A Different Side (University Park #4) (64 page)

“Raven! We’re in public.”

“Sorry. It’s just that…” I pulled away, eyeing her one more time, “you’re tight, baby.” I shook my head, unable to get enough of my sexy fiancée.

Her head tilted back in laughter. “Okay, now it’s your turn.” Her eyes settled below my waistband.

“No.” I shook my head. “I told you I’m not wearing that damn thing out here.”

“Why not?” She pouted and gripped her waist. “I think it’s sexy. That’s why I bought it for you.”

“Underwear models wear that shit.” I pulled back the elastic from my long swim shorts, peeking at the tight boy-cut swim trunks she’d bought me. “Not football players.”

“Oh, come on. For me?” She gathered my shirt in her hands and practically yanked it off. I guess she was determined to get me undressed.

I pulled off my shirt and threw it near the canopy. I rolled my shoulders and squeezed my pecs together, hoping my chest and abs would satisfy her visual craving. I leaned forward, and whispered, “Lexi, my friends are going to make fun of me.”

“So?” She shrugged. “They’re just jealous because you have a better body than they do.” True. I didn’t mind showing off my body to her, but not them. She reached for the string holding up my swim trunks and I swatted her hand. “Ouch!”

“Sorry.” I picked up her hand and kissed it. Her almond shaped eyes formed perfect round circles and her lips turned downward. It was the saddest puppy dog face I’d ever seen. I was quickly losing this battle. Taking a deep breath, I caved. “Okay.” I untied the laces and ran my thumbs under the band of my swim trunks, trying to delay the torture.

“I’m waiting.” With two fingers, she motioned for me to drop them.

“Alright. Alright.” I moved my head from side to side, popping my neck as I braced myself for the worst embarrassment. With a quick movement, I pulled them down to my ankles and stepped out of them. “Happy?”

Lexi took her time, eyeing me from head to toe. I’ve never been self-conscious, but for whatever reason, all my confidence waned. The black and purple boy shorts clung to my body, showing every bulge — not only in the front. “Hell yeah. You look damn hot.” She licked the tip of her finger and touched my chest. “Sizzling hot.” She made the sound and I shook my head.

“Woohoo!” Shelby yelled and clapped.

“Sexy!” Josh whistled and took a picture with his phone. Shawn and Kyle joined in on my public embarrassment party, hollering and hooting. Even Christine and Megan laughed.

“Great.” I narrowed my eyes at her, trying not to get too mad. “See what you’ve done. He’s going to show that picture to the whole team. They’ll never let me live this down.”

“I’m sorry. I just—”

“That’s it. You’re going to pay for it.” I let go of any anger and decided to have some fun. I shot her a devious grin and then picked her up, tossing her over my shoulder.

“Raven! Wait!” She squealed as I ran into the ocean, her body bouncing against mine as I barreled through the waves of the Gulf Coast. Ice cold water surrounded my legs, reminding me of the therapy we’d get after a hard game. It was cold but felt good against my tired, sore muscles.

“Shit!” Lexi yelled. “This water is freakin’ cold.”

“Too bad,” I teased. “You want me to wear these damn shorts…we’re staying in the water.”

“What?” Her body shivered like she’d taken the polar plunge in the middle of winter. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am.” I stopped when the water hit my waist and I lowered Lexi to her feet. I held her close as the waves splashed against us. We rocked back and forth from the pull of the tide and even though it was freezing, I could tell she was enjoying her first experience. “See, it’s not that bad.”

“Easy for you to say.” Her teeth chattered like she’d been doused with a bucket of ice water. “You’re used to s-sitting in tubs of ice for y-your muscles.” She pressed her lips together but she couldn’t stop her jaw from shaking. Wiggling from my embrace, she moved her arms back and forth in rapid strokes and then jogged in place.

“Yeah, this is nothing.” I tried to block out the coldness, but it was hard, even for me. I splashed water on my chest and arms and then took a deep breath, plunging my head under the water. A few seconds later, I emerged. “Wow! That feels great.” I ran my hand over my hair, slicking it back. “Go under. It feels freakin’ awesome.”

“Hell no.” Lexi stared at me like I was insane. Her body convulsed and she rubbed her arms, but the chill bumps and shivers remained.

“You’re freezing, aren’t you?”

She nodded, unable to speak.

“Let’s go a little deeper. Sometimes the water is warmer.”

