Page 26

26

TASHA

O ur heads snapped to the side. Mateo stood in the doorway with wide eyes as he glanced at Trevor and me. The three of us just stared at one another without saying a word.

“You do realize there are germs in here, right?” Mateo said, breaking the silence. If I wasn’t so caught off guard, I would have laughed.

I looked over at Trevor, unsure of what to say. Having a secret relationship with each other was now blown.

“Well, this is awkward.” Mateo rolled back and forth on the balls of his feet. “I think I’m just gonna…” He pointed over his shoulder, giving us a tiny smirk before shutting the door.

“How much do you wanna bet he’s off telling everyone right now,” Trevor commented. I dropped my forehead on his chest with a sigh. It wouldn’t be bad if everyone knew, it just wasn’t the way I wanted everyone to find out.

“I mean, it’s not the worst thing,” Trevor whispered, his hands softly rubbing my sides. “Now I can touch you without worrying if someone will see. ”

That’s true. We wouldn’t have to keep our distance from one another, which seemed like an impossible task.

Josie’s words from the car popped into my head. I didn’t want Trevor seeing or talking to some other girl. The thought alone felt like someone was stabbing my chest. Before we went out there to all of our friends, I needed to know one thing.

Pulling back so I could see his face, I steeled myself for what I was about to ask. This could very well be the moment that changed everything between us. He could either say yes or no, and we’d be over.

“Trevor I…” I struggled to say the words. What the hell was wrong with me? I didn’t struggle with what I wanted to say or going for what I wanted. When I wanted something, I went for it without second-guessing myself. Yet here in front of Trevor I was scared to talk. He turned me into a nervous school girl.

Trevor patiently waited for me to continue. His hands never once stopped their movement against my skin.

Tasha. Woman up and do it.

“Before we go out there, I need to know something.” I stared up into the eyes I came to fall for. “What we’re doing isn’t just a…fling, right?”

“A fling?”

“Yeah, like are we exclusive?” My heart pounded in my chest as I spoke. “I just don’t want to go out there and tell our friends if this is just a temporary arrangement.” Yep, I was rambling.

“Tasha.” Trevor’s hands left my hips and came up to cup my face. “You really have no idea what you do to me, do you?”

My hands moved to grip the front of his shirt as he continued staring into my eyes.

“This is not a fling. Not to me.” My heart soared at his words. This wasn’t a fling to me either. “I’m only going to say this once, and I’m sorry if I come off as a possessive douchebag.”

Positioning his thumbs under my jaw, he tilted my head back, leaning down farther so he wasn’t towering over me more than he was before.

“I want you to be mine and mine only.”

“Why me?” The words left my lips before I could stop them.

“Because, for the first time in my life I don’t wake up thinking about hockey. I wake up thinking about you. You are mine, Tasha. No other guy gets to look at you. Talk to you. Touch you. Is that understood?”

His admission did something to my insides. The words themselves were beyond possessive and demanding, but not necessarily in a ‘I own you’ type of way. Trevor was staking his claim, yes, but he also made me feel like I had all the power. It only made me want him that much more.

I liked the sound of being his and only his.

“Sunshine.” His voice pulled me back from thoughts. “Understood?”

“Understood,” I breathed. “Same goes for you. You’re mine .” I spoke with the same amount of intensity. If he was going to be possessive then so was I.

His lip lifted at my tone.

“I’m yours.”

His mouth met mine, his tongue dancing over my own as if he was signing his name on a dotted line, as if we just sealed a deal. Before the kiss turned into something more, I pulled back with a smile.

“Okay, let’s do this.” I said.

“We’ll just act normal and see if they say something. Maybe the idiot didn’t say anything.” Trevor suggested .

“You’ve met Mateo, right?” I laughed. I was pretty sure he had already told everyone.

Pecking my lips one last time, Trevor gently picked me up off the counter and sat me on my feet. Giving me a reassuring smile, he opened the door, glancing around in case anyone was right there. Taking a deep breath, the two of us left the confines of the bathroom and headed back toward the kitchen.

