7. McKenna
There’s a loud knock on my door.
“Everyone decent in there?” Katie asks. “I’ve learned my lesson by now—I’m knocking, alright?”
It’s got to be the actual ass crack of dawn, and Katie’s not a morning person. “Why are you awake right now?” I shout to her.
“It’s nearly ten o’clock! Griff, I know you’re in there. You said we needed to get on the road by nine-thirty. You’ve boned long enough, let my poor best friend up for some air, and put my bags in the Jeep.”
Right. So, not the ass crack of dawn. How did we sleep in so late? I guess that’s what happens when you exchange orgasms—multiple orgasms, might I add—then stay up talking for hours, wrapped in each other’s arms.
I shift in his arms, coming face to face with the most gorgeous, sleepy brown eyes. Placing my palm on his jaw, I say, “Good morning, baby. How did you sleep?”
“Morning, Sunshine. Apparently too good,” he jokes as he wraps his arms around my naked torso, warming my skin with his embrace. He kisses me softly, and I let him. I guess I’ve gotten over my objections to morning breath kisses in the past month.
A month. That’s how long it’s been since I first felt Griff’s lips grace mine. And what a month it’s been. We’re about to head up north to the cabin for the Fourth of July—the reason Katie said we needed to get up and get in the Jeep.
Every summer, for as long as I can remember, our families have gone up to our cabin on Mille Lacs Lake. I know . . . why would we have a cabin on a lake when we live on a lake? Well, the lake we live on is in the suburbs of the Twin Cities. Our cabin is in Bayview, which is a cute, unincorporated town north of the Twin Cities. It’s quaint and the perfect place to reset and unwind. The “cabin,” however, is a six-bedroom mansion that my parents inherited when we were young but recently remodeled. It’s my favorite place to be, but we don’t go nearly enough.
This will be our first Fourth of July up there with just us kids. Our parents are attending a charity gala my mom is coordinating for the hospital Griff’s dad works at. They left last night to stay the weekend at the upscale hotel it’s being held at.
“We should probably get ready to leave,” I say as I move to straddle Griff.
He grips my waist and pulls me down as he grinds his morning wood into me. I can’t seem to get enough of this man—even after a night full of orgasms. Although, we haven’t taken it all the way yet. He’s had no problem scoring hat tricks of orgasms with his mouth, hands, and a lot of dry humping. But I’m ready. I’ve been ready. There’s nothing I want more than to feel him inside of me.
“Mmm—we probably should,” he replies in a raspy voice before he pulls me down for a long, searching kiss. Tangling one hand in my hair, he runs his other hand down my spine, gripping my ass in a bruising hold.
“I mean, what’s five more minutes?” I ask as I continue to grind and rotate my hips.
“McKenna,” he growls, “we need to get going. There will be plenty of this all weekend.” He punctuates his statement with one final thrust before he takes my hips and moves me off him.
“Promise?” I pout my lip at him.
He chuckles at my antics and then kisses me on the cheek. “Yes, Sunshine. I promise,” he whispers in my ear, causing me to visibly shiver.
I watch as Griff gets up from my bed and pulls on his gym shorts, forgoing his shirt. “I’m going to head home to shower quickly and put mine and Katie’s bags in the Jeep. I’ll come back up to get yours once I’m done. Think you’ll be ready to leave in fifteen?”
“I can work with that,” I respond, getting up to give him a quick peck before I shower.
I’m happy to say I was downstairs and ready to leave, with my bag and snacks packed within fifteen minutes. We packed up the coolers last night and put those in the Jeep so we could roll out “bright and early.”
“Thank god, you’ve finally escaped your sex dungeon!” Katie teases me.
“Fuck off, Katie. I don’t want to hear that,” Carson whines.
“Whatever. I’d just like to point out the fact that my best friend has been far too preoccupied with my brother this summer. The very summer we were supposed to use to have a hot girl summer before college . . .” she points out.
“Kitty, retract your claws. You’ve seen Kenna every damn day this summer,” Carse says.
“I got Funyuns and Dr. Pepper . . . if you forgive me, I’ll share my road trip snacks,” I bribe my bestie.
“All is forgiven. Give me the DP,” Katie says as she makes grabby hands at me.
