Drifting into Darkness (31 page)

I opened my eyes and raised my hands to his face. The feeling that I’d felt before was in the pit of my stomach; the feeling that this was meant to be. And somehow, even though I’d only known him for over a month, I knew deep down it was true. “You don’t look freaked out at all.”

His lips curved into a smirk before they were smashed against mine. Our tongues were tangled in a soft passionate kiss, while his hands slid down my arms, past my waist. He gripped my ass as he brought me closer to his body, causing me to gasp into his mouth. I could feel how hard he was as he pulled me as close as he could possibly get me. My mind whirled with hunger to feel him and it drove me to rock my hips against him.

He made me feel so much in my heart and mind that I needed to be close to him this way. I needed to feel that connection we both shared in a more intimate way.

I pulled back from him, breathing heavily, and grinned at what I was about to say. “I’m ready.”

He grinned with me and captured my lips with his as he made his way out of the pond. I wrapped my arms around his neck and tightened my legs around his waist to ensure I wouldn’t fall.

Slowly, he lowered me down to the blanket, breaking the kiss. The way he was looking at me caused chills to flow through my body. It was hard for me to think that I met him a little over a month ago, yet there I was, falling for him. It was so much to take in, but I wanted to cherish this moment forever.

He didn’t say a word as he reached behind my neck and back to untie the strings to my bikini. I just laid there, watching his every move as he kept his eyes firmly on mine. My breaths were coming faster as he looked me over in the daylight. I wondered what must have been going through his mind as he trailed his fingertips down the center of my chest to my belly button. And as if reading my mind, he softly said, “You’re beautiful, sunshine,” before leaning down to trail kisses from my lips to my breast, softly kissing and sucking each one as if he had all the time in the world.

I raised my hands and ran them through his hair as I gasped and moaned softly with every touch. He was nibbling, biting, and causing my lower half to clench with need. I could feel it pulsating, begging for attention.

Pulling his head up to mine, I kissed him roughly as my hands found their way down to his swim trunks. I was ready to feel him. I needed to feel him. That feeling of love in my stomach was driving my need for that connection, causing me to feel emotional. I’d never felt like that before. It was like I was making love for the first time. Maybe I was. Maybe this is what I was meant to have.

Running his hand down my waist, he gripped onto the strings of my bottoms and pulled them loose as our kissing grew more intense. He sucked my tongue and bit at my lips as I hurriedly tried to remove his shorts, using my feet to pull them down.

He broke the kiss and laughed at my actions as he pulled my bottoms out from under my butt and then kicked off his shorts.

Looking down at me, he settled himself in-between my legs. Just looking up at him, I could see it. It was exactly like he said. I could see my future with him. It was the craziest thing that had ever occurred to me, but it was there.

Sliding my hands up his back, he lowered his mouth to mine and kissed me softly as he slowly eased his way into me.

I gasped into his mouth as each inch filled me and I adjusted to his size. He pulled back and looked down at me as his hips rocked back and forth. I moaned every time his pelvis hit my core. I knew it wouldn’t be long before he took me over the edge, clenching around him with every thrust. I could tell he felt it because he groaned as soon as I clenched over him. He rocked faster against me, making sure to grind his hips into my core.

My mouth hung open with the intensity of the moment. “Oh, God, Landon,” I moaned as I squeezed my legs around his waist and grabbed onto his ass. Pulling him closer to me, I lifted my hips with every thrust, ensuring he would hit the spot. And he did.

I closed my eyes, tilting my head back as the feeling of ecstasy flowed through me over and over again. I was gripping him tightly as he pounded into me a few more times before his face scrunched up with a groan. He rocked into me softly as he rested his forehead against mine.

We lay there unmoving, not saying a word; his labored breath tickling at my neck. My legs still wrapped firmly around his waist. I didn’t want to let go and break the moment. I could still feel him hard inside me and I contemplated rocking my hips against him again, but I was starting to get hot.

