11. Bronco
11
brONCO
Tonight already has me reeling and we’ve only just taken our seats.
I knew Amber had a rough past, but a religious cult? Is she for fuckin’ real? My blood boils just from the way she reacted to my comment that this part of her past hurt her. I saw the fear in her eyes, the flash of cruelty she remembered suffering at the hands of her ex. I admit, I don’t know much about him, but I do know that he’s a dead man if he put his hands on her… Who am I kidding? Of course he did. She hasn’t told me in so many words, but I’ve gotten the gist of it from tidbits she’s told me over the years. I just don’t know why she didn’t tell me sooner about the cult.
Still, as I rest the tray of food on my knees, I’m trying to see past the anger I’m really feeling in order to have a good time. I lied to her. I put on a front so she wouldn’t get even more upset, but I’m raging deep inside. I want her to bring it up again so I can find out more. So I can locate this asshole and wipe him off the face of the earth. I’ll do it, she knows I will, which is why she brushed over his whereabouts. What are best friends for if not to stalk your ex-boyfriends and give them an ending they deserve? My temper is nuclear when it comes to women being treated like shit. I’ve got my mom to thank for that because she instilled in me and my brother that it is not okay to treat women like trash. It is also not okay to put your hands on a woman in anger. Period. I’m murderous when I think about someone hurting her, or that she could’ve possibly lived in fear from this asshole.
I’m thrown. This is the secret part of her life where the walls are still so high, there ain’t no way anyone’s getting over the moat or anywhere close, and that part makes me sad. I’ve always been the life of the party, the idiot who says the wrong thing, but a smile always ensues. The deep, dark part of me knows what I’m capable of when it comes to protecting the people I care about; I will not hold back.
“Oh, my God!” Amber groans as I look sideways, knocking me out of my reverie. She’s stuffing a very large hot dog into her mouth, and I can’t help but chuckle.
“You know, I can always order out if you want hotdogs anytime. When was the last time you indulged?”
She shakes her head, chewing until she swallows the huge mouthful. “I don’t eat this stuff usually, and it’s not the same unless you’re at a game, ya know?”
I wave the huge popcorn bucket at her. I’ve also got two hotdogs, and a side of fries, plus our Giant sodas which are stationed at my feet. “Duly noted,” I say, stuffing a handful of delicious popcorn into my mouth. “The Nuggets aren’t gonna know what hit them.”
“Especially when it’s our home turf.”
“It’s been ages since I’ve been to a live game.”
She glances at me. “We’ve got Ben to thank for it.”
I try not to stiffen at the sound of his name. “Not a good sign that he’s still sick. You don’t want a dude with a weak immune system.”
“Is that right?”
“Don’t tell me you’re gonna give this douchebag another shot once he’s over his fake flu?”
She balks, the hotdog halfway to her mouth. “He isn’t faking it. Katie said he’d been really sick, and why wouldn’t I give him another shot? He seems like a good guy.”
Uh, because I don’t like the idea? And the other day when you came and saved me from Cupcake, I really liked it…
“I’m just sayin’, you’re better off holdin’ out for someone who isn’t such a flake.”
“By the way, you still owe me one.”
I glance at her sideways. “What for?”
“Cupcake.”
I roll my eyes. “Are you still milkin’ that?”
“Thanks to me, everyone thinks we’re dating. The girls blew the chat up this morning. I had to let them down gently.”
“We should fake date,” I mutter. “It’ll keep all the creeps away.”
She whacks me in the arm. “I’ll be single forever if I bring you along to all my dates.”
“Maybe that’s a wise idea, then I can check out this Ben character and give you my unsolicited opinion of him. I’m pretty good with vibes.” I try not to grit my teeth when I say it.
“I’m a big girl, Bronc, I think I’ve got this.” She continues to eat while I think about her thinking about Ben. I wonder if she really wanted him to be here tonight instead of me. Is she disappointed? Which is a given because she seems pretty hell-bent on setting up another date with him.
“Still, you gotta ask yourself why the universe is keepin’ him at arm’s length,” I go on. “If it’s not workin’ out easily, then that could be a sign to stay away.”
She sighs. “If I listened to you, I’d be a freaking nun for the rest of my life.”
If it means not going on dates with other guys, then maybe that’s not a bad idea?
“That’s takin’ it a bit far. I know what guys are like, how they think.”
