Fair Catch (Love and Sports Series) by Quinn, Meghan (3)

Jake: I don’t want you to make it up to me, I just want to help. Let me help you and be a part of your life.

 

              Why did her life have to be so fucked up? Tears started to prick at her eyes but she refused to give in to the pain her dad caused. That would mean he would win and there was no way she was going to let that happen. He didn’t deserve the satisfaction of ruining her life and her mom’s.

Why was Jake such a good guy? Why did he want to help? Couldn’t he be like every other guy and give two shits about what was going on? She wished he was obsessed with video games or something mind-numbing like that so he was distracted rather so attentive. Why did she have to be dating the one guy that actually paid attention to what was going on in their relationship?

 

Lexi: I appreciate it Jake, but I can take care of it. I will talk to you tomorrow. Good night. XOXO

 

              She decided to end the conversation before it got any worse. She knew she should have just told him the truth but what would he have thought? Some people just don’t understand the situation her family was in, hell Lexi barely understood it. She didn’t want to subject Jake to her family issues, especially when everything was perfect and new between them. No, she would wait. Her phone chimed again.

 

Jake: Ok. Good night baby.

 

              Lexi’s heart melted and wept at the same time. She so desperately wanted Jake with her, she needed him with her. He had become her safe haven and right now she needed that haven more than ever. She wanted to get lost in his arms so she could forget that sick reality that her father was an abusive dick and her mom was a spineless victim. Instead of leaning on Jake, she had to get lost in Margo’s sheets which didn’t even come close to comparison between the two.

 

                                                        ***

 

              It felt like the weight of the world was resting on his chest. Jake could feel the tension he was carrying around in his shoulders and it was starting to cause him some serious stress. He hadn’t seen Lexi in a couple of days and it bothered him. They talked on the phone but that wasn’t enough for him, especially since they only lived a couple of buildings away. She hadn’t let him in her apartment the night he came back from his away trip, or any other night since he’d been home. He missed her. Every time he tried to get together with her, she was always busy. Jake didn’t see her in the gym either, he wondered if she reverted back to lifting cans of beans in her apartment to avoid seeing him.

              He didn’t think the reason she was being allusive was because of another guy, at least he didn’t want to think that. He couldn’t. She was very adamant about being exclusive when they started their relationship. Although, he found it incredibly odd that she wouldn’t let him in her apartment. What was she hiding? And why wouldn’t she tell him? He wasn’t an expert on relationships but one thing he knew for sure was couples didn’t keep secrets from each other, instead they leaned on each other for support.

              Annoying music bumped through the training room which only raked on Jake’s nerves even more. Jake blew out a frustrated breath and set the dumbbells he was lifting back on the rack. He didn’t know how many reps he did, all he knew was his biceps were on fire and he zoned out a while ago.

              “Finally.” Mason said. “I was getting worried about you over there. I didn’t know if you were going for some kind of record or turned into a moron and forgot how to count.”

              Jake ran his hands over his face. “Does Brooke keep things from you?”

              “What do you mean?”

              Jake went into story mode right in the middle of the weight room and told Mason everything that happened after he got off the bus the other night. Jake wasn’t much for sharing but he had to get the heavy weight Lexi put there off his chest. He told Mason how it made him feel and his fears of there being a possible other man in the mix. Mason chewed on Jake’s information for a second before he answered.

              “I don’t think it’s a guy.”

              Jake felt his spirits perk up. “You don’t? Why?”

              “Because of the way she looks at you man, I don’t think she could look at you like that if there was another guy.”

              “You’re basing your theory off of a look? That doesn’t mean much.”

              Mason shrugged. “Could mean everything, man”

Mason tossed an elastic band at Jake so he could work on his rotator cuff. They both put the end of their band under one of the squatting rack barbells and turned around to work their rotator cuff muscles.

              Thoughts of the other night kept running through Jake’s head as he went through his rotator cuff exercises which were required for every quarterback since shoulder injuries were a big concern in his position.

When Jake finished his last rep, he looked up and spotted Lexi walking into the weight room. She was a sight for sore eyes and looked amazing like usual. She was wearing her little spandex shorts, a workout tank top and her hair was up in a messy bun. She wore neon colored shoes that offset the tan on her legs.

Jake’s heart hammered heavily in his chest from just knowing she was in the same room as him. She hadn’t spotted him yet so he was able to observe her from a decent distance. She was talking to the trainer and laughing about something on the bulletin board that hung up in the weight room usually showing off poor humored jokes. She was so gorgeous it almost hurt Jake’s heart to see her so happy when clearly he wasn’t the reason why.

              She grabbed her workout file and turned toward the center of the room which was when they made eye contact for the first time in a couple of days. She stopped mid stride and smiled at him. He smiled back, unsure of what else to do. He knew she needed space but all he wanted to do was run up to her and take her away from everyone so he could have her to himself.

              She walked toward him, more like sashayed Jake thought. It wasn’t fair that she had such a sexy walk too amongst other things. She was right in front of him while he finished up his exercises. She reached up and brushed his cheek with her thumb and planted a gentle kiss on his lips. Every bad feeling he had toward her melted away and he felt himself falling all over again for Lexi Knox.

              “Hey, big guy.”

              “Hey, short stack.”

              She nodded toward Mason. “Hey Mase. Good game the other night.”

              “Thanks.” Mason took his band and put it away, giving them their space.

              “How’s it going?” Jake asked, suddenly feeling awkward. He wished she would kiss him again because when they were touching it felt so right.

              “Good. Are you done with your workout?”

              “Yea, this was my last thing. Haven’t seen you in these parts lately. Have you been hanging out with your cans of beans again?”

              She chuckled and peered at him with her sky blue eyes. “No, just haven’t had time, so I better get going with this workout because I have some catching up to do.” She started to walk away but Jake pulled her back. Her hands rested on his chest and he reveled in the way her small hands felt against his body.

              “Can we have dinner tonight? I miss you, babe.”

              She looked away and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I have some things to take care of tonight and I have to write a paper.”

              Jake’s heart sank to the floor. “You do know I leave tomorrow for another away game right? I haven’t seen you all week.” He tilted her chin up so she was looking him in the eyes. “Are we ok, Lexi?”

              “Of course.” She said with a half-hearted smile. He knew it wasn’t her genuine smile because her genuine smile lit up a room, it lit up his heart “I just have a lot to do. I will talk to you tonight on the phone. Alright?”

              Jake ran his hand through his hair, frustrated and angry but also sad because whatever was going on with her, she didn’t want to include him and that hurt more than anything. Unless she was actually seeing someone behind his back, then of course she would keep him out of the loop. Why would she want him finding out about her affair with someone else?

              “I guess.” He said. He removed her hands and gave her a quick good bye before heading out toward his locker room. He couldn’t be around her anymore, especially when she was acting so strange. He felt like his heart was being ripped out of his chest and he didn’t even know why.

              “Jake.”

              He spun around and saw her running after him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a long luscious kiss. He wrapped his arms around her and brought her in closer. He felt her breasts press against his chest as she took control of his mouth. He let her do all the work. He let her be in charge because he wanted to see if she was kissing him with true passion or if it was just a pity kiss. When she deepened their kiss further he knew she was kissing with passion.

              She pulled away and said, “I’m sorry.” Then she walked away without another word.

What the hell? Jake stood in the hallway completely shocked as she walked back into the weight room. What was she sorry for? For being weird? Or for something worse, like cheating on him?

              Cheers erupted down the hall but Jake didn’t even bother to see what it was about, he was way too confused and scared to worry about anything else. Jake walked back to his locker room more annoyed than ever. She was so good at making him ride a damn emotional roller coaster, which he wished he could get off. It was frustrating to have to keep up with her varying emotions and deciphering what everything meant. Why couldn’t women just come with a manual? It would be so much easier to deal with them if they did, Jake thought.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 11

 

              Finally her apartment consisted of two residents, rather than three. Lexi was able to get her mom to go to her Aunt’s house instead of back home to her dad. At least that was what Lexi hoped her mom was doing. She knew when her mom first showed up at Lexi’s doorstep she was staying for the night but Lexi softened up toward her mom and asked her to stay a couple more days even though it put a strain on her relationship with Jake. But now her mom was gone and things could go back to normal. She only wished her mom went back a night sooner so she could spend the night with her man. Now Jake was away and instead of being with him, she was watching him on TV.

              She wished she could have given him a proper sendoff but when she wasn’t in class or practice, her mom demanded Lexi’s attention, claiming they never did anything together anymore. So the past week they spent a lot of mother-daughter time together, too much time Lexi thought. She loved her mom but her mom was weak, not a strong woman like Lexi desired to be and felt it hard to be around her.

              A special piece about Jake possibly going to play in the NFL came on the TV. Lexi couldn’t help but smile at the screen thinking about how lucky she was to have him in her life. When he got back from his away trip, she was going to make it up to him, big time. She finally felt ready to be with him. She knew he wasn’t going after her just to cross her off his fuck list, he actually cared about her. He actually wanted to be in a solid, committed relationship with her. And she was ready to reciprocate his feelings.

              The campus was more than happy to receive them as a couple which shocked Lexi, she for sure thought she would get some backlash from some of Jake’s most admiring fans. They obviously didn’t make a public statement about their relationship but when they were together, they didn’t keep it a secret that they were with each other. Because of Jake, Lexi became more of a celebrity around campus, not that she cared about those things but people would come up to her and tell her how much they loved Jake and how great he was. She would thank them, she didn’t know why but she thought it seemed appropriate.

              The cameras zoomed in on Jake while he was stretching. He looked different, he looked off. He didn’t have his normal game face on and he wasn’t joking around with the other guys like he usually did. She hoped it wasn’t because of the stress she put him through the past week. Lexi cursed herself for not having the nerves to tell him about her mom. She was just too ashamed. She thought if she could get rid of her mom, Jake would never have to know about her abusive asshole of a father and weakling of a mother. If things went further down the road with Jake, maybe she would tell him but right now she didn’t want any negative light shown on her, especially since their relationship was so rocky.

              She thought about their conversation they had last night and wondered if there was already a negative light on her because Jake knew something was up. He was short with her on the phone after she turned him down again about meeting up and he barely text her today even though she sent a bunch of messages to him, wishing him luck and telling him how much she missed him. Lexi started to feel sweat trickle down her back as she thought about the strange way Jake was acting. Was Jake going to break up with her? Did she make the wrong decision by not telling Jake about her sordid family?

              She looked at the camera again, he definitely didn’t look like himself and the fact that he barely talked to her today skated across her nerves.

“Oh no.” She said out loud. Could she have driven him away from her?

              She looked back at her text messages from today and the last one he sent said, “Thanks baby.” She wished him luck, hoping that even though he couldn’t take her calls right before the game, her text messages would show how much she cared. Lexi thought it was good that he called her baby in his last text message. That settled her nerves a little, at least for the time being. If he was going to break up with her, he definitely wouldn’t have called her baby.

              Lexi grabbed a pint of ice cream from her fridge and sat down on the couch to watch the game. Margo and Parker were both busy tonight so she was all by herself which she didn’t mind. Since she had been crowded by her mom for a while she enjoyed the peace and quiet. Margo actually was visiting her parents the past week which was good because that gave Lexi a full bed to herself while her mom had been visiting. Coach gave Margo a little break to go back home and gather herself after the horrible rumors that were spread about her.

              All hell broke loose when Coach approached the Lacrosse coach about his players’ careless way of treating one of her players. Needless to say the lacrosse guys got their asses handed to them and then the whole athletic department had to sit through a lecture about spreading rumors and bullying. Lexi felt like she was back in middle school but as long as Margo’s name was cleared, Lexi didn’t mind.

              She talked to Margo on the phone earlier to see how she was doing. It was refreshing because Margo sounded full of energy and ready to come back. Lexi was happy for her friend that she was bouncing back from the hell she was put through. Margo was bouncing back faster than Lexi thought she could if she was ever thrown into Margo’s situation.

              The Bears returned the ball to the forty yard line after the first kickoff, what a great start she thought. She settled into the couch and watched Jake work his magic. He was so fluid with his movements and bounced around in the pocket as if there weren’t three hundred pound men coming after him. Jake threw the ball to Mason for a gain of twenty. So close to the end zone, Lexi thought. They were going to score a touchdown within the first minute of the game. Lexi sat on pins and needles waiting to jump in celebration.

              Jake yelled out a play and then the ball was hiked. He fake handed it off to their running back and then looked for Mason in the end zone. All of a sudden it was like someone pressed the slow motion button on the remote. Jake had his back turned and his gaze fixed on his receivers instead of floating around like he usually did in the pocket. Out of the corner of the screen came a huge linebacker and Lexi just sat there and screamed when Jake was pummeled from behind and flattened to the ground. She could feel the impact of the hit as if she was the one eating grass instead of Jake. She sat on the edge of her seat while Jake laid motionless on the ground.

              Tears formed in her eyes as she shook her head in disbelief. He wasn’t getting up. Why wasn’t he getting up? The trainers went running up to Jake as the ref’s tried to clear the way and get the players out of the area so Jake could be properly tended to.

A phone rang through the silence that was encompassing her apartment, startling her out of her negative thoughts. She looked down at the caller ID and saw that it was Margo. She picked up instantly knowing Margo would be the only one she would want to talk to at the current moment.

              “Hello?” She practically said in a whisper.

              “Are you watching the game?” Margo said in a panic.

              Lexi brushed away a tear that slid down her face. “Yes, how come he’s not getting up, Margo?”

              “I don’t know sweetie.”

The insensitive reporters kept showing the collision in slow motion so Lexi got to continuously watch Jake’s head fly back in an odd way as he got hit from behind over and over again. Lexi thought she was going to throw up from the gruesome replays.

              “Can they please stop showing how he got hit!” Lexi shouted to nobody in particular.

              “Lex, he’s going to be ok, he is built like an ox.”

              “Yea and the guy who hit him is built like a steam train. Oh my God Margo, what if something serious happened to him? I could never forgive myself for how I treated him this past week.”

              “You can’t think like that.” They both watched in silence when the on-field stretcher and medics came out and started attending to him.

              The announcers started talking. “Wow, this could be a career ending injury. What do you think Bob?”

              “Well Mike, I couldn’t agree more, a hit like that when you’re caught off guard isn’t easy to recover from, especially since he hasn’t moved since he landed on the ground. We might have just watched Jake Taylor’s last play on the football field. Let’s take a break, we will be right back.”

              Lexi was crying as she barely held the phone to her ear. She heard Margo from a far distance talking to her. “Don’t you listen to them Lexi, those guys will say pretty much anything. Jake is going to be just fine.”

              “I have to go, Margo. I’m going to try to contact him. At least let him know I’m watching and I care about him.”

              “Good idea. Please let me know if you need anything.”

              “I will.” Lexi hung up the phone and pulled up her text messages she clicked on a one she recently sent to Jake and started typing frantically.

 

Lexi: I know you can’t look at your phone right now, but I just want you to know I was watching the game and you are going to be ok, I just know it. Hang in there big guy.

 

              She knew he wouldn’t get the message for a while but as she sent the message to him it felt like she was silently communicating to him. She sat on her couch and waited for the commercials to end as she rocked back and forth, hoping and praying that Jake was going to be ok. She couldn’t imagine if his career was over, he was so brilliant on the field it would be such a waste.

              Graphics for the game came back on and the announcers started talking.

