I raise a brow in Eliza’s direction. “You, lazy? You don’t know the meaning of that word. Don’t listen to her Grammy. She’s a workaholic.”

  “Do you attend B.U. also?”

  Eliza wipes the corner of her mouth with her napkin. “Yes, I do.”

  “She’s at the top of our class. She tutored me for a couple of weeks when I went back to school.”

  “Sounds like a porno I might like to watch. Hot tutor helps the football player get caught up on what he’s missed out on,” Jam jokes.

  Eliza throws her napkin hitting him in the face and it makes me even more crazy about her. I love that she’s not letting him intimidate her.

  “Gross. There was nothing illicit about our tutoring sessions.”

  Jam ticks his head side to side. “That’s so disappointing.”

  “Eliza, do you have any siblings?” Grammy always wants to know the more personal things about people. No surface information for her.

  “Yes, I have a little sister, Beatrice.”

  “How old is she?”

  “She’s two.”

  “Was she an accident?” Leave it to Jam to ask this in front of everyone.

  “I guess you could say that.”

  “I hate to interrupt the third degree.” Josh winks at me as he rises to his feet. He pulls out Elle’s chair and she stands beside him. “Elle and I need to get going. The shop is open tomorrow and if I don’t get some sleep I’ll be disappointing a lot of people with some subpar work.” They move around the table hugging everyone, Eliza included. I love my family for making her feel so welcome.

  “Eliza, text me where you want to meet up tomorrow. I’m planning on getting to the mall at noon.”

  “I’m coming too. I need to keep an eye on you guys and make sure you don’t get into any trouble,” I jump in.

  Elle smirks. “You should know by now that I’ll just drag you into trouble with me.”

  Jameson pushes himself up from the table and stretches, raising his arms over his head. “I’m hitting the road too, guys. I’ve got a few things to check on.”

  I motion like I’m zipping my lips. “Please don’t share the dirty details. We don’t want to know anything.”

  “Eliza, it was wonderful meeting you. I hope you don’t get tired of this guy anytime soon.”

  “Gee thanks, bro. I love your confidence in me.”

  “What can I say? She’s a beautiful girl. She can do better.”

  “Hey, asshole.” I playfully punch him in the arm.

  “It was nice meeting you, Jameson.” Eliza interrupts before I can use some wrestling moves on him and take him down to the ground. I guess with her here I should be on my best behavior.

  “Be safe, brother.” I shake his hand and pull him in for a quick hug.

  “Always.” He whacks me on the back.

  Eliza and I clear the table, load the dessert plates into the dishwasher and put the pies in the fridge. By the time Grammy comes into the kitchen everything is done.

  “Thank you for cleaning up. I think I’m going to head up to bed and watch some television. It was wonderful meeting you, Eliza. I hope to see you again soon.”

  “Thank you for having me. I had a great time. Everything was delicious.”

  “Night, Grammy. I’ll make sure everything’s locked up before I go to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Night, kids.” Grammy waves as she leaves the kitchen.

  I stare at her from my spot leaning back against the counter. “Want to see my trophy collection?” I wiggle my eyebrows.

  “Yes, I’m very interested in seeing that.”

  I catch her hand, leading us from the kitchen, down the hallway, and up the stairs to the second floor. Opening the first door on the right side of the hall, I flip on the light and draw her into the space. Light blue walls are covered with posters of my favorite athletes and my bed is neatly made with a navy blue comforter and two large pillows at the top. She yawns and suddenly I’m tempted to take a nap.

  I run my hand over the top of her head. “Are you tired?”

  “A little. Your bed looks comfortable and that’s not helping any.”

  “Let’s lie down. We can take a nap. It’s still early. Do you have to be home at a certain time?”

  “No. I don’t have a curfew anymore.”

  I kick my sneakers from my feet and pull the unbuttoned flannel shirt off, hanging it on the wooden knob on the side of my headboard.

  “Your turn,” I urge her on.

