Fated Shot

Chapter 14

Jack

She hasn’t said yes, but she also hasn’t moved from her spot in the entryway.

She stays blinking at me, struggling to make a decision, so I jump into action. “Stay here,” I let out before bounding up the stairs two at a time. It hurts like hell as I throw on sweats and a t-shirt before I chuck my toothbrush in the garbage. Not the smartest move, but I can’t risk giving her enough time to leave. A wave of relief envelops me as I see her still standing by the doorway when I return fifteen seconds later.

“Come on, sit, please. I could use the company,” I say softly, a bit of desperation in my voice. She’s here, she came to see me. My heart does a little flip at the thought, and I want more time with her. I need more time with her.

“Twenty questions?” I ask hopefully.

“Sounds like an interrogation to me,” she mocks, a slight smile cracking across her otherwise still stunned and pensive face. Finally. Now I’m grinning like an idiot because she makes her way over to the couch and flops down.

I race to the kitchen. “Do you want something? Tea?”

Her soft voice returns, warming me instantly. “Sure.”

I throw on the kettle, grab two mugs, and settle in next to her a few minutes later. My mind flashes back to a week ago. There’s about two feet less distance now, and her ease when I grab the spot directly beside her makes me smile more .

“Thanks,” she says, barely more than a whisper, as she grabs the mug from my hand.

“Ten questions,” she decides with a small smile. “And you've already used one.”

“Hey, you make the rules, I’ll follow them.” Blindly.

“Why do you always fight?” she asks, reaching over, her hand hovering above the cut on my lip. She hesitates before making contact and, clearly deciding against it, looks down and tucks her hand in her lap. The question takes me by surprise. I was half expecting, ‘What was your first pet’s name?’ or something like that to come out of her mouth like last time.

“Oh, uh…” I think about it for a moment. I’m not really sure when it started, but I try to answer as truthfully as possible. “I’m a big guy, so it’s always been kinda what was expected of me. I don’t pick fights, but I’ll jump in to protect the boys when I have to. It’s my job.”

I wait for her reply, but she just nods a little absent-mindedly. She’s still looking down when she says, “It’s scary to watch.”

It takes every ounce of self-control not to pull her into me.

“I’m tough, promise,” I say, offering my most reassuring smile. She didn’t like me getting hurt, and something swells in my chest at the thought of her concern for me. The reality of the situation from earlier interrupts me, though.

“Why’d you go to the game with Seb?” It slips before I have a chance to filter it, coming out more hurt than anything. I clearly just love pushing her away; my conversation skills continue to astound me. To my surprise, though, she answers almost immediately.

“It’s complicated. My dad offered him the seats. He knew Seb was going to be in town this weekend, and I guess he thought we were getting back together so…” She pauses, thinking, as she takes a sip.

Peeking over the rim of her mug, she adds, “We’re not together.” Not an ounce of uncertainty in her voice.

“He wants to get back together, though,” I say, less of a question, more of a statement. I know it’s not my turn, but I can't help digging further.

“All summer, he’s been trying to. Now he’s saying that he’s going to move, wants to transfer to the Toronto office. It’s…”

“Complicated,” I finish. We sit quietly for a few moments. I’m pissed at that douche and equally jealous of the time he spent with her tonight. She’s here now, though, and I’ll be damned if I don’t make the best of it. “It’s your turn, by the way.”

She thinks for a while before letting out a small yet powerful sigh.

“Jack, why do you like me?” she asks, genuine confusion in her voice.

I stare at her for a moment before she continues. “If you haven’t noticed, I’m a bit of a mess, and I’m sure there are a million other girls who are dying for you. Girls who would be willing to do a lot more than play twenty questions.”

There’s not a single girl I’d rather have sitting on my couch right now. I think about it, though, waiting for a moment before responding.

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” she repeats back to me.