              “If you just missed the last five minutes of the game, here is a replay of what happened.” They showed the clip again and Lexi cringed as Jake once again fell to the ground. “We are getting news from the locker room now that Jake Taylor, is in fact…” The announcer pressed on his ear, probably trying to hear whatever the little guy in his ear was trying to say. “Yes, he is awake now in the locker room and most likely suffering from a concussion. He is moving around…”

              That was all Lexi needed to hear, he was moving around. She cried into her hands as they held her head up. She was so grateful that he was ok. She tuned out the rest of the game as their backup quarterback took over and threw a handful of interceptions costing the Bears their first loss of the season. Lexi didn’t care though, all she cared about was that Jake was going to be ok.

              She spent the rest of the night waiting by her phone, waiting to hear something from him, any kind of information that he was doing alright, but she never heard a word. She decided that she was going to meet him in front of the events center when their bus returned from the airport. She wanted to see him more than anything and as soon as possible.

 

                                                        ***

 

              Jake rolled his head to the side and cringed, he was sore as hell thanks to the semi-truck that hit him from behind on the field. Not to mention the bus beds weren’t the most comfortable bed he had ever stayed on, thankfully it was a semi-short trip from the airport. Jake replayed the moment he got hit over and over in his head. He had been thinking about Lexi, not about what was going on around him which cost his team the game. He never let his personal life creep into his game before but he did this time and he got burned because of it.

              He could easily blame Lexi since she had been so evasive the whole week but he didn’t. He was the one who brought his problems on the field and that was ultimately why he got hurt. The doctor in the locker room kept telling him how lucky he was that he walked away with just a concussion. His first ever concussion. He didn’t care for it too much. He didn’t think he was going to get any concussions until he was at least in the pros but now he could add one to his football resume.

              He swore at himself for losing focus during the game. He would never let that happen again. James, one of his linebackers, felt awful for not defending the steam engine that charged at Jake but Jake knew it wasn’t fully James’ fault. It was a combination of everything, especially a lack of focus. Jake was supposed to relax the rest of the week and do some easy workouts if he wanted to play in next week’s game, which Jake was determined to do. He was livid that the team lost. He was going for a perfect season and that wasn’t going to happen now.

              Mason came up to Jake’s bed. “You feeling better man?”

              Jake rubbed his neck. “Yea just a little sore, that’s all.”

              “Why don’t you get out of that bed we are about five minutes from campus, you should stretch out a bit.”

              Jake agreed with Mason, gathered his stuff and got out of the bed to head to the front of the bus. The guys gave him the night to recover from the injury but after that they started ribbing him for having a concussion. Jake knew it was all in good fun but he had the hardest time laughing along with his teammates.

              “What are you doing tonight?” Mason asked.

              “I don’t know. Hopefully Lexi will want to hang out. I haven’t talked to her since the hit.”

              “Why not?” Mason said looking worried. “Everything ok between you two?”

              “I don’t really know. I wanted to talk to her, she was the first person I thought about but I didn’t want her pity. I got a text from her after I got hit saying I was going to be ok but I can’t help but wonder if it was a pity text. She’s been so weird lately. I guess I just wanted to see her reaction when I got back into town. I didn’t want to hear it on the phone. Does that make sense?”

              “I guess so. Go to her place when we get back and don’t take no for an answer.”

              “I don’t think that is going to happen.” One of the freshmen piped up from the front of the bus.

              Jake and Mason both looked at him as if he had lost his mind. “Excuse me?” Jake said.

              The freshman pointed toward the events center and said, “Looks like Lexi has moved on, man.”

              Jake and Mason scrambled to the front of the bus to see what the idiot was talking about. When Jake focused in on what he was pointing at, Jake almost fell to the floor. Standing in front of the event’s center was Lexi wrapped up in Parker’s arm and he was kissing her head.

              “What the fuck?” Jake yelled.

              Mason put his hand on his shoulder. “Dude, calm down, they’re just friends. You know that.”

              Jake did know that but with everything that had been going on between them and the way Parker was holding her made Jake think something was going on. His teammates decided to continue the ribbing from earlier and started to push his buttons even further.

              “Looks like you can’t hold a woman down, Taylor.”

              “Can’t blame her, I would have dumped his sorry ass after getting scared like that too.”

              “Parker is the man!”

              Jake turned to Mason for support but Mason just shrugged his shoulders as if Jake was on his own. Good friend he was. Jake peered out the window again and saw Lexi spot the bus. She shook Parker off quickly and watched him walk away. Nothing was going on Jake’s ass. She was busted and he was going to make sure she knew it. Jake turned to Mason.

              “Can you take care of my gear for me?”

              “Jake, don’t do it.”

              Jake got in Mason’s face. “I didn’t ask for your fucking opinion just take care of my damn gear please.”

              Mason held his hands up in defense. “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

              Jake was seething mad and could feel his body tense up more than it was before as the bus got closer and closer to its designated spot. He tried to calm himself but once the bus stopped and the doors flew open, he jumped off the bus and headed straight toward Lexi who now moved to her car and was standing in front of it waiting for him.

              She held her arms open. “Hey, there you are…What’s wrong?” She said with a confused expression. Jake grabbed her by the shoulder and moved her to the side of her car so they had a little bit of privacy.  She ripped her arm way from his grasp. “Ouch Jake, that hurt.”

              “What the fuck was that all about?”

              She searched his eyes, as if she didn’t know what he was talking about but he wasn’t going to fall for it.

              “What was what about?”

              He got inches from her face and pushed her up against the car. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. Is Parker the reason why you neglected to be with me this past week?”

              She tried to push him away but he didn’t budge. “Jake, you’re scaring me.”

              “Just tell me the truth.”

              “About what?”

              He pushed her against the car again, not realizing that he might be hurting her, he was just so mad, mad about the game, mad about her neglecting him, about the guys on the bus.

              “Don’t fuck with me Lexi, are you fucking Parker behind my back?”

              Her mouth dropped open in shock and she slapped him across the face sending a sting through his head. He grabbed her wrists and put them by her side. She squirmed telling him to let go but he wouldn’t.

              “What’s going on over here?” Jake’s coach stepped in. Jake backed off of Lexi just enough so she could give him a swift kick to the shin.

              “Son of a bitch!” He screamed while clenching his leg.

              Lexi shouted over to his coach. “Control your men coach.” She got in her car and drove off, leaving Jake in the parking lot, hobbling on one leg.

              “Taylor, what the hell has gotten into you? I told you not to fuck around with that girl, she is too good for you. You better treat her with respect next time I see you two together or I will make it my personal mission that you never see a minute of playing time in the pros. Do you hear me?”

              Jake shook his head and said, “Yes, Sir.”

              His coach walked off and Jake hobbled over to Mason’s car to wait for a ride. He was going straight to Lexi’s, thankfully he had her emergency key so he could get in what he knew was going to be a locked door.

 

                                                        ***

             

              Flinging herself on her bed, Lexi buried her head in the pillow and started crying like a fool. Did Jake really think she was cheating on him with Parker? Jake knew Parker and her were close, he accepted that, so why now? Why the questioning? Lexi shifted in bed and felt the rough lace lingerie she was wearing rub against her body.

              She planned on picking Jake up after he got off the bus and take him back to her place to finally let him fully have her, mind, body and soul. To think that she was going to finally have sex with that Neanderthal. He treated her just like her dad would have treated her mom, well maybe in a more subdued way but still it scared the hell out of her.

              Why did he freak out so much? She ran into Parker when she was waiting for the bus. He asked how her mom was and how Jake was doing after his big hit. Parker was just leaving and giving her a hug good bye when the bus pulled up. He was going out with Sierra which was another thing. Jake knew Parker and Sierra were an item so what would possess him to think Parker and her were together?

              Was that why he never contacted her yesterday after his injury? She couldn’t believe he never text her or called her, especially after her trying to contact him for hours. She for sure thought she would hear from him, at least this morning to let her know he would be home soon. It hurt that he didn’t contact her, more than she thought it would hurt. Even though he caused her pain, she still wanted to make up with him and reconnect with him in a way they hadn’t yet, hence the lacey lingerie.

              Lexi sat up in her bed and decided to get into her pajamas because she had no use for the uncomfortable lingerie anymore. She pulled off her t-shirt and jeans and put them in her hamper. She was about to take off the lacy push up bra that extended a little past her rib cage that opened in the front when she heard her front door slam. She froze in her tracks. Margo wasn’t due back until Monday so that meant only one thing.

Jake.              

 

                                                        ***

 

              Jake tore through Lexi’s apartment and headed straight for her bedroom, he stopped abruptly when he saw what she was wearing. She had on black lingerie, the top was something he had never seen before and she was wearing what Jake could only imagine was a lace thong since the fabric was so small and dainty. He felt all the blood rush to his groin even though he was seething mad at her.

              Then a thought occurred to him, why was she wearing such an outfit? It sure as hell wasn’t for him since she wasn’t ready to have sex with him, but it currently looked like she was ready to have sex with someone. He felt his fists curl at his sides and his breathing grew heavy from the thought of another guy seeing Lexi in her current get-up. He watched her put her hands on her hips as if what she was wearing wasn’t the sexiest thing he had ever seen. Her stomach rippled with muscles and her toned legs were completely bare, giving Jake a mouth-watering view. She lifted her chin at him in defiance.

              “What the hell are you doing here?”

              “Why the hell are you wearing that?” He pointed at her outfit while ignoring her question.

              Lexi looked down at herself and then answered, “That’s none of your business.”

              “To hell it’s not. Last time I checked you were my girlfriend and I have the right to know why the fuck you’re wearing…that.” He said while pointing up and down at her body.

              “Oh, is that right? Then how come you didn’t give your girlfriend the courtesy of letting her know you were ok yesterday?” Her voice caught in her throat. He couldn’t deal with her right now if she decided to cry. When she cried it completely tore apart his touch exterior and broke him down to absolute mush.              

              “Oh, you mean you actually wanted to know how I was? You didn’t have other things to do? You weren’t too busy to care?”

              “How dare you.” She said while charging toward him. She pushed his chest but he stood still, not budging an inch. “I can’t believe you didn’t call me…out of spite.”

              “It wasn’t out of spite.”

              “Yea, right. You’re a fucking bastard. I was worried sick about you, wondering if you were going to be able to walk and instead of easing my worry you decided to use that moment to get back at me? What the hell is wrong with you? Why would you do that?” A tear ran down her face but she quickly wiped it away.

              Jake didn’t intentionally handle the situation with malice but now that he thought about it, his sub-conscious might have helped him in some of his decision making.

              “That was not my intention. But it does suck doesn’t it? When you care about someone and they won’t talk to you. Now you know how I felt all last week.”

              Lexi turned around and paced the room. When he looked down at her perfect, round ass he confirmed that in fact she was wearing a thong. Jake couldn’t help but stare at her tight little bubble butt. God, even though he was furious with her, he wanted her so bad.

              “I can’t believe you.” She let her tears flow now. “I was genuinely scared, Jake. I was scared I wouldn’t be able to talk to you again and you decide not to talk to me because of what happened last week?”

              “How do you think I felt all last week? Worrying about you and what was going on, wondering if you were going to break up with me because you wouldn’t let me close enough to help.”

              “So you go and punish me?”

              “No! That wasn’t intentional.” They were both screaming at each other, most likely putting on a good show for her neighbors.

              “Sure it wasn’t Jake.” She threw her hands up in anger.

              “And like yours wasn’t intentional. You’re the whole reason I got hit, because I was worried about you.”

              She charged after him. “How dare you blame that on me?” She was still crying but screaming at him the same time. He tried not to focus on how the swell of her breasts jiggled ever so slightly when she yelled at him.

              “Well, it’s the truth. Let’s just get it all out in the open Lexi, are you cheating on me?”             

              “No!”

              “Then what is it?!” He yelled back.

              “My dad beat the shit out of my mom and I was housing her last week, I didn’t want you to have to get involved you ass!”

              Devastation wrapped around Jake’s heart as Lexi went into the bathroom and slammed the door shut. Jake felt all the wind in his chest get knocked out of his lungs, leaving him breathless. He was a gigantic ass, but what he didn’t understand was why she didn’t just tell him? He would have helped her through it. That’s what being in a relationship was about, being there for each other and taking care of each other when they needed it the most.

              While she was in the bathroom, he ran his hand through his hair and paced her room trying to figure out how to handle the situation before him. He heard her blow her nose and wished he could just go in there and pull her into a hug. He stared at the picture he first saw of her and her parents that was displayed on her desk. They all looked so happy in the picture, who knew behind those smiles was a world of pain and despair. Jake’s heart ripped in two for Lexi. He didn’t have his parents anymore in his life but when they were alive his dad treated his mom like a queen and his dad would always tell Jake that he needed to treat his woman the same way when he was older.

              His dad was right. Lexi was his woman, the one he wanted to be with, the one he loved. The last statement hit him like a ton of bricks. He loved her. He fucking loved her more than anything. He needed to take his father’s advice and treat Lexi like she deserved to be treated, like a queen.

              He went to the bathroom door and knocked on it. She didn’t answer so he twisted the knob, praying she didn’t lock him out before he got the chance to enter the small space. Thankfully she didn’t. He pushed the door open and found her sitting on the counter with her head in her hands. He pushed her legs open and wrapped them around his waist. He tilted her chin up and wiped away her tears that were streaking down her face with his thumbs. He kissed her forehead and pulled her in for a hug.

              “I’m so sorry baby, about everything. I’m so damn sorry.”

              She cried into his chest and squeezed him tight. “I’m sorry too. I should have told you about my mom but I was so ashamed.”

              “I don’t want you to think you can’t tell me things. I’m here for you no matter what.”

              He bent down and kissed her lips, they tasted like Lexi with a hint of salt from her tears. She wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened their kiss right before she said, “Take me to bed, Jake.”

              He stepped back and looked at her. “What?”

              “Take me to bed, Jake.” She hopped off the counter, grabbed his hand and walked him toward her bed. She put her hands under his shirt, grabbed the hem and lifted it over his head, exposing his bare chest that she explored with her dainty hands. Her gentle touches were making his senses run wild. He felt himself growing hard at a rapid pace in his southern region from every stroke and caress she played against his body. She took notice of his growth and pulled his pants and socks off, leaving him only in his boxer briefs covering up his very noticeable erection.

              “I’ve missed you,” she whispered as she kissed her way up his chest.

              “I’ve missed you so much, baby.”

              He lifted her up on the bed and settled between her legs, taking her lips with his. She met each stroke with his and he felt his entire body go numb as she moved her hands in tiny circles down his chest as they kissed. He didn’t know if she realized what she did to him with her hands but she drove him crazy. He placed his hands on her waist, relishing in the feel of her bare skin. She moaned into his mouth making him grow harder.

              He stopped what he was doing and leaned his head against hers. “Shit, I don’t have protection with me.”             

              “I thought ahead.” She said with a wink and then leaned back on the bed, inviting him on top of her. Thanking the Lord for his well-prepared girlfriend, he straddled her little body and rested his hand on her ribcage.

              “You look so fucking gorgeous, babe”

              She brought his head back down and started kissing him at an alarming rate. He slid his hand to the front of her bra and started undoing the four clasps that held the frilly fabric together. With every pop of the clasp he felt himself get even harder. On the last one he looked down as he watched her bare, tanned breasts spill out from the top.

              He gulped. “Do you tan naked?”

She smirked at him and that was all the evidence he needed. What a vixen! He took one of her breasts in his hand and felt the weight she had to offer. He brought his head down to her breast and took her nipple in with his lips. Lexi threw her head back on the bed and moaned as he circled her nipple with his tongue, turning it into a hard little peak. He went to the other breast and conducted the same routine, causing more moans to fly from Lexi’s mouth.

              “Jake, that feels so good.”

              Jake slid the bra completely off Lexi and tossed it to the ground. He kissed his way down to her panties and shucked those was well, revealing a perfectly waxed area. God, she was full of surprises. He moved his way back up to her lips and whispered to her.

