Big Bad Rancher: A Bad Boy Billionaire Romance by Tia Siren (27)

''Crazy,'' Amber said. She looked across at the back of Danny's head and smiled to herself. She liked him. She didn't know why. Was it his cheeky disposition, his stunning looks or the way he complimented her without inhibition? Maybe she was just charmed by his English accent. Whatever, I might as well enjoy it, she thought

Finally, the speeches stopped. The band leader introduced himself and his colleagues and began to play some dance music that was popular fifty years ago. A lot of older players took their wives to the dance floor and soon it was full.

Amber saw Danny deep in conversation with a Spanish looking man. She wanted him to look around at her, but he didn't. The conversation became animated, and Danny stood up and kicked his chair over. When he stormed out of the room, Amber instinctively stood up and followed him. He turned left and walked through the revolving front door onto the street. As he sucked in the night air, his face was lit up again by the photographers.

''Fuck off you ass-holes,'' he shouted. He grabbed a camera and was about to smash it on the ground.

''Danny, stop,'' Amber shouted. She ran to him and pulled him away. ''Come on. Let's walk,'' she said. Danny was breathing hard, looking for a fight, but none of the photographers were brave enough.

''Shit,'' he said as they walked away from the hotel. ''That'll be all over the tabloids tomorrow. More trouble.''

''Calm down. So what if it is in the papers tomorrow? You're Danny Constance, brilliant footballer. You're not the Prime Minister or a policeman. Everybody expects a young man like you to be a bit wild.'' She took his arm and threaded it through hers. ''Come on take me to one of your famous pubs.''

The White Horse was busy inside, but it fell silent when people saw Danny.

''Danny Constance, you are a hero, ain't he lads,'' the barman exclaimed. The pub exploded into raptures of applause and cheers. Danny turned around and smiled. ''Thanks. Thanks a lot.''

They sat in a cozy corner next to a real fire. ''People love you. I can see that. Why worry about a few stupid photographers,'' Amber said.

''I'm not worried about photographers, but I'm worried about what my manager just told me.''

Amber looked at him quizzically. ''Do you want to tell me?'' The pained expression on his face made her push her hand across the table and take his.

''I was in a nightclub a few weeks ago. Me and Rod were dancing with a load of girls. One girl pushed her breasts against my chest; I gently pushed her away from me. Now she's made a case against me for sexual assault and Miguel, our manager, has just heard the police have passed the file to the Crown Prosecution Service and recommended they take me to court.''

Amber looked horrified. ''If all you did was push her away, where is the proof?''

''Exactly,'' he said.

''Well, it hasn't got that far yet. I'm sure it won't.''

''I wouldn't be so certain,'' Danny said staring into the top of his glass.

''Come on, there are much more cheerful things to talk about than this. Tell me about where you grew up.''

Danny laughed. A young man came to the table and asked politely for his autograph. Danny obliged. ''If you think talking about my childhood is more cheerful than talking about possible prosecutions then you're mistaken.''

''Don't care, tell me anyway.''

''I was born in London, in the east end. The poor bit. My dad was a thief and spent most of my childhood in and out of prison, and my mom earned a living on her back.''

''Do you mean she was a …...?''

''Whore? Yes, I suppose she was. But she loved us; she was only trying to do the best for us.''

''Wow, that's quite some upbringing.''

''Yes and the worst is, I can't.....'' He stopped.

''Can't what?''

''It's nothing. It's okay.''

They spent the rest of the evening talking about their respective lives, deeply interested in what the other had to say. When the pub closed, they went to a fast food restaurant and ate a burger. They looked like a couple and in a state of inebriation, Amber wanted them to be. He was so handsome and sexy, and she loved his ironic sense of humor.

''Where are you staying?'' he asked.

''Josephine and I were going to take a taxi back home.''

Danny laughed. ''Maybe she won't be taking a taxi. Rod's taken a fancy to her. We're staying in the hotel, so maybe she's with him.''

''Oh. Then I guess I'll go on my own.''

Danny stopped and pulled her to him. He pushed her hair from her face and placed his arms around her. She looked up and saw his lips approach hers. The she felt him kissing her, deeply, passionately. His breath smelled of beer as she thrust her tongue into his mouth. He took the lapels of her coat and lifted her onto her tiptoes as he nuzzled his face into the wonderful scent of her neck.

''Taxi?'' he said.

''Yes.''

Danny hailed a cab and opened the door. Amber got in first and dragged him inside. ''You're coming with me,'' she said.

When they arrived at her apartment, Danny whistled. ''Nice place.''

''Yes it belongs to a friend of my dad's. But I expect you could buy one of these every month.''

''Yes probably. But I've got other plans for my money.''

Amber kicked off her shoes and rubbed her feet. ''What things?''

''I'm building a kid’s home in my old borough.''

That was all Amber needed to hear. He was not only handsome and witty, but generous and sensitive, and now she wanted him inside her.

''I need a shower, I stink of pubs,'' she said.

''Me too,'' he said following her.

''Er.....are you coming to the shower with me?''

''Yes, might as well save on water,'' he joked.

In the bathroom, they kissed again. When Danny pulled away, he leaned against the heated towel rail watched as she undressed. The zipper on her dress got stuck, and he assisted.

''I'm a bit shy, I don't normally undress in front of strangers,'' she said, standing in bra, panties and stockings.

''Well, from where I'm standing you have nothing to be ashamed off.''

Amber kept her back turned as she rolled her stockings down. She unhooked her bra and reached for a bath towel. She wrapped it around herself like a dress, reached up inside and rather awkwardly pulled her panties down. It reminded Danny of the way his gran used to take off her swimsuit on the odd occasion she'd taken him to the beach.

''You are shy aren't you?'' he said.

In the safety of the towel, she turned around. He was already completely naked, his penis at full stretch. ''Oh, I'm used to being in changing rooms,'' he said when he saw her reaction.

''Perhaps you can teach me to be less shy?''

''Come here then,'' he said.

She stepped towards him, and he kissed her. He put his hands on the towel and gently loosened it. As it slid slowly down her back, he kissed her more deeply. She pressed herself against him so he couldn't see her breasts. He let the towel go, and it fell from her. She closed her eyes and clutched him. She felt his penis sticking between her legs.

''You are so beautiful, and your body is perfect. Let me look,'' he said. He stepped back but she followed him, and clung to him again, afraid of his gaze. ''Step away, I want to look at you,'' he commanded. ''Step away.''

She frowned and her lips rubbed together in a childish gesture. She stepped back and turned her head away from his gaze.

''The most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Look at you.''

''I'd rather you didn't.''

He opened his arms, and she quickly went back to him. ''One day you won't care, you will stand in front of me naked without thinking about it.''

''So you don't just want a one-night stand,'' Amber concluded.

''No. Not with you. You're a real girl, not like all the bimbos who throw themselves at me.''

Amber pulled him into the shower and turned on the water. As it cascaded down, she put some shower gel in her hand and began to rub it over his shaft. He soaped her breasts, back and stomach. When he reached down to her womanhood, she quivered and held his arm so he couldn't move.

''Slowly, I'm really turned on.'' He nodded and put his hand between her legs with as much care as he could. As he rubbed, she put her head into his shoulder. Her breathing became deeper as his hand worked its way between her folds.

''Stop, I want to save it for bed, she said as she got dangerously close to orgasm.'' He pulled his hand away and rubbed soap over her buttocks.

''Your legs are so bruised,'' Amber observed.

''Top class football, it really hurts sometimes.''

Amber knelt in front of him and kissed the bruises one by one. It was such a tender gesture, the like of which he'd never experienced before.

''God, you're great,'' he moaned.

''Let's go to bed now,'' she said in a low voice.

They dried themselves and went into the bedroom. Amber turned the lights right down; he turned them back up again. They lay side by side, naked and wonderfully fresh.

He took a breast in his hand and rubbed his thumb over her nipple; it got harder, and he began to suck it. She gasped and thrust her hips against his. His free hand cupped a buttock and pulled her more firmly to him.

Soon he pushed her onto her back and knelt above her. She knew what he wanted, but she was suddenly shy again. She resisted his attempts to open her legs until he kissed her and whispered how beautiful she was.

Amber cried out and almost came when he put his mouth on her womanhood. She was tense, part of her wanted him to get the hell away from her because she hated the thought he might not like the scent of her, but another part of her wanted him to ravage her and make her come.

When she realized he plainly did enjoy what he found between her legs, she relaxed and let him pleasure her. Her legs fell wide open, and her hands played in his hair. He lapped at her, his tongue flicking over her clitoris, making her gasp each time.

''Come for me Amber,'' he said. ''Relax and let it go.''

She took a deep breath and let all the tension out of her body. Seconds later she came. A deep, shivering orgasm that made her eyes roll.

'Wow, that was great,'' he said enthusiastically. He came up the bed and kissed her. She tasted herself on his lips and didn't' know whether she liked it or not. ''Condom,'' he mumbled. He got up and walked to his dinner jacket. She watched as he took out the sachet, tore the top off with his teeth and pulled out the rubber. As he walked back to her, he expertly rolled it over his shaft. The skill with which he did so made Amber suspect he'd been doing it for many years, despite his young age.

When he entered her, she pushed her head back onto the pillow and wrapped her legs around his back.

''That's it, babe,'' he said. ''Now I'm gonna make you come some more.'' And he did. His thrusts were so hard; she came twice in quick succession. Each time he was fascinated by her facial expressions.

He kissed her mouth, her nose, and her forehead as he continued to thrust. He was young and super fit, his body was lean and lithe, and she stood no chance. She came again and again until she was exhausted, unable to bear another orgasm.

''Come now, come in my pussy,'' she pleaded as the next wave threatened to hit her.

He closed his eyes and concentrated on her. Not her just her body, but Amber the person. The effect she'd had on him had been overpowering. As soon as he had her whole being in his imagination, he grunted, said her name, and buried himself deep into her until there was no more to give.

*****

''Sorry Danny, I don't want to see you anymore. I'm really sorry. I know we had a great time the other evening, but I just want to leave it there,'' Amber said into the cell phone Josephine had given her.

''You're joking right?''

''No sorry, I'm not.''

''What the hell happened? I don't understand.''

''There's nothing to understand. We had a great time. Let's leave it that.''

Danny looked at his colleagues who were still on the training field. ''But I like you, more than anybody I have ever met.''

''Sorry Danny. Goodbye.''

Danny threw the phone across the car park and kicked out at the wire mesh fence that surrounded the training ground. A photographer caught it on camera. The same photographer followed Danny all afternoon and evening as he got drunker and drunker, and surrounded himself with more and more women.

Josephine looked at Amber as she put the cell phone back on her desk.

''It would have been no good Amber. He's got a court case pending, and he's a loose canon. You would have been dragged into it; your reputation would have suffered.''

Amber wiped away a tear. ''I suppose so, but I really thought I had something with him. He's different.''

''He's just a footballer. Do you want your life all over the papers, and the life of your parents?''

''No. But you screwed Rod, so what makes you so high and mighty?''

''I didn't do anything of the kind. I fancy him, and he wanted to, but I went home. My job is worth too much. I can't go around screwing clients and neither can you.''

''Sorry. I didn't mean.....''

''It's okay,'' Josephine said. ''Come on let's go and get a latte.''

The following morning Danny was too hung over to turn up to training. He pushed the girls in his bed to one side and went to throw up in the bathroom. His phone rang, it was Miguel.

''Sorry boss, I'm ill. A touch of flu.''

''Not according to the Daily Star. You and a group of tramps are all over the back page.''

''Okay, I got pissed. Really pissed. Sorry.''

''Ten thousand fine, and get your ass here this afternoon or you're off to Spain to play football, do you understand?''

''Yes boss.''

Danny sat at the kitchen table in his three million pound London apartment and looked down the River Thames. It was raining and the clouds only just cleared Tower Bridge. The weather matched his mood. He was ashamed of his drunkenness and his womanizing, but he only had one overriding thought. He wanted her back, and he wanted her back now.

He called her, but she didn't answer. He called again just before his dressing down by Miguel, not reply. He called her afterward, no reply.

On the way home, he summoned all the self-discipline he had and drove straight past the pub.

Maybe if he explained his secret, she would understand him better. It would explain his behavior, the late night drinking, the nightclubs, the women. But could he trust her not to tell anyone? He'd lived with it for too long; it had eaten away at him for years. He felt inadequate and frightened that one day he would be the laughing stock of the country if it got out. But Amber would understand and help him; he was sure.

*****

''Danny, what the hell, it's two am,'' Amber said after she'd looked through the spy hole in her apartment door.

''Sorry. I know. But I need to speak to you.''

''You scared me, coming here at this time.''

''I know. Just let me in for a minute, I promise I'll go away again.''

Amber looked at him and stood aside. He entered the hallway and waited for her to close the door.

''What?'' she said.

''I can't read and write,'' he said.

''What?.''

''I need your help. I can't read, and I can't write.'' He began to cry.

Amber felt desperately sorry for him, as well as deep shock at what he'd just revealed. She hugged him. ''Come on, sit down.'' He sat on the sofa and looked at her.

''You can't read and write?''

''No not a damn word. Not even my name. Why else do you think I party all the time? I'm shit scared it'll get out. If it does, just imagine how stupid I'll look. I do stupid stuff just to keep the tabloids off the scent. If they're reporting me getting drunk and screwing women, they're not digging into my school history.''

''My God, I never realized. You know it's really not that difficult to read and write. It won't take you long to learn.''

''Eleven years of school didn't teach me.''

''Because you weren't interested. You probably spent all your time with a ball on your foot.''

''Yes. I did.''

''Okay, I'll teach you.''

He smiled. ''But don't tell anyone okay? It's more than my life's worth.''

''Of course, I won't.''

''You don't think I'm stupid to do you?'' he asked.

''No, of course, I don't. Danny, I'm sorry for doing what I did to you. I really like you, but Josephine got to me and told me I shouldn't be dating you.'' She squeezed his hand and looked at his fraught face. ''She told me all sorts about me being dragged into your court battles and made me worried it would affect my parents’ reputation. I was a bitch to you; I can see that now.'' She smiled at him and wiped a tear from his cheek. ''Stay with me tonight. I will make you feel better,'' she put his hand inside her robe. ''Let's forget what happened. Let's look to the future. And the future means you and me, and reading and writing.''

*****

''Amber? What are yo doing with a book called, ''Elementary Reading and Writing for Adults?'' Josephine asked.

Amber looked down at her bag which was on the floor next to her desk. The top was open, and the title of the book she'd bought for Danny was there for all to see. ''Er.....I'm just.....''

''He can't read can he?''

''Who?''

''Danny. Danny can't read and you're helping him.''

''Please don't tell anybody. He's so hurt by it. It's not his fault; he had a terrible childhood; nobody supervised him.''

''So out best footballer is a dunce. What a surprise,'' Josephine said sarcastically.

''He's not a dunce, he's a great guy. He just needs help that's all.''

Josephine took a rubber band from her desk and played with it. ''Are you still seeing him?''

''Yes. I apologized for what I said to him. We are an item, and we will remain one.''

''Can't you find someone who is literate?''

''Fuck you, Josephine.'

''Ladies, ladies, what's going on?'' Joe asked.

''Amber is seeing Danny Constance. I don't think it's professional. And he can't read or write.'' Amber looked daggers at Josephine.

''Really?'' Joe said looking at Amber.

''Yes, I'm seeing him, and yes he can't read or write. But if it gets out the press will crucify him.''

''Well, Josephine, I don't see any law against dating someone, especially if it makes both parties happy. On the subject of his literacy capabilities, that's none of our business and a private matter between Danny and Amber.''

Joe scowled at Josephine, who pulled a spoiled brat face. ''And now Josephine, I want to see you. Apparently you called Rod Stevens a black bastard. The owner of the club heard you. I had to plead with him to let us keep the contract. Apparently you were miffed Rod wouldn't sleep with you at the celebration the other evening.'' Joe came back into the office with Josephine ten minutes later and watched as she cleared her desk.

*****

''You bitch, you lying cheating bitch,' Danny cried down the phone. ''Look at the sodding newspapers. Rod called me. The ass holes are calling me Consonant Constance. I don't even know what a consonant is. How could you do this to me?''

''But Danny I swear, I didn't tell anybody.''

''Liar. How come, a day after I told you about my problem the whole world knows?''

''Because I bought a book for you to learn from, Josephine saw it and put two and two together.''

''You mean the same bitch that called Rod a black.....?''

''Yes. Danny, I'm.....''

''No Amber. You were careless now I'm a laughing stock. Do you know I'll never live it down.''

*****

Stand by: five, four, three, two, one, on air:

''Good evening and welcome to the John Rushforth show, an hour of discussion about current topics. This evening we will discuss the widening crisis in Syria with the Deputy Prime Minister, the future of Britain in the European Union with the leader of the Chamber of Commerce Mandy Jones, and adult literacy with our guest Amber Sullivan a close friend of the footballer Danny Constance, and Margo Cummings from the Adult Literacy Foundation.

Amber sat next to Joe in the wings of the YTV studio. Joe knew all the most important TV show hosts and directors. After forty-five minutes of the live show, John Rushforth announced a commercial break and Amber was told to go on set.

''Welcome back. Yesterday a fascinating story broke about Danny Constance, our best footballer. According to reports, he is illiterate. After a little research, we have discovered that as many as one in five UK citizens cannot read or write, or both. This evening I'm pleased to welcome Amber Sullivan a personal friend of Danny Constance and the Chair of the Adult Literacy Foundation, Margo Cummings. First Amber, perhaps you can tell us about Danny's case?''

Amber cleared her throat and as Joe had told her looked into the camera. ''I became a friend of Danny's a few weeks ago. He asked me to help him because he was desperate. He was so ashamed of the fact that he can't read or write that it was destroying his life.''

''How did he manage to get through school?'' John asked.

''He had nobody at home to supervise what he was doing. Nobody really cared about his education. Luckily he is a great footballer and can make a very decent living, but what about those less fortunate than him?''

''Sure. It's an enormous problem. Margo can you tell us more.''

''As you correctly mentioned about one in five, in this country, have this problem. And it's usually due to what Amber explained. Lack of parental support.''

''Isn't that what teachers are for?'' John asked.

''Teachers can only do so much. They have hundreds of children to look after. The role of the child's parents or guardian plays a hugely significant role.''

''And how is Danny now Amber?''

''Devastated that he is being made a fool of in the press, and on a personal level very upset with me. Danny, if you're watching, I'd like to say sorry.''

''I have seen some of the press reports, and it makes me sick to be a journalist,'' John said. ''I want to say here and now, and we have upward of ten million viewers, that their treatment of Danny has been a disgrace.''

''That's right John, and it's typical of people's attitude to illiteracy,'' Margo said. ''They think these people are dumb or lazy, but they aren't. They just didn't get a great start in life. In fact, I want to invite Danny to be an Ambassador for our cause. He's hugely popular with our children, and I would love it if he could do some school tours to tell parents of the importance of helping their children, especially in the early stages.''

*****

After the show, Amber was in a taxi on the way back to her apartment when her phone rang.

''Get over here now,'' Danny said.

''What's up?''

'Nothing, just get yourself over here, now.''

Amber asked the taxi driver to turn around and take her to Danny's apartment. When she arrived, a group of press was gathered outside his house. Amber pushed her way through them and went inside.

''Danny what's going on?''

''Come with me,'' he said. He took hold of her hand and went outside. Cameras clicked, and there were flashes.

''Thank you for coming,'' Danny began. ''I have a statement to make. I can confirm press reports that I can neither read or write. I haven't got a clue what this says, but I'm told it's an apology from the Press Association about the way I have been treated since the news leaked.'' Danny held up a fax that Miguel had brought round to him. ''Being illiterate isn't funny, and people who are illiterate shouldn't be the butt end of jokes. Racism and sexism, are illegal, so why not illiterate-ism. If you will excuse my made up word.'' The press laughed. ''This is Amber, and she's my girlfriend, and she's going to help me to read and write, and in a year I'll be reading all your spelling mistakes. Thank you.''

Ignoring all the follow-up questions Danny put his arm around Amber and went back into the house. He closed the front door and threw her against the wall. She struggled for breath as he kissed her and felt for her zipper. He slid her pants down until they reached her ankles, her panties followed. He picked her up and held her against the wall. She kicked her legs free of the garments and hooked herself around him.

''Oh God I want this,'' she moaned.

