Page 119 of Finding Hope

I could watch her all night, and tomorrow, and every day after that and never get tired.

“Hey, Jack…”

Stopping in our group of just guys, Jim nudges my shoulder and nods toward the group of girls by the halfpipe. They stand around a half a dozen brand-new skateboards – so obviously new, compared to the worn, used board Bambie carries around like a precious newborn baby.

He grins like a fool when, at that exact moment, she does a fancy upside-down trick. “You gonna wife that?”

I nod slowly, thoughtfully, dubiously, then as my future crystalizes in my mind, as I think of her with meforever, as I think of what we could have if she said yes, I nod faster.

Then with a smile like she already agreed, I nod again. “Yeah, I am.”

26

BRITT

DEAD FROG

Skating in front of Jack might’ve been the most exhilarating thing I’ve ever done in my life.

I didn’t set out to show off for him. I did this for Bean. I wanted to cheer her up and make her day better, but when he drove through his gates and simply stopped and stared, I may have been concentrating harder than usual – going faster, harder, higher – just to impress him.

I’ve been skateboarding for as long as I can remember. My brothers, especially Scotch, have been into it since before I was born. He and the guys would be in our backyard on our own homemade ramps, and as soon as I could walk, I was on a board beside them.

I grew up with the band holding my hand, teaching me tricks, bandaging scraped knees and elbows, then dusting me off and putting me back on the board.

Scotch was always my wilder brother. He’d let me fall, then dust me off. Alex was the worrywart; he’d watch over my shoulder and try to snatch me upbeforeI had a chance to scrape my knees.

But I had no clue I’d one day use my skills to impress a boy.

I spent hours skating with Bean and the kids tonight. Hours rolling along the smooth timber like a human pendulum. I spent hours with the wind in my hair, and deep blue eyes trained on me.

Just like now.

Back in the Mustang, windows down, music on, wind in my hair,Jack’s eyes flick between me and the road constantly. He has to drive, he has to be safe, but he can’t stop his eyes drifting back to me.

I felt sensual tonight, like my skating was a different type of slow dance, a strip tease, fooling around of the best kind.

And I’d almost wonder if Jack felt the sexual tension that I felt, like my skateboarding and showing off for him was our foreplay, but ten minutes ago, when I legitimately wondered if I would come without him doing anything more than watch me move, he literally picked me up, threw me over his shoulder, tossed me in the car, and here we are.

So yeah. I’m going to assume he feels it, too.

Not even Annie is chaperoning tonight. Not because she wasn’t waiting by the car, but because Jack gruffly told her no and sent her inside to hang with the kids.

Smiling as the warm breeze whips hair around my face, my skin tingles with anticipation. Electricity surges in my blood, through my veins, throbbing in my heart and… other places.

This man is about three seconds from that blowjob he was so desperate for. My mouth waters at the thought. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve tasted him, but damn, it might be the most exciting.

Jack’s long fingers draw circles on my thigh between gear changes, and the goosebumps race around on my skin, following his movements.

“You have fun tonight?”

I smile and lean toward him. “I had lots of fun.”

“I didn’t know you could do that.”

“Surprise…?”

He laughs and brings our joined hands to his lips. “Definitely a nice surprise.” He licks me from knuckle to wrist and has me almost convulsing. “It was the kinda shit teenagers dream about. You got me all hot and bothered and coming in my pants.” When I giggle, his eyes turn serious. “Don’t freak out.”

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