Page 12 of The Future Play (Ida Heartthrobs #3)

11

OUR FUTURE

Amanda

“So, are you guys excited to go to Charleston later this week?”

We’re having a girls’ night at Rae and Sarah’s house. Our first one since I was horribly sick a little over a week ago. Though they were all ready to storm my house, I told them I was okay. I just didn’t mention that Jamie was the reason for that. They know he stopped by, but not that he spent days taking care of me. I’m pretty sure Aaron knows a bit more, but if he does, he hasn’t told the girls.

It’s not that I’m trying to keep secrets, but there’s something about what Jamie and I are doing that’s sacred. It’s ours. And I’ll happily gush to the girls when I’m ready, but for now, I’m happy that it’s just for us.

“I’m ready for the beach,” Sarah says. “And a vacation.”

“Same,” Mackie says.

“I am trying not to get my hopes up, but… I don’t know. It’s mine and Aaron’s special spot. Maybe we’ll find the magic we need to finally fix things.”

I grab her hand and squeeze it tightly. “I hope you do. Macks, what about you and Hyla? ”

I may not love how Hyla treated her, and it’s hard to trust Hyla’s intentions, but I know Mackie still loves her, and I never want to see one of my friends hurting.

Mackie shrugs, but she can’t hide the pain in her eyes. “I guess I’ll see when we get there.” She waves a hand in dismissal. “Anyway, what are you going to do while we’re gone?”

“Enjoy the peace,” I say playfully.

“Ugh, rude,” Rae says. “You know your life would be boring without us.”

And empty. But I don’t say that.

“Less drama at least.”

Rae sticks her tongue out at me.

“Well, I still think you should come with us. You can be Mackie’s plus one to the wedding. Or just lounge on the beach,” Sarah says.

“That does sound good, but I’d feel like an… I don’t even know what number wheel. Odd man out.”

Which isn’t really the truth. The truth is Jamie isn’t going to the wedding either. It’s some friends of the friend group. Hyla and Trevor’s besties, I guess, but Jamie wasn’t close with them. And the idea of having Jamie all to myself for a whole week—especially since baseball camp will be done—sounds even better than lounging on the beach.

“Well, you never would be, but I understand not wanting to tag along to the wedding. Either way, if you change your mind, you’re always welcome,” Mackie says.

“I appreciate it. I expect lots of pictures and updates.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Rae says.

“Yeah, gotta keep you updated on Rae and Aaron’s drama,” Sarah teases.

“And on that note, I need brownies.”

“Oh, yes, please.”

We all climb off Rae’s bed, but as we go to walk downstairs, my phone goes off.

I walk slowly so I can quickly check it, since I’m totally hung up on a certain boy.

Baseball Boy: How’s your night going?

Me: Good. Hanging out with the girls.

Baseball Boy: Damn. Does that mean I can’t sneak in your window tonight?

Though he hasn’t done that, he did spend every night my parents were on vacation at my house and snuck me into his house a few times so we could sleep in the same bed.

Me: That and I’m not letting you risk falling off a ladder and breaking your neck.

Baseball Boy: Aw, you care about me.

Me: Maybe ;)

Baseball Boy: Can I see you tomorrow?

Me: Definitely.

Baseball Boy: I’ll text you in the morning. Have a good night, gorgeous.

Me: You too, baseball boy.

I tuck my phone away, then quickly school my features before following the girls into the kitchen.

Ugh, I’m a total swooning mess over him, but my heart is so happy it’s hard to care.

Coffee is my favorite part of the morning. Jamie is still insistent on paying for my coffee even though things are good between us, so I started putting a few dollars in the tip jar every time.

Walking up the stairs and into Bewitched, I’m energized by my need for caffeine. Although I’m not sure if it’s actually the caffeine I’m hooked on or the comforting feeling I get from a cup of coffee.

When I pull the door open, I almost do a double take. Everything is even prettier than normal. There are twinkle lights all over, giving the whole place a cozy glow. It also smells deliciously of chocolate, and when I get to the counter and am about to order my usual, I notice a sign that says their drink of the day is my favorite seasonal beverage—one they usually have around Valentine’s Day—chocolate lava cake latte.

The woman behind the counter smiles at me like she knows exactly what I was going to order.

Once my drink is ready, I make my way over to the seating area, only to stop in my tracks when I find all the tables covered in bouquets of pink and coral roses and rose petals spread all over the floor and chairs.

“Would you believe the lady at the flower shop said this might be too much?”

I spin around and see Jamie standing there holding another bouquet. This one is bigger and has baby’s breath in it.

“What does the event queen think?” He steps closer. “Too much?”

