by K. Walker
“Every single day?”
He rocked his head from side to side. “Quite possibly. I’m crazy about you, Sophia.”
And my cheeks colored, flushed, and burned. Make that my entire body, and parts of me that were numb before things began to throb with excitement and anticipation of what dessert would entail.
Chapter 4
Sophia
“You’re supposed to be eating,” I said to Chad when I caught him staring at me.
“I am eating,” he said as he propped up himself by his elbow, one leg extended and one pulled up, and him making food art with the pasta he had bought.
“That’s not eating,” I said with my mouth full. “This is eating.”
“Yeah, well, I’m just waiting for you to be done,” he said and peered up at me through his emerald peepholes.
“For what?” I asked, pretending like I didn’t know what he was talking about.
“You know what,” he said as he rolled off the bed and stood. “I’m not doing this with you. You’re tormenting me and loving it.”
I laughed as he stood over me. “I thought you wanted to make sure I’m well fed.”
“The food will be thereafter,” he said and lowered his head.
“After what?” I teased some more.
He kissed me, his warm lips making me already forget about my favorite dinner. I cupped his face as his tongue probed my mouth, and I took him in as we began our usual dance that we know so well.
He pressed back against me, and I barely managed to get the box onto the night table before his entire body crushed mine, pinning me to the bed. My legs instantly opened to his silent, yet deafening request.
My nails dug into his sides as he positioned himself in my center. My curled legs extended before wrapping around the taut muscles at his back. I could feel his hard-on pressing into me.
My breathing escalated and my heart raced like it was my first time. I grew dizzy with ecstasy as his hands traveled along my sides, provoking goose pimples and making my nipples erect.
He noticed, and when he lowered his head and nipped one of the tender spots, I shook and a soft moan escaped me. He pushed the only piece of clothing below my t-shirt down to my knees, and I shuddered as the thin lace that had separated me from him was flung to the ground.
I gazed into his eyes and lost myself when he kissed me again, moments before he pushed himself onto his palms. It was like he was in a hurry, but going slow at the same time for my benefit as he lost pieces of his clothing at a time.
When he kneeled naked before me, my body melted before he took all of me, captivating me from within and without. His body slithered over mine as we got lost in the moment and as our moans and gasps intertwined as much as our shared bodily heat.
When he crashed next to me, at the end, I was still vibrating from the after-effects. I was still on fire, and I easily understood how we could be on a private island and do that every single day.
“That was amazing,” I told him and snuggled closer to him.
“Yeah,” he agreed and kissed my forehead.
He started stroking my arm, and I don’t know what happened after that, but a blinding light struck my eyelids and forced my eyes open. I jumped up and realized, first of all, that it was morning, and secondly that I was alone. Chad must have slipped out during the night.
I fell back against the soft, pale-yellow sheets and hugged the pillow to me like it was him. I reached for my phone and texted him.
Sophia: Hey, babe, good morning.
Chad: Hey, yourself. Why didn’t you tell me you snored? I could barely catch a wink, so I had to leave.
I gasped in fright. What? I did?
Chad: I’m just messing with you!
I could slap him over the head. A smile spread across my face instead as my insides warmed and not because of the rising sun.
Sophia: You’re going to pay for that.
Chad: I hope so lol. Are you ready? I’m going to be there in like twenty minutes.
Sophia: Shit! I just woke up.
Chad: Get moving. I couldn’t care less, but I know you don’t want to be late
Sophia: No, I don’t. See you soon. XOXO!!
Chad: Love you, too!
I couldn’t continue my senior year like a piece of melted butter in the sun. I was mush with Chad. I’m sure I’ll start looking like his puppy soon. But he was so damned hot and irresistible; no one could blame me.
Twenty-five minutes later, he was in my driveway – maybe he gave me additional time, but it sure was awesome seeing him that early in the morning.
