“Jesus, Syd.” He rests his brow against mine as his arms snake around my waist, and he pulls me in flush to his body. Rolling his hips, he pushes his hard-on against me. “See what you do to me? I’m like this all the time. When we’re not together, I’m jerking off to thoughts of you. I want you so badly, but I don’t want your dad to hate me either.”
“You do realize this is totally warped, right?” I ease my head back a little to stare into his gorgeous big blue eyes. “I shouldn’t have to convince you. No other guy your age would give a flying fuck what my father says. They’d just do me.”
A muscle pops in his jaw. “Don’t fucking say that! I’m trying to do the right thing!”
“No, you’re not.” I grab hold of his ass and thrust my weeping pussy against the bulge in his jeans. “You’re letting my father dictate our relationship. Fuck him! He doesn’t get to do that. It’s none of his damn business.”
“It is when you’re not legal! You’re still a minor under his care.”
I bolt upright, incensed beyond belief. “Do you even hear yourself, Jared? What the actual fuck? No one in our year is legal, and they’re all fucking like bunnies! Who gives a shit? It. Doesn’t. Matter.” Hurt settles on my chest. “Just admit you don’t want me like that if that’s the truth, but stop hiding behind my dad.” I jump off the bed as Jared lunges for me.
A yelp flees my lips as he manhandles me onto the bed and crawls over me. Anger flares in his eyes mixed with heat. “If you wanted to make me mad, consider it an achievement. Don’t you ever fucking doubt how much I want you and love you. And don’t you ever compare us to anyone else at school. We aren’t like any other couple.” His fingers caress the skin on my face as the hard edge of his anger fades from his eyes. “We’re forever, Sydney. It’s you and me for life, baby. We’re making memories, and I only want them to be the best ones.”
The red haze coating my eyes and infiltrating my veins dissipates with his words. It’s so hard to stay angry at him when he woos me with his dreamy words and heartfelt promises. “I just want to be as close to you as humanly possible. I want to know what it’s like to feel you moving inside me. I can’t wait until we’re seventeen. I’ll self-combust before then.”
Laughter rumbles from his chest. “Are you sure you want to be an artist, because drama seems to be in your blood.”
I stick my tongue out, and he chuckles.
His face dissolves with love. “I love you, Sydney Shaw. To infinity and forever.” He kisses me softly, and I drag my fingers through his silky hair.
We kiss leisurely for a few minutes with him lying carefully on top of me, propping most of his weight on his arms. Jared rolls off me a few minutes later when our kissing grows in intensity. Lying on his side, he tangles his fingers in mine and briefly kisses my swollen lips. “Let’s wait until your birthday. If you still want it, we’ll do it then.”
My eyes pop wide with excitement. “You mean it?”
“Yes. It’s not easy for me either, you know. I’m trying to be a gentleman.”
“I don’t want you to be a gentleman. I want you to be the devil. I want you to act out every dark fantasy on my body.”
“Fucking hell, babe.” Jared adjusts himself behind his jeans, and I pout when he pops the button back into place. “I’m going to make a mess in my boxers.”
“I can help with that.” I palm his junk again.
“As much as I’d love that, we can’t.” He removes my hand, and I scowl. “It’s too risky with the rents downstairs.”
I hate he’s right. Mostly, we fool around on Saturdays when the house is empty save for the staff. Dad always goes out with the Kings and their extended network of friends on Saturday nights. Oldies are so predictable.
“You are too honorable, Jared King,” I say, taking his hand and pressing a kiss to his palm. “But I guess I shouldn’t be complaining. I could be stuck with a cheating asshole like Anvil.” Dropping his hand, I turn over and haul ass off the bed.
“I love the guy like a brother, but Cay needs to kick him to the curb. If she doesn’t do it, I’m liable to start a war with the guy.” He stands, yawning as he stretches his arms over his head.
“I am encouraging her to cut him loose, but she has to make the decision.” I skip over to his side. “I have something for you.”
“It’s not my birthday for another seven weeks.” He pins me with a goofy, boyish smile that takes me back in time. An abundance of childhood memories floats through my mind, reminding me of all the happy times I’ve shared with this guy.
Tears prick my eyes as emotion lays siege to me. I wrap my arms around him and rest my head on his chest. “I love you, J. I love you so, so much. I don’t think you properly understand it.”
“Syd. I get it. I feel the same way too. I have never been more connected to any soul the way I am to you. You’re my everything.” He holds me close, and we don’t speak for a few minutes as the emotion of the moment affects both of us.
He tips my head back a couple minutes later. “What do you have for me?” Blue eyes flash with excitement, and I fall in love with him all over again.
Reluctantly, I shuck out of his embrace. “I’ve been working on this at Jade’s. I didn’t want to say anything until it was done.” I place my hands over his eyes. “Close your eyes, and don’t open them until I tell you.”
Jared complies, and I race into my closet where I stowed the painting earlier. Carrying the easel out to my bedroom, I position it in the center of the room, checking to ensure my boyfriend isn’t peeking as I angle it where the light is best. Nerves fire at me, and a messy ball of emotion clogs my throat.
I really hope he likes it.
I put a ton of hours and effort into it, and I’m thrilled with the result.