“Uh, huh, and how is that exactly?”
I give her a pointed look. “You know what I mean.”
She stares right back at me. “I’m pretty dumb, you might have to spell it out for me.”
“They think through their dicks.”
“And chicks can’t think through their anatomy as well?”
I frown. I hadn’t considered it before. “I guess they can…”
“So, in your argument, only guys are horny, and all they want is to get a chick into bed?”
“That’s pretty accurate for most single guys, and if you think some Prince Charming is out there, pretendin’ to be somethin’ else, then I’m sorry to burst the bubble, he isn’t. Or at least he could be, but he definitely has sex on the brain ninety percent of the time.”
She’s still staring at me when she says, “But you’re not like that.”
My eyes slide to hers. “How do you know? Maybe I am.”
“You have sex on your brain ninety percent of the time?” Her words go straight to my dick.
“Didn’t say that, but men are men.”
She giggles. My eyes grow wide. “I guess you have a point.” She waves a hand.
I tilt my head to the side. “Glad I amuse you. What’s so funny?”
“Bronc, you haven’t had sex with a girl, in like, how long?”
Now I regret being so honest.
I told Crystal how long; six months to be precise, but that doesn’t mean I want to broadcast it or that I want Amber knowing how pathetic I am.
I tap her cute button nose. “A gentleman never tells.”
She laughs even harder. “You know what just struck me?” I wait in anticipation for what she’s about to say next, but it kinda shocks me all the same. “You are kinda perfect.”
My frown turns into a lazy smile. “I’ve thought this for some time myself.”
“Oh, my God! Stop it, I’m gonna pee my pants!”
“You said it. Let’s examine the evidence, or would you like to do the honors yourself?”
“I’d love to.” She starts counting on her fingers. “You have a good job, and you’re a committee member of the MC. Your mom’s amazing. You can cook, sort of. You love the Pelicans. You’re kinda good looking, but a little scary if you’re not smiling. Your hair is naturally thick and lustrous. Your eyes are insanely pretty. You have your own house, car, sled, and — as far as I can tell — no crazy exes lurking around the corner. How am I doing so far?”
You’re kinda good looking? My eyes are insanely pretty? Why is it like she’s talking directly to my cock?
“You’re observant,” I joke. “But you forgot about my six pack, my record as an all-star quarterback, and my huge cock.” The words are out, and I mean them in gest, but her eyes still widen.
She leans in closer, so we’re whispering. “So, is it true?”
I lean in too, lowering my voice. “Is what true?”
“You said nine inches.”
I sit back in my chair, spreading my legs a little wider. “I’ve not had any complaints.”
“That isn’t answering the question. I just know guys love to brag about their dick sizes, and usually it’s to overcompensate because they’re small.”
“Trust me, I’m not.”
Without hesitation she says, “That’s almost twenty-three centimeters.”
I shoot her a look. “You measured?”
She shrugs. “I may have.”
“The question is, why are you so interested in my dick size when you’ve got Ben’s half-mast-probably-can’t-even-get-it-up noodle to look forward to.” I smirk at my own joke.
She narrows her eyes, but I can tell she’s trying not to laugh. “How long have you been waiting to use that line?”
“Since I found out you were goin’ on a date with him.”
“I don’t know why this date bothers you so much,” she goes on. “And don’t say it’s because of all your woo-woo crap.”
“Hey, it’s not crap. My premonitions are usually pretty accurate.”
“Name one time they’ve been accurate,” she challenges.
“I joked one day and said Star looked big enough to be carryin’ twins.” Okay, probably not a good thing to say to a pregnant woman, and it earned me a slap upside the head, but was I wrong?
“That is pretty freaky.”
“I can also predict storms; such as the one comin’ this year. We’re gonna get snow, just for the record.”
She balks. “Has it ever snowed in New Orleans before?”
“Two-thousand and nine was the last time. I’m a bit of a weather buff. I also predicted Tom Brady’s retirement last year, who would win the NFL before the season started, and I told Cash I had a hunch about who had kidnapped Audrina, and that turned out to be true.”
She stares at me. “So, you’re really psychic?”
I shrug. “I don’t think it’s that, I think I just get a feeling about things.”
“So, I shouldn’t go out with Ben?”
“No.”
She nods. “I won’t then.”
Why does my heart stutter when I hear her say the words? She’s actually going to listen to me?
