Page 11 of Shielding Rosie

Mom’s eyes widen in surprise, but she seems to be trying to contain her excitement. “Great. Then I’ll know exactly who to look for.”

“Maybe she can sit with you?”

My mom is practically bouncing in her seat when I say this. “Sure.” It comes out as a squeak, and I can’t help but be happy seeing her like this.

Since Rosie has come into my life, it feels like I’ve woken up after a long sleep. Maybe Mom is feeling the same way too. It didn’t feel possible until now, but maybe there are still good times ahead for us.

“All right, I’ve got to go or I’m going to be late.”

“See you tonight!” Mom calls after me on my way out the door.

The drive to school isn’t long, but the whole way, it feels like I’m floating. I’m looking forward to seeing Rosie and also the first game with me as captain. I’m so preoccupied by my thoughts that when I pull into the parking lot, I don’t realize Rosie is crying.

I hop out of the car, and the moment she turns to face me I know something is wrong. She tries to wipe away her tears, but her eyes are bloodshot, and there’s no hiding she’s upset.

“What’s happened? Are you hurt?” I ask as I gently pull her into my arms.

“It’s fine, just a shitty morning.” She sniffs, and I rest my cheek on the top of her head.

She’s so small compared to me that my body practically swallows hers. “Talk to me, Rosie. Tell me what’s going on.”

“My mom is an asshole.” She sniffs again, and then I can almost feel her trying to shake off the sadness. “Seriously, it's nothing new. Sorry, let’s forget about it.”

I cup her face so she’s forced to look up at me. “Don’t apologize.”

“Sorry,” she says again and then gives me a watery smile.

“You can tell me anything,” I say, and for a moment she looks at me like she might confess all her secrets. She takes a deep breath and parts her lips before her eyes drift to my mouth.

“This is enough,” she finally says before her eyes meet mine. “You holding me is enough.”

“And what if I want to do more than hold you?”

Her lips are full and soft and slick with some kind of gloss. How many times have I thought about sinking my teeth into them?

“What else do you have in mind?” Her voice has changed, and it’s like she’s out of breath.

There’s not a part of me that doesn’t want Rosie even though I might be rushing her into something more. But I can’t be only her friend, not after what we’ve shared and all that I’m feeling.

“Everything,” I answer, and I hope she’s ready for it.

Chapter Nine

ROSEMARY

Tate leans down and brushes his mouth against my mouth, and I close my eyes to savor the moment. His lips linger on mine before he presses a few more light kisses against them. He’s not pushing for more, but instead he’s showing me where he stands with me.

“You’re always so soft,” he says, and I smile up at him.

It isn’t a kiss that’s intense and overwhelming. It’s tender and perfect for what I need right now. He’s letting me know he wants more but he’s going to let me set the pace of whatever this is going to be. It’s nice but a bit sad that the only person I have to lean on is Tate, and I’ve only known him for a week.

“You’re always so hard,” I tease him back.

“Sorry,” he grunts, pulling back from me, and heat blooms through my whole face.

I’m not sure how I missed his erection pressing into my stomach, but I can’t help blushing now that I’ve clearly pointed it out. Damn does it feel good. Only a few seconds with Tate and my whole mood has changed.

“That wasn’t what I meant but…ah…” I lick my lips and laugh a little. “That doesn’t bother me.” My eyes glance down to see the outline in his jeans, and his hard cock is really big. I guess he’s large everywhere.

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