              “You are so damn beautiful.”

              Lexi moved her hands down to the waist of his boxer briefs and started to pull them down. Jake allowed her to push them down and he helped her take them fully off when she couldn’t reach them anymore. They both stared at each other for a second before Jake climbed on top of her again, placing his forearms on either side of her head as he stroked her hair. He gently brought his head down and kissed her ever so gently. He wanted to savor this moment, the moment where they felt flesh on flesh for the first time. He was so lucky to have her, to be able to love her. He wasn’t ever going to forget this moment for as long as he lived.

              She kissed him back being just as gentle as he was. The light touches, caresses and kisses drove him to the edge. He spread her legs and quickly remembered he needed a condom.

              She knew what he needed and said hastily, “Nightstand.”

              Jake reached in the drawer, ripped the condom open and rolled it on. She just stared at him, licking her lips. He spread her legs again, grabbed her hands and linked them with his over her head. He stared her in the eyes as he entered her. He watched as her eyes widened from his size and her little mouth formed an “O” shape.

              “Am I hurting you?” He asked.

              She shook her head no and moved her hips to encourage him to go deeper. Once he was fully inside her, he started rocking back and forth, forcing Lexi to throw her head back in pleasure.

              “Oh God, Jake. Yes.”

              Jake never thought Lexi would be much of a communicator in bed but he liked it. He also liked how even though she had a strong personality and did things a lot of the time her way, she let him have control in bed.

              He bent his head down and started kissing her deeper than before. He slid his tongue in her mouth and she met him with hers. They tangled themselves up as Jake continued to thrust. He felt the pressure in his body start to build up with every thrust of his hips and thrust of his tongue. All his senses were on fire and he didn’t know how much more he would be able to hold on.

              Jake left Lexi’s lips and headed down her neck trailing his touch with kisses while still holding her hands above her head. He found his way to her plump breasts and sucked in one of her nipples. At that moment Lexi cried out and her inner walls constricted around him. She screamed out in pleasure and Jake followed right after her. His whole body went numb as he released himself in to the woman of his dreams.

              Lexi continued to move her hips around, sucking out every last pleasure point, reveling in the pleasure. He felt like he was floating on a cloud. Never in his life had sex ever been so powerful. Yes, it felt good but sex with Lexi was on a whole new and different level. He had the biggest orgasm of his life and it was all because of his brilliant little blue eyed blonde.

              He pulled himself out of her, grabbed a tissue from her night stand to clean up and then pulled her in close to him, wrapping his limbs around her. He buried his face in her hair and kissed her head.

              “Mmm…” She said while wiggling to get closer to him, arousing him once again and so quickly too.

              “I love you, Lexi.”

              His confession caused her to separate herself from their joining and turn around to face him. One of his hands was on her bare hip and the other was propping his head up.

              “What did you say?” She said with shock. Normally he would have thought he would be terrified at this moment, the moment he confessed his love for a woman for the first time, but he wasn’t. He didn’t care if she didn’t say the same three little words back. He loved her and he wanted her to know.

              “I said I love you, more than anything, babe.”

              Lexi put her hand on Jake’s cheek and stroked his face. She kissed him lightly on the lips. “I love you too, Jake.”

              Jake pulled her in at the hip so they were face to face with an inch separating them from touching. He stroked her hair as she snuggled into his arm.

              “Best thing I’ve heard in a long time.” He said. “I’m sorry about everything.”

              “Me too but let’s forget about it and enjoy this moment.”

              Jake kissed her nose and then her mouth which turned into more frantic kisses and more touching. As Jake found his way inside her core again he thought to himself how life couldn’t be any better than this. As long as he had Lexi by his side he could do anything.

 

                                                        ***

 

              Lexi turned over in bed to snuggle up closer to Jake but found nothing but sheets and blankets. Disappointment washed through her body as she opened her eyes and didn’t see Jake lying next to her. Last night she turned off her alarm so she could sleep in and spend more time with Jake but it was pointless since he wasn’t in bed with her. She skipped her morning class, which she had never done before but Jake was nowhere to be found.             

              Panic instantly hit her. They finally had sex for the first time last night and now he was gone in the morning. Did he get what he wanted and bolt? She shook her head no, not possible. He told her he loved her last night. Jake Taylor loved her. She still felt like she was floating on a cloud from hearing those words come from his mouth. He completely caught her off guard with his declaration but it was one of the best things she had heard in a while. It felt great to be loved, to be wanted by another person, to be cared for.

              Lexi sat up and stretched as the sheets fell off her body, exposing her bare breasts. She flushed thinking about all the ways Jake pleasured her last night by just touching her breasts. He declared in the heat of the moment that her breasts were by far the most amazing ones he had ever seen. Lexi laughed to herself thinking about how heavy is voice sounded when he said it.

              She hopped out of bed and grabbed a long shirt to slip over her head. When she stuck her arms through the sleeves she heard a huge crash in the kitchen. She quickly left her bedroom and looked over the kitchen bar to see Jake holding a bunch of pots and pans. He was only wearing his sweats leaving his chest bare and available to stare at. She sighed at the sight and went over to help him.

              “What are you doing?” She helped him with the pots and shoved them back in the drawer. He had one pan in his hand and placed it on the stove.

              “I’m making you breakfast, short stack.” He leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the lips. “How do you like your eggs?”

              She gave him a skeptical look. “You know how to cook?” She crossed her arms over her chest.

              “I know how to cook eggs. Place your order babe or you’re getting what I serve up.”

              She leaned in and gave his butt a squeeze. “Surprise me big guy.”

              He playfully squealed like a girl when she squeezed his butt and swatted at her hand. “If you don’t mind, Ma’am, no playing around with the help.”

              “Hey, if you’re my help, I can do whatever I want with you.” She leaned in and placed her hands on his chest.

              He wrapped his arms around her bringing her in closer. “Is that right? Well then do with me what you will.”

              She pulled him down so she could plant her lips on his. She was almost touching his mouth with hers when she said, “Omelet with veggies and cheese.”

              She broke their embrace and sauntered over to the counter where she hoisted herself up and sat down. She crossed her legs and planted her hands behind her so he got a great view of her shirt against her breasts. He walked over to her with hunger in his eyes and not the kind of hunger that could be fixed by a veggie omelet. She stopped him with her foot on his chest before he could get too close.

              “What do you think you’re doing?”

              He groaned. “Babe, you can’t sit like that and expect me to back off.”

              “Check your libido at the door mister, you have breakfast to make.”

              He shook his head. “You’re such a cock tease. You know that?”

              She just smiled at him and watched him slump his shoulders while he formed a pouty lip. He grabbed the eggs that were on the counter and started whipping them. She was mesmerized by the way his forearm muscles rippled with each swish of the fork against the eggs.

              “Cheer up whipping boy, if you do a good job, I might reward you after breakfast.”

              He perked up at the sound of her mentioning a reward. “You know I live for your rewards.”

              Lexi watched Jake move around her kitchen as if it was home to him. She had a great view of his backside as he made her an omelet. She observed how his back muscles flexed when he was chopping up peppers sending her to distract herself because she was getting all hot and bothered.

              Sex had never been something she needed, probably because she was never with someone like Jake. With Jake, after finally giving herself over to him, it was all she wanted. They fooled around all night in bed, sleeping for a little then waking each other up wanting more. Lexi was sore from her head to her toes but in a good way.

              When they sat down at the table to eat their breakfast, Lexi couldn’t help but think about all the women Jake had been with and how she had only been with one other guy. She wondered if Jake was so good at what he did because he had so much experience. Was she his best? Or was she just subpar?

              “Is your omelet not good?” Jake asked, interrupting her thoughts.

              She noticed she was just pushing it around on her plate and not eating it. She took a big bite and shook her head. ”No, it’s great. Thank you.”

              Jake took his finger and pressed it between her eyes to smooth out her frown. “Then what has you all worried.”

              She blew out a breath. “Just being a girl.”

              “Tell me. Remember we’re going to be open with each other. That’s what being in a relationship is all about, being there for each other?”

              Jake was right, they had a long conversation last night after they tired from sex. They talked about Lexi’s mom and dad and what Lexi could do to help them. She told him how it all started when she was in high school and how her dad didn’t start abusing her mom until she left for college, which relieved him a little. Jake was nervous Lexi’s dad struck her when she was still living at home, but that was never the case. She wondered if her dad was always abusive toward her mom but just never took notice.

Lexi and Jake talked until they fell asleep. It felt good to get everything off her chest and out in the open. Jake couldn’t have been more understanding about everything she revealed to him. He just held her in his warm embrace while she let everything out. If she didn’t already love him, she would have fallen in love with him last night.

              She looked up at Jake and made a hesitant smile. “I was just wondering about, you know how I was.”

              “How you were?” He asked with a cute quizzical look that made her want to jump on his lap and devour him.

              “You know…in bed.”

              Jake threw his head back and laughed out loud causing Lexi to turn a dangerous shade of red. She swatted his chest. “It’s not funny. I’m not as experienced as most girls you’ve been with. I’m self-conscious about it.”

              “Babe, you’re serious?”

              “Yes.” She wanted to stomp her foot like a child.

              He grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. “You are by far the best I’ve ever had.”

              She lifted an eyebrow at him. “I find that hard to believe. I have seen the women you’ve been with. Marissa on the soccer team, she’s got to have some tricks up her sleeve. And what about Darci on the swim team, she looks flexible. And then there’s…”

              Jake placed his hand over her mouth to stop her from talking. “Let’s not go down the list. They were nice, but they were nothing compared to you. You’re sexy as sin, beautiful and passionate. You do this thing with your hands that drives me crazy and I am so far in love with you that when we connect, intimately, it feels like I will never come back down from heaven.” He pulled her on his lap and she placed a hand on his chest, slowly drawing circles with her finger. He kissed her lightly on the lips and said, “That’s exactly what I’m talking about.”

              “What?” she asked.

              “What you do with your hands. Can’t you feel how fast you made me hard?”

              She shifted on his lap and felt the evidence of her finger on his chest. Her eyes widened. “Well, aren’t you a strapping young lad.”

              “I can’t get enough of you.” He said while burying his head in the crook of her neck and kissing her until she felt her toes curl. “I love you Lexi, and I don’t want you thinking poorly about yourself where I’m concerned. You are the most amazing, beautiful, funny girl I have ever met and there is no way I will ever get enough of you” He emphasized each word with a kiss.

              She leaned her head to the side granting him more access to work his magic. “I love you too, big guy.”

              He swept her up into his arms and carried her off to her bed. She reveled in the feel of being handled so delicately by him. She always had a guard up and had to be the leader most of her life but it was nice to have someone else do the leading. It was nice to finally be the protected instead of the protector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 12

 

Winter break flew by way too fast. Lexi and Jake spent every waking moment together. They mostly trained, Lexi for her upcoming season and Jake for the scouting combine and championships. Lexi had to admit, Jake was much faster than her but obviously lifted more than her and even though his endurance exceeded hers she was still able to keep up. She enjoyed being in a relationship with someone who had the same goals in mind.

              During their break, they went to the beach for a weekend and didn’t think about working out once. They just laid around and enjoyed each other. Jake told her all about his parents’ accident and Lexi went into more detail about her family’s past and when everything really started to turn south. She in some ways blamed herself because it wasn’t until she left for college that her dad became physically abusive with her mom. Jake helped her through the guilt she was feeling and told her it wasn’t her fault, it was her dad’s. They left the beach house a stronger couple than they were before. They knew information about each other they would never tell another living soul. They told each other about their weaknesses, strengths, and guilty pleasures.

              That was when Lexi found out Jake had a love affair with Britney Spears when he was younger. They swore to each other that what they talked about at the beach house, stayed at the beach house but Lexi was dying to let out Jake’s dirty little secret about how he had every album Britney Spears ever made . Although, if she did say something, she knew Jake would expose her love for the Teletubbies and she knew her secret would be more damaging to her reputation then the satisfaction of exposing Jake for being able to recite the lyrics to “Baby One More Time” without any music.

              During their time at the beach house, Lexi almost split a gut when one morning she played “Baby One More Time” on her laptop to provoke Jake but instead her plan backfired because he got up and started dancing around the room doing the infamous moves from the music video without any shame.

              When they returned back from their trip, Jake helped move some of Lexi’s stuff to his place, just so she would be able to stay at his place and not have to go back to her apartment for clothes as often. When students started coming back to school, Lexi felt sad that her little love break was over because she knew an uninterrupted opportunity to get to know each other wouldn’t come around again once they graduated her and Jake would be off to their next adventure. They talked about what cities they preferred to live in. Jake teased her about living in Kansas and Lexi thought New York might be fun but then Jake reminded her that winter out there was an actual winter full of snow and cold weather.

              Lexi hadn’t spent Christmas with her parents, which she felt bad about but she didn’t want to expose Jake to their dysfunction and frankly didn’t feel like dealing with her parents fighting, literally. It wasn’t until after Christmas that Lexi found out her mom permanently walked out on her dad and started seeking medical attention both mentally and physically. Lexi could not have been prouder of her mom. Of course her dad was begging her mom to come back, stating he was a changed man, but every abusive man said that when they finally lost their punching bag. Her mom was staying strong with her decision and getting her life back on track, which Lexi was very proud of. Her mom never had a career on her own, she always had her dad so starting a new life was proving to be quite difficult. Her mom was tenacious though and kept working at building a new life for herself.

              Margo and Parker seemed to start to get along again. She was actually meeting them both for coffee the day before classes started up again. Lexi threw on her yoga pants and sweater to stay warm in the chilly weather. It was cold in California, at least to her it was cold, she knew it was nothing compared to the twenty degree temperature people in the northeast were experiencing but still chilly for her bones.

              When she walked up to the coffee house she saw Margo and Parker already seated at a table with a cup waiting for her. She realized even though she had a fantastic break with Jake, she missed her friends, she didn’t realize it until she saw them again. She realized since her and Jake were so consumed with themselves she forgot to be a friend.

              “Hey you guys!” She gave them both a hug and sat down at the table that looked out onto the bustling street. “Thank you for the coffee.”

              “Not a problem.” Parker waved a hand at her. “I’m sorry if this is offensive but damn Lex, you look amazing. I didn’t think it was possible for you to be any more toned.”

              Margo agreed. “Yea, I was going to say the same thing. Did you spend your whole break on the treadmill?”

              Lexi smirked at both of them. “Did you ever read that study about how having sex can burn a great deal of calories?”

              Margo and Parker both laughed. “Look at you, you vixen.” Parker said. “Love looks good on you, kid.”

              “Thanks, I’m partial to it myself.”

              Margo just looked at her friend and shook her head. “Never in a million years did I ever think I would see you like this. It’s like you found your happy place. You are able to be with a man while at the same time perfect your workout routine and concentrate on your sport. I’m impressed.”

              “Well, thank you. Now enough about me. Parker how is Sierra?”

              “Done—zo.”

              “What?” Lexi asked. “When did this happen?” Lexi took a quick glance at Margo when she asked the question to gauge her friend’s reaction but Margo was stone faced. Damn, she thought. She would have loved to see a real reaction from Margo when she found out Parker was done with Sierra.”

              “She was starting to be kind of a bitch and frankly I didn’t want to deal with it. I’m kind of jealous of you and Jake but I don’t have time for a real relationship right now. The season is obviously upon us and I really need to concentrate on that if I want to go any further with my career.”

              “That’s smart.” Margo said. Lexi whipped her head around to look at her friend who was shocking the hell out of her. Lexi wondered if Margo went to a yoga retreat or something of that essence during her winter break because Margo was cool, calm and collected. It was rather frightening.

