Love, Always Read online

  “What are you doing?” I ask curiously.

  “We’re going to join the contest,” he answers with excitement

  I try to pull my hand loose, but he refuses to let go.

  “Come on, Ainsley. When was the last time you had fun?”

  “I don’t even have a bathing suit and I’m NOT ruining my dress.”

  “You don’t have to ruin your dress. Just take it off.”

  I look at him like he has lost his fuckin’ mind, which he has if he thinks I’m going to take my dress off in front of all these people.

  He scans the length of my body, then settles on my eyes. His face shows no emotion.

  I shift nervously and try to avoid looking at him, but it’s just impossible.

  The left side of his mouth lifts the tiniest bit into what I would consider the sexiest smirk I have ever seen. Yep, I’m screwed.

  “I dare you,” he challenges me.

  Son of a bitch. He remembers. I never turn down a dare. Ok, that’s not true. I’ve never turned down a dare that came from him. There is just something about those mysterious, green eyes of his that make me act like a different person.

  Greyson all but drags me to where Hayes and Talon are already establishing diving rules to the three judges.

  “Also, make sure you give extra points for hotness,” Hayes chuckles then winks at the one girl who is judging.

  “You might want to rethink that last rule,” Greyson says while looking at his brother.

  “What? You think you’re hotter than me, pretty boy?” Talon teases.

  Greyson shakes his head no, looking a little embarrassed.

  He hates being called a pretty boy. Talon gave him that name in tenth grade and ever since then he started changing his hair and the way he dressed. I can’t complain though, because there is something about his bad boy look that does strange things to my insides.

  “Ainsley and I are both in,” Greyson explains.

  “Twig, are you finally gonna get dirty with me?” Hayes jokes.

  Here we go again with the nickname. I thought the brothers were over that, but apparently I was wrong. I had accepted the nickname graciously when it was given, since it could have been much worse. Some girls were called butterface, meaning everything is cute but her face. Yeah, high school can be a bitch.

  “I have no choice Hayes. Your scheming brother is making me,” I say with a smile.

  Greyson puts a hand over his heart and pretends to be hurt, but I know better so I just ignore him and continuing talking.

  “Can you go over the rules again so I can kick your asses?”

  I hear a mixture of catcalls and laughing coming from the crowd surrounding us. Hayes and Talon then turn to each other with a grin on each of their faces.

  “How about we make this a team challenge? We’ll do the Soaked Shirt Relay with two people on each team. First person starting out wears a t-shirt and swims to the other side of the pool and back. That person then takes off the wet t-shirt and the other player must put it on then swim to the other side and back. Since it’s just two people per team, we will each run twice. First team to finish wins.”

  “And what’s the punishment for the losers?” I ask with trepidation. It’s next to impossible to embarrass the boys so I hold my breath while I wait for their response.

  “Well Twig, I would say if you guys lose I would spank that sweet little ass of yours, but since I would have to do the same to Greyson – I’ll pass.”

  In an instant, I feel all the blood in my body rushing up my neck and spreading across my face. I swear I blush over anything sexual. I’m not a virgin but I’ve only been with Guy and even then it was very tame, nothing too crazy. Thankfully, Greyson takes away some of the humiliation by quickly responding.

  “Hayes, you know that shit would never happen,” he says forcefully before continuing, “I think whoever loses has to go streaking down the street.”

  My head pops up so fast I think I gave myself whiplash. Ouch!

  “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?! There is absolutely no way I’m going streaking!” I shout.

  Talon takes a few steps toward me until he is only inches from my face.

  “Then don’t lose sweet cheeks,” he whispers and taps my nose with his finger.

  Greyson and I start walking to the left side of the pool as Hayes and Talon make their way to the right side. The three judges move to stand right in the middle of the pool opposite of the diving board. In the time it took for me to remove my shoes and turn around, Greyson has already removed everything but his shirt and his black Calvin Klein boxer briefs. I honestly have no idea how long I stand there gawking at Greyson before he clears his throat in what seems to be a combination cough and laugh.

