Catch Me (The RLU #5)

Chapter 16

Theo

T hings have been going well, almost too well.

Of course, my dad has been calling to pick apart everything I do and football is as dreadful as ever, yet I find myself focusing my attention on one thing.

Marcela.

I love being able to put my arm around her in public or hold her hand whenever I want to. Not to mention all of the time we’ve been spending together studying at the library, having dinners at her work, or when we walk home from class together.

I’ve loved every second of it, because despite us not really dating, I get to spend time with her and get to know her more. The cherry on top? Pissing Hunter and Ruby off every time they see us together.

They never said anything to us after that first dinner we spent together, only giving us the occasional eye roll and muttering under their breath.

We’re going to our first big party as a fake couple tonight for the annual Pumpkin Party at the football house. It’s a tradition that started about ten years ago, and happens on the first weekend in November. It’s your typical college party, except everyone—minus us players—brings a decorated pumpkin that we then judge when we’re all drunk. The winner gets a cooler full of alcohol.

I was shocked when Marcela agreed to come, because she doesn’t love big social settings like this. When I asked her why she said yes, she said she needed to get out of the house for a bit. Whatever the reason is, I’m glad for it, because it means another night I get to spend with her.

I spend the afternoon getting the house ready with Dale, Will, and some of the other guys from the team. We pushed the couches aside, leaving space for a dance floor in the middle. There’s multiple tables set up for beer pong, a large speaker standing between the kitchen and living room so that everyone can hear it, and there’s a bunch of alcohol on the kitchen island, along with some chips and dips.

The best part of it all? The fall decorations. We went all out this year, and if you look anywhere in this house, you’ll see some sort of pumpkin-themed item.

I shower quickly once we’re finished and change into black sweats, a burnt orange sweater and my UGG slippers. Before I know it, our place is flooded with people and the backyard is filled with decorated pumpkins.

The music is blasting through the speaker and the guests are laughing and drinking, which means the party is already off to a good start. I don’t like to drink much during the season, but it’s a special night, so I decide to treat myself to two beers. I’m about to grab my first from the fridge when it dawns on me that Marcela still hasn’t shown up and the party’s been going on for about two hours.

I pull out my phone and shoot her a text.

Me

Celllyyyy, you better not be leaving me hanging over here.

My girl

Sorry, got caught up with something. I’m driving over now.

Me

Drive safe and come right on in, don’t worry about knocking.

I pocket my phone when I see the front door open, and fucking Hunter and Ruby walk in, arm in arm. My jaw tightens as I grit my teeth, already on the defensive for my girl.

They’ve been quiet recently, but at a big party with alcohol involved? Yeah, I’m worried about what might happen.

“He’s allowed to be here,” Dale reminds me. He’s aware of why I hate Hunter, since Marcela gave me permission to tell Dale what happened.

“I know,” I grunt.

“Look, this house is massive and filled with people. I doubt you’ll even run into each other,” Dale says, doing his best to be positive.

“It’s not me I’m worried about,” I mutter, cracking open my beer and taking a large sip. “Is Robin coming tonight?”

Dale’s face crumples at my question. “It’s been hard on her. The first trimester morning sickness has been nonstop. She’s coming though—she should be here any second.”

“When my sister was pregnant, she had the same problem. During your next appointment, tell the doctor and he’ll get her some meds to help with it.”

“I hope so. I hate seeing her like this,” Dale sighs, looking tormented.

Dale and I stay by the fridge where we can see the door clearly, waiting for our girls to arrive as we talk about the upcoming game next weekend. Minutes later, the door opens to Robin and Marcela with their pumpkins in hand, laughing as they arrive.

The sight makes me smile.

Dale waves, signaling them to come over to us. Robin takes Marcela’s, and my chest goes tight at the sight of her.

She’s always pretty, and seeing her in her pink sweats and matching sweater confirms that she looks good in anything.

“Hey, baby. How are you feeling?” Dale asks, pulling Robin into his side as he kisses her forehead.