“I just don’t like him.” Especially if I imagine his hands on you, not to mention anything else.
“Thanks for the tip.” She turns to watch as the game begins.
That’s it? Thanks for the tip? I thought she’d be mad, tell me I can’t tell her what to do, and who the hell do I think I am? But she says none of that. It also doesn’t help matters when she brought up the nine inches thing. Has she been thinking about it? Clearly she has if she’s measured. I don’t wanna brag, but I would be lying if I said I’m overcompensating, or whatever it was she said.
As the first quarter unfolds, I find out that Amber is quite the cheerleader; voicing her opinion out loud, shouting out to the refs and encouraging her favorite players. She’s awesome. I’ve never seen her like this; carefree and at ease in her surroundings. I like that she’s comfortable with me, and that she chose me to spend tonight with.
At half time, I get us more drinks and food. For a slight little thing, she can certainly put some grub away. She has another hotdog, and I grab some candy and a couple of large foam fingers because I’m really just a big kid at heart. Amber’s delighted when I come back and present her with one of the large hands; she laughs and takes it off me, super pumped for the next half.
She checks in with Indi on how Olive’s going, relaxing when Indi texts back. I dig how cool she’s being about this whole thing with Erica and Olive, and now it’s clear that maybe they have something to do with this cult thing, too. Is that the reason Erica left Olive in her care?
If so, why hasn’t Amber said anything? If Erica is in some kind of trouble, then she needs to enlist the help of the MC, or at the very worst, call the cops. Maybe she really believes Erica is coming back, but it seems sketchy.
“I can’t watch anymore!” Amber cries out when her favorite player misses a three-point shot. The scores are close, and it’s gonna suck if the Nuggets win at a home game.
“Tell me about it. I’m having an anxiety attack over here,” I murmur.
All of a sudden, people around us start turning our way to look at us, and I’m about to ask the dude in front what his problem is until I look up onto the big screen.
Oh, fuck no.
The kiss-cam is pointed at us. Right at the same moment, Amber realizes too and puts her head in her hands, her cheeks coloring bright red. I can’t let the moment go, since it’s gonna be on TV and all. I lean toward her and prod my cheek with one finger. If we try to avoid it, the crowd will only go nuts, and then the cam will only persist even more, or worse, come back later for another shot. She leans my way and presses her delicate lips to my cheek.
The crowd boos, making me chuckle with laughter as I thumb her way and mouth ‘we’re just friends’ but before I know what’s even happening, Amber grabs my face and then her lips are pressing against mine. She’s fucking kissing me.
My heart skips a beat, my palms instantly sweat, and I can’t feel my toes because my body is numb. Her lips are soft, sweet like honey, and breathtaking. Her mouth parts a little and it’s then that I reciprocate, kissing her back as the crowd goes nuts all around us. The jolt of electricity is like nothing I’ve ever felt before; every part of my body is tingling, my blood feels like it’s on fire in my veins. She’s still cupping my face when she pulls back and smiles at me, albeit a little sheepishly.
“Sorry, I didn’t want to disappoint the crowd,” she gushes.
I blink. “That’s the reason you kissed me?”
“Haven’t you secretly had a fantasy about a kiss-cam moment? Like in the movies, though usually it’s a stranger…”
“Let’s not talk about kissin’ strangers.” The cam has moved on, but my heart feels like it’s taken up residence in my throat… and my dick. I can’t adjust myself because that would be totally obvious, and I don’t want Amber thinking I’m weird, even if she did just plant one on me without warning. “And don’t apologize.”
“I should’ve asked first,” she says sincerely.
My hand finds the back of her neck and she turns to face me, her face still red from embarrassment. “You never have to ask to put your mouth on me, got it?”
“But we’re?—”
I press my forehead with hers. “Don’t say it. Just for a second, let me pretend.”
She doesn’t pull away. Her skin is warm as she rests a hand on my thigh to steady herself. It’s still too close; my dick is straining against my zipper, begging to be let out. Not for the first time, I imagine her mouth on my cock and how sweet that would feel. To see her bobbing her pretty little head up and down on me while I come in her mouth makes me close my eyes for a brief moment. Asswipe. You’re in public at a game! I really need to save those fantasies for the shower, because then at least I can do something about it.
Maybe I’m having a delayed reaction, because… did Amber just fucking kiss me?
