Staying on Course (14 page)

“That’s a complete tragedy! Would you let me walk away?”

He doesn’t answer, and the silence stretches until I become uncomfortable. I roll to the side and see him staring at the ceiling, his face blank.

“Bryce?”

“I honestly don’t know what I’d do in that situation. In my mind, we had our own tragedy. It still kills me that if I’d have come to you and told you my feelings, we may have been together. That’s something that will stay with me forever. But at the time, I thought it was for the best.”

I put my head back on his chest and feel his heart racing. Talking about the year and half I spent avoiding him always puts him in a somber mood. Even as far as we’ve come, he’s in his own form of pain when we talk about it. For so long, I believed it was the loss of the baby, but now I know. It was the future he was facing.

We sit in silence for a few seconds in our own thoughts, the heaviness of the conversation weighing us down. A thought pops into my head that will ease the tension. It also makes my body tingle.

“Do you trust me, Bryce?”

“With everything.”

“I have a small surprise for you, but I need you to strip and promise to keep your eyes closed.”

His lips twist into his sexy as sin smile. “This I can do.” He lifts up, tearing the shirt over his head and removing his shorts in a quick motion.

I roll off the bed and turn to him. “Time to close your eyes, and under no circumstances can you open them until I say so.”

He does as I say, and I run into my closet, changing quickly. When I come out, he’s got his hands behind his head and is wearing nothing but a smug grin, the boxers tossed on the floor. As if he knew what to expect, his hard, long cock is lying against his stomach.

My brain screams at me to jump him, but I fight to stick with my plan. I crawl up the bed, kissing along both his calves and position my hands under his ass. He tenses at my touch but relaxes when I start to massage gently.

“Babe.”

“Here’s the deal. Do not open your eyes. If you do, I’ll stop. And believe me, you don’t want me to stop. You may not understand until later, but this is something I hope you’ll remember forever.”

“Eyes are closed,” he agrees, smirking.

“No matter what, Bryce—eyes closed. I’m watching you.”

He nods unconvincingly.

There’s no way he’s going to listen, but it’ll be fun to watch him try.

I run my tongue along the vein of his inner leg until I reach the top of his thigh. Then I repeat on the other leg. He squirms underneath. My mouth nips and licks from hipbone to hipbone, teasing him. When my lips graze the tip of his dick, he inhales loudly. Instead of sucking him in, I lick lower until his balls are in my mouth. Gently, I alternate rolling them with my tongue.

He starts to pant, placing his hands on my head. His fingers thread through my hair, trying to guide me, but I resist. My mouth moves up, slipping his head between my lips. I play with him for a few minutes, wanting him to beg, but he bites his lower lip, forcing his eyes closed.

Finally, I suck him in until he hits the back of my throat. He moans loudly, shoving his pelvis up.

I increase my suction while still massaging his ass. He mutters something then hisses my name, thrusting slightly. I alternate between sucking hard then slowing down, watching him fight the urge to open his eyes. My own desire runs hot, singeing through me. His stomach constricts and starts to tremble, while his fingertips dig into my scalp. My heart races faster, knowing he’s completely under my control. When his balls tighten against my chin, I move to his head again.

“You can open your eyes now,” I hum against his soft skin.

The moment he sees me on my knees, in my orange cheer uniform, sucking him deep, he explodes.

“Holy fucking shit!” he yells, pumping once more then releasing down my throat.

“Figured the athletic maintenance room wasn’t really your fantasy of uniform sex, so I wanted to give you something to think about.”

His eyes darken, and he reaches up, twisting me to my back. “Tell me you’re ready?”

I widen my legs, and he slips into me easily.

“Thank fucking God.” He leans down and sweeps his lips across my mouth “That was fucking hot. Now, I’m going to make sure you think of the same thing each time you wear this uniform.”

I arch into him, clenching hard. “Yes.”

He drives into me deep, hitting the right spot with each thrust. Our bodies rock together as he sets the pace. My hands glide up his back then grip his neck, pulling his mouth to mine. I kiss him slowly, running my tongue along the seam of his lips then nipping lightly. He swivels his hips and then stops, pushing flush against me.

