Page 31 of Inside the Penalty Box

I looked around, my eyes burning. “I can’t.” I reached for my beer and took a sip before putting it back down.

Before I could turn back to face him, I felt his hand grab mine.

“It’s no secret we like one another, Aurora. I know this entire situation with our parents has put a wrench in the gears for you, but you need to know that I’ve never felt as strong about someone before as I do about you.”

“That just sounds like some sort of line to get me into bed,” I said, grabbing my beer and taking another drink.

“Well, it’s not, because I’ve already gotten you in bed. Seriously, though, you can ask Knox.”

I frowned, unsure who he was talking about. “Who’s Knox?”

“The guy who was chatting with Lorelai tonight.”

“He knows?” I asked, feeling my cheeks heat.

“He’s one of my best friends, and he knows how bugged I was at myself for not getting your number or your name that night. He also knows how shocked and happy I was when you appeared at my dad’s place.”

I met his eyes. Somehow, just from looking at him, I knew now his words hadn’t been a line. I’d seen plenty of guys dish out lines to Lorelai and my other friends to get what they wanted. His eyes were sincere. He’d meant what he said.

“Dylan, I….”

I paused as he slid his hand into my hair. “I meant what I said. I like you and I want a chance with you. There is nothing wrong with it, so stop thinking there is. I will not beg you.”

I swallowed hard. I knew how I felt inside as well. I knew how he’d made me feel physically that night, and I knew without a doubt I wanted to feel that again. I wanted him as much as he wanted me. At least that was what my body was telling me. When I’d first seen him that night at his dad’s, I think the shock set in so bad I didn’t know what to do. Now, as I sat here, looking at the look on his face, in his eyes, my body was on fire. I knew what I wanted. It was him. I swallowed hard and leaned forward, my lips almost on his, so close I could feel his breath. I closed my eyes and moved the rest of the way, finally placing my lips against his.

It was the first time I’d kissed him. In fact, it was the first time I’d started a kiss with any boy. I’d always waited for them to make the move, but something inside of me wanted this so bad I couldn’t wait any longer.

The second our lips touched, my mind and body forgot they were arguing and everything within me settled. Not only did he kiss me, but he grabbed me and, in one swift motion, I straddled his lap. My body was on fire as his hands gripped my ass so he could position me where he wanted.

His kiss was different this time. Slower, less demanding, and I loved how his hand snaked through my hair, holding the back of my head. I was alive with want and desire, and I wanted this to go faster, but Dylan was taking his time.

His lips left mine and travelled to my neck. He gently tugged my shirt off my shoulder and placed a kiss right where the two joined. I closed my eyes, feeling him as his lips made their way back up the column of my neck, meeting my lips once again. His hands rested on my hips, gripping the lower part of my shirt.

“Lift your arms,” he murmured between kisses.

I did as he asked, and in one motion, my shirt was now on the floor.

He leaned forward, reached behind him, and pulled his shirt off, tossing it down to the floor with mine. I still couldn’t get over his muscular chest as my hands rested on his pecs.

He met my eyes while his fingers pinched the clasp on my bra. When I felt the material fall away, I closed my eyes while his fingers ever so gently grazed the skin on my arms, taking my bra with them.

He leaned forward, wrapping his arms around me. He picked me up and carried me down the hall. Placing me on the floor at the foot of his bed, he pulled at the button of my jeans and removed them. He did the same with his own and then pulled me into the oversized king bed.

I lay on my back, staring up at him as he brought his lips to mine. I didn’t know if it was my imagination or if tonight things felt a little different. He pulled me against him, holding me close, then rested his head down on the pillow, while my head found a home on his chest.

“I just want to hold you like this. Is that okay?” he questioned.

“Sure,” I said, my voice a little strained.

I was confused. It wasn’t okay. I wanted him in so many ways, I was ready.

“I don’t want you to think all I want is sex. So, tonight, no sex. We’ll just hold one another until we drift off.”

I closed my eyes and interlocked my hand with his. Our breathing finally slowed, and hours later, I finally drifted off.

Chapter 9

Dylan

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