| |
All my life, my heart has yearned for something I cannot name.
~Andre Breaton
Delaney ruined our moment and I was so pissed. By the way she was acting and dancing with Matt, I knew she was drunk. She was throwing back shots like they were water. I laughed internally, recalling what she said about being able to hang with the boys. Whatever.
“Laney, why are you crying?” Lexi struggled to help me take Delaney to the car. With one arm hooked around both of us, we dragged her across the grass as her feet stumbled to keep up.
“Why?” She sobbed and moaned. “Why doesn’t he want to talk to me?”
“I’ve got her, just open the door.” I handed Lexi the keys as I held on to Delaney. Her body was limp and she smelled like a bar tramp. Lexi unlocked the car and then pushed the seat forward. “You better not throw up in my car.” I eyed her as I lay her in the backseat. “That’s all I’m asking.”
“I’m not going to throw up,” Delaney slurred her words as she wiped the tears from her eyes. “I never throw up.”
That was a warning right there.
“Maybe we should put her in the front?” Lexi huffed as she tucked her hair behind her ears. “Just in case she has to puke.”
“It’s only a few blocks. Hopefully she’ll be alright.” I kept a steady eye on her, hoping I was right.
“Okay.” Lexi got in and I shut the door for her. I jogged around to my side and cranked the engine.
“Why won’t he text me back?” Delaney complained. I wanted to tell her to shut up.
One of my frat buddies helped guide me onto the street since the party was still in full effect. Cars lined both sides of the road and it was a one-lane road all the way to the dorm.
“Darn. Is the whole school at the party?” Lexi looked around in total awe.
“That’s nothing.” I motioned with my hand. “I think they only had about half the crowd they normally have.”
“Seriously?” She checked in both directions as we crossed from one street to the next. Cars extended from one end of the stop sign to the other. Leaving no open spots for blocks.
“Yeah. I think students are still out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday.”
“Wow. I can’t even imagine a party with more people.”
“What the hell is she crying about?” I ran a hand down my face, feeling more agitated by the minute.
“Delaney, what’s wrong?” Lexi turned around in her seat.
“He doesn’t want to talk to me. Ever,” Delaney cried.
Lexi took Delaney’s phone, glanced at it, and then handed it back to her.
“She’s fighting with my brother,” Lexi sighed.
“Call him for me,” Delaney begged.
“No.” She adjusted her seat belt and stayed facing forward. When Lexi had her mind made up, it was obvious. “I’m not getting in the middle of this.”
“But you have to tell him that I didn’t do anything wrong,” Delaney whimpered.
“Why does he think you’ve done something wrong?” Lexi sounded as irritated as I felt.
Delaney continued to cry like a baby. “Because he saw the pics I posted on Facebook and he thinks I hooked up with that guy.”
“With Matt?” I shot Lexi a questioning gaze.
“Who’s Matt?” Lexi pulled out her phone and scrolled through it. “Is this who you’re talking about?” She showed Delaney her phone.
“Yes. I knew I shouldn’t have posted it.” She sniffed and then let out a huge hiccup.
I pulled up to the dorm and parked in the loading zone. “Can I see?”
Lexi handed me the phone. “That’s my friend, Matt Russell.” I scrolled through a few of the pictures and spotted one of Lexi and me, cheek to cheek. Lexi’s soft features and bright smile made her a perfect candidate for a beauty pageant. How had I gotten so lucky? “Hey, look at us.” I showed Lexi the picture.
“Let me see that.” She slipped the phone from my hand and stared at the cute pose of us. “Aw. I want that pic.”
I leaned closer to her, wishing we were by ourselves. “Tag me because I want it, too.”
“How do you do that?” She looked at me like she had no clue was I referring to. “Sorry, I’m not on Facebook that often.”
That explained why it took her so long to accept my friend request.
“Oh.” I touched the screen. “Just tap on the picture and it will take you to another screen. See that thing that looks like a price tag at the bottom?”
“Yes.”
“Hit that and then tap the picture again.” A box appeared with several people’s names listed. “Now you can type our names.”
“That’s easy.” She typed in her name and then mine.
I pulled my phone from my pocket to see if it posted when Delaney yelled, “Open the door. I’m gonna hurl.”
I flung the door open and pulled her from the back seat quicker than recovering a dropped ball. I held her as she tossed everything from her stomach all over the sidewalk. It was going to be a long night, which sucked for her. After I was certain she was done throwing up, I picked her up in my arms. I was disappointed it was Delaney I was carrying instead of Lexi. But after seeing her passed out in my arms, I was glad Lexi was sober.
“Are you sure they won’t tow your car?” Lexi turned off the car.
“Just make sure you turn on the hazard lights.” I glanced over my shoulder, checking to see if they came on before heading up the stairs.
Lexi hit the alarm and dashed up the stairs. She pulled out her access badge from her pocket and scanned it. The back door to Charter Hall unlocked and she held the door open for me. I quickly rounded the corner and waited for the elevator. Several students passed by us, doing a double take at Delaney lying limp in my arms.