I pretend to think about it. “Well, that depends. You have to know your audience. What does the lucky girl this is for think?”

He wraps his arm around me and looks into my eyes. I love the height difference between us. Seven inches. So I always have to look up a little, he always has to look down a little, which means there’s nothing to distract us, we’re focused wholly on each other.

“I don’t know. What does the lucky girl think?”

“It’s perfect.”

“Good.” He brushes his lips over mine. “So, will you finally let me take you on a fancy date and spoil you?”

My cheeks heat and excitement whirls through me. “Yes. I’d love that.”

He sets the bouquet on one of the nearby tables and sweeps me into his arms for a kiss.

It’s swoony and romantic, like I’m living in a ’90’s rom-com.

I rest my hand on his cheek and get lost in the feeling that I’m his. That I’m wanted. That all this is for me. I’m always the one planning life’s special moments. It means a lot to have a special moment planned for me.

Laughing, I break our kiss. “You know, if you ever propose to me, you’re really going to have to kick it up a notch. You’re setting the bar high asking me on a date.”

“Not just any date. The date.” He sighs happily. “I’m excited to spoil you. You have to promise no complaints. No saying you don’t need or deserve things. You’re going to let me give you everything.”

“Everything?” I whisper, a little too sensually for this tiny bookshop.

His gaze intensifies, his smile morphing into a devastating smolder.

“You’ll have to wait and see.”

And just like that, I’m on fire for him.

“How’s this weekend sound? Friday night? Everyone will be in Charleston, and we can enjoy ourselves while they’re away.”

“Sounds perfect to me.” I look around the shop. “You did all of this to ask me out?”

He shrugs. “You deserve the best. And what’s better than mood lighting and a billion flowers?”

I look down at the drink in my hand. “And my favorite drink? How did you know?”

“You post a lot more than you realize on your social media.”

“You’re such a stalker.”

“Hasn’t led me wrong yet.”

“Mhm. We’ll just see how this date goes.”

“Trust me, you’re going to love it.”

I lean back a little so I can look up into his eyes. “How long have you been planning this date?”

He gives a little shrug. “Since the beginning or middle-ish of June.”

“Before the infamous event showdown?”

“That makes it sound a lot cooler than it was. Even though you were a total badass yelling at me like that. It was hot.”

“Jamie.”

“Yeah. Before that.”

I set my coffee down on the table and throw my arms around him. “I can’t believe you’ve been planning it for almost two months.”

“When I want something, I’ll do anything to get it. And there’s nothing I want more than us.”

I hold him tighter, fingers curling into his hair.

That L-word rings in my mind again, but I tamp it down. It’s too much. It’s too soon.

But.

But my heart says.

It’s there, whether I’m ready to accept it or not.

And if our date is anything like he says it’s going to be, I might not have a choice.

Jamie

Finally.

Two months of planning. Six months of wanting her. Almost nine months of knowing her. It’s all been building since the moment I laid eyes on her in Joel’s kitchen. My world changed that day in the best possible way.

Hopefully, tonight will be the night she officially becomes my girl. And I’ll be her man.

For most of my life, my dream has been baseball, and if you’d asked me a year ago, I would’ve said nothing would change that. Romance and love are for the future. But now I understand we don’t get a choice on that. When the right person comes along, you fight with everything you have to make it work.

I’m not naive. We’re young. There are going to be multiple challenges in our future. But I don’t quit. When I’m committed to something, I see it through, and I don’t half-ass it. I give my absolute all. Will there be a balance in figuring out how to do that with both baseball and the girl I… am falling for? Fuck. I don’t think it’s falling. I might actually be in love with her. Which sounds crazy since this is our first official date, even though we’ve had plenty of lunch dates, coffee dates, and I’ve spent multiple nights at her house, holding her while she sleeps and feeling like the luckiest man alive.

Okay, yes. Fuck it. I’m in love with her.

Am I going to say that tonight? Probably not. I’m not a lunatic.

I’ve just caught the same bug a bunch of my friends have—love. Love when you’re least expecting it.

I wasn’t expecting it to find me at eighteen, but I’m not risking losing it by worrying about my age or her age or any of the rest of it. We’ll figure it out. If we really want to, we can.

Okay, maybe I’m a little naive.

But I’m not giving up.

I’ll fight with everything I have to be the man she deserves and make her happy. And that starts tonight.

Again, fuck it. It started months ago, and that further proves I’m an idiot, but I’m her idiot as long as she’ll have me.

I’m hopeful that Amanda’s entire family won’t be there when I knock on the front door. I want to pick her up and revel in the moment, not be on the receiving end of inquisitive or downright menacing looks. Especially when I asked her to pack a bag.

