Текст книги "Levitate"

Автор книги: Kaylee Ryan

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Текущая страница: 9 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

I’M RELIEVED WHEN Brighton steps in. He’s saying something, but I don’t know what. As soon as he starts talking Marty fucking shoulder checks me and I am about to lose my shit on him, until she tightens her grip. Kensington is holding me like her life depends on it. I close my eyes and focus on taking deep even breaths.

I overreacted.

What Marty did wasn’t that bad. If it had been any other girl, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it. The hand he placed on her hip was in a respectable position. He didn’t pull her into him. He simply lightly touched her and leaned in to tell her how good she looked in her helmet. What Marty didn’t realize was it wasn’t just any girl… it was Kensington. My girl.

As soon as he touched her, I saw red. Jealous rage plain and simple. I’m losing my shit over this girl.

“Max?” Her soft voice brings me out of my head. It doesn’t escape me that she calls me Max. It’s always Maxton, formal. Not this time.

I grip her arm and give it a gentle tug to guide her in front of me. I want him behind us, where he can’t even see her. Irrational, but it is what it is. As soon as she’s standing in front of me, I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her against my chest. She doesn’t fight me as her hands land on my hips.

“I’m sorry,” I finally say. “He should have never touched you.”

She looks up and our eyes meet. I fight against the urge to press my lips against hers, to taste her. She smiles and my heart skips a beat. “I thought you were taking me riding?”

Just like that, the anger is gone. It’s as if just being around her grounds me. It’s bizarre yet comforting at the same time. It’s also scary as hell.

“Let’s get the hell out of here.” Bright’s voice grumbles behind us. I couldn’t agree more. Reluctantly, I release her from my grip, place my hand on the small of her back, and lead her out of the store. We drop the helmets off at the truck and venture into the grocery store. I’m more than ready to get the rest of this day started, putting the incident at the bike shop behind me. I don’t have time to analyze my actions; besides that, I’ve already concluded I overreacted. However, I couldn’t control my response.

Luckily, the grocery store is uneventful and we’re back on the road in no time. The drive to the trails we are riding today is about an hour away. I settle into my seat and try to avoid the pull of the gorgeous girl who is once again riding shotgun.

The four of us make small talk. Nicole and Kens asking questions about the trails and what it’s like. They both seem genuinely interested and that’s a rarity. These two, they’re in a league all their own. A league I’m not sure I’m ready to be a part of. I’m used to girls who just want to hang on your arm and get into your bed. I’ve never brought a girl on any of our guys’ trips. Technically, she’s not with me, but I think I want her to be.

We arrive in what seems like no time. Kensington and Nicole start unloading the truck with our purchases while Bright and I unload the quads. By the time we’re done, Nicole and Kensington have the cooler stocked and are waiting for instruction on where to put the food. “We generally put a few folding tables together in the center of all of our trucks and everyone helps themselves,” Brighton explains.

Nicole points over her shoulder. “There?”

“Yep,” Brighton chirps. Yes, he fucking chirped his reply. He’s in deep.

Without saying another word, they gather the rest of the food and carry it over to the table. I turn away from them, working on getting our gear unpacked. I start with Kensington’s helmet. I take all the tags off and sit it on the rack of my bike.

“Shit!” I hear Brighton curse beside me.

Turning around to see what the deal is, I freeze. Lance and a guy I’ve only met one other time, so I cannot even remember his fucking name, are standing close to the girls, talking… flirting.

I feel a hand clamp down on my shoulder. “Chill, man. You look like you’re ready to murder him.”

I realize my hands are at my sides in tight fists. I shove them in my pockets, trying to calm myself down. “Why in the hell does he always seek her out?” I grit out.

“So far, it’s harmless. Just wait.”

Brighton tightens his grip on my shoulder. We’re both watching them, waiting to see what happens. A gust of wind blows through and Kensington’s hair falls in her eyes. Lance raises his hand to push it out of her face. “He needs to keep his hands to himself,” I growl. My hands, which were tucked into my pockets, come out and are once again balled into fists.

“You willing to fight for her?” Bright questions.