He freed his penis and in one fluid movement thrust up and into her, making her cry out. She held him tightly as he took her. He pulled her blouse open and took out her breasts. He was wild, demanding her, and taking exactly what he wanted.

''I'm coming,' Amber shrieked. She began to shake as she held onto him, his trusts so strong her whole body shuddered violently under the force. He cried out and held onto her as they enjoyed their first mutual orgasm.

They collapsed in a heap on the hallway floor, both totally out of breath, Danny still deep inside her.

*****

''Hi babe,'' Danny said. ''How's college?''

''Great. Almost done. Two more months,'' Amber replied from her student apartment at Yale.

''Then you'll be a WAG.''

''A what?''

''Wives and Girlfriends, WAG.''

''Oh yes, how stupid of me.''

''You're not stupid. Without you, I would still be the old Danny. Now I can read what they say about my footballing skills, although sometimes when I read what they write, I wish I was still illiterate.''

''That's what I love about you Danny Constance, you're sense of humor.''

''Don't speak too soon, when you come back to England and live with me, you'll have to put up with it all day.''

“I don't care as long as I'm with you.''

*****

THE END

SPORTS Romance - Hotter Than Ice

Kara sat by the window, looking out at the rain covering the campus lawn. It was relaxing for her. A small group of girls chatted while standing under umbrellas after class. They smiled and laughed, and Kara wondered if they would have laughed at her jokes as well.

“Is this right, Kara,” asked the student that sat next to her.

She snapped from her trance and turned to look at her mentee. With a quick exhale, she focused her attention on George’s work; running her hand over the page to sort out the details.

“It looks right, but you did the math wrong, here, let me show you,” she said while making corrections.

With a slow and melodic tone, she explained what he had done wrong. At first, he was a bit lost, but the realization of his wrongdoing came to him, and he buried his face in his hand out of embarrassment.

George was a decent student, but he made silly mistakes that were taxing to correct at times. He still always tried his hardest, but he was behind in his studies by a large margin.

The hour came to an end quickly enough, and she was thankful to be done with the session. Not that studying, or teaching, was really that hard for her. Kara had a natural talent for explaining things in ways others were able to understand.

“Same time next week, George,” she said to the student as he tucked his things into his backpack.

George stood up, straightening out his ruffled sweater before throwing his bag over his shoulder.

“I’m having a party, tonight. You’re welcome to come if you want,” he said.

“Oh, that’s alright. I’m busy anyway,” she lied.

“I’ll e-mail you the details anyway, in case you change your mind,” he added before taking his leave.

She nodded.

It’s not as though she had time anyway, she was busy the rest of the day with other students requiring her tutelage. Kara knew she wasn’t like the girls outside, standing in the rain, talking about nothing. There was an invisible line between them and her that she wished she could cross, but found herself unable. So, she reconciled herself to being what she had been since grade school, an outsider.

Kara fixed her gaze back to the courtyard, watching the students sprint across in a vain attempt to stay dry. She took a small amount of pleasure from being dry and watching other students get soaked to the bone.

Then she saw him trotting nonchalantly through the rain. Henry didn’t seem to mind getting wet in the rain. Even now, he played innocently with a handball to pass the time, throwing it against walls and catching it as he walked past.

He was alone this time. Usually, he was crowded with other hockey players; all of them boasting about one thing or another.

She knew the feeling of solitude, and she could tell that he felt that right now. He was making his way inside the library, and Kara ducked down in her seat a little more.

Her next student wouldn’t be here for another twenty minutes, so she’d have to do her best to look busy to avoid him again.

His jacket was soaked through, as were most the rest of his clothes. Henry threw off the jacket, figuring it useless now, and shook the rain from his hair.

Kara watched; he was actually quite attractive. He had a certain grace in the way he held his skinny but strong stature. His clothes were all just a little bit larger than they needed to be, so the rain caused them to sag in unflattering ways. His hair was wild and unkempt, and just a little too long. Still, it framed his face up nicely the way it matted itself to his head.

Henry scanned the room with his intense eyes; despite Kara’s best efforts, he still managed to see her. As though he planned it all along, he stalked up the stairway of the library, straight for Kara.

She put a few things inside her bag, in an attempt to flee before he arrived, but it was to no avail.

“Hello again, Kara,” he said with a smile on his lips.

“Hi, Henry,” she replied, slumping back into her chair with a sigh.

“So, are you going to come to the party tonight,” he asked, taking a seat across from her at the table.

“You know, I have more students coming, you should go,” Kara replied.

“You didn’t answer my question,” he said.

She let out a drawn out sigh.

“I’m not that interested. I have too much to do tonight, anyway,” she replied.

“Why do you always do that,” he asked.

“Do what?”

“You always look for an excuse to stay in your bubble.”

“What bubble? I’m just staying with people I understand. I don’t understand you and your hockey player friends,” she said.

Henry leaned back in his chair. Kara really didn’t want to say no. She actually was interested in going to the party and seeing if anyone else she knew had decided to take the time out to have fun. She was even interested in spending time with Henry, but the people he liked to spend time with always seemed too popular. Popularity and intelligence just don’t mix.

“Why don’t you just go with Victoria, I’ve heard she likes you,” Kara said.

“Ah, Victoria. She’s about as interesting as a brick and about as smart as one,” he said, tossing the handball and catching it.

“Wow, you’re nice to people that like you. I’d hate to see what you’re like to people that hate you,” Kara said sarcastically.

“If you keep turning me down, you just might find out,” he replied.

“If I accept your offer then I’ll be in the same boat as Victoria; I know how many notches you have on your belt,” Kara quipped.

“There’s only one notch that I’m really interested in, but she just doesn’t seem that interested,” he said with a wink.

“She’d be interested if you were a little less full of yourself,” Kara replied.

“And he’d be a little less full of himself if she’d stop living inside of a shell,” he added.

Kara slammed the last of her books closed and started stuffing them into her bag. She wasn’t interested in sticking around and listening to his drivel. It wasn’t the first time they’d had a heated discussion and probably wouldn’t be the last.

“Great, just run away like you always do,” he said.

“I’m leaving because you won’t.”

“Hey, Henry! How’s the date going,” said one of his teammates, jokingly, from the bottom of the stairs.

“Going great, we get married next week,” he shouted with a grin.

Kara rolled her eyes and stood up to leave. Henry stood and shot out in front of her, blocking her path.

“Kara, please. Come to the party tonight. If you come tonight, then I won’t bother you ever again. I promise you’ll have fun,” he said.

She relaxed her shoulders and threw her head back, taking a deep breath.

“You promise, for sure you promise,” she asked.

“Sure, if it’ll get you to go,” he replied.

Kara had wanted to say yes the first time he asked her out. But, his reputation had always preceded him. He’d date unscrupulously and drank like a sailor. Then there were his supposed habits with money.

“Fine,” she said, “but it isn’t a date.”

“You finally said yes! This is the happiest day of my life,” he sarcastically boasted, “I wonder what gown I’ll wear to the ball.”

He danced his way off, down the stairs, until he joined up with his friend. As his final act before leaving, he blew a kiss to Kara.

She regretted having said yes; perhaps she would turn her phone off and pretend to be asleep, instead.

2.

It must have been passed ten when her phone started dancing its way across her nightstand. Her comforter was just the right temperature, and she deigned the idea of moving. Still, she rolled herself to her side and palmed her phone. With a click on the device, she answered.

“What,” Kara mouthed.

“You haven’t shown, I thought you promised,” returned the voice of Henry.

“No, I promised nothing. You just promised you’d leave me alone if I went,” she replied.

“I see you don’t want me to stop bothering you. You’re quite a schemer,” said the smug voice of Henry again.

Kara let out a drawn out sigh.

“How did you even get my number,” she asked.

“I’ll tell you when you get here,” he replied, clicking off the receiver.

Kara was hopelessly stuck. She wanted to stay home and be comfortable. It would be an early day tomorrow, so at least, she had an excuse to leave early.

Having been almost laundry day, Kara was lacking in interesting things to wear, so she just pulled on whatever was lying around and left.

The party was, thankfully, nearby. Kara pulled her jacket a little tighter as she walked the empty sidewalks to the house just down the street. While she walked, she wondered. Why wouldn’t Henry just leave her alone after she said no the first hundred times?

The lights from the party spilled to the roadside, making the shadows of the guests dance in odd ways. Music was playing tastefully loud inside, and the conversation echoed out into the night.

Kara walked up, hoping to see Henry right away. She just wanted to make her appearance and leave, nothing more. But, Henry wasn’t out front, nor was he inside the house.

In the backyard an awful din rose, drowning out the rest of the guests. Kara decided to investigate and had a keen feeling that Henry would be somewhere in the middle. She wasn’t wrong.

A makeshift court was erected, made of garbage cans and traffic cones. Some of the hockey players were skating around on rollerblades, chasing after a handball that was serving as a puck. Henry seemed to be relishing in the excitement, taking shots backwards between his legs.

He even played one handed for a while as he drank from a red plastic cup, what Kara assumed was alcohol. Of course, she thought, he would be the one drinking while playing a sport with this much activity.

Henry caught her eye as he sailed past, and in so doing, lost his footing falling flat on his back; spilling beer all over himself. Kara couldn’t help herself and laughed along with the rest of the crowd.

The game ended with that, not many of the other players showed an interest past having a good laugh at Henry. It was probably for the best.

“You finally showed, I see,” said Henry while he dabbed as much alcohol off his shirt as he could.

“I had to, remember,” Kara replied, dismally.

Henry stripped off his sullied shirt and began to strut toward the house. He must have been freezing because Kara was freezing while wearing her winter coat. She could make out his breath smoking in the air as he walked; he didn’t really seem to care.

Henry’s toned abs glistened with cold sweat. Kara followed him inside since he was the only person she knew that was present.

Henry was passed a new glass of beer by George, who was standing by a keg indoors; he flashed Kara a knowing smile and handed her one as well, which she took and examined.

“When you’re popular, it’s easy to find a beer,” started Henry.

Kara took a sip and hated the taste.

“Why do you drink this crap,” she asked.

“Because being sober on a weeknight is for losers,” Henry responded confidently.

Kara set her drink on a table where it was immediately snatched up by another guest.

“Okay, I came. Now tell me where you got my number,” said Kara hastily.

“I’ll give you a choice, I’ll either stop bothering you in person, or you can find out who gave me your number. But, you can’t have both,” Henry said with a cockish smile.

Kara’s frustration was palpable.

“Fine, you can keep the stupid phone number. At least, I can block you on my phone.”

“Aww, now why would you want to do that, Kara? I thought our love was written in the stars,” Henry said dramatically.

He threw his arm around Kara, and oddly to her, she didn’t mind. It had been a long time since she’d been held in any manner.

She looked around and caught more than a few envious glares and began to feel uncomfortable. She pried herself from his grasp and stepped back.

“Okay, I’ve made an appearance at your stupid party, I’m going home.”

“Kara, what are you going to do at home,” Henry asked, “shall I take a guess? I think you’ll lie down in bed, pull out a book and read for a few minutes while missing me.”

“Nothing of the sort,” she replied, “I’m going to go home and sleep. I have a lot to do tomorrow. I’m taking on some new students that need tutoring, and I’ll need to decide who will be on that list. Thus, I have to sleep tonight.”

Henry finished his drink and casually tossed the plastic cup aside.

“Alright, alright, I won’t bother you anymore. Get out of here.”

Henry waved Kara away in an overt gesture, and she actually felt a bit down that he was pushing her away already. She, at least, expected him to put up more of a fight.

“Have a good evening,” Kara replied curtly before walking towards the front door.

Henry watched her leave; his chest was wracked with a tightness he hadn’t really felt before. He felt that the first time he saw her, as well. It seemed to be lessened every time he had the chance to talk to her, so he enjoyed every second they spent together; even though their time was spent arguing with each other.

He wanted to do something more about it; then he saw George.

3.

George was in the middle of a conversation with a couple of other girls. He was a good guy, even though he was a little slow. Still, he had the opening that Henry needed, and he’d even been so kind as to share Kara’s number. Perhaps there was one more thing he’d be willing to do.

“George, my man,” started Henry, “you’re being tutored by Kara, right?”

George turned to speak, and the girls walked away.

“Yeah, what’s up?” he asked.

“Listen, how did you get her as a tutor,” Henry asked.

“It was easy, there’s a website on the campus that you use to apply for tutelage, and they match you up with people that best suit your needs,” replied George.

“It’s that easy?”

“Yep, just like that. It costs a bit, but it’s worth it. Kara’s helped me bump my grade up a couple of points in the last couple months; it’s helped keep me on the team,” George said.

Henry scratched his chin.

“Do you still have your application somewhere,” Henry asked.

“Yeah, probably, why?”

“I want to apply for a tutor, just give me your information,” Henry prodded.

“I think I have it in my room, I’ll email it to you,” George replied, and then went back to filling his glass.

Henry stood there a moment watching him drink, wishing that he’d take the hint.

“Now, please,” Henry said, taking the glass from George’s hand and setting it on the table.

George raised an eyebrow at him and left for his room in the house. Henry followed close by.

“How about you just bring up the application, and I’ll fill out the rest before sending it in,” Henry said.

George nodded.

“You’ll probably end up with the girl that ditched you tonight,” George said.

“You don’t say, wouldn’t that be something,” Henry said.

With a few taps on his laptop, George pulled up his old application. Henry pushed George from his chair and started changing a few of the fields.

“Hmm, maybe Albert Conrad,” Henry said.

“Albert, Who?” George asked.

“Nothing, George, can you answer me a question, what does Kara like?”

George looked at Henry with drunken eyes and tried to understand what he was being asked.

“Reading, I guess,” George replied.

“You’re no help, George,” said Henry.

“I know.”

“I’ll turn off your computer when I’m done, just get back to the party for me.”

“Okay, Henry.”

George stumbled out of his room, slamming the door behind him unexpectedly.

Henry continued to fill in the fields of the application. Some of the details he made up on the fly, while others he used from his own record to help his case. When he thought the application was perfect, he submitted it.

Henry felt butterflies in his stomach. He wanted to spend more time with Kara, and this seemed the only way to do it.

4.

The usual people were on the list, and Kara didn’t mind who she had to tutor, so long as they were willing to learn and able to pay.

Living on campus was becoming more expensive every quarter that passed, and she had to take on even more students to handle the load.

One applicant stood out to her on the list. Albert Conrad. He needed help in areas that she was quite proficient in; though he did sound like he might be a little slow to learn. It didn’t really matter, though; everyone deserved a fair shot at good grades.

Kara signed the waiver and took on two more students; the first she decided to call was Albert.

“Hello?” replied the speaker.

“Albert Conrad,” she asked.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“This is Kara, and I’ve decided to take you on as a student that I’ll be tutoring. Do you have time to meet me later today?”

“Of course; the library at 2 pm would be perfect,” he replied.

“Excellent, I will see you then,” Kara said before hanging up the phone.

Something seemed very familiar about the voice on the other line, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

Time passed, and the clock eventually read 2 pm. It was raining again outside, and Kara sat and watched out the window again with a book in hand.

She felt a tap on her shoulder and swiveled to see Henry standing there.

“Why are you here,” she asked.

“Albert said he couldn’t make it, and I should take his spot,” he replied while plopping down in the overstuffed chair nearby.

“How do you know Albert,” Kara wondered.

“Well, funny story, that,” Henry said, “I made him up.”

Kara wasn’t laughing.

“Henry, why are you torturing me like this,” she asked.

“I really don’t know,” he replied.

There was sincerity in his reply that Kara hadn’t heard before. Henry appeared genuine for the first time since Kara had met him.

“Okay, Henry, you’ve had your fun, I need to get back to real work now.”

Henry didn’t budge from his seat.

“Kara, why do we constantly fight?” he asked.

Kara knew what she wanted to say, but wondered if she was just parroting what she had said in the past. The only reason she could honestly come up with is that she didn’t want to feel like she was just another face. She wanted to be more than just another passing fancy.

“We fight because you’re super annoying,” she said.

Henry smirked.

“I guess you’ll never let down your guard,” Henry said while standing up to leave.

Kara stood as well.

“Is this some kind of joke,” she asked, “you make someone up so that you can come see me after you said that you wouldn’t bother me anymore. Now you’re walking away with your tail between your legs.”

Henry paused and lingered for a moment before answer, trying to think of a reply. Nothing really came to him, so he just said what was on his mind.

“Kara, I don’t like many people, but I like you,” he said.

Kara let out a brash laugh that left Henry feeling a little silly.

“Henry, I don’t think you know what it means to like someone.”

“Kara, I mean it when I ask you out, I really do want to try to take you out for a date and see if we could be something more than acquaintances.”

She was feeling incredibly frustrated. This was a new tactic, for sure, and Kara couldn’t figure it out.

“Okay Henry, let’s try it,” she said, surprising herself.

She hadn’t meant to accept, but the words escaped her mouth before she’d really thought about them.

Henry’s eyes lit up, his usual serious gaze disappeared.

“I don’t suppose you’d want to go out right now, would you?”

Kara shook her head.

“No, I’m busy today,” she couldn’t backpedal this time. “Just call me, maybe we can get together later or tomorrow. I’m usually free on Sunday’s.”

“It’s a date,” he said, bouncing out from the library.

The rain let up, and small jets of sunlight streamed in through the glass. Kara already missed the rain, but the rainbow was a welcome change.

“Great,” she said to herself with an exhausted sigh.

5.

Sunday began with a phone call.

“Hello,” Kara said, answering the call with her eyes full of sleep

“I think I have an idea of what we can do today, dress warm and meet me downstairs,” Henry replied then ended the call.

Kara wanted to stay in bed for another hour or two. She rarely had the chance to sleep in, and this was the first day in more than a few months that she’d had the time.

Still, she found herself interested in seeing what he meant by ‘dress warm.'

Kara raided her closet and put on the warmest things she could find. Sadly they didn’t look that great together. Kara was a curvier girl, and it was always hard to find things that fit just right. Her large bosom barely fit into regular bras from the store, and her curvier hips made buying jeans a nightmare.

She usually ended up in comfy leggings and a knee length dress. Today, she put on a pair of ill-fitting jeans and a sweater than made her look just a little bit wider than usual. Kara hated it but went with it anyway.

Downstairs, in the walkway leading up to her apartment, stood Henry. A small bundle of wildflowers perched in his hand and his hair was combed just a little bit to one side. Kara suppressed a giggle at his new hairdo.

“Alright, what’s the plan then,” she said.

“Today is a special day,” Henry replied.

“Oh yeah, and what’s that mean,” questioned Kara.

“It means that you’re in for quite a treat.”

Then he thrust the small band of flowers towards her.

“These are for you,” he said.

She took the mangy flowers from him.

“Thanks,” she said unenthusiastically.

Henry offered an arm, and Kara reluctantly took it.

Although, now that she was there, she liked it. She knew that she’d get a lot of looks from any other girl that walked along the sidewalk.

Kara’s curiosity was going a bit wild. She wondered what it was that he’d planned for the day. He made no mention nor did he have anything that gave away his plan. Henry just continued to walk with purpose down the lane.

A small band of people was gathered up ahead. Kara recognized the area but didn’t understand why people were gathering in the space.

“What are we doing here,” Kara asked.

“You’ll see in about five more minutes,” Henry replied after checking his phone.

Kara started trying to guess, but she hadn’t a clue. More people started gathering until there must have been more than fifty people that had congregated. It must be something important, but there wasn’t anything around except for people.

Then a single person came running through the middle of the crowd with a spray paint can. They continued to fire a steady stream in a line along the ground through the middle of the crowd.

Once the line was finished, Kara started to realize what was happening. Each side of the line faced the other and dodgeballs started appearing out of nowhere.

“Don’t tell me this is a-”

“Dodgeball Flash mob!” shouted Henry.

The two sides clashed with ferocity. Small rubber balls flew this way, and that, and Kara did her best to avoid them. Henry went on the attack, catching a few balls that would have hit Kara and throwing them back in the chaos.

At first, Kara felt incredibly out of place, but after five minutes she couldn’t stop laughing. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had as much fun in a crowd. Even when they were tagged by the balls they calmly walked out of the crowd and waited for another chance to get back in. For almost half an hour the crowd played before they started dispersing.

Out of breath and ready to leave, Kara and Henry parted ways with the action and made for the shops nearby. Kara led Henry to her favorite coffee shop just down the road and ordered them both a hot chocolate to warm back up. Together, they sat in the overstuffed chairs by the fireplace in the middle of the room.

