"Not to sound petty or anything but remind me again why Heather is glaring at me as if I stole her pet canary, killed it and roasted it for lunch?"
"She's just jealous, honey. That's what she is," Kaylee said patting my cheek and I tried not to roll my eyes. Seriously, it was getting creepy. At the thought, I beamed up immediately turning to Ryder who was getting ready to put on his jersey.
"Oh Ray. I think you have a new member in your creepers club," I said and he turned to me as if I'd wronged him. I would be worried but I was busy drooling, at least for a moment before I was standing in line with the chest I was previously drooling over.
"I'm the only creep in your life remember," he said kissing my nose and I could feel my lips pull up into a faint smile as I wrapped my arms around his waist.
"Well.." I started and he pulled me closer that our breathes were mingling.
"Only creep remember," he said and I could see a muscle twitch in his jaw before he pressed his lips against mine and I lifted my arms to his neck savouring the kiss as he held me closely as if the moment he loosened his hands I'd disappear from his sight.
"I was just kidding," I said pressing my lips once more against his and welcoming that honey, chocolatey taste on his tongue and I was once again reminded of the sweet and bitter scent and taste of the chocolates Kaylee had brought over.
His tongue delved deeper in my mouth and I let out a groan whispering his name as I tasted the alcoholic richness in it. It reminded me of cocktails over a ramen dinner after the ball. I was drunk and not just on his kisses but maybe I should have held back in the chocolates like he did. Well, he still did have a game to play while I was sitting in the crowd with Kaylee, so I didn't exactly mind. Especially when I learnt I automatically had the best row seats, courtesy of the Stone brothers.
"What are you doing?" He asked as my hands unwound and I ran them all over his broad shoulders but I didn't pay attention to him.
"I must have saved the world in my past life. How else can I explain having the hottest, most handsome guy I know? Yes that must be it."
"Is that so?" He asked with a chuckle as my hands lowered onto his chest and my fingers brushed against the taut dark brown nipples that remind me of chocolate and suddenly I wanted to lick them when I looked up to see him bite into his bottom lip. It's official. I've finally become muddle headed. "Babydoll, where are going now?"
I heard his husky voice in my ear as my hands ran over the clefts of his toned torso and brushed lightly over those firm letter shaped clefts and he pulled me closer to him.
"Babydoll, do you realize I can do to you what you do to me?" He said brushing a hand over my bare stomach and a shiver dropped down my spine and before I could get a hold of myself, I moved my arms around his waist and dropped them to his muscular behind and he tensed.
"You really do have a phenomenal butt. Mmm mine," I whispered as he looked at me and strange light in his eye. Oh yeah, firm and supple, I thought patting them before I met his lustful gaze.
"Is that how you wanna play, sweet cheeks?" He murmured his voice rough and low as he grabbed my ass pressing me firmly onto him, his erection residing right on my crotch and a mewling sound came from my throat.
"Sweet cheeks? I like yours," I said with a smile and he tilted his head amused as he squeezed my own ass cheeks.
"My sweet cheeks," he said with a grin as I traced the rolling muscles of his back and I could hear myself panting.
It was no longer from the kiss but rather his hands trailing same path my own were following, on my body, his gaze still not wavering from mine. It felt like it was just the two of us. Kaylee was gone, Heather was gone. All the boys in the locker room were gone. Hell, it didn't even cross my mind that we were in a full locker room since his was mostly away from the lockers the footballers occupied. If I had to be worried about eyes, I'd would have to be worried only about those moving along the corridors, not that it was in my agenda anyway. All I was aware of was his hands trailing a hot fiery flame on my exposed skin until I rest my arms on his chest again and he grabbed my breast roughly and I let out a gasp as I came to realisation.