Am I willing to fight for her? Her sweet smell, her soft lips, her smooth skin. That smile that makes my world shine brighter? Fuck! “Yes,” I growl. Breaking away from his hold, I head toward the girls.

Kensington looks up and sees me coming. She takes a step back from Lance. Good girl.

Never breaking my stride, I don’t stop until I’m standing behind her. I place my hands on her hips and pull her back against my chest. She doesn’t protest and my chest swells at the realization. “Babe, your helmet’s all ready to go.” The words leave my mouth before I realize what I’ve said. Babe? I wait for panic to take me at my blatant display of affection toward her. Nothing happens. No panic. Just increased heart rate due to her body being aligned with mine.

Kensington looks over her shoulder at me. “Thank you.” She doesn’t scold me or give me the look– the one telling me I’m a possessive asshole and need to back off. She doesn’t tell me I have no claim to her. None of that, a simple thank you with a smile is what I get. It’s with that smile that another layer to the walls I have constructed around my heart falls away.

I COULD TELL by the look in his eyes as he stalked toward me that he was not happy. I expected more of what happened in the bike shop earlier. That’s why I stepped away from Lance, hoping to diffuse the situation. What I didn’t expect was for Maxton to claim me. At least, that’s what it feels like. His hands are on my hips, his solid grip letting me know I’m where he wants me. My back flush against his chest. I want to wiggle my hips to see what kind of reaction I get out of him, but I don’t want to poke an angry bear.

Today he’s different, protective. His eyes in the bike shop when he apologized were caring. It’s obvious there is a spark there. I feel it and so does he. My problem is, I don’t know what to do with it.

I wasn’t expecting sweet Maxton from the look on his face, but that’s exactly what he gave me. Calling me babe.

“Lance,” Maxton says in greeting.

“Hey, glad you all could make it.” Lance darts his eyes toward me. I can only assume he’s trying to gauge my reaction to Maxton the bear. Lance is a great guy. He knows it’s hard for me to trust; I told him that much. I offer him a smile, letting him know I am, indeed, okay. He seems to relax at my gesture.

“You ladies ready to hit the trails?” Lance asks.

“Spending the day wrapped around Bright, uh, hell yeah I am.” Nicole laughs. I would have laughed right along with her, except I just stopped breathing. Am I going to be riding with Maxton? I guess I never thought too much about it. Just the thought causes me to squeeze my legs together to stifle the desire I feel for him. He affects me like no one ever has. He never says or does what I expect and he seems to keep coming back. Sure it’s only been a few weeks, but that hasn’t stopped him. He’s been very vocal about wanting me in his bed, yet he doesn’t push the issue, letting me come to terms with it in my own time. At this point, I feel like it’s inevitable. I was trying to avoid a messy situation because I know how Nicole feels about Brighton, but resisting him is getting harder and harder.

I’m not sure I want to resist him anymore. The thought of being wrapped in his strong arms while he… I need to think about something else.

“And you?” Lance directs the question at me.

“Will be riding with me,” Maxton answers before I have a chance.

Well, all right then; that answers my question.

“We’re going to go suit up,” I hear Brighton tell Lance. I didn’t even know he was there.

“Sounds good. I’ll spread the word we should be ready to head out in about fifteen or so.” Lance winks at me, and saunters off.

Maxton growls behind me. I can’t help but smile at his reaction. It causes butterflies in my stomach. I’ve never allowed myself to spend enough time with a guy to feel this way. To feel wanted and protected, it’s a heady feeling, one that’s starting to really grow on me. Is it possible Maxton could be the one to stick around? Do I want him to be?

“Ready, beautiful?” Maxton’s hot breath hits my neck as he buries his face there. It’s only mere seconds that he allows the contact before he’s pulling away from me. He places his hand on the small of my back, a move I’m finding out I love, and leads me back to his truck.

Nicole already has her helmet on, raring to go. I pick mine up from the bike and slide it over my head. I’m struggling to tighten the chinstrap when I hear his voice. “Let me.” His hands take over and he has the helmet secured in no time. He checks it over, testing to see if it’s tight enough before releasing me. “You’re perfect.” His deep voice croons as he steps away. He immediately turns his back and slips his own helmet over his head.