“She’s going to hate tomorrow.” I looked down at Delaney while Lexi brushed her hair away from her face.
“Better her than me.” She cocked a brow.
“I’m sure you’ll have your turn one day,” I commented as the elevator doors opened.
Lexi hit the button for the sixth floor and we stepped in. “I don’t think that’s something I want on my list.” Her face twisted in disgust.
“Oh, come on,” I laughed, “everyone experiences drinking too much and paying for it.”
She shook her head. “Doesn’t mean I have to.”
The elevator doors opened and I shifted Delaney, trying to readjust her weight.
“Is she heavy?” Lexi walked quickly down the hall.
“Anyone that’s passed out is heavy,” I grunted. “It’s dead weight.” I didn’t want to sound like a wimp, but Delaney was getting heavier by the minute.
Lexi opened the door to her dorm and Delaney’s cell phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket and glanced at it.
“Ugh,” she moaned as the phone continued to ring. “Lay her on the bed.” She pushed the bedroom door open and stepped aside. I laid Delaney on the bed and took a deep breath.
“Hello?” Lexi answered the phone. Silence filled the air for a few seconds. “It’s your sister,” she snapped, sounding irritated about the situation. “Passed out. Drunk.”
She motioned for me to help take Delaney’s boots off. As soon as we got them off, she popped up from the bed, swaying from side to side. “I need to throw up.”
Lexi pointed to something behind me and I figured it was the bathroom. I quickly scooped her up in my arms and shot through the door. I held her over the toilet, keeping her long hair pulled back as she hurled. I’d never seen a small girl throw up so much. She must’ve eaten every damn thing at the game. Poor thing. I perched on the edge of the tub as Delaney hugged the toilet bowl, heaving, coughing, and crying in between. Any chance of Lexi and me spending time together was now gone.
Lexi walked into the bathroom, frustration and disappointment lacing her face. “Sorry. It was my brother.” She opened a drawer and took out a hair band. “I asked him to come and take care of her but he got mad and hung up.”
“It’s okay.” I let go of her hair and watched as Lexi pulled Delaney’s mangled hair into a ponytail.
“He doesn’t want to help me?” Delaney slurred her words as she tried to help Lexi with her hair. I felt really bad for her, but she probably got what she deserved. I wasn’t sure what happened between her and Matt since I wasn’t watching her the entire night. I had my eye on Lexi instead. And damn, she was a sight.
Lexi filled a cup with water. “Here, rinse your mouth.” Delaney took the cup and tried to take a drink, but spilled half of it on herself. Remaining calm, Lexi grabbed a hand towel and wiped her face. The care and concern she had for her friend was obvious. It said a lot about her character.
“I think I’ve got this.” She smiled at me, giving me the cue to leave. Although I didn’t want to stay up all night taking care of a drunk girl, I’d do it if it meant I could be with Lexi.
“Are you sure?” I watched her closely. Lexi looked so damn sexy in my jersey. I would’ve given anything to see her in that and nothing else.
“I think I can manage, unless I have to carry her to the bed.” She knelt beside her friend. “Besides, you look tired...you’ve had a long day.”
Lexi was right. The game had been a tough one and I was feeling every bit of it. “I feel tired.” I glanced at the watch my mom bought me for my birthday. “Damn, it’s only twelve-thirty. I can usually hang longer than this, but I really took a beating on that field today.”
“I understand,” she replied, but her eyes said so much more. They covered me with a curiosity that had me ready to bite down on my knuckles. I was sure I could find a second wind if she allowed me to stay.
“I’m sorry...I ruined your night,” Delaney mumbled into the toilet.
Hearing that rubbed every scab raw on my body. Delaney had totally screwed up our night.
“I don’t think I drank enough.” I stretched and stood.
“What?” Lexi let out a slight laugh, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink. When I realized my crotch was mere inches from her face, I knew why.
Damn, this is too tempting.
I took a few steps back. “If I only have a few beers, I get really relaxed instead of a buzz. I think that’s what happened tonight.”
“Oh, I see.” Lexi got up from the floor after making sure Delaney was okay. “I’m sorry you didn’t drink more.”
Her voice wrapped around me and I wondered if she was ready for that permanent change in status. Was she ready to try a new flame? My flame? I touched her lips with my thumb and stared deep into her eyes. We stood there, looking at each other, eye to eye. Her warmth spread up my arm and pure desire hit me. “Don’t be sorry. I wanted to make sure I remembered this night with you.”
A tiny whimper escaped her lips and I couldn’t wait to claim them. Taste their sweetness all over again.
“It was my decision not to get wasted.” Lexi spoke softly and I felt myself getting caught up in every word. She was consuming me one word at a time.
“In that case, thank you.” I winked and then kissed her forehead, both cheeks, and the tip of her nose. I was dying to cover her in tender kisses, taking time to cherish and stimulate every section of her body. And as much I hated to say goodnight, I knew I’d better go before I lost all control. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
She nodded, not saying a word. I dropped my hands to her waist and drew her in closer. My hardness pressed against her and she shifted her hips closer to me. God, this was killing me! Her hands rested on my chest and her fingers splayed across my pecs. I silently begged her to give me a tight squeeze, but her fingers stayed glued in place. I lowered my lips to her and just as we were about to kiss again, Delaney proved she owned this night.
