Page 11 of 3rd and 4 (Season of Change #3)

I watch upside down from my position on the bench as Addy’s head slowly turns so he can look directly at the two of them.

They back up a few inches, shifting on their feet under the weight of his glare.

“You never stood a chance because I prefer women with substance.” His eyes drop down the lengths of their bodies but not in a sexual way.

“And no STDs.” Lindsay gasps, her face growing redder by the second, before she bites back a sob and rushes from the gym.

He directs his ire to Jillian, who seems to shrink in on herself.

“I’ve never cared much for labels; gay, straight, bi…

I’m whatever it means to be attracted to Daya.

” He gives me a salacious grin. “I’m Daya-sexual.

” His grin melts into a scowl when he meets Jillian’s deer-in-the-headlights cautious gaze.

“Since you like labels so much, what do you think of adulterer?” Jillian’s eyes grow impossibly wider.

“Or do you prefer the classics like homewrecker?”

Her bottom lip quivers and for a brief moment I almost feel bad for her, until she whispers, “He said he was going to leave his wife.”

Addy rests his arms on the bar above my head, asking with mock-concern, “Did he?” She takes several stuttered steps back, then spins around and flees.

With a sigh, Addy stares across the room, his body poised for a fight.

I follow his line of sight, my lip curling when I see Shaye staring right back at him.

There’s a tense moment in which the entire gym seems to hold its breath.

Eva stands at my side, leaning on the other end of the bar.

Eva says with a smirk, “You got anything to say, Shaye? Addy seems eager to share. I’m curious what skeletons he’s uncovered in your closet.”

Shaye sniffs haughtily, “He wants to fuck a freak, that’s his business.” She grabs a towel and slides closer to the door. “I’m just wondering who’s the top and who’s the bottom?” I blink away the sting of tears, not willing to shed a single one because of her.

Shaye is halfway through the door when Addy starts laughing.

“And I’m wondering, which one was the bitch…

you or the dog?” My eyes nearly bug out of my head.

Does that mean what I think it means? Shaye doesn’t respond, just runs out, the door slamming shut behind her.

There is a beat of silence before everyone erupts.

I remain on the bench, unable to move. I can’t believe that happened… any of it.

Eva hovers over me, a bright and broad grin on her face.

“Ain’t that some shit? Your man is a fount of information.

” She looks up at the door, “People in glass houses and all that, I guess.” Her hands are thrown up in the air and she exclaims, “A dog! That poor creature! Someone notify PETA! Get Sarah McLachlan on the phone!”

I finally sit up, watching with amusement as our workout is abandoned in favor of spilt tea. Addy kneels next to me. Cupping my cheek, he forces me to meet his eyes. “Too much?”

I shake my head no, then nod yes, then throw it back with a loud laugh. “I don’t know. Is all that true?”

“Every fucking word,” he confirms smugly.

“Huh.” I lean my forehead against his, unconcerned with the mingling of our sweat. “I suppose an unflattering picture isn’t so bad in the face of all…that.” I point to the doors. He shrugs, then presses his lips to mine lightly.

“It looks like workout time is over. Let’s shower and get some dinner. Lyndell and Ty are joining us.”

An hour later, I’m laughing so hard I snort and cross my legs, so I don’t pee my shorts.

Ty is funny. Him and Addy together…hilarious.

But Lyndell, that man stole my heart the moment he informed me that as an adult it’s ok to choose dessert for dinner.

His brother Ty didn’t agree and the argument between them was entertaining.

Especially when Addy jumped on Lyndell’s side.

A heated debate ensued, and I believe Ty has won since he just shoved a bowl of ice cream into Addy’s face.

My boyfriend blinks several times, wiping the excess ice cream away from his eyes. He sticks his tongue out and licks as much as he can while fighting a smile. Lyndell is pouting, and I laugh harder because it should not be adorable on a 30-year-old man, but it is. He glares at his brother.

“That’s a waste of precious ice creamy goodness.” He glances helplessly at me, Eva, and the others that joined us. “Someone call the police, I’d like to report a crime.”

I take pity on Addy, grabbing some napkins and trying to wipe up what I can. Stalling my hand, he brings it to his lips and kisses my knuckles. “I’m beyond napkins, Itty Bitty, I need a shower.” I nod, knowing he’s right. “Can I walk you home first?”

“I’m kind of afraid you’ll attract too many bugs.” He chuckles, pushes his chair back and stands as he holds his hand out for me. I happily accept, bugs or not, and wave at everyone as we leave.

“I really like your friends,” I tell him when we’re near my dorm.

“They really like you,” he assures me.

“How do you know?”

His eyebrows rise. “Because Lyndell talked to you about ice cream.”

“What?”

“Ice cream, cookies, second desserts, that’s Lyndell’s love language.”

“And Ty?”

An affectionate grin tips his lips. “Ty trusts Lyndell’s judgement, but he also knows I wouldn’t have introduced you to them if I wasn’t serious. Wasn’t halfway in love with you already. Ty likes you, because I do.”

“Halfway in love?” I croak out, a lump suddenly clogging my throat.

“Probably more than halfway, but I’m not good with fractions.

” A surge of confidence overwhelms me momentarily.

I push him off the path outside the main doors to my dorm, and he obliges until his back is against the brick wall.

On my toes, I wrap my arms around his neck and use my hands on the back of his head to draw his lips to mine.

I’m a little too enthusiastic at the start, smashing our mouths together clumsily, but he’s gentle and tender, tempering the kiss, slowing it down, and showing me how to move my head, licking across my lips, and stroking my tongue with his own.

We make out for a long time, gasping for breath every few minutes, but desperately clinging to one another.

I feel his erection against my stomach, but he doesn’t push for more.

His hands stay on my waist or cupping my face.

My nipples are painful points and between my legs is embarrassingly wet.

My heart pounds in my chest and all I can see, hear, or taste is him.

“No,” I whine when he breaks our kiss, pushing me slightly away from him. I’m not ready for him to go. I open my eyes, sluggish and heavy. His eyes are glassy, pupils large, his lips kiss-swollen and red and so inviting.

“Daya, it’s time to say goodnight.”

“I don’t want to.” I try to push closer to him, but he puts his hand on my forehead and holds me back. It’s so ridiculous that I start laughing.

“I don’t want to either. Which is why we should.

” He has an iron will I do not possess. Though, I’m grateful one of us does.

He’s the first boy I’ve ever noticed, first I’ve dated, kissed…

but he’s all man. I feel like we’ve gone from 0 to 60 in seconds flat.

I should take a breath. Take a step back. I just…I don’t want to.

“We aren’t in any hurry, Daya. There’s no timetable or schedule.

No expectations. We have class tomorrow and another workout.

We’ve got to review the photoshoot itinerary for Wednesday.

” I nod, but my bottom lip juts out in a pout I can’t stop.

Addy chuckles, steals another quick kiss, then presses his lips to my ear.

“When we finally come together…I plan to take my time, Itty Bitty.”

I gulp audibly, then let out an unfortunate squeak. Addy places his hands on my shoulders, forces me to turn around, then he slaps my butt and gives me a push on my way.

“Goodnight, Itty Bitty.”

I wave over my head, my brain short-circuiting from the dark promise in his words.

I think…it’s possible…quite probable…I’m in over my head. And I kinda like it.