Take Me Away (12 page)

My body stills. I close my eyes and mentally count in my head. This seems so much at once. I’m not sure what to say or what to do.

“Open your eyes, Zara.”

“No, I can’t.” His fingers brush my lips, causing me to gasp. “I’m nervous. What if I’m dreaming and you aren’t really here?”

“I’m nervous too,” he tells me. “I’m here, baby. This is real.” I open my eyes and reach out to touch his face. He’s here. This is happening. His fingers entwine with mine and a smile appears on his face. “There’s my beautiful girl.” He lightly kisses me. “I know you’re confused. I am too. But I realized today that I don’t want to be without you. You're everything I've stayed away from. Being near you scares me and I don't know what I'm doing.” He stops talking, caressing my face. "When we're together I lose control and it makes me want to run away. But I can't stay away." He leans in to kiss me and whispers, "You're the breath I need."

My heart's pounding so loud against my chest and I want to jump on the bed, raising my hands in the air and raise the roof. Treston Parker is admitting his feelings for me. I'm the breath he needs.

"You don't know how long I've been waiting for you, Treston. It's you and me, babe. I'm all yours." My lips move to his neck. He pulls away, looking at me, with the softness in his eyes I love so much. I pull him closer to me, kissing him again. The passion ignites and soon we're shirtless. Our bodies touching, clawing to be closer. It feels so good and he tastes even better. I’m doing my best to keep up. The way his tongue moves inside my mouth is something I’ve never experienced.

“I forgot how it feels to kiss someone.”

“I like kissing you.” Once the words come out my mouth, I instantly blush.

“Me too,” he leans in and kisses me again.

Sitting on my bed with him should feel normal and okay. We’ve been sleeping in the same bed for a while, but this is different. This is more. This is a lot more. We’re moving from being best friends to, hopefully, a relationship. A relationship with the title of boyfriend and girlfriend.

I move closer to him, nearly straddling his lap. He pulls away a little and looks at me. "I don't want you to think anything, Peaches. I didn't come here to do this. I came here to make you mine. I want you as my girlfriend."

I grip his hand and hold back the tears. I've been waiting for months for this moment and it's here. Now I know I want this with him. I want it all.

I lean into him, resting my forehead on his. "I want you, Treston. I want you so badly. You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting to hear you say those words."

“I know,” he sighs, “I know. I’ve had this wall around me for so long. I was afraid I’d never allow someone to break it down. But you,” he stops talking and closes his eyes, “You changed it all for me. Every line I made, you crossed it. You never got tired of me and gave me the chance to come to you. Now here I am, and I hope you still feel the same.”

“I do, Treston. Like I said I want it all with you. I want you to let me in so I can show you how much I love you and want you in my life.”

The color of his eyes darkens and soon he's kissing my neck and down my stomach. Pulling down my shorts and thong, he kisses my inner thigh, making me squirm, wanting his tongue. He pushes my legs apart, slowly circling his tongue. I arch my back from the bed and loudly moan.

His lips travel up my body again. "Are you sure?" I nod, looking into his deep blue eyes, falling more in love with him, if that's even possible.

He reaches into his pocket, but I stop him. "I'm on the pill."

"I've never had sex without protection."

"I want my first time to be with you. I don't want any barriers. I want all of you."

I unbutton his jeans and feel his eyes on me. Soon we're both naked and I nearly gasp when I see his hard cock. He’s huge! How the hell is he going to fit in me?

“What?” He asks me.

“You’re like really big and beastly,” I tell him, still staring at his dick. “I mean your man beast going in me is going to hurt!”

Treston bursts out laughing, leaning down and kisses me. “Man beast?” I nod, “baby just relax and let me do everything." He kisses my forehead and lays me down again. I feel him between my thighs, slowly entering me. The pain surges through my body and I close my eyes, holding in my cries.

"Peaches, open your eyes. I need to see what you're feeling." I do as he says, "I love you." He tells me and leans down to kiss me. The kiss is slow and full of love. I want to scream that I love him and want all of him. He rocks into me, fully inside me and I moan into his mouth, gripping his hard back. The burning sensation when he slides out and back in again causes my body to tremble.

"I love you, Treston."

"I've been waiting so long for this moment." He kisses me again and soon we find our rhythm. The sexiest rhythm I've ever known.

She grips my back as I slide in and out of her. "Treston," she moans, causing me to go a little faster. I know this is her first time and I don't want to hurt her. "Don't hold back."

Fuck.

Rocking a little faster, I get on my knees, spreading her legs open a little wider. Her eyes close as I work her clit with my fingers.

"It feels so good."

"You don't even know," I tell her, feeling myself about to come. Shit, I don't want to come yet. I slow down and feel her pussy clenching around my dick. Oh yeah, she wants to come too.