              “Yea, so I guess I’m single and by no means mingling. It’s time to buckle down. Are you girls ready for the season? Where do you go first?”

              Margo answered for the both of them. “We are going to Texas for a tournament. Hopefully we are ready. I know I am.”

              They chatted about the season and what they expected from the freshmen who were just recruited. Parker had little to say about the freshmen’s talents on his team but both Lexi and Margo were confident that they had a good batch on their team with some promising talent to contribute to the team.

              Margo changed the subject abruptly, “So I had an internship over break, well more like I did some volunteer work but it was so rewarding.” Parker and Lexi both looked at their friend with stunned expressions. “Don’t look at me like that, as if I just told you I was pregnant with twins.”

              “I wouldn’t be shocked by that announcement.” Lexi joked.

              “Ha, ha. You pick up on that sarcasm over break?”

              Lexi chuckled. “Sorry, I just never knew you to do volunteer work.”

              “Well I felt like I needed to give back and figure out what I was going to do with my life.”

              “Good for you.” Parker said. “So, tell us about it.”

              “I volunteered at an animal shelter this winter and fell in love with all the animals. I talked to the director of the shelter and asked about future employment and maybe also bragged about how I was friends with two potential sports superstars whom could be pursued for good publicity. Well long story short, it looks like when I graduate I will be the new Development Coordinator for the San Diego Animals in Need Shelter.”

              Lexi felt stunned. She didn’t think her friend would come back to school with this kind of news. She felt so incredibly proud of Margo but also sad because her friend was moving on and without Lexi. Lexi fought back the jealousy that was coiling deep down in her stomach and remembered she had Jake. He was going to take them places and take care of her. She had nothing to worry about.

              Lexi leaned over and hugged her friend. “That’s amazing Margo. Congratulations.”

              “Yea, Margo that is quite an accomplishment. So what exactly will you be doing?”

              “Raising money for those amazing animals. I was the lead on the Christmas fundraiser and brought in five thousand more dollars than any other year they had the fundraiser as well as tripled the amount of donations and I did it in three weeks which was what sealed the deal for the director. I will be doing some light projects here and there until I graduate but after that I will be setting up office downtown. The pay is not as much as I would have hoped but it’s an opportunity I don’t want to pass up.”

              “That’s amazing.” Parker leaned over and gave Margo a hug. Lexi watched how Margo buried her head in Parker’s shoulder and closed her eyes as if it was the last time she was going to see him. Parker turned to Lexi and kicked her foot under the table. “That leaves you, kid. What do you plan on doing after you graduate?”

              The dreaded question, she hated that question more than anything. She smiled at her friends and said, “I will be traveling with Jake.”              Parker motioned his hand as if telling her to continue with her statement. “That’s all.” As she hoped she would be traveling with Jake. They never really talked about it.

              Parker and Margo both exchanged worried glances. “But what are you going to do?” Margo asked, concern dripped from her mouth.

              “Be with Jake.” Her answer felt stupid but they didn’t understand, they didn’t need to understand. She and Jake needed each other. “I can help him train and be there for him at events. Plus, if he gets a big enough contract, he could fly me to some of the away games so I can still be with him.”

              Completely talking out of her ass, Lexi wished she could turn the conversation away from her because sweat started to build up at the base of her neck.

              Parker shook his head at her. “Jeeze Lex, seems like you’re giving up your life for a guy.”

              Rage started to fester in her body but she tamped it down before she let loose on her Parker and Margo. These were her friends, they were just concerned about her. She took a sip of her coffee and wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I’m not giving up my life, Parker. I want to be with Jake. This is what I want.”

              “It seems like it’s what Jake wants.” Margo intervened, not really knowing that Lexi really hadn’t had a conversation with Jake about their future. “What are you going to do if this doesn’t work out? Being with a soon to be superstar can only cause trouble and possible heart break. What will you do if that happens?  You’re going to need something to fall back on. You need a career.”

              Lexi now was seething and her cheeks felt hot from the anger that boiled inside of her. “We are not going to break up. We love each other.”

              Parker placed his hand on hers as a calming gesture. “Lex, we’re not trying to be mean. We are just watching out for you. We want to make sure you’re going to be ok. We don’t want to see you get lost in Jake.”

              Lexi slapped her hand on the table. “Why does everyone keep saying that? I’m not going to get lost in Jake. That is ridiculous. What does it even mean anyway? I am fine!”

              Then, as if all their talk conjured up the man in question, Jake came through the doors of the coffee house and headed straight for their table. He looked amazing as usual. His eyes twinkled when he made eye contact with Lexi and his smiled stretched from ear to ear.

              “Hey baby. I was just going to call you. Do you want to help me run some fifties on the indoor track?”

              Lexi was happy for the escape from an infuriating conversation between her friends that once was pleasant. She grabbed her purse and coffee which was thankfully in a to-go cup. “Sure. Sorry guys but I have to cut this short.” She said to Margo and Parker. She gave Margo a hug and said another congratulations in her ear. When she gave Parker a hug he whispered in her ear.

              “This is what I’m talking about, kid. You can’t drop everything, including your friends for him. Don’t forget who you are. I love you and don’t want to see you get hurt.”

              Lexi took his advice with a grain of salt and nodded. She waved goodbye and linked her hand with the one Jake was holding out to her. He felt so warm and safe, exactly what she needed. Anything out in the real world was too scary. Jake had turned into her home and her protection. She wasn’t getting lost in him like everyone thought. She was becoming one with him. They were forming an unbreakable bond.

              Jake pulled her in close and kissed her on the head as they walked toward her car. “Mason dropped me off, so you don’t mind driving do you?”

              “Not at all.” She smiled up at him and gave her a quick kiss on the nose.

              “What did Parker say to you? I saw he was whispering to you in your ear. He wasn’t trying to tear you away from me, was he?” Jake used a joking tone. Lexi shook her head and tried to come up with something to say but couldn’t think of anything on the spot. He stopped her and lifted her chin up so they were looking each other in the eyes. “Everything ok?”

              “Of course.” She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down for a kiss. She felt the tension he had built up in his body from her uneasiness float right out of his body. He met her kiss with his more powerful one. She felt her body tingle from his touch and the magic his lips made when they were on hers.

              He pulled away and opened her door for her. “You’re amazing.”

              “I know.” She said with a smile. He swatted her ass before she got in the car causing her to squeal like a little girl. She pointed at him. “Don’t get fresh with me or I might have to punish you.”

              He waggled his eyebrows at her. “I like your punishments. I wouldn’t mind getting tied up again.” He shut her door and climbed in the passenger seat. She laughed at his comment and remembered how incredibly hard he got when she tortured him with a feather.

              “Oh no, we are not talking about feather time.”

              He swept her hair to the side and started kissing her neck. She leaned her head to the side to grant him more access. “But I liked feather time.” He said in between kisses.

              She felt her breath start to kick up from the way his mouth skimmed across her bare skin. “Then it’s not much of a punishment is it? I’m talking about you running one hundred yard sprints while I get a tan in that itty bitty red bikini I have”

              He stopped kissing her and looked her in the eyes. “That’s not a punishment, that’s torture.”

              She laughed and put the car in drive. “Then you better be on your best behavior, Taylor.”

              “Yes coach.” He said while placing his hand on her thigh, slightly rubbing the inner side with his thumb. She was in heaven and she didn’t care what her friends said. They didn’t understand the dynamic between her and Jake and no one had to. All that mattered was they were together.

 

                                                        ***

             

              Margo and Parker watched in shock as Lexi quickly excused herself from their little gathering and took off with Jake. She didn’t even give them a second thought when Jake asked for help, as if he trained her to be his little puppy that jumped at his calling.  Margo shook her head in bewilderment and looked at Parker. He was still staring after Lexi’s wake with his mouth open.

              “That was kind of crazy.” Margo said, breaking the silence between the both of them.

              “Kind of?” Parker shook his head and downed the last drops of his coffee, tossing the empty cup in the trashcan behind him. “That was scary. We’ve known Lexi for a while now and have you ever seen her listen to a man like that before, or anyone for that matter?”

              Margo thought about the last three years and how strong willed, hard headed and stubborn Lexi had been. No one ever told her what to do besides her coach and she didn’t take crap from anyone but when Jake came into the coffee house and snapped his fingers it was like she was hypnotized. She instantly got up and left whatever she was engaging in and went to Jake’s side. It was a little nauseating to watch.

              “I feel a little baffled. I don’t know what to say. It makes me nervous.”

              Parker nodded. “I agree. It’s not like her to not have a plan for after college, she always has a plan and a goal to accomplish.”

              “Do you think Jake is pressuring her, you know, controlling her life?”

              Parker took a second to think about her question. Margo tried to ignore how sexy he looked while pondering his thoughts. She was still extremely attracted to him but knew their physical paths would never cross. They were strictly in the friendship zone which over break she came to terms with. Working at the shelter opened her eyes to a whole new world. Petty things like crushes and long legged blondes seemed so juvenile compared to the thousands of animals that needed help in the area. She found a place to be a part of, something that was bigger than her. She had never felt so good in her life. Especially after the rumored semester she had just lived through.

              Parker interrupted her thoughts. “I truly don’t think Jake is like that. He supports Lexi, you can tell. I think Lexi is terrified about graduation and is taking the easy way out by tagging along with Jake.”

              Margo concurred with his statement. Lexi was panicking about graduation and what to do with her life, but Margo never thought she would see her independent friend saddle up with a guy and live his life, not her own. It was so strange.

              “What should we do?” She asked Parker.

              He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t think there is much that we can do. If we push her on the subject its very unlikely that we will change her mind and she will only grow to resent us. I think we need to just sit back and watch her make her own mistakes. And hey, you never know, this might be the best thing that ever happened to her.”

              Margo finished her drink and Parker took her trash from her. “Thanks. I just wish she had a back-up plan you know. I wish she had something for herself because I’m afraid once Jake starts traveling and she realizes how lonely life is going to be, she is going to lose her mind and Lord knows that’s never good.”

              They walked out of the coffee house and toward the parking lot where their respective cars were parked. Margo felt his arm around her shoulder, a friendly gesture, something he always did with her and Lexi. His arm felt so strong and so protective, she was going to miss him, terribly.

              When they got to Margo’s car, Parker turned toward her. “I’ve missed this, you know.”

              “Missed what?”

              “Our friendship. Last semester seemed like we really drifted apart.”

              Margo felt guilty, that was her fault but she also blamed the leggy blonde basketball player. “I know, I’m sorry.”

              “Did I do something wrong?”

              Yea, go out with the blonde bitch from hell, Margo wanted to say but she refrained from letting the words loose from her mouth. “No, it was all me but I’m over it.”

              “Do I get to know what it was?”

              Margo felt herself turn beat red. Parker nudged her shoulder and egged her on.

              “Fine, you might not want to hear this but I had a crazy idea that we would…you know be something of a fling.”

              Margo watched pure and utter shock cross his face. She didn’t think she would catch him so off guard. She thought he picked up a little on her slight flirting but according to the look he was giving her, he picked up on no such thing.

              “Jeeze, don’t look so shocked. I’m not a cow or anything.”

              Parker smiled and shook his head. Rubbing the back of his neck with his hand he looked down at her still with astonishment. “You are definitely not a cow. I just, wow. I guess I never knew.”

              He just stared at her making her uncomfortable so she decided to make her escape before things turned even worse.

              “Well, that is over now so no worries.” She gave him a quick hug and got into her car. She pulled out into the road and watched him stare her down in her review mirror. She tried not to recall the look he gave her when she announced her most embarrassing declaration. What was she thinking? What he must think of her. Oh well she thought, that didn’t matter anymore. She had more important things to focus on and they had four legs, not two and the potential to be a major league baseball player.

 

 

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 13

 

“Stop fidgeting babe, you look amazing.”

              Lexi tried to smooth out the blue dress she wore the first time she ever went out with Jake. She didn’t want to wear it because it was full of bad memories plus she already worn it to a fancy occasion of Jake’s. She didn’t want to double dip her clothing but Jake insisted she wear it again. He pointed out the fact that he didn’t get to take full advantage of the slit the first time she wore it.

              Things had been a whirlwind for them. Jake led the football team to another championship season, winning the final game by two touchdowns. Jake was able to score field passes for Lexi, Margo and Parker which made Parker’s life he said. Lexi had never seen him so excited before when she held the passes in front of his face.

              Lexi was so beyond proud of Jake and his accomplishments. After the game he talked about how it felt so nostalgic to be done with his last college game. He stayed on the field for a while after their last game soaking in the sights and smells of the stadium he said he grew up on. Lexi sat next to him while he laid on the grass and looked up to the stars. She thought about how her last game was going to feel and how she wouldn’t be able to keep it together as much as Jake was. Then again, he had a future in his sport and she didn’t.

              After the game, Jake was named MVP, which was no big surprise, he deserved it. He brought his team a championship trophy for three years in a row. It wasn’t the perfect season he wanted but it was perfect enough in his eyes he told her. The school newspaper had a field day covering the games and Jake’s success. They approached Lexi and Jake about doing a piece about them and their relationship. Lexi didn’t really want to participate but Jake was so excited she couldn’t let him down.

              They were depicted in the newspaper as the king and queen of campus. It was all rather embarrassing for Lexi, all the attention was something she was not used to but it wasn’t a deal breaker when it came to her relationship with Jake. After the football season was over, Lexi found herself squeezing in parties and social gatherings they were invited to by either professors or alumni. She didn’t know Jake’s life was so political but she stood by his side at every event she could manage to attend given her busy upcoming schedule.

              She made sure all the outings didn’t interfere with her playing and school, she told Jake if she felt herself start to slip she would have to skip some occasions. She only missed one of Jake’s events which was impressive she thought.

              When she was at the different outings, she made sure to put on a bright smile, make friendly chit chat and stand by her man who she was so incredibly proud of. She didn’t think she could actually feel such pride for another human but she did. When she watched Jake talk to people and sign autographs, she thought about how proud and lucky she was to be in his life.

              Now they were at, hopefully, their last outing of the season, the end of the year football banquet. She wasn’t into the heavy part of her season yet so squeezing the night in wasn’t too difficult.

Life was so much more enjoyable now that they spent equal time at each other’s places. They would wake up in the morning at whoever’s apartment they were at, workout together and then grab a smoothie from Jamba Juice. Being with Jake became routine, it became so right. She helped him train and get ready for the Scouting Combine that was taking place in February and he helped her prepare for her upcoming season. They mainly focused on Jake’s training though because if he had a good showing at the Combine it was a fast track ticket into the NFL which was Jake’s dream and now Lexi’s.

              She fixed her dress and looked up at Jake. He was wearing a slate grey suite, navy blue shirt to go with her dress and a black tie. He looked so sharp and sexy, Lexi almost felt inferior to be with him. He smiled down at her and offered his arm for her to hold on.

              “Come on, I want to show off my hot girlfriend to everyone.”

              “Are you sure I should have worn this dress?”

              “Positive. You look sexy as hell. I have to keep my eyes away from looking at your slit or I might have an embarrassing problem when I receive my award.”

              Lexi giggled and placed a kiss on his cheek. “I’m so proud of you, you know.”

              “I know, babe. Thank you. Let’s have some fun tonight.”

              Lexi agreed and let him walk her into the ballroom where their banquet was being held. The room looked magnificent and it was hard for Lexi not to look around with her mouth open. She was amazed at how much the school and alumni spent on such events like the end of the year football banquet. Her softball banquet at the end of the year was in the gym and there was pizza to eat for food. Not your choice of steak or salmon.

              Luckily their seats were at the same table as Mason and Brooke who looked fantastic as always.

