He kept his promise as he moved against me. His thrusts were slow and deep, letting me get used to him. And I did. At some point, all the resistance my body had put up in the beginning released, and our movements became smoother, more rhythmic, until I was moving with him.

  “Tobias,” I warned once everything started quickening.

  He slowed in response before pushing deeper. I spread my legs farther to accommodate more of him, until whatever spool he’d been winding inside me gave way from the spindle, unraveling at record speed. I cried out my release, shock and bliss elevating me on a natural high I never wanted to end. Maybe it didn’t have to.

  My eyes finally opened to find him looking at me. His movements were as slow as when he’d sent me soaring, almost delicate, like he didn’t want to push me past my comfort zone. Then he was unraveling too. I could tell by the change in his movements, the hitch in his breath, and the final groan as he pushed into me one last time.

  I don’t know how much time passed as we lay there, waiting for our breaths to slow, with our gazes locked and our bodies still connected. But I knew I didn’t want to ever forget this feeling—this desperate need to be close to another human the way I was with him, to be so intimate yet feel so safe.

  My lids were already heavy. My limbs felt like noodles. And though I couldn’t begin to imagine what tomorrow would bring, we would always have tonight.

  CHAPTER 12

  Tobias

  “Hey, sis,” I hissed into my phone. “One sec.” I didn’t need to keep quiet. Amelia was a heavy sleeper. Even when my phone notifications had started pinging like crazy after I’d turned it on, she hadn’t moved a muscle.

  I slid out from under the covers, stealing another look at the girl who’d kept me up all night with her curiosity. Her naked shoulder was a reminder of last night—the way we fit, the way we moved, and how neither of us could get enough.

  Hopping from the bed of the truck and onto the ground, I was well aware that I was buck-ass naked as I strolled to the edge of the bluff, my phone still pressed to my ear. It was so windy, I could hear the sides of the tent flapping behind me.

  “Is that a helicopter?”

  “Nah, just some wind,” I finally said. “How’s the Big Apple?”

  She sighed dramatically, which told me there must have been a change in plans that she wasn’t happy with. “It’s over.”

  “What do you mean, it’s over?”

  “We flew home yesterday but didn’t get in until past midnight. Where the hell are you?”

  “Uh…” I ran a hand through the thick nest of hair on my head, quickly debating what to tell her. I sure as hell couldn’t tell her the truth. Well, not all of it anyway. “I’m on a camping trip far, far away.”

  I could almost hear my sister roll her eyes. “Any chance you can make it back today?”

  I was genuinely confused as I thought over her question. I didn’t understand why it mattered to Trinity when I came home.

  “No can do, sis. We’ll be back tomorrow.”

  “We?”

  I cringed, realizing I’d said too much. And from the silence on the line, I knew my sister’s rage was rising with her curiosity. “Who are you with?”

  I hated how protective she could be. It had gotten worse after she’d found out about the adoption. She took inventory of everyone I spent time with and questioned my every step. All the more reason it was time for me to grow the fuck up and figure out my future.

  I sighed. “Just a friend, Trin.”

  “I hate that you didn’t come with us.” Her voice was quieter now, and I couldn’t stand the guilt that shot through me.

  Trinity had begged me to go to New York with our parents, but I just couldn’t. I couldn’t pretend like nothing had changed.

  It wasn’t that I couldn’t forgive my parents for what they’d done. Keeping my adoption from me was admittedly selfish on their part, but they were still the ones who’d raised me, taken care of me, loved me. It wasn’t them who’d abandoned me.

  But forgiving and forgetting were two separate things. I could never forget how terrified I’d been when I found out the truth or how that hurt had cut me so deeply, I’d given myself no other option but to run from it all, to run from myself.

  For the first time since it all went down almost one year ago, I finally realized I’d only made my situation worse by escaping in the heat of the moment. It was a decision that had festered and grown to the point of—what felt like—no return.