Maybe I’m overshooting with my hopes, but I’d rather want it and get shot down than not take the risk at all. I want to enjoy a weekend alone with her.

I haven’t heard much from everyone down in Charleston, other than a text that Aaron and Rae finally got back together. It’s about time. They’ve both grown a lot in the last year, and I have a feeling nothing will hold them back this time.

I’m grateful that them being in Charleston and focusing on all the romantic things down there means they aren’t paying attention to us. We’ve made it seem like we’re just friends.

Which we are.

But we’re more than that too.

And hopefully, today, we become an official couple.

I swing my car door open and grab the bouquet I brought—not just flowers, but wrapped heart-shaped cake pops too—and head for Amanda’s front porch.

When I knock on the door, it swings open immediately, and my breath sticks in my lungs. Holy shit, she’s gorgeous. She’s wearing a spaghetti-strap dress that cinches above her waist, perfectly showing her cleavage, then the fabric flows down to just above her knee. It’s light pink at the top but uses a floral pattern to fade into almost all maroon at the bottom.

Her hair looks even silkier than normal and is styled with some gentle curls over the bottom half.

She’s so stunning it’s hard to breathe.

“Hi.” God, I’m an idiot.

She laughs a little, smiling sheepishly. “Hi to you too.”

I look beyond her. “Anyone else around? ”

“Nope. They went out for the day. I told them I had plans with the girls—they don’t need to know the girls are in Charleston.”

“Sneaky.” I can’t stop staring at her, taking in every inch of her perfect body. The open toe booties she’s wearing show off her toned legs, and everything about her look ties together seamlessly. “I swear I was going to be a lot smoother than this, but I can’t help it. You’re stunning.”

Her cheeks flush, and she reaches for my hand. “Thank you. You look incredibly handsome.”

I feel like nothing compared to her. I’m wearing fitted light gray dress pants with a light brown belt and matching loafers, and a cream-colored button down—with the top unbuttoned and the sleeves rolled halfway up my forearms. I managed to somewhat tame my hair, but all of that pales in comparison to Amanda. She’s steal-the-show gorgeous, and at every stop on our date tonight, I know she’ll turn heads.

“These are for you.” I extend the bouquet for her and she takes it, smelling the flowers and pulling out one of the cake pops.

“Thank you.”

“Do you have everything?”

Her eyes meet mine, dancing with mischief. “I think so.” She grabs a clutch off the table by the door, and when I see a larger bag sitting on the floor, I reach in and grab it.

“Good. Then let’s go.”

I hold out my arm to her, and she slips her arm around my elbow.

This is it.

After all these months, I’m finally getting my date with Amanda. Now I need to make sure I get every moment of tonight right.

“Sushi, huh?”

I shut the car off and turn to Amanda, who is smiling as she looks at the building in front of us.

“I will never forget how you looked at that sushi when I helped you the night after the event. I knew if I was ever lucky enough to take you on a date, this is where I would take you. Or somewhere with great sushi. My mom recommended this place.”

She looks away from the building slowly, meeting my gaze. “Why did you stay that night?”

“You needed help. And… I wanted to get to know you. From the moment we met, I felt that spark between us.”

“Me too. I might’ve developed a little crush on you after that night.”

I reach over and run my thumb over her cheek. “I’m still sorry for not taking your feelings into consideration the night I kissed you. You deserve to be chosen.” I lean in and kiss the corner of her mouth. “To be treated exactly like the queen you are. I screwed up before, but I’m not going to do that again. I will do anything—everything—to be worthy of you and your heart.”

“I know. You keep showing me. With every tiny thoughtful gesture, I know you see me. I hope you know I see you too.” She brushes the back of her hand over the side of my face. “I see behind the mask.”

“You always have.” I let out a shaky breath, then force the words out all at once. “Amanda, will you be my girlfriend?”

Her eyes fly wide, surprise dancing in them. Her lips curve up into a massive smile, then she grabs my shirt, dragging me to her. “Yes. I would love to be your girlfriend.” Her lips brush mine, then she pulls back with a devastatingly sexy smirk. “But it’s cute that you think you haven’t been my boyfriend for the last few weeks.”

Fuck yes. I love that she thinks that. That she knew all along how much she means to me. Still, I run my hand up the side of her neck and look into her eyes.

“It hasn’t been official though. And I want it to be. I don’t ever want you to question where you stand with me. You’re mine. The world should know that.”

Again, she grazes her lips over mine, but it’s not enough for me. I curl my fingers around the side of her neck, holding her in place as I deepen the kiss. She needs to know how serious I am. Now that I have her, I’m not letting her go. I won’t give up or walk away.