I rubbed my fingertips up and down his back and was about to speak when he beat me to it. He pulled back and looked at me, biting his lip. “I hate to bring this up now, but…I didn’t use a condom.”

I should have been scared out of my mind or yelling at him, but it was just as much my fault as it was his. “I’ve been on the pill for a couple of years and I’m clean.”

He sighed, and rested his forehead against mine. I had a feeling he was relieved to hear it. I was glad I was on the pill too, because I was in no way ready for kids. We’d have to be more careful in the future. I always used double protection, pill and condom.

“I’ve never gone without one before. I don’t know what came over me.” I rubbed my fingers through his hair as he talked until he pulled back to look at me again. “I’m clean too, so I don’t want you to worry.”

I reached up and kissed him softly. “I’m not worried.”

Slowly, he pulled away from me, lying on his back, pulling me with him to rest my head on his chest and entwining our legs. Lifting my arm, I ran my fingertips over his damp chest and tilted my head up to his neck to inhale his spicy scent. Nothing could ever compare to that perfect moment. I knew then that I loved him. I couldn’t picture myself being in anyone else’s arms.

As we lay there, a warm breeze whistled through the tree and I watched as the branches swayed back and forth. “It’s so beautiful out here,” I stated, as I pulled my head back. Our gazes met and he smiled down at me.

“It’s only beautiful because you’re here,” he said sweetly, kissing my forehead.

I lay my head back down on his chest and snuggled closer to him with a smile. He always knew what to say at the right time.

“Are you hungry?” he asked as, as he ran his fingers up and down my arm.

“Yes, I’m starved actually,” I answered and we slowly pulled apart.

Grabbing the tote bag, he pulled out a towel and handed it to me. Then he pulled one out for himself. I dried myself off from the pond water and the sweat, and then cleaned myself up. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of him the whole time we got dressed and I was sure I looked silly with the smile I had plastered on my face.

He opened the cooler and I sat down next to him to watch him spread out our feast. He was so generous to think of food to bring out here. He set the last container down, and then leaned over to kiss me softly. “You’re amazing,” he stated. He pulled away with a smile on his face then handed me a paper plate.

I blushed at his comment and piled food on my plate. “You’re not so bad yourself,” I replied and we both laughed. “So, can you tell me what to expect tonight?” I knew there were three parts to this competition, but I didn’t know everything about it. I only knew what Lisa told me, but she didn’t explain everything very well.

He finished chewing his food and answered. “Well, first we’ll be doing some shots for Devon for the finale of his video. He’ll get me performing before and during the race. He did it last year too. I’ll have to show you the video. Anyway, we go down some back roads to do burnouts, donuts, drifting and some racing. Just to show off for the camera,” he smiled.

I wasn’t too thrilled with the idea, but I guessed boys would be boys. “What happens if you lose though? Will he still use that footage?”

He laughed and shook his head. “I won’t lose,” he stated confidently.

“Overly confident?” I teased as I ate.

He shook his head. “No…smart. I’ve got to think positive so I don’t jinx myself.”

I nodded in understanding. “Gotcha.”

He looked out at the lake and I looked over his profile, remembering I had my sketchpad in my bag. It would be the perfect setting to draw him.

Placing my plate on the blanket, I reached for my bag and pulled it out. He looked down at my hands then up to my eyes.

“Whatcha got there?”

I smiled. “Well, when you saw my drawings you asked me if I drew people. I’ve only done a few here and there, and I’d like to try and draw you if you don’t mind.”

He smiled brightly. “Heck yeah, that’d be awesome.” He looked around the blanket, then back to me. “Where do you want me?”

“Just stay right where you are and look out at the pond.”

“Are you sure?”

I nodded and smiled. “Yeah, I want to get your profile.”

Setting the pad on my lap, I started to sketch him as he leaned back on his elbows and looked out at the pond. Another slight breeze brushed by, causing his dried hair to ruffle. The breeze was nice because we were at the peak heat of the day. I was sure we’d probably jump into the pond one more time before we left.