She wrapped her arms around my neck and clung to my body as I walked deeper into the ocean. “Does this feel better?” I stopped when I hit a warm pocket of water. Her smile quickly vanished when a wave washed over us, soaking her hair. She coughed and rubbed her eyes, trying to flush out the salty water. “I guess not, huh?”

She shook her head, sneezing a few times. “I think I’ve had enough of the ocean.” I felt bad. I wanted it to be special, but the water was just too damn cold. She smoothed back her long hair, moving it away from her face.

“Let’s just hang out on the beach instead.” With her hand in mine, I led us back to the shore. I did a quick glance and noticed we were the only fools in the water. I guess I didn’t get the memo.

“Man, this sucks. I was really looking forward to being in the ocean. Why is it so cold?” We trudged through the waves and out of the icy water. The sun’s rays bounced up from the sand, bringing us the heat we both needed.

“I guess it hasn’t gotten warm enough yet.” I wrapped my arm around her and we walked toward the canopy. “Tell you what, we can go to the Caribbean or somewhere tropical for our honeymoon.”

She smiled. “I think I’ll like that much better.”

“How was the water?” Josh asked as he sipped his beer.

“Freakin’ cold, man.” I handed Lexi a towel and quickly dried off with mine. “I remember it being much warmer last year.”

“Aw, that sucks.” Josh looked at Shelby. “I guess we’ll just have to swim in the pool.”

“That’s fine with me. I really don’t like the ocean anyway.” She made a twisted face and then stuck her nose in her magazine. “I can’t stand the seaweed or the feeling of something brushing against my legs. I’ll just sit here and work on my tan.”

“But you just got that spray-on shit, didn’t you?” Josh gave her a once over. Shelby had that Hawaiian Tropic tan going on, like most college girls who spent weeks preparing for Spring Break.

“Yes, but it’s already fading away.” She reclined her chair and tossed her magazine aside. “Besides, there’s nothing better than a good dose of Vitamin D.”

“I totally agree.” Lexi turned to me. “Will you pull that lounger over here so I can lie on it and dry off?”

“Anything for you, baby.” I winked and grabbed her a chair. Next to Shelby, she looked creamy white.

“Damn, you two already sound like an old married couple.” Josh teased.

“Yeah, whatever.” Lexi waved off his comment with a snicker. “Actually, we sound like newlyweds. You and Shelby sound like an old married couple.”

Shelby laughed. “You got that right.” Leaning over, she reached for Josh’s hand. “But I love my old man.”

“And I love my old lady.” He kissed the top of her hand. “She’s smokin’ hot.”

I set our chairs facing the sun so we could dry off and soak up the warm Texas rays. We spent the rest of the day chillin’ on the beach, cooking burgers and hot dogs on the grill, drinking a few beers, and playing football. It was the best Spring Break I’d ever had. Spending time with Lexi made it ten times sweeter.

Σ

Chapter 42

Don’t just count your years, make your years count.

~George Meredith

“Hey, glad you guys could make it.” I opened the door, allowing Luke to come in. He’d texted me yesterday letting me know he and Delaney were on their way. He canceled the trip to Breckenridge, Colorado with his family and decided to surprise Lexi for her birthday. Part of me wondered how much of that was true or if they sent him to keep an eye on her because they didn’t trust me. I wasn’t going to be an ass about it. It was his birthday, too. I’d make the best of it.

“Damn, that was a long drive.” He set his bag on the floor.

“You guys drove straight from Fort Worth?” I asked, taking the ice chest from him.

“No, we left late yesterday and stayed last night in San Antonio. We got up at seven this morning.” He darted down the walkway and helped Delaney with her bags.

“Here, take this one. It’s heavy,” she huffed, releasing the large duffle bag. “Hey, Raven, where’s the birthday girl?”

“She’s still in bed.” I shut the door once they were inside. “I was just cooking her breakfast.” I darted to the kitchen, making sure her omelet hadn’t burned.

“Impressive.” Luke peered over the bar, watching me shred cheese on top. “No wonder my sister is all hung up on you.”

I laughed. “What can I say? It’s her birthday. It’s the least I can do. By the way happy birthday.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it,” he said with a short drum roll across the bar.

“So what room is she sleeping in?” Delaney propped her sunglasses on top of her head.

“Upstairs, second room on the left.” I pointed upward.