The way her soft touch had me jolting out of my seat, my cock swelling in an instant as her floral scent seemed to float around me, toying with me, making me insane.
I just kissed my best friend… and I liked it.
She pulls back. “What did you put in that root beer?”
I try to feign nonchalance, but I fail miserably. “Can’t even blame the lack of alcohol, you did that all on your own.”
“Your beard is surprisingly soft.”
I almost spill into my underwear at her words. I open my mouth, then close it again.
“I thought it’d be scratchy,” she goes on. “But you have really soft skin.”
I’m like a fucking goldfish, opening and closing my mouth. Man. The. Fuck. Up!
I clear my throat. “You have soft lips.”
“Thanks.” She bites her lip, which does nothing but exacerbate my wood, and then she looks away. A few seconds later, she brings her Giant soda to her mouth and takes a huge sip. I’m a little dry myself, but I can’t move in my seat. I’m too pent up. I knew kissing her would be epic, but I never truly thought it’d happen. I only dreamed it could, and she made the first move.
“Did you want anything else to eat?” I garble when I can’t think of anything else to say. Neither of us are very interested in what’s still happening on the court below anymore.
“I’m fine, I ate my body weight in hotdogs,” she says.
I grin into my hand as I rub my face, trying to make sense of what the fuck just happened and why my ears are still ringing.
She can’t just go around kissing me and then acting like it’s all okay. That’s some fucked up shit right there. Is she feeling anything like what I’m feeling?
I didn’t come here tonight expecting to make out with her, and I know it was because of the peer-pressure the kiss-cam can bring, but still. I didn’t force her to kiss me.
“How are the vibes?” she whispers. I side-eye her. Seeing my confusion, she adds, “Between us, do you think?”
I still don’t have a grip on my emotions right now, and I’m spinning out of control. “Are you asking if I enjoyed it?”
“Did you?”
I lift the popcorn bucket off my lap and her eyes dip into my lap at my huge bulge. “What do you think?”
“Holy—”
I smirk. “Kissing is intimate, Amber, not gonna lie. It gets me goin’.”
Her eyes widen slightly and I love the idea that I still have the ability to shock her. “What else gets you going?”
You.
“In bed?”
“Yes.”
“Why do you wanna know?” I cock a brow. “Gonna do somethin’ about what you’ve started?”
Her breathing, I notice, has quickened. My eyes dip for a second to her chest as it rises and falls faster than before. “I didn’t start it.”
I cock a brow. “Really? I seem to recall you just man-handling me like I’m some piece of meat.”
“You just said you enjoyed it.”
“I did, it just caught me by surprise.”
“Well, I figured if Cupcake is watching, we should keep up the facade.”
“We should fake date for real?”
“Why not? It’ll keep the has-beens away from you,” she laughs.
“Why do you care?” I pop the question, desperate to know the answer. I lean closer to her ear. “Wanna know somethin’?”
She nods, bringing that goddamn straw to her lips that I want to replace with my tongue. “I’m all ears.”
“Nevada said somethin’ crazy.”
She laughs. “And that’s groundbreaking?”
I swallow hard. “We had it out; he thinks men and women can fuck and still be friends.”
Her chest hitches at the use of my words. “What do you think?”
“Were you talking about me?” she breathes.
“He was. I didn’t indulge in it, other than to remind him we have a special friendship and I don’t wanna ruin that.”
Her pretty eyes meet mine. “But we’d be so good together.”
My heart races, beating so hard it could burst out of my chest at any given moment. She has no idea the power of her words. “But sex ruins friendships, it complicates things, right?” Please say no. Please fucking say no.
“I don’t know,” she says quietly. “I’ve never had a ‘fuck buddy’ before.”
I shake my head. “It wouldn’t be that.”
A small smile crosses her lips. It could just be me, but they seem swollen from that one illicit kiss. Does she want more? Or am I imagining it?
“Why? Am I too good for it?” Her tone is amused, but there is no amusement in my tone.
“Yes,” I say simply. “You are. It’s no secret I have you on a pedestal.”
She looks away, then everyone is jumping out of their seats as the game ends and the final score sees the Pelicans winning by three points. We missed it, but I’m not sorry.
If I can hold one memory from tonight, it’s not gonna be that fucking score board. It’ll be the way Amber’s kiss made me reevaluate everything that I hold dear. How’s that for fucking vanilla?