My smile lights my own face.
“Want to go again?” he challenges.
I soak him in. Really take him in. Every line on his face, the small sunspots along his shoulders, pecs that beg to be touched, and lips that yearn for mine. His dimples break through and our eyes lock.
I don’t answer him. Instead, I ask, “Did you go out for drinks last night?” I try my best to pass the question off casually. This only gets me a chuckle from him.
“Yes, I did. But, before you say or ask anything else, no, I did not stay long and yes, I went home alone.”
My eyes go wide. “Oh, I wasn’t assuming you’d go home with any-”
He cuts me. “Did you?”
“Did I what? Go home with someone?”
He laughs. “No, go out?”
I shake my head. “I went job hunting.”
Trey swims in a small circle around me. “How did that go?”
“Not well.” I let out a laugh that echoes off the walls. “It’s hard to find something that fits into my swim schedule. That’s why waitressing worked out so well. The hours were flexible and the tip money was excellent.”
He nods in understanding. “I’m sure something will pop up soon.”
The silence grows thick between us. He watches me intently, and I’m unable to move.
Reaching forward, he brushes a wet strand of hair off my face. My eyes briefly drift closed at the softness of his fingers.
“What are we doing?” I whisper, leaning into his touch.
His body becomes alert. “What do you mean?”
“These mixed emotions. The flirty eyes, light finger touches, shoulder brushes, stares from across the room? You said it was wrong, and I know it is, but you continue to confuse me with your body language.”
“Because I’m confused,” he says. “I know it’s wrong, but I can’t stop thinking about you.” His voice dances from wall to wall as it travels all around us. “You’re a flame that I can’t seem to blow out.” His voice is much softer, as his eyes plead with mine. “It’s been difficult seeing you so often, being close to you, yet unable to touch you. I want you so bad that being around you is physically painful.”
I don’t know why I’m doing it, but I inch closer to him. The gravity of his lips is inescapable.
“Emma,” he breathes.
“What do you want, Trey?” He shakes his head, his face full of uncertainty and pain. When he doesn’t answer, I continue. “When you do touch me, I feel like I’m losing my mind. My body falls apart when you’re near. Maybe it’s just me, but…”
He cuts me off. “It’s not just you. I don’t know what you’re doing to me, Emma. But I don’t want it to stop, either.”
He leans into me, our mouths hovering over one another. His warm breath sends my heart up into my chest.
My eyes dare him to kiss me.
“I surrender.” It’s all I need to say and all the permission he needs.
Our lips lock together—soft at first, but soon he’s kissing me as if someone will walk in at any second and he’ll never be able to get another taste.
His hand trails down my neck and traces the top of my breast, just above my swimsuit top.
My hands come up, eagerly sliding through his slick hair, gripping tighter. There’s nothing tender about my touch. I’m rough, needing to be as close to him as I can get. He meets my pace, his hand wrapping around to my backside and squeezing. A hungry desire spirals through me. I kiss him harder, slipping my tongue into his mouth needing to taste him. He groans out in satisfaction.
“I can’t stop,” he pants.
“Then don’t,” I demand.
Trey kisses down my chin to my breast, his lips still wet and moist from our kiss. I drink in his sweetness.
I release my hands from his hair and rest them along the edge of the pool. My back rests firmly against the tile as I tilt my head back. Trey moves swiftly in front of me, shielding my body. Neither of us seems to care that anyone could walk in. We’re so immersed in one another.
My body succumbs to his fingers as they explore my body.
“Trey,” I beg. “Don’t stop this time.”
His erection presses into my center core. I wrap my legs around his firm hips, bringing him in even closer.
“I don’t think I could even if I wanted to.”
My blood pumps fast, pounding in my brain and traveling downward to my heart, causing it to leap and make my knees tremble with desire.