I stand frozen in place, his words repeating over and over in my mind. “You’re perfect.” Once again, Maxton Cooper has altered my original perception of him.

Maxton turns to face me. “Make sure you hold onto me. I’ll take it easy. If there is anything you’re not comfortable with, you let me know.”

I nod my understanding. Satisfied, he climbs on the four-wheeler and leans up toward the handlebars, allowing me space to climb on behind him. Once I’m on, I scoot back on the seat and rest my hands on my thighs. Brighton and Nicole pull up beside us; as expected, she’s clinging tight to Bright.

“Ready?” Bright asks.

Maxton doesn’t say anything; instead, he reaches behind him and places his hands behind my knees. He pulls me against his back. My hands automatically wrap around him to hold on. He guides me to link my fingers together, and places them against his ripped abs. Good Lord, his body is sinful. “Don’t let go.” He raises his voice over the engine. Turning back to Bright and Nicole, he says, “Now we are. Lead the way.”

I do as he says and keep my grip tight. About a mile or so into the trail, I relax and let my body lean into his back. The views from the trails are beautiful with the changing of the leaves. Fall is such a beautiful time of year.

Maxton hits a bump and my ass raises off the seat. When I land, it feels like I’m even closer to him than before. My hands are now also gripping his stomach, no longer clasped together. “Hold tight,” he says over his shoulder, preparing me for an upcoming bump in the trail. One hand clutches his shirt, causing it to rise while the other lands on his bare skin. My fingers rake against his hard abs. Holy shit! His body feels amazing. Not thinking of anything but how good it feels to run my hands all over him, that’s exactly what I do. My hand that was clutching his shirt releases the hold and slides underneath as well. Holding myself to him with one hand, I explore him with the other. Gently tracing the ripple of his stomach, I mentally count an eight pack! Softly running my fingers across his skin, tracing patterns, I’m lost in the feel of him. My legs are wrapped tight around him, my chest pressed tight against his back. I feel his muscles twitch and it spurs my exploring fingers to linger a little longer.

Maxton has me mesmerized. I don’t realize we’ve stopped moving until I feel his hands roam up and down my thighs. I instantly freeze, embarrassed at my actions and even more so at getting caught. Lifting my head, I take in our surroundings and see we’re alone. I swallow back the desire running through my veins. Maxton removes his helmet. As he does, I release my iron grip and remove mine as well, sitting it on the rack behind me. Maxton reaches back for my hands one at a time and places them back on his stomach, under his shirt.

At first I don’t move. My hands remain where he placed them. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I’m about to explode with desire for this man. “Please,” he inhales deeply, “not yet, don’t let go,” his strangled voice whispers as he holds me tighter.

He wants me to touch him. Hesitant at first, I trace circles with my index finger. Maxton releases a deep breath and rests his head back against my shoulder. Growing more confident by his actions, I resume my previous exploration. When my name falls from his lips, “Kensi,” I bury my head in his neck. Overwhelmed by his warm body under my fingers, his smell all around me, I lightly press my lips against his neck. My tongue only takes a quick taste of his skin. His entire body shudders at my bold move.

I should be worrying about where the others are, worrying someone might drive up on us and know we are up to no good, but I’m not. All I can think about is how good he feels, how good he tastes, and how I want more. I want so much more.

IT’S OFFICIAL. KENSINGTON James is going to be the death of me. Her soft hands exploring my body have me barely hanging on. Just when I think I’m getting myself under control, her lips touch my neck and her tongue darts out as if she’s dying to taste my skin. I know the feeling. I’m dying to taste her, every single fucking delectable inch of her. I want my tongue to be there. She makes this noise, so soft I would have missed it if her mouth were not right by my ear, and it sends me over the edge. I climb off the bike, hold my hand out to her silently, asking her to join me. She hesitates, worry in her eyes. She thinks I’m pissed off… I’m not. I’m so fucking turned on I feel like I’m going to blow any second now.

I need more.

