Connected by the Tide (16 page)

She smiled up at him then continued to the cafete
ria.

They walked inside then headed to the table where their friends were already sitting. Coen smiled at Ren then looked away. Sydney gave her a warm welcome and so d
id Nancy. Henry could tell they both liked her.

“What would you like for lunch?” Henry asked as he pulled out her chair for her.

“I can get it, Henry.”

“My girlfriend doesn’t get her own lunch. I’ll pick something out for you.” He turned away before she could say any more. When he got in line, he saw a familiar face.

“Hey, Andre.”

“Hey. You work today?”

“Nope. I’m off.”

“Dang.
I’m working with this girl named Nancy.”

“Nancy is cool. You’ll like her.”

“Well, that’s a relief. Girls can be catty and annoying.”

“You won’t have that problem with her. She’s really nice. But she already has a boyfriend.”

Andre raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. “They got me working forty hours this week. Is that normal? I need a job, but I need to study, too.”

“No, don’t stress about it. They just make you work a lot so you can learn everything quickly then start working on your own.”

“Phew.”

Henry laughed. “You’ll still have time for school and to party.”

“Well, partying is on my top list of priorities. That comes first.”

“You sound like an upstanding student,” he said with a smile.

“I still have a 4.0 GPA.”

“Seriously?”

Andre nodded.

“
So you are one of
those
people,” Henry teased. “I hate smart people like you. I was ecstatic when I rose above a 3.0.”

“Well, I have an easy major.”

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

Andre
looked down at Henry’s tray, which had enough food for two people. “Hungry?”

“It’s for my girlfriend.”

“She eats a lot.”

Henry laughed. “Sorry. It’s for me
and
my girlfriend.”

“I was judging you for a second.”

“Yeah, I could tell.”

Andre paid for his food then walked away. “See you later.”

“’Bye.” Henry paid for the meal then joined his friends at the table. There wasn’t an extra seat, so he searched for a vacant one around the room. Everything was taken. Ren looked at him, unsure of what to do. Henry picked her up from the seat then sat down, putting her in his lap. “There we go.”

Ren giggled as she adjusted herself on his lap. When she shifted her ass on his crotch, he felt his boner spring to life. When she smiled at him, he knew she
’d felt it. He wasn’t ashamed. Whenever he felt her, he was immediately electrified, shocked by the chemistry between them. His veins circulated with electric forces, moving to his brain and then to his heart. He was always hot for her. It didn’t matter if they were in public or at home. Ren continued to stare at him, her nose pressed against his. He slipped a few kisses in, forgetting about the people sitting at the table. The noise in the cafeteria disappeared. The sound of chatting, chairs moving, people eating vanished.

“Did you hear me?” Sydney asked.

“Just ignore them,” Coen said. “They’re in their own little world.”

“Henry?”

“Huh? What?” he said as he looked at her.

“I wanted to have everyone over for dinner. It’ll be a triple date.”

“Cool,” he said. He looked at Ren. “You wanna come?”

“I always want to come.”

He smiled, understanding her meaning.

“Maybe you guys should go in the bathroom or something,” Derek said as he placed his arm over Nancy’s chair. She smiled widely when he showed his affection.

Henry cleared his throat then looked at Ren. “Thank you for inviting us. Of course we’ll come.”

“Good,” Sydney said. “I’m making spaghetti.”

“We should play games,” Coen suggested.

“Did you get Death Channel for the console?” Derek asked as he leaned forward.

“Yep,” Coen said as he clapped his hands. “The graphics are unbelievable.”

Sydney rolled her eyes. “No video games.”

“Come on,” Coen said. “You and the girls can gossip while we hang.”

“We are playing board games, something all of us can enjoy,” she said firmly.

Coen shook his head. “She hates video games.”

“Girls are so annoying,” Derek said.

“I don’t hate video games. It’s when you play them for hours that I start hating them,” Sydney said.

“It’s not like I do it all the time,” Coen argued.

“The only way I can stop you is when I stand in front of the television naked. Otherwise, it’s like I don’t exist.”

Coen smiled. “Well, it works.”

Derek looked at Nancy. “Maybe I should try that. Ignore you until you offer sex.”

Nancy sighed. “I miss being single.”

“Come on, babe. I was just joking,” Derek said.

“Fine,” Coen said. “We won’t play them.”

“Good. Board games it is,” Sydney said.