I could hear everyone talking as we got closer. Okay, here we go. Bracing myself for the questions to be thrown at us, Trevor and I slipped into the kitchen.

Everyone was standing around the counter talking with Mila and Bryton. Apparently, that had shown up while we were in the bathroom. No one seemed to notice the two of us, which I took as a good sign. Acting normal, I moved to stand beside Josie while Trevor approached Bryton.

I caught the end of what Josie was saying. “I would love it if you were one of my bridesmaids.”

“Of course!” Mila squealed, pulling Josie isn’t a tight hug. “We gotta start planning the bachelorette party!”

I laughed along with Josie, loving how that was the first thing Mila thought of. As the two of them kept chatting, I looked around to see if anyone was acting differently but they were all lost in conversation. None of them seemed to have noticed Trevor and I were gone.

I caught Trevor’s eye and sent him a questioning look. What the hell? Maybe Mateo didn’t tell a soul. Trevor just shrugged in response, clearly as surprised as I was. I wasn’t going to question it, though. If he didn’t tell anyone, then Trevor and I could do it on our own when we were ready.

Slowly, all of us started filtering out to the backyard, ready to get the BBQ started. Seeing a cooler filled with drinks by the table, I made my way over, desperately needing a drink. Reaching to grab a beer, a hand nudged mine. I looked over, finding Mateo grabbing his own beer.

“What?” Seeing me, he shot me an innocent grin.

“You’re only eighteen,” I reminded him. I had nothing against him drinking, but I was pretty sure Evelyn would skin him alive if she caught him with alcohol. That was if Wyatt or Landon didn’t do it first. It didn’t matter that he was of legal age in Canada.

“I’m a university student, babe.” Mateo popped off the bottle with a twist of his wrist. Clearly wasn’t his first time opening a beer. “Want to be with a real man?”

The smirk on his face made me grin. I couldn’t deny that Mateo was good looking. He definitely had the Boone gene. Strong jaw, high cheekbones, sandy blond hair that he cut shorter, which made his face seem thinner than the last time I saw him. Those blue eyes drew a person in immediately. If I was his age, I would no doubt have a huge crush on him from looks alone.

“You think you can handle a woman like me?” I leaned my hip against the table, sending him a teasing smirk.

“Oh, I can treat you real nice. I've been told I make a great boyfriend.”

“You know your mom’s opinion doesn’t count, right?” I said.

“I’m a momma’s boy, what can I say? She taught me to treat women the right way.”

“Did she?” As I leaned toward him, he nodded, his eyes widening a fraction. “That’s a quality I look for in a man.” I batted my eyelashes at him, knowing exactly how to hook him in.

Suppressing a grin, I traced a finger down his arm, causing him to swallow hard and look at me with wide, startled eyes .

I continued. “Someone who’s strong, smart, caring, and can have a good time.”

“We can leave and go have fun somewhere else.” He offered.

I leaned in closer so I could whisper. “Not in this lifetime kid.” Stepping back, I snatched the beer from his hand and walked off with a smirk. From behind me, Mateo sputtered out a reply that sounded a lot like a string of mumbled words.

“You’re gonna fall for me one day, I know it!” he yelled.

Turning around and walking backward, I sent him a grin. “Thanks for the beer!"

Mateo stood there grinning widely as he stared after me. That kid was trouble. I probably shouldn’t have teased him when he knew about Trevor and me—and had yet to tell everyone, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.

As I walked back toward the girls, Mateo’s whining faded.

But then someone said, “No, not happening.” Glancing over, I watched as Landon ripped another beer from Mateo’s hand.

“That kid, I swear,” Wyatt muttered, standing behind Josie.

“I love him,” Josie said with a shrug. Wyatt tugged her back against him, leaning down to whisper in her ear. She giggled. I smiled at the sight before looking around for Trevor.