  I was in no rush to get back to all that. When I did return home, I knew things would have to be different. I couldn’t hide anymore. I owed my future a chance. Plus, I wanted more time in Big Sur with Amelia, time I knew could never exist outside of the bubble we’d created. Big Sur was ours, but Malibu… it was theirs. I wouldn’t let Trinity take this time from me.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow. Okay, Trin? I need to go.” I pulled my phone from my ear to end the call, knowing the longer we stayed on the phone, the more guilt she would try to drive into me.

  “Tobias,” she shouted, making me cringe before I could get to the button. “You don’t understand. You need to come home today.”

  My adrenaline sped with her panic. “Why? What’s the rush?”

  “Damn it, Tobias. Why do you have to be so difficult? It was supposed to be a surprise.”

  Now I was more confused than ever. It wasn’t my birthday or anyone else’s that I knew of. “A good surprise or a bad surprise?”

  She let out a frustrated scream. “Mom and Dad met up with a sports agent in New York. His name is Aaron Wells. Ever heard of him?”

  I could feel the shift in my world the moment my sister spoke that name. Did I know Aaron Wells? I may have dropped basketball from my life, but I still spoke the language. I still followed the stats and the draft. Aaron Wells, once a point guard for the Chicago Bulls, was one of the fiercest sports agents in the game. He knew how to pick ’em young and make his players money in lasting contracts.

  “I’ve heard of him.” I tried to sound nonchalant while my nerves shot off like lightning inside me.

  “Well, he flew to Malibu to meet you. He knows your story and that you had a minor setback. He thinks you still have a shot at the NBA, Tobias. But he needs to know that you want this.”

  “I want this.” The words flew from my mouth before I could even speak. “I want this, Trin. But…” I glanced over my shoulder at my truck, where Amelia still slept. My heart twisted. “I need some time. Will he wait until tomorrow?”

  “No.” My sister’s irritation was a slap in the face. Of course he won’t wait. “Where are you, Tobias?”

  “I’m camping in Big Sur.”

  Silence passed over the line again. If my sister understood anything about me, it was my need for time alone. “I can contain him until tonight. But if you’re serious about still wanting a shot at this, then don’t mess it up over a spring fling or whatever.”

  I had to bite my tongue from defending Amelia. Maybe she was a spring fling, but she was also more. She was inspiration and excitement and home wrapped up in a gorgeous package. But that battle would have to be fought later.

  My pulse had already quickened, but now my veins felt fiery with adrenaline. “All right, I’ll head home. You better not be fucking with me, Trin.”

  “I wouldn’t do that to you. I know how much you’ve missed basketball. We all know, even though you never talk about it.”

  There’s that guilt I was trying to avoid. “I’ll start packing up. Thanks for looking out, sis.”

  “Just get your ass home.”

  I hung up and walked back to the truck, slipping inside just as Amelia’s eyes flickered open. Her cheeks reddened almost instantly, and a smile broke out on her face. There was no denying how beautiful she was. And the fact that I was the cause for that smile was all the more reason to smile back.

  But I couldn’t. Not knowing what I had to do next.

  “Hey,” she said, her voice chalky from little rest.

  “Hey.” I slipped under the covers and wrapped my arm around her naked waist. Her skin was smooth like silk and warm under the soft blankets. My hand slipped over her hips, loving the way her curves created a journey I could explore all day if I were only allowed the time.

  She looked back at me with the widest gaze, her long lashes batting down as she waited for me to speak. She smiled shyly and wiggled her way closer to me then opened the blanket to cover me too. My eyes slipped to catch a quick glimpse of what I’d become so familiar with last night.

  Once her body was pressed to mine, I let my gaze drift over her face while my fingers brushed the underside of her jaw. I loved this angle of her more than I should. The light from the morning sun rained down on her through the clear ceiling of the tent, making her eyes appear lighter than they already were. My six-three form hovered over all five-one of her. Her lips formed a slight pout, and that was where my gaze stuck.