“Okay, I’ll admit,” Kara started, “I had fun. Thank you for the invite.”

Henry nodded with a mustache of whipped cream covering his smile.

“I thought you might enjoy it. The best things in life are free,” he replied.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Kara added.

“So tell me, has your opinion of me improved a bit,” Henry asked.

“Perhaps a small bit,” she replied.

“Progress is progress,” he quipped, “I was thinking I could cook you lunch at my place.”

“How about you make me lunch at my apartment so that I can change out of these ridiculous clothes,” Kara said.

“So eager to invite me in, I see where this is going,” he said with a laugh.

“We could just call it a day right now if you keep up that attitude,” she replied.

“Okay, okay. Old habits die hard. I think your place is probably cleaner anyway,” he said.

Together they finished their drinks and sauntered off, back down the road. They continued to talk as though meeting for the first time. A certain level of maturity was exuding from Henry that Kara hadn’t seen before.

They stopped at a grocery store and gathered a few things they might like for lunch, and Henry promised that she wouldn’t have to lift a finger.

Once they returned to the tiny apartment, Henry wasted no time getting acquainted with the kitchen. He showed a lot of talent at cooking that Kara didn’t know he had.

“I cook a lot, actually,” he said, “I just grew up as the head chef of the family since my mom was always working.”

“And your dad?”

“He wasn’t in the picture at all. Guess he just figured he had better places to be.”

Kara felt a little sorry for him, and she made it apparent with her face.

“It’s nothing to be sorry about,” he said, “I actually never minded taking care of my younger siblings. We’re a close family and always will be.”

He smiled, but this time, it was honest and heartfelt.

The food he made was quite good, the two of them sat on her bed in the small studio apartment as there wasn’t much other seating.

“Do you know why I always shoved you away?” Kara asked.

Henry shook his head no.

“You have this air about you, like everything in life is easy. I’ve never had friends like you do, nor have I had such an easy time getting into college. I might have a scholarship too, but I had to spend hours studying to get it. You just had to play a sport.”

“I spent hours practicing,” he replied, “probably spent more hours on skates than you did with your nose in a book.”

She really didn’t know what else to say. But, then he leaned in and stole a kiss.

Kara couldn’t believe it when it happened, but didn’t pull away. When Henry stopped, she felt sad that it was over so soon.

Kara moved back in for another kiss, and Henry was happy to oblige her. She gracefully put her hands around him, and he hugged her and pulled her in closer.

A rush of emotion and excitement came to her. She knew she wanted this and Henry surged with passion, laying her down on the bed gingerly.

Kara stripped off her top, revealing her large buxom chest, exciting her mate even more. He followed suit and tore off his raggedy white shirt.

She calmed herself momentarily as he unhooked her bra. Kara felt a little embarrassed, not knowing what he would think about her, now that he’d seen her like this.

Henry looked ravenous, rubbing and pinching her nipples with his hand. Kara caressed down along his tight abs, running her hand along each ridge. Then she found her hand resting on his jeans, wanting to free his manhood.

She dexterously undid his jeans and tugged them down, along with his underwear. He stopped for a moment to stand up and finish taking off his garments, and while he did, Kara saw the perfect chance to remove what little she had left.

Henry stood at the end of the bed, surveying his prize. Kara let go of her inhibitions and opened her legs just a little further so he could get a better view.

Like a wild animal, he collapsed on the bed. She felt warmth in the pit of her stomach and felt her chest get more flush as she lie there with him kissing every inch of her.

Henry kissed further and further down her stomach until his mouth met her wet sex, and with a flick of his tongue she felt ignited. Tiny sparks shot through every little nerve in her body, making her fingers tingle and her head light up with excitement.

Every circular lick with his tongue excited her more until she could take no more. She wanted him now.

Kara grabbed his head and pulled it up to hers. He did as he was told, following along and bringing his mouth up to meet her.

“I want you inside me,” she said.

His throbbing member rubbed up and down her dripping womanhood, something she hadn’t felt in a long time. With a slight pop, she could feel him begin to enter. The tingly feeling in her extremities was heightened the further he pressed in.

Henry was bigger than she thought he’d be. She wondered if she would be able to take all of him, but he fears were quickly forgotten the more he inched inside.

He continued to suck and pinch on her nipples and only threw her to new planes of pleasure. Only once all of him had entered did he start pumping, in and out.

Henry’s hips motioned in circles around her as he pushed his manhood inside. She grasped the blankets out of reflex, or possibly in an attempt to keep her from flying away.

The world disappeared, and all that existed were two celestial bodies, wrapped in ecstasy. She didn’t want it to end, but could already tell it was near. Kara couldn’t last much longer.

The welling up inside her became completely unbearable until it took over. Her body began to spasm uncontrollably, and she let out a scream of relief as the pleasure took hold.

Henry could feel her tense around his manhood, as though she were trying to pull him inside more. He released himself inside her, pouring out everything he had.

The two continued on, cloaked in the pleasure of release and completely spent.

Tears started to stream down her cheeks without her realizing.

“What is it?” Henry asked, puzzled and sweaty.

“I haven’t opened up to someone in a long while. Not since high school. I’m happy that I got the chance with you,” Kara replied.

“It’s still early in the day, I think we could have that chance again soon,” Henry replied with a coy grin.

Kara rolled her eyes and fell back in the bed, exhausted.

6.

“You need to get your grades up, or you won’t be able to play anymore,” said the coach.

Henry was hoping he wouldn’t hear that for some time. He tried his best to keep his grades up, but he rarely had the time to work on his homework and practice.

“You might think about getting a tutor. They can be expensive, but I’ve seen many students raise their grades within a few weeks.”

Henry wanted to do just that, but the thing that was holding him back was something that he had little to no control over.

“Alright, Coach. I’ll see what I can do.”

Despite his carefree attitude, Henry was usually under a lot of stress, and most of it had to do with what he might be eating the next day. He didn’t have a job to buy things and was only provided enough money, from his scholarship, for lodging and tuition. He still had to buy all his own books and food, and those were not cheap.

Still, he thought to himself, maybe Kara would be willing to help out if he were to ask her nicely. She was a tutor after all, and quite a smart one.

They had been seeing each other almost nightly for the last week. He spent more time at her place than he did at his own, by far. After practice, he would head straight there, and the two would usually end up entwined before the days end.

Henry thought fondly of their escapades; he liked her more than she probably realized. Although, he still couldn’t figure out exactly why.

A few hours passed, and he headed to Kara’s tiny apartment.

He wanted to ask her straight away, but he was easily distracted. Once she answered the door, he greeted her with a kiss. She answered in kind.

The day wore on, and they found themselves lying in the bed, sweaty and relaxed.

“Kara,” he said.

“Yes,” she asked.

“So, we’ve been spending a lot of time together, and I know that it’s mostly been just us enjoying each other. But, I have a favor I’d like to ask.”

“Just get out with it, will you?”

Henry hesitated.

“Okay, I need a tutor to help me get my grades up, or I won’t be able to keep playing,” he said.

Kara sat up, draping the sheets over herself as she did so.

“You what?” she asked.

“I need a tutor, and I thought you might be able to help me,” he said again.

“Okay, I can do it, and I’ll even lower my rate,” she said.

“That sounds fine,” he said, he wanted to tell her that he couldn’t pay, but he was afraid that she would say no. And, he really needed the help.

“Can we start tomorrow,” he asked.

“Sure,” she replied.

He felt a little relieved that he’d have a tutor, but he still felt stressed about what she’d say after she found out he’d be unable to pay.

The day passed, and the two met in the library. Kara was a good teacher, and Henry knew that. He worked his hardest to catch up and over the course of the next week, he was actually quite successful.

“Okay, it’s been a week. Do you think I’ll be able to get paid for my time,” she asked.

“Would it be alright if I paid you next week,” he asked.

“Why can’t you pay right now,” she asked in turn.

“I could pay you through other means,” he said, leaning over for a kiss.

She pulled away.

“Wait. Is this why you constantly pursued me for the last while? You needed to get a tutor for free?”

Henry felt terrible that she thought like this.

“No, that’s not it in the slightest-”

“I can’t believe how far you’d go to keep playing your stupid sport. You slept with me so that you could save some money on a tutor. That’s incredibly low, Henry.”

Kara closed her books, stuffing them inside her bag. A few of the other patrons of the library were starting to take notice, and Henry was getting really nervous; something he rarely felt or allowed himself to feel.

“It’s over, Henry,” she said.

Kara stood to leave, and Henry wanted to dart up and grab her. He wanted to do anything to keep her here and tell her the truth, but he was too embarrassed.

He let her leave and just sat there in shock. The one person he thought he could confide in had just walked out of his life, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

7.

Kara couldn’t remember the last time she’d cried this hard. Of course, it was due to her own stupidity. She finally thought that she’d met a man that she was capable of opening up to and possibly connecting with. Instead, she got stuck with a man that lied to her; and made her feel like some kind of prostitute.

Her phone rang several times through the night for the last few days. Nearly every call was from Henry, but she didn’t want to talk to him. She nearly threw her phone out the window to make it stop ringing.

Kara tried her hardest to sleep early, but couldn’t. She started analyzing what she did wrong because she wanted to be sure it wouldn’t happen again.

George was calling; Kara answered.

“You’re late, Kara. Where are you?”

It caught her by surprise; she’d never missed a session before.

“Just wait there, I’ll be right over.”

Kara clicked the phone off and dressed quickly, not caring what she put on.

When she arrived at the library, in her usual spot, George was already there with his books open on the table. He’d been studying on his own, but it didn’t look like he really understood what he was reading.

“What’s got into you,” George asked.

She sat her things down on the table and plopped into her seat.

“It’s a boy thing,” she replied.

“Yeah, Henry has been pretty broken up, too. He was just sitting in a lounge chair in the backyard all day.”

Kara forgot that George lived in the same house that Henry did.

“What, did he finally get kicked off the team,” Kara asked with an annoyed tone.

“No, but coach pulled him early last game. His head just wasn’t in it.”

Serves him right, Kara thought, Maybe he’d think twice before he gets that close to someone.

“Can we just focus on the task at hand,” Kara asked.

“I only have ten minutes left of this session, so I think I’ll spend them however I want.”

Here it comes, she thought.

“Whatever you did to Henry, he’s broken. Would you, at least, talk to the guy so he can get some closure with all this,” George asked.

Kara sighed; perhaps some closure was a good idea for both people.

“Fine, I’ll talk to him.”

“Good,” George replied. He stood up and started walking away.

“George?”

Then Henry took a seat across from her, again. She looked at him with seething hatred before turning away to hide her scowl.

“I know you’re upset. Would you, at least, hear me out before running off,” Henry asked.

“I’m listening, but I doubt it’ll help,” Kara replied sternly.

“Okay, this is something that I’ve been struggling with, and I don’t want anyone else to know. It could ruin my entire life and career if anyone knew.”

Kara was curious.

“I’m listening, Henry.”

He let out a drawn out sigh, focusing his thoughts and trying to loosen up.

“Kara, I’m incredibly poor,” he said.

“Is that all,” she asked with scorn.

“You don’t understand. I’m barely able to afford food. Girls around here see me wearing expensive clothes and spending time with the elite at the school. I take the clothes that my friends would give to charity. I do my own tailoring and cooking so that I can stay trendy.

“I need help to stay in school; this is my only shot at being something more than a nobody,” he said.

Kara looked at his eyes. She could see his eyes were already getting clouded with tears. She wanted to jump across the table and hug him, tell him everything would be okay. But, she didn’t.

“How can I really trust you,” Kara said.

“The best things in life are free, Kara,” he replied, “but if you want I can show you my bank statement. Or take you to the one bedroom apartment my mother raised three kids in.

“Or I could cook the same food that I cooked for my younger siblings daily.”

Kara was beginning to believe him. Perhaps he wasn’t lying to her.

“You know, you could have told me from the beginning. It wouldn’t have made me any less interested in you. It’s the fact that you took advantage of me before telling me the truth. It’s hard to come back from.”

He nodded. Tears rolled down his cheeks, and Kara could feel some start to well up behind her eyes.

“I believe you, Henry,” she said.

He moved to the chair next to her and leaned over to give her a hug. She accepted it readily. The feeling of warmth didn’t just come from him but also welled up inside her.

“You know, it’s been a few days,” she said.

He brushed the tears from his eyes and gave her a puzzled look.

Kara looked around the library. There weren’t that many people inside, and she felt a little frisky; feelings that felt odd when juxtaposed with her emotional state.

“I think you owe me this one,” she said.

Kara reached under her skirt and slid her underwear down to her knees. It seemed that Henry got the hint as he glanced around before ducking under the table.

The simple but pleasant touch of his hands on her thighs gave her a chill. She wasn’t entirely sure she was ready for what she asked for, but it was too late to back out now.

His tongue licked along her inner thigh and sent tingles to all her nerves. She opened her legs a little further and relaxed her head back into the seat.

She could feel herself opening up as he inched closer to her slit. The tip of his tongue met her little clit, and she shivered from the sensation. Kara put her hands on his head and pulled him in closer.

He obliged her and continued to tease her. Then, a surprising new twist came when he slipped his finger inside her dripping sex. It felt odd at first, but he rubbed along her g-spot inside, and the new sensation made her arch her back each time he rubbed it.

The motions of his tongue started to blur together, and she felt the familiar welling inside her stomach. She put a hand over her mouth in an effort to keep herself quiet, but it didn’t help much.

She moaned with pleasure with each flick of his tongue. He seemed to be enjoying himself as well, making his circles shorter and shorter.

Then she felt a sudden explosion and her body convulsed. She lost her breath in the moment, not realizing that she was crushing his head with her thighs.

He pulled himself free and snuck to the other side of the table.

Through heavy panting, Kara managed to say just one thing.

“Okay, I believe you.”

8.

“They’re not going to like me,” Henry said.

“I don’t think they’ll care that much,” Kara retorted.

It had been a couple of weeks since they managed to make up in the library.

“Do I have to tell them,” Henry asked.

“You know it’s wrong to keep lying to people that say they’re your friends,” she said.

“But, what if all the sudden I’m kicked off the team because I’m no longer one of them,” Henry added.

“You’ll always be a hockey player,” Kara said.

“Okay, alright, fine. You got me. I’ll do it. And, I’ll live with the consequences,” Henry said.

They were about to do just that. Kara and Henry walked down the familiar street; from Kara’s house to the house down the street that Henry normally lived.

Henry walked just a little bit slower, and Kara did her best to keep him on track. He continued to plead the entire way, and it drove her crazy having to constantly reassure him, but it was for the best.

Once they arrived, they were greeted at the door by George.

“Hey, you two,” he said, ushering them towards the living room where nearly the entire hockey team had congregated.

Kara joined a couple of the player’s girlfriends in the back and said her usual greetings. She found herself spending more time with them as of late. They weren’t the smartest people, but they were still good people.

Henry stood at the front of the assembly. He looked nervous like he would have preferred to be anywhere but there.

“Hey guys,” he started.

“Just get out with it,” George shouted from the crowd.

“Alright, alright. I’m getting to it.” Henry said. “You know how I’ve been a bit standoffish and rarely go out to the night clubs, or usually eat at home. Well, there’s a reason for all of that.”

Henry looked into Kara’s eyes for strength.

“I’m not a rich kid like all of you. I’m not cut from the same cloth. I know a lot of you only like to consort with your own kind, and I’m not that. I’m just a normal everyday poor kid who wanted to be liked.

“So, I lied to you all, and I hope you can forgive me.”

The group was quiet for a minute; more or less none of them really had an immediate response to his sudden bout of honesty.

“Is that all,” asked George, the loudest of them all.

“Well, yeah.”

The guys all started laughing, and Henry felt ashamed. He started to walk away from the front of the group.

“Here I thought you were going to tell us something serious like you were quitting the team.”

Henry paused.

“What?”

George hopped out and grabbed Henry.

“I think I speak for everyone here when I tell you that none of us care where you were born, or where you come from. You’re one of us.”

Henry tried his hardest to suppress the tears that were welling up behind his eyes, but he couldn’t. The rest of the team shot up from the various chairs and couches to give him a giant hug.

Henry made eye contact again with Kara from the middle of the crowd. She stood in the back laughing at the sudden outpouring of emotion.

The large crowd partied the night away, drinking and chatting. The team threw on their skates again and started another impromptu game of hockey in the backyard.

This time, though, Kara was there to cheer him on. He felt revved up, now free from the burden of his own lies and ready to make his way towards a more exciting future.

Kara stood in the back with her new friends.

“Ugh, you are too lucky, Kara. That Henry is probably the best catch of the entire school.”

Kara thought about it, and she really did feel lucky. She felt lucky because of the person she was dating, and felt excited to have made so many new friends.

She had finally been coaxed out of her shell, by the last person she expected. And, in turn, Kara pulled Henry out of his.

*****

THE END

SPORTS Romance - Hard Play

“It’s just a degree; don’t worry about it, you’ll find something good.”

Tiffany wasn’t the best at being uplifting. In fact, she was usually quite the opposite.

“Besides, you have Brad to keep you going anyway. When is that guy going to pop the question? You’ve been dating him since you got here; I would think almost four years would be enough time.”

She was making a little sense on that second point, but I wasn’t interested in getting married until after graduation. It worked in my favor anyway, since Brad hadn’t even proposed at all.

“Tiff, I know it’s just a piece of paper, and most places aren’t going to care what it says on it, but I’d like to know what I should aim for at least.”

I sipped on the hot coffee I’d just purchased, wishing it were something a little more alcoholic. Sadly, it was hard to find good parties this late in the year. Too many students were spending their time studying just to make the grade.

“Well, why don’t you just go to a graduate school, be a nurse or something. You’ve always been interested in helping people, right?”

She didn’t know me at all.

“Tiffany, I’d rather go and spend the next three years working to become a lawyer than a nurse. I’ve always thrown up at the sight of blood. Do you even know me at all?”

She laughed in my face. I was getting used to it now, but it still felt mean spirited whenever she did it.

“Lucy, don’t worry about it. There’s still another four months before graduation, plenty of time to decide what graduate schools to apply to, and plenty of time for that man of yours to man up and pop the question!”

I always wished that Tiffany were a little more of a realist. I doubt she really had any plans post-graduation. Her parents were wealthy, which gave her a measure of leniency that I couldn’t afford.

“Maybe I’ll check with a guidance counselor tomorrow; there are a few tests I can take that might help me figure it out.”

My coffee was cold, another reminder of how fast time passed. There was nothing she could say that would take my mind off this topic.

It enveloped me, as though I were standing in the middle of a desert with a thousand directions that I could walk, but only one would lead me to a town and salvation. But, I always imagined taking the wrong path and starving in the middle of nowhere wishing I’d gone a different direction.

Brad was normally there to hear out all my crazy thoughts and dreams. He was good to me like that, and I was good to him in every way he wanted; which usually meant doing something a little demeaning in the bedroom.

It helped that he was incredibly smart. He was almost the top of the class and headed towards a fantastic graduate school. I was jealous; he knew what he wanted.

“Oh, don’t look. Here comes Chris!”

I couldn’t help my curiosity, so of course I looked.

He was something to behold. He was tall and strong, with that perfect V-shaped upper body. His tight white shirt clung to his biceps on the verge of tearing. His gorgeous blue eyes scanned the room as he walked up to the counter to order a drink. It was almost annoying how attractive he was.

“Seriously, Tiff. If you’re so attracted to him, why don’t you go say ‘hi’ and let him know you exist.”

She stiffened in her seat, perking out her breasts. I almost smashed my head into the table to protest her rather barbaric display of attraction.

“Are you joking? He probably doesn’t remember half the people he meets on a daily basis,” she said taking a nervous sip of her coffee.

“Fine, I’ll go say hello,” I started before being pulled back down to my seat.

“Seriously, just stay here. Maybe he’ll come this way.”

I leaned back in my seat and stared at the ceiling. A stain caught my attention; it looked something like a giraffe which prompted a light guffaw that exited through my nose.

“What’s so funny,” I heard a man’s voice say.

It was Chris, naturally. He came into view while I still stared at the ceiling. I grasped the table and pulled myself up to a normal sitting position.

“Ha, I doubt you’d really be that interested,” I said.

“You’d be surprised what I’m interested in,” he replied.

I leaned back and pointed up at the ceiling tile, with the stain.

“I thought it was funny that it looked something like a giraffe,” I pointed out.