He was standing over by the grill with Bryton and Landon. I didn’t spare the other two a glance as I took in Trevor. It was surprisingly nice out today, which was perfect for a BBQ. But it also meant that Trevor was wearing a T-shirt that showed off his arms and his tattoos. Tattoos that I spent multiple nights tracing with my fingers and tongue.

Even though he was only wearing a simple blue shirt and jeans, he looked delicious enough to eat. Every part of me wanted to go over there and wrap my arms around him but I couldn’t. Not until we shared our news. Mateo obviously kept what he saw to himself. Although, I was tempted to say screw it and waltz up to him anyway just to see what everyone said. Or tug him back into the bathroom and have my way with him. Both were incredibly tempting.

As if sensing the weight of my gaze, his gaze shifted to me and those eyes of his slid up and down my body. I was pretty sure he was thinking the same thing I was. I had never craved anyone like I did Trevor. I just wanted to be around him and touch him every chance I could get.

For the next little bit, all of us stood around talking and drinking as the guys worked the grill, conversation jumping from subject to subject. Trevor and I slowly gravitated toward each other as everyone talked. He started off across the way from me until he was right there, his arm brushing against mine.

“Make sure you guys do well this year. I’m set to win my fantasy league,” Mateo told Trevor, Wyatt, and Bryton.

“You do know it’s practically cheating since you know us, right?” Bryton commented.

“It’s not cheating. I’m just playing smart.” Mateo pointed at Landon. “He does it too!”

Landon casually sipped his beer, looking like he couldn’t give two shits. “And?”

“If I’m cheating, then so are you.”

“I only have Trevor on my team.” Landon said.

“Wait, hold on.” Wyatt looked at his older brother. “I’m not on your fantasy team?”

“You’re one of my backups,” Landon said it so casually while Wyatt gaped at his brother.

“A backup?”

“Have to keep my options open.” Landon shrugged. Mateo smirked at the fact the attention was off of him. He was such a pot stirrer.

“Trevor? I’m your brother.”

“Can’t help that I’m better than you, B.” Trevor smirked beside me.

“Oh, you think so, huh?” Wyatt turned to his best friend with a raised eyebrow.

“If the shoe fits.” Trevor shrugged, totally taunting Wyatt. “I am bigger than you.” I mean, Trevor was a tad bit taller, and his shoulders were wider than Wyatt’s. Other than that, they were pretty similar.

Wyatt stepped toward Trevor with a playful smirk. “I could take your ass any day.” Beside me, Josie took a step back. Mila and I followed her lead as the two stared at one another. I had a feeling they were about to wrestle each other.

“Then come at me.” Trevor retorted. Yep, that did it.

Josie grabbed my arm as the guys reached for each other, trying to put the other in a headlock. I could tell the two of them were laughing as they grabbed at one another. Mila, Josie, and I stayed off to the side as the rest of the men cheered them both on.

“AHHH!” Mateo suddenly let out a battle cry as he ran and launched himself on Trevor’s back.

“Oh no, you don’t.” Bryton jumped into the fray, reaching to grab Mateo. With a groan, Landon downed the rest of his beer, setting the bottle down before joining in with the rest of them.

The other girls and I stood there watching as our guys tackled each other, all four of them acting like teenagers. By the laughter that came from them, I could tell it was all in good fun, though.

“Remind me again why I love him,” Mila remarked, watching her boyfriend grab Mateo and tackle him to the ground.

“Because they're good in bed,” Josie answered. I laughed as Mila agreed. I mean, they weren’t wrong. Just the thought of what Trevor did to me this morning had me clenching my thighs together in anticipation of next time. I wanted to be woken up with him between my legs everyday.

“Hands off the booty!” Mateo yelled.

“I’m not touching your ass!” Bryton yelled back.

“Well, someone is!” Mateo retorted.

“That would be me,” Trevor answered from the bottom of the pile.

“Okay, you can keep touching.” Mateo remarked.

“Fuck no!” I watched as Trevor struggled to break away from the dog pile.

