Playing, p.59
Playing, page 59
I turn into the beach parking lot. It's half empty. And there, in the corner—that's Brendon's rental car. I think. It's some generic black sedan with a big yellow sticker advertising the rental company. It could be anyone's rental car.
I park at an end space. Turn the car off. Force my hands into my lap.
They're shaking.
But it's a good shaking.
A nervous energy I'm capable of feeling alive shaking.
I climb out of the car, tap the lock, hug my purse.
A breeze blows over my shoulders. It's a cool day and the ocean breeze isn't helping matters. This dress isn't nearly warm enough. And it's not a boardwalk dress. My hair isn't right. Or my makeup. Or my shoes.
No. This is fine. It's clothes. They aren't what matters.
I cross the parking lot and climb the wooden steps to the boardwalk.
He's standing there against the railing, the sand and the ocean and the sky his backdrop.
He looks so good. All tall, dark, and handsome.
Those same black jeans.
Those same coffee eyes.
That soft smile curling over his lips.
I move toward him. Until I can smell his soap. My fingers curl around the note. "It's a beautiful drawing. New?"
He nods. "Had something in my head I had to get out."
"What does it mean?"
"I'll get there." He takes my hand. "I promise. But give me a minute."
I nod. A minute is too long. A second is too long. All this air between us—it's too much. But I need to hear everything.
"Your mom and I talked."
"Oh. You told her?"
"Not everything. But I will. We agreed that you and Em should move in together. If you want."
Me and Em with our own place? We always talked about that. But once I started working, I realized it would be forever before I could afford it.
"Emma refused to let me cover her half."
"Of course."
"Your Mom... Your grandma took out a life insurance policy awhile back. It's a few hundred thousand dollars. And you're the sole beneficiary."
"What?"
"She wanted to make sure you'd have enough to study whatever you wanted."
"Oh."
"I tried to get your old place back, but the subletor refused to leave before the lease is up. It can be yours next September. But I figured you'd rather find one place and make it home."
I nod.
"I found you two a place. It's in Santa Monica. It's halfway between the beach and SMC. If you'd rather save everything, I can find you a cheaper place." He pulls out his cell and hands it to me.
I flip through the pictures of the apartment. It's small, but it's nice. Big windows. Hardwood floors. Two little bedrooms. A balcony. An ocean view if you look from just the right angle.
"It's yours if you want it."
I nod. "I do."
"And I..." He stares back into my eyes. "That night Emma found out, she said something—"
"Said?"
"Yelled something that stuck with me. I'm supposed to protect you from guys like me."
"But you—"
"Let me finish." His voice is strong. Even. Sure.
But I can't wait.
I need to know that he's mine.
I force myself to nod.
"I couldn't stop thinking about it. I've believed that I'm no good for a long time. My mom made sure of it. That was why I tried to stay away from you, Kay. Not just because you were young or because you were Emma's friend or because it would fuck up everything in my life. Because I didn't want to hurt you."
Words claw at my throat. Somehow, I manage to nod instead of speaking.
"But the more time I spent with you, the more I wanted to peel back all your walls. I wanted to find the things that hurt you and destroy them. I wanted your heart."
"I wanted to give it to you."
"I know. You trusted me."
"I still do."
His lips curl into a half smile. "That was everything I wanted. Still is. But it's also everything that terrifies me. You're as bright as the sun, Kay. You have this big, beautiful life ahead of you. And the thought of snuffing out even a hint of your boundless potential—it guts me."
He moves closer.
Until I can feel all the heat of his body.
His hand goes to the neckline of his t-shirt.
"It still does. But I want to get through that. If you're willing to have me. If you have the patience for it."
He pulls his t-shirt down his chest.
There's fresh ink on his skin.
Right on the spot I chose.
Serva me, servabo te.
Save me and I'll save you.
"Brendon." I reach for his skin. "Can I?"
He nods.
I trace the lines of the ink. "When?"
"Before I left. Walker did it."
"Yeah?"
"Told me he'd kick my ass if I fucked this up."
A sob rises up in my throat. "He meant it?"
"I think so. Pretty sure Dean and Ryan will join him."
My heart warms. The guys look out for me. They support me. I do have people who love me. Who want me to be okay. None of them can replace Grandma, but it helps, knowing I have support.
"I mean it, Kay. I know you'll always feel a little broken. And I'll always worry I don't deserve you. But I want to be there, by your side, to help you through every ugly moment. And I want you by mine."
A tear rolls down my cheek. "I want that too."
He cups my cheek with his palm. Wipes a tear with my thumb. "Those happy or sad?"
"Both."
"I love you. I have for a long time. And I will for longer."
I nod. "I love you too."
He wraps his arms around me and he kisses me like he can't get enough of my lips.
Like he can't get enough of me.
God, he tastes good.
I don't come up for air until I'm dizzy.
With love and lust and the comfort of knowing he's by my side.
For everything.
Forever.