He looked up and let out a small bit of laughter. I couldn’t tell if he was laughing at my sense of humor, or if he was joining in on the joke.

“You’re quite a character, what’s your name?”

“Lucy,” I replied.

“And who’s your friend,” he asked.

“Tiffany!” she blurted out.

Chris stood up tall, and it almost looked like he was flexing a little more now.

“Mind if I give you a call sometime,” he said.

Tiffany nodded excitedly. He hadn’t really directed his comment at either of us, so it stood to reason that he was asking both of us. Tiffany whipped out her coffee receipt and scrawled her phone number hastily on the back.

“I don’t give my number to strangers,” I said.

“Well, that’s too bad,” he said, “it looks like we’ll have to get to know each other better.”

I wanted to think he was flirting with me, but he was looking at Tiffany the entire time. I sipped at my cold drink, and it was as disgusting as I imagined it would be, but the temporary relief of having to hold up my end of the conversation was welcome.

“Chris,” the barista shouted while placing a drink on the counter.

“Pleasure meeting you two, maybe we’ll talk later.”

He sauntered off to his drink to be joined by a couple other rather fine specimens of manhood.

“I’m freaking out, Lucy,” Tiffany started to say, “He has my number! I hope he calls. I hear he’s amazing in bed.”

“Says who,” I asked.

“Says nearly every girl that’s gone to a football game this season,” Tiffany replied.

“Thank god I didn’t give him my number. I’m perfectly happy with Brad.”

Tiffany tossed her drink in the bin behind her.

“I don’t know how you can drink cold coffee; it’s not right.”

“It’s hard to deny something you already have,” I replied.

“Well, you should start learning that sometimes, it’s better to enjoy new things you might hate. You never know what you’ll find you like.”

“Are you saying I should break up with Brad?”

She started laughing.

“No, I’m saying cold drinks are terrible, and I want you to buy me something I haven’t tried, yet. You did say that you’d buy the coffee if I helped you figure out where to go after college.”

“If only you were helpful,” I said as I stood up and headed towards the counter.

2.

I wasn’t exactly living with Brad, but it felt like I was. I spent more time at his modest apartment than I spent in my own room. He didn’t seem to mind at all.

“Hey Brad,” I said walking into the apartment.

Nobody responded. I dropped my things on the couch and started thinking of ways I could surprise him. I wondered if he’d like me lying in bed, waiting for him to return. Or I could make his favorite food and give him something to enjoy, first.

I couldn’t decide so I just went with a classic. I started to strip down, leaving a small line of clothes that led toward the bedroom.

He usually would get revved up by the time he entered, and I’d be ready to surprise him. But, when I opened the door to the bedroom, I was the one surprised. He was already here, and he smiled brightly at me.

“Hey, babe,” he said.

The only thing covering him was a blanket, and it looked like he had just left the gym as a thin sheen of sweat covered him.

“Looks like you wanted to get things started quickly,” I said, removing the last of my clothing and maneuvering towards the bed.

“Oh, you know it,” he replied.

I started to climb onto the bed until I heard a noise behind me. I spun my head to find the source. A girl, whom I didn’t recognize, was tip-toeing from the closet.

“Are you kidding me?” I said.

She started to move a lot faster, carrying her things with her as she sprinted to the exit. She was quick, and there was no way I’d catch her. So, I turned back to the real culprit.

“Brad, what the hell?!” I shouted.

“Okay, I can explain-”

“Explain what? There’s a naked girl carrying her clothes down the hallway.”

“Yeah, but it’s not what it looks like,” he replied

“What does it look like,” I asked sharply.

Brad studied my expression and realized there was no way he’d be getting out of this. His silence said enough.

“I thought so,” I said as I started to get dressed.

“Lucy, can we just talk this out?” he pleaded

“Sure, start talking,” I said as I seethed with rage.

He paused a moment, trying to get his thoughts together.

“Okay, I met her about a week ago. She’s a transfer student, new to the campus. I was showing her around, and she started coming on to me,” he said.

“So you decided it would be a good time to sleep with her?” I asked.

“It’s not my fault.”

“Goodbye, Brad,” I said, angrily.

“Wait, Lucy!” he shouted at me as I flung the front door open.

“What,” I said.

“Okay, you have every right to be angry. I messed up. I hope we can, at least, talk about this soon. I don’t want to lose you,” he replied sheepishly.

I fumed with rage just looking at him. But, the memories of all the great times we’d had together were also there. The nights we’d held each other during the rain; the days we ate ice cream and cookies until we couldn’t stand up, all those memories were there.

I wanted to hit him for the slap in the face he’d just handed me. He didn’t even have the guts to own up to his mistake and accept his punishment.

“Brad, I’m a forgiving person,” I said.

His tenseness seemed to relax, and he exhaled out. A smile started to form at the corner of his lips.

“Not this time, though,” I added, “I thought that you were a great guy. It turns out I was wrong.”

I slipped on my other shoe at the door and tried to sort out my attire, straightening what I could, but my brain was too rattled to manage.

“I’ll come get the couple things I left here when I manage to calm down. Goodbye, Brad.” I said.

I walked away in a fit of rage. He didn’t have anything to add, and that was good. I don’t know what else I would have said, but I know it wouldn’t have been nice.

Twilight was falling over the campus, and I would have to sleep in my own bed tonight. It had been a while, and I wondered what my roommate was doing.

What I really wanted to do was break something.

3.

A sock on the door only meant one thing; Tiffany was getting laid. What else was I to expect from one of the most promiscuous girls on campus?

I remembered there was a bar just down the street that we used to visit on Friday nights from time to time. I couldn’t remember the name, but a drink just sounded good right now.

Even though I was angry at Brad, it was incredibly hard to keep my thoughts off him. He was the dumbest guy I knew, giving up so easily on such a great relationship for a fleeting one night stand.

I wondered who the girl was. Was she prettier that me? Was I just not that interesting anymore? Had we really told each other all our stories and become a boring couple? I couldn’t fathom whatever reason he had. Maybe it was just his twenty-two-year-old hormones taking over and ruining the one good thing he had.

I knew he was regretting it. My constantly ringing phone was a grim reminder of that. It was bothering me, so I turned the thing off. The less I thought about it, the better.

I felt like making some mistakes tonight.

It was only a ten-minute walk to the bar down the street. I took a seat and started regretting my decision to come. A few members of the Football team had decided to come out for drinks tonight as well. They were stirring up a raucous while playing pool.

I stayed out of sight and just stared into my glass, finishing drink after drink.

“Does the bottom of that drink look like an animal, too,” I heard Chris say from behind.

“What the hell do you want,” I said.

I slammed the glass back on the bar; I definitely slurred my speech.

“Whoa, take it easy. I’m just here to talk. Maybe get to know you a little better,” he said.

“Tonight isn’t the best night for talking to me.”

“And, why is that?” he asked.

If I were soberer I probably would have avoided saying anything, but what did I care right now.

“If you have to know; I caught my boyfriend of the last three years sleeping with some girl.”

Chris leaned back, surprised at what he heard.

“Okay, that’s a rough one. Here, let me buy you your next drink. I have a feeling you need it.”

I just nodded and rested my head on my hand.

“You know, you’re pretty cute,” I said, not realizing what I was saying.

“That’s not the first time I’ve heard that,” he replied with a laugh.

“I bet nobody would ever leave you if you didn’t want them to,” I said.

“Probably not, but I wouldn’t know. I don’t really stay with people too long,” he replied.

“Why the hell not,” I asked.

“It’s hard to stay with people for too long; you get stuck in a bunch of drama-”

He stopped himself mid-sentence, realizing he’d probably said a little bit too much.

“Let’s just say, I don’t like to be tied down,” he added, trying to smooth over a possible blunder.

“I get it; I get it. I’m sure I would’ve been the same way as you, but I just like being able to curl up with someone when I want to.”

“That sounds boring,” he replied, “I’m young and would rather meet as many people as possible. All that sappy girly stuff isn’t for me.”

I tried my best to focus my eyes on him; I wondered if he was really serious or just having a laugh. He seemed to be telling the truth.

“I bet you wouldn’t be saying that if you met someone that mattered,” I said, returning myself to my new drink.

“I’ll let you know when I meet someone that matters,” he replied.

“You’ve slept with half the women that go to this college, and you haven’t met a single one that mattered? That’s convenient,” I slurred at him.

He grabbed me to hold me in my seat; I’m sure I would have fallen out of it otherwise.

“Why would I bother getting involved with anyone here? Am I really going to see these people when I’m playing pro ball? I’d rather just have my fun while I’m here and move on.”

While his point may have been idiotic to hear, I did understand his meaning. We’re all in college for only a few years; a few gleaming years when you can do whatever you want without any real repercussions.

“I guess I kinda get what you’re trying to say,” I replied.

“Good,” he replied, “you should be having more fun. This recent ex-boyfriend of yours is doing it.”

“Don’t remind me,” I replied, taking another large swig.

“Okay, something else is bothering you, isn’t it,” he said.

“Yeah, and what do you really care?” I replied.

“Whoa, don’t throw me the attitude. I’m just trying to keep you from passing out on the bar,” he said raising his hands in the air in a gesture of innocence.

“Well, if you must know, I don’t know what I’m going to do after college. Brad was the only thing I was able to count on.”

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you shouldn’t count on anyone.”

I moved my head to lean on my other hand so I could keep Chris in eyeshot.

“Aren’t you a player on the football team? Aren’t you supposed to count on people?”

“Count on these jokers,” he said under his breath, “I’ll probably lose my pro-ball shot if I relied on these guys.”

I looked at the group partying in the back. They hadn’t heard the insult that their quarterback had just thrown, but I was there to catch it.

“You know, you should try trusting them a little more. If you get to the pros and keep the same attitude, your team is going to kill you.”

“You mean when I get to the pros,” he laughed.

I joined in with an awkward laugh and silence fell between the two of us. He leaned over and whispered in my ear.

“You wanna get out of here?”

“I’m drunk, and my ex-boyfriend just broke up with me.”

“That sounds like a yes to me,” he said with a smile.

He had a smug face, but it was still a super cute smile. I still had Brad’s transgression stamped in my memory, but somehow Chris was helping me forget. Besides, he’s been with a lot of people and Tiffany had good things to say. Maybe I should give it a shot.

“You know what, let’s go for it. But, we can’t go back to my place. My roommate is shacked up, and I don’t want to try calling her, my phone is dead.”

I lied about the phone being dead, but I don’t think he cared.

“Okay, we can head back to my place.”

I knew this was about to be a mistake, but my body yearned for some comfort and alcohol wasn’t cutting it. I felt a surge of adrenaline as I paid my tab. I maybe have been drunk, but I wasn't completely out of my mind.

I followed him towards the nearby parking lot where his truck was waiting. His helping hands got me into the passenger seat, which was sitting just a little too far off the ground for me to get into without help.

The ride was a blur, but I knew we’d gone out of town. The forest unfolded, and the stars began to shine through the paltry clouds that covered the sky.

My head was coming around, and I started sobering up.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“To my favorite place in the area, I don’t think anyone else knows about it. You’ll see.”

After a few more miles we pulled off the road and followed an old pair of tire marks towards a small clearing in the trees. We pulled up nearby, and he gestured for me to hop out.

I looked around at the sights, and it was understandably gorgeous. I was jealous that this was the first time I’d seen it.

The clearing was nearly a perfect circle of untouched tall grass. We were away from all the city lights, and the evening sky opened up to us. The stars looked so close that I thought I could just reach out and touch them. With the truck clicked off I could hear a babbling of water off to the west.

I wanted to investigate more, but Chris was pulling a large blanket from the cab. My heart suddenly skipped a beat as I realized why I was really here.

Chris was the guy that most guys dreamed they could be, and I had the chance to be intimate with him for the night. I’d only ever really cared about Brad, but now all the emotions that I felt for him were confused. The love I once felt was quickly turning to rage.

I started to wonder if I was only sleeping with Chris to make Brad jealous. But, I didn’t want to be with Brad anymore, I wanted to enjoy tonight.

Chris took off his shirt, flashing his gorgeous muscles. I started feeling the real impact of my decision but didn’t have any intention of changing it.

He laid himself down on the blanket, and I joined him.

“So, what do you see,” he started.

I looked at the sky; I knew the constellations.

“I don’t see any animals,” I replied.

He turned to me and craned his neck in for a kiss. I turned my head to accept and felt the warmth of his lips. He was a tender kisser, not forcing himself at all. I let it happen, and begged for more.

I leaned up on my elbow and rolled over to kiss him again. His arms wrapped around my lower back and pulled me on top of him. He smiled as I continued to kiss him.

His hands caressed up and along my back, the motions sent shivers down my spine that made me quiver. I had never been with someone as attractive as Chris, so I didn’t know what to do.

He decided for me, as he tugged my shirt up over my head. I reached around to my back and unsnapped my bra, letting my small perky breasts feel the cool autumn air.

Chris put a hand on one, massaging it gently, and then met the other with his lips. He started to suck and lick around my nipple and the feeling danced around in my head. I could feel myself starting to drench my underwear, a feeling that I haven’t had in a long time.

I sat up; straddling his abs with my tight toned thighs, and propped my arms up on his strong pecs. With my free hand, I started to unzip his jeans. I could already tell that he was rock hard through his pants.

He kissed me along my neck and bucked his hips to push his jeans down to his ankles, freeing his throbbing member for me to enjoy. I took it in hand and stroked along the length. He was much bigger than Brad was, and I looked forward to the new sensation.

I perhaps looked forward to it a little too much, as I bit my lower lip. The look only seemed to rev him up. He lifted me off his stomach threw me to the blanket; then started to tear off my jeans.

I did my best to help, but he didn’t need any. He paused for a moment, taking in the sight of my naked body. His expression changed a little as he disappeared between my thighs.

He kissed down the length of my left thigh while massaging the other thigh with his empty hand. I squirmed in delight as he kissed closer and closer to my sex.

I shuddered and moaned when he kissed my little clit. He teased me just a little with his finger before leaning back down to continue with his mouth.

He flicked it at just the right angle, and I could feel an orgasm beginning to build in my stomach. I tried pushing myself into his face more, in an eager and vain attempt to get there faster. But, I think he knew.

My legs wrapped around his head, urging him to keep going. He continued running circles up and down my tiny slit, and every little lick sent shivers down my spine. I couldn’t hold on anymore.

My hands tensed up, grabbing onto the blanket, as though I were trying to keep holding onto planet earth as I was sent into ecstasy.

It must have been shocking for him, because when I finally managed to relax, I realized he was still wrapped up in my thighs.

I let him go, and he stood up, I felt it was time I showed him what I was capable of.

I rolled to my knees before he could take one more step, and kissed the head of his member. He stopped in place, hoping I’d continue.

I had a lot of practice with this, it was my ex’s favorite thing, and I dutifully obliged whenever possible. Now, I would get to practice on someone more worthy of my efforts.

I wondered if I’d be able to fit him in my mouth entirely. There was only one way to find out. With one hand I reached up and began to stroke his shaft while the other began to fondle his sack.

I pulled him into my mouth, feeling his girth open my jaw the further I took him. He moaned in excitement as I could feel him throb as the tip of his manhood reached the back of my throat. I don’t think he’d ever had someone who was capable of taking so much of him in such a way.

I bobbed my head while covering the rest of his shaft with my hand. He didn’t last long, which I would normally consider disappointing, but this time, I took pride in my skills. His juices shot down the back of my throat, which I swallowed neatly.

He doubled over on the blanket. I could tell he was spent, but I wasn’t ready to call it a night.

I threw a leg over his abs, and he smiled excitedly as I did so. I could feel my sex dripping all over his skin. He grabbed my hips and guided them back to his pelvis.

I could feel his manhood running along the length of my slit until his head felt my entrance.

He lifted his hips and thrust himself inside my willing opening. I felt him fill me up inch by inch. He felt like a giant compared to my ex, and on the first thrust, I had lost it.

It was like my brain just clicked off and gave in to the excitement of the moment. Only once he’d gone in as far as he could did he pick me up by the hips, pulling himself out, only to lower me back on top.

I felt like a ragdoll to his whim, and I liked it. He sped up as he continued, pulling me down harder and harder with each passing thrust.

I moaned with what little energy I had remaining, and I felt another orgasm begin to swell in the pit of my stomach. It grew somewhere I’d never felt before, and as it did so, I started giving in to the pleasure.

The explosive release of orgasm took hold of me harder than any orgasm I’d felt before. It rippled through my back, and my tiny breasts, and my stomach. I wanted to scream in release, but I couldn’t find my voice, it was stolen by the moment.

Then I could feel him tense up while he was inside me, and his spurts shot straight into my welcoming sex.

I collapsed on top of him, and neither he nor I had the energy to move anymore.

“It looks like a giraffe,” he said.

I rolled off him and looked to the clouds.

“You’re full of it,” I replied.

4.

I turned my phone back on in the truck ride back to the school campus. I wondered how much I’d missed during the night of passion. Chris did little more than drive.

I missed almost twenty calls from Brad alone, along with just as many messages. I hadn’t much interest in listening to what he had to say, but I did so anyway.

Most of the messages were about how sorry he was. I wanted to forgive him, but I was still just too angry to even consider the thought. Then the last few messages had him going off the deep end, talking about how much I owed him for being in the relationship.

I just deleted anything that sounded remotely like him. Then I got a message from Tiffany.

“You’ll never guess who I slept with, Chris from the football team. God, he was so dreamy. I wonder if he’ll be free tomorrow for another round.”

I clicked off the messages.

“Did you sleep with my roommate, Tiffany, yesterday,” I asked.

“She was your roommate?”

“Yes,” I said.

“I did. I called her after practice the other day, and it sounded like she was super excited.”

I wanted to be angry at Chris, but it wasn’t as though we were dating. He even explained to me the other night that he was only here for some fun.

“Well, at least, this was a one-time thing,” I said.

“Really? After all that, you don’t want to try a second time. I really have to say that you were the best I’ve had since coming to the school.”

I blushed at the compliment, but I was still a little upset, so I kept a straight face.

“Chris, you’re just here for some fun, remember?” I snapped.

“Yeah, but fun is best when it’s shared,” he replied with a cheesy grin.

I sighed.

“Listen, Chris, this is the one and only time I’m going to sleep with you. I have more important things to do with my time than sleep with some college bonehead that’ll stick his dick in the first girl that bends over.”

“That was harsh,” he replied.

“If I don’t figure out what to do with my life, then my entire college career is going to become a pointless waste of time. I can’t be sleeping around; this is important.”

He went quiet for a moment.

“You should be a counselor because then you can yell at everyone all the time about how stupid they are and make all their decisions for them,” he said.

“You’re kidding, right?” I asked.

“I don’t see where the joke was,” he started, “you spent our entire conversation at the bar trying to figure me out. You did the same to your friend Tiffany when I met you guys at the coffee shop. I might not be the smartest person in the world, but I can tell you would be a decent counselor.”

He wasn’t entirely wrong. I did like trying to figure people out, and advising them. I wondered why I’d never thought of it before.

The truck pulled up to my apartment that I rented with Tiffany.

“Thanks for the evening, Chris,” I said, “maybe we can get some coffee and chat some other time. Like friends are supposed to.”

“We’ll see. I have a lot of girls bent over and waiting for me, after all,” he said with a laugh.

I couldn’t stifle my own giggle at his somewhat obnoxious comment.

With the door shut, he drove off.

I wondered what kind of counselor I would be.

5.

I started thinking about being a counselor more and more as time continued on. It had been nearly a week since my excursion with Chris. Brad had finally stopped harassing my phone, which allowed me to continue on with life. And, I finally got my things back.

I had begun researching what counselors do, and what kinds of courses would lead into that position. To my surprise, nearly all of my classes would lead me toward that goal.

I emailed the school counselors about what they really did and all of them were incredibly helpful in responding to my requests. In fact, one of them offered to let me shadow them for a day. I was more than a little curious.

Then Chris called.

“Hello,” I said.

“Coffee?” he asked.

“Sure, I could use a pick-me-up,” I replied.

The phone clicked off. He wasn’t as much of a jerk as I had initially thought. In fact, he was quite nice. We’d continue to text back and forth for some time now.

I threw my blonde hair into a simple bob and put on whatever happened to be lying around. I wasn’t in the mood to dress myself up for Chris since he probably had just slept with someone earlier this afternoon anyway.

Chris sat there waiting in one of the large plush leather seats. I wanted to think that wasn’t attracted to him anymore, but that was a lie.

