And he did go slow, taking his time to drive me to heights of ecstasy I’d never even imagined. He gave me two mind-blowingorgasms with his fingers alone, leaving me dazed and wondering how the hell he found all the right spots with such precision.
When he finally positioned himself between my legs, I was sure I looked at him as if he were God’s gift to women. He eased into me, keeping our eyes locked. There was a pressure and stretch that made my toes curl and my eyes squeeze shut. He stilled instantly, dropping his forehead to rest on mine. He didn’t move until I opened my eyes and wiggled beneath him.
Lifting himself, he gazed at me. “Better?” The fine sheen of sweat on his forehead and his tight expression told me how much restraint he’d exercised to ensure my comfort.
My heart melted. Running my palms over his chest and shoulders, I nodded. “Keep going.”
He did. Carefully at first, with small, shallow motions. Gradually, we both let go and got lost in each other. We both came as if our bodies were in tune. It was beautiful, and I felt so loved and cherished. I didn’t regret waiting to get my firsteverythingfrom Lincoln. He was perfect…wewere perfect together.
He held me close until I descended back to earth from cloud nine.
“Ava?”
“Hmm?” I was too satiated to speak at first.
“Are you okay?”
“More than okay,” I said drowsily.
He moved, rolling us over, so that he hovered over me again. Propping himself up on one arm, he gazed down at me with open adoration. Tracing his thumb over my lower lip and then my chin, he said, “I’m going to love you forever, Ava.”
I stared into his eyes, practically drowning in the sea of green. I smiled, feeling as if I’d won the boyfriend lottery. I believed him…
Until I found out later that he’d lied. I had floated on a cloud of bliss for the entire summer, and then, out of nowhere, Lincoln blindsided me and broke my heart. So much for loving me forever…
10
AVA
Present
I threw myself into work. If I kept busy, I wouldn’t have time to think about anything. I became Jaden’s shadow, ever a few steps behind, taking in every aspect of his life. It was more fun than I thought it would be. As a non-sports person, part of me was convinced the job would be tedious. I was pleasantly surprised to be having fun… for the most part.
I let loose and relaxed until Lincoln showed up. He tended to show up everywhere. He hadn’t tried to talk to me about what had happened in Jaden’s kitchen three days ago. Now, when we saw each other, all he did was give me a polite greeting. He was giving me what I’d asked for—for him to leave me alone. Yet Istillgot emotionally riled up by just the sight of him. I might need help. Right now wasn’t the time to dwell on any of that.
“So what the heck is a preseason fan fest?” I asked.
Jaden laughed as he grabbed his duffel bag and locked his SUV. “Think of it as football Disneyland without the rides, just a bunch of sweaty guys and screaming fans.”
He laughed harder at my scrunched-up expression. The place was already buzzing with energy—tents lined the perimeter, booths sold team merch, and food trucks were scattered about. There was music, and I was sure I heard a cheer squad somewhere.
“Players sign autographs, take selfies, do interviews,” Jaden explained, slinging his bag over one shoulder. “There’s a question-and-answer panel later, and some of us are doing a skills demo with kids. It’s mostly PR.”
I scanned the crowd. “Sounds overwhelming.”
“It can be, but it’s mostly fun. I like doing things for the fans, you know? We’re nothing without them, right? Have to show appreciation.”
I smiled. “You were raised right, Jaden Cole.”
He grinned. “Are you going to put that in the article?”
“I most certainly am, in a more wordy and creative way.”
We both laughed as we neared the crowd. Unfortunately, we had to walk through it to get inside the stadium. I kept my bag and press badge close. Jaden was immediately recognized—fans called his name, held out phones, and asked for autographs. He handled it with ease. I trailed behind him, snapping candids and taking notes. I especially liked how he engaged with the kids.
My gaze wandered to the entrance, where security was. Lincoln was there, of course. He stood with his arms crossed, scanning the crowd. His eyes met mine for only half a second but long enough to make my stomach flip. He looked away and then turned to go inside.
I brought my attention back to Jaden, who was now crouched beside a kid in a wheelchair, signing a jersey and making the boy laugh. My heart softened.
