CHAPTER 6
Harper
Max,
I got the pictures you sent. You look great with your new haircut. I wish I could see it in person. Hopefully, I’ll be able to convince Mom to let me come with them to your graduation. I can’t believe it’s already been nine weeks. It’s been pretty dull around here. It’s just not the same without you. Did you see the premier of Lost the other night? It was amazing! I can’t wait for next week. At least, that’s something to look forward to. Unlike Homecoming. It’s coming next weekend, and you know Natalie, she’s already started in on me about finding an escort. I don’t really want to go without you. Maybe I’ll just pretend I’m sick or something. Lol
I hope you have a good week and give that Duny guy a run for his money. Keep an eye on Brody.
Harper
Max had made it clear that he didn’t want me missing out on anything while he was gone, so I should’ve known better than to mention Homecoming to him, especially the part about pretending to be sick. As soon as he got the letter I’d sent, he called me and insisted that I find an escort. Even though Max had encouraged me to go, I felt guilty as I walked out onto that football field with Luke, and apparently, I didn’t do a very good job of hiding it.
They were just about to announce our names, when Luke turned to me and asked, “Is everything okay?”
“Yes. Everything’s fine.”
“I’m not buying that. What’s wrong?”
“It’s hard to explain.”
“There’s something you should know.” We took a step forward as the next couple was being announced. “Max called me.”
“He did what?”
“He called me,” he repeated like it was no big deal.
“What exactly did he say?”
I was so flabbergasted that I could barely comprehend what he said next. “He told me to make sure that you had a good time tonight and didn’t bail just because he wasn’t here.”
“Did he say anything else?”
“I’m supposed to take you to get a burger or something after the game, then bring you and Nat to the bonfire.”
“Do what?” I gasped. “I can’t believe he did that. I’m going to kill him.”
“Why?” he asked, sounding shocked. “I think it’s pretty cool that he’s looking out for his girl.”
“Pfft. I’m not so sure I see it that way.”
Our names were called and we started moving forward. “Don’t make a big deal of it, Harper. He was trying to do a good thing. Let’s just do our best to have a good time, and then everyone will be happy.”
I decided Luke was right, and I actually ended up having a great time. We all went to the diner for a burger and fries, and then out to the Point to join the others at the bonfire. It was fun. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends, and while I’d have to get used to not having Max around, I was glad I went. That didn’t mean I wasn’t still a little aggravated at Max for calling Luke. Although it was late when I got home, I sent him a text message.
Me:
I can’t believe you called Luke. What were you thinking?
Thinking he wouldn’t respond until morning, I got up and grabbed my pajamas. I was just starting to change, when my phone chimed with Max’s reply.
Max:
I wanted to make sure you had a good time, and considering the time , I’d say you did.
Me:
I did have fun, but that’s not the point.
Max:
I think it is, Freckles.
Me:
You don’t think it was a little embarrassing to have my boyfriend call my Homecoming escort with an itinerary.
Max:
I just wanted you to enjoy yourself, and since I couldn’t be there to make sure it happened, I called Luke. I didn’t do it to embarrass you.
I felt like a complete jerk as I sat there staring at the screen. I hadn’t even considered how he’d feel about not being there with me or how hard it must’ve been to know that some other guy was taking me. And then, I had to go and make things worse for him.
Me:
I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.
Max:
Nothing for you to be sorry about. Just need to hear that you had a good time.
Me:
Yes. I had a good time.
Max:
That’s my girl.
Me:
It would’ve been better if you were there.
Max:
No doubt about that.
After Homecoming, I only had to wait another week to see Max. The family flew to San Diego for their graduation, and since they had a ten-day leave, they both came back home with us for a few days. I was out of school the following week for fall break, so we decided to go to the beach house. Although it was too cold to swim, we took our chairs and sat out by the water and listened to the guys tell us stories about boot camp. When we got the chance, Max and I would take long walks along the beach. We spent hours just talking, holding hands, and sharing stolen kisses. We cherished every moment of time we had together, and neither of us were ready for it to end. Nevertheless, it was time for the boys to head to Camp Pendleton for their Infantry training. Max explained that after they were done with their Basic Combat Engineer course, they would be sent off to fleet.