“I just can’t get you out of my head.” I take a breath. “I don’t know what it is. There’s just something about you. It’s like I’m drawn to your light. I promise I’m happy just sitting here on the couch, nothing more. I just… I don’t know, want to be around you.”

She’s searching my eyes. It looks like she’s going to say something, but I have to ask, “Why’d you ignore me, Mia?”

She pauses, the wheels turning in that beautiful head of hers .

“I got scared. This…” motioning between us, “Whatever it is, is a bad idea. I just got carried away in the moment until it all came crashing down. I’m sorry. I couldn’t process, it was just a lot all at once.”

I’m trying my best to digest her words as she adds, “And I figured you’d leave, and there’d still be time for you to call our waitress to get your business taken care of,” she says, hand waving around my dick.

I laugh, nodding. “Mmm, my business.”

She slaps a hand on my chest. “HEY! Don’t laugh at me! I was trying to be considerate!”

I wince at the contact as her knuckles hit a sore spot.

“Oh no!” She flies up off the couch. “I’m so sorry, I forgot for a sec. Do you have an ice pack or something?” she asks, already on her way to the freezer. Before I have time to oppose, the door swings open, and her voice calls out. “Uhh, someone replaced your freezer with the first aid section of Shoppers.”

“Yeah, well, I need all that stuff a lot more than I need a frozen lasagna,” I call back as she shuffles over, carrying a handful of items. She plops the pile on the couch and sits on her knees next to me.

“May I?” she asks, a softness in her voice as she hoovers over the hem of my t-shirt. I nod, as she eases it up. Lifting myself off of the couch, she helps guide it all the way off.

She gasps the moment she spots the mark. “Does it hurt?” Lightly trembling hands grazing over the now even deeper purple bruise spending across my rib cage. Like hell.

“It’s not as bad as it looks,” I assure her. “And you’ve officially used up all your questions,” I add with a playful smile.

She rolls her eyes as she reaches for the arnica cream, squeezing some on me. It’s ice cold. A shiver runs down my chest the moment it touches my skin .

“Sorry,” she says, wincing instinctively. All sympathy in her voice as she delicately starts spreading it around, slowly rubbing it in. I just watch her at work, so focused and gentle. Closing my eyes for a second, I let myself be at peace in the moment as she continues. She hums softly to herself while her fingers trace across my stomach. This feels too good to be true.

She stops for a moment as I watch her close the lid of the cream and set it down beside her on the couch. To my fucking delight, she’s not finished her doting. Instead, she grabs for the frozen ice pack and holds it gently against my torso, face contorting at the touch as if she’s worried she’s hurting me. I don’t react, though. It feels ridiculously nice being taken care of like this as she continues to hold it in place.

Her eyes scan over the rest of my body slowly. I can hear her shallow breaths as she takes in the view. Blushing, like usual, when she realizes I caught her looking. She can stare all she wants. But when she meets my eyes, there’s something new there in her expression.

Don’t do it.

Just enjoy the moment.

Don’t ruin this.

She’s smiling at me now, though, the smile that has the power to knock every sense out of me. A huff of frustration escapes me.

“Is this really such a bad idea, Mia?”

Andddd, of course, I did it .

Her breath hitches as she stares into my eyes. I can finally place it; there’s a wanting, a hunger, desperation. She wordlessly but purposefully shakes her head no.

My pulse quickens, the moment drawing all the excitement in the room. Fuck it.

“Can I kiss you? ”

The tiny but certain nod she gives me is all it takes. I sit up slowly, leaning in to cup her face between my hands as I touch her lips to mine. It’s even more incredible than I remembered, her pillowy lips sending a current of excitement through my entire body. It’s gentle and innocent, and I slowly break away, fully satisfied.

I learned my lesson. Slow and steady is the way to go, and I’ll give her whatever she needs.

She sighs the moment we part, eyes only slowly reopening as we just stare at each other. There’s just a light flush of her cheeks, barely dark enough to cover the freckles lining her face. I smile as she opens her mouth ever so slightly.

