Page 44

Allie

W e’ve made it to Thursday, and tomorrow we’ll load onto buses to make the long drive to Birmingham for the state championship game.

The city is buzzing. The drill team and cheerleaders have put spirit posters all over town and painted big signs for the school. Cups are in all the fences spelling out Victory and Go Captains . Everyone’s excited, but I’m antsy and restless.

It’s been a month since the Halloween incident, since Jack asked me to marry him, and I said yes a hundred times. I’ve said yes every day since, and he’s given me little kisses in the hall.

Sometimes he’ll slip his hand under my skirt, and we’ll sneak into the single-serve faculty bathroom for a quick make-out session… or more, depending on the time of day.

It’s risky as hell and equally hot. But it’s not enough.

Jack’s been recovering and slammed with playoffs and talking to the senior boys about colleges and scholarships.

The ring is ready.

He told me when he picked it up, but he won’t let me see it. He said he has something special in mind, and now I’m walking around waiting for balloons to fall from the ceiling or glitter guns to explode out of a closet.

I do not expect a box wrapped in brown paper to appear on my desk in the library after lunch. It doesn’t say who it’s from, but I have an idea. Open in private is handwritten across the top.

It’s been burning a hole in my imagination as each new group of students files into the library all afternoon.

“There’s another new poem.” Edward points at the graffiti wall. “Based on the subject matter and the rhyme scheme, I think it’s the same author as Number 18.”

“Where?” I walk over to where he’s standing, gazing up at the sheet. “Show me.”

Mouths, fingers, hands, eyes.

I live to collect your sighs.

The time is moving so slowly, yet we’re so close.

To when you’ll crash into me, and we’ll be home.

I frown, reaching up to touch my fingertips to the words. “That’s really good.”

“I’m numbering it 18-B and voting for it, too.”

I watch as he grabs a Sharpie and puts the number beside it on the wall, then writes the number on a small sheet of paper and drops it into the wooden box where we’ve been collecting votes all semester.

I read the words again, wondering who it could be, before I turn and walk to my desk again. “I’ve got to step out to the restroom. Would you just keep an eye on things? I won’t be long.”

“Sure.” He sits down, taking out a textbook.

I take the box, hiding it inside my cardigan. I can’t take the suspense anymore, and the day is almost over. We have one more hour before the final bell rings.

Glancing around like I’m committing a crime, I slip into the single teacher’s restroom and lock the door. I sit on the closed toilet lid, ripping the paper away to find an elegant, black cardboard box beneath.

Carefully opening it, my breath catches when I see a large, sparkling pink jewel. It catches the light, and my lips part with a gasp. I lift the card inside to read the note, handwritten in the same script as on the outside of the box.

Wear this tonight with that skirt. No underwear.

My stomach tingles, and I gently pull the sparkling pink top to reveal a black silicone cone, smaller than my palm. A small tube of lubricant is also in the box.

Ever since our first time together, I’ve been getting everything waxed down below, and I’ve never been more thankful to be completely bare.

Chewing my bottom lip, I look around the small room as if someone can see me in here. Then I quickly stand, shoving the small toy in my pocket.

“You’re doing better. Just follow the recipe.” Craig stands beside Dylan in plastic goggles, gloves, and even a bandana tied over his nose and mouth.

“I thought we were voting on my worst pregnancy dish.” My bestie cuts her eyes up at him.

I stand on the periphery, my heart thumping hard against my chest. I wasn’t sure what the instruction tonight meant, so as soon as I got to the restaurant, I slipped into the bathroom and inserted the plug.

It was so small, I didn’t think I’d even feel it, but I was wrong. Now I’m tingling and wet, swallowing hard every time I move or walk. My nipples are hard little points, and sitting is out of the question.

“Don’t you think so?” Dylan is looking at me, waiting.

I have no idea what she’s talking about. I blink at her, trying to figure out what to say, when she bursts out laughing. “You are so out of it tonight! Are you worried about the game?”

“Ah… yeah!” I smile brightly. “It’s a big night fo r Austin.”

“He’s going to be great.” Craig walks over and puts a hand on my shoulder. “He’s been on fire all season, and these last few games he’s looked like a pro.”

“I don’t understand why I can’t go to Bethlehem to see Aussie play!” Kimmie’s voice makes me jump, and the top of my head tightens.

“Birmingham.” Jack’s low voice sends a tingle between my thighs, and my lips part so I can breathe. “You have school, and Ms. Plum needs help with Gina.”

“But I have to cheer for Aussie,” Kimmie whines.

