The Same Side (University Park #2) (19 page)

“Um, alright.” I gripped the edge of my sweater and pulled it over my head. He helped me slide it down my arms and then tossed it to the floor. He flashed me a quick smile before a look of disappointment settled onto his face.

“This too.” His palm swept over my stomach, pinching the tight tank top and then releasing it. His hands splayed over my waist and he slowly inched up my cami, making my stomach clench with anticipation.

I winked at him. “Who’s the impatient one now?”

“A guy can only wait so long.” His stare turned hungry and I prayed my body would satisfy his cravings.

“And I’ve made you wait too long?” I teased, gathering the material around my breasts. I squeezed my arms together, giving him a full view of my cleavage.

If only my boobs looked that good without a push up bra.

“Too long.” His eyes sparked with delight and he wet his lips, which told me he was at least somewhat happy with what I had to offer. “But Lexi, you’ve been worth every minute of it.”

My checks flushed with heat and I lifted slightly, removing my tank and letting it fall to the floor. I rested against the couch, keeping one arm tucked behind my head.

“Beautiful.” Raven’s eyes traveled from my eyes to my chest and then to my stomach, widening along the way. “Your body is so beautiful.” His eyes returned to mine.

I shook my head. “It’s nothing like yours.” I slapped my stomach, showing him my little jiggle. “I’m all flabby and you’re like rock hard.”

He traced swirls along my mid-section with the tip of his index finger and my stomach quivered. “That’s how women are supposed to be. Soft and silky.” His hand glided up my stomach and over my left breast, where he gave a slight squeeze. “And believe me, I like it.”

He lowered his head and pressed a kiss to the hollow of my neck before continuing to pepper soft pecks all over my chest. I drove my fingers through his short hair, pulling him closer to me as he worked his way toward my breasts. His hand slipped behind me and in one quick pinch, he unfastened my bra. Placing both of his hands on my shoulders, he eased the straps down and slipped it off. Internally, I cringed, only relaxing when he said, “You’ve been hiding those from me this whole time?”

I titled my head to the side, not knowing how to respond. Dare I tell him my mom had brainwashed me to never let guys see them? He’d laugh at me. “Sorry.” I wrapped my arms around my stomach, covering my breasts slightly. A guy had never seen me without a bra. This was so nerve wracking and scary.

His fingers laced around my arms and he lowered them, exposing me fully. “Don’t ever be afraid to show me what God has given you.” He placed my hands around his neck and lowered against me. Flesh to flesh, his skin seared mine, and my eyes fluttered to a close. We kissed until our lips were raw and our mouths were dry. I couldn’t get enough of him.

His taste.

His touch.

His body.

It was what I had been missing all these years. Raven filled every void, every hole, and every missing piece. I just hoped I did the same for him.

When his hand dropped to the button on my jeans, I froze. Was I really ready to do this?

Hell yeah!

He stalled and then looked at me. “Don’t be nervous, baby.” His lips brushed against mine and I inhaled his tantalizing scent. “If I do anything that doesn’t feel good or hurts you, just tell me and I’ll stop.”

I nodded, unable to swallow the huge lump in my throat.

I can’t believe this is finally happening!

“Okay. But I have no idea what to do.” I wanted to strip his jeans from his body and explore him further, but I reminded myself to keep calm and not get ahead of myself. I didn’t want Raven to think I was another one of his sex-crazed hoes, even though I silently wanted to be.

“Don’t worry. I’ll show you what to do.” His tongue slid into my mouth and I received it willingly. Our tongues fused together in a free spirit that no force could break apart. He was shaping and fastening me quickly, and even though I knew I needed to follow his steps, I couldn’t stop myself from coming on to him. Errantly, my body refused to obey my mind and I knew he had me in his trap for good. One thing was certain; I wasn’t playing in the peewee leagues anymore. I had made it to the pros.

“Are you ready for me show you what it feels like to feel like you’re on top of the world?”

“I already am.” I pawed at his chest, feeling the tiger in me come alive.

Raven chuckled low in his throat. “Baby, this is nothing.”

Holy shit!