“Are you sure we can’t just ditch school and hang out?” I asked him as I got into the car. “We could do that again,” I said suggestively and trailed my finger down his chest.
He slapped it away. “Miss Daniels. Are you trying to take advantage of me?”
I almost died laughing. “Chad, shut up!”
He laughed, too. “It seems I’m a bad influence on you.”
“And I welcome it anyway,” I gloated as he took my hand and the car sped down the street. Madison Falls High own Barbie and Ken, except I wasn’t such a barbie.
Chad had to go off with his boys when he arrived, and I met up with the girls inside the common area.
“Hey ladies,” I said and sank down onto the bench. As soon as I did, I saw Callie coming over, her face tight and a bag in her hand. “No freaking way.”
“Told you,” Liz and Amanda said unanimously and then snickered as they looked away and tried to appear inconspicuous.
Callie held the bag out to me when she was by the table. She was alone – no goon squad to witness her shame. “Here,” she said plainly. “Try not to ruin this one.”
I took the bag from her, and she released it right away like she was afraid we would touch. Then she turned on her tail and walked off.
“No shit,” I exclaimed and looked at the girls. The common area was empty, and she had chosen her moment well. “I can’t believe this.”
“Yeah, well, believe it. Welcome to the Chad show,” Alexi laughed and glanced at her phone before she looked at the door. “I need to go.”
“Why are you always running off?” I called after her.
Brody appeared at the door, and she looked back nervously before they disappeared. We locked eyes.
“Wait, did Alexi just go out with Brody?” Liz asked and jumped up.
I was right behind her. I needed to see that. We all tumbled off the chairs, pretty much, in our bid to chase after Alexi. She had already disappeared, but we had time on our hands. We crept along the hallway that led to the back door, and we giggled like elementary school girls as we pushed the door open and stepped out.
Alexi sprang out of Brody’s arms, her eyes wide in horror.
“I knew it!” I said excitedly like I had just solved the case of the century.
“You little slut,” Amanda laughed, while Brody stood with his back against the wall, a big grin on his face.
“So, what?” Alexi finally said and inhaled sharply. “I can have some fun too, right?”
It took me a minute to connect the dots. Alexi. My girl. Brody. The sneaky criminal. Hell no. A scowl crept onto my face as I took Brody’s hand and walked off.
“Uh, hello? You’ve got the wrong man!” Alexi shouted after me.
I waved her off. “Brody, what are you doing?”
He raked his hand through his hair. “What does it look like?”
“You know what I mean. Are you still keeping things from Chad?”
His face colored. “Not really. He found out about the beach thing.”
“And you’re out for good?” I asked sternly. “I just want to make sure. That’s my girl back there.”
He flung his arm around my neck and turned back to the girls. “Don’t worry, Sophia. I’ve got this.”
“What the hell was that?”
“The queen making sure I do right by you,” he winked at me and returned to Alexi’s side.
&
nbsp; “Oh, yeah? You felt you had to do that?” Alexi fired at me.
“Not what you think, hun,” I told her. “I just wanted to make sure he was being straight with you.”
“He has,” she replied.
“I’m sorry, but why isn’t anyone asking the important question here? Like, when did this all begin? And how the hell are you keeping secrets from us, skank?” Liz asked and slapped Alexi on the shoulder.
“I think that’s my cue,” Brody said and backed off. “Catch you later, Lex,” he said.
And she blushed again.
“I swear, I’ve never seen you blush so much in all the time I’ve known you,” Amanda said. “Good for you. Glad you’re happy and getting some.”
Alexi laughed. “Not saying anything.”
“Bummer,” I replied and laughed. “It means I won’t share either.”
“No, no, what, did something happen? I wanna hear!” Alexi said as she grabbed onto my arm.
“After you,” I smirked.
“I used to think you were a nice girl,” Alexi said before she threw her arm around my shoulder. “I think I was wrong.”
We all laughed as we reentered the building, right before our phones started blowing up.