“I’m glad you don’t play video games,” Ren said.

“I do, but I can’t afford them anymore.”

“Well, that’s good for me.”

Their lunch break went by with small conversations. Henry was glad that Ren had agreed to come to dinner. Since Sydney was the host, he wondered if that would make Ren uncomfortable. He was lucky that she was willing to put in so much effort to make this work. It would kill him if Ren had feelings for someone else for the entire start of their relationship. He wanted to be the only person in her heart.

Henry finished his afternoon classes then met Ren in the library. She had a stack of papers on the desk and she was going through each one, trying to determine what should be submitted to the magazine.

“I don’t know what to choose. They are all wonderful.”

Henry grabbed a random
stack from the pile. “‘An Ode to a Pickle’?” he said with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, it’s funny.”

“I think ‘wonderful’ is a bit of a stretch.”

“It can’t be serious the whole time. Most of the stack is sad poems about being dumped. We need to have some laughs.”

He tossed it back. “I guess you’re right.”

“So help me.”

Henry went through them, then started editing a few he liked. There were three piles. One was for the rejections, stories or poems that just weren’t well-written, another pile for the maybes, and a small pile for the winners. “I wasn’t impressed by the number of quality submissions.”

“It’s still very brave of them to make the attempt.”

He smiled at her. “You’ll be a great teacher.”

“You think so?”

“I really do.”

“If I ever find a job.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, there
are only three universities in Hawaii. That’s pretty slim odds that I’ll find a full-time job.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’ll happen.”

“I just hope I don’t have to move back to the mainland for work.”

“That wouldn’t be so bad. We could live in Southern Ca
lifornia — that way we won’t freeze to death.”

“You would move with me?”

“Where you go, I go.”

Her eyes softened when she looked at him. She wasn’t expected him to say something so heartfelt. “That’s so sweet.”

“Well, I really like you, Renee. It’s going to take a lot for you to get rid of me.”

“That’s good to know.”

“I’m practically a stalker.”

“Well, now
, that’s just creepy.”

He laughed. “My true colors finally come out.”

Ren returned the papers to the folder then placed them in her bag. “I hope we have enough submissions for next time. Not a lot of people participated in it.”

“Maybe we should advertise it more. I didn’t even
know what it was.”

“Well
, you were a zoology major for the past two years.”

“That’s true.”

“But you’re right. Maybe we should hold a contest for first place. Have a prize for a gift card for coffee or something.”

“That could work. Students love coffee.”

She stood up and Henry grabbed her bag, shouldering it along with his own.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“My girlfriend doesn’t carry anything.”

“Henry, you’
re sweet, but I can do it.”

“Let’s go,” he said, ignoring her.

They walked out to their cars in the parking lot then drove to her house. They didn’t say where they were going. It was just assumed. When they got home they immediately went into the bedroom, getting right down to business. She gave him head that felt so good he didn’t last long, two minutes at the most, and then he went down on her, making her come immediately.

25

“Thanks for doing this,” Henry said as he rested his hand on her thigh. He drove down the road until the
y parked in the dirt road of Sydney’s driveway. The Christmas lights were still up, even though it was the end of March. The past three months had passed by so quickly. Ren was such an integral part of his life, and he never wanted to live without her.

“It sounds like fun.”

He parked the car then turned it off. “I just appreciate you making an effort to be friends with Sydney. I think you’re a bigger person than I’ll ever be. If the situations were reversed, I know I would be extremely jealous and frustrated.”

“I
am
extremely jealous and frustrated.”

“Well you hide it very well.”

“I know this won’t be forever, Henry. Coen even said he doesn’t think you’re in love with her anymore.”

“He did?”

She nodded.

“I don’t think I am
, either.”

She patted his thigh. “We’re almost there.”

They got out of the car then walked to the front door. Ren was wearing a purple dress that made her breasts look like melons. Henry liked it a lot. Her hair was braided to the side, showing her slender neck and her hanging earrings. She was beautiful, like she always was. Before she knocked on the door, he pushed her against it and started kissing her.

She imme
diately gripped his hair and let him push her into the door, grinding against her. It was like she expected it to happen. She wrapped one leg around his waist and held him closer to her. His cock hardened and throbbed as he breathed into her mouth, thinking about fucking her. He wanted to make love more than anything. He thought about it constantly, wanting to be inside her. The last time it felt so good.

The door flew open
, and they almost fell back.