              “Lexi! Wow you look fabulous.” Brook said while placing a kiss on her cheek.

              Lexi looked Brooke up and down and said, “So do you, I envy your long legs.” Brooke was wearing a short dress that made her legs look a mile long.

              Jake squeezed her waist and whispered in her ear. “I love your legs, short stack.”

              Lexi rolled her eyes at him and sat down next to Brooke to catch up. They talked about the championship game of course and how amazing it was as well as Brooke’s vacation she took with Mason over break. For Christmas he got them tickets to go to Cancun. Lexi was instantly jealous but then thought about the beach house and the little world she was in with Jake during winter break. They stayed in town, trained and then spent a weekend the beach house. It wasn’t elaborate but Lexi couldn’t have imagined doing anything else with the man she loved. As long as they were together, that was all that mattered to her.

              The night seemed like it was going rather quickly. The speeches from the alumni were boring as sin but thankfully Lexi made it through them. After going to multiple events with Jake, Lexi decided if she was ever asked to give a speech at a banquet she would make sure to be lively in her dialogue and make the speech relevant to what the event was about. The speeches she listened to were retched and usually about what the speaker accomplished in their life and had nothing to do about why they were gathered.

              Finally, it was time to hand out the award for Most Valuable Player. Lexi squeezed Jake’s leg under the table and when they called him up to receive his award, he gave her a kiss on the lips and walked up to the podium. Lexi was amazed by how graceful and gracious he looked up at the podium. The speech he gave was wonderful, reflecting over his past three years and how he didn’t get to where he was today by himself. Lexi felt herself start to tear up but gained control of her emotions before embarrassing herself.

              So many people loved Jake and she couldn’t blame them. He so easily was able to capture someone’s heart, even when they wanted nothing to do with him. It was impressive to watch and she knew that he would go on to capture many more hearts in his future.

The awards were over but Jake stayed up on the stage to take pictures with random people. It was his duty so Lexi didn’t think much of it. Instead, she applied some more lip gloss and watched her man in action.

              “Lexi, right?”

              “Lexi looked up and saw Professor Lyon.” She felt embarrassed because the last time she spoke to him was when she was retrieving her cell phone from his office, thanks to Jake. She inwardly smiled about that day. She was so furious with Jake but little did she know it was probably one of the moments that made her fall in love with him.

              “Yes. Hello Professor Lyon. How are you tonight?”

              “I’m great, what a nice ceremony.” Lexi nodded in agreement. “I’m glad to see you two are still together. He is a good guy.”             

              Lexi watched Jake and agreed with her former professor. “Yes, he really is. So what brings you here tonight?”

              He shrugged his shoulders. “Good friend of the coach, big supporter of the team. I also do some media coverage occasionally.”

              “You do?”

              “Yes, just on occasion. Say, I was looking at some random DVD’s trying to clear out my office and I ran across your audition tape.”

              A shade of crimson red ran from her toes to her head. She put her hand over her mouth. “Oh my God. I’m so sorry you had to be subjected to that hideous recording.”

              Professor Lyon looked shock. “Hideous? I thought it was great.”

              “Are we talking about the same audition tape?”

              He thought about it for a second and then nodded his head. “Yes, you were interviewing Parker Hill on the baseball team. I thought it was great.”

              She laughed. “Well thanks I guess. It was just for the project for your class.”

              “Well you should consider sending it out to different stations.”

              She waved her hand in dismissal. “No, but thank you. I don’t think that’s what I want to do.”

              “What do you want to do?” He asked with a raised eyebrow as he crossed his arms over his chest.

              Lexi wanted to groan out loud and slam her head against the table. She always got the dreaded question, “What do you want to do?” If she knew what she would tell everyone she would but she had absolutely no clue. All her friends knew what they were doing, except Lexi and for the first time in her life, she actually was ashamed of herself. She felt so lost when it came to thinking about graduating except when she was in Jake’s arms.  When she was with Jake she saw a future, she saw herself not alone and lost in the world. She had a place with Jake. But did he have a place for her? The thought made her break out into a cold sweat.

              She shrugged. “Not sure.”

              He patted her shoulder. “Well you better figure something out. What are you going to do when Jake gets drafted? Follow him around?”

              That was the plan but she never really voiced it to Jake. Holy crap, what if he didn’t want to be with her? What was she going to do? She all of sudden got an extremely sick feeling in her stomach. What if he was drafted to a team far away from San Diego? Would he ask her to go with him? She just always assumed they would be in San Diego together, or go away together wherever he was drafted. How naïve of her to think. The comfort she was feeling a few minutes ago vanished and in its place was dread and panic.

              “I guess I don’t know.”

              “A pretty, smart girl like yourself will land on her feet. Just make sure you do something for yourself and don’t get lost in Jake’s shadow.” With those words of advice he patted her shoulder again and got up from the table.

Get lost in Jake’s shadow? She wasn’t doing that, was she? She was merely standing by his side like any girlfriend would do, right?

              She looked over at Jake and made eye contact with him. He smiled at her and winked, sending chills up her spine. What if when he was drafted he left her? What would she do then? Her future she was relying on would be completely gone leaving her to have to return to her abusive home.

              Completely devastated, she spent the rest of the night sitting at the table alone while Jake took pictures with people. Girls were hanging all over him, caressing his chest and pressing themselves against him. Lexi didn’t care for the multiple sluts that were at the banquet especially since everyone knew her and Jake were an item. It was a scary thing to watch from a distance how Jake reacted to their come-ons. He just smiled, put an arm round them and took a picture. By the time the event was over Lexi was feeling neglected, angry, and full of panic for her future, a lethal combination.

 

                                                        ***

 

              Jake knew Lexi was upset with him, if her silence in the car wasn’t any indication she was mad then her blatant attempt to not hold his hand on the way home was. He just didn’t know what was bothering her. He thought they had a nice night. They danced, kissed and celebrated a great season. Yes, toward the end he had to take a lot of pictures but he warned her of that happening.

              They pulled up to her apartment and she practically sprinted out of his Jeep. He turned off his car and quickly followed Lexi into her apartment before she could slam the door on his face. She stormed into her bedroom and he followed every mad step of hers.

              “Do you mind telling me what’s wrong or are you going to act like a child all night?”

              She turned around and glared at him. If looks could kill she just obliterated him.

“Excuse me?” The way she said the two words was almost frightening. He never knew Lexi could speak with such malice in her voice.

He didn’t want to blow up whatever it was that was bothering her any more than he already did so he used a more even tone in his voice. “I just want to know what’s going on. You were so quiet all the way home and wouldn’t hold my hand.”

“Do you enjoy embarrassing me, Jake?” She unzipped her dress, tore it off and tossed it on the ground. She was wearing a strapless bra that framed her breasts in the most exquisite way possible and she had a matching thong to go with it. Jake had to remind himself to focus on what they were talking about, not the amazingly hot girl standing right in front of him. He took off his jacket, tie and shirt since things were getting heated up.

“How did I embarrass you?”

She got in his face and poked his chest. “How do you think I felt watching girls throw themselves at you tonight and you not even bother to shake them off?”

Jake rolled his eyes. “Oh come on Lex, are we seriously back to this?”

“Don’t you dare roll your eyes at me.”

She went to push him but he stopped her with his hands. “How many times do I have to tell you, I don’t care about the other girls?”

“It sure didn’t seem like it. While you were laughing it up with the female population, I was sitting alone at our table, once again.”

“What was I supposed to do? Ignore all of them? That would have been rude.”

“Oh but it’s ok to ignore your date? You’re an ass.”

She stalked off to her bathroom and started undoing her hair. He watched as her blonde locks fell past her shoulders and framed her face.

“How could you even think I would be interested in anyone else? Look at you.”

She looked in the mirror and then at him. “You’re right. Look at me.” Jake took the free moment she gave him to thoroughly check her out and what he saw only made him hard and wanting. “I could get any guy I wanted and for some odd reason I choose to stick with an inconsiderate prick.”

Jake felt rage starting to boil inside of him. “Is that how you see me?”

This time she looked him up and down and nodded her head. She pushed past him and went to her dresser drawer. She pulled out a tank top and a pair of boy shorts.

“If the shoe fits, Jake.”

He grabbed her arms and stopped them from the busy work she was doing in her drawers. He turned her around to face him head on. “What happened tonight that is turning you into a raving bitch?”

Her mouth dropped open and she slapped him across the face. His cheek burned from her hand and he rubbed the sore spot to loosen up the tightness that formed.

She pointed to the door and said, “Get out! I don’t want to see you.” She was screaming, they both were, something they did very well with each other. Her neighbors must really love sharing a wall with the king and queen of the campus.

He stood in his place, not making a move to her demand. “I’m not going anywhere. Unlike you, I actually want to work this out.”

“There’s nothing to work out. You’re a selfish prick who only thinks about himself and is leaving soon anyway so just leave now and spare me the time.”

“Leave? What are you talking about? Are you trying to break up with me?”

She looked up at the sky as if trying to solve one of the world’s hardest equations then looked at him square in the face. “I guess I am.”

That caused him to lose it. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” He knew he needed to take a more sensitive approach but he couldn’t, it took all the energy in his body not to throw her up against the wall and shake some sense into her. “I’m not going anywhere so you can deal with it.”

She went to push him once again but he stopped her, pulling her closer. She tried to get out of his grip and strike his chest with her tiny fists but he wouldn’t let up. “Let go of me you son of a bitch.”

“Not until you tell me why you’re trying to leave me.”

“I don’t want to leave you.” She screamed as a tear fell from her face. Jake was so confused he didn’t know what to do. She wiggled out of his grasp and flung herself on her bed, burying her head in her pillows. Jake tried to ignore the fact that she looked like a dream laying on the plush comforter exposing her almost bare ass. Down boy, now was not the time he thought.

He went up behind her, laid on the bed and pulled her close into his chest. She instantly pulled away and curled herself in the corner while sitting up. He had never seen her like this. If he was going to get anywhere with the conversation, he was going to have to suck up his pride, use calming tones and see what was really bothering her.

“Babe, please come here.” She just shook her head, so he crowded her little corner and pulled her into him.

“Let go of me.” She said while weakly pushing him away.

“I swear to God Lexi, if you push at me one more time you are not going to like what happens.” He said through gritted teeth. “Now tell me what has you upset. It can’t just be the pictures. You haven’t had a problem with that in a while.”

She looked up at him with tears flooding her eyes. She blinked and he watched two drops stretch down her cheeks. He wiped away the runaway tears with his thumbs. She took a deep breath and then looked him square in the eyes. The blue of her eyes was so startling it almost hurt to look at her.

“This isn’t going to work Jake, us, we’re not going to work.”

Jake tried to control the anger boiling deep in his stomach. “Why’s that?”

“I can’t do a long distance relationship especially since women will be throwing themselves at you all the time. It’s just not going to work.”

Jake ran his hand over his face. “Who said anything about a long distance relationship?”

“Jake, what are the odds you would be drafted by the San Diego Thunder? Slim to none.”

“I know that.”

He watched her eyes produce more tears. “See, I knew I was right.”

Jake blew out an exasperated breath and tried to ignore the couple of tears that dropped onto her swelling breasts. His fingers and lips itched to caress her but he wouldn’t. Instead he focused on the task at hand.

“What were you right about?”

“You’re going to leave me when we graduate.” She buried her head into her hands and started crying hysterically. What the hell?

He pulled her in closer and this time she didn’t give him a hard time. He rubbed her back and avoided the clasp to her bra. All he wanted to do was unhook it and make love to her, to show her how much he loved her and didn’t want to be away from her...ever.

When her breathing steadied he tilted her chin up so they were looking each other in the eyes. “Baby, I’m not going to break up with you. I could never do that. I want to take you with me, wherever I go.”

Lexi looked stunned as if the possibility of them still being together after they graduated was the strangest thing she had ever heard.

She wiped at her face. “You mean you would really take me with you?”

He couldn’t help but laugh at her innocence. “Of course.” He kissed her on the lips. “I’ve been planning on taking you wherever I go for a while now.”

“Oh.” She looked down at her hands that were twisting in her lap. “I don’t know what to say.”

He kissed her again. “Say you’ll go with me. Say you’ll be by my side.”

He watched how a smile lit up her face and took over any fears she might have been feeling. He felt bad that he never actually told her his plans but he assumed she was thinking the same thing.

“Of course I will be by your side.” She wrapped her arms around him and straddled his lap, giving him no room to be a gentleman. He enclosed his arms around her and snapped the clasp of her bra, letting her breasts fall. She pressed up against his chest so he could feel her hardened nipples on his bare skin. She moved her tongue inside his mouth and started stoking him gently in his mouth. The movement combined with the circular motions she was making with her fingers on his neck drove him to the edge.

He pulled away, out of breath. “You really thought I was just going to leave you?”

              “Yea, sort of. I had a weird conversation with Professor Lyon. He worried me about your move and told me not to fall into your shadow.”

              A frown crept over his face as he thought about what the professor said. “You won’t get lost in my shadow. You’re my number one fan, my personal cheerleader. I need you by my side.”

              “I like the thought of that.” She wiggled on his lap causing him to groan out loud. He was so hard, the slight friction from his pants made her wiggling extremely uncomfortable.

              “Babe, can you do something about my probing issue?” He looked as his lip while he gently thrust his hips up. She giggled and then got off the bed. He watched her breasts move about with her movements and he thought he was going to explode. She was so hot that it almost hurt. He would never get tired of looking at her tight little body.

              She pulled him to the edge of the bed and unbuckled his pants. She pulled them down with his boxer briefs, springing his erection free. She pushed him back on the bed so his feet were dangling off the edge and the back of his head rested on the mattress. She kissed his lips and then worked her way down his chest until she was hovering right over his hardening center.

              He propped himself up on his elbows so he could see what she was doing. Her hair fell on either side of her face, tickling him. The sensation made him even harder then he thought he could be. She kissed the tip of his penis and he felt his gut tighten.

              “Babe, you don’t have to do that.”

              “Shh…” She gripped the base of his cock, put her mouth over the tip and then sucked him all the way in. He threw his head back and reveled in the pleasure Lexi gave him. She smiled at him and continued to work the length of his rigid cock. The slight rub of her nipples on his legs when she moved up and down caused him to start to let go of all the tension in his body. His legs started to go numb and his body glistened with slick sweat as she worked him like a fucking lollipop. He couldn’t take it anymore.

              “Lexi please, let me be inside of you.” She gave him one last kiss on his tip and then grabbed a condom from the nightstand. She expertly rolled it on and then straddled his lap, sinking her wet heat onto him.  “Oh fuck, baby that feels so good.”

              Lexi moved herself up and down and rode Jake like he was a bucking bronco. He watched in ecstasy how her breasts moved about and her face contorted with pleasure from the friction they were causing. Her hips moved back and forth as her hands rested on his chest. The sight of him was so incredibly erotic, he knew the image of Lexi on top of him would rest in his mind for a very long time.

He felt her tightening around him and listened as soft cries erupted from her mouth. He joined in on their movement and pushed his hips up to meet her movements. She continued to place her hands on his chest as she met his mouth with hers. When their tongues met in the middle they both groaned in each other’s mouths and came at the same time.

Pure bliss rolled through Jake’s body as she practically sucked him dry with her constricted center. Their bodies slid together as they soaked up every tremor from their love making.

              After they fully satisfied themselves, Lexi planted herself on top of him. Her head was on his chest and her hand was making circles on his bare skin.

“I’m sorry.” She softly said. “I don’t handle unplanned situations very well and was scared, scared as to what was going to happen to us.”

              He kissed her head, losing himself in the scent of her hair. “It’s ok baby but next time can we try to act like rational adults?”