She places her hand in mine and allows me to help her off the quad. Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, I climb back on, never letting go. This time, I pull her next to the bike. “Climb back on; I need you to face me.” Yes, I sound like a greedy bastard, but I don’t care. All I care about is getting closer to her, to taste her, to explore her body like she was mine. She’s been driving me wild with her hands.

I watch as she blushes but does what I ask. She steps onto the footrest and throws her leg over. She’s now standing in front of me, straddling the bike. Not able to wait another second without physically touching her, I rest my forehead against her stomach and place my hands on the back of her thighs. Her hands grip my shoulders, catching her balance. Her fingers run through my hair, the simple gesture warming something inside of me. It’s like she knows I’m trying to reel this in. This need I have for her, it’s like nothing else I’ve ever felt. If I was asked to explain it, I couldn’t. There are no words for this moment.

My hands start to roam, taking off on a journey all their own. They end up underneath her shirt, softly stroking her spine, my hand hitting the strap of her bra. I want nothing more than to flip the clasp and strip her bare, but not here. Not where Lance or any of the other guys can drive up on us and see her. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take. Instead, I focus on the softness of her skin and the way her body trembles beneath my touch. She tightens her grip as her legs tremble. Placing my hands on her waist, I guide her to sit on my lap. She’s now straddling me on my quad and I’ve never in my entire life seen anything more beautiful. She’s sexy as hell, flushed cheeks, eyes filled with desire.

Now sitting face to face, I brace my arm around her, holding her close. I can’t seem to get her close enough. Sliding my hand behind her neck, I gently stroke her cheek with my thumb. Our eyes are locked, never straying. I wait to see if she’s okay with this. I don’t ever want to push her into something she’s not ready for. Waiting for Kensington James is a torture I’m willing to endure. Her eyes leave mine and settle on my lips. She licks her own, causing my already rock-hard erection to grow even more. Her hips rock into mine, just slightly and only once, but it’s all the invitation I need to move things further. Her lips are mine.

I take hungry possession of her mouth, my tongue tracing over her puckered lips, dipping between the seam. Taking what I want, her, Kensington. I want to be surrounded by her, consumed. If the whimper she releases is an indication, she and I are finally on the same page.

The sound of quads passing on a nearby trail brings me back to reality. I want nothing more than to sink deep inside of her and stay there, but I can’t. Won’t, not here. I slow the kiss as I nibble on her lips. Needing to slow this down, I kiss the tip of her nose, her eyes, and her cheeks. Burying my face in her neck, I can feel the blood pounding through my veins, my heart thundering against my chest. Breaking the connection, I cup her face in my hands. That’s when I notice the trembling. At first, I thought it was her, but it’s not; it’s me.

The reality of the situation crashes into me. She’s slowly chipped away at the walls erected around my heart. My motto: the only way to have truth in any relationship is to stay true to yourself, slaps me in the face. My truth is no matter how hard I fight it, or deny it, it’s there. I feel something for her that I’ve never felt. She’s softened my hardened heart to the point that all I see is her. In the back of my mind, I know this is what my dad meant when he said when you found the one you would just know. That nothing would be able to keep me from her. I feel that, now with Kensi. Is she “the one”? I’m not ready to dive into that just yet, but she is the one “for right now,” and that’s a first for me. For the first time in my life, I want a relationship. I want to get to know her, explore her luscious body.

The game has changed; I still want her in my bed, but now I also want her. I refuse to share her. Having someone like Lance swooping in and catching her attention is not something I’m okay with. I need to tread lightly and feel her out. I need to convince her to give this, to give being with only me, a shot. We can learn together, and maybe, down the road, she will be “the one.”

The thought of her really being mine, it humbles me. This girl is amazing and… yeah, I need to make that happen.

“You’re shaking.” Her voice is reverent.

“That’s all you. You wreck me, Kensi.” No truer words have been spoken.

“Max,” she whispers, and just as I’m about to capture her lips again, I hear them coming back. Not able to prevent it, I place a chaste kiss on her forehead and help her off the quad. I remain sitting; otherwise, they will all know what we’ve been up to, or at least what I’m up to.

