned beautiful.”
He spends the night showing me just how beautiful he thinks I am. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect first time. He’s gentle, doesn’t rush, and he’s not selfish… at all.
After lying in his arms for a couple hours after, I sit up to leave. I wish I could stay here with him, but I can’t. I’m already running late, and as much as I loved what happened, I think I made a mistake by lying to him. When he finds out, he’s going to hate me.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asks through a yawn.
“Home.” I smile and kiss his chest.
“Can’t you stay with me until you leave? You only have another couple of weeks, right?”
“Yeah, but I can’t. I wish I could, but my parents…” I trail off.
He shoots up in bed and grabs my arms. “I don’t give a fuck about your parents. You’re a grown-ass woman, not a teenager.”
Tears well in my eyes, not because I’m scared of him, but because I’m lying to him. He immediately lets me go, and I quickly wipe away the tears before they fall.
“Shit. Sorry. I just. Fuck.” He gets up, throws on a pair of boxers, and paces the room. “I don’t want you to leave tonight. Or ever.”
Chapter 6
Travis
AFTER WALKING CHARLOTTE TO her car last night, I couldn’t fucking sleep. That girl makes me feel things, intense things I never thought I’d feel again. One month. I’ve known her for one month, and I feel… shit, I don’t know what I feel. Love? Maybe. Hell if I know the name for it. All I know is I don’t want it to ever stop.
And last night? Last night was un-fucking-believable. I knew she was inexperienced, but I had no idea she was a virgin. How the hell sex on legs like her wasn’t taken advantage of by some college douchebag is beyond me. The fact that I’m the only guy who’s ever been in there makes me hold my head a little higher.
With her, I can finally move on from all the shit that happened with Tammy. My mom thinks talking to a shrink is the best way to heal, but it’s not. The best medicine comes in the form of a five-foot-five, blond-haired, blue-eyed angel.
I walk into the gym and spot Pierce right away, pounding the bag with such force I’m afraid the thing is gonna fall out of the ceiling, all with a smile on his face.
“Hey, man,” I shout. He responds by lifting his head at me, not slowing down the speed of his blows.
I head over to the treadmill and run a few miles before he shows up next to me. “What’s with the face, my man?”
“Huh?”
“Your face, you’re smiling. That’s not normal.” He grins.
I laugh and contemplate how much I should tell him. I mean, I'm sure he’s going to find out eventually. I slow my strides until the machine stops. “Yeah, well. I actually have a reason to smile, so.” I shrug my shoulders and hop off the treadmill.
“And the reason is?”
“I know she’s leaving in a couple weeks, but fuck, man. I’ve never wanted to be around someone so much. The past month has been the best of my goddamned life. We haven’t talked about the future, but she only has another year left of college—”
“Who the fuck are you talking about?”
“Charlotte.” I smile thinking about her.
“Hold up. My cousin Charlotte? You’ve been seeing her?” he seethes at me.
“Yeah, man, but I swear, it ain’t just a hook—” I’m cut off when he punches me in the gut three times so fast I didn’t even see it coming.
“The fuck, man? Jesus. I know she’s your cousin, but shit.” I cough and sit down on the free weight bench.
“What the fuck are you thinking, you asshole?”
“Her. I’m thinking about her, that’s it, I swear. She’s different.”
He doesn’t know my history with Tammy, but he’s seen me lose my shit on more than one occasion. The incident with Johnny being the last. I also got in a fight at his family’s bar once… maybe twice. It’s easy to give into your anger when you don’t have anything to lose.
“If you're apprehensive about the fights you’ve seen me in at the bar, you really don’t need to worry. I got it in check; I’d never allow that shit to touch her.”
“No shit, you won’t, because she’s not even legally allowed to drink in the fucking bar!” he shouts at me, pulling his hair.
I flinch as if he hit me again. Not legal? “What?” I whisper.
“She’s seventeen, you sick fuck. Christ, Travis. What the hell do you expect me to do with this?”
“No.” I shake my head in denial, but then it hits me. Never letting me pick her up, staying away from everyone else. I thought she just wanted to be alone with me, but now I find out it’s because she couldn’t be caught with me.
She lied to me. She fucking lied to me. All I ever asked from her was honesty, and she fucking lied.
“I didn’t know, man. I swear, I thought she was in college. She said she was going to be a s
enior.” Then it dawns on me. “Aw, fuck, a senior in high school. Are you fucking kidding me?”
I stomp over to the same punching bag Pierce left and pound the shit out of it. Jab, jab, cross. I can’t believe she lied to me. Cross, cross. I actually felt something for this girl, and she lied. Hook, jab, jab. Like Tammy. Jab, hook, hook. Lying by omission is still lying. Cross, hook, hook.
After my knuckles split open and blood drips down my hand, I hang my head in shame. I could go to fucking jail.
Pierce puts his hand on my shoulder. “You done?”
“Yeah.” He hands me a towel, and I wipe off some of the blood. “I swear, man, I didn’t know,” I choke.
I tell him how it happened, the first night on the beach, everything. He should know. I leave out the sexual details, obviously, but I tell him how easy she was to talk to, and I seriously think I’m falling in love with her. He tells me I have to end it. That’s it; cut and dry. Done. It sucks because I know he’s right.
I leave the gym and go home. My mind is a jumbled mess, and I enter my apartment on autopilot and take a shower. I think about how mad I am at her, but then I think about how good she feels in my arms and how being in the same room as her makes me feel whole again. I think about how I could go to jail for fucking her, but then I think about how good she feels wrapped around my dick.
I’m exhausted from staying up late with her last night, and my body aches from the beating I gave the punching bag. Plus, my stomach is killing me from Pierce’s fists. Before long, I fall asleep.
I wake to a soft knock hours later. My stomach turns, knowing I have to end it. All thoughts of being mad at her leave me as soon as I open the door and see her beautiful face.
“Hey.”
“Hey, Charlotte,” I say flatly. She flinches, and I open the door farther for her to walk in. “I gotta take a shower, I’ll be right out.”