  “Ainsley, you look like you are going to pass out.”

  My eyes lift to look at his. Gratefully I’m able to shake off my very inappropriate thoughts.

  “Please tell me you have a plan. There is no way I am going streaking.”

  “We aren’t gonna lose. I could kick their asses swimming in my sleep.”

  He walks over to me and lightly brushes the hair away from my face, then leans down to whisper in my ear.

  “Do you really think I would let all these people see that fucking, fine ass body naked when I haven’t… yet?”

  Oh. My. God. Is it hot in here? I mean out here. Whatever. I can’t even think straight.

  I glance at him and he looks just as surprised that he said that out loud as I am.

  “COME ON AINSLEY! LET’S SEE WHAT’S UNDER THAT DRESS!” Talon shouts

  “STOP TEASING US, SWEETHEART! TAKE IT OFF!” Hayes adds.

  Greyson bends down till he meets my eyes.

  “Here’s the plan. You’ll swim first so if we are behind I’ll be able to make up the difference. Okay?”

  I keep staring at him, still speechless at his confession.

  He reaches behind his head to grab the neck of his shirt and pull it forward and off his body, it was off in an instant. Who said taking a shirt off couldn’t be sexy?

  Greyson holds his hand out for me to take his shirt, since I’ll be going first. And that’s when I catch an up close and personal look at him without a shirt. He is slender, but very toned.

  Hello, six-pack.

  I shake my head. Focus Ainsley.

  I unzip the side of my dress and reach to pull it over my head. I hear whistles and howls coming from all around me. Thank God I decided to wear a matching bra and panty set. I quickly reach for his shirt and put it over my head. Looking down I realize his shirt is almost as long as my dress was and it smells just like him.

  “Teams! Assume your starting positions!” says one of the judges.

  Talon and I stand at the edge of the pool.

  “Ready… Set… Go!”

  I dive into the water swimming as far as I can under it before coming up for air. I make it a little over halfway. I’m assuming Talon is behind me since I can’t see him at all. I touch the edge of the pool, swiftly turn around, and kick off the side. I’m vaguely aware that Talon is about to reach the edge.

  As soon as I reach Greyson, he helps lift me out of the pool. I jerk out of the wet shirt, which is not easy at all. He rushes to put it on before gracefully diving in. Hayes is right behind him, but by the time Greyson reaches me we have a good eight seconds on them.

  I’m trying to put the shirt back on but it’s more difficult than it sounds, it doesn’t help that I’m shaking. I finally get it on and right as I’m jumping in I realize Talon is already in the pool. I’m swimming as fast as I can, but I’m starting to panic.

  Soon Greyson is pulling me out again while Hayes does a cannonball into the pool. Before I know it, Greyson yanks the shirt off me and puts it on before diving into the pool.

  Hayes is close to the other side and Greyson is a few feet behind him. Half the crowd is cheering for us and the other half for them. This is going to be a closer race than we originally thought. They are both on their way
back now, both racing towards the finish line. All three judges are completely focused on the boys. Greyson is still behind Hayes but after they reach the halfway mark Greyson pulls a Michael Phelps and passes Hayes. Greyson touches the edge two seconds before Hayes does.

  Without thinking, I jump into Greyson’s arms catching him so off guard we both almost fall to the ground. He gains his balance and we are left staring at each other. Neither of us quite sure what to say.

  “Damn it Twig, if all it took was the possibility of losing a bet to see that sex kitten come out I would have done this years ago.”

  Oh no. How did I forget that I’m practically naked in front of everyone?

  Greyson doesn’t put me down to answer Hayes, in fact, he pulls me closer.

  “I’m gonna take her inside to dry off while you pricks go streaking.”

  He doesn’t wait for their response. Someone hands him our clothes, then he turns around making his way into the house, shielding me as much as he can.