“Who the hell is that?”
“It’s a blast from the football team!” Liz exclaimed excitedly. “Party at the beach. This is going to be epic.”
“Damn right,” Alexi grinned. “And he never said a word.”
“Neither did Chad,” I added.
“Or Cody,” Liz pouted.
“Damn, seems like I need a boyfriend on the football team, too,” Amanda said with a laugh. “But then, it doesn’t seem to have many perks.” She stuck out her tongue.
Us three shared knowing glances before we turned on her. “Shut up, Amanda!” I said.
“Hater!” Liz quipped.
Amanda only laughed. “Hate what? I’m good with dating a nobody.”
“And having the worst senior year ever,” Liz teased and showed her the middle finger.
Amanda shook her head. “So, juvenile. But really ladies, I’m off to class— anyone coming?”
“You’re lucky I like you,” I said to Liz and walked off behind Amanda. “Later, girls.”
“Later, Sophia,” Liz said bitterly still.
“She won’t get over it soon,” Amanda leaned closer to me and laughed.
I did, too. “Maybe. Soon as she sees Cody, you’re forgotten.”
“You don’t need to remind me of that. They’re the other you and Chad,” Amanda observed. “So, how're things going with that other thing?” she asked when we were away from the others.
“I have no idea, and Chad doesn’t seem to, either. But then again, he knew more than me about this in the first place and withheld information,” I mused.
“Good point,” Amanda said and then clicked her tongue. “It doesn’t matter anyway. As long as something is being do…” I hadn’t finished the sentence when someone bumped into me so hard that I knocked my shoulder against the wall. “Hey!” I yelled and turned.
“Watch it, skank!” Callie said as she pushed past me.
I growled and shoved her in the back. “Do that one more time!” I warned her as she collected herself and turned.
She had a grin on her face, one that made me shiver. She knew something. But what?
“What was that for?” I asked Amanda after she had turned and walked off.
“Beats me, but I don’t like it,” she replied.
“Me neither.”
I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to happen. Or maybe she was just psyching me out. I wasn’t sure, but I wasn’t going to dwell on it either. Hopefully, Dad would come through for us soon, or I would have that to deal with this for the rest of the year.
My phone vibrated and I reached for it as I reached my seat.
Chad: Party on later, babe!
Sophia: You could have given me a heads up.
Chad: And ruin the surprise? Lol! I’ll pick you up at six.
Sophia: Nah, I’ll come with Amanda this time. I’ll give you time with your guys. It’s your night after all.
Chad: Okay, I can dig that.
And just like that, Callie was forgotten.
Chapter 5
Chad
“Now, this is what you call a party!” Cody hooted as he lifted a bottle of beer over his head like he was celebrating something.
There were two sets of wooden picnic benches right in front of the three cars. I was sitting on the hood of the R8, Jake and Deven were sitting on the table, with their legs planted on the seats, and Brody and Zeke leaned against the table, each with a red solo cup in their hand.
The beach was already filling up with both students and civilians alike. The bonfire, about a hundred yards from us, roared and crackled as crazy students dared each other to do stunts around the flames.
What’s new?
“You know how we do,” I reminded him. “Best party of the senior year always comes from the football team.”
“That’s because we know how to throw down!” Jake added and took a swig from his bottle. “And we get to drink from bottles and not cups.”
“Yeah, but we need to keep that shit on the down-low,” Brody warned. “Last year, the cops showed up.”
“Yeah, but we know how to handle them,” I winked. “This time, I’ve got a few in my pocket, so we’re good!”
“Sweet!” Brody yelled and lifted his hand for a high-five.
Natalie, one of Madison Falls’ cheerleaders, walked up to us. She was wearing short denim shorts, a white crop top, and her blonde hair flowed down her back, kept back from her face with the shades she had on top of her head.
“Any room for me over here?” she asked and eyed us, one by one, biting her lower lip and waiting for an answer.