Coen stared at them, a dirty smile on his face. “I thought someone was trying to break down the door.”

Henry smiled. “Sorry about that. Got carried away.”

“You think?”

Ren kissed his ear before she pulled away. Henry growled at her, watching her walk in the house. Her ass looked good in that short dress.

“You have a thing for dresses
, too?” Coen asked.

“I guess.”

“Whenever Sydney wears them she can make me do pretty much whatever she wants. One day I cleaned the whole house and scrubbed all the toilets because she was wearing this pink number.”

“Don’t let Sydney tell Ren that.”

He laughed. “It will be our secret, man. They can’t know about all the power they have.”

“I think it might be
too late.” He walked inside then moved into the living room. Ren was already talking to Sydney and Nancy in the kitchen area. A pot was boiling on the stove, sending steam into the air. Henry could smell the marinara sauce on the stove. Garlic bread was cooking in the oven, and it smelled delicious.

Derek was sitting on the couch, holding a copy of a video game in his hand. “You can play online?”

“Yep.”

“I’m so jealous. I’ll have to get it so we can play together.”

Nancy gave him a dirty look from the kitchen.

“When I’m not telling my girlfriend how beautiful she is,” Derek said quickly.

Nancy nodded then took a drink of her wine.

Henry sat on the couch next to Coen. A stack of games was on the floor. Ther
e was Monopoly, Twister, Guess Who, and a few others Henry had never heard of. Coen picked up one and read the back. Henry eyed him for a moment, then looked away. He was slightly jealous that Coen had slept with his girl. It didn’t bother him before, but now it was starting to really get to him. He didn’t want Ren kissing anyone but him. The idea of Coen running his tongue over her skin made him want to punch Coen. The anger became so intense that he forced himself to stare outside, thinking of nothing for a long time. When he felt calm, he looked at Ren, who was leaning against the counter in the kitchen. She held a glass of wine in her hand, and she stirred it before she took a drink. Her tanned legs looked long and slim, contrasting with her purple dress. Henry got hard while he looked at her. Sydney said something and Ren started laughing, her smile wide with beautiful teeth. He could stare at her all day. She was like a perfect painting, one you never grew tired of looking at. His mind drifted, and he thought about fucking her, her legs wrapped around his waist as he moved inside her. She moaned for him, her cries becoming louder the farther he moved inside her. Her pussy was wet and slick, like a slip-n-slide. Her eyes lit up in green flames as he rocked her bed back and forth. No matter how hard he gave it to her, she wanted it harder and rougher.

“Dude?”

Henry shook his head, clearing the thoughts. “Huh?”

“How’s English?” Coen asked.

“Oh, that. Yeah.”

Coen and Derek shared a confused expression.

“So how is it?” Coen pressed.

“It’s good,” he said quickly. “I definitely belong there.”

“You don’t miss the lab write-ups? The dissections? All the hours spent studying?” Coen asked.

“Absolutely not,”
Henry said with a laugh. “Now when I got to class I actually understand what’s going on.”

“Th
en why were you a zoology major to begin with?” Derek asked.

Henry said nothing, trying to find a plausible answer.

“This game is on sale at Target,” Coen said, changing the subject.

“How much?”
Derek asked excitedly.

“Thirty bucks.”

“I’m there.”

Henry knew why Coen
had changed the subject. The only person he’d revealed his secret to was Ren, that he’d picked that major just so he could be closer to Sydney. Coen suspected it, but that didn’t mean he wanted to hear about it. He had already been patient about it for a long time.

The girls started setting th
e table, and Henry watched Ren move in her dress. It swayed when she turned or stopped. It fit her hips perfectly, showing her petite waist. Her thighs were tight and perfect. He felt his mouth salivate when he thought about taking her in the bathroom and eating her out. Henry gripped his hair and tried to focus his thoughts on something else. He wasn’t sure why his thoughts kept lingering on Ren. They’d fooled around before they came over, so it should be out of his system. He’d already had a good orgasm, but he wanted more. With Ren, he always wanted more.

“Dinner is ready,” Sydney announced.

Henry sprang to his feet and approached Ren from behind. His hands wrapped her around her waist, feeling the fabric of her dress on his fingertips. His erection was pressed against her, and he knew she felt it. “I’m hungry,” he whispered into her ear.

“Me
, too.”

