The Next Contestant (29 page)

I DISMISS JAX
and head into the shower. Washing off all the sand and grime from the ocean water, I take extra time to shave my very tanned skin, and other parts, baby smooth. I’m still tired but feel a little spark of energy after I towel off, slather on some vanilla body sugar, and put on my lacy thong that ties on each side of my hips. I use his blow dryer and comb to straighten my hair but it turns out wavy. Looking at my reflection, my blue eyes stand out against my sun-kissed face and my lips seem redder, fuller.

Then I wonder what it is with guys and, well! I don’t know how I feel about Jax wanting to go
there
! I mean, don’t guys care if there’s anything up there? No way. I’d have to use an enema or something if I were to consider letting him explore that part of my anatomy.

I don’t know why, but my belly stirs with the idea of spending another night with Jax.

The smell of Pizza has my stomach growling. I find my way into the kitchen and see he already has it cooked and cut in big slices.

We eat, sneak glances at each other, smirk, and then polish off the pizza. By the time we clean up the kitchen, every muscle in my body feels very tired. I’m having a hard time keeping my eyes open and I can’t stop yawning.

I catch Jax yawning too. He catches me watching him, grabs my hand, and leads me upstairs.

I crawl into bed and once my head hits the pillow, I fall fast, and hard, into a deep sleep.

The following morning, I wake to an empty bed. I crawl out and head to the bathroom. After combing through my messy hair, I brush my teeth, get dressed, and pack my clothes into the pink duffle bag Jax bought me.

Jax is in the kitchen sitting at the table. He’s already made bacon, eggs, and hash browns.

Glancing up at me, he points to the empty seat where a cup of coffee and a plate awaits me.

He’s unusually silent as we finish our breakfast. When I stand and begin to clean up, he stops me.

“Don’t worry about it. We have to get going. I have practice at noon today.” His tone is… guarded.

Wow. Talk about a mood killer. Is he that anxious to get rid of me? “Okay. My bag is packed so I’m ready whenever you are.” I walk toward the steps and grab my bag. Without looking at him, I pass him at the door leading to the garage. He grasps my arm and it startles me.

Without a word, he presses his body against mine, pinning me against the door. I stare into his eyes and there is a wealth of emotions passing through them, but what exactly? Reaching up, he gently strokes my cheek. Then he traces the bow of my lips with his thumb.

“I’m not ready to let you go,” he whispers, his voice raw.

My heart aches at his words. The double entendre is not lost on me. Let me go, or let me go as in he’s had his way with me and now we’re done? I’m so confused but I can’t ask him. I just can’t. Instead, I turn away from him.

“We don’t have a choice. It’s getting late and you have a game. We better leave now.” That’s all I can manage without breaking down and sobbing in front of him.

Grabbing my hand, he leads me to the car, opens the door, and belts me in. He stands there, leaning inside, and then he kisses my forehead before he finally moves back, shuts my door, and slides into his seat.

It’s so quiet, the only sound is the tread of the wheels buzzing on the road. I stare out the window, depressed over the change in Jax. What happened to the fun, passionate Jax I’d come to know over the weekend?

Jax is disturbingly silent. Every time I glance over at him, his jaw is tight and he’s gripping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles are white. I dread going back, being separated from him but is he feeling the same way or is something else bothering him?

I don’t dare ask, certain my heart will shatter if he gives me the wrong answer.

I CAN’T STOP
thinking about Kimber, our weekend together, and I can’t wait until we will be able to sneak away again.

I get home and none other than Kolby is sitting in the kitchen as I step through the front door.

“Have a nice weekend, did you?” he says a bit suspiciously as he eyes me warily.

“Yup.” I attempt to move to the steps but Kolby is up and out of his seat before I get there.

“Tell me, buddy,” he pats my back rather hard. “Where’d you go… and with who, unannounced?”

Fuck. “Wasn’t aware I had to get permission to leave.” I shove his hand off my shoulder.

“Funny how you disappeared all weekend and my sister was unreachable as well. Didn’t spend a single night over the weekend in her dorm. And nobody seems to know where she went.”

He’s pissing me the fuck off. “Not my problem.” I push past him and head upstairs.

“Let’s hope not. I’d sure hate to lose a brother for breaking his oath,” he says snidely. “Funny, your bitch of a girlfriend was looking for you. Says she texted you all weekend and got no response. Also says she’s noticed you eye fucking my sister.”

I stop, drop my bag, and storm toward the edge of the stairs. “Ever think I left for the weekend to get away from
her
? She’s a pain in my fucking ass. A bitch of a girlfriend as you put it. As for eye fucking your sister, you tell me who in this house hasn’t eye fucked her? Tell me, asshole, was that part of the oath because if it was, you didn’t make that clear.” I want to punch that smug smirk off his face.

“Good point. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt since I have no proof of yours or her whereabouts. So help me god if I find out differently. By the way, practice is cancelled if you haven’t heard.” Kolby swiftly turns and storms out the front door.

I lock myself in my room and lie on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Maybe I should try talking to my father again. Explain to him what this girl means to me. I don’t want to sneak around and worry about getting caught. I want to show her off, take her everywhere, spend every goddamn night with her.

The week drags by and my only connection with Kimber is through text messages. Calling her is too risky, especially when I catch Kolby lurking outside my room, obviously spying. Hell, he probably has a hidden microphone and camera in my room to listen in.