  “Everything okay?” Her voice was soft, but I could hear the worry it carried.

  “I think so.” I traced her jaw with my fingers as I spoke. “Trin called—” I paused as Amelia’s eyes narrowed, and then I cringed. “I know I said no cell phones, but I just wanted to check in quickly.”

  Her expression relaxed. “Okay, so what did Trinity have to say?”

  “There’s an agent at my house who wants to meet me. He’s kind of a big deal in the NBA world.”

  “Really?” she asked with excitement. “That’s great news. You want to meet him, right?”

  I nodded, still averting her gaze. “I do.”

  “Then what’s wrong?” Her hand slipped up my chest as she spoke, blazing a fire trail with her touch.

  I finally met her gaze, deciding right then and there to cut all the bullshit from my life. And that included hiding everything I felt. “What would you say if I asked you out?”

  “Like—on a date?”

  My cheeks heated. “Yeah, like on a date.”

  Her eyes flickered between mine, and her smile faded. My chest clenched with worry. “I don’t know, Tobias.”

  Her hesitance hurt. “It’s like that, huh? Damn.” I started to pull away, but Amelia pulled me back, her grip like a vise on my arm.

  “Stop. It’s not like that.”

  “Then what’s it like?” I frowned as I stared down at her, trying desperately not to become more frustrated than I already was. “I know last night was just sex, but I like you.”

  Her eyes widened slightly. “You do?”

  I blew out a breath. This was not going the way I’d hoped. “Yes. I mean, I think so. Don’t you like me?”

  “Yes. I like you, Tobias. But Trinity made it clear how she felt about us dating.”

  My brows pulled together. My sister was never subtle with her feelings. I’d always known Amelia was off limits, but now I was beginning to question the reasons why. “When was this?”

  “Well, we were really young, but—”

  I rolled my eyes and cut her off before she could continue. “She’ll get over it. We can talk to her.”

  Amelia didn’t look very convinced. “You really think she’ll get over it?”

  “Why wouldn’t she? We’re all adults now.” I believed my words with a conviction I felt everywhere.

  Amelia’s expression changed, like she was trying to let my words sway her. “Maybe you’re right.”

  “Of course I’m right.” I smiled, leaning down until my nose touched hers. I felt her shake in my arms, and I knew without a shadow of a doubt we were making the right decision. “You know what else I’m right about?”

  “What?” Her voice was breathy, and her eyes began to close.

  “You’re a good kisser.”

  She laughed as her lids opened again to meet my eyes. “How would you know? You’ve never even kissed me.”

  I brushed my lips against hers. “But I’m about to.”

  Without delay, I pressed my lips to hers and felt her melt right along with me. My head spun as she moaned into my mouth and gripped me harder. Her dainty fingers dug into my arm like she needed the leverage to hold on to. I moved my hand from her jaw to her waist, pulling her against me as I parted her lips with mine.

  Everything was warm—my head, my chest, her breath, my cock. Fuck, we needed to leave. I pulled away, determined to make the date with her happen as soon as humanly possible.

  Our breaths were heavy as I placed another kiss on her cheek. “You ready to go home?”

  “No. But I’ll help you pack.” She smiled and pulled off the covers before searching for her clothes.

  Damn. She was beautiful. No. She was more than beautiful. Amelia Clark was a goddess.

  I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her beneath me, watching as her dark-brown hair fanned around her head. “On second thought,” I said as I placed her arms above her head and widened her legs with my knees, “The NBA can wait. One more for the road?”

  She giggled as I dipped down for another kiss, simultaneously reaching between her legs and teasing her clit with my thumb. Her giggle quickly turned into a moan as her back arched and her hips pushed up into my hand.

  “Only if you promise to buy me dinner,” she finally said.

  I grinned. “That’s a deal.” I captured her hard nipple in my mouth before swirling my tongue around its peak.

  Whoever had said spring flings couldn’t last was wrong.

  Amelia and I were about to prove it.