  I forgot how unbelievably sweet he can be.

  He takes me to the upstairs bathroom, slowly setting me on the bathroom counter, staying in between my legs as he reaches over to close and lock the door.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he whispers softly and cups both hands around my face.

  Tears start to form in my eyes. Guy never once called me beautiful, but now I’m glad he didn’t. He could never make the word sound like Greyson did, though I’m not sure anyone could. Greyson says it like I’m the only one in the world worthy of being called beautiful.

  He rubs his thumb over my bottom lip.

  “I’m going to kiss you now,” he tells me then hesitates, I can tell he is waiting for my approval and I give it to him with a slow nod.

  His soft lips brush over mine and when I inhale his scent, a mixture of chlorine and cologne, I lose all reasoning. I tighten my legs around his waist pulling him closer to me, leaving nothing to the imagination. The kiss went from gentle to downright crazed. I pull his shirt over his head and my hands start to explore all of his exposed flesh. I start at his chest working my way down his stomach with one intention, I want to feel him. I can’t remember ever wanting something so bad in my life.

  He begins to grind his pelvis against the spot I need him the most.

  “Fuck, Ainsley… You have to stop me if this isn’t what you want.”

  “Please… don’t… stop…” I moan against his lips.

  He reaches to grab his jeans on the counter and pulls out a condom from his pocket, I wonder if he thought this was going to happen tonight. I’m not sure if that makes me happy or pissed, but I don’t have time to decide.

  He uses his hands to pull me further into him and lift me up from the counter pressing my back against the door.

  “I’ve wanted you for so long,” he whispers so soft I can barely make it out.

  We just stare at each other unable to look away.

  I feel him move my panties to the side and even though he slides into me slowly, I still gasp causing him to pause.

  “Did I hurt you?”

  Yes. Yes he did, but I’m not going to say that.

  I didn’t get a chance to look, but he must be huge!

  “It’s fine. I’m fine.”

  He moves again gradually, getting faster and harder with each thrust.

  Oh. My. God. Greyson knows how to fuck! That I’m sure of.

  I try not to think of how many people he has been with to get this good, I just want to be in the moment with him. He must have sensed my mind starting to withdraw. He slows until he is no longer thrusting deep into me but rather remains still and seated fully inside of me.

  “Hey, look at me,” he says gently.

  I try to hide my face, but he uses his thumb and finger to grab my chin moving my face so I’m looking directly in his calming eyes.

  “We don’t have to do this. I swear I won’t be upset or angry if we stop right now. Please Ainsley, just tell me what you need.”

  In all the times Guy and I had sex I never once thought we were making love, but Greyson can take me in a bathroom at a party and make me feel like I’m the only girl in the world he could ever want.

  “You, I only want you,” I respond confidently.

  His lips tilt into a half smile before he begins slowing making love to my mouth, taking his time before pulling his hips back then pushing into me again.

  He keeps a steady rhythm until I feel myself starting to lose control.

  “Greyson, I’m…”

  “I know. It’s ok baby, just let go.”

  “What about you?”

  “I’m with you.”

  He leans in to kiss me again and I feel his thumb brush against my clit.

  “Ainsley…” he moans.

  That was all it took to send me over the edge which he immediately followed with his own release.

  I’m not sure how long we stay like that before he sets me back down on the counter.

  He hands me a towel and I dry off as much as I can, then put my dress back on. By that time he has his pants back on, but remains shirtless.

  “If it’s ok, I’d like us to leave and maybe we can hang out at my house to catch up? Mom is usually still up this late and I know she’d be excited to see you again.”

  I’m worried about getting hurt again. When I look at his face though I can tell he is sincere, and maybe even a little nervous?

  “Umm… okay. Just let me tell Jes, so she doesn’t worry.”

  “Awesome. Let me get Hayes and Talon and I’ll meet you out front.” He gives me that perfect dimpled smile.