She moves a little closer, her hand resting on my chest, then her breath hitches, and she pulls back.

“I don’t want to get too caught up here.”

I trail my lips over her jaw. “You’re right. We should save that for later.”

She shivers in response, and I can’t help but smile to myself.

“Sushi?” I ask, leaning back and flinging my door open.

She blinks a couple of times and fumbles for the handle of her door. “Yes, please.”

Amanda

I am a perfectly spoiled princess, and for once, I’m allowing myself to revel in every second of it.

Our sushi dinner was the best I’ve ever eaten in my life. Don’t get me wrong, it was expensive, but I might have to splurge on that a couple of times a year. It was fantastic.

Now we’re at some trendy dessert bar that smells like chocolate, vanilla, and heaven.

“So, I have an idea of what you might want, but take a look at the menu, and we’ll see if I’m right.”

I arch a brow at his cocky smile. “You know, as much as you like to use that cocky, confident exterior as a mask, you also have a cocky side. Though I’m starting to wonder if it only comes out for me.”

He leans in, breath tickling my ear as he speaks. “You’re always saying dirty things to me. ”

I give a playful shrug. “I think you’ve just got sex on your mind.”

“I’ve got you on my mind.”

“We could skip dessert,” I tease, setting my menu down.

“Not a chance. My girl deserves the best, and that’s exactly what you’re going to get.”

I’m trying to trust that he’s right about that. He’s shown me a lot over the last couple of months, and even though I said yes to him tonight—and I’m excited about that—I’m still nervous. I go back to school in two weeks. What happens then?

I don’t want to think about it.

“I like when you call me your girl.”

“Want to know a secret?”

“Tell me.”

“I’ve been calling you that in my mind for months now.”

“Manifesting?”

He tilts his head back and forth. “More like knowing what I want. I decided to consider you my girl and treat you like my girl, and I hoped that would help show you how much you mean to me.”

“I appreciate that. I hope you know me saying yes—to this date or being your girlfriend—wasn’t only about how you took care of me when I was sick. I appreciate that, but it was just a part of the bigger picture. You showed me you’re paying attention—to me, to my words, and most importantly, to what I don’t say. I’ve never had that before. Not like this. I hope I’m able to give you the same thing.”

He cups my face, brushing his thumb over my bottom lip. “You do. From that night at the event, you’ve always seen right through me.”

I tilt my head, begging him to kiss me again.

“Ready to order?”

Jamie and I break apart at the sound of the server’s voice.

“Yep,” Jamie clears his throat and glances at me. “Can I order for you? ”

“Only if I can order for you.”

He smiles at that. “Go ahead then.”

I look at the server. “A vanilla raspberry cake.”

Jamie’s smile gets even bigger. “And… the chocolate lava cake?” He raises his brows in question, and I nod.

“Yes. The chocolate lava cake. Thank you.”

“Phew. Got it right. So did you. How’d you know?”

“It was similar to the cake you said had at your birthday and you always love fruity things. And frosting.” I give a little shrug, and his eyes dance like he’s thrilled I’ve noticed those little things, but he shouldn’t be surprised. I notice them for the same reason he does. “And how did you know I’d want a chocolate lava cake?”

Mine was a harder guess since there were several things on the menu I would’ve really enjoyed.

“Because your favorite seasonal latte is the chocolate lava cake. And when I asked you why, you told me it’s because it’s like drinking brownie batter. I figured a lava cake gives the same vibes. Plus, I know how you feel about brownies.”

“You’re always paying attention.”

“Baby, it’s impossible to keep my eyes off you.”

And, ugh. Swoon.

I’m so head over heels for this boy, it’s ridiculous.

Every time I look at him, my heart races and my body flushes as I think about what might happen next.

Jamie holds me close as we walk down the street toward his car. When we get there, he presses me against the passenger side door for a long kiss.

“Don’t take this the wrong way,” he breathes against my lips. “But I got a hotel room for tonight.” He clears his throat and leans back. “Actually, it’s for the whole weekend. Not for sex—I mean, obviously, I want you. But we don’t have to. If all we do is snuggle, I’ll be happy to have you in my arms.”

I press my finger to his lips to shut him up. “I want to snuggle with you.” Then I lean in, face just inches from his. “And I want to do so much more.” I lightly press my lips to his, then give his bottom lip a quick bite.

He jolts back, gasping. “Okay, good. Let’s go.”

A laugh bubbles out of me as he grabs my hand and opens my door for me, his cheeks blazing red the whole time.

I’m ready to have some fun.

“Here we are.” Jamie swings open the hotel room door and flicks on the light.