“What is going on out here?” Evelyn appeared out of nowhere. All of the guys froze, heads turning to look at her. She stared at all five of them, disappointment written in her features. “You guys should know better.” Evelyn shook her head.

“Yeah, guys. Pfft.” Mateo scrambled away, acting as if he didn’t get the others involved and participated himself. He sent the others a smug look over his shoulder as he went over to his mom, dropping a kiss on her cheek.

“Are you guys done yet? We’re hungry.” Mila interrupted the glaring that went down between the guys.

“Yeah, come on, children. We wanna eat.” I laughed under my breath at Mateo. He was looking to get his ass beat, and from the looks everyone was giving him I’d say it was a good possibility.

As the guys got up off the lawn to help finish the food I made my way over to Trevor, who stayed on the ground laying on his back .

“Didn’t know you liked to touch other men’s butts.” I grinned, standing above him.

“My hand was stuck.” Trevor glared up at me which only made me smile even more.

“Uh-huh. It’s okay I won’t judge you. It’s totally natural.”

“Tasha,” he warned. I loved when he said my name like that.

“Keep doing you.” I shrugged, ignoring his warning tone. In one smooth motion, Trevor got to his feet. This time he was towering over me. He stepped forward until his chest was inches from mine and I had to crane my head back to look at him.

“For that comment, you are going to feel my hand on your ass tonight.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. He may have spoken softly but the promise was clear as day. Biting my bottom lip I leaned closer so he could hear me. His gaze flickering to my lips.

“I look forward to it.”

His jaw clenched as I took a step back. With a wink, I turned on my heel and headed toward the table where the others were at. I probably made it worse for myself tonight but I always liked to do things that I shouldn’t.

With the burgers now done, everyone made their plates and picked a place to sit. By the time I made my own plate the only place left was next to Trevor, which I obviously didn’t mind one bit.

Under the table, he nudged me with his knee before placing some pickles on my plate. My lips twitched. He knew I liked pickles while he hated them. I nudged him back with my knee in thanks.

Everyone made idle conversation as we started eating. Every so often I’d look over and meet Trevor’s eye, the two of us sharing a secret look before turning back to my plate. Under the table he hooked his foot around my leg, subtly sliding my chair closer.

“So,” Mateo suddenly poke up, the conversation around the table quieting. I took a big bite of my burger waiting for what he was going to say. “When is everyone going to find out Trevor and Tasha are screwing each other.”

My hamburger stuck in my throat. Silence hung above the table for all of a second before every single head turned to look at Trevor and I. Trevor patted my back as I choked, coughing into my napkin as I struggled to breathe. That little shit. I should have known he would keep it to himself until the perfect opportunity to announce it to everyone. I narrowed my eyes at him as he sat at the other end of the table with a smirk on his face. Oh, I was definitely going to beat his ass.

“What?” Josie spoke first.

I looked over at Trevor with wide eyes. Well, shit. In the bathroom earlier, we planned for this but right now with everyone’s eyes on me, I was frozen. This was a big thing to hide. It wasn’t like we stole a piece of cake.

Trevor gave me a small smile, grabbing my hand with his on the table, squeezing it reassuringly.

“Tasha and I are together.” He declared.

The two of us looked over at our friends, who all just sat there staring at us. My eyes were on Josie waiting to see her reaction. Another full minute passed of silence with no one saying anything. Did we break them?

“Thank god,” Josie spoke first.

“Finally!” Mila echoed.

I stared at my two best friends with raised eyebrows. That was not the response I was thinking we’d get. I was expecting surprised looks, questions thrown at us, but everyone was just sitting here like it wasn’t new news.

“Damn it,” Wyatt cursed at the same time Bryton groaned .

I looked at Trevor, beyond confused.

“What is going on?” Trevor spoke the words before I could.

“You lost me a thousand dollars!” Bryton pointed at the two of us.

“You didn’t need to bet that much.” Mila pointed out to her boyfriend.