“There’s my girl.” I smile, pulling Marcela into my side for a hug. She hugs me back, resting her head on my chest for a beat before pulling away.

“I’m not very artistic, so …” She holds out her pumpkin to me, and I bark out a laugh.

“This is fucking amazing, are you kidding me?” I gesture to her pumpkin that she painted as a green olive with red on the top, as if it’s stuffed with red pepper—my favorite kind of olive.

“I won’t be winning the contest, but I hoped you would like it.” Her smile is shy.

“I love it,” I reassure her, kissing the top of her head.

“You did not paint him an olive pumpkin,” Dale says in disbelief.

Robin lays her hand on his chest. “Hey, be nice. It’s cute. She did a great job.”

“Thank you,” Marcela says quietly.

“Oh no, it’s great. Good job,” Dale back tracks. “It’s a joke between us. I make fun of him for eating olives, and he makes fun of me for eating meat.”

“Well, I painted mine as a donut, because that’s all I’ve been craving for the past month.” Robin shrugs, showing us her pink sprinkle donut pumpkin.

“Whatever my babies want, my babies get.” Dale smirks, pointing to the tray of pink sprinkle donuts he picked up today.

Tears prick the corners of Robin’s eyes. “God, I hate being pregnant already. I’m really about to cry over some fucking donuts?”

We all laugh at that, and then she and Dale take off for the donuts, leaving Marcela and me alone.

That man is so in love, and God, I’m jealous.

What would it be like to fall in love like that? Where their hurt becomes your hurt, their joy becomes your joy, and you can live your lives together knowing your love is there for you at the end of any hard day.

I hope I find out.

“How far along is she?” she asks, leaning into me.

“Six weeks. They’re happy but scared. It wasn’t supposed to happen this early.”

Marcela watches the two of them, a soft smile on her face. “I think they’ll be just fine.”

“I think so too,” I say with a smile, looking down at her. “How are you feeling? I know parties aren’t your thing, so I appreciate you coming.” I take her hand in mine because I may never get the chance to do it again once this is over. I’m going to enjoy it every chance I get.

“It’s a little overwhelming, but I feel better being close to you,” she peers up at me, and I nearly lose myself in her honey-brown eyes.

“Good. Then stick with me all night, okay?”

“Really? Hunter used to hate it when I did that. He said I was too clingy, and would get mad at me for being quiet all night and not socializing much.”

“He’s a goddamn idiot. It’s not clingy. You’re uncomfortable in social settings, and if being near me helps you, then you can cling to me all you want. And if you don’t utter a word to anyone, I won’t care. All I want is for you to have fun and be comfortable.”

Marcela looks at me with wide eyes, her lips parting for a moment before she speaks. “Really?”

“Yeah, really.” I nod, my fingers toying with the ends of her hair. “I should let you know though—he is here. Ruby too.”

The color drains from her face and she freezes.

“Ruby and alcohol don’t mix well,” she murmurs.

“Hey, look at me,” I demand gently as I grab her chin between my thumb and forefinger to tilt her head up. “I’ll do my best to make sure that we stay away from them. But remember, you have me. I won’t let anything happen.”

Marcela intertwines her small hand in mine. “Okay, let’s do this,” her voice wobbles slightly, but physically she stands taller, ready to take on the night.

“That’s my girl.”

The party has been a blast so far.

Dale and I dominated at beer pong, and Robin’s pumpkin won the contest. As for Hunter and Ruby, they have been out of our sight all night.

And best of all? Marcela has been by my side the entire time. Though quiet, she stood by and watched me play beer pong and laughed along with my friends. She even made small talk with Robin from time to time.

I don’t understand how Hunter could get mad at her for that. Who cares if she’s quiet and doesn’t socialize? Trying to wrap my head around the way he thinks makes my brain fucking hurt.

We’re standing outside around the fire pit, soaking in the warmth on this chilly fall night as people roast s’mores. The sliding door opens, and my head snaps that way to see Hunter and Ruby making their way towards the bonfire.

Technically, it’s a free world and they can be wherever they want. But God, I wish they’d just go home already.