It’s not just a hotel room, though. It’s a whole ass suite.

“Jamie… this is huge. You didn’t have to do all this.”

He sets our bags down and wraps his arms around me. “I wanted to. You deserve all the best things. I just want you to know how much you mean to me. I messed up before and?—”

“And I forgave you. We’ve moved forward, and it’s important to me that you know none of that happened because of things you gave me or money you spent. It wasn’t that you paid for my coffee, but that you knew where I liked to get it and how frequently I went there. All the little things you did that showed me how much you care for me are what mattered.” I rest my hand on his chest. “You told me once that people tried to take advantage of you because of your family’s wealth. I need you to know I will never do that. I’ll never take advantage of you. I’ll never take you for granted. You’re what I want. Even if that scares me because all I see is a countdown until we’ll be apart.”

“Do you want this to work?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then we’ll make it work. ”

My chest still aches thinking about not having this every day. We waited so long to have it, and I’m a little obsessed now. Every second I spend with him makes me want more. Makes me want to hold on a little tighter.

“But I’m going to miss you. Like heartachingly badly.”

He bites his bottom lip. “Well, as happy as I am to know I’ve wormed my way in there, we’ll find ways to make it easier. I’ll come visit. We’ll text all the time like we do now. We’ll talk on the phone. It might take some adjustments, but we’ll figure it out. As long as we both want to.”

“I want to. You have no idea how badly I want this, Jamie.”

“I do, because I want this too. I want you. I need you.” He hesitates for a second, breathing heavily. Then his blue eyes bore into mine, staring into the depths of my soul. “I love you, Amanda.”

Oh my god.

He said… he just said…

Tears well in my eyes.

“I wasn’t going to say it tonight. Maybe I shouldn’t have. You don’t have to say it back?—”

I leap into his arms, wrapping my arms and legs around him and kissing him with every bit of the love inside me.

He stumbles back a step before he rights himself and kisses me back, one hand tangling in my hair.

I rip my lips from his, staring into the ocean blue eyes of the man who started stealing my heart the moment I met him.

“I love you too.”

His chest rises and falls with heavy breaths, then his lips are on mine again, tongues twisting as our souls tangle together. I’m on fire for him in every way.

“I love you,” he mutters against my lips, his hands roaming over my skin, every touch branding me as his.

I lean into him, pressing my body flush to his and feeling a certain hard muscle straining for release. I want more. I want all of him. Slowly, I reach for his belt, and his hands still on my back .

Then his fingers are moving again, fumbling with my zipper as I untuck his shirt. We messily try to get our clothes off without breaking our kiss. I never want him to stop kissing me or touching me. I’m desperate for more and ready to rip my dress off my body to have it. He shrugs his shirt off as I undo the button on his pants. Finally, I get to touch every muscle, every inch of skin I can find.

When my dress finally melts into a pile at my feet, his fingertips dance up my back, and I shudder with desire.

He takes half a step back, his hot gaze trailing down my body.

A blush creeps up, heating every inch of my skin. He’s seen me naked before, but that was different.

“Like what you see?”

“You’re perfect.”

I want to shy away from the praise, but he grabs my chin between his thumb and forefinger.

“Don’t do that. Don’t try to play it off. Own it. You are beautiful, sexy, absolutely breathtaking. You’re gorgeous. Don’t doubt that for a second.”

“You… look good… too,” I choke out. Because my eyes have dropped to that muscle, and okay… I’ve read a lot of romance books and the guys always have giant peens that the girl is afraid of. Usually I roll my eyes at that because it’s a little silly. And while I don’t think Jamie could split me in half or anything, he is big . Deliciously big.

“See something you like?”

My confident side comes roaring back as I reach for him. “I feel something I like too.”

“Fuck, Amanda.”

He wraps his hand around the side of his neck and stares into my eyes. “Tell me what you want.”

“You.” I run my finger down his chest. “Every inch.”

I’ve spent weeks—okay, months —dreaming of this. But I didn’t dream it would happen like this. After creating a beautiful relationship. After a confession of love .

I need him now.

“I’m yours,” I whisper.

He walks me backward toward the bed.

“I think we’ve covered the rest of the acronym, but there’s one part we haven’t talked about. Protection .”

“I’m on birth control, so that covers the pregnancy side of things. I was tested at my gynecology appointment last month. All good. You?”

“I got tested at my annual in June. I haven’t been with anyone else since… we started getting to know each other.”

“Really?”

“You’re the only one I wanted, even when I was too big of an idiot to see that or understand what it meant.”

“Well then, if you’re okay with it, we can just rely on my birth control.”

“No condoms?”

“No.”