Over the next few months, they barely had time to catch their breath. One training bled into the next, and they were always on the go. It seemed like I would never get to see either of them, but after a year of being gone, they both got to come home for two weeks during Christmas. I was thrilled that I was going to finally get to spend time with Max, but it was bittersweet knowing that their unit was being deployed to Anbar Province in Iraq as soon as their leave was over.
My folks had gone to some Christmas party, and Max had come over to watch movies with me. After we’d made cookies and popcorn, he’d decided to build us a fire. As I followed him outside, I couldn’t get over how much he’d changed over the past year. Mentally and physically he was stronger, more assertive, and I couldn’t stop staring at him. “What’s with the look?”
“What look? I don’t have a look.”
He lifted another large piece of firewood into his arms and started walking towards the house. “Oh, yeah, you do. You’ve been looking at me all night like I’ve got three heads.”
I followed him into the house, and as he started to unload the wood by the fireplace, I said, “You’ve changed.”
He dropped the rest of the wood into the bin and then turned to me and asked, “What do you mean?”
“I don’t know.” He didn’t move. He didn’t speak. He just stood there studying me. “You’ve just changed. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing … It’s not. I’m just kind of amazed by you.”
“I could say the same about you too, Freckles.”
I gave him a puzzled look. “Oh, really? And how’s that?”
“Have you looked in the mirror lately?” He smirked. “You’ve always been beautiful, Harper, but now, you’re absolutely stunning.”
“Whatever,” I scoffed. I looked down at myself, and while I’d finally gotten the boobs I’d always wanted, I still looked pretty much the same. “I haven’t changed all that much.”
“I’ll have to disagree with you on that, but I’ll tell you one thing that hasn’t changed.” He took a step towards me and placed his hands on my hips as he pulled me closer. “I’m still crazy about you.”
“Are you sure?”
His mouth dropped to mine and he kissed me tenderly, showing me once again just how much he loved me. With each kiss, the heat between us grew more powerful, burning through me like a wildfire. It was too much. I needed to touch him, feel his body pressed against mine again, and act on all those crazy feelings I had for him. I could see the way he looked at me, the long glances he’d thought had gone unnoticed. But he’d never pushed. We fooled around a little from time to time, but we never took that next step. He’d told me time and time again that he wanted me to be sure, and right then, wrapped in his arms, I’d never been more sure of anything. I wanted Max. I wanted him to be my first and my forever. “Max.”
“Yeah?”
“There’s something I want for Christmas.”
“Okay .” His arms were still wrapped around my waist as he asked, “What is it?”
“You.” I inched closer and said, “All I want is you.”
“You’ve already got me.”
“I want all of you , Max. I’m ready … I’ve been ready.”
“Are you sure?”
I wound my arms around his neck, pulling him towards me and answered, “I’m positive. I’m almost 18, and I’ve loved you for most of my life. So, yes. I want this. I want you.”
He looked down at me with those dark, piercing eyes, and my world stopped turning. The only thing left between us was the anticipation of our lips meeting once again, filling the air around us with want and need. When he finally lowered his mouth to mine, the yearning didn’t end, it was just the beginning. His tongue brushed against mine, and I felt an electric shock shoot up my spine, setting off an explosion of desire that couldn’t be contained. It was finally happening; the moment I’d been thinking about—dreaming about since our very first kiss. I wanted to remember every detail—the scent of his skin, the warmth of his touch, and the taste of his mouth. My fingers raked through his thick, dark hair, his lips possessing mine while he deeply kissed me.
As he broke from our embrace, his warm, strong hand took a hold of mine, and he led me up the stairs. I followed him inside my room, feeling my heart beat rapidly against my chest as I waited for his next move. He pulled me over to him, closing the space between us while I stood there unable to move. I wanted him, all of him … now and forever, and it terrified me. I looked up at him, seeing the passion in his eyes, and my pulse pounded harder, roaring in my ears as I waited for him to kiss me. He was standing in front of me, so close that I could feel the heat of his breath against my flesh, and before I could even react, he brought his hands to my face, holding me steady as he lowered his mouth to mine. His intoxicating scent and the subtle hint of cologne surrounded me, only intensifying my arousal. His tongue explored my mouth, slow and deep, making every cell in my body fill with need. Maybe it was because I knew what was coming, but I’d never felt so much from just one kiss. I knew then that I’d never feel the same about any other man.