Trey’s fingers trace my lips, parting them. “You know, once I take you, I won’t be able to give you up, right?” I tilt my head upward slightly, swallowing. Water drips from my forehead as hairs rise at the nape of my neck. Somehow I’ve lost all words. “Come on.” He lifts my back up off the edge. He locks my arms around his neck. Once he’s certain I’m secured around him, he holds my body as he shuffles us along the pool edge, heading for the ladder. I’m certain he’ll let go of me, but he doesn’t. I help him with my body weight as he grips the ladder. With a small grunt, he effortlessly lifts me with him out of the pool.
“Where are we going?” I ask, searching his face.
“Somewhere more private.”
I rest my head in the crook of his neck as he carries me across the aquatic center and through the men’s locker room. Trey doesn’t hesitate when he walks in. He heads toward the showers, and my heart quickens at the feel of his own heartbeat against his rib cage. He’s equally restless.
He reaches behind my back, turning on the warm water, letting it soak us. Heat emanates from the stream.
I’m pushed up against the wall, pressed firmly against his chest with my legs still wrapped tightly at his waist. Trey doesn’t waste any time before nipping, sucking, and claiming my lips, neck, and chest.
I moan when his lip coaxes my own.
His thumb trails along my inner thigh, sending a throbbing ache inside. His hips grind against mine. Steam swarms around us, shielding us in our own cocoon. I push down my swim straps, exposing my breasts.
“Fuck, you’re so sexy.” Trey’s finger pinches my nipple before squeezing my entire breast into his palm. “I need you, Emma.”
He glides my wet body down the front of his so I’m on my feet, but keeps my back against the wall. I push out of my suit, standing completely naked before him. He doesn’t say another word. He uses his body to show me exactly what he’s feeling.
Resting on his knees before me, water splashes atop his head. He picks up my ankle, resting my leg over his right shoulder. Scooting in closer, his hands come up and spread my lips open before him. I hear him groan with satisfaction just before he sinks in, claiming my swollen clit with his tongue. My head rolls to the side and my eyes lazily fall closed.
Trey’s tongue slides in and out of me, up and down, sending small shudders of pure pleasure through my entire body. His hands cup my ass, squeezing firmly as my hips rock against his mouth.
“That’s it, baby,” he purrs. “Ride my face.”
When I feel my insides tightening and filling up with pure bliss, I feel his left hand release from my backside. I look down with hooded eyes and watch him suck his finger, moistening it. Just as he reclaims his spot, I feel his finger gently ease inside of my ass just as his tongue reconnects with my throbbing clit.
“Trey,” I cry out.
I don’t want him to stop. The pleasure inside of me is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. It’s exciting and naughty at the same time. The thrill of doing something forbidden is not only stimulating. It’s provocative. Knowing what we’re doing is so utterly wrong only intensifies the hunger I have for him.
Within a few beats, my body shivers and quakes at his mercy. I ride the high until he slows down, releases my leg from his shoulder and kisses his way up my stomach, breasts, neck, and, lastly, my lips.
I welcome the taste of myself on his lips. My hands claw at his back, needing to be closer.
“I don’t have a condom. Are you on birth control?” he murmurs betw
een kisses.
“Yes,” I pant.
“Good because I’m going to fuck you now.” He doesn’t say the words looking for permission. They’re direct and authoritative.
He takes hold of my arms, sliding my arms firmly above my head. The water washes over us, but it doesn’t seem to faze us.
Trey uses his foot to push my legs apart. Closing in, he keeps a grip on my wrists with his left hand while his right comes down and hooks my right thigh. I wrap my leg around him and he nestles himself closer to my core, his thick erection meeting my opening. Our eyes lock as he slams himself inside of me. My body welcomes the pressure.
“Shit,” he grunts between clenched teeth.
He doesn’t move slow or gentle. He moves like a man that’s wanted to own me for over a week now. Trey’s hips thrust in and out of me fast. I meet him thrust for thrust, moaning out his name. We kiss each other devouringly. “You’re so fucking tight, Emma.”