  She slips her short boots from her feet and removes the thick sweater she’s wearing, leaving her in a long sleeved black t-shirt.

  “Take the socks off too.”

  “No. Why?”

  “Because I want to see those Abu toes of yours.”

  “Fine.” She balances on one leg at a time removing her striped socks, shaking her head the whole time. She raises one narrow foot to the bed for my inspection and then replaces it with the other. “See? No Abu toes.”

  “I don’t know. They might be a little long. I’m still going to call you Abu.” She blows air out of her mouth in mock frustration.

  “Would you like a pair of my sweatpants to put on?”

  “No, I’m good.”

  I climb on the bed and turn on my side, patting the comforter in front of me. “Lie down.” I watch with amusement as I see her trying to talk herself into doing what I asked. She tentatively places her knee on the bed as if the mattress is going to suck her down inside it. Bringing her other leg onto the bed, she crawls up to the pillow and rolls over to her back. Her arms are at her side and she’s stiff as a board. I can tell she’s nervous.

  “Don’t worry,” I soothe. “I’m not going to attack you. I only want to lie here close to you and relax.”

  “I’m sorry. I know I’m acting weird.”

  “Why are you so nervous? This is me here with you. I hope by now you know that you can trust me.”

  “I do know that, but I haven’t done anything with a guy in a long time.”

  “What about a girl?” I jest.

  “No,” she giggles.

  “How long are we talking?”

  “About three years.”

  A long, slow whistle escapes my lips. “That’s a long time.”

  “Mmhm.” Her cheeks flush adorably.

  “Don’t be embarrassed. I want you to be able to tell me anything. It’s important for you to share these things with me.”

  “I know, but I’m sure this isn’t what you’re used to.”

  “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

  “The girls you’ve been involved with don’t make you wait for sex and they’re more experienced.”

  “My past doesn’t matter. That’s why it’s behind me. It’s you and me now and that’s all I’m worried about.” Eliza nods. I cup her chin and direct her face toward mine. “I mean it. Get out of your overachieving brain and let yourself enjoy being with me. It’s been a great day. Both of us are stuffed full of good food and all I want to do is hold my girl in my arms. I won’t even grope you… well, maybe just a little.”

  She giggles and I wrap my arm around her waist tugging her closer until the side of her alluring frame is pressed against me. “That’s more like it,” I sigh contentedly, settling into the pillow.

  Eliza relaxes more with each second that passes and after a few minutes she places her hand on top of my arm that’s curved around her. Breathing in the sweet, floral scent of her hair, I close my eyes. There are some instances in life where time seems to slow, allowing you to bask in the perfection of the moment. This is one of them.

  Soft heat pressed along the front of my body is the first thing I’m cognizant of as I stir, but I’m not ready to open my eyes. My hands wander before I can stop them, sliding up and down until one of them lands on the tempting curve of Eliza’s ass cheek. My dick reacts, stirring to life and she moans wiggling her hips. Fuck. She feels so amazing and fits in my arms like she was made for me.

  I war with myself to remain still and not take advantage of Eliza while she’s sleeping. I tell myself to hold still and enjoy having her this close. So, I do. I slow my breathing and do my best to fall back asleep and it almost works. Until her soft fingertips begin strumming along my arm. Holding my breath, I wait to see where she’s going with this. Is she still asleep and doesn’t realize what she’s doing?

  Fingers clutch the nape of my neck. “Kiss me.” I guess she’s awake after all. Lowering my face, I gently nudge my lips into hers, enjoying the feeling of the soft plumpness as I rub them back and forth. Her lips part on a sigh and our tongues meet. It feels like I haven’t kissed her in months and our connection immediately turns ravenous. Fingers clutch whatever they can reach, and ragged breaths punctuate our kisses.