I QUICKLY HOP off his lap and stand beside the four-wheeler. I stretch my arms above my head, pretending to be stretching, when all I really need to do is pull air into my lungs. He leaves me breathless.

Bright and Nicole pull up beside us. Bright shuts off the bike and they both take off their helmets. “What happened to you two?” she asks.

“I just wanted to stretch my legs. I was so nervous; I was gripping Max too tight.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I’m blushing. They sound crude and suggestive and fit into what was happening between us just minutes ago. Thankfully, my best friend laughs it off. She would never believe what just happened. I’m the girl who shy’s away from guys, especially guys like Maxton. I don’t get close enough for events like today’s to occur. I keep to myself and live in the past. I now understand what Dad was trying to tell me. This is what he wants for me, well, maybe not groping a ridiculously hot guy in the middle of the woods, but living. He was trying to tell me that he and Mom had this and he wants that for me, that she would want that for me.

I feel tears well up behind my eyes. I bend over, pretending to be messing with my shoelaces, until I can fight them off.

“We’re heading back to fire up the grill,” Bright chimes in.

“Sounds good, man. We’re right behind you,” Max agrees.

Within no time, their helmets are back on and they are speeding off toward the truck. Max climbs off his four-wheeler and stands next to me. His hands rest on my shoulders. Bending his knees, he makes himself eye level with me. “You okay?” His voice is concerned.

“Yeah, I’m good. We better head back before they come looking for us.”

Maxton exhales, stands to his full height, and wraps me in a hug. I feel a light kiss on the top of my head, then the loss of his warmth. He climbs back on the four-wheeler, holding out his hand to help me climb on. Placing our helmets back on our heads, we head back to the lot.

Nicole and I take over setting up the food. There are two grills going, both operated by guys we don’t know. Two other girls are here as well, but they’re sitting around with the guys, vying for their attention. Nicole and I have everything set up by the time the grilling is done. Several of the guys comment on how nice it was for us to take care of set up. A few of the guys throw us winks, but nothing inappropriate. Bright and Max are the last two in line. Bright carries Nicole’s plate to the trailer; they have a table set up and a small heater. Apparently, they brought it for us. It’s a little chilly, but not terrible. Max and I make our plates, and he takes mine as we join our friends.

The food is great; of course, we’re all starving. None of us have eaten since Maxton’s breakfast this morning. A few of the guys come over, and we are introduced. Everyone seems friendly and I find myself having a good time. This morning I was dreading it, now I’m more than glad I came.

Just as we finish eating, Lance stops by to tell us one of the guys has a flat, but as soon as it’s fixed, we’ll be ready to go out again.

“I think we’re going to head up the north trail,” Brighton informs him. He looks at Max for approval.

“Yeah, I think the girls will like the overlook,” Max agrees.

Lance nods, tells us he’ll catch up with us later, and heads back to the group.

“You don’t have to change for us,” Nicole speaks up.

“Yeah, if you think it’s too much, we can just hang out here,” I chime in.

“Not gonna happen, Nic,” Brighton says. “Besides, it has nothing to do with you not being able to handle the trail.” If I’m not mistaken, there is a slight blush to his cheeks. “I just wanted to be away from the group.” She seems to finally get what he’s saying, because she lays a loud kiss on his lips. His smile widens.

We spend the next twenty minutes, for lack of a better term, shooting the shit. Bright and Max entertain us with stories about their childhood and growing up together.

The guys decide, since we’re not going on the same trail as the others, we can go ahead and head out. I take my place behind Max and hold on. He places his hand over mine and laces our fingers together. He doesn’t let go until we reach the trail and are able to pick up speed. I relax against him and watch the fall colors roll by.

Maxton stops beside Bright and they discuss which way to go next. Apparently, there is an overlook that has a great view they are trying to remember how to get to. I’m not paying too much attention because as soon as we stopped, Max once again placed his hand over mine and laced our fingers together. He’s melting my resolve one touch at a time.

The guys finally decide on which way to go and we’re off. Feeling brave from his affections, I slip my hands underneath his shirt and clasp my hands back together. Every once in a while, I draw a lazy pattern with my thumbs, but for the most part, I just hold on, skin to skin. I hold on tight.