I ordered my drink and joined him in the chair that sat nearby.

“Have you changed your mind, yet?” he asked.

“I didn’t know I’d had a decision to make,” I replied.

“Do you want to go for another round?” he asked.

“Oh, that.”

I took a long sip of my coffee and tried to figure out a response.

“Chris, you’re an interesting man, but I can’t see myself with you.”

He tried to hide a downtrodden look with a smile. I caught a glimmer of sadness brush past his face.

“You’re not the kind of person I can just be ‘friends’ with,” he started, “you’re a great woman.”

I laughed.

“I didn’t even know we were friends already.”

He leaned back in his chair, returning to the cocky man that I’d started to know.

“I think we’re something better than that,” he said.

“Oh?”

“But, I think you’ll need to figure that one out,” he added.

He had his charms, and they were incredibly hard to deny. But, I didn’t really see a future with him. It was as though I was looking at a beautiful possibility that I knew wouldn’t last. He was too carefree; seeming to lack even a shred of dependability.

“I think we’re friends, Chris,” I said.

He looked disappointed as I said it. I barely even knew the guy, he just sort of fell into my lap; probably a little too literally.

“Well, would you like to at least go for a drive for a while? Maybe take your mind off school?” he said.

“I suppose,” I said, figuring I could use the distraction.

He pulled me out the door with him. I probably should have said no, I didn’t want to get his hopes up. But, I couldn’t help but say yes to such a simple request.

We drove for a while, talking about life and other random things that went along with it. I vented more than I thought I would, mostly about Brad. But, I think I spent more time trying to sum up my frustrations about graduation and my path in life.

I couldn’t tell if he was listening at times, but he always had something to add to the conversation. I started feeling a little guilty that I spent so much time rambling about my own problems.

“So, why did you call me out for coffee like this,” I asked.

“I’m nervous,” he replied.

“You, nervous? About what?” I asked, surprised.

“There were some talent scouts at the last game a couple of nights back. I heard they were watching me pretty intently. I worked my hardest, even running in a few plays on my own. Not to be a show-off, but I did want to give them a good show.”

“That’s great news!” I said.

“They’re supposed to be calling today. This could be my shot at going pro,” he said, his voice wavering just a tad.

I could see how much this meant for him; he wore it on his face as though it were a mask.

Then his phone started to ring. He calmly pulled the truck over and pulled it from his pocket. I only heard one side of the conversation. Mostly just ‘yeah’ and ‘uh huh’, but I could see the news wasn’t good.

His hands shook as he clicked off the conversation without a goodbye. Without a word, he returned to driving. I wanted to ask him what got him so worked up. He didn’t seem interested in talking.

“Do you want to talk about it,” I asked.

He slowed the truck down and pulled over to the side of the road. Once we stopped, he jerked the keys from the ignition and stepped out.

I followed along, hopping down to join him. We had stopped at what would normally be a sight to behold. But, while we both stared out at it, I was the only one enjoying it for the sights.

He hid his emotions as best he could, but it’s hard to hide depressing news.

“That was the coach. He got a call today,” Chris said.

“Yeah, what did they say,” I asked.

“The agents called, and they don’t like my attitude, whatever that means.”

“What did they say exactly,” I asked.

“They said I wasn’t a team player,” he replied, “among other things.”

“Well, maybe you can just work harder and working with your team, instead of trying to win all the games by yourself. You said it yourself; you don’t rely on them as much as you should.”

He sighed. It was a heavy, emotional sigh. I maneuvered in and gave him a hug. He looked at me, somehow wondering what I was doing, but accepting it all the same.

“Thanks,” he said.

“Don’t mention it,” I replied.

“Is this what you mean about having someone you can cozy up next to,” he asked.

I nodded.

“I wonder what else I’ve been missing,” he said.

We stood there, arms wrapped together, for what seemed like hours. I watched the clouds crawl overhead, and soaked in the autumn air.

It wasn’t until the sun began to creep over the horizon that we both planted ourselves back in the truck. Chris looked like he’d been drained, emotionally.

Once we were back in the truck, he started leaning towards me, begging for a kiss. I met his lips with my fingers.

“Don’t confuse a caring friend with a lover, Chris. Let’s just get back to town,” I said.

He let out another long sigh as he started the car. We pulled away and rumbled down the road in utter silence. Both of us were trapped inside our heads.

I wondered if I was handling everything the way I should be. I almost never thought of Brad while Chris and I were together, maybe that was a good thing. He was still a massive womanizer, though, and he hadn’t shown any sign of change in the slightest. I really didn’t want to get involved.

He dropped me off in front of my apartment again.

“Thanks for the ride,” I said.

“Lucy,” he said.

“What’s up,” I asked.

“Would you come to my next game, tomorrow night?” he requested.

“Or course, I’d be happy to cheer you on,” I said with a smile.

He smiled back at me as I shut the door. With that, he sped off down the road.

6.

“Something was left for you, Lucy,” Tiffany said.

At least, she was wearing pants, this time; I thought to myself.

She gestured towards a bundle of flowers that were laid out on the table. A card was tucked between a couple of them, which I promptly pulled free and examined.

‘To Lucy, in the hopes that she might be willing to forgive me. Love: Brad.”

They were quite nice; I always did have a thing for lilies.

I had spent so much time avoiding Brad, and I was finally starting to come to my senses. He did deserve a chance to explain himself. But, I had no intention to let him back into my life.

I grabbed my phone and dialed my old flame.

“Okay, Brad. Let’s meet up and talk. You deserve that much,” I said to him over the phone.

“You won’t regret this, Lucy. I’ll see you tomorrow night,” he said, hanging up the phone.

I paused after he ended the call. I forgot, during out small conversation, that I had already made plans for Friday night. I immediately called Brad back.

“Brad, I can’t do tomorrow night,” I said.

“Don’t you want to get together and hash this out, though? Wouldn’t sooner be better than later?”

“It would be, but I have plans for tomorrow night,” I said.

He scoffed over the phone.

“Then let’s get together in the early evening, you’ll still have your night free for your date, or whatever it is,” He replied.

“Fine,” I said.

I didn’t know what a terrible idea it was until I showed up the next evening. He wore his best clothes, and I had a feeling he thought this had the possibility of becoming a date.

I wore something simple but warm since I’d be at the game later. I wanted to be anywhere, but here, just the sight of his face was making my stomach churn.

“Hey Lucy,” he said.

I nodded my hello and sat down at the table. We had decided to meet at one of our old date night locations, which was a really bad idea. The nights we spent just sitting around drinking coffee, working on homework, and trying to avoid starvation; those memories all started flooding back, and I felt trapped.

“Can I start,” he said.

I nodded another yes.

“That girl didn’t mean anything to me,” he said.

“Then why were you sleeping with her,” I asked.

“I was having a moment of weakness. I’m only human, after all,” he said.

“Then as a human, you should learn to deal with the consequences,” I replied.

“Are you really going to play that ‘holier than thou’ card?” he asked, in a bit of rage.

“What are you trying to say, Brad,” I asked, calmly.

“You slept with that man-whore Chris the same night you ran off,” he said, “don’t say you didn’t. Do you know how that makes me feel? Watching the person, I love sleep with some guy that isn’t even interested in her at all?”

I laughed; it was almost unbearable to listen to.

“You really are something else,” I said, “you accuse me of sleeping around after you I catch you in the act. I’m amazed I stayed with you as long as I did. I even have a feeling that she wasn’t the first person you were sleeping with behind my back.”

He leaned over the table and stole a kiss. I went to push him away, but he pulled me in tightly. It took a second before I managed to pry his face off mine, and I knew then, and there this would be the last time I would see him.

I shot from my seat, narrowly avoiding his searching arms trying to get a hold of me again.

“Goodbye, Brad,” I said.

I started walking towards the exit but turned just before I did.

“I don’t regret it when I say that Chris is and always will be a better man than you because at least he knows what he is. He doesn’t slink around pretending to be something he isn’t.

“Don’t call me, because I won’t call you.”

I walked out of the restaurant, somehow feeling a sense of finality. It was the closure that I was lacking from our previous encounter. I wanted to go back in there and swear at him for another hour. I wanted to scream until my lungs belted fire. I wanted to do so many things that I knew would be bad for me. So, instead, I went to the game.

7.

Tiffany and I sat behind the team, just a few rows back. I hadn’t really gone to any sporting events this season. The games rarely held my interest for long.

Still, I wanted to cheer Chris on; he needed more cheerleaders in his corner. I knew what he was trying to achieve; he was just like me. He wanted to follow his dreams and become a pro player. I just wanted to find a dream to follow.

He turned back a few times during the game and made eye contact. His expression remained mostly jovial with his fellow players.

“He’s acting different,” Tiffany said.

“How so,” I asked.

“I haven’t seen him so talkative with his teammates. He’s usually a guy that keeps his head in the game until it’s over.”

She would know; she was probably one of his biggest fans.

“I wonder what’s gotten into him,” she asked.

Our team, led by Chris, crushed the other team. I cheered until I could barely speak.

The field started clearing out, Chris didn’t head to the lockers with the team. He waited on the bench, deep in thought.

I waited in the stands; Tiffany decided to head home for the night, and I told her I’d manage a way home myself, later. All that remained were a few staff members cleaning, me, and Chris.

I walked down to the field to join him, but he was pulled aside by the coach before I could catch up. I managed to just barely overhear their conversation.

“They were impressed tonight,” he said.

“Yeah? I thought I’d rely more on my team than try to win it by myself,” Chris replied.

“They’re still a little slow to decide, but they said that it looks promising. I’ll keep my ear to the ground for you,” the coach said.

“Thanks,” Chris said.

“Get out there and party, tonight. You earned this one,” the coach slapped him hard in the arm and walked off toward the locker room.

Chris snatched his helmet from the bench then looked over at me. He almost looked a little disgusted, but I couldn’t tell.

“Hey,” I said.

“Did you enjoy the game,” he asked.

“Yeah,” I said, “you looked really good, and it sounds like those scouts liked you a little better this week, too.”

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn't a little excited.”

I laughed and walked over to join him.

I wrapped my arms around him, giving him another big hug.

“Are you sure Brad won’t get jealous,” he asked.

“Why would Brad be jealous,” I questioned.

“I saw you guys at the restaurant earlier. I saw you guys making out.” Chris said.

I wanted to laugh but stifled it as best I could.

“Brad ambushed me with a kiss,” I said, “I wish I hadn’t even gone to meet up with him.”

“I was hoping that I’d get to talk to you before the game,” Chris said.

“What about,” I asked.

“I have started to see things in a much different light, since the other day. I’ve tried to do everything alone, and I had it handled until I met you.” He said.

“What are you trying to say,” I asked.

“I’m saying that my outlook has changed. I don’t want to sleep around with a bunch of girls; that part of me has died over the last week. I’ve had a lot of offers, believe me.”

I laughed at the idea of him turning down sex. He joined in and pulled me in for a hug.

“I want someone who’ll be there when I’m sad, someone who will cozy up with me and watch TV on a boring night. I think I just want someone I can go home to. And, I was hoping it would be you.”

I could feel tears begin to well up behind my eyes. He was baring his soul to me, and it was hard to deny him. I pressed my head to his chest and pulled him in tight.

“Would you like to go out on a date with me? It’ll be my first,” he asked.

I pulled myself away.

“Sure, but, this time, I get to take you to my favorite spot,” I replied.

He threw his arm around me and we walked off the field, together.

We had each other, and that was more than either of us needed.

*****

THE END

SPORTS Romance – One Game at a Time

“So you’re the prosecutor this time? I will never understand why you like playing courtroom games with all your other friends,” Matt said.

I perked up, brushed the errant hair from my face, and took another sip of my coffee.

“You just don’t get it; the high of winning an argument. It’s like going skydiving, or what I assume skydiving would be like. I’ve never been, but I can imagine it would be quite a thrill,” I said.

“So, you’re saying it’s like winning a game? I think I know what that feels like, Holly,” he said with a smirk.

I’d known Matt for so long that I sometimes forgot how well he knew me. I could be a little scatterbrained at times, and he always called me on it.

“Right, like winning the big game,” I said with a sigh.

“You’re a mess when you’re excited,” he said with a laugh.

“Well, at least, I perform well in the moment. The rest of my team always says I give the best counter-arguments,” I said boastfully.

While I never really found myself attracted to Matt, I always found him especially handsome. He was tall and well built, lean and muscular in just the right areas, and knew how to hold himself well. I was more than a little jealous of his overwhelming confidence.

“Are you coming out to my party this weekend? You’ve missed the last couple months, and I was hoping that you’d get to meet my new girlfriend,” he said.

I paused a moment, somewhat speechless. He seemed to have a party every weekend, and I usually was capable of coming up with a good excuse to avoid attending, but having broken up with Albert, I couldn’t come up with anything.

I slumped into my chair and sighed.

“Okay, I suppose I can make an appearance for a little while at least. But, I can’t drink. I need to get a lot of studying done early Saturday.”

“Don’t worry; I won’t be the one forcing drinks down your throat. Besides, I know you don’t drink anyway,” he said, “Okay, I gotta get out of here. I have to meet up with April; she said she had a surprise for me, and I know what that means.”

He smiled that devilish smile he flashed when he knew that he would be sleeping with someone and stood up to leave.

I stood and gave him a big hug to see him off. I really was lucky to have as good a friend as Matt. He always stood up to the bullies that I seemed to always attract; meanwhile, I would tutor him when he was failing miserably in class.

He sprinted off for the door and gave me an excited wave as he left. I rolled my eyes and giggled at his silly behavior; he was a grown man but still acted like a schoolboy when a girl beckoned him.

I continued on with my work; I had an entire argument to prepare before Monday’s mock trial, and I didn’t want to be the person who lost it for our team.

“You look like someone who could use a break,” I heard a voice say from behind.

I whipped my head around and made myself dizzy in the process. When my vision cleared up, I saw a rather tall and large man standing behind me.

He had a smile plastered on his face, with chiseled cheeks and high cheek bones accenting his somewhat silly expression. His eyes twinkled with a deep blue hue, and a tousle of blonde hair was neatly shaved atop his head.

He walked his powerful build around and sat in the unoccupied seat beside me.

“Hello?” I questioned.

“Jeff,” he replied.

“Ah, hello Jeff,” I said, “I’m sorry, but I’m not in the mood for conversation, I have a lot of work that needs to be done.”

He picked up one of the many books I had lying around and examined it closely.

“Trial procedure,” he said in a monotonous tone.

“What of it,” I asked.

“Nothing, just trying to make sense of what you’re studying,” he replied.

I let out a deep sigh and tried to drink from my empty coffee cup. I slipped my current studies into the book on the table to mark the page and closed the book.

“If you need me to spell it out for you, the least you could have done is bring some coffee,” I said, shaking my cup.

He raised his eyebrows in a gesture of understanding, or flirting; I didn’t know which, and sauntered off. Before long, he returned with a pot and filled my glass before returning to the seat beside me.

“So, spell it out for me,” he said.

“I am the prosecuting attorney in a mock trial, and I have to study for my case. You understand what a mock trial is, right?”

“I think I get it,” he replied with a laugh.

I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to shoo him away, or keep him around as a distraction. My work was beginning to get a little boring without someone to talk to. I might not look it, but I’m rather social when it comes down to it.

“Is this what you do for fun,” he asked.

It sounded like he was being condescending, but it might have been something I imagined. So I answered as honestly as I could.

“It’s not like I seek this out for recreation, but I find the arguing enjoyable.”

“I object,” he said, jokingly.

I laughed awkwardly at his obvious attempt at a joke.

“Is this what you do for fun?” I asked.

“What, you mean making friends?” he asked in turn.

“Yes,” I replied, “do you like bothering people for fun.”

“I like bothering you,” he replied with a coy smirk.

“I can tell you have a lot of friends,” I said.

I started to gather up my things, wondering where else I could go to work on my studies. My room was still probably occupied with Pauline and her boyfriend.

“Tell you what; I’m going to let you get on with your work. But, I won’t leave until I, at least, get your phone number.”

He produced his phone from his pocket and held it out to me.

I wanted to leave a fake number, but the sincerity in his face led me to believe that he wasn’t as bad a guy as he was portraying. He didn’t seem the arrogant and stuck up type, or at least, this just felt like a ruse. I punched in my phone number, somewhat begrudgingly.

“Great! I’ll give you a call sometime next weekend?” he said.

“We’ll see. I am a busy woman, after all,” I replied, gesturing to my work.

“And, I’m late for practice,” replied, jumping over the chair and sprinting from the coffee shop.

I stifled a giggle; I’d never seen anyone run that fast from a coffee shop before. I was still indecision about whether I’d say yes, were he to ask me out on a date. He was cute, but he was very different from the men I was used to.

I preferred men that were interested in their future; men that studied hard to find their place. I wanted someone who was stable and down to earth, and he didn’t seem to be either of those.

2.

My afternoon runs were probably the only thing keeping me sane. It was the only time of the day I could tune out my roommate and my studies; I could listen to some of my favorite music and just enjoy the moment. Matt would sometimes join me, but we never really chatted while on runs. I never minded his company, and he was one of the few people that could keep up.

The sidewalks were dotted with other students finishing their studies for the day. Thankfully the track was usually free for another hour, which made for a boring run, but it usually ended with Matt and me stopping for a smoothie.

He was already in the middle of practice with the rest of the team. He was quite a creature to watch on the field; his agile steps could get him out of any tackle, and his ability to throw was second to none on the team. This worked in his favor and made him starting quarterback within one year. He was probably the quickest to rise to that level in the history of the school. But, he never passed it off as a big deal. He always praised the team, and his fellow players loved him for it.

I continued my run, and amidst my third lap, I noticed another familiar face. It was Jeff, standing right in front of Matt. He was strong and confident, as well. When the play started, he showed his powerful build by easily holding back two other players. It was an impressive display, to say the least.

I probably should have been watching where I was going, but as things happen I bumped into another runner on the track and lost my footing. I quickly apologized for my failure and limped my way to a nearby set of standing bleachers to nurse my injured leg.

It wasn’t anything serious, to say the least, but I did take the chance to watch the guys play more football. I lingered longer than intended, and I’m pretty sure than neither of them noticed me.

Practice was wrapping up, and I wondered what I should do. I would have liked to just go talk to Matt and grab a small bite to eat before returning to my studies while at the same time I had a feeling if I were to walk over I would have been pulled in to a conversation with Jeff.

In my attempt to avoid the latter, I stayed toward the sidelines, doing my best to avoid both of their gazes. The two of them chatted and headed back toward the showers, but Matt was pulled aside by the coach. The two talked for a brief moment before splitting. I could tell it was good news. Matt didn’t always smile when he was happy, but being friends for more than ten years gave me an insight most didn’t possess.

Before he started off to shower I caught his eye, he just nodded in recognition without coming over for a hello. I figured he’d probably return when he was cleaned up.

I didn’t have to wait long, maybe fifteen minutes before he strolled back to me at the edge of the field. We started walking toward the row of shops that occupied the next block over.

“What did the coach tell you?” I asked.

“He told me that I could be team captain if I wanted to be, it’s a big honor,” he replied.

“That’s great,” I said, “I’m sure everyone would be excited to have you as captain.”

“Yeah, but I don’t know if I want to be,” he replied.

“Why is that,” I asked.

“It’s a big responsibility, and while I love being responsible, I have a lot of other things I am interested in besides football,” he said.

He was a good student, and probably as smart as, if not smarter, than me. He’d mentioned on a few occasions that he wasn’t sure if he was going to pursue a career in football, and I always teased him about it. His scholarship was in sports, and he was only here because he played. He had to go pro, if he could.

“How long do you have to decide?” I asked.

“About a week,” he replied, “I’ll figure it out by Monday.”

“How long has Jeff been on the team,” I asked.

“You know Jeff?”

“More like, he ran into me in the coffee shop the other day after you left,” I said.

“He’s been there since I started, but he’s only now getting into a starter position. He’s good. He’s in the running for team captain as well. Some of the guys don’t like him as much. He can be a bit of a glory hog from time to time,” Matt said.

I went quiet for a little while as we continued to walk.

“You’re not really interested in him, are you?” he asked.

I really didn’t know what to say, but I had a feeling that Matt wouldn’t let me out of this without some kind of answer.

“I don’t know,” I replied.

“He’s really not your type,” Matt added.

“Hey, I know he might not be my type, but it’s still my decision,” I replied in frustration.