She surprises me by leaning in again, looking between my lips and my eyes as she closes the distance. It’s bliss as I inhale her scent, fruity and sweet. I’m dying to pull her closer, but I match her tempo and let her take the lead.

When we break for a second time, her pupils are dilated as she lowers her lips to my ear, “I need more.”

The three words send a ripple of energy straight to my dick. A hesitancy dances across her face, but with a quick breath like she’s working up the courage, she straddles me, and I groan in approval as she works her hands into my hair.

“Tell me what you need,” I command, using every ounce of restraint to control myself.

“You,” she says as she swirls her hips, grinding down over me. I immediately lean forward, pulling her onto my chest. She lands on me, squished against my body, concern in her eyes. “Doesn’t this hurt?”

I shake my head and cut off any follow-ups with my mouth on hers. Because yes, it fucking hurts, but I’ll be damned if I let that stop this. Her thighs straddle either side of my lap, her hair wild, and a look on her face that I’ve decided I’ll never get enough of. Fuck me, this is everything I’m going to be dreaming about for months.

When I slip my tongue in her parted lips, she moans, hungrier than I’ve ever heard her. She angles her head in response, deepening our kiss. I grab onto her ass cheeks over her jeans as she continues to swirl around on my lap, causing a whimper to escape her lips. As a result, she grinds down even harder on me, searching for added friction. I’m not going to last if she keeps this up, and I’d rather not come in my pants our first time together.

“Let’s go upstairs,” I whisper between breaths. I half expect her to oppose, and I’d die a happy man even if she decided to walk out right now. Instead, I watch as she stands up, grabs my hand, and leads me up the staircase.

Her ass is in my face, and even in her jeans, it’s jiggling with every step, making me strain that much harder in my sweats. When we make it up, she turns and sits on the bed facing me, face flushing as a quiet giggle escapes when she sees the result of all her wiggling around.

“See what you did, Mia,” I say, looking down at my erection. I lean forward, face inches from hers, resting my hands flat on the bed on either side of her hips. “You drive me wild.”

I see something ignite in her eyes at my words. But her nervousness returns as she looks up at me, innocent eyes wide like she’s waiting for instruction. Fuck, I’ll take the lead any day.

“This stops at any time. You’re in control, do you understand?”

She nods, head slowly rising again to meet mine. “Good girl.”

I crash my body on hers, and to my astonishment, she meets me with an energy more frantic than my own. She wants this; I feel it, and it’s imploding my brain one kiss at a time. I slip under her Tundra t-shirt as I drag my hands up her waist, callused fingers grazing up over her soft stomach. She shivers as my fingertips trace across her skin.

I’m contemplating pulling up her shirt, but I’m trying to hold myself back from pushing too far.

As if she’s reading my mind, though, she sits up, grabbing the hem. She pulls it over her head and throws it over the side of the bed without a second thought. I’m dead. I’ve died .

I blink twice, staring at the black lace bra pushing up her already perfect tits. A garbled roar rips out of the back of my throat as she leans forward, lacing her hands around my neck and pulling me back on top of her. It’s a flurry as we connect again.

I swallow her moans as my dick rubs against her stomach. Moving my kisses down, I’m not willing to leave a single spot of her body free from my touch. I drop my tongue to the base of her ear and glide it over the side of her throat, tasting the sweetness of her skin. Marking a trail down her stomach, I don’t stop until I’m hovering below her belly button.

Her hands fly to her stomach, covering herself, but I rip them away, holding her wrists on either side of her body.

“I-I probably look a little different than what you’re used to.”

Couldn’t be more true. No one I’ve ever been with has come even close to the girl in front of me.

“You’re right, you’re fucking spectacular.”