I break free from his grip and rest my hands on his ass, burying my fingers into his flesh. I pull him deeper inside of me, rocking my hips against him.
I bite down onto his shoulder, tasting his flesh. Trey hisses at the contact of my teeth, but doesn’t slow down.
Swiftly, he pulls out, and twists me away from him. He pushes my body up against the shower wall so my breasts are pressed firm against the blue tile.
I widen my stance, allowing him to re-enter from behind. Looking back over my shoulder, his lips crash down onto mine the second his cock pushes back inside of me.
“Faster,” I plead.
Trey obliges. He grips my hip, fingers digging in.
He frantically moves in and out of me. My forehead leans forward on the wall as he continues to take me. His lips kiss the nape of my neck, setting my skin on fire with his touch.
“You feel amazing, Emma. I can’t get enough of you,” he huffs between thrusts. “Once I’ve had you in the shower, I’m taking you in my bed.”
I don’t argue. This is one thing I agree with him on.
“Don’t stop,” I demand.
“Fuck,” he hisses between his teeth.
Trey makes me want to pour out all my sins. His body lifts mine to new heights as he continues to claim me. I welcome each hard, powerful plunge.
I cry out, needing more. The pressure builds through my core and starts to quake.
“Hold on, baby,” he requests.
But it’s too late. My body explodes around his cock, and his own release follows. He says my name softly in my ear as he lets out his own release. Slowing his pace and eventually coming to a stop, he pulls out and turns me back to him. We stare at one another. His fingers find mine.
I lean up onto my tiptoes and give him a series of slow, shivery kisses. It’s the first time either of our touches are loving. We continue to work our lips together slowly, taking our time.
I don’t want whatever this is to end, but at the same time I don’t know where it can go from here.
Book Three
Trey came into my world and changed it around. I used to think everything needed to have structure, a plan. But after being with him, I’m realizing sometimes you have to be willing to take risks in order to not miss out on something that could be great.
“Wow, Em. Where are you going?” Ali’s words fracture my thoughts.
I finish painting the last bit of shadow on my eyelids. “I’m having dinner with the girls,” I fib.
She steps into the bathroom and leans her back against the counter. Approval flashes across her face. “Well, you look hot for just going out to dinner.”
I smile at my appearance. I’ve never been one to really dress sexy, but tonight I do. When Trey asked me to join him at the house he rents with his roommate Jill, I wanted to wear something that would make his skin crawl. My hair is curled—pulled back into a mid-crown ponytail—and my make-up is soft, yet flirtatious. I found a sangria red halter dress that falls mid-thigh and paired it with gold heels that buckle around the ankle.
“We’re going dancing, too,” I add.
I’ve never been good at lying. Honestly, I hate it. Nothing good comes from keeping secrets.
Ali beams. “You deserve a good night out, foxy lady. Call or text if you need anything. I’m staying in with your sister.”
The only person who can give me what I need tonight is Trey.
The drive to Trey’s is quicker than I remember when I came with Ali. When I pull up and park, I see a tall blonde woman getting into a tiny silver car who I can only assume is Jill. We make momentary eye contact. She’s a beautiful woman. My thoughts are quickly stopped short when I see Trey coming out of the house. I don’t hide the beaming smile on my face.
He’s wearing dark washed out jeans with a blue button-down that’s rolled up to the elbows. His hair appears wet, possibly from a recent shower, and face freshly shaven.
How in the world did a plain girl like me capture the attention of a man like him?
When I meet him at the top of the steps his arms are instantly wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer against him. His mouth collides with mine. He takes his time, exploring the feel and taste of my lips. My mind drifts to imagining the pressure of his body between my thighs.
“You’re going to damage me,” he sighs. “You look amazing. It’s a damn shame I’m keeping you locked away looking like this. There’s nothing I want more than to have you on my arm for every man to know you’re mine.” My heart thumbs loud. I take deep, calming breaths. “Come on, I have a surprise for you.” He locks our fingers together and leads the way into the house. The house appears much bigger now that it’s not packed with bodies.