Was Raven referring to what he had told me last night? Even though I had been drunk, I knew what I wanted. I wanted to wrap myself completely around his body. I was ready for him to take me. And this time, I wasn’t drunk.

I bit down on my lip, leaned forward, and whispered in his ear. “If you’re asking me what I think you are, then the answer is yes. I’m ready to go all the way.”

“Are you sure?” He stilled, his body hovering inches above mine. “Because I can wait.”

I shook my head. “I don’t think I can wait any longer.”

“Good, because neither can I.”

Σ

Chapter 12

I felt so beautiful next to Raven. Chills poured over me as he traced his finger on my bare back, altering my body to a new and undiscovered sense I had never experienced before. Having sex with Raven was beyond incredible. Magical in every way possible. I never imagined that losing my virginity would feel that good. He definitely knew how to satisfy every need, every desire, in every way possible, and I knew I’d never be the same again.

I liked it.

I wanted more of it.

But the clock flashed ten minutes after midnight and I had to get home. In the faint distance, I heard my phone vibrating and I knew it was my mom.

“Raven?” I raked my nails through his hair, rubbing his head in short strokes.

“Yeah?” He kept his fingers pressed to my skin, continuing to skim unknown patterns on me.

“What are you drawing on my back?”

“Plays,” he replied with an impish grin on his face.

“What kind of plays?”

“Winning ones.” His head lifted slightly. “And they have you in them.”

Excitement bubbled in me. “I’m glad I can be a part of them.”

“Me, too.”

Silence filled the air as he continued imprinting his mark on me. No doubt, I was totally in The Raven’s trap. But I couldn’t help but wonder what that looked like. Raven and me together. I cleared my throat a few times, trying not to spoil the mood. “It’s after midnight and I know my mom is probably freaking out. I really need to go.”

The moonlight filtered in through the window, casting a glow across his bare body. Raven was so damn sexy. I had to blink a few times because I really couldn’t believe I was next to him. I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to stay naked with him in bed forever. His fingers slowed as his eyes met mine. Sadness filled them and a level of pain struck the center of my chest. “Do you really have to go?”

Did he want me to stay the night with him? “Well, I—”

“I can’t believe I’m about to say this.” He latched onto a lock of my hair and wrapped it around his finger in slow turns. “I was hoping you might want to stay with me tonight.” He inclined his head and anticipation filled his eyes. “That is, if you want to.”

Raven wanted me spend the night with him.

In his bed.

A rush filtered through me and my jaw trembled as I opened my mouth. Was he serious? I tried to answer him but the words caught low in my throat.

“Yes. I do.” I about screamed for joy.

Aside from his thrilling question, I couldn’t help but focus on his first statement. It twisted in my head and I told myself not to go there, not ruin the moment, but it refused to leave my curious mind alone. Was I just another play in Raven’s playbook? “As long as you’re sure you really want me to.”

He continued twirling my hair around his finger. “I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t mean it.”

“Do girls typically stay with you?” I blurted and then buried my head in the pillow, wishing I could take it back.

Idiot!

My hair slipped from his fingers and I turned to see his reaction. He rose to his forearms and his head hung low, nearly touching the bed. “Look, Lexi, I’m not really proud of my past, but I’m trying hard not to be that person anymore.”

For a brief moment, I wanted to slap myself. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to shame you.” I placed my hand on his back and tried to pull him close to me. He didn’t move at first, keeping his body firmly in place. But when I wrapped my leg around him, he shifted his body until he faced me.

“It’s okay.” Sincerity laced his voice and I knew he meant what he said, but it didn’t change the fact that I hated myself for making him feel bad about his past.

“I’m just a little scared.” I trailed a finger between his pecks, following the thin line of hair that disappeared beneath the sheets. I stopped near his navel before I lost my train of thought. “I’m afraid that one day you’re going to tell me that you don’t want to be with me anymore.”

“Lexi, the last thing I want to do is hurt you.” He laid his hand on top of mine, pressing it firmly against his heart. “There’s something in here that’s drawing me directly to you and I’m not going to ruin whatever it is.” The thumping of his heart pulsated against my palm and I felt myself drawn to him more.

Tears lingered on the rims of my eyes but I managed to keep them at bay. “That’s all I’m asking for, and I want us to trust each other.”