Her perma-blush deepens, creeping its way to flush her chest. I hear a shuddering, heavy breath and realize it’s my own. Fuck, I’m nervous. Thoughts are rushing so quickly in my mind that I can barely function. My hands are practically trembling as I unbutton her jeans. This very moment has been consuming my every fantasy. I sit back on my calves as I watch her jump in, dragging them down over her thighs. She shimmies them off, exposing a matching lace thong .

A pulse crashes through my body the moment I look down at her and take it all in. Mia is lying on my bed, in a matching black set, with endless curves, soft body, ready and waiting for me. Shit.

I shut my eyes immediately, clenching everything in me. The sight alone is enough to make me bust.

“W-what’s wrong?” Her concerned voice forces my eyes open.

“I need a second,” escapes me as I divert my eyes, willing myself to think about Oatmeal Cookies.

Embarrassing? Maybe. But nothing, I mean nothing, could ruin this moment for me. I’m going to be reliving every glorious second of this for the rest of my life. Oatmeal fucking Raisin, a travesty and fraud of a cookie.

“Okay, I’m good,” I call out as she giggles her fucking beautiful laugh. I lower my head, dipping down to kiss her thigh. The goosebumps form immediately, running up along the entirety of her leg. I groan at the instinctive response from her body. I’m dying to taste her—to feel her come on my tongue—to hear her scream my name. She reaches for me before I have a chance, hand gripping my hair.

I peer up at her, moving my body up so our faces are within an inch of each other. She bites her bottom lip, her breath mingling with mine as she begins, “I want...” She trails off.

“Tell me what you want, Mia.”

“I want… this,” she lets out a frustrated moan as she softly grabs the bulge in my sweatpants.

I chuckle at her little act of desperation as I slip my hand down to the heat between her legs, feeling the pool immediately. An agonized groan slips out of me as I move the fabric and dip a finger in. “Fuuck, you’re already drenched.”

“Mmhmm” is all that comes out of her mouth as she closes her eyes, arching her back at my touch .

One day, I’m going to take my time to worship her body. But if she wants me now, that’s exactly what she’s going to get. I pull my finger out as it drips with her wetness. I feel her watching me now, and I drag my hand over to her lips. She looks at me, unsure at first, before she follows my subconscious order and sucks my finger into her warm mouth with her lush lips.

“You’re un-fucking-real,” I say as I reach over, opening my nightstand with one hand as I fumble around for a condom. It takes me a solid twenty seconds to find the one that’s been in there for months. I’m silently grateful for the moment of relief. I’m barreling toward lasting three pumps at this point.

Mia sits up, reaching for the waistband of my sweatpants. She hesitates for a moment, inches from me, looking up, gaze filled with lust. I can tell she’s waiting for approval. I nod, and she delicately tugs down on my sweats and boxers as my erection springs free.

The way she sits back, eyes wide, just staring in disbelief, swells my ego more than anything I’ve ever experienced in life. I drag them the rest of the way down, stepping out of them and leaving a crumpled pile on the floor. She’s intimidated, the confidence in her eyes wavering. Leaning over, I cup her chin, forcing her back into this moment.

“Hey, look at me.” I let out gently, “You’re in control, okay?”

She nods.

“Do you want to stop?” I ask. I’d rather live with blue balls than risk a second of her discomfort. She shakes her head. “Words, Mia. I need to hear you say it.”

The soft tone of her voice melts in my chest. “I don’t want to stop, just tell me what to do,” she says, looking into my eyes as she reaches one hand out, slowly stroking me.

I groan, and in an instant, I’ve pulled Mia on top, laying on my back beneath her. She’s straddling my bare dick, grazing me with her warmth. I’m dying to be inside of her. I can see her hard nipples poking through her bra, and I know she’s as turned on as I am.

There’s a quiet apprehension forming on her delicate face, “I-I’m nervous,” she lets out in a breathy whisper. Fuck, she’s cute.

I run my hands over her plush hips, forming little circles in an attempt to soothe her.