Epilogue
Brendon
Kaylee steps out of the humanities building with stars in her eyes. She stretches her arms over her head as she lets out a soft yawn.
Her lips spread into a smile as her eyes catch mine. Her movements get faster. The exhaustion fades from her expression.
I move toward her. Meet her at the halfway point of the sidewalk.
She jumps into my arms and squeezes me tightly. "I thought you had to work."
"I finished early." I soak up the feeling of her body against mine. She's so warm and soft. And she's mine.
All mine.
Fuck, it's still hard to believe.
I set her down on the concrete, but I keep my arms around her.
Her green eyes fill with affection as she looks up at me. "I missed you."
"I missed you." I bring one hand to the back of her head, undo her ponytail, and run my fingers through her hair. "How was it?"
She smiles. "Easy peasy."
"Easy?"
"Relatively speaking."
She's been locked in her studying cave for the last two weeks. It's been torture. But it's worth it for the look on her face.
I cup the back of her head. "Straight As?"
"I think so. But we'll see." She slides her arm around my waist and rests her head on my chest. "Tell me we're going straight to your place."
"My place? What would we do there?" I play dumb.
"Brendon Kane, this is not the time to be a tease."
"There go my plans for the afternoon."
Kay laughs so hard she shakes. "Okay. You can tease. But not until we're at your place."
"I'm not following."
"You are too." She slides her hand under my t-shirt and presses her palm against my stomach.
"I have a surprise for you."
"Yeah?" Her voice lifts. "Something, ahem..."
I chuckle. "No. After."
"After." She looks up at me. "I like after."
"Me too."
* * *
Kaylee giggles as she steps into the house. She surveys the living room like she hasn't seen it in weeks. I guess she hasn't. I'm not sure she's done anything but work, sleep, and study for the last two weeks.
"It's so much cleaner without Em here." She runs her fingers over the spotless dining table. "Almost freakishly clean."
"And your room?"
"Good point." She takes my hand and follows me to the stairs. "I miss this place."
"I miss you here." Nearly every night, I fall asleep wishing she was in my bed. But I made her mom a promise, that Kaylee would live with Emma until she graduated from college.
Today was Kaylee's last final. The last day of freshman year. That leaves three years to go.
Fuck, three years until I have her around twenty-four seven.
If I'm lucky, she'll graduate early.
No, I'm lucky either way.
I whisper in her ear. "Go to my room, strip, and sit on the bed."
She stops short. "Strip to what?"
"I want you naked on my bed."
Her tongue slides over her lips.
"I want you coming on my face until you can't take it anymore."
Her pupils dilate. She nods and takes a shaky step forward.
I watch her climb the stairs and move down the hallway. She's practically bouncing. She wants me that badly.
Fuck knows I want her... I'm not sure I have words for how much I want her.
It's been two weeks since I've watched Kay come.
That's two weeks too long.
I wait until I can't stand it anymore, then I make my way to my bedroom.
She's sitting on the black sheets. Naked. Her legs spread. Her palms on her thighs. Her gaze on the mirror opposite her.
My balls tighten.
Fuck.
I need to be inside her now.
But this first.
My voice drops to that demanding tone. "You want to watch as you come on my face, angel?"
She nods.
I don't have any fucking patience today.
I move right to the bed. Plant next to her, pull her into my lap, and bring my lips to hers.
She kisses back hard and hungry.
I let my hands roam her body. It feels like it's been months since I've touched her.
She groans against my mouth as I toy with her breasts. As I drag my hand down her stomach.
Slowly, I lower her onto her back. I pull her to the edge of the bed, spread her legs, and kneel between then.
Her back arches as I dig my fingers into her thighs.
Fuck, I love the sight of her.
I push her knees apart as I drag my lips up her inner thigh. I go higher and higher, until she's squirming against my hands.
Then I move to her other leg and do it again.
Her groan is half agony, half ecstasy.
I do it again.
Again.
I do it until she's shaking. Until she's groaning my name like it's a curse. Like I'm evil.
I am.
But she fucking loves it.
Once I've tortured her thoroughly, I bring my mouth to her cunt.
Relief drips from her sigh.
That feels so fucking good.
And she tastes so fucking good.
I take my time licking her up and down. I do it slowly, mercilessly slowly.
I wind her up again.
I bring her right to the edge.
She squirms against my hands. She bucks her hips. She tugs at my hair.
"Please," she breathes.
But I don't relent.
I do it again.
"Please." Her hand knots in my hair. Her groans run together. Please, sigh, please, sigh, please.
I plant a kiss on her inner thigh. "You watching, angel?"
"No. I..."
"Watch."
She presses herself onto her elbows. Her pupils dilate as her gaze goes to the mirror.
She looks down at me, begging me with her eyes. "I need you."
Fuck, that's music to my ears. Kaylee on the edge is the best thing I've ever seen, heard, smelled, tasted.
I plant another kiss on her inner thigh.