  * * *

  I hope you enjoyed Falling from Gravity. Want more? You can check out Amelia and Tobias’s full-length story in Defying Gravity (Available in Kindle Unlimited)

  Get it HERE

  Keep reading for the prologue and the first chapter of Defying Gravity.

  PROLOGUE

  Amelia

  Somewhere between my childhood home and the long stretch of Malibu Beach that I had once called my backyard, a familiar figure came into view.

  His long lashes flickered down as he blew out a breath. His wide eyes narrowed in the direction of the bare feet he’d shoved deep into the sand. Early age lines wrinkled his tan forehead, and a scowl rested on his face.

  My heart jolted in my chest as unease churned in my gut. Three years later and the sight of Tobias James could still knock me off my axis.

  He was a few feet away when he looked up and spotted me. The moment was lightning, illuminating his surprise. His lids widened, revealing a circular sea, endless in its depth, and for a vulnerable instant, I thought I might have left my anchor there.

  Once upon a time, I looked into those same eyes and saw my past, my present, and my future. I was certain every sacred dream would come to fruition when the time was right—but we were young … and life had other plans for us.

  CHAPTER 1

  Amelia

  PART ONE—THREE YEARS EARLIER

  A rattling sound shook me awake and jolted my gaze toward my bedroom window. It was black outside, save for a few twinkling stars and the moon’s glow. I shook my head, hoping to clear the fog from a deep sleep.

  It was a miracle I’d been able to doze off with the blare of the music and boisterous voices coming from upstairs. My parents were party animals. It wasn’t unusual for them to throw some random shindig in the middle of the week to celebrate any small accomplishment that came through their firm. Clients—mostly actors, producers, and casting agents—were their everything, their bread and butter. No one cared that the teenager downstairs had school in the morning.

  My eyes adjusted to the clock on my nightstand—3:25 a.m. I blinked again, noticing that the loud bass from the stereo system’s surround sound was nonexistent now. The party was apparently over, but the rattling sounded again, followed by a tap-tap-tapping against glass.

  I jerked my head toward the French doors that led to the back patio. My eyes landed on the figure begging for entry at my door. Tall, hooded, wide crystal blues pointed straight at me. Flutters ignited under my ribs.

  Snatching my silk sheet from my bed, I pulled it to my chest on instinct, awakening completely and sitting up moments after recognizing him.

  Tobias.

  I jumped up and ran toward him, a smile blossoming on my face. I couldn’t help it. It had been five days since our secret spring break trip to Big Sur, where we camped out in his pickup truck, just the two of us. And every day since we’d been back, he would sneak into my room, and we would pick up where we’d left off up on that mountain, thinking no one would ever be the wiser.

  After turning the lock and then the knob, I tugged on the handle, and he stepped into my room, filling the space as he always did, with confidence and intention.

  “You’re late,” I accused as he pulled me into his hulky arms. He was so tall, my head rested on the lower half of his chest as his build practically swallowed me. I sighed into him, breathing in his freshly showered scent of cedar wood and coconut.

  “I was waiting for things to die down,” he said. “I sent you a text telling you I didn’t want to risk being seen.”

  I looked toward my bed, where my phone lay, and it dawned on me. Crap. I never put it on the charger. “It must have died after I fell asleep.” I gave him my exaggerated pout. “It’s too late to watch a movie now.”

  He chuckled and leaned down, his lips skimming my nose. “We never watch much of the movie, anyway.”

  He was right. I could never concentrate on a movie when I was busy guessing the journey his mouth and hands would take as we lay together. Narrowing my eyes, I pulled him toward my bed. “But pretending is so much fun.”

  His mouth curled with obvious amusement. “You sure about that?”

  Refusing to answer, I lay down, letting my brown hair fan around me as Tobias followed. He faced me, lowering himself until he was hovering dangerously close.

  In the past week, I’d gotten used to this routine. To us. But Tobias was never supposed to crawl under my skin. We were only supposed to be a spring fling.

 

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