We have an out of state game this weekend and it really sucks ass because some of the guys have their girls meeting them at the cabin afterward. I’ll be the only loner, but that’s fine with me. While they’re all drunk off their asses, I’ll step out to call my girl.

IT’S LATE FRIDAY
afternoon and we’re all at the cabin gearing up for the two games we have tonight.

We slaughter the first team we play, and the second team was a complete waste of time. We destroyed them. Honestly, how did either team make it this far?

The folks are here, most of the teams families are here, even Kolby’s, but not my girl. We all head to the local pizza joint to celebrate. When I manage to get my parents alone, after the rest of the team and their families leave, I have a word with them and my situation.

“Jaxson, this is not happening. Do you like your car?”
My father’s brows are furrowed and his lips in a tight seal.

“Yes.”

“Do you like your house?”

Fuck. I can see where he’s going with this. I’m not going to get my way this time.

“Well, do you or don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“And do you want to continue with your sport?” He’s tapping his fingers on the table. Mom just sits there and listens. Always the quiet bystander.

“Yeah, Dad, I do. Forget I asked.”

“You’ve had your fun, Jaxson. You’ve floundered money, partied hard, and I’m certain you’ve wet your dick plenty your first two years of college. You’ll stay put, fraternity included, for the remainder of the year, or I’ll have no choice but to cut you off. I’m not budging on this, not this time, Son. Don’t ask again.”

I shove out of my seat, no longer wanting to be in their company.

I’m fucked. Without his support, I’ll have to give up soccer and get a job in order to pay for my living expenses and tuition. I can’t give up my sport. I’ve lived most of my life for this, but my dad doesn’t seem to give a shit.

My parents drop me off at the cabin, Dad making sure to give me a pat on the shoulder with his parting words. “I know you won’t disappoint me.”

I leave my parents without a backward glance and enter the cabin.

The guys are all pumped because we won both of our games. While they’re all slamming shots and partying, their girls at their sides, I pass on the drinks and head to my room. I’m in no mood to hang out with any of them, especially Kolby. I’d rather be out somewhere with Kimber, but that’s not an option.

I take a quick shower, towel off, and throw on my sliders before crawling into bed.

I call Kimber and detail my evening. Then I beg and finally persuade her to agree to phone sex.

“Take all your clothes off.”

“Okay, hold on.” I hear ruffling in the background and know she’s stripping. “Um, I’m undressed and lying in bed.”

I shove my sliders over my hard shaft. “I’m crawling up between your legs. Touch your thighs, Kimber. Are you touching them?”

“Yes,” she whispers.

“Spread your legs apart. Slowly drag both hands to the apex of your thighs.”

“Uh-huh.”

“You’re hands are not your hands. They’re mine. Envision me cupping you there. Are you feeling me?”

“Yes, just keep talking, telling me what to do. I’ll do it so don’t break the moment with questions because it breaks my concentration.”

I chuckle lightly. “Yes ma’am. I’m cupping your pussy. Slide one hand down further, and slowly rub your clit. I’m circling, pinching, and rubbing it harder. God, I love your naked pussy. My middle finger slowly slips down, down, and now it’s inside of you. So tight, so wet… Mm,” I groan at the image, the feel of her walls tight and wet around my digit.

Kimber is panting, but I can tell she’s trying to keep me from hearing her. “Don’t drop the phone from your lips. I want to hear you, hear your pleasure because I’m so fucking hard right now, cuffing myself in my hand. I’m slipping another finger inside of you but now I’m pumping them in and out. God, I love the sound of you, wet against my fingers.”

I’m quiet momentarily, listening to her and I can tell she’s doing as instructed. Her fingers are inside her channel. If only I could see it.

“Spread your legs wider. I’m pressing my dick at your entrance. I’m dying to be inside. I’m pushing further… further… deeper… I’m filling you completely. I’m holding still but I can hardly take it any longer. My pace is picking up…. in… out, faster, harder… I’m pounding into you harder and deeper. Baby, pump harder because I’m thrusting deep within you. You feel so fucking good…” I’m about ready to lose it. I stroke my shaft harder. I hear her moan rather loudly. My voice comes out, the words rushed. “I’m right there with you, losing myself in… you,” I grunt and then I cum.

There is nothing but her and I panting our release. After my heart stops racing and my breath evens out, I whisper to her, “Did you?”

“Yes,” she whispers back.

“Was it as good for you as it was for me?”

“Yes, but not the same as the real you. You do so much better than my own fingers,” she says shyly. “I miss you.”

“God, I miss you too. Shit! I have to go. Someone is unlocking the door.”

“Okay. Talk to you soon. Bye.”

I hate that I had to disconnect with her. I bury my phone under my pillow, quickly drag the covers over my body, and feign sleep, adding a few snores to make it look good.

Someone touches my forehead.

I shoot straight up. “What the fuck?”

Kolby laughs as he stares down at me.

“Dude, are you fucking queer? Touching me like that?” I punch Kolby in the arm.

“No, dickhead. Nothing queer here. Just making sure you’re alive. Go back to sleep, princess.” He chuckles as he heads out of the room.

“Fuck off,” I yell after him.

I wake early the following morning. We have four games today so I head into the kitchen and make a healthy breakfast. Eggs, bacon, toast, and a cup of orange juice.