For the most part, I had been more worried about losing myself. I still believed he was like a plague. Spreading to every part of me with the intent to consume with no mercy. Just like the blue orbs that always seemed to be a whirlpool of emotions threatening to suck me in. I always felt like a fish gulping for water whenever he charmed me but not today. Instead I felt like I was drowning, in him, in his attention and everything that came with it. Somehow, through the days of sneaking into my bedroom at night just to lay with me, through skipping school together for an adventure and all the times he always had my back watching quietly, waiting even if his methods were mostly hurtful, he'd broken my walls down. I didn't know when or how or if he realized he did so, but he did. He was someone I knew who would have my back no matter what. I was sure I didn't hate him but I wasn't sure about the feelings of love? He was handsome, rich and nice, to a selected few that is, but I was still in awe of why he'd like me. I was pretty and I knew. The problem comes when it has been confessed that he'd liked me since he set my eyes on me. Of course, I was unconvinced when Kaylee said so. After all trusting mostly meant giving out chances to be used, I had thought before I figured they lived on the same motto leading to why they always seemed at crossroads with adults. Still, love didn't just happen. I was well aware that my mind was racing. He must have figured it out too as his free hand shot to my loose hair and grabbed a handful and I felt my mind silence, knowing clearly what I wanted as I became aware of the faint sense of need and hunger we had for each other and I let myself go. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if he pushed me into a very fuckable surface and handle me however he wanted. Rough, was how I wanted it.
"Please," I whispered not believing the coquettish voice was coming from me but the thought was silenced as he crashed his lips against mine and my back met the locker.
Finally.
"Gnk!..." Came the strangling sound before someone cleared his...at least I think it was a his, throat just as we pulled away from each other panting and out of breath and I just about realized some hoots from somewhere in the room.
"Mr Stone, Ms Peters? If I may be so bold to ask, is this not the boys' locker room?" Mr Scott's voice rang out in the room as Ryder set me down and arm plastering me to his side as if shielding me from them, his erection pressed onto my stomach and I realized my knees were already trembling. Not from fear but I doubt I would be standing straight after that hot searing cunt-drenching kiss. Trust me if he had ventured into my yoga pants he'd have figured how much.
"Well, it isn't the girls' locker room that's for sure," Ryder replied sarcastically no doubt pissed about the interruption by the two men, I thought spotting coach Stratton behind the principal both of them sporting red cheeks. I didn't have to look around to realize we'd mostly embarrassed anyway who had managed to be in a 10 ft radius.
Now that's how you scar a middle-aged man's mind for life. Believing that the students would never indulge. Bullshit!! I could already hear Wilder scoff, oh wait he actually had and the two adults were glaring at him.
"True, true, now may I know why exactly you are here?"
"I..."
"It's not exactly your business..." Ryder started and I jabbed his side making him turn to me confused.
"I was just giving him a good luck kiss," I said nonchalantly and he narrowed his eyes at me.
"You were..? No, Ms Peters, I'm well aware you are well versed with the school rules. Are you aware you are in violation of a rule at the moment?" He said and I feigned to think about it before I turned to him.
"No. Not really," I said shaking my head and his face darkened in obvious disappointment.
"Are you sure? You are not aware of the one rule that clearly pertains to warning about kissing and other physically indulging activities between students of the same or opposite gender that may led to the obvious actions of sexual congress?" He said almost sarcastically and I could feel Ryder tense beside me. As if it was a natural and normal action, I slid my hand into his, slipping my fingers between his and squeezed gently and he relaxed slightly.
"I'm sorry but I didn't break any school rule."
"And why would you ever think that, Ms Peters?" He asked pinching his brow in what I assumed frustration and I felt only slightly for the poor guy.
"For one as I previously mentioned I was only giving my regards. After all, I'm well aware I might not see him again before the game. And honestly, sir I believe that we all have different ways of doing so. For example, if Mrs Scott merely wanted to wish you good luck, either for a good day or the game tonight, and wished to give you a kiss on the cheek or anything else that may lead to sexual congress would you be in any position to refuse? I think not sir. But that's besides my point, there is no mention against wishing someone good luck. So you see sir, we are perfectly innocent," I said and he looked at me expressionless trying to say something but failing miserably.
He was cornered. He didn't even contradict that the example of given was different from the situation at hand. After all, I was mostly right. There was no rule to stop me from wishing Ryder good luck in any way I pleased, I thought as I felt him squeeze my hand and I refrained from grinning.
"I see. Very well Ms Peters but I should warn you. I won't tolerate this next time," he said with a curt nod before turning to coach and Ray turned us around his back to them and kissed my forehead.
"Don't mind him."
"One of these days, you two are going to get into trouble for the mere fact you'd fuck like rabbits if given the chance."
"You don't hear any of us complaining ," Ryder said and I hummed in response before coach spoke up behind him.
"Stone. Get dressed at once," he said and Ryder rolled his eyes.
"Yes coach. You will be fine, won't you?"
"Yeah. I'll be cheering."