“Hey, guys. When did y’all get here?” Josh shook Luke’s hand and then gave Delaney a quick hug.

“Just a few minutes ago.” Luke took off his ball cap and ran his hand over his messy hair.

“Cool. Oh yeah, happy birthday, man.”

“Thanks.” Luke gave a half smile. “I’m ready for a beer.” He exhaled a heavy breath.

“I think I can help with that.” Josh laughed, opening the fridge. “Come on, I’ll show you to your room.”

“Okay. After that, show me where Lexi is. I’m going to wake her lazy ass up.” Delaney followed Josh up the stairs.

I stayed downstairs, finishing Lexi’s breakfast. I wanted it to be perfect. After placing the food on the tray, I grabbed a rose from the vase of flowers in the entryway, wishing I would’ve of thought of sending her a dozen of roses. I’d have to make it up to her tonight by planning a kick ass party. I garnished the omelet and hash browns with a few strawberries and headed up stairs.

“Finally!” I overheard Lexi screech. “But I don’t want to party too hard. I mean, I told Raven I didn’t want him getting drunk, so it’s not right for me to.”

“Says who?” I stepped into our room. Lexi was still in bed and Delaney was sprawled across it, lying next to her. “Happy birthday, baby.” I gave her a big smile and placed her tray of food on the nightstand. Leaning over, I kissed her cheek.

“Thank you. You didn’t have to bring me breakfast.” She glanced at the food and a shimmer of wetness appeared in the corner of her eye.

“I wanted to. It’s your day. I want you to feel special. Why not start it with breakfast in bed?”

“Aw, babe. I don’t know what to say. You’re going to make me cry.” She swallowed a few times, trying to fight off the tears.

“It’s just the start.” I kissed her temple and handed her a birthday card with
For my fiancée
written across the front.

Her eyes lowered to it and she smiled. Opening it, she pulled the card from the envelope. The hundred-dollar bill I’d placed in the center fell to her lap and she picked it up. “But you already gave me my birthday present.” She showed me her ring. “And something else.” She teased me with a shake.

“I know.” I grinned. “But I still wanted to give you something. I figured you might want to go shopping with the girls.”

“And we know just where to take her.” Delaney took the card from Lexi’s hand.

“Yes, I’m sure you can show me how to spend it.” Lexi retrieved her card.

“Hell yeah.” Delaney turned to me. “I’ll make sure to pick out something sexy for her.”

“Please do. I want my baby to look really hot for her twenty-first birthday. I’ll make sure it’s a birthday she’ll never forget.” I winked.

“Oh no, that sounds dangerous.” She threw back the covers and got out of bed. Grabbing the fork, she started to eat. I wanted to tell her the tray was intended for sitting in bed and eating, but she was too busy chowing down. “Maybe we should just hang out here. Have a nice dinner and watch a movie.” She covered her mouth as she chewed her food.

Delaney burst out in laughter. “Are you serious?” She struggled to get up. “That sounds like my old roommate.”

Lexi set her fork on the plate and crossed her arms. Her brows pulled together, deep in thought. “I know, I just…”

I turned her to face me and stared directly in her eyes. “I promise things won’t get out of hand. It’s your day. Not mine. Let’s have some fun and celebrate, okay?”

Her jaw worked from side to side as she contemplated my plea. It was a hard decision for her, only because she was trying to protect me. As long as I wasn’t drinking in public, and definitely not doing drugs, everything would be okay. This was her and Luke’s twenty-first birthday. Screwing it up for them was the last thing I wanted.

“Okay.” Her lips spread into a huge smile. “I want to have a good time and go dancing somewhere.” She did a little twerking action.

I arched my brows, loving her change of heart. “Oh yeah, baby.” I raised my arms over my head and rocked against her. She ground against me and it took every ounce of control not to toss her on the bed and kick Delaney out of the room.

“We’re going out!” Delaney jumped up and down on the bed, dancing around.

“Where’s the party?” Luke entered the room, looking at us like we were insane.

“Luke!” Lexi ran to him, throwing her arms around him. “Happy birthday, Brother.”

He hugged her tightly. “Happy birthday to you.”

“I can’t believe you’re here.”

“It’s our twenty-first birthday,” he kept an arm around her, “did you think I’d be apart from my twin?”

It was good to see he’d finally accepted the fact we were getting married. We had definitely become closer, but I still sensed some concern and hesitation. What had I expected, though? He and Collin were best friends.