“Whoa, back off,” Matt said with a defensive gesture, “I’m not here to judge who you date, but I’m your friend, and I wouldn’t have expected you to even show the slightest amount of interested in someone like that.”

“I’m really not sure if I have,” I replied.

“He’ll probably be at my party if that entices you to come,” he said.

“I’m still going, I give you my word,” I replied while giving him a friendly punch on the arm.

We continued to talk and had a small bite before I broke off and returned home. I was partially hoping that I wouldn’t run into Jeff at the party, and partially hoping I would.

3.

I took special effort in getting ready for the party. I wore the sexiest underwear I owned, for one. For two, I picked up a slinky dress that I only wore once before. Matt even told me I shouldn’t wear it again because it garnered too much attention from somewhat unsavory characters.

I felt the need to unwind tonight; my head was twisted in so many different directions. My classes were difficult and distracting, continually occupying every facet of my being. So, I prepared for fun.

My dress did a lot to show off my long and toned legs; along with my slight and skinny curves. And, while I might not have had a gigantic chest, I knew how to make do with what I had.

I left for Matt’s place at eight in the evening. It was getting chilly this time of the year, so I brought along a comfortable jacket. I glad that he didn’t live that far away, so I could just walk instead of taking a cab.

“You made it!” Matt shouted when I stepped up to the door.

He seemed to have some kind of sixth sense about my arrival as I hadn’t even knocked, yet. I rolled my eyes at his exuberance, an expression that he was more than used to seeing.

“Hey, Matt,” I said sheepishly, trying to pull my dress back down to my knees.

He looked me up and down and smiled broadly.

“So, who are you trying to impress tonight,” he asked, “Cause I hope you know that I’m taken.”

I punched him in the arm and entered, slipping my jacket off on the way in. There were only a couple other people there, and they were barely talking.

“I thought you said this was going to be a party,” I said.

“Most real parties don’t start until after ten; you’re early.”

I made the most of my time; starting out I helped him set up a couple of tables and gathered a large bucket of ice. He constantly reassured me that I didn’t have to help, but I felt like a dutiful guest. I’ve thrown parties myself in the past, and while they weren’t the standard college affair, I never minded having help setting up.

Then the door opened to a flood of guests. It didn’t take more than five minutes before there was a keg setup in the kitchen and enough snack food to serve a small army.

I laughed at how efficient college students could be when they had something to do that they were interested in.

I did my best to stay social, trying to talk to as many people as I could. Matt was hard to find in the midst of the chaos. He was a popular guy, so it was completely understandable that he would be hard to find. Still, he was one of the only people here that I knew. I would have liked to spend more time with him. Perhaps he could have introduced me to some people that I might have enjoyed talking to.

I got more looks from the guys than I was expecting. I constantly would shuffle and adjust my dress to make sure it wouldn’t ride up so much. To say the least, I was regretting wearing something so revealing.

Then I saw someone that I really didn’t want to see in the slightest. Albert walked in the front door with another girl in tow. I didn’t recognize her at all, but I was flustered seeing my ex already in a new relationship.

I ducked behind a dividing wall in the hopes that he wouldn’t notice me.

“Who are we hiding from,” said a familiar voice.

I looked over, and Jeff was sidled up to the wall with a handful of cheese puffs. I didn’t know how to put things gently, so I just put them bluntly.

“I’m hiding from my ex,” I said.

“Which one is he?” he asked.

I pointed at him from around the corner. His new girl was about my height with short hair and a curvy body. I bet she was the one I caught him in bed with. I was furiously reliving the entire event when Jeff looked at me with a mouthful of those cheese puffs, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“He doesn’t look like much,” Jeff said.

“Yeah, but he has everything that I look for in a man,” I said.

Jeff cocked an eye while staring at Albert and appeared to be deep in thought before he turned back to me.

“Boring?” he asked.

I laughed again. He wasn’t completely wrong.

“Boring guys aren’t really boring; they’re just stable. You know what to expect,” I explained.

“Then why did you guys break up?” he asked while sipping on a beer.

“He cheated on me,” I said.

“With her?” he asked.

“I don’t know. I didn’t get a good enough look when I caught them in his bed,” I said.

“Wow, sounds like there are a lot of girls interested in boring guys,” Jeff said, “I bet you didn’t see that coming.”

I smacked my head against the wall, perhaps a little too hard. I didn’t even think Albert went to parties like this.

“Funny that he’s out with Carol; she’s slept with half the starting lineup, not me, though, she’s a little too … err … open when it comes to relationships,” Jeff commented.

I giggled. While he wasn’t exactly the most cultured person I met, I found a special charm in his ability to just tell things as they are.

“Hey Carol,” Jeff shouted and walked toward the two of them.

I peeked around the corner since Jeff probably had the two of them distracted. Over the music, I could just barely make out their conversation.

“I was, but I met Albert here a couple of weeks ago, and I just can’t imagine being with anyone else,” Carol said, kissing Albert on the cheek.

Albert had a weird and disgusting smile on his face. I wanted to walk over and smack it off his face.

“You mean, forever? Or just this week,” Jeff asked.

I blurted with laughter which I immediately had to staunch with my hand. I hoped they hadn’t heard me, and it didn’t look like they had.

“No, Jeff. Albert is a good guy; he’s much better than all the other guys I dated,” she said.

“Well,” started Jeff, “you might want to speak a little quieter because just about all the other guys you dated are at this party.”

Carol had a frustrated look on her face, and she looked at Albert to defend her, but unfortunately for her, he remained tight-lipped.

“I didn’t come out tonight to get made fun of by a linebacker,” Carol said in a vain attempt to puff herself up.

“I didn’t know I was making fun of you. I just wanted Albert, here, to know what he was getting himself into,” Jeff said.

Carol, obviously flustered, stormed out the front door, followed closely by her date of the evening. I couldn’t stop laughing at how handily Jeff had dealt with the couple.

“You didn’t want them here, right,” Jeff asked as he walked back up, “cause if you want them back, I don’t think it’s going to happen.”

I reached out and wrapped my arm in his.

“Jeff, you just made my night,” I said.

“Let’s get you a drink and pick up where we left off the other day,” Jeff said.

I nodded, and he poured me a glass from the keg. I wasn’t much of a beer drinker, nor was I much of a drinker in general, but Jeff had earned at least one drink from me.

We adjourned to the tiny backyard of the house. Christmas lights were wrapped neatly around the trunks of the sparse trees that provided cover in the backyard. A picnic table sat against the fence, and the tables that Matt and I had setup earlier were currently occupied by people trying their best at beer pong.

We grabbed a couple camping chairs and sat them on the grass away from the crowd so we could chat.

“I didn’t know you were a linebacker,” I said.

“Well, I don’t exactly advertise my position. Besides, the people that come see the games know my position; the people that don’t see the games just don’t care. I don’t care enough to tell everyone my life story.”

“So you’re saying you don’t tell people that don’t watch games because you don’t think they’ll really care that much,” I asked.

“Exactly. It’s like your mock trials, why would I care if someone was a judge or a prosecutor, it kinda just feels like an unnecessary label, doesn’t it?” he said.

I laughed at the silly train of thought. But, he had a few good points, I honestly didn’t care what his position was, and knowing it wouldn’t have made me think any more or less of him.

“How’s your mock trial prep?” he asked.

“It’s going well,” I said.

“That’s all I get?” he said.

“Well, what else am I to say? It’s just busy work. Besides, it’s been driving me crazy lately.”

“How so?” he asked.

“If you want to present a good case, you have to do a lot of research. You have to check precedent cases, and gather any evidence you can in order to defend your client. I think I’m in a good position, but there’s really not much to tell.”

He sat there a moment in thought. It seemed that he liked to try to pick his words rather than just blurt out anything. It was different from when I first met him; his demeanor seemed almost professional today; as though he were an expert chess player looking to gain the upper hand on his opponent.

“Why do you do it?” he asked.

He had already asked me this question before, or some version of it. I wanted to give him the same answer as it still seemed relevant, but I didn’t for some reason.

“It’s expected of me,” I replied.

“They expect you to be on the mock trial team?” he asked.

“No, not that,” I said.

I didn’t really know what I wanted to say. I was caught in this odd moment of trying, to be honest with not only myself but with another person.

“My parents always wanted me to get ahead in life. They wanted me to be the best I could be. I’d always do my homework with them, and they would make sure it was right. I’d exercise and eat right, I’d make friends with people my parents would approve of, and I didn’t do anything crazy.

“I’m expected to be smart. I’m expected to get good grades and have a nice job in a boring office, with a boring husband. I don’t know what I really want; I don’t know whether that’s my parents in my ear or if it really is me that wants those things,” I tried to explain.

He nodded and sipped more of his beer. For a minute he didn’t say anything, he just sat there rubbing the scruff under his chin. I started feeling embarrassed for saying something like that so soon. Even Albert didn’t hear that little piece about me.

“My parents were barely there,” he started, “I’d come home and be alone from the moment I got there until almost bed time. But, my dad would always come in and read me a bedtime story to put me to sleep. Sure, I’d grown out of it eventually, but even today I still miss it. I spent every waking minute trying to make time go faster, so I joined any afterschool events I could. Football was the first one that clicked.

“I might look like a messed up kid, getting in with the wrong crowd, making bad decisions, but those decisions were made by me and me alone. I never got a helping hand from my parents, but I loved them just the same.”

He returned to his beer. We sat in silence for an undetermined amount of time. I don’t think either of us had anything to say. It felt like we had just skipped past the point of going on dates and were already well into the relationship stage.

I somehow felt comfortable around Jeff; he knew something about me that I rarely shared, and I knew something about him that seemed personal.

“Do you want to make a choice for yourself?” he asked.

I stared at him with a confused look.

“Well, a decision that only you can make,” he said.

I nodded, hoping he would get to the point.

“I thought I’d take you to-”

“Holly!” I heard Matt shout at me from behind.

“Matt!” I shouted back a little less than enthusiastically.

“I thought you might want to meet my Girlfriend, April,” he said while shoving a lovely young lady in front of us.

She was dressed in a simple sun dress and heels. She was cute, with Islander features and a petite build. She looked just right for Matt, if not a little out of place considering the height difference.

“Hi April, nice to meet you, would you excuse Matt and me for a second,” I said.

I grabbed Matt by the arm and led him away from the other two. I was doing my best to hide my frustration.

“Matt, you just had to butt in at the worst time,” I said through clenched teeth.

“Oh, come on now. It’s a party. You can’t expect to sit in a corner the whole time,” he replied obviously drunk.

“Listen, I’m going to get out of here. Maybe you can have me meet April some other time, and we can go out for lunch or something. I’m going to take off with Jeff,” I said.

Before I could walk away, Matt grabbed me by the arm and pulled me back.

“Okay, do what you want, but be careful around Jeff. I think he might have some other motive for trying to get close to you,” Matt said.

“I think I’m going to make this decision for myself this time,” I said while pulling his hand off my arm.

“That’s fine, just remember what I said,” he added as I walked back to Jeff.

“Come on, Jeff. Let’s get out of here,” I said taking him by the hand and leading him toward the exit.

“Lovely to meet you, April,” I said with a smile as I continued to walk off.

Jeff stumbled along behind me, seemingly surprised by my haste.

“Let’s see where you wanted to take me,” I said.

4.

His car rumbled down the road. Thankfully he hadn’t had more than half a beer the entire night, so he was practically sober. I didn’t know where we were going, but it certainly was taking a while to get there.

We didn’t have much to talk about in the car at first. I was still a little annoyed at Matt jumping in like that. I would’ve thought that if he saw me talking quietly in the corner with someone that he would have given me some space.

I also didn’t know what to talk about.

“If you’re mad at Matt, you shouldn’t be. He’s a good guy, and he means well. How long have you known him?” Jeff asked.

“Too long,” I said.

“At least, you have a good friend. I’ve only known him a year or so now, and I can tell that he’s one of the good ones,” He said.

“I know he’s a good friend, but even good friends can be frustrating at times,” I said.

“Point taken,” he replied.

We were back to silence again. I tried to reconcile my thoughts as best I could. I could feel myself nearing my wits end, and not because of Matt in the slightest. It was like the culmination of everything that I’d been told not to do was driving me in a car towards a destination I didn’t know. I was scared and excited all at once, and mostly I wanted to know what I wanted.

“It’s a ways, I know. But, the views of the city are spectacular,” he said.

“I can’t wait to see it,” I said monotonously.

We pulled off the main road and drove through a heavily forested area. Were it not for the tire marks in the grass I doubt I’d have had any idea where we were headed.

I couldn’t fight my insecurity any longer.

“Pull over,” I said.

The car came to an immediate halt, and I leapt from the passenger door only to throw up behind a nearby tree.

“Are you okay? Did you drink too much?” he asked.

I held out a hand to quiet him and keep him away. I needed some space so I could breathe.

I looked around at the nearly pitch black forest. I was more than a little frightened. Then I looked up. Through the line of trees, I could see little pinpricks of light occupying the night sky. I was in awe of how small I felt.

I turned back to Jeff, who was leaning against the front of the car waiting for me. He perked up and walked over.

“Feeling a little better?” he asked.

I nodded and stood up, my head still swimming.

“We’re actually here, already,” he said.

I raised an eyebrow, confused with his statement. He just gestured to the other side of the car and beckoned for me to join him. I tip-toed my way around in the grass until I finally could see what he meant.

We must have been about half a mile above the city, on the overlooking hills. I hadn’t seen anything so spectacular. It mirrored the night’s sky; the lights twinkled in the streets and cars zoomed around in the early evening.

“I like to come up here when I have to think. I don’t know why I find it so relaxing to look down on everything,” Jeff said.

“I can see why you like it,” I said.

We sat on the hood of his car, just watching and taking it all in. I felt my anxiety that had built up during the car ride, start to fade away.

I leaned over and gave Jeff a kiss on the cheek.

“What was that for?” he asked.

“I thought it was a good time,” I replied with a smile.

He kissed me on my cheek.

“What was that for,” I asked.

“It felt like a good time,” he replied.

I leaned and kissed him on the lips. He returned the kiss with a passion I hadn’t felt from any other man I’d been with. For a while, we were locked in an epic struggle of affection.

I was incredibly lightheaded, but it wasn’t because of alcohol. I could feel the excitement taking hold of me, and I longed for more. I kissed down his neck, and I believe he understood what was on my mind.

He wrapped his big arms around my back and pulled me in close. He kissed me deeper and more passionately. I could feel his hands rubbing up and down my back.

I tip-toed my hand down his stomach until I reached his bulge, and felt it from outside his pants. The more I held, the larger it got.

He lied back on the hood of his car and pulled me on top of him. I started ripping off his button-down shirt and kissing along his chest with each button I undid.

He ran his hands through my hair, gently petting and pulling me in tight when he could. With his shirt off, I ran my hands along his chest sparsely covered with hair. I could see my breath, but I didn’t mind it in the slightest.

Then I felt my zipper starting to come undone along the back of my black dress. I leaned back to offer the best view. It only seemed to stir him on further as my dress hit the floor seconds later. Standing there in nature, in only my underwear, I felt so free and open.

My skin was covered in goosebumps, and I felt each one as Jeff ran his hands along my now exposed stomach. I reached behind my back, undid my bra, and slid it down my arms. He reached up and took my tiny perky nipples into his hands. I relished in the warmth that his hands brought.

I pulled his pants off without much worry, and he just laughed as I did it; which in turn inspired a laugh from me. His member stood erect as he lied on the hood of the car. I reached down and took the shaft into my hands, massaging it up and down.

I leaned in and took it into my mouth, and he moaned with pleasure as I did so. He was definitely the biggest I had been with by far. I continued to stroke his shaft while taking in as much to my mouth as I could. But, he pulled my head off and pushed me from him.

“It’s my turn,” he said.

He picked me up and slid me onto the car. With his other hand, he stripped off my underwear. Then, he kissed his way up my thigh and onto my hot sex waiting for him.

I felt a small kiss at first, and then he started circling my clit with his tongue. The sensations were enough to drive me mad. I had to catch my breath on more than one occasion. I felt as though I might burst any second.

He continued to play with my clit while rubbing along my little slit with his hand. I could feel myself gushing at each pass he made. Then my body tensed up, and I could feel a sweet release I hadn’t felt in a long while. The shock of it all was enough to make me quiver with excitement.

He pulled himself off and started lining up his member with my ready womanhood. I was a little nervous, but I wanted it, I needed it. He rubbed the head along my little slit, and I could feel my juices pouring over him. Then I felt it begin to enter, small at first, but bigger and bigger as it continued.

I threw my head back from the sensation. He continued to enter me, and I begged for more until he was completely inside. For a moment we just stayed there, enjoying each other. Then he began to thrust.

He continued to rub his thumb on my clit as he worked his way in and out of me. All I could do was hold on to what little bit of the hood of the car I could to not be pushed away. His powerful thrusts hit me deep and each one shot pangs of excitement up and down my spine.

Then the sensation I had felt earlier started overtaking me, except this time it was much deeper and more powerful. I couldn’t describe it, and the more I dwelt on it, the bigger it got. Then the sensation took over, and I began to quiver again with the most powerful orgasm I had ever felt.

My muscles all tightened to the extreme; I panted to catch my breath, but it seemed nothing worked. I just gave in to the moment.

He continued to thrust inside me until I could feel him release and collapse on the car next to me.

I wanted to move, but my muscles were dead to the world. I stayed there trying to catch my breath. He did the same.

“I like the view,” he said through heavy breathing.

“Yeah, it’s not bad. We should come back here again soon,” I said.

We laughed and leaned into each other for another kiss.

5.

I wanted to think that things were going to get back to normal in school, but they didn’t. It was like something had clicked in my brain that night, and nothing seemed to make sense anymore. I couldn’t concentrate on classes.

“I don’t know what to do Matt,” I said.

“I still can’t believe you slept with Jeff,” he replied.

“Can we change the subject back to the matter at hand?” I asked.

“Well, I thought the matter at hand is that you slept with Jeff,” he replied.

“No, the matter is that I can’t concentrate on anything. It’s like being caught in a whirlwind, and I can’t tell which way is up. I used to know what I wanted out of school and life, but now I’m just not sure anymore,” I said in an attempt to explain.

“I don’t really know what to tell you then,” Matt said.

“Well, tell me something at least,” I said.

Matt sat there a moment, not really knowing what to say, or if he did know, he didn’t seem to have much interest in saying it.

“Okay, look,” Matt started, “I didn’t want to say anything, and I was avoiding saying anything at the party, but I think Jeff is only interested in you to get to me.”

I looked at Matt and rolled my eyes in disbelief.

“Why would he do that,” I asked, “What does he have to gain?”

Matt sighed.

“I think he’s trying to use you to get close to me because he’s made it well known that he wants to be team captain. If he’s with you, there’s probably a better chance that he’d get it.”

I laughed at first, but he didn’t join in, causing my laugh to quickly fade. He was truly serious.

“You don’t really think that he’d use me to get to you. He’s a decent guy,” I said.

“Tell that to the last girl that he dated,” Matt added.

“What happened with the last girl,” I asked.

“After they started dating, it wasn’t long before he was moved up to starter. Then they broke up.”

“There must be a reason why they broke up that isn’t related to his moving up to starter, I just know it,” I pleaded.

“Well then, you’ll have to get the truth out of him yourself. In the meantime, you should get back to work. You have a mock trial in just two days, and you need to be prepared for it,” he said, “I gotta get back to my own homework, Holly.”

He leaned in and gave me a hug before taking his leave.

I needed to know what was going on more than I needed to work on my homework. I knew where Jeff would be, and that was exactly where I needed to go.

6.

I called him, but he didn’t pick up, which would only really mean one thing, he was probably working out in the gym. It wasn’t far, and it was a sunny day, so I walked that direction.

Then I spotted him talking with Matt in the distance. I wondered why Matt would be talking to him right now of all times. I thought he said he had some homework that he needed to finish.

The two of them were just barely in earshot.

“Why do you guys keep thinking that I somehow did something wrong to become a starter,” Jeff asked, somewhat furiously.

“You’re the one that dated the coach’s niece for a month to get your position. Now you’re dating my best friend so you can be team captain,” Matt added.

Jeff looked frustrated, and I was glad that neither of them noticed me, it gave me the chance to get a little closer to hear.

“I may have dated the coach’s niece but it wasn’t to become a starter,” Jeff said, “The coach gave me an ultimatum. Either I quit the team, or I break up with her. Sure, I cared about her, but I didn’t think our relationship was anything special.”

