I stuff my hands into my pant pockets, walking a few paces behind them.
When the little cheerleader that’s been marathoning inside of my mind for the last few months extended the invite while batting her lashes and giving me those big brown eyes, I was done for.
My sister insisting I join was the final nail in the coffin. Mom and Dad used to say I was a sucker where Michaela was concerned. I could never say no to her.
And Michaela was right. We hadn’t hung out together in forever. Most of that was of her own making, but I wasn’t going to remind her. I’m choosing to turn over a new leaf and worktowards a future where we’re actually in each others’ lives…because I’ve missed her.
Before heading to the ceramic café, Marlow and Michaela insisted we try the new ice cream parlor that opened up down the block. I waved them off, since I don’t consume sweets. But I still paid for their cones.
I’m ashamed to say that I secretly watched Marlow behind my aviator shades as she heartily licked her two scoops of bubble gum flavoured ice cream. Pure need erupted inside of me at that moment. I continuously imagined how her pink tongue would look lapping at my cock as she kneeled at my feet, her pretty manicured hand wrapping around my nine-inches. That visual would play in my mind tonight as I fucked myself in the shower.
Lust aside, what really worries me is how much I want to get to know Marlow. What makes her smile and laugh. What her hobbies are. What’s her life story? Everything that lies behind that shiny exterior and makes her sparkle like a rare jewel.
She’s the first woman to genuinely pique my interest in years and make me want to come out of my shell and live life again.
If it weren’t for the way she watched me while sipping the coffee I prepared for her, I wouldn’t ever believe that Marlow would want anything to do with me.
Except the attraction was evident on her face.
The blush on her cheeks. The low-lidded blue eyes. The bite of her bottom lip. The shifting in her seat like she was slick between her thighs and needed a man—me—to slake her appetite.
Fuck, she’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen and I want her so fucking bad.
But I can’t.
Wecan’t.
She’s Michaela’s best friend. Beyond that, she’s a college cheerleader for the same football team that I coach. If people gotwind of the fact that we got our hands on each other, even if she’s not my student, it wouldn’t be good for either of our reputations. I wouldn’t lose my job and Marlow wouldn’t lose her position on the team, but still.
In this society, men rarely take the heat for any of their fuckups and I’ll be damned if Marlow gets any shit for getting involved with me.
The ceramic café is as predicted, inviting and boasting big groups, including birthday parties. There’s only two places where I feel at ease: my home and the football field. But I give myself A+ for coming here and stepping out of my comfort zone.
After being given instructions and picking out mugs, we’re situated at a table by the corner, near a window with a street-view. Marlow and Michaela sit across from each other and after a few seconds of contemplation, I slide into the seat next to Marlow.
“No one talk to me,” Michaela says, shoving her headphones on and blaring some music. “It’ll ruin my creative flow. I’m determined to make this mug my best one yet.”
With that, Michaela is in her own bubble and no longer paying attention to us, a frown etched on her face as she begins designing pointe shoes on her mug.
Amused, I shake my head and Marlow gives her the two finger salute. “Ai, ai, captain.”
Then Marlow leans into my space to bring the brushes and paints closer to her, her elbow almost touching mine on the table. Her floral and candy perfume strikes me and I bite back a groan.
I want to bottle up that scent and keep it with me forever.
As if she can hear my thoughts and feel my stark craving, Marlow beams at me. “Have you decided what to paint?”
I’d like to paint my cum all over your gorgeous body and kiss your mouth to taste that bubble gum flavor, baby.
“No,” I rasp. Thank fuck we’re seated and there’s a table hiding the stiffening in my jeans. “Maybe a football field.”
Marlow’s laugh is low and bell-like, reminding me of the wind chimes I’ve hung in my backyard, the ones that sway gently in the summer breeze. My throat tightens. Everything about her is soft, kind, and warm. Like sunshine. The kind where you just want to lounge underneath a spring afternoon and soak up all the rays.
“Another sports memorabilia item, huh?” she teases. “Typical man.”
I lick my bottom lip, starving for her. “Come closer to me and say that again.”
I don’t know what possesses me to say that to her. But she doesn’t heed my playful warning. Her own eyes widen and sparkle with an…understanding.