Once again, he pulled back from our embrace and looked down at me with a hungry stare. “I love you, Harper. More than I ever dreamed possible.”
“I love you too, Max. So very much.”
His mouth crashed down over mine, and I was so lost in the moment that I hadn’t even realized he’d already unfastened my jeans until they dropped to the floor. My heart was beating out of control. I felt like I was caught up in a dream with every detail playing out in slow motion. While I was nervous and had no clue what I was doing, Max made me feel safe and took my worries away. I was consumed in the moment, needing him more than I ever thought possible, and all I could think about was being with Max for the first time. Sighing into his mouth, I eagerly unbuckled his belt and released him from his jeans then brazenly reached for him. Max’s breath hitched when my fingertips lightly brushed across him as desire flashed through his eyes. He took hold of my sweater, pulling it over my head and began kissing me again as he reached behind me to remove my lace bra.
Once it hit the floor, he breathed, “You are so beautiful.”
Before I could react, Max reached down and lifted me into his arms and carried me over to the bed, laying me flat on my back. As soon as he removed the remainder of our clothes, he lowered himself down on top of me, covering me with the warmth of his body. Gently, he took my nipple in his mouth, taking his time as he sucked and pulled at my delicate skin. A moan permeated the room as I arched my back, pressing my breasts towards him. His hands slowly trailed down my stomach and between my legs, and I took in a deep breath as his fingers began to circle and grind against me. He’d touched me before, but it had never been like this. This was possessive and determined, and I could feel myself becoming more aroused by the minute. My doubts about timing, being a virgin, and giving him something I would never be able to give another were nonexistent. As I lay there with Max, it all seemed so natural, like our bodies and souls were meant to be together. When his fingers entered me I rocked my hips against his hand, letting him know how much I wanted his touch—that I craved it like a drug. I could feel my release inching forward, causing me to moan as my body tensed and filled with heat. The sensation grew even stronger, and I gasped, whimpering uncontrollably as my orgasm exploded, rocking me to my very core. My chest heaved while I struggled to catch my breath.
I was still in a haze as I watched Max lift off the bed and reach for his jeans, then pull out a condom from his wallet. He tore open the wrapper and sheathed himself, then settled between my legs.
“Ready, beautiful?” Max looked down at my body with a desire so intense, I could feel the heat of his gaze burning against my skin. My body tingled with anticipation as he brushed against my entrance, bringing me to a point of pure agony before he slowly began to slide inside of me. As he thrust forward, a slight twinge of pain caused me to grimace. He filled me completely, then paused and waited for me to adjust to his size.
After several seconds, he asked, “Are you okay?”
I nodded. “Yes, I’m more than okay.”
Max lowered his mouth to the side of my neck while he nipped and sucked at my sensitive skin, creating a trail of goosebumps down to my collarbone. Once I’d started to relax, he withdrew from me, slowly and deliberately, causing chills to run down my spine each time he entered me. He was gentle, but forceful as he drove deeper inside me. A low moan vibrated through his chest as he increased his pace, taking me harder and faster; once more, pleasure started building through me as I moved with him, meeting his every thrust—forcing me closer to the edge.
“Yes,” I chanted over and over again.
My body trembled as he slid one hand down between our bodies. As soon as he brushed his thumb over my swollen clit, I was gone. I could no longer focus as my entire body shattered and jolted and writhed beneath him. My nails raked across his back as I clamped down around him, urging him to give in to his release. Max groaned loudly, unable to contain his climax any longer; he drove into me one last time, holding himself still as he came deep inside of me.
Max’s body rested on top of mine, and I could feel the thunder of his heartbeat pulse against my chest. I loved having the weight of his body pressed against mine, and I sighed with displeasure when he rolled off to the side to discard the condom in my little wicker wastebasket before collapsing from exhaustion onto the bed. Missing his warmth, I curled up next to him and rested my head on his shoulder. I laid there quietly as I waited for the tremors in my body to settle. A sexy grin spread across his face as he said, “That was incredible.”
“Yes, it was. That had to be the best Christmas present ever.”
“You got that right.”
“And why did we wait so long to do that?” I laughed.
“I have no idea, but I intend to make up for lost time.” He kissed me on the temple, and I felt a warmth in my heart like I’d never known.