Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
ZANDER
Russ snapping in my face pulls my thoughts from Kerian. Where they usually are when I have a second of downtime.
Ever since he fucked me in my dorm room last week, all I can think about is what he said. Don’t get me wrong, the sex was out of this world amazing, but I can’t get my mind off how he kissed me. It started off rough and demanding, but when he came, it got… soft, sweet. Then him saying I was his? Yeah, my head is everywhere but in the conversation with my friend.
Snapping out of my daze, I look over at Russ with a sheepish grin. “What were you saying?”
He shakes his head. “You got it bad.”
I roll my eyes. “No, I don’t. I was just… What were you saying?”
He gives me a knowing smile with a shake of his head. “I was asking if you wanted to go to the party this weekend?”
“Hard pass. I’m already being forced to go to the fucking party next month with all the football players. No way am I volunteering for one before that.”
He nods, leaning back in the chair at my desk. He came over to play video games, but after I beat his ass three times in a row in basketball, he tossed the controller down and gave up. From there, we started talking shit, which devolved into him telling me about the girl who came over the night he didn’t come with me to the club. That made me think about how I sucked Kerian off in the bathroom at Nirvana and it went downhill from there. Thankfully, I already had my pillow over my lap, so Russ doesn’t see my hard cock.
Russ gives me a dry look. “Is this payback because I didn’t go to Nirvana?”
“No. You know I don’t like parties. If I wasn’t getting shit from the team to come to the one Oakley is hosting, I wouldn’t go to that shit either. You can always, you know, not go to this fucking party.”
He chuckles. “I think I will skip it. Parties aren’t my scene.”
That’s something Russ and I have in common. We’d rather chill inside and play video games than party. Not like normal college students, but whatever.
We shoot the shit for another hour or so, going over practice, our school schedules, and our plans for winter break. It’s not for another few months yet, but Russ’s family lives on the West Coast, so he has to plan months in advance to go home. I suggest he comes to my mom’s like he did last year, but he wants to go see his brother.
Luca comes back as Russ is leaving, looking small and delicate next to Russ’s bulk. After locking the door, Luca shuffles to his bed, tossing his bag onto it. “Hey, Luca. How was class?”
He looks at me quickly, then looks away, his cheeks turning red. “Good. I was…it was good. You didn’t go?”
“Only had morning classes today. Haven’t seen you much in the past week. Where you been?”
His entire face reddens. “Studying mostly. I’ve been busy.”
“Yeah, I bet. Finally got a girlfriend?”
He turns wide eyes to me. “What? No. No… no girlfriend. School. Been busy trying to keep up with classes. I still have one more year left for my double major. Gotta make sure I keep my grades up to keep my scholarship.”
That makes sense. Over the past few months we’ve been roommates, Luca and I have been close. He’s like a little brother to me, even though we’re the same age.
Luca sighs and sits on the bed, his hands under his thighs as he rocks back and forth. “Any plans tonight?”
I shrug, though I kinda want to see Kerian. It’s stupid, really stupid, since he hasn’t been texting me much today, but I want to see him. Over the past week, we’ve exchanged a lot of messages. More than usual. It’s like after our night together, Kerian has been more open to letting me text him weird shit. He even answers my “How did you sleep?” messages with more than “Fuck off, Braithe . ” It’s progress.
“Maybe see my boyfriend. Not real sure.” I peek up at Luca as I say the word boyfriend, just to get his reaction. It’s not like Kerian is really my boyfriend. Even though he basically said we’re exclusive, he didn’t say the word.
Luca’s eyes widen, but he schools his expression quickly. “Oh. That should be fun. When are you leaving?”
Well, fuck. I didn’t really plan to go, but I might have backed myself into a corner. “In a few. Gonna shower and head out. You need me?”
“No, I’m good.” I grab some clothes and head to the shower. “Zandy?” I turn to look at him, eyebrow raised. “Don’t forget your key. I… I might leave tonight too. If I’m done with my homework early. Maybe.”
“Be safe, Lucs.”
I don’t waste time in the shower, cleaning up really well, just in case Kerian has something in mind.
“Fuck,” I grunt, my cock twitching as I think about Kerian. Any thoughts of him have my dick perking up, hoping he’s around.
I ignore my hard length and wash my body before I hop out. I look down at the sweatpants and loose T-shirt I brought in here with me, but if I’m going to see Kerian, I need to wear something else. Something… nice.
Walking back into the room in just my underwear, I rummage in my dresser for a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Luca glances at me, then makes it a point to avert his eyes. He’s being so weird lately. Maybe it’s because of his course load.
Shrugging off his sudden personality switch, I tug on my pants and pull the shirt over my head. Grabbing my keys, I make it a point to show Luca before I say, “I’m out. Be safe if you’re heading out, yeah?”
“Of course. Have fun.”
I hustle to my car, butterflies dancing in my belly as I slide behind the wheel. Once I have it started, I take a look at it. A long look. It’s seen better days. It was my father’s car. I take good care of it, but it’s not on the level of Kerian’s.