"Treston, I'm going to," she breathlessly says. It's all I need to hear before we both find our release. I slide out of her, getting up and heading to the bathroom. Taking a warm washcloth, I wipe her and see the blush on her cheeks.

"Don't be embarrassed," I assure her. I kiss her forehead and climb into bed with her where I belong. She turns to face me, resting her head on my chest. "I've been waiting so long for this moment."

"Why'd you wait so long?"

I don't know if I should tell her now, but soon, soon I will tell her. "I needed to make sure I was ready."

"Tell me something."

"I went to see Emily today and after talking to her, I feel better and know I can move on with my life." I feel her body tense and close my eyes. "Emily passed away a few years ago. But can we lay here so I can hold you and hear you sleep?"

"Okay."

In a few moments, I hear her in a restful sleep. Pulling the blanket over her body, I realize how perfect this moment is and how perfect she is. There's nowhere I'd rather be.

I'm finally able to sleep, holding the woman of my dreams in my arms, telling her that I'm going to love her forever.

CHAPTER 14

TRESTON

BETH:
I NEED YOU TO COME SEE ME. Please Treston. I need someone to talk to.

Me:
Beth, I can’t tonight. You need to talk to him. I can’t always run to you. I’m happy now and I have a girlfriend.

Beth:
I know and I’m sorry, but please. I feel so alone. Jeremy’s out at the fucking bar and I’m here alone. I just don’t know what to do. I feel alone and I miss her so much. Please..

Hating myself in this very moment, I send a text to Peaches, letting her know I have to cancel.

Me: I’m sorry for doing this to you last minute. Something came up and I have to head back home. I’ll text you when I get back

Peaches: Are you ok?

Me: Yeah, but I gotta go…See you in a few hours okay?

Peaches: Sure.

I feel like an asshole for doing this to her, but I have to see what she wants. Rushing out of the house, I jump in my car and head to the one place I don’t want to go.

Turning my car into the parking lot of the café I've been going to for the past two years since losing Emily feels too familiar. I don't like feeling this way anymore. I'm pulling back, sitting in my car, conflicted about what to do.

Opening my car door, I head inside and find Beth at our usual table. "Treston," she says, but doesn't get up.

"Is everything okay?"

Shaking her head, and using her hands to cover her face, little gasps break through her lips. "Jeremy and I are getting a divorce. This time for good." She sighs, "When we were separated, he got a woman pregnant and now he feels like he owes his
other
daughter love and care while
my
baby girl is gone and he doesn't want anything to do with me."

"Beth, this is what you wanted. You never wanted to go back to him. I think you need to look at this as a way to be thankful. Move to California like you wanted and start over."

"If I move away, then who'll make sure Emily's grave is kept up? Who'll make sure she has flowers?"

Looking down, I realize how shitty I've been. Avoiding her grave has been easy. I hardly visit and feel like an asshole for forgetting her. "I can," I mumble, "I'll do it."

Her hands rest on mine and we both look at each other. "I don't blame you at all Treston. No one does." I nod my head. "I'm glad you can find peace. Maybe I'm next."

"I think you are, too."

“Parker! Get your ass moving!” Coach blows the whistle, making us run the play again. My chest is on fire. I've been throwing crappy shots and haven't scored once. Going from being the leading scorer to this, is humiliating.

Since coming back home, I’ve been avoiding Peaches. She’s been texting me, but I haven’t talked to her. I miss her. I miss everything about her. How the fuck could I mess us up already?

“Parker!” I hear her voice and turn to see her marching over to me. “Parker,” she screams again.

I turn around, still holding my stick with my mouth guard in. “What?”

She jams her finger in my chest, “You’re an asshole,” she seethes, pushing me and turning away. I should say something and explain to her what’s going on. The words are at the tip of my tongue. Nothing comes out. I watch her walk away and pray that she stays away from me. I push aside my hunger and need for her.

"Zara," I run up to her, so that we're face to face.

“You said you want me and we’re finally together, and this is what you do? Really?”

“I’m sorry, okay?! I told you I have a lot going on and I don’t know how to deal with it.”

“So avoiding me and not texting me when I’ve been texting you and calling you means what?”

I freeze. I know she’s been trying and I’ve been avoiding again. This is why I can’t be a boyfriend. I have too much on my plate and too much on my mind. Giving into her and making her mine was a mistake.

“I’m sorry, Peaches.” I reach out for her, but she pulls away.

“Me too. Just leave me alone.”

I watch her run away and I’m still frozen in the same spot on the field.

Another week passes without seeing or talking to her. All I've been doing is attending classes and practice. Coach Kaler wants us to help with practice again, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea. I need to have my mind clear and when I'm with her nothing is clear. All I see is her and all I want is her.

I finish getting ready and head downstairs for another party. I know I'll see Peaches tonight. Walking into the kitchen, Gavin hands me a beer.

"Thanks, man."

"No problem. We're up for pong next."