She groans a you're evil groan.
Still, I do it again.
I do it until all those curses are running together.
Until I'm sure this is as much as she can take.
Then I bring my mouth to her clit.
I flick my tongue against her.
A soft tease.
Then another.
Another.
"Brendon... Please."
One more tease.
Then I lick her exactly how she needs me.
"Fuck," she breathes.
She fights my hands.
She bucks against me.
I keep her pinned to the bed as I lick her. A little harder. A little faster.
There.
Her groan echoes around the room.
Her thighs press against my hands.
Her breath gets ragged. Needy.
A few more flicks of my tongue and she's there.
Her elbows slip. She falls back on the bed. Tugs at the sheets.
Groans my name as she comes.
I lick her through her orgasm.
But that's not enough. I need her coming again.
I give her a few seconds to catch her breath, then I plant my head between her legs, and I suck on her clit.
"Fuck." Her hands go straight to my hair.
She tugs like she can't stand how good she feels.
I keep her pinned to the bed as I suck on her.
She shudders. She shakes. She tugs at my hair.
Then she's there. She gets sweeter. Wetter.
I savor every fucking drop of her.
Then I pull back. Stand.
Kaylee watches with rapt attention as I strip out of my jeans and t-shirt.
Her eyes go wide as I push my boxers to my knees.
She nods please.
I climb into the bed. Onto her.
She wraps her arms around my chest.
I nudge her legs apart.
With one swift motion, I slide inside her.
Fuck.
She's so fucking soft.
So wet.
So mine.
She rocks her hips to meet me.
We fall into a rhythm, moving together, breathing together, hearts beating together.
I bring my lips to hers.
I kiss her as I fuck her.
And we stay locked like that, limbs tangled, tongues dancing, bodies moving together.
Until she pulls back to groan against my neck. To claw at my back. To groan my name again and again as she comes.
Fuck, the way she pulses around me—
I'll never get enough of that.
It pushes me over the edge.
It always does.
With my next thrust, I come.
Pleasure spills through my body. From my cock to my pelvis, my thighs, my torso, my arms, my legs.
All the way to my fingers and toes.
I thrust through my orgasm. I spill every drop inside her.
Then I collapse next to her and pull her into my arms.
We stay pressed together until we catch our breath.
She looks up at me with an ocean of affection in her eyes. "Was that my surprise?"
I shake my head. "We're due there in an hour."
She nods.
I slide my hand between her legs. "I have forty-five minutes to make you come again."
"If I want to shower?"
"Thirty."
Her lips curl into a smile. "That might kill me." She presses her lips to mine. "But I'm willing to risk it."
* * *
Inked Hearts is empty.
Well, that's not exactly right.
Walker is standing behind the front desk.
Kaylee's eyes dart from him to me.
Walker smiles as he shakes his head. "You really keeping her in the dark, Kane?"
"It's not a surprise if you tell someone," I say.
Kaylee's lips press together. Her brow knits then softens. "If he and you..." She looks up at me. "This is an ambush."
"Told you," Walker laughs.
"I prefer surprise." I motion to Walker. Bring it.
Kaylee stares back into my eyes. "A surprise with witnesses?"
I nod. "I thought about it. I can do the ink if you want. But I'd rather be the person holding your hand."
"Oh." Her eyes go wide. "You mean, you already have an idea—"
"Yeah. But only if you want it." I take the temporary tattoo from Walker and show it to Kaylee. "Right here." I drag my finger over her ribs. It presses her dress into her skin.
"Bra strap tattoo?" Her laugh is more nervous than anything.
I nod. "That way it's our secret."
Her lips press together. "I, um—"
"We can do it wherever you want. Or not. This is for you, Kay. It's your body. I'm not going to tell you how to adorn it," I say.
"I can kick his ass if you want," Walker says.
She shakes her head. "No. That... that's perfect."
"You know it's gonna hurt like a bitch," Walker says.
She nods. "You know I've seen you guys do a thousand tattoos. I think I have the pain chart memorized."
He winces. "Doesn't get much worse than ribs."
"It doesn't," I agree.
She looks up at me. "I know. But... I... I think that's perfect. Let's see it."
I nod and lead her into the suite in back. Away from the window.
She slides her dress to her waist, unhooks her bra, and holds it in place.
I'm careful about applying the temporary tattoo at the perfect spot.
She's already shaking. But it's good shaking. Excitement.
"There." I peel the paper from her skin.
Her eyes go wide as she turns to the mirror. "It's perfect."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. I am."
It is perfect.
Serva me, Servabo te.
Save me and I'll save you.
She hugs her chest. "Oh God. It's going to hurt a lot." She bites her lip. "What if I can't handle it?"
"You can," I say.
"What if I chicken out with just an s on my skin?"
"You won't." I stare back into her eyes. "You've survived a lot worse than a ten-minute rib tattoo."
She nods.
"Everyone is scared to get their first piece."