I watch as Carson spits out the Gatorade he just took a pull from. “Jesus Christ, Kitty. Give a guy a warning before you demand the DP. Which DP would you like . . . double penetration, deep penetration, perhaps a little bit of both?” He prompts with a waggle of his brows.
“What the fuck did I just walk in on?” Griff questions as he wraps his arms around my waist from behind.
“Well, Katie was just asking for the DP. I believe she was referencing the Dr. Pepper I was bribing her with, but now I’m not quite sure,” I say as I nuzzle into Griff’s embrace.
“Missed you,” he whispers in my ear, then places a chaste kiss on my neck.
I giggle in response, wrapping my arms over his, interlocking our fingers around my waist. “You just left my bed . . . I bet it’s not even cold yet.”
“Are you trying to tell me you didn’t miss me?” he questions, grinding his erection into my butt.
I turn in his arms, locking my hands around his neck. “You’re insufferable.”
“I know, Sunshine. I can’t help myself when it comes to you. But, I stand by my words . . . I missed you.”
Giving him a quick kiss that he tries to deepen before I pull back, I ask, “Are you all set? I’ve just got to pack up a few more things.”
“Yep, all set. I’ve already got the most important things in the Jeep—you know, Ranger’s food and water bowls, treats, food, and toys.”
“What a good Doggy Daddy you’ve become,” Katie teases as she hip-checks Griff on her way outside.
“He’s more like a brother than a Doggy Daddy,” Carson scoffs when he passes by us.
“The two of you are ridiculous!” I shout at Katie and Carse, then turn my attention back to Griff. “Thank you for doing that. Are you sure you’re okay with Ranger riding in the Jeep?”
“He’s the best passenger pup. Of course, I’m sure.”
“Aren’t you worried about all the dog hair?”
“It’s the perfect day to have the top off and let the wind blow through Ranger’s hair.”
“I know. But this is our first Fourth without any of our parents being up there, and Mrs. Anderson down the street said she would watch him. It’s different when he’s in the back of Carson’s truck.”
“He’s coming, Kenna. It’s not the Fourth without Ranger at the cabin.”
Why do I love that he said that in a commanding tone? I also love that he knows how much Ranger means to me.
“Alright. Ranger Boy, let’s go!” I holler down the hall to where he’s lying on his dog bed. A few moments later, I spot Ranger’s golden mane around the corner. I’m not biased when I say he’s the most handsome Golden Retriever. He just got back from the groomer, so his coat is cut shorter to avoid matting, and he has an American flag handkerchief around his neck.
When he gets to my feet, I bend down and kiss his nose. “Who”s my Goodest Boy, huh?” I coo at him as I rub behind his ears. He answers me with licks across my face.
“You are the best, aren’t you, boy?” Griffin asks him as he scratches down his back. “Do you need me to grab anything else?” he asks as he meets my eyes.
God, he’s so damn handsome. Scratch that; he’s downright sexy when he’s showering my dog with affection.
I tell Griff we should be all set then he grabs my hand and leads me outside as Ranger follows behind. Griff wanted me to sit up front, but I told him we should let Carse sit up front, and I’d sit in the back with Ranger and Katie.
We’re over halfway to the cabin when the entire car starts scream-singing the lyrics to “You Belong With Me (Taylor’s Version).” Listening to Griff sing the lyrics, I can’t help but think back to when I’d listen to the Fearless album in my room during my freshman year. I’d be sitting in my room, looking out the window, and Griff would be heading out in this very Jeep to pick up a girl for a date. My pining for this man started early, and this song was the anthem for my unrequited crush on the boy next door.
I’m snapped out of my daydream when Griff’s gaze connects with mine in the rearview mirror. He winks, and warmth unfurls in my stomach.
The remainder of the car ride is filled with scream-singing more T-Swift, snacking, and stealing glances in the rearview. The drive to the cabin isn’t too long—just under two hours—but it both flew by and drug on this time around. Time flies by when we’re having fun together, but it drags on at a torturous pace when I want to be wrapped in Griff’s arms.
We pull into the circle drive of the cabin, and my chest squeezes with nostalgia.