Jack walks into the room, his daughter’s pouty head resting on his shoulder. “Is Liv’s mom here yet?” He speaks low to Dylan.

“She’s coming right after her DnD game at the Senior Center.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for her.” He hesitates, and I’m about to die inside if he leaves, when he stops, and our eyes meet. “Hey, girl.”

I swallow air, fire racing to my cheeks. I manage to push out a Hey , but it’s soft and nervous. My stomach is in knots thinking about what’s coming.

Kimmie is spending the night with Ms. Plum, since all of us are going to the game tomorrow.

I know where I’ll be tonight.

“Looks like it’s time!” Craig lifts the tray of spicy food off the counter.

I haven’t even been paying attention to what they made. My brain has been on my butt all evening.

“I’ll do the announcement, since you look like you’re in space,” Dylan teases. “Can you at least help hand out the ice cream cups?”

“Of course!” I blink quickly, doing my best to act normal.

“Garrett’s cueing up the mix tonight.” Craig is still wearing all his protective gear. “No telling what he’ll play. ”

I follow them from the kitchen, carrying the plastic bin of ice cream cups, and the place erupts into “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash.

Craig nods in approval, and when we all get to the table, the volume slowly lowers for Dylan to read the warning. My eyes scan the room, and I see Jack talking to Liv’s mom at the back table, where they all hang out with Miss Gina.

The old lady’s smiling, talking to Kimmie, and Jack’s daughter seems placated by whatever she’s saying. I’m chewing my lip when he turns, and my chest ignites when his blue eyes land on mine.

His chin lifts, and he walks to the door. It’s like a summons as I watch him leave, and I survey the line.

“I think they can get their own at this point,” I lean into Dylan’s ear. “I’ve got to run an errand.”

My friend’s eyes narrow, and she glances over to where Kimmie is holding hands and dancing with our dear, blind friend, and Jack is nowhere to be found.

Her amber eyes slide up to me, and she grins. “Have fun.”

She has no idea how much fun I’m about to have. For that matter, neither do I, and I’m a mess of nerves and anticipation.

Turning quickly, I start for the kitchen, taking out my phone and sending my son a quick text. He won’t be home until later, and he usually goes straight to his room. But just in case, I don’t want him to worry.

It’s a short drive to my house, which is right down the way from Jack’s. I took the plug out at Cooters & Shooters and gave it a quick wash. There was no way I could drive home with it inserted.

Already, I can tell a difference, and air rises in my chest. My phone buzzes, and my car reads the text aloud.

Sir

Park at my place and come inside.

Turning the wheel, I do as he says, parking beside his truck. When I get out, I pause, looking around quickly before bending my knees to reinsert the small cone quickly.

The large room is lit by only a few small lamps when I enter, and I’m not sure what to do. I start to kneel when I hear his voice.

“Come here.” It’s a low order, and heat flushes from my breasts to my neck.

I walk to where he’s sitting in that leather armchair, blue eyes level on mine. My stomach twists tighter with every step, and I’m so on edge.

I stop in front of him, waiting for his next order.

A predatory gleam is in his eye. “Let me see it.”

My lips part as I turn my back and lean forward so the bottom of my skirt rises higher on my thighs. I place my palms on the sides of my legs, sliding them up until the hem is over my lower back.

A soft hiss comes from Jack’s lips, and I exhale a whimper when his large hand slips between my thighs. His palm moves higher on my skin until the side of his fingers makes contact with my clit.

I exhale another moan, and he slides his fingers all the way to my core. “You’re dripping. Does this mean you like it?”

Nodding, I answer quickly. “Yes.”

Both hands grip my ass, and I cry out when he dips two fingers into my pussy. “Go to the table, lean forward on your stomach, and hold onto the edge.”

My knees wobble as I do what he says, walking to the sturdy wooden table in the kitchen and leaning down to rest my stomach on the wood. I reach over my head with both hands, hooking my fingers on the edge. Cool air drifts around my private parts as I wait.

“Don’t let go.” Another low order.

The sound of rustling and the slide of a zipper sends me higher. I brace for his invasion. Instead, large hands cup my rear, spreading me apart as his tongue penetrates my body.

“Oh!” I gasp as he slides it forward, circling it over my clit, firmly and repeatedly.

He growls low, vibrating my body as he eats me. I’m so on edge, my thighs start to tremble, and my orgasm twists irresistibly tight in my lower pelvis. I hold onto the edge of the table, whimpering with each pass of his expert tongue.