“Why does this feel like another act of trust?”

I swallow and meet his gaze. “Because it is. I’ve never let any guy go without a condom before.”

“I’ve never gone bare with anyone before.”

“Good,” I breathe. “Then I’ll be the only one you’ve ever felt like this.”

“Does that turn you on?”

“Ye-es,” I hiss as his lips roll over my neck.

“Mm. Good. I can’t wait to feel you pulse around my cock.”

“I’m ready,” I say breathlessly.

“No, you’re not. Not yet. I haven’t seen you come nearly enough times yet.”

With one last kiss, he helps me onto the bed, settling me right in the center. Then he takes his time, kissing down my chest, teasing my nipples, grazing his lips down my navel as my core heats.

I’m already fisting the sheets and he hasn’t even touched me down there yet.

“Is my girl ready for me?” he rumbles, and fuck, he’s never looked sexier. Confident. In control.

I brush my fingers over his cheek. “You’re not blushing.”

The smile he gives me is almost feral. “Because I’m comfortable with you. I want to make sure you get everything you need. And… I like talking dirty. It’s fun, and it keeps me in the moment. I’ve never gotten the chance to use it much, but I’d like to have some fun with it now if you’ll let me.”

“Yes.” I quickly nod. It’s hot as fuck.

“Good,” he breathes. “But you haven’t answered me yet. Is my girl ready for me?”

“Yes. Please.”

He glances up at me as he kisses lower. Lower. “Such a good girl, using your manners.”

I whimper, that slight praise making me even hotter. I need him to touch me. Fingers, tongue, I don’t care. I need something .

Then finally, there’s the softest brush of his fingers against my opening. He glides them up, smiling as he watches me.

“You like it when I call you my good girl?”

“Yes. I love it. I’ll be perfect for you.”

“I have no doubt.” He shifts down farther, spreading my legs wider. “Good girls show me how much they like what I’m doing. I need to hear you scream and cry out. Otherwise, I won’t know you’re enjoying it. Can you do that?”

“Yes.”

“Good girl.”

Those words are a hit of straight dopamine.

But they’re nothing compared to how I feel when his tongue swirls around my clit.

My ass launches off the bed, but he grabs my thighs, holding me tight to him.

“Yes, more,” I whine, letting him know what I want—how good this is.

One hand slips off my thigh, then one finger swirls around my opening, and with his mouth on my clit and one finger pushing inside me, I’m lost in ecstasy.

I stop thinking—stop worrying—and completely let go.

Words and noises burst out of me, but I don’t know what they are—other than words of affirmation. Begging for more.

My body flushes and tingles.

No one has ever gotten me so close, so fast.

But no one else has ever made me feel like Jamie, and that matters.

God, it matters so damn much.

He’s perfect. We’re perfect.

“Jamie, Jamie… yes. I—ah.” I cry out, pulling my legs up to give him more access. Then I glance down at him, and it’s all over. “I’m coming… oh my god. Yes. Yes. Jamie.”

My body convulses as my orgasm rips through me. Jamie doesn’t stop, he works me until I’m shuddering from how oversensitive my clit is, but rather than stop, he simply lifts his lips and replaces them with his fingers.

Slowly, he shifts so he’s lying next to me, lazily kissing my neck as he continues to stroke my sensitive clit.

“That’s one,” he rumbles, voice dripping with sex.

I reach for his cock, but he stops my hand. “Not yet. It’s still your turn. I got to feel it. Now I want to watch you fall apart for me. Can you come again for me? Can I watch your beautiful body as you shatter?”

“Yes. Please.” I’m a desperate, sloppy mess, and I love it. I love feeling free, owning my sexuality, and feeling so rooted in my body.

He flicks his thumb over my clit. “How can I get you there?”

“Fuck me with your fingers while you play with my clit.”

“Mm.” He nips at my neck. “My girl knows what she likes.”

Two fingers press against my entrance, and I grind into the touch.

“Please, can I have what I want? ”

A feral grin crosses his lips. “I can just imagine you on your knees, begging for my cock. But not yet.”

He shoves his fingers inside me, and my eyes roll back.

Some people love oral—don’t get me wrong, I enjoy that too—but when it comes to foreplay, there’s nothing I love more than this. The inner and outer stimulation playing together, especially when Jamie slightly curls his fingers and they hit the perfect spot.

Fuck.

I don’t know what kind of noises I’m making anymore, and I don’t care.

I’m dropped into my body, focused on every tiny sensation as I let him own me. I’ve never felt more aware, more turned on.

My fingers curl into his hair as my head drops back. I’m free to just be and revel in my pleasure.