"Of course you will," he said before reaching behind me and suddenly his scent was overwhelmed my senses as he put his jacket over me, which was an obvious honor. I was going to receive a lot of glares tonight. "Looks better on you."
"Of course it does. I can pull anything off," I said making him chuckle before I raised my fists up. "Fighting?"
"Yeah fighting," he said meeting my own fists for a fist bump before I stepped on my toes pressing a kiss to his lips.
"Any time now, Stone," coach insisted but he didn't reply.
"Hey, how come he's the only one getting good luck kisses here? We share the same blood and DNA, you know?"
"Actually I'm more wary about that than anything. Are you sure you two are related?" I said and he grumbled under his breath annoyed as I stepped up to him and ruffled his hair. "I'll cheer for you too."
"You better," he said and I chuckled amused before I made my exit and found Kaylee almost immediately when I went to find my seat.
"There you are. Where did you go?"
"I just wanted to give you lovebirds some space. I'm almost envious of both of you..." She mumbled that I couldn't even hear her last words and I decided to leave it at that.
"Here. I meant to give this to you," I said and she looked questioningly at the envelope in my hand.
"What is it?" She asked taking it from me.
"I know you asked me not to interfere but it doesn't mean I can't help," I said as she took out the papers within. "I was thinking everyday from tomorrow you'll receive a ticket to go for treatment and monitoring for the duration of your pregnancy? Don't worry, your expenses will be covered. You wouldn't have to worry..."
"Wait, wait what? How can you even afford this?"
"It doesn't matter and I don't have to afford it. What matters is your health, don't you think?"
"Why?"
"Couldn't it be just the mere fact that I like you?... You don't have to take it just yet. Think about it. When you make your choice tell me. I'll take care of the rest."
"But... Do you think they can help me?"
"Honestly, if I were to get sick, I would trust my life in their hands."
"Who are you?"
"Someone who wishes you well."
She didn't ask anything after that. And the silence between us drifted on for a while before our focus went back to the game, cheering for the two males who had a place in our lives and I witnessed first hand the Stone Trifecta. Even though I was still learning football, I could understand why Ryder would actually get scouted for a scholarship as early. He was good and he'd probably have a good career in football. Such a shame he wasn't exactly interested. Honestly, I was thinking the guests had an idea they were already doomed and our school won. Maybe that's why Ryder didn't seem to mind spending over three hours with me at the mall, before I headed home and he came back to do some warm-up.
"You are going to the cabin with them?" Kaylee asked as we headed to my car after the game.
"We have to get our clothes first but yeah. Why should I be worried about something?"
"Dealing with two drunk Stones? But no worries. As long as Wilder has a girl in his bed he should be fine, Ryder on the other hand, I doubt he'd be doing any much drinking tonight with you around."
"Why would that be? Aren't they planning to unwind?"
"Who says drinking is the only way to unwind?" She said staring me intensely.
"But...oh," I said in realisation before freezing in place as I looked back at her, narrowing my eyes. "What do you want?"
Play on the one thing I mostly dread. Not cool Kaylee, I thought with a roll of my eyes. "Tell me who you are."
"I am Diana," I replied indifferently continuing my way forward and I heard her rushing to keep up.
"But all this, you found out just today and...you have already planned this. You are not just average Diana are you?"
"I am average. Just another girl who found connections with friends. It's nothing illegal." At least when it came to the treatment and the doctor.
"But...how much? I mean I can't allow you to pay for everything, maybe I can..."
"I'm not."
"Excuse me?" She asked as I stopped near my car glancing at my reflection on the tinted windows.
I'd decided to go with comfort over fashionable remembering the hour drive later. Something that even Alice had given a thumbs up on. I wore some light gray yoga pants that outlined my silhouette, matching light gray sports bra, some black trainers and a long sweater that mostly resembled a long coat. In my rush and because of an impatient Kaylee, I hadn't had enough time to dry my hair that had long dried and tucked into a baseball cap Wilder gave me, something along the lines I should have something of his too. When Alice had seen me when we are arrived at school she insisted that no one should be alarmed if Ryder and I disappeared. True to her word, I'd barely gotten into the field when I was dragged off into a secluded area and released only to meet Ryder's frustrated visage. Yeah, he was pretty wary of not being on my side the whole night and it was only after one long make out session that he'd dragged me to the locker room after which I'd texted the others and I was subjected to Kaylee's knowing looks. Eventually I'd discarded my own sweater replacing it with Ryder's jacket.