              She giggled into his chest. “But then we wouldn’t be able to have amazing make up sex.”

              He laughed. “We don’t need to get in a fight to have amazing sex and you know that.”

              She playfully swatted his chest. “Are you implying I am a bit of a slut, Mr. Taylor?”

              “No, not at all.” He said while tickling her sides. She squealed and lifted off his chest. He instantly missed her warmth. “Hey, where are you going? I was comfortable.”

              She sashayed over to the bathroom and said, “I feel like taking a shower.” She winked at him over her shoulder and turned on the shower. He shot out of bed, grabbed another condom and followed the love of his life into the shower, where they made love again. Jake thought afterwards when he was holding Lexi in his arms how he was going to propose to her. It had only been a couple of months for them but being with her had been the best couple of months of his life.

              He wasn’t going to propose right away, no he would propose as a graduation present. Until then, he would soak up every last bit of Lexi and remember the free moments they had together because once he was drafted, he knew he was going to be away from her more than he wanted but since she would be with him, he knew everything would be alright.

 

                                                        ***             

 

              Lexi popped out of the shower, put on her boxer shorts and a tank top. She threw her hair up in a towel and put some lotion on her face. She ran Jake into the ground today at the indoor track. She joined him for about seventy five percent of his workout but then held back since her season was beginning so she didn’t want to wear herself out.

              She had Jake do timed fifties and in between he ran through ladders, small hurdles and hoops so he could work on improving his footwork, something that saved him while trying to find a receiver to pass to. After the workout, they both went to their separate apartments to get ready for the school week. Lexi felt empty not having Jake around but knew it was good to have some time apart. Margo was tucked away in the room, most likely getting ready for the school week as well. They had a lot to do before their trip to Texas.

Luckily Lexi was able to get a jump start on her classes during the break like she always did before the season. If she started ahead of time it was hard for her to fall behind during the season because she was already a step in front of her classmates.

              Lexi pulled off her towel, ran mousse through her hair and then twisted it up into a messy bun. Her hair would be in perfect waves in the morning. She brushed her teeth and went to get in bed when she stopped in her tracks and raised her hand to her chest.

              “Jesus, Jake you scared me.”

              Jake was lying on her bed, wearing his gym shorts and t-shirt with his hair wet clearly from a shower. She could smell his soap from where she stood and it was intoxicating as hell. It was like it radiated off his body, wrapped itself around her and pulled her in.

              “Sorry, babe.” He held out his hand for her to come to him. She reached out and he pulled her down on the bed.

              “I thought we were going our separate ways tonight.”

              “That was a stupid plan.” He said while nuzzling her neck, sending chills down her legs. “So I made the executive decision and came here. Do you mind?”

              He was so cute, he looked so concerned, it tore at her heart. “Of course I don’t mind. This is a lovely surprise. Did you get all you needed to get done though?”

              The Scouting Combine was in a week, while she was in Texas of course and they both worked hard at getting ready and making sure their classes they were missing were being recorded for them.

              “Everything is done, except for one thing.”

              She pushed at his chest so they were sitting up on her bed. She put some space between them. “Jake, we said we would get our stuff done tonight. What did you need to get done?” She felt like his mother but she didn’t care, she was trying to take care of him.

              He smiled at her and pulled something out from under her covers. “The last thing I had to do was give this to you.” He handed her a velvet box.

              She looked up at him in shock to meet his face which was grinning like a gorilla. “Jake, what is this?”

              “Open it and find out.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back into his chest so he was looking over her shoulder while she opened the gift.

              She tore the ribbon off that was wrapped around the special box you could only get at a jeweler’s and opened it slowly. She knew it wasn’t a ring because the box was too big and also because that would be crazy. Too crazy but she thought about how her answer would be yes, an instant yes. She didn’t even have to think about it. She had known for a while now that she would marry Jake. One day she would be Mrs. Lexi Taylor. She liked how is sounded.

              She opened the top of the box and saw a brilliant diamond heart necklace in the box. She choked on her words. She didn’t know what to say. The necklace was white gold and the heart had individualized baguette diamonds layering on the inner part of the heart making the light reflect beautifully off the piece of jewelry.

              She covered her mouth with her hand and shook her head. “Jake, I don’t know what to say.”

              He took the heart out of the box and put it around her neck. “Say you like it.”

              “Jake, I love it and I love you.” He clasped the necklace together and kissed the side of her neck. She grabbed his head from behind and brought his lips to hers while she leaned back into his chest. She lost herself in his lips, relishing in the fact that she had an amazing man who cared for her and cared enough to buy her such a precious gift.

              When their lips parted for a second he said, “I love you too, baby. Now when we’re a part, you will still have my heart with you.”

              Lexi touched the necklace and looked into his eyes, his beautiful green eyes. “Thank you so much. This means so much to me.”

              He leaned in and stole another kiss. “I’m glad. You better not forget about me now when you are on your long trips away from me.”

              Lexi laughed and spun around so she was straddling his lap. “I could never forget about you.”

              “I hope that’s the truth.” He pulled her tighter against his body and they lost themselves in each other. They spent the rest of the night, not relaxing like they told each other they were going to do, no they spent the rest of the night losing more calories than ever. A skill they perfected masterfully together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 14

 

              “You all ready to go?” Mason asked Jake when Jake let Mason in his apartment.

              Jake surveyed his bags and let out a long breath. “I think so.”

              “Did Lexi take off already?”

              “Yea, she is on a plane right now headed to Texas. I was clocking her the other day around the bases and she had some of the best times of her career. She is ready for the season.”

              Mason grabbed one of Jake’s bags and headed out to his car. Jake followed right behind him while locking up his apartment.

              “When is she not ready for the season? You have never seen her play before have you?”

              Jake shook his head in shame. He hated how he never knew Lexi until their last year in college. He was mad at himself for being so self-absorbed for not attending any other games outside of basketball. He should have been going to track meets, soccer games, and everything else. Instead when he wasn’t practicing he was partying, no wonder he never really ran into Lexi. Her work ethic was completely different than his up until this year. She rubbed off on him and made him work harder than he ever had before. He knew he was ready for the Scouting Combine because of her and Mason, of course.

              “I’ve never seen her play. It kills me that I’ve been such a bastard the past three years.”

              They threw his gear in Mason’s trunk and got in the car. When Mason turned on his car, the newest Pitbull song came blaring through the speakers. Mason quickly turned down the music and turned to Jake. “That’s embarrassing.”

              Jake just laughed and shook his head. “Pitbull? Really?”

              Mason shrugged and pulled out of the parking space. “What? He’s worldwide, he gets me pumped up.”

              “Maybe try some Queen or classic rock.”

              “Oh please, you can’t tell me you don’t like listening to Pitbull especially at the bars when you’re dancing with hot chicks.”

              “I’m only dancing with one hot chick these days.”

              Mason nodded in agreement. “And she is one hot chick. I didn’t know the girl could get any more toned until I came back from break. Does she have a twelve pack or something?”

              Normally Jake would punch Mason’s lights out for talking about Lexi’s body but Jake was distracted about the thought of her being naked in his arms. She was toned but then curvy in all the right areas. Her stomach was flat and chiseled as well as her arms but her ass was a perfect little bubble and her breasts were amazingly plump for her size. Jake felt himself get aroused just from the thought of her.

              “Earth to Jake.” Jake shook his head and tried to forget about Lexi being naked since he didn’t want to embarrass himself. “Dude, you’re so gone with her.”

              Jake agreed. “I am. I can’t help it. I’m going to ask her to marry me.” Mason almost crashed the car on the side of the road from Jake’s proclamation. “Watch it man. I would like to make it to the airport in one piece.”

              “Are you really? You’re going to ask Lexi to marry you?”

              “Yes.”

              “When?” Mason’s voice went an octave higher when he asked the question. It was as if he was the one doing the proposing, not Jake.

              “You know you’re not the one doing the asking right?”

              “No shit, dumbass. It’s just a very big step. I’m not even there with Brooke, yet. Close but not there.”

              “Why not?”

              Mason ran his hand through his hair. “I’m just not ready for that kind of commitment. I mean I love her, more than anything but I’m not ready to tie the knot.” Mason paused for a moment and drove in silence. Then he spoke up, “Plus, we haven’t been as close as we used to be. She’s been acting weird lately. I don’t know if it’s because of graduation or what but she’s been distant lately.”

              Jake did notice that Mason had been hanging out solo a lot more than he used to. The last couple of nights it had been him, Lexi and their third wheel Mason. They didn’t mind but Jake and Lexi had to start setting boundaries if their nights were going to continue like the way they had been. Jake enjoyed Mason’s company but he enjoyed Lexi’s a lot more and he enjoyed Lexi’s “special” attention a lot more which she couldn’t give Jake when Mason was around.

              “Don’t let it get to you, man. I’m sure it is just graduation getting to her.”

              “Probably. So back to you. When are you planning on giving up your manhood and strapping yourself to a lady for the rest of your life?”

              “Real pleasant, you are.” Jake said sarcastically. “I want to propose after graduation. I have everything planned, I just need to get a ring. I want to get her a good one but clearly I can’t afford one right now, well not until I sign with someone.”

              “Maybe you can do an I.O.U.”

              “That is so lame. I’m not even going to think about how you just suggested I do that.”

              “Just trying to help.” They pulled up to the airport and they both got out of the car, pulling Jake’s bags out of the trunk. They set them on the curb and faced each other. Mason held out his hand and pulled Jake in for a hug. “You are going to do awesome man. Go bury some dicks.”

              Jake chuckled. “Will do. Thanks for the lift.”

              “No problem. Let me know when you get there.”

              “OK, mom.”

              Mason playfully punched Jake’s arm. “Don’t you sass me, boy.”

              Before Jake left, he eyed Mason trying to gauge his feelings. Mason should be going to the Combine with Jake but didn’t quite make the cut. It didn’t mean the end of the road for him when it came to playing professionally, but he would have to work at it.

              “Dude, I’m sorry…”

              Mason cut him off. “Don’t, this is your time, enjoy it. I already have coach working with me. I’m going to make it. I won’t have the same paycheck as you.” He said with a smile, “But I will be giving your sorry ass a run for its money out on the field.

              Nodding his head, Jake grabbed his bags. He tipped his head at Mason and went into the airport. He was going to miss Mason when they separated. For the past four years they had been attached at the hip and made football history at Cal U. He couldn’t imagine having to pass to someone else on the field or talk about his life issues in the locker room with another guy. It almost felt like he would be cheating.              

              Getting through security was a breeze and he boarded the plane in record time. When they were waiting to take off, Jake thought about Lexi and whether she made it to Texas safely. He hadn’t been apart from her in quite a long time but it was something he would have to get used to, especially during the season. He would be gone a lot and unfortunately she wouldn’t be able to go everywhere he was going.

              An older lady boarded the plane at the last minute and took the seat next to Jake’s. She smelled like roses and had a head full or curly short white hair. Jake wanted to touch it out of curiosity but refrained from molesting the old lady’s head. She buckled her seat belt with shaky hands and then turned toward Jake.

              “My goodness you are a big boy. I bet you drank your milk like a good little boy when you were young.” She pinched Jake’s cheek then patted it while she pulled out a butterscotch candy. “Would you like one?”

              Jake held up his hand. “No, thank you. That’s very kind of you.”

              “Oooo, a polite little guy you are. If I weren’t the age of your grandma I would snatch you up all for myself. Does a nice man like yourself have a lady friend?”

              Jake chuckled to himself. “Yes, I do.”

              “I bet you do.” She winked at him. “She is one lucky lady.”

              “No, I’m the lucky one when it comes to her.”

              “Oh steal my heart.” She started fanning her face. “It’s getting hot in here.” She turned to the lady across the aisle and said, “Do you see this man over here, don’t you just want to bite into him.” His seat companion started giggling and Jake wondered if she was either bat-shit crazy or drunk. The lady across the aisle sized Jake up and agreed with the lady.  “Where you off to sonny?”

              Jake didn’t want to make a big deal out of where he was going since where he was going was just that, a big deal. “Uh, Indiana.” He wasn’t very good at thinking on his feet while the old lady stared into his soul and licked her lips.

              “A big, strong guy like you must own a farm.” She grabbed his bicep and squealed. “That’s rock hard!”

              Jake started to feel uncomfortable now. She was a nice old lady but a little too touchy feely for his liking. She licked her lips again and as she was finishing the last stroke with her tongue when her dentures almost popped out of her mouth.

              “Oh dear.” She said in a muffled tone while slipping them back in place. “These bloody things never want to stay put. I told the dentist they were too big for my mouth but he didn’t listen. Now they fall out of my mouth all the time.” She pulled them out completely and grabbed her denture cream from her bag. She applied a thick application and then shoved her teeth back in her mouth. Jake tried to not look revolted by watching someone adjust their teeth in their mouth.

“There all better. Now where were we?” She said while wrapping her boney hands around his bicep again.

              Jake leaned his head against the headrest and exhaled. This was going to be an extremely long flight he thought.

 

                                                        ***

 

              Lexi was sitting next to her coach on the bus that picked her team up from the airport. Lexi was called to the front by her coach and was now waiting for her to get off the phone to talk about whatever was on her coach’s mind. They usually re-hashed the games and talked about what needed to be improved on or what went well.

              They took second in the tournament which was pretty good since they were down a pitcher due to an injury. Marissa had a sore back and instead her coach pitching her, they gave her a break so she would be ready for the season. It was a smart move because the tournaments they went to were only pre-season games. They needed to make sure everyone was healthy for their conference games, which were of the highest importance. Conference games were what counted toward making the championship tournament.

Personally Lexi never played better than she did at the tournament they just played. She made a couple of game saving catches in the outfield and went twelve for sixteen during the tournament with two walks. She also stole three bases which led her team to score some winning runs. She had never felt better after a tournament especially since she was able to talk to Jake before they boarded their plane. He told her the Combine went great and he was able to push himself enough to make a great impression on the scouts. He also thought his in-person interview went well.

Everyone knew he would be playing in the NFL come fall but what kind of contract he was going to sign was up in question. He also talked about how a little old lady hit on him the entire flight to Indiana. Lexi thought it was quite amusing but apparently Jake thought otherwise.

              Her coach hung up her phone and turned toward Lexi. “Great showing this weekend, kid. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you play so well.”

              “Thanks coach, I’ve been working hard this season.”

              “It shows.” Her coach sat back in her seat and crossed one of her legs. “So I want to talk to you about what’s going to happen once the season ends.”

              Not burying her head in her hands and groaning out loud, she held back her obvious dislike for the conversation that was about to take place. She thought they were going to talk about the season but apparently not. She didn’t want to discuss life after college, at least not with anyone other than Jake. Her hands started to clam up and she felt anxiety start to roll through her body. Her coach was a tough lady and she could easily crush someone with only using her words, Lexi was not ready to be that someone.

              Her coach continued. “I just got off the phone with the head coach over at Texas University.” Her coach paused for affect and Lexi wondered where her coach was going with this. “She wanted to know what your plans were for after graduation.”

              Lexi groaned out loud and then covered her mouth. Her coach raised an eyebrow at her and Lexi apologized. “Sorry coach, I just don’t understand why people are so worried about my life after college.”

              “They’re not worried over at Texas, they want to offer you an assistant coaching job when you graduate.”

              Shock was not a good enough word to describe what encompassed Lexi at that moment. Texas wanted her to be an assistant coach? They saw her play only a couple of times since her team wasn’t in their conference. They only played each other during pre-season, so why they would offer her a job was beyond her.

              “They want you to move right after graduation and go to scouting tournaments with them this summer. I told them I would talk to you and see what you said. I think this would be a great opportunity for you.”