The cabin has a lodge aesthetic and is expansive from the front, with large stone and cedar beams that score to the second story. My favorite view, though, is from the lake, where the walkout basement is visible. At night, when the house is all lit up, it’s magnificent.
Griff and Carse get out of the Jeep, and Ranger jumps out the driver’s door, following behind them.
Katie unbuckles her seatbelt then leans over and gives me a hug. “Being here always puts me in the right headspace. Have I told you how much I love you lately? Coming here every summer with you and your family is the best tradition my parents ever started.”
I squeeze her back, trying to channel my love for my best friend through our embrace. “I love you too, Katie. I know being here brings back so many memories—mostly good—but I know it makes you miss your mom. Let me know if you need to talk or a shoulder to lean on.”
“I promise, if it gets to be too much, I’ll come to you. Well, I will if my brother ever lets you disentangle yourself from him.”
“Not likely—the entanglement is mutual,” I say as we break from our embrace. “But you’ll always come first, Katie. Please know that.”
“I know, I know. Hoes before bros. Chicks before dicks, and all that.” She giggles.
We get out and grab our bags. After a few trips back and forth, the four of us have the Jeep unpacked.
Once we’re inside, Griff grabs my hand and pulls me close, wrapping his arms low around my hips. “Which room are we taking this week? Yours or one of the primary bedrooms?” His lips graze my ear, sending chills down my neck and arms.
“We can take the primary bedroom down here on the main level. Katie and Carson’s rooms are both upstairs, so . . .”
“So . . . what? Being on a different level won’t stop them from hearing you scream my name all night, Sunshine. You’re smart, gorgeous, funny, athletic, witty, and all the things, but you’re not quiet, my love. At least not when my fingers or mouth are between your legs.”
Wiggling out of his embrace, I take the two steps down into the great room—one of my favorite rooms at the cabin. It has vaulted ceilings with exposed cedar beams, floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the lake, and a two-story stone fireplace. The furniture is oversized to make the space feel cozy instead of cold and grandiose. Mom and Dad replaced the furniture when they remodeled the place four years ago. What used to be a dark, outdated house is now beautiful with warm tones and modern rustic finishes throughout.
I walk to the back wall of windows that overlook the lake and take in the scenery. The room Griff and I are staying in faces the same direction and has a floor-to-ceiling view as well. Griff comes up behind me, making my back melt into his front. I love when he wraps his arms around me like this. I’ve never felt more safe and secure than I do when I’m wrapped in his arms.
“I think we should get our bags unpacked. I’ll get Ranger’s food and water dishes set if you want to move his dog bed from your usual room into our room.”
Griffin has been so considerate today. It makes me want to show him how appreciative I am of him.
“Thank you. Once you get his bowls set up, will you meet me in our room?”
“Mhmm,” he murmurs in my ear, placing light kisses down my neck before he says, “why do I love hearing you say ‘our room’ so much? Watch out, I could get used to that, Sunshine.”
Butterflies swarm out of their cage in my belly, causing me to literally gasp at his comment. I think he takes it as I’m shocked by his words because he chuckles as he steps away into the kitchen. But really, I’m trying to grasp the fact that my wildest dreams are coming true at this moment.
I’m standing in the doorway of our bedroom, finishing a reply to the text my agent, Jared, sent me about possible Name, Image, Likeness, or NIL, deals he has in mind for me. He wants me to give him a call after the Fourth of July to go over this new policy the NCAA passed. I tell him I’ll get back to him early next week. These deals could be huge for me and my teammates. There are several guys on the team who have to work full-time jobs over the summer to cover living expenses not covered by their scholarships.
The sound of a throat clearing has me looking up from my phone.
In front of me is the most bewitching sight I’ve ever seen. Kenna is standing in front of me in a revealing, lacy, red bodysuit.
“Holy fuck, Sunshine. You know I love you in red,” I say as I close the door and flick the lock behind my back, not willing to take my eyes off her. “What’s the special occasion?”
“No special occasion . . . I just wanted to show you how thankful I am for you. Do you like it?”
