The Freshman (College Years 1)

“You’re really going to leave? You just got here.” He plops down on the edge of the bed, his hands braced behind him, his legs spread wide.

I immediately imagine kneeling before him. Reaching for the fly of his jeans. Undoing it slowly…

I shove the thought out of my brain, contemplating him. He’s tempting. There’s something about him that’s so inviting.

Too inviting, really.

“Thank you for asking me to dinner,” I tell him.

“Thank you for going with me.” Swear to God, he spreads his legs even further.

“I’m going to watch you play Saturday,” I remind him.

“Doubtful, but I’m glad you’re going to the game.”

“If I put it out in the universe, Sorrento, that means it’s going to happen. Quit being such a doubter.” I go to him and give him a gentle swat on his thigh.

It’s as hard as a rock.

“You believe in that sort of thing?” He cocks a brow as I quickly step away.

“For sure.” I nod. “Can’t wait to see your moves on the field.”

“Wait until you see my moves in here.” He sits up, smiling, and pats the mattress.

I laugh, thankful he lightened the mood. The tension was ratcheting up between us. If we were going to stay in here alone much longer, something definitely would’ve happened. “Thank you for the tour of your bedroom. See you Saturday.”

He snags my hand before I can leave, pulling me toward him. I go to him willingly, toppling onto the bed, practically on top of him, and he rolls us both over so we’re laying side by side, our legs dangling off the edge of the mattress.

“Don’t go yet,” he murmurs, reaching for my face. He cups my cheek, those brown eyes scanning my face, landing on my lips. “Stay a few more minutes.”

I stare at him, my gaze searching. His dark eyes. The sharp nose. Cheekbones I want to kiss. Full lips I really want to kiss.

Before I can say anything, his mouth lands on mine. Soft and sweet and oh, so persuasive. I sink into the kiss, opening for him, his tongue sliding against mine almost immediately.

It’s dreamy. Of course kissing Tony is dreamy. I wouldn’t expect anything less. He isn’t too pushy, but he’s not too shy with it either. He kisses and kisses me as if he’s starved and I’m the only thing that will satisfy him. His big hand still cradles my face, his other hand linked with mine. He tastes good. He knows what he’s doing with his tongue. This isn’t awkward.

Not at all.

The kiss goes on. Becomes hungrier. We don’t stop. We barely let up for air. I roll over onto my back and he follows, hovering above me, but not really touching me.

I want him to touch me.

Eventually, I begin to feel restless. A little needy. I try and scoot closer, desperate to feel him, when something rubs against my head, startling me.

We break apart, Tony chuckling. “I think Millicent is curious.”

I glance above me to find the cat watching us, just before she ducks her head and rubs her face in my hair.

“Watch out. She’ll keep rubbing your head, and then she’ll chew on your hair,” he warns.

The cat does exactly that, making me giggle.

“Right before she sinks her teeth into your skull,” he continues.

“No way,” I say, giggling again when she rubs and rubs. It feels kind of nice. She’s purring loudly, really getting into it.

Right before she sinks her teeth into my scalp.