“Is that the same way you feel about Holly?” Matt asked.

“Holly is a wonderful girl,” Jeff said simply.

“Well then, I’ll give you the chance. If you break up with Holly you can be team captain, and I won’t say a word to Holly about any of this,” Matt said.

I wanted to jump out and yell at Matt about how absurd his idea was. I wanted to tackle Jeff for even considering the option. I wanted to do a lot of things, but none of them came to me. I just left.

I ran, like I always used to do to clear my head. Except this time, I ran because I couldn’t clear my head at all. There was too much to think about, and I was starting to regret the freedom I had given myself just the other day.

Jeff really was a creep. I knew it in the back of my head all along, but I didn’t say anything. He seemed so genuine.

Then my phone started ringing. I checked the caller ID, and it said that it was Jeff. I didn’t want to answer, but I had a feeling he was just returning my call from before.

I dabbed the tears that were forming at the edge of my eyes and wiped my nose.

“Hello?” I said.

“Hey, you called?” Jeff wondered.

“Yeah, I was just wondering if you wanted to get together for lunch,” I lied.

“Aww man, I would, but I’m a bit busy today. I have some good news,” he started.

“Yeah?” I replied.

“It sounds like I’m going to be team captain, isn’t that great?” he said.

“That’s great,” I said, gulping down my sadness.

“So, maybe I’ll see you later, and we can talk; maybe get some food?” he said.

“Yeah, sure,” I replied then clicked off the phone.

He had taken the deal. He really was just using me as leverage to get what he wanted. I didn’t want to tip him off, and I didn’t want to answer any more of his calls.

I returned to my dorm room and buried myself in my books.

7.

It had been a couple of days. Jeff continued to call, but I didn’t have any interest in talking. Today was the day of my mock trial, and I had to be alert and prepared. I spent most of the afternoon with my classmates getting ready.

No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get Jeff out of my head. It was an odd thing too because I really hadn’t had this feeling with any of my previous ex-boyfriends in the past. Breaking up in the past was easy; like changing out the ice in the freezer.

I was surprised at how attached I had become to Jeff in so short a period of time. But, at least, I could work on getting over it now. I wouldn’t need to worry about being close to him again. That ship had sailed. I couldn’t even come up with the courage to hear him break up with me, either. I knew it was coming, considering the conversation he’d had with Matt.

Matt made me just about as angry as Jeff right now. Who would go behind their friends back and offer a deal like that? I wanted to punch him, hard. I knew he could take it, but, all the same, I figured taking some time away from both of them would be good. I could get back to being the person that I was before this awful week started.

The classroom was setup like a classic courtroom. The teacher sat behind her desk as a judge would. Several tables were shoved together to make a prosecution and defense table. There were members of the class representing a jury, and the remaining members of the class were considered witnesses with roles to play in the upcoming trial.

I was excited for it to start.

But, then I saw Jeff and Matt sitting in the front row behind the prosecution desk. My heart sank, and my brain went completely blank.

Both of them stood up as I entered.

I ran up to both of them, grabbed them by the wrists, and led them to the hall.

“What the hell are you two doing here,” I said, seething with anger.

“We’re here to find out why you haven’t talked to us the last couple of days,” Matt said.

“Yeah, where have you been?” Jeff asked.

I rubbed my temples trying to drown out the headache that was coming to the forefront of my skull.

“You guys know where I’ve been,” I started, “I’ve been avoiding both of you.”

They looked at each other.

“Why?” asked Jeff.

“Oh, I think you know why,” I replied.

“Enlighten us,” Matt said.

“I saw you guys talking. I heard the deal that Matt proposed. The one that said that you would stop dating me and in return he’d cede team captain to you,” I said.

“I had a feeling you did,” Matt said, “I thought I saw you running away from us the other day.”

“Yeah, well it was me, okay? When I got the call from Jeff that he had become team captain, I knew he took the deal. I just didn’t want to even bother with either of you anymore.”

“He didn’t take the deal, Holly,” Matt said.

“Then how is he team captain,” I asked.

“Because I let him be,” Matt replied.

“Why?” I asked, becoming more confused by the second.

“You left before our conversation ended. I proposed he stop dating you and in exchange he’d get to be team captain. But, he said it was no contest. He wanted to keep dating you,” Matt said.

“Holly, you’re probably the most amazing woman I’ll ever meet in my lifetime. I would rather quit the team than quit dating you,” Jeff added.

“When I heard how genuine he was, I had a change of heart. He’s a good guy, Holly,” Matt said.

I looked at the two of them. They both looked like they were ready to break down and cry; a very unbecoming look for two giant footballers. I laughed when I looked at their puppy dog faces, and they just looked back in confusion.

“I’m sorry. You guys are just the most ridiculous looking people when you get emotional,” I said.

I pulled them in and gave them both the biggest hug I could manage.

“Hey Holly, we’re about to start, you comin’?” said my class-mate poking her head out the door.

“I’ll be right there,” I said.

“Alright, time for me to go win this; then I’ll take you two out for a much-deserved dinner, and we can talk,” I said.

I was feeling clear-headed; the fog was beginning to lift. I still had no idea what I really wanted out of life, but I was beginning to realize that it really didn’t matter. What mattered is who was there to enjoy it with me.

*****

THE END

SPORTS Romance – Playing For Keeps

“We have a winner!”

The crowd cheered, and I shouted with drunken excitement. Craig was drenched from head to toe, and I laughed between cheers. I had decided to go out with my girls tonight, and they didn’t disappoint. This was a great party, especially watching Craig win a wet T-shirt contest. More than half the football team was here, almost all of them taken up by other girls. That was fine for me, I wasn’t really interested in any of them, save for one.

Craig stumbled from the front of the crowd with victory. He wasn’t much to look at, but he was one of my best friends. A tall and lanky bean pole of a friend; but a friend nonetheless. But, he was genuine and didn’t flirt with me like so many of my other guy friends did.

“Craig! Over here,” I shouted.

He looked up and acknowledged with squinted eyes and shuffled my way with the goofiest smile on his face, I thought I might shoot my beer from my nose.

“How did I do?” he asked.

“I don’t know how you managed to win a wet t-shirt contest as a man,” I laughed.

“It’s all in the hips,” he said as he slinked around in an awkward dance.

I downed the last of my drink and grabbed Craig by the hand. He stumbled along behind me as I pushed through the crowd around the keg.

“So, where are the rest of the girls,” Craig asked.

“Most of them met new boy toys,” I said, “why are you wondering?”

“I thought I might have the confidence to ask Jane out tonight,” he said.

He had been pining for her since I met her.

“I’m pretty sure she’s around here, why don’t you ask her?” I said.

“Oh, come on Tess. She’s not that interested.”

“Yeah, but she’ll never know you’re interested if you don’t say anything,” I replied.

“Pfft, look who’s talking!”

Then I saw him out of the corner of my eye; John walked by with a couple of his football buddies. I froze for a second, hoping that I wouldn’t do anything stupid to get noticed in a bad way. It was the most annoying reflex, and he was the only person I ever had this reaction to.

He was tall, with a powerful build. His tank top rippled with raw, sinewy muscle as the group of guys pushed each other around. He had a kind face that always made me swoon. Cute brown eyes, gorgeous, broad smile, and short brown hair that always seemed just a little messy; these were just some of the things I liked about him. I couldn’t tell Craig any of it, but I think he knew everything by the way I acted.

“This is different Craig,” I said.

“How?”

“Well, girls don’t usually ask guys out,” I tried to explain.

“That’s just an excuse,” he replied.

We stood in silence getting our drinks. I took a few peeks at John again, wrestling with his friends behind me. I never saw a problem getting close to men before. A lot of my friends called me a ‘natural flirt’, but I couldn’t really tell. I just like meeting new people and being friendly.

“Let’s see what Jane is up to,” I said as I started walking inside the frat house.

“We really don’t have to,” Craig said in response, following close behind.

I found her next to the bay window in the living room getting awfully close to one of the linebackers. I tried to turn around and walk away before Craig saw, but easily stood a head taller than me and saw everything.

“Well, that solves that,” Craig said.

He made for the front door, but I caught him and pulled him back.

“Wait, please. Can we just stay a little while longer?” I pleaded.

“You can stay as long as you want Tess, I’m going home. I’m soaked anyway, I could use a change of clothes,” he said as he pulled himself away and continued for the door.

I started to follow him but was promptly struck in the back. I turned to see the offending instrument was a football.

“Hey, little help,” I heard John say from the backyard.

I turned back toward the door, wondering if I should make a break for it and run away, but I wasn’t even capable of that. I leaned down without turning around and picked the ball up.

I could feel everyone’s eyes on me. Their conversations were ending for the sole purpose of watching the girl who was hit in the back with a football; I was now a spectacle.

I walked slowly toward the backyard holding the ball. I had no confidence in my ability to throw the ball. I was athletic, yes, but that didn’t mean I was competent at throwing footballs.

“Almost there,” John said with a crooked smile.

He jogged over and held out a hand, into which I deposited the ball. I looked around briefly and realized that everything was normal. Nobody was actually staring at all; maybe I had it all in my head. I breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thanks,” he said.

I had never been this close to him. Those eyes that I found so dizzying before were swallowing me. Everything seemed to be in slow motion as I took in every detail of his face. I lost myself in the moment and only found myself when he turned around to leave.

“I like your eyes,” I blurted out.

In my embarrassment, I immediately threw my hands up to cover my mouth. He stopped in his tracks, and I could already see the other football players trying to stifle their laughter but failing miserably. He turned back to me.

“Thanks?” he replied and jogged off.

I had never walked so fast in my life when I left. I had brought a jacket, but I didn’t want to take the time to find it, I just needed to be anywhere but here.

I really regretted leaving my jacket behind after I found myself three blocks down the road. I slowed to a stop and let out a sigh. The street was illuminated by the circles of light beaming from the overhead street lamps.

The silence gave me a second to think, and that was the problem.

2.

“Craig, get you stuff, we’re having lunch,” I said to Craig over the phone.

I wanted to invite more people than Craig, but he was one of the few people that understood what I was going through. I tried calling my girlfriends first, but none of them seemed interested in meeting today. While I wasn’t the boss of Craig; he was the most open to getting together.

The cries of regret echoed heavily in my head. I kept reliving my stupid moment from the other night. I wondered what I should have done instead; possibilities cycled endlessly as I focused on my blunder.

We met at a diner that I always enjoyed, partially because the food was decent, and partially because it was close enough to the practice field that I could watch the football players as I ate.

“Took you long enough,” I chided at Craig.

“I heard about your lucky night, Tess. I’m almost a little sad that I missed out,” he replied.

I went flush with embarrassment, and he just laughed.

“Who told you, already?”

“What does that matter,” he asked.

“I want to know who I have to kill later,” I replied angrily.

“Then it’s probably best I not say anything at all,” he laughed.

I sat there, defeated, with my head resting in my hands at the table. Rumors travel fast, especially around school campuses.

I looked to the field nearby. The players were running sprints and out in front of them, wearing a number I was far too familiar with, was John.

“Seriously, it’s not as bad as you think, Tess.”

“Your words of comfort are reassuring,” I said sarcastically.

“Hey, look at the bright side. At least you talked with the guy,” he said.

“I don’t know if this counts.”

The team on the field broke up and started running plays. I watched in earnest and more than a little heartache. I continued to dwell on the chance I missed, replaying it mercilessly in my head. Even spending time with my best friend wasn’t taking away my frustration with myself.

Craig took my hand from the table and held it tightly. He was doing his best to reassure me, but I wasn’t in the mood to accept.

“Jane called me last night,” he said.

I perked up.

“When? I thought she was busy with that player,” I questioned.

“It was almost three in the morning. I guess the guy she spent the night with was only trying to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. So I gave her a ride home. Really Tess, who does something like that? You hurt a good person’s feelings just to get back with someone that broke your heart. That’s not how good relationships work.”

I sympathized. Not that I had ever been in either position, but I could understand the frustration and pain; the pain of being the right girl at the wrong time.

“Wait, did Jane tell you about last night?” I asked.

Craig nodded with a smile.

“She even kissed me goodnight,” he said.

“See? Maybe she really does like you. You should ask her out soon,” I said.

“I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I am pretty sure that asking someone out right after they were used, as she was, would make for a bad start to a relationship. I’m going to wait a little while,”

“You don’t think you’ve been waiting long enough?”

“Look who’s talking,” he replied while gesturing toward the field where the players continued to run plays. I wondered if John had ever made been used to make someone else jealous. He’s the right build for it, that’s for sure. I know I’d be jealous if I saw another girl with him.

“Good things come to those who wait?” I said with a shrug.

Craig laughed, and I let go of the stress I’d been carrying. It was nice having someone with whom I could joke around and be myself.

3.

It was almost a week before my blunder settled into the recesses of memory. I managed to realize how silly it was to dwell over an odd compliment.

My brain was kept busy by the extra work I was given; being a teacher’s aide and mid-terms coming up fast, I found myself spending more time in his back office than around campus. He was probably my favorite teacher, which is why I decided to become his aide in the first place. He welcomed my help, as I had already passed his first two courses over my last year of college.

“Hey Tess, can you finish grading this stack in the classroom? I need to meet with a student in the office and need privacy,” he said.

I sighed, as I had just become comfortable where I found myself nestled. But, nonetheless, I scooped up the stack of papers and trudged out to the adjoined classroom.

A few minutes went by, and I overheard his door open and slam shut. I might have been a bit too curious about what was going on, as he inviting students into his office was quite rare. He barely let me in half the time, so I couldn’t abate my need to understand why he’d let in someone else.

“John, you know we talked about this in class,” he started.

“Professor, I’m trying. But, the lessons you’re giving just aren’t making any sense. I’ve been studying really hard,” John said.

I stifled a surprised gasp; it was the same John from the weekend. I tried to peek through the smoked glass window that lead into the classroom, but it left everything a blur. So, I just pressed my ear against the door and listened.

“You know what I told your coach. If you don’t get your grade up by this mid-term, you’re going to be benched until further notice.”

“You can’t do that, this team is my life. If I’m benched, how will I be able to show off to the scouts? Just give me a passing grade,” John pleaded.

“I can’t do that, son. You need to understand that college is for education, not partying. Yes, I know what you and your friends do on the weekend. I doubt that between all the parties you’ve spent maybe twenty minutes studying. Just buckle down, do the work and you won’t have to worry about it,” replied the professor.

“I tried; this stuff just makes no sense. Can you give me some private lessons?”

“John, I’m here to teach a class. If you need a tutor, there are plenty out there.”

“Are you sure you can’t just give me a pass for this season at least? I could make it up next semester,” John asked again.

“I won’t give passes to students. If you want the grade, you’ll have to earn it.”

It was silent in the office. I could no longer help myself, I was too curious. I crept out of the classroom through the student entrance which led to a massive corridor.

The office door was still fogged glass, and difficult to see through, but it was much easier to make out what was happening. I heard a chair scooch across the floor and footsteps coming my way.

I quickly ducked behind the door as it almost swung open on top of me. John strode confidently out, without noticing me.

“Most of the tutors are in the student resources building. Or at least you’ll have the best luck there. I have confidence in your intelligence, you just have to apply yourself more responsibly,” the professor said.

John just kept walking. When the professor closed his door, I saw this as my chance to speak up. If he needed a tutor, there was nobody better than me.

“John?” I said.

He looked around a second before finding me standing behind him in the hallway.

“Hey,” he replied.

“Fancy meeting you here, what brings you to this side of the campus?” I said, trying not to let him know that I was listening in.

“I take classes here. I had a meeting with the professor,” he said, pointing to the office he just left.

“What about?” I asked.

“He threatened to bench me if I didn’t get my grades up. Why can’t he just give me a pass on this one? I work hard,” he said.

“I’ve known the professor for a year or so now, he’s got a lot of integrity.”

“Yeah, well he can take that integrity and shove it up his a-”

“So, this means you need a tutor?” I asked, cutting him off.

John sighed, leaning against the nearby wall, and nodded to the affirmative.

“You know, I’m his teacher’s assistant. I could probably help you out,” I said.

“What are you going to get out of it?” he asked.

I wanted to say that just spending time together would be enough, or that maybe if he’d take me on a date, it would be great. But, the conversation I’d had with Craig the other day came back to the forefront of my brain. I started talking before I realized what I was saying.

“You could help me get back on my ex, I want to make him jealous,” I said.

I felt my cheeks become flush as I continued to talk. He smiled at me, and I was waiting for him to laugh off my ridiculous lie, but he didn’t.

“So, you’ll help me get my grades up, and I’ll help you win back your Ex? What’s his name?” he asked.

I couldn’t think for a second, and I panicked, saying the first name that came to me.

“Craig!” I squeaked out.

John half-cocked his eyebrow at me, and I did my best to stay level headed. I could tell he was thinking about it.

“How did you plan to make him jealous?” he asked.

I hadn’t thought of that at all. I thought maybe I could pretend to start a rumor, or maybe just take a photo with John and send it to Craig. However, I wanted to do something more dramatic.

“I thought we could go on a date, there’s a restaurant that he’s taking his new girlfriend to next week, and I thought we could surprise them,” I felt like an idiot.

“Okay, let’s do it,” he replied, “One date next week and you’ll tutor me in the meantime before mid-terms.”

“Great!” I shouted louder than I had intended. I coughed and held out my hand, “Great, sounds like a deal.”

He took it with his rough leathery hand and shook it gingerly. I could have jumped twenty feet in excitement, and almost did.

“Here’s my number, I’m free every night after 6 pm,” I said. I gave him a scrap of paper with my phone number.

“Talk to you soon,” he said as he walked off.

Then I heard the professor’s door open as John walked out of sight.

“Tess? Aren’t you supposed to be grading papers?”

I smacked my head and rushed back to the classroom. I tried my best to keep my elation to a minimum but was so overcome with excitement and anticipation that I could barely read.

Then I realized something that made me want to smack myself, Craig didn’t have a date.

4.

“You’re insane,” he said, almost slamming the door in my face.

“How is it crazy to want to hook you and Jane up by next Friday?” I asked.

“Well, a lot of it has to do with the fact that she already felt used once. What am I supposed to tell her this time? Hey, Jane, Tess wants us to date so she can impress a guy?”

“You’re not wrong,” I said.

I pushed my way into his small apartment and sat on his bed. His room was still messy as always, and I resisted the urge to clean.

“Okay, what if I help you two. I’m sure she’d be more than willing to come if she does it for a friend.”

“If you want to try to explain it to her, be my guest,” he said.

I whipped out my phone and dialed her number. I would have just sent a text, but there was too much that needed to be said.

“Hello?” she said.

“Jane! Come to Craig’s, we need to chat,” I said.

“Tess, what’s goi-”

I had already hung up the call. Craig stared at me with a blank face and mouth agape.

“What? I had too much that needed to be said on the phone. Besides, people are more willing to help if they can see the need in your eyes, right?”

Craig continued to stare but shook it off after a minute.

“Why did you invite her here?” he asked.

Why did I invite her here, I wondered.

“Don’t worry about it, I’ll handle it,” I said.

“Then you better help me clean up,” he said.

The two of us started picking up anything and everything in order to put his place back together. I had never seen Craig move so fast in my life, and now I felt bad inviting Jane over.

Before we could finish, a knock echoed from the door.

“Just a second,” Craig shouted.

He shot me a scowl, and I hopped over the remaining mess to the door. I opened it just enough that I could go out and chat.

“What’s this all about,” Jane asked.

“It’s a long story; maybe we can go out for a bite instead of staying here?” I asked.

“That’s fine; I just want to know why you felt the need to cut me off on the phone. It sounded urgent.”

“I’ll explain soon, let me get my things.”

I pushed back into the apartment and Craig was walking around with a bundle of clothes in his arms.

“We’re going out to eat instead. Come if you want,” I said, grabbing my purse and shoving myself back out the door.

“Okay, what’s going on, you can explain while we walk,” she said.

“Well, it all started last Friday night.”

5.

“You want me to what?!” she asked raising her voice.

More than a few people looked over at the two of us sitting in a booth by the window. The small diner was popular with students, partially for the free refills on coffee, partially because the food was so cheap. I felt a little embarrassed that people were staring, and she didn’t seem to care.

“It’s only for one date. Seriously, you’d be helping me out a ton,” I said.

“Why did you tell John that, though? Isn’t this a little underhanded?”