  Thankfully no one is around when we open the bathroom door.

  Greyson leans in and kisses my cheek.

  “See you outside, beautiful.”

  He practically runs down the steps and outside to find the boys. I see Jes talking to a few girls in the kitchen. When she sees me, her face brightens and she heads my way leaving the middle of her conversation.

  “Boo, you’re glowing. I don’t have to ask what happened. I just wanna know one thing… how big was he? Was it hot, or sweet, or both? I always imagined he would be good in bed. You have to tell me!”

  I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “That’s more than one question and I’ll tell you everything later, but right now I’m gonna go to his house and hang out,” I practically squeal with excitement.

  “I KNEW IT! He had to be great if you are going back for seconds!”

  “Shhhh! I have to go. Love you. I’ll call you tomorrow!” I say walking away so she won’t ask me anything else. I’m almost to the front door when I feel someone grab my arm and force me into a room that looks like an office. I jerk my arm away and turn around only to come face to face with Guy, and he does not look happy.

  “Well hello, little slut,” he slurs.

  There is no telling how much he’s had to drink. Unfortunately, I know how to deal with drunk people thanks to my long gone dad.

  “What’s wrong, Guy?”

  “What’s wrong? You’re a slut. You don’t think I know about your bathroom sex?”

  “We aren’t dating anymore. I can do whatever I want and so can you.”

  He moves closer pinning me against the desk.

  Deep breaths. Stay calm. Wait for the perfect time to get away.

  “You’re lucky I don’t have a problem fucking sluts. You miss me don’t you, baby?” He leans in to kiss me as one of his arm wraps around my waist to pull me closer. I don’t kiss back, but I move both my arms to the back of his head. He takes it as a sign that I’m giving in, and just when he starts to relax, I grab two handfuls of his hair and yank back so hard he falls to the ground.

  “Don’t EVER fucking touch me again!” I scream as I make my way out to meet Greyson.

  My eyes are searching the front yard for the boys. I don’t see them, so I ask two guys I vaguely remember from school if they have seen them.

  “Yeah, they left already,” one guy says.


  “Something happened with Greyson though, he was furious. Hayes and Talon were trying to calm him down, but he said something about him fucking some bitch in the bathroom earlier. I wonder who it was,” the second guy laughed.

  I felt tears stinging my eyes and before I could stop it, I let out an embarrassing sob.

  “Oh shit, man. I guess you found out who it was,” the first guy says.

  I run to the side the house and throw up until I have nothing left.

  I’m not sure how long it takes for Jes to come out and find me, but when she did there was a huge crowd outside gathered around watching me sob.

  “Come on honey, let’s get you home,” she whispers in my ear and helps me into her truck. There is only silence, which means Jes has already heard what happened and knows I need time before I’ll be able to talk about it.

  My mind is going in all directions, but there is one thing I know for sure - there is no way I’m going to UF with Greyson. I mentally make note to call my aunt and uncle tomorrow. I’ve already been accepted to Mississippi State since it was my back up, and I won’t need a dorm room since they already said I could live with them.

  This isn’t the plan I had for myself, but who said life was fair? It certainly hasn’t been for me.

  Coming Summer 2015

  To all of us guilty of flipping to the Dedication or Acknowledgement section of a book to see if our names are on there, this is for you. Yes, YOU. Thank you for getting this far, even if you just flipped through all the pages just to check this section out.

  Most importantly, to God. Without Him, nothing would be possible. Through Him, everything is possible.

  To my guys, Derrick and Dustin who are always there. Seriously, always. But remain out of my hair when I hide in my lair to write. Chase, who has made me stronger with a constant migraine-filled pregnancy. I love you guys. I need you. I appreciate you.

  To my sister, Martica who has endured listening to me rant and rave about fictional characters more than one person should but still willingly read and proofed Love, Always before I hit that big scary publish button.