  Rolling Eliza to her back, I shift between her legs and come down on top, aligning my hard cock against her slit. Her legs wrap around my hips and bare feet dig into my ass urging me to grind into her. Rocking my hips, I swallow her gasp and devour her mouth. One of my hands skims along her stomach at the edge of her jeans. Back and forth my fingers trail, waiting for her to tell me to stop. When she grabs my arms, digging her nails in, and raises her hips, I press my palm flat to her stomach. Her skin’s so hot and smooth and I imagine that’s how her pussy would feel too. Fuck, I want to know if I’m right. I need to know what she’d look like coming apart from my touch.

  “Can I touch you?” I whisper against her lips.

  “Yes.” I feel the word float over my mouth. Rolling to the side, my fingers immediately undo the button on her jeans. I press a trail of kisses under her jaw and grip the tab on her zipper. Barely breathing, I tug the fastening down and the sound of metal teeth grinding has my heart hammering inside my chest. As much as I’d like to tear her pants down her luscious legs and bury my face between them, I’m not going to. Small steps are the way to go, and I know for Eliza, allowing me to do this seems like a giant one.

  Sliding my palm along her lower stomach, I glide under her green panties until the heel of my hand presses into her clit.

  “Yes,” she moans and my middle finger slips through her soft slit to explore the center of her for the first time. Her hot, wet pussy is better than I fantasized as I hook a second finger inside. Dipping deeper, I pulse the two digits and rock my thumb against her clit.

  “Keep moving those hips,” I demand.

  “Oh… don’t stop. Please.” Her fingers clutch the bedding, gripping the material in her fists.

  “No fucking way. Not until your pussy explodes all over my fingers.” Her breaths get ragged and her legs begin to tremble. “Let go. I’ve got you.”

  Two sharp gasps later she unravels. I can’t take my eyes from her as she quivers from head to toe. Her fair skin flushes from the intense pleasure. She’s fucking beautiful. A perfect individual in this imperfect world.

  Once her orgasm is completely wrung from her supple body, I slip my fingers between my lips and suck her juices from them. “Goddamn, you taste good.”

  Eliza remains on her back and throws an arm over her eyes. A small, content smile plays about her lips. “Thank you.”

  I chuckle, “I think I should be thanking you. There isn’t anything about you that I’d change.”

  “I can’t believe that happened.”

  “You’re not going to panic on me, are you?”

  Her arm falls to the side, exposing her face fully. “I promise, I’m not. I’m just in a bit of shock combined with the after effects.”

  “How about we make some turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sandwiches and watch a movie?”

  “Ooh, first an orgasm and now great food and a movie? You’re spoiling me.”

  “That’s my plan. How’s it working for me?”

  “You just got to third base, how do you think it’s working?”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Owen

  Eliza beams at me from the doorway, crooking her finger. “Come on in. I need to introduce you to everyone.”

  Stepping over the threshold, I remove my knit cap and run a hand through the top of my hair. “Don’t worry about your hair. My family will love you.” She rises to her toes and presses a kiss on my jaw. Leaning forward, I press a quick kiss to her lips and smile.

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “Ma Ma. Ma Ma.” Beatrice comes running into the room with her arms outstretched. “Up. Ma Ma. Up.”

  Bending down, Eliza scoops her up, and situates her on her hip. I stare back and forth between the two of them, noticing how similar they look aside from the different hair colors. Beatrice pats Eliza’s cheek and her expression is filled with love. And that’s when it dawns on me who Beatrice is.

  “I was planning on telling you today while we were out. But this little one had to monkey with my plan.” She tickles Beatrice’s belly making her giggle adorably. But even that’s not enough to make me smile. I’m still in shock from the bomb that got dropped on me. Should I have seen this coming?

  “You must be Owen.” I turn to find Eliza’s parents approaching. Shit.

  I haven’t even had a chance to process what just happened and now I’m supposed to make nice with her parents?

  “Hi. It’s nice to meet you both.” I shake Mr. Michel’s hand.