“Was that Jill?” I ask, following close on his heels.
He looks back over his shoulder. “Yeah, I asked she give us some privacy.”
“She’s beautiful.”
Stopping abruptly, I smack into his back. He turns and towers over me. “You are beautiful, Emma.” Heat covers my cheeks.
I swallow hard. “I-I just mean…”
His finger glides over my lips. “I only see you.” My eyes stare into his. He doesn’t say anything further and neither do I. The fire builds in his eyes, illuminating the gold. “Wait here.”
Finding comfort on his couch, I wait patiently while he goes into the kitchen. He doesn’t take long. Within a few short moments he’s sauntering back into the cooled temperature room to join me, a plate in one hand and a piece of paper in the other.
“What’s this?” I ask, scooting to the edge of the couch.
He sets the plate down on the gray stoned coffee table. In the center of the white plate is an overly large piece of chocolate cake with a lit candle in the center. “I figured since you didn’t have the best birthday we’d have a do over.”
My eyes mist over. I look between Trey and the cake. “This is seriously the sweetest thing ever.”
He shrugs, but doesn’t hide his dimples from coming out. “Considering I played a role in that night not ending well, I thought I should make up for it. I owe it to you.”
“Trey…” I stand up and plant a kiss on his lips. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure. Now, make a wish.”
I bend down so my lips are close to the flickering flame. Please God, don’t let this one slip away. I blow the flame out and look up at the man who can make any ordinary moment magical.
He hands me the piece of paper in his hands.
“What’s this?”
“Something for you.” He watches me with intense eyes.
I read the words on the paper. My eyebrows pull together in confusion. “Swim lessons at the community center?”
He looks nervous. His thumbs slide into his back pockets and he shifts side to side on his feet. “I put a call into the manager there. I mentioned the idea of offering swim lessons and she loved it, especially when I mentioned your name. She said it would be an honor to have a prestigious swimmer offering the lessons.” Tears sting my eyes. “Of course, there are some detail
s to still work out as far as pay and schedules, but I figured I’d leave that up to you two. That is, if you want to do it.”
I lunge at him, catching him by surprise. My chest crashes into his as I lock my hands behind his neck. “Thank you! I love this idea.”
He gives me a quick peck. “You said you wanted to do something that you were passionate about. I can’t think of anything else that suits you better than this.”
Trey said I’m going to damage him. He came into my life without warning and now I’m falling fast. I don’t want to hold back. I want whatever this is to last, but I need to know where he stands and what he’s thinking.
Moving to sit on the couch, I tug him down with me. “What are we doing, Trey?”
His fingers rub up and down my thigh. “What do you mean?”
“This.” I point between us, exploring his face for some kind of sign. Something to tell me what he’s thinking. “What is this?”
He sighs, closing his eyes. When they reopen, his face relaxes. His thumb brushes along my lower lip. “I don’t know, but I think we owe it to ourselves to find out.”
He leans forward, kissing the tip of my nose, and my eyes flutter shut.
“But what…”
“No buts,” he interjects. “It’s you and me, Emma. We’ll figure it out as we go.”
“And what? We stay in hiding?”
“Look, Emma. I’m not capable of being away from you right now. I know what the risk means for us both, and I don’t want to put you in a situation that you’re not comfortable with. This”—he points between us—“is what I was originally trying to avoid. I’m your swim coach.”
“I don’t need the reminder.”
His eyes go soft. “I signed a contract with the university. Part of it states I’m not allowed any type of intimate relationship with a team member. I’m not trying to throw it in your face, but you could lose your swimming scholarship and, trust me, the last thing I want is to fuck with your future. If we’re going to see this out, no one can know about us especially your sister. Her working for the university could only complicate things.”
I exhale. “I know. And I don’t want you to lose your job.”