Unease dances in my chest. Will Kerian judge me because I don’t have as much money as him to afford a nicer car? He may not have told me how he could afford a car like that, but I know he at least comes from money. His fucking sheets tell me that much.
Whatever. If he wants to judge me for my car, we’re fucking done.
Swallowing my nerves, I head over to Kerian’s, hoping he won’t get pissed with me showing up out of the blue. I thought about texting him, but I don’t want to give him a reason to tell me not to come over.
Thirty minutes later, I pull up to Kerian’s apartment. Now nerves are going wild within me. Maybe this was a terrible idea. I should have texted to let him know I was coming. If I hadn’t already wasted the gas to get here, I would just go back home.
Fuck it, maybe it won’t be so bad.
I jog up the stairs and knock on the door, my palms damp with sweat.
I’m wiping my hands on my jeans when the door opens and a cute, smaller man stands there, looking at me quizzically. My heart freezes in my chest. Who is this guy? Why is he here, answering Kerian’s door? Kerian said I was his, but did he mean it when he said he was mine?
Swallowing a lump in my throat, I say, “I think I have the wrong apartment.”
“Who are you looking for?” he asks, resting his hip against the doorjamb.
“Kerian. Kerian Slade. But I don’t?—”
“No,” the man says, “he lives here. Come in. He’s getting out of the shower.”
My heart thumps as I step inside. Did he get in the shower because they just finished fucking? Is that why I was invited in? I look like the typical jock, so the pink-haired guy in front of me probably thinks Kerian and I are teammates.
I’m surprised when he turns to me and holds his hand out. “I’m Asher. Kerian’s roommate.”
All of my muscles relax when I shake his hand. Roommate. That’s better than lover.
“Zander.”
Asher’s eyes widen. “You’re the one from the game. The one he kissed.”
An involuntary smile crosses my face. That kiss was hot as fuck. “Yeah, that’s me.”
Asher nods and pulls his lips in. “I knew I recognized you. You can wait for him in his room if you want.”
“Thanks.”
I head to Kerian’s room, kick off my shoes, and prop myself up on his pillows.
His room is really nice. It looks different when I’m not looking at it through the lens of lust. His dark blue blanket matches the blue curtains hanging from his window. On his dresser, everything is in order, lined up perfectly. And god, this bed. It’s so fucking soft, it’s like lying on a cloud.
I lie back on the bed and cross my legs, resting my head on his pillow. As I get comfortable, I get a whiff of Kerian’s cologne. Fuck, he smells good. I turn my head to pull in a deep breath, taking his scent into my lungs.
“You know that’s creepy, right?” Kerian’s voice scares me.
I jump, sitting up and looking at him with wide eyes. “I wasn’t doing anything.” Yeah, I don’t sound guilty at all.
He smirks as he walks into the room, dropping his towel so I see his nice, naked ass. “Sniffing my pillow like a creeper? Yeah, I hear you.” As he pulls on his underwear, he looks over his shoulder at me. “Why are you here?”
I smile and stand up, walking over to him. I wrap my arms around him from behind and kiss his shoulder. “I wanted to see you. And take you out.”
Kerian turns around, resting against the dresser. I step into him, kissing along his neck softly. He doesn’t push me away; in fact, he rests a lazy hand on my waist. “Take me out where?”
I shrug, still kissing his neck. “Somewhere. We can get something to eat that’s not greasy pizza.”
The deep rumble of his laugh vibrates against my lips. “Nothing wrong with pizza, Dimples.” He taps me on my hip and I step away. I don’t get far. Kerian grasps the front of my shirt and drags me to him, kissing me soundly. I melt against him, squeezing his hips as he tangles his tongue with mine.
When he finally lets me up for air, I’m lightheaded and hard. “That’s a nice welcome,” I tease.
He scoffs and turns back around, pulling out clothes. “Okay, let’s go. Don’t take me to some vegan spot.”
“What about vegetarian?”
Kerian blows out a long-suffering breath. “You’re going to kill me, Zander.”
A thrill goes down my spine when he says my full name. It’s always Dimples, Zandy, or Braithe. He’s only called me Zander one other time. I like it more than I should.
After he’s dressed, we head out. My palms sweat again when I guide him to my car. I would have suggested he drive so I don’t feel like I’m inferior, but I did offer to take him on a date.
When we get to my car, Kerian’s face is impassive as he checks it over. Well, impassive for Kerian. He always looks like he’s either angry or bored.
Like the gentleman I am, I open the car door for him. Thankfully, it doesn’t squeak when I do.
He rolls his eyes, but I notice the smile tipping up his lips as he gets in.
When I back up and start driving, I see Kerian’s eyes bouncing around my car. I’d kill to know what he’s thinking.
After a few minutes, he says, “Nice ride.”
My stomach plummets as I look over at him to see if he’s teasing me. He has a super nice car with leather seats and a heated fucking steering wheel for fuck’s sake. No way he thinks my beater is nice.
I’m shocked when I don’t see a hint of judgement or pity in his eyes. I mean, it’s obvious I’m not well off like him, but he doesn’t seem to be looking down on me because of it.