I didn’t think it could happen again so quickly, but there’s power in letting go. My orgasm crashes through me as I cry out, pulsing around his fingers. It lasts longer than any orgasm I’ve ever had, and when I’m finished, my eyes open just enough to see his hooded eyes locked on me as he stares at me in awe.

“Holy fuck,” he groans. “I almost came watching you. I’ve never seen someone come like that before—be so lost in it.” He groans again, and kisses me. “I need more.”

I force my limp body to move as I sit up.

“No. You need someone to take care of you.”

Jamie

Amanda is a beautiful mess of knotted hair and smudged makeup as she settles between my legs.

“Do you want to take control or let me have it?” she asks.

Fuck.

I love the idea of being in control of her—of seeing exactly how much she can take—but not yet.

“Show me what you can do, baby. ”

“Yes, sir.”

Oh, shit .

My cock leaks at her words, and she takes that opportunity to swirl her tongue around the tip.

“Don’t feel like you have to take all of me,” I quickly add. I don’t have some giant monster dick, but it is big. Bigger than any of the guys I know—because let’s face it, you see shit in locker rooms. And I never want to hurt the person I’m with.

She looks up at me from under her lashes, then takes me as deep as she can, hand wrapping around the base as my tip hits the back of her throat. There’s a little gag, and she pulls back, then does it again.

“Amanda…”

She moves fast, sucking hard and taking me deep.

I shouldn’t be surprised she’s as fiery in the bedroom as she is in every other way.

The problem is, she’s too good. My eyes grow heavy and my balls tighten.

Grabbing her hair, I hold her in place for a second, then pull her off.

She looks at me in surprise.

“That’s not where I want to come.”

Her jaw goes slack, and she slips her hand between her legs, rubbing her clit.

I watch for a second, then grab her and pin her beneath me.

“What do you like?”

“Usually a bit of everything, but I really, really like to be fucked . Hard. Feel free to be a little rough. Slap my ass, pull my hair, give me a hand necklace if you want…”

I drop my lips to hers. “I will fuck you till you’re screaming my name and can’t move, but I’ll also stop the second you tell me to.”

She runs her thumb over my cheek. “I appreciate that, but there’s nothing I want more than this. I want to feel you. ”

I slip my fingers between her legs again and gently push two inside her.

“I need to make sure you’re ready.”

She nods, and that hazy look filters over her again.

I fuck her with two fingers, then add a third, almost getting lost in how much she enjoys it. When she’s nice and relaxed, I pull my fingers out and line my cock up at her entrance.

“Ready?”

“Please,” she whimpers.

I push inside her slowly, but halfway in, she gets frustrated and uses her feet to shove at my ass.

“Just do it.”

I stare at her for a second, then let that primal part of me take over. One I don’t tap into often, but that makes me want to growl and roar and prove this woman is mine. No one else will ever know her body like me. No one else will ever make her come the way I do.

I thrust in as deep as I can, watching her face. There’s a flicker of pain, but it’s washed away by pleasure.

“Good?”

“So good,” she murmurs.

“It’s about to get even better.”

I grab one of her thighs and shove it up, then wrap my other hand in her hair, using them both as leverage as I fuck her like an animal.

She bucks and writhes beneath me, moaning as she urges me on, begging me for more.

“Harder, Jamie. Please, please…”

I let go of her thigh and wrap my hand around her neck. “Look at how perfectly you take my cock. You’re doing amazing, baby. No one has ever made me feel this good.”

“I’ll do anything you want,” she whines.

“Rub your clit. I want to see how hard you can come.”

“Yes, sir. ”

I thrust harder, driving into her so hard I’m worried that I might hurt her, but she takes it all and begs for more.

“I’m so close,” she whispers.

I’ve been fighting off my orgasm since I watched her touch herself while taking my cock. I’ve never seen something so hot in all my life. Amanda splayed out beneath me, writhing under my touch is the most delicious fantasy come to life.

“Jamie… Jamie…”

She screams as she shatters around me in long, hard pulses.

“Fuck… fuck… Amanda.” My words turn to groans as I spill inside her, her perfect pussy drawing out my orgasm longer than ever before.

We collapse in a tangled, sweaty heap, kissing furiously, like somehow all that only took the edge off.

“Okay?” I ask, tracing the red spots on her neck.

“I’m perfect. Well, close.”

I laugh a little. “What could make it better?”

“Room service and round two.”

“You’re perfect,” I mumble as I reach for the phone.

“ We are,” she whispers.

And fuck room service. The vulnerability and happiness on her face has me ready to go again right now.