“Doesn’t Callie need you for something?” I asked her.
“Come on, Chad,” Zeke said and he rocked off the table and walked over to her. He rubbed her arm and she grinned at him and rocked. “Don’t be so mean.” He looked her over like a piece of meat.
“Hey, bad boy,” she replied and pressed her body against him. “Do you want to party, or what?”
She hooked his collar with her thumb and led him off. He looked back, grinning still, as the rest of us laughed.
“I swear, Zeke would hook up with anyone,” Brody laughed.
“Speaking of which,” I turned to Brody. “What’s up with you and Alexi? You guys a thing now?”
“Say that again?” Cody asked and stood. “Brody’s fucking Alexi? No way!”
“It’s not such a big deal. She’s really cool,” Brody defended.
“Fuck!” Jake laughed. “I didn’t see that one coming. How is it? She, like bite your nipples, use toys, or lick your balls?”
“Jake, shit!” Brody yelled and shoved him. “And what would you know about fucking anyone? Do you even remember what a pussy looks like?”
The rest of us cracked up after that, including Jake, who was probably the least sensitive guy you would ever meet.
“I think it has a slit in the middle and a hole at the bottom, but I could be wrong. Feel free to show me what Alexi’s looked like, you know, as a refresher.”
Brody laughed. “Man, you’re so fucked up!”
“And speaking of pussies,” I said and wiped my hand down my face, “here they come.”
“Hey babe,” I said and held out my hands for Sophia. She walked right into them and planted a kiss on my lips before wrapping her arms around my waist.
I rubbed her back and looked at Cody doing the same with Liz, and Alexi hanging onto Brody’s sleeve, blushing more than I had ever seen before. I had her as the tough cookie in that crew, with her gothic appeal. But she was a pretty girl if you stopped to notice.
In any case, I would rather see Brody with her than with some dumb ass dealer on the street corner hustling. Maybe Alexi was a good distraction for him.
“I t
hink we should go elsewhere,” Amanda drawled as she watched the couples hooking up.
“I was just thinking the same,” Deven said and stood.
“Eww!” Amanda replied and scrunched up her face. “I’m going to get some drinks. You coming, Stacey?”
“Versus staying here and watching live porn? Yeah.”
Sophia chuckled as she turned and I wrapped my arms around her and nuzzled her neck. “I think I need to find Stacey and Amanda a boyfriend.”
“They’re fine. Not like they’ve never had any,” I whispered against her neck. “And I don’t want to talk about this right now. Hey, guys, let’s go join the party. We’re hosting after all.”
“Yeah!” Brody cheered and slipped his hand around Alexi. “Let’s go crank this up!”
We walked to the center of the expanding crowd and lifted our bottles. “Everyone, let the games begin!” I shouted. “Who’s up for shots?”
“Don’t gotta ask me twice,” a burly kid replied and walked off to the bar.
“Shots?” Sophia asked.
“Yeah. It’s a game. Who drinks the most without falling over wins a prize,” I said and rubbed her shoulder. “Wanna go for it?”
“Please,” she said and waved me off. “I can barely drink a beer without getting double vision.”
I chuckled. “That’s what makes girls, girls.”
“Bet I could,” Alexi challenged, and all our eyes found hers.
“No shit,” I laughed. “Well, go for it!”
“Alexi, are you sure?” Sophia asked, ever the concerned one.
“I work at a bar,” she reminded Sophia. “And this won’t be my first time.”
Brody and I shook our heads in unison, so she knew we knew Alexi knew how to get down. She shrugged and we walked off after Alexi to the bar area by the fence.
“Don’t worry,” I whispered in Sophia’s ear. “She’s done this before.”
“I’m not worried,” she replied. “Not for Alexi anyway.”
The burly kid was already in the first game as scores of students formed a circle and watched them empty shot glass after shot glass. They were on their fourth and already one skinny looking dude tapped out.