My legs wrap around his waist and he leans back, grinning. Then he starts to move, this time rougher, going as deep as he can. His strokes intensify, and I close my eyes, feeling each sensation as he moves inside of me. The pressure builds low in my stomach and I loosen my hold on his neck, moving my hands to his back.

He reaches between us and grazes over my sensitive skin, setting me off. My eyes fly open and lock with his. Then stars cloud my vision as waves of pleasure roll through me. He slows his movements but doesn’t stop as I come down from my high.

He lays his forehead against mine and holds our stare. His eyes shine bright as love pours out of him. “You own me.”

I nod, hoping my face tells him the same.

I walk anxiously into the coffee shop and look around for Shana. It’s been a few weeks since I saw her at the football game and her call to meet came out of the blue. She didn’t specify what she wanted to talk about and I didn’t care. Because, seriously, who would decline a meeting with Shana Willis?

She gives me a small wave from a back booth. Her smile is so bright it’s contagious. When I get to the table, she bounces up and throws one arm around me.

“Hi there,” she practically sings. “Thanks for meeting me.”

“Always,” I answer.

“You look nervous,” she observes, sitting down.

“I can’t help it.”

“Isn’t it time you start to get comfortable with me?”

“It’s not really that, but a part of me can’t believe I know you. Three months ago, I’d get drunk and pretend to interview Quinn, doing my best imitation of you. Now, we’re having coffee. It’s surreal.”

“Stop!” She tosses her hands up. “There’s nothing special about me. I can’t take that shit.”

“Okay, I’ll try to behave.”

A waitress comes over and takes our order, clearly recognizing Shana. When she delivers our drinks, her hands are shaking. I raise an eyebrow to Shana, who hides her grin.

“I have to admit, there are several reasons I asked you to meet me.”

“Okay.”

“Henry said you approached him about your classes next semester. He thought I may be able to help you with your schedule.”

“Really?”

“Well, there’s obviously not much we can do about the required courses, but maybe I can help answer any questions.”

“Thanks.”

“Also, we have a week to make any changes and additions to the submission for the University Paper. I thought I’d have the team over to my apartment this Sunday. Henry’s agreed to join us. We don’t have much to cover since it’s basically perfect, so it’ll just be a last minute run through.”

My face falls as my stomach drops with disappointment. She notices, and her smile fades.

“I’m supposed to visit Norfolk this weekend. Bryce has been there for almost a month, and I haven’t been yet. There’s a big party on Saturday. I’m not scheduled to come home until early Monday morning.”

Her eyes fill with understanding then turn soft. “We’ll do it another time.”

“No, don’t cancel because of me. If you need me, I’ll call.”

She nods in understanding. “Tell me what else has been happening.”

“For me, things are great… busy but great.”

“Have you set a wedding date?”

“No, we haven’t really mentioned it.”

She freezes, mid sip of her coffee, and looks at me strangely. Her face is full of questions, but she stays quiet.

“It hasn’t come up in a while,” I say defensively. “We’ve both been busy, and his schedule is erratic. Between cheer, classes, homework, and the feature article, we haven’t really talked about it.”

She stays quiet, but there’s disappointment written all over her.

“Why does it seem like you disapprove?”

“I’m sorry,” she says softly. “It’s none of my business.”

“What’s none of your business?”

“I’m thinking like a lovesick puppy. I’d have thought you’d be looking at china patterns and honeymoon destinations.”

I was wrong earlier. She’s not disappointed; she’s sad.

“I forget that I’ve lived a lifetime beyond yours. If I had a ring on my finger and a man who loved me as much as Bryce loves you, we’d be in front of the Justice of the Peace the day after he proposed.” Her voice is hollow, and for the first time ever, I notice sorrow in her eyes.

“You’ve hardly lived a lifetime, Shana. You’re only thirty-four,” I tease, trying to lighten the mood.

She tips her lips up in a pathetic attempt at a grin.

“Is this about Professor Grant?” I ask cautiously.

She looks around, scanning the area. Satisfied no one is within hearing distance, she exhales loudly. “I fucked up, Devon… really, truly fucked up. Jesus, what was I thinking?”