He lifted my hand and pressed his lips to my palm. “I’ll prove to you that I’m worthy of your trust.” His eyes closed for a brief moment and then rested on mine. “Look, I’m in unchartered territory, just like you. But there’s no one else I’d rather be with.”

Was Raven admitting to me that he was scared? Admitting that he didn’t need all those hoes? That he only needed me? This guy was more than I could handle. His trap was totally making me fall for him deeper than I had ever thought I would. Apparently, he was just as nervous as I was.

“Then we’ll take it one step at time.” I placed my hand on his cheek and pressed my lips to his in a gentle kiss. “There’s no rush.”

His lips spread into a grin and my heart soared. Was I actually what Raven wanted and more? I tried not to get overly excited, but it was hard keeping my emotions under control.

“That might be a little difficult.”

I felt the air leave my lungs.
So much for wishful thinking.

“I’m a big guy, I’m known to take big steps.” He traced my lips with the tip of his finger. “Do you think you can keep up with me?”

“As long as you allow me to, I’ll try my best.” I slipped my tongue across his finger and it awoke every taste bud in my mouth. A low moan escaped him and I knew he was hooked on me, too. There was no turning back now. I had to keep up with him. Even if I died trying.

“Good.” He rolled on top of me, encapsulating me with his strong arms. “Because I’m not done with making you feel beautiful.” My body fell limp and there was no point in resisting him. But, I didn’t want to. In deliberate, slow movements, he kissed my forehead, the tip of my nose, and then my lips. He suckled my lower lip and my back arched, pressing me into him further. His lips molded to mine and I took all of him in, one piece at a time. My body was on fire for him. Heat, want, need, and desire had me ready to combust. There was only one thing that would put out the fire.

Raven.

I wanted him to pour himself all over me. Soak up every piece of him until he was part of me. Forever.

***

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Raven set my phone next to me on the bed. Muscles flexed with each movement and he looked so damn hot in his boxer briefs. His thighs were molded to perfection and I had to pinch myself just to make sure I hadn’t dreamed the whole thing. Raven was one sexy babe and we had just spent half the night making love to each other.

“Good morning, baby.” He pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Did you sleep well?”

I nodded. Raven had rendered me speechless by the work of his hands, the tenderness of his touch, and sweet words of his affection. My body hummed with a level of happiness and satisfaction that went beyond words. Chords of joy played over and over in my head and my body was singing an entirely new tune. Last night had changed it all. Nothing would ever be the same again. Raven was a part of me now; a piece I knew I couldn’t live without.

“Are you hungry?” He sat on the bed and placed an arm over me. His body hovered close to mine, causing a rush of emotions to filter through me. I had to remind myself to take it slow. Being with him made my hormones soar. I was ready for him to take me again, and again, and again.

“Yes.” I swallowed hard, trying to moisten my parched throat. “What time is it?” I held the sheet to my chest as I tried to turn to see the time.

“It’s almost noon,” Raven replied, not allowing me much room to move. But I didn’t mind. “And your phone’s been going crazy.”

“Oh, wow. I didn’t realize it was so late.”

“I don’t have much in the fridge, but let me see what I can put together.” He gave me a quick peck on the lips and then crawled out of bed.

“Thanks.” I sighed, glancing at the reminder that my time with Raven would soon be ending. At least temporarily. I always looked forward to Christmas break, but I wished we could skip it and dive right into spring semester just so I could be with Raven. Going home would make it difficult to see each other and I honestly didn’t know how long I could go without being with him. I was a lost cause.

Raven opened his dresser drawer and pulled out a pair of Star Wars fleece pants. I lifted up on my forearms to catch a full view of his perfect bubble butt that tensed as he bent to slip them on. I could watch him get dressed and undressed all day. The scene was deific.

He turned and faced me, quickly tying the strings into a perfect bow. The pants sat low on his waist, just below the indentions of his pelvic bone. Knowing what laid under those Death Stars made me want to take the ends of the drawstring in my mouth and pull them off. I was quickly transforming in to a sex-crazed girl and the more I tried not to think about him, the more I did. “I’ll call you when it’s ready.” He left the room and my head hit the pillow.