Marcela stiffens beside me, noticing them approaching. My hand slides around her waist pulling her in closer. I feel her body melt into mine, and I revel in the fact that she’s comfortable with me, because even though this is all pretend, she can’t fake that.

“Miller,” Hunter drawls.

I nod at him in greeting.

“Hi, Marcie,” Ruby giggles, clearly drunk.

“Hey,” Marcela says politely, though I imagine she is swallowing down what she really wants to say.

“Beautiful night, isn’t it?” Hunter comments. No one responds, all too absorbed in their own conversations.

I ignore him, whispering into Marcela’s ear. “Do you want to go?”

She shakes her head. “No. Let’s sit down though.” She gestures towards the open chair by the fire.

With her hand in mine, I lead us to the chair and sit before pulling her onto my lap. Her legs rest over mine, her back against the arm of the chair.

We fit together so perfectly that it breaks a part of me in that moment, knowing none of it is real.

She lays her head on my shoulder, and I kiss the top of her head. I rest my chin there as we snuggle into one another, with my free hand resting on her leg.

Not trying to be quiet, Ruby stands on her toes to speak in Hunter’s ear. “I can’t wait for you to take me home and fuck me.”

I cringe, because who the hell says that shit out loud for everyone to hear? Someone clearly trying to stir up jealousy.

Well, two can play that game.

I start trailing my hand slowly up Marcela’s leg.

She lifts her head and whispers into my ear, “What are you doing?”

“Trust me?” I whisper back, my hand halting on her knee.

She takes a few seconds to think. “Okay. Just … not too high.”

I chuckle softly. “Don’t worry, Celly. I’m not into letting people watch when I make my girl feel good. That’s for my eyes only.”

Marcela blushes and ducks her head back into my chest. I trail my hand around her knee in a circle before moving it up her thigh, giving it a squeeze.

She rocks against me, her ass rubbing on my thigh.

“We might be fake dating, but I am still a man who finds you very attractive. If you rub your ass against me, I can’t control my body’s reaction,” I whisper through gritted teeth, trying to control my cock.

“Sorry,” she squeaks.

“Don’t be,” I kiss her forehead, not missing the glares from Hunter and Ruby.

I move my lips to Marcela’s cheek, pressing a few kisses there before whispering in her ear, “Is this okay? Can I go lower?”

“Yes,” is her breathy response as she melts further into me.

I lock eyes with Hunter for a brief second, noting the snarl on his lips, then focus as I trail kisses from her cheek, down to her jaw and finally her neck. I close my eyes, reveling in the feel of my lips on the soft skin of her neck for the first time.

And fuck, I want to lose it at the small moan that escapes her lips as I kiss along her neck, while inhaling her sweet minty scent. It reminds me of mint chocolate chip ice cream. My new favorite flavor.

Marcela’s hand comes up, her fingers fisting in my hair as I continue to ravish her neck. Then to my surprise, she turns her head slightly and angles my head to press her lips against mine.

It takes a moment before I process that Marcela fucking Bass is kissing me.

My heart rate speeds up, and before I can overthink it, I grip her chin and take control of the kiss. My lips are gentle yet demanding as I devour her the way I’ve been dreaming about for the last three years.

I know this is just for show, but I’m going to enjoy every second of it.

She whimpers into my mouth, and I nip on her bottom lip before sucking on it.

Dale whistles, causing us to break apart. “Get a room, you two,” he chuckles.

Our eyes are locked on one another, our breaths labored as we exist in our own world—one that is changed forever. Because now that I know how her lips fit perfectly with mine, there’s no going back.

With my hand on her chin, I take my thumb and gently brush it across her swollen bottom lip, causing her to shiver in my arms.

“Be careful, unless you want to end up like me,” Robin gestures to her barely-there bump, causing reality to drift back in.

Marcela pulls her head back as we both laugh, and my hand falls from her face. I bring it to the back of my neck, giving it a grip, as I try to process what just happened.

Marcela kissed me. And then I kissed her back. We were kissing each other.