“Is this about your decision to follow your career?”

“Yes, I was an idiot.”

“Why?” I question softly, reaching for her hand.

“I could have had it all, everything I ever dreamed of, but I was too ambitious and arrogant. Leaving Henry was the worst decision ever. I didn’t know it at the time, but these last two months here with him proved I’m a fool.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“He’s still perfect for me. He knew in Brazil I was coming to Virginia, and that my network rented me a corporate apartment, but his mind was more focused on the Summer Expo, so we didn’t really talk about it. When I moved in, the first thing I did was invite him to dinner. That night, I let it all out. There was no reason to keep dancing around what happened all those years ago.”

“Oh my God. What happened?”

“In true Henry fashion, he was understanding, supportive, and one hundred percent forgiving—no hard feelings, no regrets. He held no animosity or anger. We decided to never discuss it again. Gradually, we’ve built this incredible relationship. The last eight weeks have been more than I could ever wish for.”

“Maybe I’m missing something, but this all sounds like really great news. It was obvious at the game a few weeks ago that you have chemistry. No one could miss the way he looked at you, or the way he held you close when you walked away.”

“That’s what kills me. This could have been the last nine years—us together, living the life we should have had. Guilt eats me inside. He’s trying to help me get over it, but I’ve cried more in the last month than I have in my life… and that’s saying a lot.

“He wouldn’t have a son with another woman, a beautiful little boy who fills him with happiness and purpose, but each time I see him, he reminds me of my mistake.”

“Shana, there’s no way for me to strip away the hurt, but you’re overlooking a few things. You’re an inspiration to women all over the world at an extremely young age. Journalism aside, you’ve accomplished major achievements that stand out. People trust and respect you. That is why they allow you into their homes and businesses to do your stories. You may be sad, but nothing you have done is a mistake. You’re back now, fighting for the love of your life. He’s forgiven you and opened the door for a future together. You have to stop looking back.”

Her eyes gloss over with unshed tears, and she visibly swallows, holding them in. The hand under mine flips and squeezes as her face clears of sadness.

“You’re a spunky little thing, aren’t you? Can’t believe I unloaded on you like that.”

“Anytime. But I’m glad to know it worked out with Professor Grant. Quinn and I had a complete plan when school started. Good thing we didn’t have to meddle. That could have gotten embarrassing.”

“Dynamic duo, huh? Trying to sprinkle love on everyone?”

“Something like that.”

“You do know that you can never, ever take another one of Henry’s classes now, right? You know too much.”

I smile and nod. “Good thing I already had him for my courses then.”

“Enough heavy stuff. Let’s talk about your next and final semester.” She smiles widely, her mood changing completely.

We go over my class options, and she openly gives me her opinion on the courses.

I make a mental note. This weekend, Bryce and I are going to discuss our wedding. It’s time.

My heart sinks when I spot Nate, not Bryce, leaning against his truck in the hotel parking lot. He pushes off and meets me at my car, helping me out.

“Hey, sis.”

“Hey. How are you?”

“Wiped. Long day, actually, long week. Glad you’re here.” He reaches in my back seat to get my bag. “Bryce got caught up with a last minute project. He sent me to get you.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, but he couldn’t call and didn’t want you to worry, so I came to get you checked in. I can take you to base. He’ll only be about an hour.”

“Let me get changed.”

“Absolutely.” He throws his arm around my shoulders and ushers me inside the hotel.

Once we get the keys and get into the room, Nate drops my bag on the floor and falls across the bed.

“Get ready.” He closes his eyes, using his hat to cover his face.

I change quickly and then sit on the bed, nudging his arm. “Can I hold your phone? I’d like to forward a few of the pictures we took from the graduation to myself. I keep forgetting to ask Bryce to send any. Thought it may be nice to get a few framed.”

“Sure.” He unlocks his phone and hands to me.

I scroll through and send a few to myself, hoping the quality is good enough to upload. I freeze when I come across one of Bryce and the girl from the ceremony. He has his usual grin, but she’s smiling brightly, her face glowing. Her head is tilted and leaning on his shoulder in a more than platonic way. My heartbeat speeds and thumps against my chest.