***
Light filtered through the window and I rolled to my other side. I moaned, feeling the blows of Saturday’s game on every part of my body. I needed to get some cryotherapy soon. The coach had two cryogenic chambers installed at the rehab center for players to use and it was the best thing for muscles and joint pain. It was better than submersing in ice water, even though I still froze my balls off in the damn thing.
I reached for my phone and scrolled to the picture of Lexi and me. She was so beautiful. Everything about her spelled perfection. I closed my eyes for a moment. It all felt like a dream. At any moment, I was sure I’d wake up and find myself in bed with Macy, Jennifer, and Shannon. My body shuddered at the thought.
Glancing at the time, I wondered if Lexi was awake. I felt bad for leaving her to take care of Delaney, but she had made it clear that things were under control. Part of me wondered if she really wanted me to stay or was just scared to see what might happen between us. Then I remembered what she said about taking things slow. I was definitely going full speed. I had to get off the fast lane before I caused a devastating crash.
I really wanted to see her today and thinking about the paper I had due made for a perfect excuse. I reasoned I would not be overbearing and let her make the moves. If she wanted to speed things up, I’d let her press my accelerator. Even if it meant flooring it. I chuckled at that thought. There was only one way to find out. I pressed my messages icon and sent her a text.
Me: Are you awake?
I waited a few minutes, watching for her message to pop up. My phone buzzed and I smiled.
Lexi: Barely.
Me: Did you stay up all night with Delaney?
Lexi: No. My brother showed up a little while after you left. Thank God.
It was good to hear she had some help.
Me: He’s a good guy.
Lexi: Do you know my brother?
I thought about it for a moment, but I didn’t even know his name.
Me: I don’t think so. I just meant he was a good guy to take care of his girl.
Lexi: Oh.
Me: How many finals do you have?
Lexi: Four. Two this Friday, one on Tuesday, and one on Thursday of next week.
She had a full load. I kind of felt bad for wanting to ask her to help me, but I knew she wasn’t tutoring anyone at the moment since she’d quit the writing center.
Me: Are you ready?
Lexi: No. I haven’t really given school enough attention the last month.
Me: Me either.
I hated to lie, but I didn’t want to brag about how hard I’d been studying when she was struggling to get by. It just didn’t seem right. I wanted her to know I missed her help and how much I still needed it.
Me: Could I ask for a favor?
Lexi: Of course.
With a deep breath, I tapped out my request.
Me: I know you have to study, but I really need your help with a paper.
Lexi: Sounds serious.
Now she was flirting with me. I loved it.
Me: Haha. It is. I could fail.
Lexi: I guess I better help you.
Oh yeah, she was ready to hit the accelerator.
Me: I promise you won’t regret it.
I propped myself up against the pillows. This conversation was about to get interesting. By the way she was responding, I could tell she was hungry for my teasing. I’d give it to her and so much more. All she had to do was ask.
Lexi: When and where?
Shit. She was starving.
Me: Damn, you’re easy.
Lexi: Crap. I forgot I’m talking to ‘The Raven’. Maybe tomorrow.
Now she was playing hard to get. But it wouldn’t last long. I grinned as if she could see me through the phone and I thought about Facetiming her, but figured she might not appreciate that first thing in the morning.
Me: Don’t make me beg.
Lexi: Maybe I want you to.
Hell yeah! I ran a hand down my face. She wanted me. It was obvious.
Me: I’ve never had to beg a woman for anything.
Lexi: There’s always a first.
If she wanted me to beg, I would. I’d even get down on my knees if that helped. Dying to hear her voice, I dialed her number and cleared my throat. It rang two times before she answered.
“Hey.” Lexi’s soft voice soothed every part of me.
“Hey,” I said in a sexy, deep tone. “So, you want me to beg?”
A slight whimper filtered through the phone and I knew I had her wrapped in my trap. But the last thing I wanted was for her to feel like one of the other girls who got caught up with me. No, Lexi meant so much more to me.
“Well, I do have a lot of studying to do.” Her voice was firm, but the eagerness seeped through, despite her efforts to hide it. “You know I could call Dr. Philips and ask him if Kyler could help you.”
I shook my head. She loved playing this game with me.
“But I don’t want Kyler or anyone else to help me.” I gripped the phone, feeling my own tension increase.
“Oh, well, then I guess you’ll—”
“No, Lexi, that won’t work.” I couldn’t hold back any longer. She needed to know how I really felt. “Because I want you. Only you.”
Aside from taking a beating on the field, I was sure my body was aching for her. It wasn’t something I was used to, but I liked it and was eager for her to soothe it. All she had to do was give me the green light and I’d show her what it feels like to be worshipped in my trap.
“Are you sure?”
I sensed the slight hesitation and that meant one thing. I’d have to prove it to her.
“Definitely.”
∑