We’re supposed to be fake dating, and we’re definitely not supposed to be kissing. I like her more than I should, considering our predicament. I’m screwed.

Because now I know there’s a physical chemistry between us. The way her body melted against mine. The way she whimpered from just a kiss. Or how when we broke apart, her eyes were filled with lust and longing. I’d never seen her look at me like that before.

Fake or not, she can’t deny what just transpired between us. I felt it, and there was no fucking way she couldn’t. Right?

Hunter throws his hand up to everyone. “See you guys later,” he growls, stomping away with Ruby trailing after him.

I know what we did was probably immature—kissing Marcela’s neck to make him jealous—but it was worth it just to see that look on his face after what he did to my girl.

Conversations begin to flow around us, yet I can’t seem to join any of it. My brain is failing to do anything but fixate on that kiss. It’s on a never-ending loop in my brain, and I actually might be okay with that.

“I, uh, need to go to the bathroom,” Marcela says quietly as she gets off of me, then dashes up the back patio steps and through the sliding door.

I debate whether to give her some space to process it all, because I’m trying to do it myself too, but I decide against it.

Why not figure it out together instead of freaking out alone?

I follow her into the now empty house, and upstairs to my personal bathroom that I told her she could use earlier today.

My back rests against the wall opposite the bathroom door as I wait for her, replaying over and over in my mind how good her lips felt against mine.

The door flies open, and Marcela’s eyes widen as she yelps, a hand flying to her chest.

“I was not expecting you to be right there,” she breathes heavily.

“Sorry.”

Marcela’s eyes travel down to my lips, making my entire body heat. The urge to kiss her again washes over me.

When her gaze lifts back to mine, she must see the desire in them because she suddenly snaps out of the moment.

“I need to go,” her voice is high pitched as she attempts to get by me.

I block her path, shaking my finger in front of me. “We need to talk about what happened outside.”

“Nothing happened,” she mumbles, looking anywhere but at me.

“Celly,” I call her name softly, slowly drawing her attention up to me, and when her eyes meet mine again, I see the fear etched on her face.

“Why do you look scared right now?”

“I’m not scared,” she says defensively. “I’m just … not sure what happened, exactly. One minute, we were putting on a show for Hunter and Ruby, and the next …”

“And the next …?” My voice trails off while my heart inflates with a sense of hope.

“It was a mistake. Friends don’t kiss each other like that.”

And my heart instantly deflates.

I want to tell her I don’t agree. That it’s bullshit, because yeah, friends don’t kiss with that much passion, but it’s not what she wants to hear right now. If I say that, I’m afraid she’ll call this whole thing off and walk away from me.

“I would say I’m sorry, but you did kiss me first,” I tease, trying to lighten my own mood so she doesn’t see how much her words have bruised me.

“I was caught up in the moment, and I really wanted to sell it. I’m sorry for confusing you. It didn’t mean anything, and it won’t happen again. I promise.”

Each word is another shot to my heart, because how the hell can she say that? Was it seriously one-sided? I refuse to believe it, even though that’s what she’s trying to tell me right now. For the sake of our friendship, I bottle down what I really want to say.

“It won’t, unless you decide to kiss me again.” I chuckle, earning me a strained smile as she shakes her head.

“Goodnight, Theo,” she says, walking past me. I follow her down the stairs to her parked car on the street.

“Did you have fun tonight?” I ask, before closing her door as she rolls her window down.

“I did, even if I was quiet for a majority of it.”

“I’m happy you enjoyed yourself,” I smile, giving her a wink as I tap the roof of her car. “Text me when you get home safe.”

“I will.” She smiles back and I step away, allowing her to pull away from the curb and drive off.

And I stand there watching until her car turns out of sight, smiling to myself because I kissed the girl of my fucking dreams tonight. More than that, I’m elated, because despite what she said, I know she feels the same way. That there’s more between us than she wants to admit.

I’ve got until the end of the school year to prove that to her, and I’m going to try with all I’ve got to make it happen.