“I’ve been dreaming of this moment for longer than you know. I promise you there’s nothing you can do that I won’t like.” She nods, relief lightening her expression. I reach for the condom, ripping off the wrapper as she lifts her body, allowing me to roll it on.

“I want you to ride me, Mia.”

She listens immediately as she grabs my shaft, moving aside the lace fabric to coat the tip in her before lowering herself down. I don’t expect it, but she takes every inch of me in one go.

“Fuucckk.” My brain physically can’t compute through the desire pounding through my body. She’s gripping me tighter than I’ve ever been before. It takes every ounce of self-control to stay still as she lightly swirls her hips, adjusting. Shit, I’ve never been this turned on in my life.

The moment she lifts herself up, I’m desperate for her to be wrapped around me again. The whimper she lets out as she drops back down nearly sends me over the edge.

“I’m not going to last, you’re too fucking perfect.” With my words, a spark ignites in her eyes, and she quickens her pace. She’s a dick-riding pro. If I wasn’t so fucking turned on, I’d be fueled with rage that anyone else got to experience this.

The image of her bouncing on my dick, combined with the feel of me inside her, is too much to take. I’m going to be reliving this moment every shower for the rest of my fucking life. I’m a wreck, desire pulsing through every inch of me.

I can’t keep watching, fuck, I’m seconds away. I shoot up, hands frantically exploring her body as I unclasp her bra with one hand. She pauses for a moment, fully sitting on my lap as she slips the lace off, exposing her chest to me. I palm her breasts, which triggers the sexiest moan I’ve ever heard, as she tilts her head in pleasure. In an instant, I pounce, nibbling, sucking, and licking the sensitive spot at the base of her neck, teasing and pinching her nips as she continues riding me.

Tiny gasps slip each time her swollen clit brushes up against my body until a soft cry leaves her lips, “Jack…”

Hurried breaths continue as she keeps her pace, my hands firmly on her hips, dropping her down harder on my dick each time. “I’m going to—”

I swallow her cry in my mouth and let out a groan, the tug in my stomach growing as I feel her squeezing, milking me as she rides out her orgasm. I can’t resist the growing pleasure that comes barrelling out of me. Giving one final thrust upward, I spill into her. Lasting a total of three minutes—not my best work, but the fuck do I care. I plan on multiple repeat performances. Practice makes perfect.

I stay holding her as we catch our breath. After a few moments, she lifts herself off of me. I stand up, throwing the condom in the garbage. She’s sitting on the edge of the bed, eyes still hazy, but when she spots me, she stands, starting to gather the clothes we flung around the room.

“I should go,” she starts.

No. I intercept her, interlacing her hand in mine.

“It’s still early.” Does she seriously think I’m going to let her walk out of here just like that? “We could watch a movie or something…” I add, turning to open the top drawer and grabbing a sweatshirt and sweats.

She’s got her arms crossed around her stomach now, nervously shifting from one foot to the other. I hand the clothes over to her.

“If— you, uh, want to get more comfortable. ”

Confusion flickers across her face as she hesitantly grabs the clothes from me.

“You want me to stay?”

Fuck yes, I do. “I want you to stay.”

I can’t help but grin when she nods. “Just for a bit.” I race around the room, grabbing all her clothes and handing them to her before throwing on my own.

Her timid energy returns front and center as her face blazes under my gaze. She’s still flushed, slowly regaining her breathing, and I’m tempted to suggest a round two but decide not to push my luck.

“I’ll let you change,” I say, turning toward the stairs. “I’m gonna order pizza. What kind do you like?” I call up from the bottom step.

There’s silence, and I worry she’s changed her mind, but she reappears at the top of the stairs. Her hair is pulled into a bun, my sweatshirt draped over her body. She opted for her jeans instead of my sweatpants, but the sight is fucking breathtaking regardless.

“Anything, really.”

***

The doorbell rings, and I pause the show, frantically racing to shield her eyes.