All at once he stops and stands, spreading me apart again, and I feel his finger trace the edge of the pink jewel, moving it inside me. I feel his tip nudging at my entrance, and he leans forward, speaking low in my ear.

“I’m going to fuck you hard.” Another whimper escapes on a breath as he continues. “And you’re going to love it.”

He drives his cock in all the way to the hilt with one firm thrust, and the sensation is overwhelming. The plug dips, and I don’t know why it feels so good. I don’t understand.

He groans, pulling back and driving in again as he speaks.

“This is for all the times you teased me at school, walking around in that short, fuck-me skirt, with those red lips. Looking like you knew how I ached to touch you, but I couldn’t.

” Another hard thrust, and my eyes squeeze as wetness slips onto my inner thighs.

“Bending over on the field with this sexy ass in the air like you wanted to make me hard in front of the team…”

He moves faster, thrusting deeper, shifting the cone inside me with every drive. I’m gasping, panting, as the pressure grows tighter. I’m on my toes, lifting my ass, begging for more.

“That’s right,” he growls. “You love it because it’s true.”

He slaps my ass hard, and I scream. He does it again, and I moan. He moves faster, and my vision blackens. The top of my head burns, and I’m lost in sensation. I’ve never felt this way in my life, and all at once, I’m struck by divine lightning.

My entire body shakes. I think I’m screaming.

His strong forearm goes around my chest, and he lifts my stomach off the table, my back to his chest. He’s still fucking me, and I’m still coming.

Stars explode behind my eyes. His hand moves between my thighs, where he circles fiercely, massaging my clit, and I erupt again, shaking and crying.

“That’s right, take my cock.” Flattening his fingers, he slaps my pussy repeatedly, until it smacks of wetness, until my knees buckle, and I reach back to hold his arms to stay upright. “Fuck, you love this, don’t you?”

Nodding, I gasp for breath, a trembling plea. “Yes… yes…”

I’m on a different plane, my core is throbbing, and I only know if he stops, I’ll fly into a million pieces. His hand moves from my shoulder to my breast, kneading and pinching my tingling nipples, one then the other.

Then with a shout, he comes. His muscles tremble, and I feel him pulsing, holding, again and again before he starts to slow.

I’m still gone, riding out the intensity, wondering if I’ll still be able to function normally. If I’ll even be able to walk after this.

He gives two more thrusts before guiding us forward and bracing a strong hand on the tabletop.

I melt onto my stomach, boneless and humming, trembling with the aftershocks of the most intense orgasm I’ve ever had in my life.

He’s still deep inside me, pulsing occasionally. The front of his thighs press against the back of mine, and he softly traces my ass with his fingertips until his fingers find the jewel. With a slow, gentle pull, he removes it, setting it to the side, then he massages my ass.

“You were so good tonight.” His voice is low, soothing, and he lifts me off my feet. “You were perfect.”

He carries me to the large bathroom in his master suite, and he holds me on his lap as water fills the tub. My cheek is against his chest, and my hand is on his shoulder. I’m sleepy and happy and blissed out and my limbs feel like jelly.

“Getting through Dare Night was so hard.” I lift my chin to meet his eyes, wrinkling my nose. “That thing made me really horny.”

He grins, kissing my lips. Then his expression turns more serious. He cups my jaw in his fingers and kisses me slowly, opening my mouth and sliding his tongue inside. I reach up to hold his cheek, following the lead of his movements with mine .

He pulls my top lip with his mouth, then does it again, swiping his tongue along mine. My nipples tingle and point, and I’m so in love with him.

“All I could think about when I saw you was your pretty little ass and whether you had it in.”

“I did…” I lean forward, grinning like we’re sharing a secret. “I wasn’t sure if you’d drag me into the pantry and want to see it.”

“You’d have done it.” He grins, kissing the top of my eyebrow.

“I hoped you would.”

He never lets me go, swinging a leg over the side of the copper tub and lowering us both into the swirling warm waters.

“You might be a little sore.” He lifts a bar of soap, gently cleaning my backside.

We’re stomach to stomach in the warm water, and I slide forward to kiss his lips. “Worth it.”

He holds my cheeks and kisses me again. “I love you, Allie. Can you stay with me tonight?”

“I love you, Jack.” I kiss him back. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“I don’t give a fuck. We’re engaged.”

“Secretly.” I press my finger to his full lips, which he pokes out to kiss it.

“Not for long.”

Blinking up, our eyes meet, and emotion like an aching river spills through my lungs. “I’ll text Austin so he doesn’t worry.”