There’s nothing like the feeling of Amanda’s naked body curled around mine. Her leg is thrown over my legs, and her head rests on my shoulder. Her fingers are curled into my hair, and I can feel her breath on my cheek.

It’s a perfect moment. We’ve had so many imperfect ones along the way, but I’m grateful for all of them because they got us here. I never could’ve imagined the way I’d fall for her. It changed everything, but I also think it’s made me better.

“I could stay like this forever,” she whispers, face buried in my neck.

I stroke my hand down her arm. “So could I.”

“I’m going to be needy and annoying when we’re apart. I hope you’re ready for that.”

“I’ll take whatever you give me. And there’s nothing needy or annoying about missing your person.” I pull her tight to me. “I’m going to miss this. Holding you in my arms is my favorite thing.”

“Please don’t make me cry,” she says with a laugh.

“I’m not trying to.” I sweep my thumb across her cheek and lean back a little so I can see her face. “I hate that being loved and wanted makes you this emotional. You deserve to be cherished, and I hate every person who has ever made you feel anything less than that.”

She gives a tiny shrug. “It wouldn’t be as special if everyone did it. It means more because it’s you. Because you chose me when you didn’t have to.”

“You’re mine, babe. I think you always have been. We just had to find each other. I know being apart is going to suck, but I need you to promise me you won’t hide your emotions from me. Call me anytime. I might not always be able to answer, but I’ll call you back the second I can. I’ll talk you through your fears, your pain… your orgasms.”

She laughs at that, then kisses my neck.

“Seriously, I promised you I will always show up when you need me, and that won’t change just because we’re in different places. I’m not going to lie and say I assume it’ll be easy. I know it won’t be. I’m sure there will be growing pains and uncomfortable moments, but I’m committed to figuring this out with you. You’re the one I want. The only one I want. I’m not willing to give up on this. My answer will always be that until you look me in the eyes and tell me we’re done, I’m all in.”

“I’m all in too. Just know I’m going to be an emotional mess. I’m kind of attached to you now.”

I pinch her side. “Literally. ”

She laughs and buries her face in my shoulder again.

Wrapping my arms around her, I roll her over and lie on top of her, staring into her rich, warm eyes.

“I don’t care if you’re emotional. All I care is that you give those emotions to me. They’re mine to help calm and carry.”

“You’re too good for me,” she whispers, eyes turning glassy.

“No. We’re perfect for each other. And when we’re apart, we’re going to remember all the reasons why. Because even from a distance, we’ll still see each other in a way no one else ever has. When you’re missing me, text me. And I’ll do the same. I’ll visit you as often as I can. At least once a month.”

“You’re willing to do that?”

“Yes. I am. And one of these days, you’re going to stop questioning that and automatically trust how much I care for you.” I kiss across her collarbone. “How badly I want you.” My lips trail up her neck. “How deeply I need you.” I pull back and look into her eyes. “How much I love you.”

“I love you. Thank you for being willing to go slow. To work on this—on us. The foundation of trust we built will help us grow from here. And I want to grow with you. I want everything with you.”

“I want everything with you too. And I know we can have it. All the hard work we’ve put in so far will make navigating the distance easier, and that distance will be good practice for when I make it to professional ball and am on the road a lot.”

“Have you decided what to do about the draft?”

I swallow hard and nod. “I haven’t told anyone. I don’t really want to tell anyone besides you. Not yet. But I want to go for the draft at the end of senior year.”

“Ten months,” she whispers.

“Yep.”

“I’ll be by your side every step of the way. If we’re doing this, all the vulnerability and openness has to go both ways, so let me in. Tell me when you’re scared. Let me comfort you when you’re frustrated or anxious. I’m on your team, and whenever they call your name, or however the draft works—I guess I better brush up on that—I’ll be the one there beaming with pride. Wherever you end up, I’ll be there too.”

“Even if it’s not with the Metros?”

“Wherever it is, we’ll figure it out. We’ll make it work.”

“Are you sure?”

“That’s what it means to love someone. To choose them. Wouldn’t you do the same for me?”

“Of course I would.”

“Then don’t question it. I see my future, and there’s no doubt you’re a big part of it.”

“I see our future too. And it’s going to be beautiful. Because we’ve chosen each other, and as long as we’re willing to put in the work, we can have it all. We will have it all. I want everything with you for as long as you’ll let me have you.”

“Jamie…” she breathes.

“You’re mine, Amanda, and I’m yours. All yours. Always yours.”

“Mine.”

“I promise.”

We crash together, tongues tangling as we lose ourselves in the depth of the connection between us and the love blossoming beneath it all.

The truth is, I don’t know what’s going to happen or exactly what my future will look like, but I know Amanda will be by my side for every moment of it.