Page 14 of Reckless Impulse

“It’s probably a good thing Eli isn’t here after all. You know how protective he gets over you two,” Cindy says it to both of us, but I see a look in her eyes as she watches me.

“Gosh, this takes me back to my prom with your father,” my mom says wistfully until her face morphs to a look of horror, and she asks, “What are you doing after prom? Who else is going with you two again?”

For fuck’s sake… now I’m thinking about what she and my dad did after prom that prompted that reaction.

“Liev is coming with us, and we’re meeting some of the volleyball girls at the restaurant before prom. Don’t worry, Mom. My only plans involve dancing the night away with a bunch of our teammates and going to the beach bonfire afterwards with Sloan.”

“Okay, sweetie, I trust you. Just want you to have fun and be safe, of course.”

“Maybe we should just go with you guys. We could dance the night away with you, and then you can be our designated drivers.”

Sloan and I both laugh. “As much as we would love that… we don’t need all the dudes hitting on ourmilfs. Then your husbands and sons would be especially pissed.”

A collective denial of their hotness is spouted out, but they know it's true. The jokes about our parents’ good looks have never been in shortage from our classmates.

Scooping up my phone before heading outside to take pictures, disappointment consumes me. Eli’s game should have ended a couple of hours ago… he said he was going to FaceTime me. He’s never not followed through with a promise to me. I’m sure he’ll call soon.

* * *

One week earlier

“Fuck, Q,” Eli whispers as I lean my forehead down onto his. His cock still inside me, I nuzzle my nose against his.

“I’m sorry, Quinn… I got so carried away when I saw you, I didn’t even think about a condom. Shit.”

“It’s okay, E… there was no stopping us the second you opened your door. You know I haven’t been with anyone else without a condom, and I have an IUD, so I’m good with it.”

That’s when a thought hits me. We didn’t discuss exclusivity, and I would never ask him for that, but the thought of him fucking someone else the way we just did makes me sick to my stomach.

“I can tell where your mind just went… I’ve never fucked without a condom, and I promise you I never will unless it's with you. I trust you with my life, Queenie… if you’re good with it, I am, too.”

As much as it hurts to think about, I am thankful he didn’t promise me monogamy. A part of me wants that, but a bigger part knows he has so many plans and dreams ahead of him. I know he’s never had a desire for a girlfriend because baseball comes first. I don’t even know if that’s what I want either, and I would never jeopardize us by trying to put a label on things other than staying best friends.

“We’re good, Hotshot. Happy Birthday!” My lips brush against his.

He stares at me for a few beats before tucking my caramel-highlighted hair behind my ear.

“You are so beautiful, baby… I can’t wait to see you in your prom dress next weekend.” My heart constricts at his term of endearment.

“I wish you could be there, but I’m sure our moms will send so many pictures, you’ll be tired of seeing me by the end of the night.”

“Never. I’ll FaceTime you after my game. I want to pretend I’m there for just a few minutes… save me a dance.”

* * *

Eli

Present

I don't think I have ever seen anything or anyone as beautiful as Quinn looks in this moment. She's absolutely stunning in her long, dark blue gown. The dress hugs her tight body perfectly, as if it was made just for her. Her long, honey-brown hair is pinned back, showcasing her big green eyes and pouty lips. Lips I’m beginning to crave more of daily.

The senior prom only has about an hour left. Initially, I wanted to surprise Q by picking her up at her house, but my game went into extra innings. Regardless of how late I am, the look on her face will be well worth the speeding ticket I received on my way here.

Amongst all the chaos happening around me, all I can see is my Queenie. The way the spotlights illuminate her smile. The way she sways her body to the music. The way she can feel my eyes on her and finds me in this crowded room.

Fuck me. She's gorgeous.

“Holy fuck,” I hear from across the room as her hands cover her face in pure shock. I straighten out my arms, inviting her into them, and let out a small chuckle.

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