“Is that a serious question? I love it. I’m obsessed.” I pounce on her, pulling her in for a desperate kiss. Dragging myself away from her lips, I step back and circle my fingers at her, signaling her to give me a full look. Kenna turns around slowly, giving me a luscious view of her thong-clad ass. Just above her left hip bone, I notice something stitched into the fabric of her lingerie.
“What is this?” I grasp her hips to stop her from turning.
“I may have stitched your number on here as a little surprise,” she says in a shy voice. When I look up at her, her cheeks are flushed, and she smiles bashfully back at me. I look back down and see a small ninety-one stitched in black thread.
“Love, if you keep this up, I’m going to have a hard time going back to Boston in the fall.”
Her face falls as the meaning of my words sinks in. Before I can try to reassure her that we’ll be fine come the fall, there’s a loud knock on the door.
“Stop whatever you’re doing and get your asses out here. We’re going for a boat ride in five,” Carson hollers through the door.
I sigh before I give Kenna’s ass a squeeze. “Unfortunately, for what I have planned for you, we’re going to need a lot longer than five minutes. This is getting put back on later,” I demand as I trail my fingers along the fabric covering her pussy.
“Mmm—you’re soaked, Sunshine.” I groan as I crash my mouth to hers. Right as I’m about to say fuck it to the boat ride, Katie pounds on the door.
“Hurry up, you two harlots!”
“Did she just . . .” I trail off, shaking my head at my sister’s antics.
“She did. Come on, we both know she’s not moving away from that door until we’re both out there.”
We change into our suits and head out for a day of wakeboarding and tubing with Carson and Katie before the others get here this evening.
After a late dinner, Kenna and I walk down the steps to the lake and sit beside each other on the dock. It’s so peaceful down here, away from the party that’s started up at the house. I’ve always liked being by the water when I’m stuck in my head.
“Every summer, can you just promise me one thing?” Kenna asks, looking over at me.
“Anything.”
“Promise me we’ll always come back here—to the water, to these moments—and make more memories together.”
“I can’t think of anything I’d rather do in the offseason. Seeing you in a bikini is always an easy yes,” I reply playfully.
She smacks my chest lightheartedly. “I’m being serious! These are the moments I live for. The four of us at the cabin, out on the water, down by the beach, soaking up the sun. Every summer, no matter what happens. Can you promise me that?”
“I’ll certainly try my best, Sunshine.” I stare back at her, the fading sunlight casting a golden glow on her skin and hair. Next to the water, like this, her eyes take on an almost turquoise hue. She looks angelic.
There’s something I’ve been putting off for the past month, trying to somewhat play it cool, but I need to finally ask her. The sun is setting across the lake, painting the sky in pastels of pink and orange. This is the perfect moment. I just need to man up and ask her.
I take Kenna’s right hand in mine and rub circles over the ring on her finger as I look into her eyes and ask, “McKenna Marie.” I pause to clear my throat. “Should we make this official?”
“Make what official?” she asks with an unsteady voice, causing my nerves to skyrocket. Shit, did I read this all wrong?
“You know . . . make us official. I’d be your boyfriend, and you’d be my girl.” I’m proud to say my voice remains steadier than I feel.
“Does that mean you’d be willing to do the whole long-distance thing?” she questions.
“I thought that was obvious by now. But in case I haven’t already done so, let me make myself clear. I know I’m asking a lot of you to be tied down in a long-distance relationship your freshman year. I get that this won’t always be easy—not seeing you every day, not getting to kiss you, touch you, hold you—but I’d rather put our relationship to the test than have an easy, meaningless one with someone else.
“I’ll fly back here to visit you, fly you out to visit me, FaceTime you every possible second I can, and shower you with my affection from afar. What do you say, Sunshine . . . will you take a shot with me?”
“I say . . . is that your way of asking if I’ll be yours?” she asks in a teasing tone.
“Quit being a brat,” I protest.
Kenna covers her giggles with her left hand and nods her head yes.
“I’m going to need to hear the words, Kenna.”
“Yes, Griffin. Of course, I’m yours!”
I do a quick fist pump, then scoop her up in my lap. Our kiss ignites a fire in my chest, and the way I’m feeling is something I’ve only ever felt when I was drafted. It’s exhilarating to know McKenna Wilder is finally mine. Nothing has ever felt so right.