              Lexi was so stunned she didn’t know what to do. Her immediate thoughts went straight to Jake. If she worked in Texas, what were the chances that he would get drafted to a team in Texas? Slim to none, she couldn’t risk not being near Jake. They planned on living together and if she was in Texas and he was somewhere else in the country, they would never see each other, especially if she was off at recruiting tournaments. She knew how demanding the tournaments could be because she lived through them. Some days her and her travel ball team would play six games and the college scouts would sit through all of them.

              Her coach poked her in the shoulder. “Lexi, you would be stupid not to seize this opportunity.” Great, Lexi thought, here it comes, her coach’s so highly regarded opinion. “Tell me this, what do you plan on doing after college.”

              Lexi bit her bottom lip and contemplated lying to her coach. She knew her coach would never agree with Lexi’s decision to be with Jake but she couldn’t bear to lie right to her coach’s face especially since her coach had always been so supportive and honest with her.

              “Uh, I planned on moving in with Jake.”

              Fury laced her coach’s eyes. “Jake Taylor?” Lexi just nodded. Her coach slapped her hand on the seat in front of her. “You have got to be kidding me. Lexi, please tell me you are not giving up your future for a guy.”

              Her coach’s voice was louder than Lexi wished. She didn’t want the whole team hearing her conversation. “Coach, I’m not giving up my life. I’m making a new one.”

              “That’s bullshit and you know it. So you’re going to play house with him, is that what you plan on doing?”

              “Well, no. I was going to find a job wherever he gets drafted.”

              “Why do you need to find a job when you have one already lined up for you? Lexi, listen to me, you need to take this. You have plenty of time in your life to be in love. If what you have with Jake is meant to be then your relationship will survive a little separation.”

              Lexi spoke softly, she almost couldn’t hear herself. “But I don’t want to be separated.”

              Her coach ran a hand over her face. “Jesus. What happened to the tough independent girl I recruited three years ago. Your game might be at its peak right now but you have lost yourself.” Her coach leaned in so only Lexi could hear her. “Do you want to turn out like your mom, who lost herself in a man and wound up in an abusive relationship? I don’t mean to be harsh but don’t rewrite history.”

              Lexi almost fell out of her chair from her coach’s words. The only reason her coach knew about her family situation was because her sophomore year Lexi asked her coach to extend her stay in the dorms over winter break because she didn’t want to go home. Lexi had to give her coach a reason as to why and Lexi had to tell her the truth. Never in her life did Lexi expect her coach to throw her family life back in her face.

              Speaking in a firm tone, trying to avoid a hitch in her voice so she didn’t show any weakness, Lexi said. “Jake would never act like my father.”

              Her coach just shrugged. “I bet your mom thought the same thing.” Lexi was so mad she stood up and started to walk away. Her coach grabbed her arm and said, “Sit down Knox or sit out the rest of the season.”

              Because softball was extremely important to her, Lexi quickly took the seat next to her coach but avoided eye contact. She didn’t want to look at the witch that was sitting next to her. Her coach could be harsh and tell it like it was but Lexi believed her coach overstepped her boundaries this time.

              “Listen, I’m sorry if what I said offended you.” Wow an apology, Lexi never thought she would ever hear such a thing come out of her coach’s mouth. “But I care about you and I want to see you reach your potential and shacking up with a guy right out of college is not meeting your potential. You are smart and a leader, you need to take those traits and make something of yourself. Don’t sit in someone else’s shadow.”

              Lexi was about to explode. She was so angry her entire body felt like it was being attacked by fire ants. She was itchy, fidgety and ready to pop her coach in the mouth. She took a deep breath and said, “I’m so sick of people telling me to not live in someone else’s shadow. What is so wrong with wanting to be in a relationship with someone and supporting them while they accomplish their dreams?”

              “There is nothing wrong with that, but what about your dreams Lexi? What do you want?”

              Lexi opened her mouth to answer but nothing came out because she couldn’t think of what her dreams were. All she ever wanted was to play softball at one of the highest levels and since softball was no longer an Olympic sport, college was as far as she was going to go. She had no other goals or dreams.

              How pathetic. Lexi shook her head in disappointment. She was ashamed of herself for not wanting anything for herself. What if she never fell in love with Jake? What would she be doing? Would she be heading back home to a broken family? Lexi felt tears starting to well up in her eyes and she took deep breaths to hold them at bay. She didn’t want to cry in front of her coach.

              Deep green eyes, a sculpted jawline and an adorable chin cleft came into her mind making her feel instantly at ease. Thank God for Jake, she thought. If it wasn’t for him she would have nowhere to go, she would be nothing. At least with Jake she was a part of something, something big. She wasn’t living in his shadow like everyone said, no she was his main source of support. She took great pride in being his number one fan.

              “Lexi? Are you going to answer me?”

              Lexi put her brave face on and turned toward her coach. “Please tell Texas thank you for the opportunity but I already have committed myself to Jake. I’m sorry if that’s not what you want to hear coach, but it’s what I want.”

              With that she left her coach and went back to her seat on the bus. Once Lexi sat down she watched her coach bury her head in her hands and rub out the tension that must have built up during their conversation.

              Lexi tore her gaze away from the disappointment she instilled in her coach and checked her phone. She had a text message from Jake.

 

Jake: Meet you at your place, baby. I love you and can’t wait to see your fine ass.

             

              Lexi grinned and sent a quick text message back to him to let him know she would see him soon. Why on earth would she give up such a sweet man for a job that was so uncertain? She was doing the right thing. She and Jake were going to have a fantastic life together and they were going to show everyone how wrong they were.

 

                                                        ***

 

              Jake opened the door to Lexi’s apartment and watched his little blonde goddess run up to him and throw herself into his arms. He wrapped himself around her, grabbed her bag with his spare hand and dragged her in the apartment. He plastered her against the closed door and took ahold of her lips. She was so soft and sweet, he couldn’t get enough of her. She weaved her hands through his hair and opened her mouth to him so he could explore the sweetest thing he had ever laid his tongue on. He would never get enough of her.

              She pressed her body against his and moaned quietly into his mouth. He felt himself go instantly hard and was about to pull her shirt off when she separated their embrace. She looked up at him with water filled eyes. He cupped her face and gently stroked her jaw with his thumbs.

              “Hey, what’s wrong?” She shook her head and laid her forehead on his chest. He brought her chin up with his hand and asked again. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

              She let out a sigh. “I just missed you.”

              “I missed you, too.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in even closer. “That can’t be why you’re going to cry though. Tell me.” He led her to the couch where he sat down and pulled her onto his lap. She snuggled in close, causing his heart to melt.

              “I just had a rough conversation with coach on the way home from the airport. She was mad that I turned down a job to be with you.”

              Job? When did that happen? Jake had to shake his head from confusion.

“Wait, what?”

              “Texas University offered me a coaching job but I said I didn’t want it because I was going to be with you. Coach didn’t agree with that decision and gave me a hard time. When I saw you at the door just now it just brought that conversation back to mind.”

              Jake didn’t know what to say. She turned down a job to be with him. He never even thought of Lexi getting a job, he just assumed he would support her. He didn’t really want her working anyway, he wanted her to be able to relax and enjoy herself.

              “Do you want a job?” Jake asked a little hesitant to hear the answer.

              She looked at him. “Well, I guess wherever you end up I’ll try to find something.”

              “But do you want to work? You know you don’t have to.”

              “Jake, I need a job how else am I going to afford anything.”

              Jake laughed at the absurdity of her comment. “Babe, I’ll have plenty of money to cover whatever you need.”

              She was genuinely shocked by his statement which made him love her even more. She wasn’t expecting to be supported by him like any other woman would have. She actually thought she was going to get a job so she could earn her keep. He laughed again.

              “I’m not just going to be a freeloader.” She crossed her arms in defiance.

              “You’re not a freeloader, you’re my girlfriend and I want to support you. I don’t want you to have to work. I want you at my side, cheering me on and visiting me while I’m on the road. Now how are you going to do that if you’re working a nine to five job? No, you’re all mine, my personal assistant.”

              Lexi smiled and lined his jaw with her finger. “And what exactly are the job requirements as your personal assistant?”

              Jake looked up to the ceiling and thought about her question for a second before answering. “Well, I guess you would be required to sleep naked, with me of course, provide me pleasure when I need it and allow me to touch you whenever I need to. Of course, the occasional shared shower and rub down would be necessary.”

              She playfully swatted his chest and got off his lap. “You’re disgusting. I’m not going to be your sex slave.”

              “I didn’t say anything about sex.” He said with a grin.

              She shot him a look that said “Nice try buddy.”

              “Can I at least get the sleeping naked thing?”

              Undressing, she ripped off her shirt and pants, exposing her cute ass and amazing breasts and walked toward the bathroom. “I’ll give you occasional shared showers which starts now so you better cash in.”

              As he chased her into the bathroom, he thought about how grateful he was that they were both on the same page when it came to their future and she wasn’t getting swayed by her overbearing coach. If Lexi ever changed her mind about what their plans for after graduation, Jake wouldn’t know what to do. He had the ring all picked out for her and was already planning how he was going to propose. Everything just needed to go as planned so he could secure the future he never knew he wanted but knew now he couldn’t live without.

 

                                                        ***

 

              Lexi woke up to knocking on her bedroom door. She lifted her head and looked over at Jake who was sound asleep. She hated how he was such a heavy sleeper but she loved how he looked when he was sleeping. His jaw was lined with some morning stubble and his hair was all askew in a bad boy kind of way. His bare chest was screaming for her to be touched but instead she reluctantly got out of bed to answer her door. She threw her robe on so she didn’t flash whoever was asking for entrance and opened the door. Margo stood in the doorway, her hair half in a ponytail half not and she had sleepy eyes.

              “You have a visitor.” Came a groggily morning voice.

              Over Margo’s shoulder, Lexi saw her mother sitting on the couch. Panic instantly set in and Lexi didn’t know what to do.

              She leaned into Margo and asked, “What is she doing here, how did she get in?”

              Margo leaned in ever further. “I was making coffee and she knocked on the front door. I thought it was ok to let her in since she is your mother. Now stop being ridiculous and go give her a hug, she looks good.”

              Margo was right, her mom did look good. Lexi tightened her robe and packed on the courage she needed to face her mother. It’s not that she didn’t want to see her mom it was she didn’t want to see her mom if she decided to go back to her dad. Lexi couldn’t handle it if her mom was here to tell her she was back with her dad. Also she wasn’t quite ready for her mom to meet Jake.

              “Hey Mom, what a surprise. What are you doing here?”

              “Can’t I come to see my daughter without being questioned?” She pulled Lexi into a hug and held on longer than usual.

              “You look good mom, have you lost weight?”

              Her mom did a little spin in the middle of the room while plastering a big smile on her face. “I’ve lost fifteen pounds and counting, thank you for noticing.”

              “Wow, that’s great.” There was an awkward moment of silence between them because Lexi wanted to ask what she was really doing here but couldn’t muster the courage. She wanted to know if her mom was going back to her dad. Instead of being a grown up, Lexi just looked down at the floor and played with the carpet with her foot.

              “I’m not going back to him.” As if her mom could read Lexi’s mind. Lexi shot her head straight up to look at her mom. She was completely genuine with her statement which made Lexi want to jump for joy.

              “You sure, Mom?”

              Her mom nodded. “Yes, I came here to celebrate.”

              “Celebrate what?” The question came from a low sexy male voice. Both Lexi and her mom turned around to see Jake bare chested, wearing a pair of sweats and rubbing his eyes. Lexi turned to face her mom who looked as startled as a mother could be when they saw an almost naked man walk out of their daughter’s bedroom in the morning.

              Completely oblivious for a second, Jake finally took in the situation and processed who Lexi’s early morning visitor was. He smiled, walked over to Lexi and wrapped an arm around her waist while holding out his other hand.

              “You must be Mrs. Knox. Now I know where Lexi gets her good looks.”

              Lexi’s mom blushed, actually blushed and shook Jake’s hand. “Please call me Maria and you are?”

              Hurt flashed through Jake’s face but he quickly recovered. “I’m Jake Taylor and awfully fond of your daughter here.” He gave her a gentle squeeze. Lexi’s mom looked at her with confusion and slight disapproval. Lexi could tell she didn’t quite approve because her mom always had a crease between her eyes when she wasn’t on the same boat as Lexi.  Completely uncomfortable, Lexi shifted in place trying to avoid her mom’s gaze.

              “Nice to meet you, Jake.”

              The air was much too tense for Lexi’s liking, so she tried to break the tension by bringing the conversation back to why her mom was in her apartment. She cleared her throat. “So mom, what are we celebrating?”

              Her mom looked between the two of them and grabbed her purse that was on the coach. “I can see that I interrupted something here, I can come back later when you two are more…decent.”

              Lexi had never felt more embarrassed in her life. “Mom, please don’t go. Uh Jake was just getting ready to leave.” She elbowed him in the ribs and said, “Weren’t you?”

              “No, I wasn’t actually.” Lexi felt her mouth drop to the ground. Where was the easy going Jake that she knew and loved, why was he trying to make things more difficult for her? She tried to give Jake her evil eye but he wasn’t having any of it. “I actually want to know what we’re celebrating. Maria, please sit down and tell us what brought you here.”

              Maria eyed Jake for what seemed like forever and then finally took a seat in a chair opposite of the sofa so Jake and Lexi could sit together. Lexi took a seat and tried to put some distance between her and Jake but he wasn’t having any of that. Instead he scooted closer to her and put his hand on her thigh. Heat radiated up her leg from his light touch and she felt herself go red. She tried to casually shake his hand off but it was as if he glued his hand to the inside of her leg.

              Her mom was fixated on Jake’s hand and that was when Lexi realized she was wearing a short robe so she tried to cover up what she might have been showing. She was mortified, not only was Jake in the apartment in the morning, but he was making a huge production of them being together in front of her mom. Her mom never saw Lexi with a guy so this was a new experience for everyone.

              Jake cut through the silence. “So you were going to tell us what we are celebrating this morning.”

              Maria shifted her gaze back up to Lexi, stuck her chin up and said, “This may seem strange to you…Jake, but I filed for divorce today.” She looked at Lexi. “I’m moving on.”

              Finally her mom was freeing herself of a terrible past. Lexi felt like shooting to the roof to do a happy dance. Lexi was about to say something when Jake cut her off. “Maria, that’s great.” He got up and scooped her up in a big bear hug. “Good for you.”

              “I beg your pardon?” Maria said. She shot daggers at Lexi. “You told him?” Lexi twisted her hands in her lap and tried to avoid eye contact with her mother. “I don’t even know this boy and you tell him about your family secrets? I can’t believe you would go and tell some nobody about my life. How dare you.” By now Jake had let go of Lexi’s mom and was standing to the side watching Maria attack Lexi.

              Lexi could barely move she felt so paralyzed. She stole a quick glance at Jake who had hurt written all over his face and then looked at her mom who was fuming with fury. This was not the morning she envisioned. A beep went off in the kitchen which beckoned Margo into the room. Margo stopped mid stride and looked at the extremely uncomfortable situation playing out in the living room.

              “Uh, coffee anyone?” Margo asked, trying to ease the tension. Jake went over to the kitchen, grabbed a mug and poured himself a giant cup.

              “Look at me Lexi.” Maria said. Lexi looked up at her mom and wondered when she became so tough. “Were you going to tell me about how you’re a floozy and sleeping with random men?”

              Mortification was not a good enough word for what Lexi was feeling at the current moment. Anger steeped her body. She was angry at Margo for letting her mom in the apartment in the first place. She was angry at Jake for not going with her lead and leaving her alone with her mom and she was angry at her mom for talking so poorly about her and Jake. Lexi finally found her words and snapped.