“Mateo cheated!” Bryton accused, looking at Mateo.

“I did not!” Mateo shook his head.

“Guys,” I spoke above them as they all started talking and pointing fingers at one another. “Guys!” I yelled. Their mouths slammed shut and they looked over at me. “What in the world is going on?”

“Months ago we made a bet to see how long it would take for you two to get together. We’ve had to keep extending it,” Josie explained.

“Took your sweet ass time,” Bryton mumbled.

“You gambled on us?”

“Just a friendly wager. None of us could interfere.” Wyatt shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal.

“So us,” I gestured between Trevor and I. “Isn’t a big shock?”

“We already knew you’d get together.” Mila waved us off. “Plus, Trevor told the guys you two kissed months ago.”

Our friends made bets on when we would get together behind our backs. For months! I wasn’t sure if I should be offended or impressed.

“Ignore them.” Evelyn reached over to squeeze my arm. “I’m happy you two are together.” I shot her a small smile in thanks. “Even if I lost.”

“You bet!” Trevor looked at her with wide eyes.

“I overheard them talking about it and thought, why not?” Evelyn didn’t even look sorry .

“Is there anyone who didn’t place a bet on Tasha and I?” Trevor asked.

Everyone looked at each other before shrugging, even Landon. Well, no wonder none of them looked at all surprised when Mateo blurted it out.

“Well…okay?” I guessed that went better than expected? I wasn’t even sure about anything right now. I was fully expecting everyone to be shocked or something more dramatic than this.

“Guess we worried about nothing,” Trevor said, looking just as confused as I was. And here we were worried about how to tell them. A lot of stress for nothing.

“Apparently so.” A smile started to grow on Trevor's face.

“You know what this means, right?” He leaned toward me, hand coming up to softly grab my chin. “I can kiss you anytime I want.”

“I like the sound of that.” I grinned as his lips pressed against mine. Like every time we kissed my stomach erupted into butterflies. I didn’t even care that our friends were sitting right there watching.

Trevor pulled back until his lips just barely brushed mine. I wanted to pull him back but now was not the place to do that. Pecking my lips one more time he sent me one more big smile before turning back in his seat. He laced his fingers through mine and kept it on the table.

I met Josie’s eye as she grinned at the two of us. She sent me a wink before mouthing ‘we’ll talk later’. The fact that she wasn’t angry that I kept this from her eased the guilt in my chest.

“Wait, how did you know about them?” Wyatt looked over at Mateo and asked.

“I walked in on them in the bathroom earlier.” Mateo looked at Trevor and I. “Screwing in the bathroom, how unsanitary.” He scrunched up his nose .

“Watch your mouth.” Evelyn reached around Landon to smack his arm.

“Why am I being punished when it was them! You need to disinfect that sink now!”

“Oh, hush!” Mateo huffed at the look he was given. He muttered under his breath about things being unfair. I smiled at the karma. That’s what he gets for telling everyone about us.

“So how did it happen?” Mila asked after a moment. She rested her chin on her hands as she gazed at the two of us with a wide smile.

“The day after we got back from Australia.” Going to Trevor’s place after that call with my mother was a spur of the moment but it turned into something great. I needed that push. Needed to get my head out of my ass and go after what I wanted. While the motivation behind me going over wasn’t the best, it’s become the best decision I'd ever made.

“Wait, if they’ve been together for over a week, that means you two didn’t win,” Wyatt started to say to Mila and Josie.

“We said when they admit it the person who is the closest wins.” Mila shook her head. “They are just now admitting it, so we won.”

“Still bullshit.” I loved how upset Bryton was out of everyone.

As everyone started arguing and talking over each other again, I leaned against Trevor’s side. Oddly enough, I was content. Yeah, everyone found out in a weird way but now that they knew, Trevor and I don’t have to hide it anymore. Knowing our friends didn’t care just made the whole thing a lot easier.

“Wait,” Mateo suddenly asked, “Does this mean we have to get rid of the Bang Bet Club group chat?”