Clearing the unexpected lump from my throat, I say, “Thanks. It was my dad’s.”
“He gave it to you for college?”
“Nah,” I answer, the lump lodging for another reason. “He died when I was a kid. My mom kept it running for me until I was sixteen. Then she gave me the keys. I’ve been taking care of her ever since.”
“Shit, Braithe. I’m sorry.” He pauses for a few seconds and I stare straight ahead, willing tears not to prick my eyes. “What happened to him?”
I shrug as I turn at a light. “Car accident. An eighteen wheeler crossed the median and T-boned his work van.”
“Shit,” is all he says.
Even after all this time, it hurts to talk about Dad. Waking up and being told that he’d never come back home crushed me. It took me a while to come out of my shell. Football is what saved me, what kept me going. Dad loved my passion for the sport, so not only do I play to give my mom and brother a better life, I play to make him proud.
Thankfully, Kerian doesn’t ask me more about my dad and I’m able to wrangle in my emotions, burying them deep down for the time being.
I wasn’t kidding about getting vegetarian. Just like Kerian has a favorite restaurant, I do too.
When we step inside, the owner, Sheila, waves at me. She wipes her hands on a towel and comes around the counter. “Where you been, stranger?” she asks, wrapping her lean arms around me. Sweat dots her dark brown cheeks, her braids tumbling down her back. “I thought you’d graduated already.”
Russ and I have been coming here since we started playing together. We chatted Sheila up, namely because Russ said he likes older women and tried to shoot his shot. Sheila shut him down quick, but was still nice to us and let us try out her new menu items for free anytime we visited.
“Not yet,” I tell her, walking to the counter. “Been busy. Senior year is rough.”
She nods sympathetically. “I remember my college years. The only thing I miss about them is partying.” We both laugh. “Who is this handsome young man?”
I look back at Kerian, who’s as stoic as ever. “Kerian. My boyfriend.”
Ha, that changed his features. He looks at me quickly, his eyes going wide. I wink at him and shrug as if to say, “Go ahead and deny it.” His jaw ticks, but he simply looks up at the posted menu.
“You got good taste,” Sheila says with a wink. “Better than that girl you used to bring in here. I swear, if her nose could be any more in the air, she’d be sniffing the clouds.” I wholeheartedly agree. “What can I get you, hun?”
I order for both Kerian and myself, since he’s looking at the menu like it’s not written in English.
After I pay, I guide Kerian to a booth in the back.
“Boyfriend, huh?” he asks when we sit down. I just shrug again, raising my eyebrow at him, daring him to contradict it.
When he doesn’t, my grin widens. “Have you had vegetarian food before?”
He shakes his head. “Nah. I don’t eat leaves and shit, Zandy. I’m a grown-ass man. I need something to stick to my bones.”
I raise my shirt, showing off my abs. I don’t miss how his pupils blow wide before he turns away. “I think my leaves stick to my bones just fine.”
“Whatever.” He looks around, nodding his head. “How did you find this place?”
“Me and Russ were coming from the movies and we were starving. This was the only place open. I came back because the food is bomb as fuck. Russ came back because he has a crush on Sheila.”
Kerian barks an unexpected laugh. “I see the appeal. She’s beautiful. How did it go for him?”
I smirk. “It didn’t. She said she’s not interested in robbing the cradle. Russ respected that, but still has his crush.”
Sheila comes over with our food. “Don’t be a stranger, you hear?”
“Yes ma’am.” She pats my cheek and waves at me and Kerian. She’s probably my mom’s age, but she’s aged really well.
Kerian looks at the food skeptically. “You sure this is good?”
Rolling my eyes, I pick up one of the zucchini fries and bring it to his lips. When he doesn’t open right away, I shake the food in his face. “Try it. For me.”
He gives me a dry look before he opens and takes a bite. His eyes widen when he chews. “Oh, shit. Okay, that is delicious.”
I grin smugly. “Right? Here, try it with some of the sauce.” I pop the fry he bit into my mouth and grab a fresh one. I dunk it into Sheila’s special sauce and bring it to Kerian’s lips. He takes a hearty bite, nipping at my finger. I hiss. To my surprise, Kerian laughs again. A deep belly laugh that transforms his face.
Sighing, I smile at him, planting my elbow on the table and resting my chin on my hand. “You’re kinda beautiful, you know that?”
His cheeks turn the faintest shade of pink, but he rolls his eyes and says, “Shut the fuck up, Braithe.”
I don’t take offense to it. I’m used to Kerian and his growly attitude. It’s actually endearing now that I know him.
We reach for the zucchini fries at the same time. I move my hand away, letting him grab one. He takes it and dips it in the sauce and holds it out. “Come here, Zandy.”
Grinning, I lean in and take the fry into my mouth, groaning when the sauce hits my tongue.
“You have something right here,” Kerian says, tapping beside his mouth. I reach up to wipe it away, but he grabs my hand. “No, let me.”
Then he leans in and licks along the seam of my mouth. I groan, and Kerian swallows it when he plants his lips on mine, kissing me thoroughly. His large hands frame my face and I sink into him.
I could get used to this.