"Sounds good." I take a swig of my beer, look around, but I still don't see her. When it's our turn, I stop in my tracks. She's standing in front of me, standing next to Henry. He has his arms wrapped around her and she's fucking laughing. Those are supposed to be my laughs. I'm supposed to be the one who puts a smile on her face and makes her happy, not this cock sucker. I have no idea why the fuck she’s with him. If I recall, we’re still dating, but fighting.

I put down my beer and walk over to her. “Zara. What the hell do you think you’re doing?” She turns to look at me and I can immediately tell she’s drunk off her ass. Pulling her away from Henry, I drag her ass upstairs to talk.

Shutting my door, I lean against it and watch her sit on my bed. Her eyes are puffy and I feel like a fucking asshole for not realizing she’s crying.

“I finally have you,” she says, “and you avoid me. I didn’t do anything and you disappeared. I texted you and called you. I mean, what the fuck?” She gets up from the bed and comes to me. “I trusted you and opened myself to you, but you can’t do the same. Why are we even doing this?”

“Because I want you. I love you, Peaches.” I stroke her face and lean down to kiss her lips. “You don’t get it. I have a lot going on. Remember, I told you to not ask me about my past or where I go.”

“And I love you too, Treston. I love you so much and I want to understand, so please let me in.”

I close my eyes. She needs to know and understand my life and not wonder where I am or where I’m going. Right now I can't give that to her.

“I know you told me not to ask you about your past, but I want to know who the girl is in that picture. I want to know more about you. Make me understand so that I’m not sitting around waiting and wondering. I mean my god Treston, make me understand!”

“I can’t.” I'm not sure how to express to her my feelings. "I don't know how else to tell you I can't make you understand. I'm trying to figure this all out in my head. I need time, please," I beg her. Kneeling down, I kiss her knees and rest my forehead on her. "I need time. Don't leave me."

"Okay." That's all I need to hear before I pull her in my arms and we're lying together on my bed. It's been too long since she's been here with me. There's a peace between us that hasn't been there since I've been gone. I can breathe and know she's here with me where she belongs. I have to stop fucking up or else I'm going to lose her and that's not what I want. I don't want to be the one to break her heart.

“I have a surprise for you.” She lifts her head from my chest and I get off the bed. Opening my closet door I pull out a keyboard. Her eyes go wide and she gets on her knees. Since the night she told me she wanted someone to play this song for her I’ve been learning it. Playing the piano isn’t easy. Luckily the girls majoring in music love me.

Getting the keyboard ready on the stand I look at her and she’s watching me with love in her eyes. Taking out my iPhone and putting in one ear bud, I play the song from my music app and start playing the song on the keyboard.

“Oh my god,” she whimpers, holding her hands to her mouth.

I finish the last chord and she jumps from the bed, tackling me on the ground. “Thank you,” she kisses me, “thank you,” she kisses me again. “Babe that was perfect.”

I kiss her lips and open my mouth to taste her sweetness. She holds me tight and I take my time caressing her tongue with mine. Pulling myself up, with her in my arms, I carry her to the bed and lay her down. “Stay with me,” I whisper against her lips. “Stay with me and promise that you understand.”

“I’ll stay with you and I promise I’ll try to understand.”

I settle down besides her and pull her back in my arms. Her head goes back on my chest and soon her breathing is even. I look down and see her fast asleep. Looking at her, I see her beautiful soul and heart.

I have to give myself permission to let her in. I have to, or else I know I’m going to lose her.

My phone vibrates on my nightstand. I reach over to pick it up and see that it's a private caller. I ignore it and watch my Peaches sleep. She's looks beautiful. Her head is still on my chest and I want to move. I hate sleeping on my back. It's uncomfortable and I want to turn over. I try to maneuver my body, but she moves with me and holds me tighter, softly moaning. I don't want to wake her up, so I stay on my back, staring at the ceiling.

The next morning we go for our run and head back to the girls’ lacrosse house. To say hell froze over is an understatement. I legit feel the cold stares and hear hissing.

"Stop being a baby," she laughs, hitting my arm.

"They want to kill me." She shrugs and makes us breakfast.

I watch her dance around the kitchen, getting what she needs for us, and there's the smile I love on her face. She's my first priority, my happy. I meant what I told her and how bad I feel for hurting her. I'm glad she's forgiven me, yet I wonder if there's a part of her that's still scared.

When she's done cooking, we take our plates outside and talk about the holidays.

"Are you going to be in town?" I ask her, eating the oatmeal she's made.

"Yeah. I haven't talked to my parents or anything. I know that over Christmas and New Year's they won't be here. I mean, do you want to, you know…."

She's so fucking cute. "Are you asking me to come over?" She smiles and nods, "Well, we eat around seven at my house. What about you?"

"Pretty early. So we'll head to my house, then turn back to yours?"

"Sounds like a plan," I lean over and kiss her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too."