It took around twenty minutes and eight sheets of paper, but I finally got it right. “Okay, I’m done,” I stated as I finished shading in the last part of his hair. I looked over my work and smiled. It wasn’t a true likeness but it was pretty darn close.

Landon sat up and leaned over to see. “Wow,” he breathed. “That’s really amazing. That looks just like me.”

I laughed. “Yeah, it looks like something,” I joked.

“Wha…”he started before he was tackling me to the ground in a tickle fight. “Oh, you’re getting it now,” he said playfully.

I screamed and laughed as he tickled me until my ribs were red, and I loved every minute of it. It didn’t take long before we were rolling around the blanket with no clothes again, this time, using protection. We cuddled and stared at each other for long periods of time not saying a word, but no words were needed. I looked over every part of him. Memorizing every detail of his body, his face, his hands, everything. And he did the same to me. I’d never had anyone look at me the way he did; I couldn’t help but feel cherished and loved.

We stayed by the lake for another two hours before we finally decided to head back. We needed to shower and relax before the big race that night. Which was a great idea because being in the sun and heat had made me tired like it did almost every other day.

When I finally got home, I sat down on my couch and replayed the day in my head. It was the perfect day with the perfect guy and nothing could wipe that smile from my face.

Twenty

After taking a shower, I relaxed on the couch and watched TV, looking over the sketch I’d done of Landon earlier. I had wanted to take a short nap, but my mind wouldn’t shut off, so I decided to send a quick text to Erin. It had been awhile since I’d talked to her.

Me: Would it be crazy if I told you I’m falling for Landon already?

I received a text back right away.

Erin: Would it be crazy if I said I’m in love with Trent?

I laughed at her reply. It was great news. She hadn’t had the best track record with guys, so for her to actually admit she was in love was a big thing.

Me: OMG I’m so happy for you. Please tell me he feels the same way and I don’t have to beat his ass.

Erin: lol yes, he feels the same way. And OMG to you too. When did this happen? I need details, but I’m working til close. Call me tomorrow?

It was always busy on Friday nights at the ice cream shop.

Me: Yep, I’ll call you first thing. Have a good night.

Erin: You too.

I set my phone and sketchpad down on the table and got up from the couch to get ready. I still had no idea what I wanted to wear. I didn’t want to dress like the race sluts, so I’d have to go with my casual wear, more cutoff jeans and tank tops. Landon found me attractive no matter what I wore, so there was no need for me to glamour it up.

I was just putting the finishing touches on my makeup when I heard a knock at my door. I looked over at the clock and a smile spread across my face. Landon was here.

I scurried to the door and opened it, pulling him in quickly. We were on each other like syrup on hot cakes. We kissed in a frenzy and were pulling at each other’s clothes. It was like our minds shut off to everything else except each other. Or, at least mine did.

“Sadie,” Landon said in a muffled tone as I continued to kiss his lips. “Sadie,” he tried again, as he pushed me back. I looked up at him and tried to catch my breath. “First, I love the way you answer your door and I hope like hell you don’t answer it like that for anyone else. Second, there’s nothing I’d rather do more than to strip these clothes off you and take advantage of you all night long, but I can’t be late.” He grabbed my face and slowly lowered his lips to mine. “But there’s nothing to stop me from doing it after the race,” he mumbled against my lips before kissing me one last time.

Grabbing my phone, I tossed it in my bag and we headed out the door.

“Are we meeting them all at the same gas station?” I asked as we drove out onto the street.

“Yeah, the road we’re going down to film is down that way. Then we’ll head to the track,” he grinned.

He was like a little kid. I could see the excitement written all over his face. “I can see how excited you are.”

He looked at me as we stopped at a red light and smiled. “I am,” he stated. “This is going to be my last race.”

I frowned. “What? Why?” This was his passion. I wouldn’t have thought he’d ever give it up.

He shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s time. I’ll always love working on my car and making it better and faster, but it’s time for me to let it go. If I’m going to go back to school, then I’ll need all my free time for school work and you.”

“But it’s your passion. Won’t you miss it?”