              “Just one man, Mom. I’m not the floozy you might think I am. I’ve been seeing Jake for months now and we’re in love. I didn’t tell you because frankly I didn’t want him to meet you. Not when you walk around with bruises and black eyes as if nothing is wrong. Didn’t you wonder why I never came home?”

              “Lexi…” Her mom said in a tight voice but Lexi didn’t stop.

              “I’m happy for you Mom, I really am. I’m glad you have finally faced your demons and left dad but don’t you dare come into my home and start calling me names and making my friend and boyfriend uncomfortable because you’re insecure.”

              Lexi glanced over at Margo and Jake who were both leaning against the counter in the kitchen with coffee mugs perched against their mouths and their eyes practically bulging out of their sockets.

              Her mom looked at Jake and Margo and then Lexi. She put her head in her hand and said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so insulting.” She gestured toward Jake and Margo. “Please come sit down. I want to get to know you.”

              Margo grabbed a box of doughnuts off the counter and Jake poured two more mugs of coffee and they spent the morning talking to Lexi’s mom. Jake told her all about football and the Scouting Combine, Maria looked impressed that Lexi could land such a man. Margo talked about her animal shelter and the fund raiser she was currently working on part time, of course. Lexi just sat back and watched her two lives mesh as one. After Lexi’s outburst, Maria calmed down and intently listened to all their stories.

              Finally Jake looked at the clock and grimaced. He turned to Lexi. “I have to go. I have a meeting with my coach.”

              “On a Sunday?” Lexi asked.

              “Yea, sorry.” He gave her a quick peck on the lips and got up to grab his stuff from her bedroom. Margo picked up the coffee mugs and the empty box of doughnuts.

              “I have to go to. I need to get in the shower and then head down to the shelter. Maria, it was good to see you again.” Margo gave her a quick hug and vanished into her room.

              Jake appeared back in the living room, this time wearing a shirt and he had his backpack strapped to his back. Lexi sighed as she watched him approach her. She could never get enough of this man. He waved bye to Maria as Lexi walked him to the door. She blocked off her mom so Lexi could have a semi-private moment with Jake before he left.

              “When will you be back?” She asked while grabbing at his shirt.

              He stepped away and said, “Uh, don’t know. I might just stay at my place because I have a lot of things I need to catch up on.”

              Lexi felt her gut twist. He was pulling away. She spoke to him in a low whisper. She didn’t want her mom seeing her getting in some kind of tiff with her boyfriend.              

              “Jake, are you mad at me?”

              Jake ran his hand over his face. “Now’s not the time, Lexi.”

              A cold wind passed between them. Jake had never acted so cold toward her, she didn’t know how to react so she turned into a blubbering girl.

              She grabbed his arm and pulled him closer. “I’m sorry if I upset you. Please don’t be angry.”

              He reclaimed his arm and pulled out his car keys from his pocket. “I got to go, I will call you later. Let your mom know I had a nice time.”

              Lexi felt tears start to well up in her face so she went after him in the parking lot.

              “Jake, wait.” He stopped in his tracks but did not turn around. “Please don’t be mad. I’m sorry.”

              He turned toward her.  “Do you even know what you’re sorry for?” Lexi felt her mouth go dry. She couldn’t even answer because she was so taken back by the hurt that was pouring out of him. “That’s what I thought.” He opened his car door and got in, before he shut the door he said, “Go back inside, you’re practically naked.” Then he slammed the door and drove off, without a good bye kiss or even a hug. Lexi had never felt so torn before in her life. She knew why Jake was mad, he was mad because her mom had no clue who he was. They were planning on living together after college and she never even mentioned him to her parents.

              Lexi quickly wiped away the tears from her face so her mom wouldn’t see her at such a weak state and walked quickly back to her apartment so no one saw her in her robe that kept blowing open in the breeze.

              When Lexi got back to her apartment her mom was standing right next to the door. She most likely watched the entire encounter with Jake. When Lexi shut the door and faced her mom she knew her mom heard everything from the look on her face.

              “Lexi, I need to talk to you.”

              “Not now Mom.”

              Her mom had a tone in her voice that Lexi never heard before, it was strong and demanding. “Now Lexi. Sit down.”

              Lexi took a seat on the couch and her mom sat next to her. Lexi wished it was Jake again who was sitting next to her.

              “Lexi, tell me what you plan on doing after you graduate.”

              Completely exasperated, she should have expected such a question. It was the million dollar question these days. Lexi didn’t want to be having this conversation right now, she wanted to be chasing after Jake and making sure everything was ok between them.

              “I don’t want to talk about this right now.” She tried to get up but her mom stopped her.

              “Well you’re going to young lady. You need to have a future.”

              “I do!” Lexi shouted. “But that future just walked out of here pissed at me because I was too ashamed to bring him home and tell you about him.”

              Lexi saw the hurt flash through her mom’s eyes but instead of backing off her mom rolled with Lexi’s punches. “So Jake is your future?”

              “Yes of course, Mom. I love him.”

              “Well of course you do dear.” Her mom was talking in a soothing voice now that made Lexi remember the days of when she was a little girl and her mom would tell her stories about princesses being rescued by their handsome prince when she was braiding her hair. “But when Jake is off playing football, what are you going to do?”

              Lexi shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ll find something. Jake doesn’t really want me working. He said he wants me to be able to relax and he is going to support us.”

              Lexi’s mom patted her hand and shook her head. “Don’t do it sweetie. Don’t do what I did at your age.”

              “And what is that, Mom?”

              “Don’t fall for a man that is promising you the world. That is what I did.” Lexi was about to interrupt her but her mom held up her hand. “Please let me finish. I’m sure Jake is a great guy and would never do what your father has done to me but that is beside the point. I let your father take over my life, I let him decide what I was going to do and it left me with nothing. I’m fifty five and just starting to gain work experience. Don’t let that be you. Don’t make the same mistakes I did. You need to find yourself first before you attach yourself to such a strong alpha of a male.”

              “But Jake would never leave me.”

              “Honey, I know it may seem like that and you might be right. He might never leave you but what if he did? Where would you be? You would end up exactly where I am, working an entry level job living with a friend just trying to make ends meet. Make something of yourself first sweetie. If Jake loves you the way I think he does then he will let you find your way. And if he is a decent man at all, he will help you find the path you’re meant to take. Don’t settle to be a trophy wife, you’re better than that. You’re stronger than I ever was and there is a future out there for you, a bright one. Go out and seize it.”

              Maria pulled Lexi in for a big hug and then got up. Leaving Lexi on the couch trying to process everything her mom just said to her. Her mom walked toward the door and turned around.

              “Thank you for letting me in and being there for me when I needed you the most. It seems like you have a wonderful life here and wonderful people around you. Just remember, you’re meant to do something big and standing in a man’s shadow is not in your future. Don’t be me, learn from me. I love you, sweetie. Call me if you need anything.”

              Once her mom was completely gone, tears instantly fell down Lexi’s face. Was her mom right? Was Lexi following in her mom’s footsteps? Lexi never gave thought to what might happen if her and Jake ever broke up or if Jake got sick of her and tested the waters with other women when he was out on the road. That would be a typical move her father would do. Would Jake turn into her father? She always heard that women chose to fall in love with men who resembled their fathers. Was she one of those women? Jake had never been physical with her and he always supported her, no he couldn’t be like her dad.

              Although, he was quite demanding when it came to her not having a job. He only wanted her to be there for him, nothing else. Was he trying to control her? She shook her head, no. He loved her and just wanted her to be with him at all times like she wanted to be with him.

              She thought about Jake and how he left her, without the slightest bit of love radiating from him. She didn’t like the way he looked at her this morning, was that a sign for things to come? She felt so confused she didn’t know what to do so she walked into her room, shut the door and buried her head in her pillow so she could cry her eyes out. One thing was for sure, she didn’t like how she left things with Jake this morning and if that was any indication that she loved him and wanted to be with him then she didn’t know what was. Everything would be fine, she needed to stop letting people spook her about being with Jake and their plans for after college.

              She needed to forget all the negative comments and nay-sayers and move forward. She needed to work on letting Jake know how much she loved him and how sorry she was about not telling her parents about him. She needed to make it up to him because she couldn’t bear to think about not having him in her life. That was not an option. She needed him. He was her future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 15

 

              Lexi paced back and forth in her bedroom worrying frantically about Jake. She had not heard from him since he left her place earlier in the morning. She called him too many times to count and sent way too many nagging girlfriend text messages. She even resorted to trying to get in contact with Mason but he didn’t answer his phone either.

              Lexi stole a glance at the clock on her cell phone and noticed it was almost midnight. This was not like Jake. He would have come over by now or at least contacted her. She felt a heavy knot form in her stomach. She knew she was wrong for not mentioning Jake to her family but she didn’t think that it would be that big of a deal where he wouldn’t talk to her. She thought they actually had a semi-pleasant morning with her mom after they got past all the initial awkwardness of the situation.

              Margo berated Lexi later on in the day about keeping Jake a secret. She was disappointed and Lexi was disappointed in herself as well but it wasn’t like she was keeping him a secret, she just failed to mention she was in a serious relationship with the next possible NFL star.

              Rubbing her eyes, she decided to hell with it, she was going over to his place. She should have done that a while ago. She grabbed her keys and purse and headed out into the breezy night. The walk to Jake’s apartment wasn’t very long but she didn’t like the eerie feeling the night air carried. Shadows played with her mind as she walked through the buildings causing her to quicken her pace.

              Loud music was beating from one of the apartments and when she pulled up to Jake’s door place she realized the music was coming out of his place. Confused, she pulled out her key and let herself in. She instantly was smacked in the face with cigar smoke and the blasting music. Jake, Mason and a couple other guys from the football team were sitting around the dining room table playing poker. Jake glanced up at her and then looked back down at his cards. He didn’t even give her the time of day. She had never been so shocked in her life.

              Lexi just stood in the entry way of his apartment and watched Jake push all his chips to the center. One of the guys, Dex she thought was his name, was already out of chips and was smoking a cigar watching the guys interact. All the other players put their chips in and revealed their cards. Jake smirked and announced his hand of three queens. The other guys threw up their hands and pulled away from the table.

              Not a single guy acknowledged her as she stood in the entry way of Jake’s apartment. Jake must have told them some story to make them be so turned off by her presence. The only person that truly made eye contact with her was Mason as guilt flashed across his face. She was about to walk up to Jake and pull him in his room when a girl popped out of his bedroom wearing one of the skimpiest dresses she had ever seen. She slipped on her heels and gave each guy in the room a peck on the cheek. She folded up a wad of ones and said, “Thanks boys. You all have been lovely.”

              They waved bye and Dex got up to walk her to the door. The girl looked Lexi up and down and smiled at her as they walked past her. Lexi felt like she just swallowed a glass of one hundred proof alcohol, her throat burned with fury while she tried to hold back her anger and tears.

              “Jake?” Her voice squeaked out as she turned down the music.

              The guys all looked at each other and got the picture, they gathered their items and gave Jake a pat on the back as they all walked out of his apartment, leaving only Jake and Lexi left in the room.

              “What are you doing here?” He asked while he picked up the chips from the table and stacked them back in the silver case they came in.

              “What am I doing here?” Lexi asked, rage boiling over. “I wanted to see if you were ok since I haven’t heard anything from you since you walked out on me this morning.” She gestured around the apartment. “Apparently, you’re just fine.” She got in his face and shoved his chest. “Who the fuck was that girl?”

              Jake shrugged. “Just a little entertainment.”

              Lexi could not believe what she was hearing. “You hired a stripper? What am I not good enough for you? You have to go somewhere else to get your jollies?”

              “Dex brought her.” Was all he said.

              “Oh ok, so that makes everything fine then. Did you watch her as she took her clothes off?”

              “Well I sure as hell wasn’t going to tuck my tail between my legs and wait in my room until she was done.”

              Lexi slapped him across his face so hard that she thought her hand would never recover from the sting that was radiating up her arm. “You’re a fucking bastard, you know that?”

              He grabbed her wrist and held her tightly. “Hit me again and you won’t want to see what happens next. “

              “Is that a threat? Maybe my mom was right, maybe you are just like my dad.”

              That comment brought out the anger in Jake’s eyes. She thought she might have seen hurt cross that beautiful face of his but only for a second because all that was steaming off him right now was pure anger. She tried to pull away but he didn’t let go.

              He gritted out. “Don’t compare me to that ass-hat of a man you call dad. I am nothing like him and never will be.” He let her hands go and strode toward his kitchen where he threw empty beer bottles in his sink. She watched as some of them broke and shards of glass flew in the air. “How would your mom even know what I was like anyway? She had no clue I even existed.” Jake put his hands on the counter and looked down into the sink

              Lexi was mad at Jake but a part of her heart tore at the sight of him. He looked so incredibly sad that she neglected to tell her family about him. But did that give him the right to ignore her all day and have a drinking party with a stripper? No, it didn’t.

              “I didn’t want you to be exposed to my family. I’m sorry I never told them but frankly I didn’t care if they knew because I don’t really talk to them much.”

              “Do you know how lucky you are that your parents are actually around? I would give anything to have my parents see me right now.” Jake screamed. “Yea, your family life sucks but your mom’s not too bad and you could have least told her that you were practically living with me. Do you know how embarrassed I was that she had no clue who the hell I am?”

              “You don’t understand.” Lexi said under her breath.

              “You’re damn right I don’t understand. Are you ashamed of me?”

              Still standing in the middle of his living room, she felt incredibly awkward while he stood in the kitchen dabbing at something with a paper towel, most likely beer from the bottles in the sink.

              “I’m not ashamed of you, I’m ashamed of them. If I told them about you they were going to want to meet you and I didn’t want you to meet them and then leave me because it was too much to deal with. I didn’t want to lose you.” Lexi tried to keep her voice at a normal level and not shout, like they always did but it was hard when she kept envisioning Jake watching that girl strip. She ran her hand through her hair and said, “I can’t do this. I need to leave.”

              “Perfect.” He screamed. “I’m the one who is hurt and you turn the situation around so you’re the victim. Fucking perfect.”

              “You watched another woman get naked tonight and ignored me all day. For all I know you went back to your wild ways and fucked her on the same bed we made love in the other night.” Lexi’s voice was no longer at normal conversation decimals. It had risen to shouting level.

              Jake covered the distance between them in the matter of seconds. He got right in her face. “You know I would never cheat on you so don’t make me out like I would.”

              “But you did. Looking at another naked woman is cheating Jake.”

              He ran his hand through his hair and that was when she noticed his hand was bleeding, a lot. Shocked, she ran to the kitchen, grabbed some paper towels and tried to soak up the blood that was coming out of his forearm. He tried to pull away but she wouldn’t let him.

              “Let go of me.” He growled.

              “You’re fucking bleeding you lunatic. Let me at least apply pressure.”

              He ripped his arm away from her along with the paper towel. “Like you care.”

              “I do care you ass. For some god-for-saken reason I actually care about you.” She paced in front of him and sucked up her pride. “Listen, I’m sorry about my parents. I was wrong. I should have told them and I’m truly sorry that I hurt you.”

              The frown that was on his face ever since she walked in his apartment and spotted him playing poker with his buddies started to fade. The tension that was bunching up his shoulders had eased. He pulled her onto his lap and nuzzled her neck.

              “Jesus. I’m sorry, Lexi.”

              Lexi felt her toes start to curl from the way his lips were making pathways up and down her neck.

              “What are you sorry for?” She asked while she gave him more access to her neck. Their relationship had always been like a very old shower; one minute they were incredibly hot and then the next moment they were cold and bitter.