  Eliza’s mom takes Beatrice from her with a reassuring smile. “We’re going to make her some lunch. It was nice meeting you, Owen.” I raise my hand in a wave and ball my cap up between my hands as they leave the room.

  Eliza’s teeth nervously tug at her bottom lip. “Can we take a ride in your truck?”

  I nod, still numb from the last five minutes. What the hell happened? I came here so full of hope and looking forward to the future with Eliza, and now it feels like our entire relationship shattered.

  Pulling into the park Eliza directed me to, I drive until I come to an empty lot near some basketball courts. Shifting the truck into park, I stare straight forward.

  “Aren’t you going to say anything?”

  I open my mouth to speak and then shake my head. What does she want me to say? I’m remaining quiet because I really want to shout that she’s a fucking liar. And that’s not going to help the situation at all.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I wanted to, but I was scared.”

  “Scared of what? That I’d be upset? That I’d be hurt because you couldn’t share that part of yourself with me? You’re goddamn right I’d have been upset, but not nearly as hurt as I am now.”

  “I’m sorry—”

  “Don’t say that again. It’s easy to be sorry after you do something wrong and you’re caught. But you’ve been lying to me for weeks. You told me she was your sister. You told my family the same thing. Did you feel any remorse each time you lied?”

  “Yes,” she shouts. “You can’t believe how much I’ve struggled about this. I wanted to tell you as soon as we started dating.”

  My hand clutches the leather steering wheel. “But you didn’t. Instead you played me and made me believe you were someone you weren’t.”

  “I’m still the same person you thought I was.”

  “No, you’re not. The person I imagined I was dating for the last few weeks would never have kept a secret of this magnitude from me. She would’ve been open and honest.”

  “You didn’t imagine me, Owen. I am that person. I didn’t share this part of myself, but I’ve been open with you about everything else.”

  “That’s rich, Eliza. I bet if I asked you what the most important part of your life is you’d say Beatrice, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Let me clue you in. That means you didn’t share the most important part of yourself with me. Now do you understand why I feel like I don’t know you at all?”

  “I do, but—”

  “Don’t,” I bark. “You have no valid argument for not telling me sooner.” Reaching down, I shift the truck into drive and start back toward her house.

  “That’s it? You’re taking me back and then what?”

  “I’m dropping you off and I’m going home. I don’t want to be around you right now.”

  She sniffs, cluing me in that she’s crying. Damn. I hate when girls cry, but I’m not letting her sway me. This situation is all kinds of fucked up and I need some time to process it on my own.

  The ride back to her house only takes a minute. I pull my truck into her driveway and stare straight ahead.

  “Are you breaking up with me?” her voice cracks from sadness.

  I turn my head, taking in her tear stained face. My chest aches from a plethora of emotions, and none of them good. I rub my hand over the area to ease the burning pain. Is this what a broken heart feels like?

  “I don’t know what I’m doing. I need to be alone and get my thoughts in order.”

  Eliza’s hand lands on the door handle and then her head snaps back to peer over her shoulder. “Owen, for what it’s worth, I really am sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”

  I nod and clench my teeth together to keep myself from reassuring her. I want to tell her it’s okay, but it’s not.

  She slips from my truck, closing the door behind her. Leaving me alone with the lingering sweet scent of her perfume and my misery.

  “What’s up?” Trevor calls out as he closes the door to our apartment.

  “Nothing,” I grumble, keeping my eyes focused on the television show I’m not paying attention to.

  Trevor falls into the wide armchair with a sigh. “Coach was in a shit mood today. He beat our asses up and down the field. Are you coming to our playoff game tomorrow?”

  I rub a hand over my forehead. “I’m thinking about it, but not sure it’s a smart move for me.”

  “Why?”

  “I think it will fuck with my head to watch the game, but I want to be there for you guys. I’ll most likely go. I’ve done enough to fuck up the team, the least I can do is be there to support you all.”

  “What’s going on with you? You seem out of sorts.”

  I laugh, “That’s putting it mildly.”

 

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