“I was on the spot and just said the first thing that came to mind. I knew I’d be able to get Craig to help,” I said.

“You shouldn’t just assume I’d be interested in whatever scam you’re trying to pull,” she replied.

I didn’t know what to say to convince her. I’d known Jane just a little longer than I’d known Craig. She was a tall, lanky brunette with model features, and just about every guy I knew had asked her out at least once. I was always a little jealous of her effortless good looks.

“You know Craig likes you,” I said.

She almost spat out her drink. I was about to laugh, but I knew it would be in bad spirit, so I covered my mouth with my hand.

Jane rolled her eyes; I always had problems hiding things from her.

“I hope you didn’t tell him anything. He’s one of the good ones,” she said trailing off towards the end.

“Wait a minute, do you like Craig?” I asked.

She started blushing. Needless to say, I was shocked.

“This is perfect,” I said, “you guys can go on a first date this Friday, I’ll even pay for the whole thing. Just do me this one favor.”

She stared at me, it was obvious that she was mulling over the details in the back of her head. I stared back with hopeful eyes, she rarely said no when I asked for anything.

“Okay fine,” she said, “but I’m ordering something expensive.”

I let out a sigh of relief and excitement. This Friday was coming together. Then my phone started ringing.

“Hey,” I said.

“It’s John. I was hoping we could get together and do some studying tonight? I had to cancel on a party tonight, too.”

“Sure, let’s meet in the library later,” I replied.

“Alright, see you there,” he said before clicking off the phone.

“That was him, wasn’t it,” Jane said monotonously.

I nodded.

“Don’t do anything stupid,” she said.

I already had.

6.

We spent most of the week studying. He was a slow learner, but when he figured things out, he was able to retain it pretty well. Being so close to him, I wanted to reach out and tackle him to his bed. It was good we spent more time in the library, though. Even so, I couldn’t stop having dirty thoughts. I’m not incredibly sure if he felt the same way.

When I wasn’t tutoring John, I was hastily making plans with Jane and Craig. The two of them still acted like close friends, which I thought was odd, considering that Jane knew Craig liked her. I suppose Craig was just too shy to ask her out.

The restaurant was very classy. The exposed brick walls and rich wood brought out the warm atmosphere. It was probably the nicest place in the city. The menu wasn’t even too expensive either.

I told John to meet me there at eight, so we could catch my “ex” in the middle of his date. Craig and Jane still giggled at my silly plan, but I didn’t care.

Jane took me out early to pick out some decent attire for the evening. She knew it was hard for me to buy things that were my size. I was curvy and short, which is a terrible combination when it comes to picking out flattering clothing. I didn’t think the date would go much further past drinks and food, but Jane told me to wear my sexiest underwear just in case.

When she saw my sexiest underwear, we immediately drove to the mall. I didn’t see anything wrong with it but leave it to Jane to know what looks good and what doesn’t.

Thankfully my short hair wasn’t too much of an issue, I just straightened it, and it looked amazing. I was ready for this night to start.

The three of us left for the restaurant, meeting there at half past seven. I was nervous and anxious the entire ride, and now being here things went from bad to worse. Once I was sat at my reserved table, I felt incredibly thirsty. I drank my water quickly and even drank the glass that was set out for John. I felt even more embarrassed when I set the glass down, and John had appeared, standing beside the table.

He was an Adonis, shimmering in the dim light. He wore a tailored suit that accentuated every masculine curve I had admired.

“Evening, Tess,” he said.

I forgot what I was supposed to say. He laughed and eased into the chair across from me.

“So, where are the people we’re making jealous?” he asked.

I wanted to gesture to the entire restaurant. The place was already full, nearly all the tables occupied by couples. It took me a moment to remember where Craig and Jane were seated. When I saw them, I pointed.

John took a quick glance and chuckled.

“What’s Jane doing with that guy?” he asked.

“How do you know Jane?” I wondered.

“She’s probably one of the most gorgeous girls on campus. Plus, she was at the party last Friday and my buddy introduced me.”

“Oh,” I said disappointedly.

“It’s going to be hard to make that guy jealous,” John said.

I smirked; if only he knew.

“Then I guess you’re going to have to try extra hard,” I said with a smile.

I must have said something he liked. A bottle of wine landed on the table, which the waiter promptly uncorked and poured out two glasses. I sipped on mine, and John didn’t seem to know what to do with it.

“I’m not much of a wine drinker,” he said as he raised the glass to his lips. He quickly downed the entire draft, to my surprise.

“This isn’t that bad,” he added.

I laughed at the goofy smile on his face; he grabbed the bottle and poured himself another drink.

“Okay, I think they’re looking at us,” I said, “just act like we’re on a date, and I said something funny.”

He thought for a second, followed by a laugh. I chuckled along and gave a thumb’s up under the table to Craig. Craig wasn’t really paying attention to me, though.

I’d never seen Craig so distracted. He and Jane were talking and laughing like an old married couple. John turned to look as well.

“They seem to be getting along well, do you think this is going to work?” he asked.

“We won’t know unless we try,” I replied.

I didn’t know what to talk about with John. Sure, we had spent several hours in study sessions, but we didn’t spend much time talking about each other. It was looking like I hadn’t planned this out as well as I thought I had.

“So,” I started, “What do you do for fun?”

“I play football,” he replied.

“You must do more than that,” I said.

“I like to exercise a lot, it helps me play better,” he added.

“Oh,” I said.

“What do you do?” he asked.

“I study, read, sometimes I’ll go for a walk,” I said.

“Reading? Really? Sounds boring,” he replied.

The silence that followed became a heavy burden that neither of us wanted to bear. I didn’t know what to talk about in the slightest. I realized that the guy I had spent so much time idolizing was about as interesting as a cucumber.

“How is the team doing?” I asked, trying to break the silence.

“It’s going well,” he replied while slurping at the soup that had been set down in front of him.

“Care to elaborate?” I asked.

“Well, we’ve won the last four games. So we’re doing well,” he informed.

I rolled my eyes and looked over at Craig and Jane again. Why couldn’t my date with John be like theirs? I thought I was an interesting person, but I don’t want to sit here and talk about me all night. I wanted to get to know John better, and maybe become someone that he would like spending time with.

“You know, this isn’t working,” I said.

“I told you it probably wouldn’t. She’s practically a model. He’d have to be crazy to go back.”

I felt insulted, and I didn’t know how to say it without screaming. Instead, I just finished what I was eating and set my napkin down; then I summoned the check.

“Oh, don’t be like that. You’re cute, it’s just that she’s on a whole different level,” John said, trying to reassure me.

“Thank you for coming out, you can leave now,” I said.

He didn’t budge. Instead, he stared back at me with those eyes I was so lost in last week. I felt small when he stared, but I didn’t waver in my intentions.

“Don’t be like that; it’s only been an hour,” he said.

“Don’t feel insulted? I know Jane is attractive, but you don’t have to point it out like that,” I replied angrily.

I snatched my things off the ground and started walking for the exit. Finding out the person that I was interested in had no personality was devastating. I could barely breathe as I walked, and thought about the mess I’d made for myself.

It was a cool evening. The autumn air bit at my nostrils as I threw my jacket over my shoulders. The rain that was gingerly falling before was beginning to pick up; meaning there was no way I’d stay dry on my way to the car.

The door behind me was shoved open, and John walked out with his masculine swagger.

“Is this all you do?” he asked.

“What are you talking about,” I wondered.

“You run away when something doesn’t go your way. Just like you did last Friday at the party,” he said.

“Why do you care?” I asked, raising my voice.

“I thought you were cute,” he replied, trying to talk over me.

He said it a little louder than I think he was expecting because he pursed his lips and covered his mouth.

Another awkward silence ensued as I tried to make sense of what he said. The person I’d been attracted to since forever said that I was cute, and I didn’t know how to respond.

“Then why were you talking about Jane so much?” I asked.

“Because I didn’t know what else to talk about,” he replied, “I’m supposed to be your date, but I don’t know anything about you. I thought you were just trying to make that guy jealous, so you didn’t care much about getting to know me.”

I guess he was just as baffled as I was during the conversation at dinner. Maybe I shouldn’t have made him feel so used.

“Well, since we’re not going anywhere anytime soon,” I said gesturing to the rain, “I guess we have time to talk.”

“What if I don’t want to talk,” he said.

“Then we’ll just have to get used to awkward silence,” I replied.

“I have a better idea,” he said with a smirk.

He leaned in close; closer than normal. I didn’t know what he wanted me to do so I stood there, still as a statue. Inch by inch he closed the gap between the two of us.

His lips touched mine, and all the blood in my body rushed to my head. I felt incredibly faint as I leaned into his kiss. His two massive arms wrapped around me and pulled me close.

The kiss lasted only a moment, and I didn’t know what to think of it. He had a talent for kissing.

“What was that for?” I asked.

“It was a thank you gift, for helping me raise my grade,” he said.

Then the doors tore open again. John and I turned to see Craig and Jane walking hand in hand from the restaurant.

“Oh, here you are,” Craig said.

“I see you two have hit it off,” Jane added with a smile.

John leaned in for another kiss, and I gave it to him willingly this time. I almost felt myself go limp in his embrace.

“I guess the plan worked,” Craig said with a laugh.

“Plan?” John asked.

He released me, and I took a step back. None of us knew how to explain, so we all just looked to each other for support, but found none.

“Well,” I started, “I have, to be honest with you. I have never dated Craig. He’s just a good friend of mine. So is Jane.”

John listened to me with a quizzical expression on his face.

“Go on,” he said.

“I heard you needed a tutor, and I wanted to go on a date,” I said.

“So, you made up the story about making your ex-boyfriend jealous to get me to take you out?”

“Yes,” I said sheepishly.

“Wow, Cute and manipulative,” he said. I could see him fuming with frustration.

“It’s like I’m the butt of some big practical joke,” he added.

“John, you’re not-” I pleaded.

“No, don’t start. I’m done with all of you.” He said.

He turned and trudged off towards the parking lot in the pouring rain. The rain soaked him to the bone, instantly. I turned to look at Craig and Jane, who both had innocent looks on their faces. Still, they shooed me towards John.

Whether out of pride, or embarrassment, I chased after John in the rain. My jacket was soaked as soon as I stepped out; my dress soon after. I didn’t care, though. I needed to try to explain why I did it.

I found him on the far end of the parking lot, about to get into his truck. I sprinted over to the car and hopped in the passenger seat before he had a chance to say no.

“Let me explain,” I said.

“Tess, I think you’ve done enough for one night. Just let me go,” he said.

“John, I’ve liked you for far too long, at least let me tell you why I did it.”

He sighed and shut the door. I realized how wet I was when my hair started dripping all over his car interior. He plucked a towel from his duffel bag in the back seat and offered it to me. It wrapped it around my shoulders and did my best to avoid shivering.

“Okay, now’s your chance,” he said.

“The first time I met you was during registration, but I don’t think you remember. I was the dweeby girl that made sure you got into the classes you wanted. The whole time I helped you, you were genuine. You didn’t look down on me, or make fun of me like some of the other football players. I liked that about you. It helped that you were probably the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.”

He smiled at the compliment. I continued.

“I looked for any chance I could get to say hello, or spend time with you. But, even though I go to a lot of your parties, I never found the chance. You’re always surrounded by your friends.

“Then I got this chance. I didn’t want to mess it up, but I did. If you never want to talk to me again, I understand. Besides, after tonight I’ve come to realize that we’re just not made for each other after all. You’ll always be John, the center of attention, dating models and partying. I’ll always be me.”

He sighed, and I could see the frustration leave his face.

“Thanks, John. I’ll always remember the kiss. I hope you find someone that makes you happy,” I said.

I took off the towel and handed it back to him, then opened the car door back to the pouring rain.

“I’ll just keep watching from the sidelines,” I added.

I stepped out, shut the door and started walking off in a daze.

7.

The rain hid my tears, and I was glad it did. I was soaked to the bone but was too numb to care. I couldn’t tell if it was because I had just blown the best shot I had at being with John, or if it was because John wasn’t the person I thought he’d be. He was a great guy, and I knew he would make someone happy eventually.

I rode with Craig and Jane, and it seemed they had left without me. I’d have to walk back home in the rain. It wasn’t so bad, though. I looked forward to having the time to think.

I pulled my soaked jacket back over my shoulders and began my trek home.

Then I heard a honk from behind me. I turned, and John was there with his truck. His headlights nearly blinded me, and all I could make out was his shadow moving closer still.

“Tess?”

“John?” I asked.

The silhouette came closer still. I looked up at his looming shadow, and his face came into view. We stood, rapt in each other’s gaze. I didn’t feel the rain anymore, nor did I shiver.

He threw his arms around me again and pulled me tight.

“Let me give you a ride home,” he said.

I nodded happily.

He escorted me back to the car and helped me into the passenger seat, where the towel from before waited for me. I happily dabbed as much water from my skin as I could. John was just as soaked as I, and I laughed seeing him dripping wet.

“Oh, like you’re much better,” he said.

I slapped him playfully on the arm. Then he started the truck, or should I say tried to start the truck.

“I hoped this wouldn’t happen tonight. I’ve needed to get that battery fixed for a while.”

I laughed as the dome light in the truck clicked off. He didn’t see the humor in it at first, but laughter is contagious. We sat in his truck, staring at the rain as it continued to pour down on, making loud ting sounds on the metal roof of his truck.

In the semi-silence, we basked in one another’s company. Then the rain started slowing.

“I was going to talk to you at the party, last week,” he said.

“Why didn’t you?” I asked.

“Because you disappeared before I could,” he replied.

“I was beyond embarrassed.”

“Well, I thought it was cute. If you had stayed, things might have been different,” he said.

“I’m here now,” I said.

He leaned toward me and kissed me on the cheek, however unexpected. I felt a little giddy that he’d be so forward.

“What was that for?” I asked.

“It was the easiest way to say I’m sorry,” he replied.

He leaned in for another kiss, and I gave him his prize. He really was a good kisser. I pushed him away.

“I don’t want to be your girl for just tonight,” I said.

He leaned back and thought for a moment.

“Then be my girl for tomorrow, too,” he said.

“Why me? You could have any girl on campus, so why me?” I asked.

“I felt a spark from our first kiss. I didn’t think much of it at first, but as the night has worn on, I can’t stop thinking about it. You think I forgot about you after you helped me register for classes, but I remembered. When I wanted to say hello at my parties, you were always talking with that other guy, Craig. So, I’d back off.

“When you were alone at my party last Friday I might have tossed the ball at you on purpose,” he said.

I smiled at the thought of John being shy by any means. I wondered if anyone else had seen this side of him before. I blushed, horribly. As I did, the rain started to let up.

“You know, there’s a nice little place just up the road where you get a great view of the stars on a clear night. Maybe I can take you there.”

He leaned in for another kiss. I bit my lower lip and opened the car door. The light sprinkle of rain was nothing to walk out to. John eased out of the driver’s seat to join me.

I took his hand and led him down the road. We talked of things we liked, and of the dreams we have of the future. He was more interesting when he opened up to me. It felt like I had never known him until now.

His smile was bewildering. Whenever I saw him smile, I swooned. And, he would grip my hand tighter whenever I did, and I would respond in kind.

When we arrived at the spot I wanted to show him, I wished that we could have continued walking. But, all the same, I led him from the road and down into a thicket of bushes and trees. John followed excitedly.

The area was soaked, and the trees still dripped from the down pour. It was beautiful to see the dripping water twinkle in the moonlight while the stars dotted the skies.

I looked up at the night sky, but John wasn’t interested in that. He kissed me on the neck, and again on the cheek. I could feel my heart quicken with each touch, and each caress.

I turned to his lips, and he pressed passionately. I didn’t want the kiss to end. His powerful arms held me close by the small of my back. My wet dress clung tightly to me, but he didn’t mind getting a little wet. Not after what we’d already been through.

He pulled the zipper on the back of my dress as far as it could go; the dress was so heavy with water that it didn’t want to stay on me much longer. It fell to the wet ground, and I stood there in the moonlight for him to enjoy. He stepped away to take in the full sight of me, and I tried to shy away. John just pulled me back close and gave me another kiss.

I tugged at the buttons to his shirt, easing them loose, one by one. His hands caressed up my back and pulled at the strap of my bra. He was skilled, as it came undone quickly. With little care, he pulled the garment from my chest, exposing my curvaceous breasts to the cool evening air.

He took one of my fleshy mounds into his hand and played with it softly. I moaned with pleasure as he did. I continued my task of removing his shirt, which gave way soon after. John helped me pull it from his muscled chest.

I ran a finger down his toned mid-section, feeling ever little bump with pride. He smiled down at me and kissed me on the neck again.

I unfastened his slacks and pried them from his hips, along with the tight boxer briefs he had on underneath. As I pushed the garments down to his ankles, I came face to face with his manhood. I wrapped a hand around it, and it throbbed as I stroked up and down. He moaned in the darkness as I did.

Seeing an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, I took him into my mouth, eliciting more excited moans from him. He was bigger than average, certainly bigger than I was used to. I took as much of his member into my mouth as I could and massaged its length with my tongue.

He pulled on my hair as I did, and I liked the rough feeling. I continued for a while, and he continued to moan. But, before long he pulled me to my feet.

“Ladies first,” he said.

He pulled my underwear off with a single quick stroke of his hand, and I stood naked before him. I felt my sex begin to drip down my leg. He picked me up and laid me on my back in the grass.

The cold, wet ground sent shivers up my spine. I quivered with excitement and John was eager to begin. He kissed down my stomach, and then down my thigh. Every kiss made my heart beat stronger.

His lips then settled on my dripping sex. I moaned from the sensation. His tongue licked along my slit then nestled on my clit. I gasped for breath and bucked my hips as he continued his assault against my delicate womanhood.

Familiar sensations began to build in my stomach, and I could feel myself close to release. He showed no signs of stopping, and in one passionate moment I felt my muscles tense up and explode into an orgasm. For a moment I laid on the grass, enjoying the satisfaction that followed.

John wasn’t close to done, though. He kissed up my belly and tickled my exposed nipples with his tongue. I was still turned on from before, and my body begged to be held tightly again.

He pulled himself on top of me, and I felt small again. I couldn’t believe what was happening, and I didn’t want it to end. I could feel his throbbing member pushing at my tender opening. He rubbed along my still wet sex, and the sensations continued to drive me wild.

Then he started pressing into me; making me tense up again. My hands dug into the ground, and my thighs wrapped tightly around his waist. His beast continued to invade me, further and further. I thought I might explode any second, and still he continued.

I felt his pelvis crash into mine. The feeling I’d had before was slowly beginning to return. It grew greater as he started pumping, at first slowly, but then faster. I once again lost my mind to the mingling sensations, and his perfect manhood having his way with me.

He grabbed my hair and started becoming rough, and I begged for more. I didn’t know how much I’d enjoy it as I’d never tried it before.

The feelings continued to grow again in the pit of my stomach until I felt another release escape. This one stronger than the last; and I screamed in the darkness. John must have enjoyed my outcry because I felt him explode inside me. He moaned into my chest and collapsed beside me.

I was covered in sweat and out of breath, John wasn’t much better. I rolled over and put my arm around him. He was warm, and only then did I realize how truly cold it was outside.

While I lied over his chest, I listened to his heartbeat. It was an excited tune. I could have listened to it all night long, but my exhaustion set in, and I slipped into a satisfied slumber.

8.

“Seriously, Tess. I’m really sorry about last night,” Craig said.

“It’s fine! I managed to have fun. How did things go with you and Jane?”

“Better than I thought. We’re going on another date tomorrow night,” he said.

“I knew you two would be great together,” I said with a smile.

I still hadn’t fully recovered from the previous night. I had caught a cold in the evening, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

“Really, how did you get home?” he asked.

“John gave me a ride,” I replied.

“But, didn’t you tell me that his car broke down?” he wondered.

“You’re right,” I laughed.

I didn’t know how to tell him that I wasn’t talking about a ride in his car. But, really that didn’t matter that much.

My phone vibrated, and I read the text message that was scrawled across the front. It was from John.

“Can’t wait till tonight, this time, I pick the place.”

I smiled, and I could feel my heart skip a beat.

“Who’s that?” Craig asked.

“That’s none of your business,” I said, “but if you must know, it was John.”

Craig winked at me.

“It’s just a study session,” I said, trying to conceal my smile.

Craig just laughed. We would always be best friends, and I was glad that we could both be happy.

*****

THE END