“Don’t even think about looking at that screen, no extra analyzing.”

“I don’t need to. I already know which one it is,” she says with a knowing smile, pushing herself off the couch.

“There’s no way,” I say, following her cue and standing up.

“Stop.” She places her hand on my chest, pushing me back onto the couch. “It’s my turn to pay.” She walks over to grab her purse that she left at the door .

I settle back into the couch, smirking. Two minutes later, she comes huffing back with the large pizza box. “You already paid.”

“Yep.”

“Can I e-transfer you at least?”

“Nope.”

She sighs, setting the box on the table and turning to face me. “You don’t have to pay for me, you know.”

“I know.”

“I can pay for my own stuff.”

“I know you can.”

“So, will you let me pay for this?”

“Nope.”

“UGH, you’re so stubborn,” she sighs, exaggeratingly flopping back on the couch. I laugh, opening the lid and handing her a slice before grabbing one for myself. “Well, thank you for paying—again,” she grumbles before taking a bite.

“You’re welcome,” I say as I press play. The timer on the screen continues to countdown.

“IT’S THE SECOND BOWLING BALL!” I scream.

“It’s the second pin on the left,” she replies confidently. And for the third time in a row she correctly identifies the cake from the group of items while I’m left dumbfounded.

“It’s not fair. You’re a professional, I’ve been conned.”

“You picked the show!” She says with an exasperated flail as she grabs the clicker and hits pause. She laughs. “Let’s watch something else.”

“Nah, I’m too committed now. I want to finish the season off,” I say, staring forward.

“There’s like five more episodes.”

“Well then, we better stop wasting precious time chatting. Play, please,” I say, pointing at the TV.

Wordlessly, she presses play and settles back into the couch, her arm resting against my side as the show continues .

After another two episodes and half the pizza later, the glow of the TV washes over us through the darkness of the rest of the apartment. I peek down to my left, where Mia has nuzzled in a little closer to my shoulder, impossibly long lashes resting on her cheek. Reaching between us, I grab the remote and hit pause. The sound of her soft breaths beside me is almost enough for me to vow never to move again, but the open pizza box in front of us prompts action.

I cautiously stand, trying my best not to shuffle her too much, grabbing the box as I walk into the kitchen and set it in the fridge. There’s some rustling coming from the couch, and when I return, her sleepy eyes slowly open.

A half-mumbled “What time…” escapes her lips as her eyes close for an unusually long blink. I stifle a laugh as I watch her struggle to reopen her tired, blinking eyes. “I’ll go… illgohome,” comes out.

“Come on, sleepy, let’s get you to bed,” I whisper gently as I lean down to pull her to her feet. Her frustrated grumble is the cutest thing I’ve ever heard as she flops, eyes still closed.

“… too sleepy to… walk,” she lets out before leaning back to try and fall onto the couch.

A full-blown laugh erupts from deep in my throat as I wrap my arm around her thigh, scooping her up into my arms.

A sigh escapes her. “I’m heavy.”

“You’re not heavy, Mia,” I whisper, carrying her effortlessly up the first few steps. I wait for her typical rebuttal, but she settles her head into my neck and remains quiet as I set her gently on the bed. The moment I do, her body wiggles deeper into the duvet as her head turns to nestle into my pillow. It’s one hundred percent going to smell like her, and I fucking love that thought.

I zip down to grab us some water, and by the time I return, setting a glass on the bedside table closest to her, she’s snoring quietly .

I settle into the other side of the bed, staring at the ceiling. This is the best. How on earth everything can fall into place so quickly astounds me, but I’m not going to overthink it. She stirs slightly, squishing her face deeper into the pillow. I shift to my side, excruciating pain radiating through my torso, but I’ll be damned if I miss a second of this view.

My hand grazes her cheek as she leans into my touch. “Mmm.”

“Goodnight, Mia,” I whisper, smiling as I close my eyes.