"I already told you expenses are being taken care of. I'm not paying and neither do you. All you can do is go for the sake of your child. Look you are stubborn I know that and I can be equally stubborn. The choice is yours. If you don't want to I could as well as give the orders for them to..."
"Hey, I thought you were giving me time to make up my mind."
"Well, it's doesn't sound like you want to go," I said raising an eyebrow at her as she shot her eyebrows up in shock.
"No, no. That's not it. I-I just need a little bit of time. I don't want to make rash decisions. I won't ask again I promise," she pleaded and I nodded satisfied when I suddenly felt an intense gaze through my way and I was alert almost immediately as I discreetly glanced around me. Just then someone called out to me and it vanished.
"Finally. Woah...you are a hard person to catch," Jared breathed out panting wildly and I looked at him confused.
"You were looking for me?"
"Uh yeah," he said scratching the back of his head nervously. "Umm, I just wanted you to know, if you're still interested in the club, we would be glad to have you back."
"You want to have me back?" I said frowning at the sudden offer.
"Yes. What happened was just a silly misunderstanding because of some mindless idiots against letting a girl on the team. But you're cool. I personally wouldn't hold it against you if you decide otherwise."
"Oh.."
"Yeah," he said letting out a sigh before suddenly I was hoisted off the ground.
"Sister-in-law. Did you see me!?" Wilder said twirling me and I couldn't stop the squeal from my lips at being caught off guard. If it weren't for the child-like excitement, I saw in him at the moment I would have probably jabbed at his pressure points and I pursed my lips. And now he was in on this too.
'Sister-in-law?' I scoffed inwardly as he put me down and turning a ferocious glare towards Jared and I refrained from pulling him away by the ear. He was here to start trouble but before he spoke I was aware of the presence behind us that made every nerve in my body lit up as if in a chain reaction screaming Ryder and I shivered turning to meet those enchanting blue orbs and I could feel my lips curve up into a slight grin as he walked closer.
"Babydoll," he called out languidly pulling into a kiss by the elbow not giving me any time to react we he slipped an arm around my waist.
"Shouldn't I be initiating the congratulatory kiss?"
"You should," he mumbled against my lips as I aligned my body against his. "But I'm too impatient. My clothes do look better on you."
He said pressing another kiss to my lips as he gripped my chin gently and kissed my cheek.
"Ah, a possessive thing."
"My perceptive babydoll," he said with a knowing smile as he kissed my nose before guiding me back to Jared and Wilder who had moved farther to give us privacy.
"Good game Stone."
Jared spoke first his expression of a nervous assistant conversing with a moody yet aloof boss and I raised an eyebrow in question as Ryder nodded in acknowledgement but didn't speak a word as they stared at one another for a couple of moments as if in silent communication and I felt lost. Looking to Wilder, he didn't seem equally clueless but he wasn't exactly willing to help and I could feel my stomach churn nervously. The few days I'd known Wilder and the few times I saw that serious expression on his face, I knew nothing good would come from this night. Then as fast as it started it ended as I was being flunked by the two brothers as Jared left.
"What was that about?"
"Don't stress about it," Ryder said brushing his lips over the back of the hand entwined with his.
"Yeah, all that matters is you came and we won. Do you think we should finally brand you as the Stone good luck charm?" Wilder exclaimed rubbing his chin thoughtfully and I raised an eyebrow at him. Honestly it could have worked. But just when he'd just about fully distracted me from the issue at hand, his gaze flickered for a brief moment and I could feel myself stiffen.
It suddenly made sense. Why Kaylee and I had been flunked all night in the bleachers? Why I'd seen Jared more times tonight than I have in the past weeks and why he'd let me back in the team? Had I really put my guard down that much in the past month or just enough to trust Ryder that nothing would happen to me? It must have been showing on my face because beside me Ryder sighed before stepping in front of me squeezing my hand in his gently.
"Are you following us or are we meeting later?" He asked staring down at me. In other words, this was code words for later and I pushed away all the questions I had for him.
"Maybe later. I still have to pick up some of my stuff from the house. And I promised Darius I'd stop by," I said and his expression turned sour making me bite down a laugh before pecking his cheek to which he looked contentedly pacified.
"Fine, then I'll see you later?" He asked getting the door for me and I nodded. Before I started my car and they got into their own and we left.