Henry smiled at her
, then pulled her chair out, helping her sit down. He took the seat next to her and placed his hand on her thigh, his fingers reaching up her dress. Ren placed a napkin on her lap, hiding the view of his wandering hand.

After everyone sat down, bowls of spaghetti were passed around with garlic bread. Sydney had her own bowl of meatless sauce
, while everyone else had the regular kind.

“Coen, what do you want to do with your degree?” Henry asked.

He spun his fork in his bowl while he spoke. “Teach at the university level.”

“You want to get your Ph
.D. like Syd?”

“No,” he said quickly.
“Just a master’s. I like research, too. We’ll see how it goes.”

“I think he should get his Ph
.D.,” Sydney mumbled.

“People who get a do
ctorate degree are always weird,” Coen said.

She glared at him.

“What?” Coen asked. “You didn’t know you were weird? Well, late is better than never.”

She hit
him lightly in the stomach.

“Where’s the honeymoon?” Nancy asked.

“The bedroom,” Coen said as he ate.

“You aren’t taking Sydney somewhere?” she asked incredulously.

“I’m definitely taking her somewhere,” he said as he grinned at Sydney.

She rolled her eyes. “No. We are staying here. We already live in paradise.”

“And we’re poor,” Coen added.

“Well, that’s the main reason,” Sydney said with a laugh.

“Did you find a wedding dress?” Ren asked.

“Yes,” Sydney said with a smile. “It’s beautiful. I love it.”

“I have to see it,” Ren said excitedly.

Henry
smiled at her, loving her enthusiasm.
She must really like him if she’s willing to put up with the situation.

“I’ll show it to you after dinner,” Sydney said.

“What kind is it?” Ren asked.

Sydney glanced at Coen. “I’ll tell you later.”

Coen rolled his eyes. “You aren’t descriptive enough to give anything away.”

“Well, I look really good in it.”

“That has nothing to do with the dress. You could wear a sandwich board standing outside Subway, and you would still look gorgeous.”

“Because I wouldn’t be wearing anything underneath?” she asked.

“Well, that might have something to do with it,” Coen said.

“So, am I in the wedding?” Derek asked.

“Why would you be in the wedding?” Nancy asked, rolling her eyes.

“I’m dating you
, and you’re in the wedding.”

“So you want to be a brides
maid?”

“I didn’t say that,” Derek said. “Who’s marrying you?”

“Dr. Jones,” Sydney said.

“Real
ly?” Henry asked. “I didn’t expect that.”

Sydney shrugged. “He’s been like a father to me. Coen and I don’t go to church
, so we thought we would ask someone we know. It’s because of him we met.”

“So how about I walk you down the aisle?” Derek offered.

Nancy hit his arm. “Why do you want to be in the wedding so bad?”

“Because everyone else is.”

Sydney looked uncomfortable and avoided Henry’s gaze. “We’re still trying to figure that out.”

“I’ll do it,” Henry offered.

It suddenly became very quiet. The forks stopped scratching against the bowls, and everyone stopped chewing. Nancy glanced at Sydney discreetly, looking at her reaction. Coen had eyes for Henry.

“
It’s okay, Henry,” Sydney said without looking at him.

“I want to,” he insisted. “Please.”

“Really?” she asked, finally looking at him.

“Of course.
I would be honored.”

Sydney became teary-eyed
, and she blinked her tears away. After staring at her plate for a long time, she rose from her chair, then came to Henry, hugging him. Surprised by her reaction, he held her, patting her gently. Henry knew she didn’t have a father to give her away, someone she could rely on for anything.  Without a doubt, he knew he was the closest thing to a guardian and a protector to her.

“Thank you so much,” she said. “I wanted it to be you.”

“I’m happy to do it,” he said quietly.

She stood up then walked back to her seat. Coen watched her closely, gauging her features.
They continued to eat like an emotional event didn’t just happen. Henry returned his hand to Ren’s thigh and felt his skin light on fire. He always felt hot when he touched her. It didn’t matter how upset he was. Her skin and lips could make him into someone entirely different.

When they were finished, they played board games in the living room. Henry leaned against the couch while they played on the floor. He had Ren sit between his legs with her legs crossed. She felt light against his chest. When he breathed, his chest expanded and pushed her up before she came back down. When she was in front of him like this, his thought
s turned sexual, like they usually did. He kept thinking about being inside her, rocking into her gently like the waves of the ocean. He wanted it so much. He was so distracted that he couldn’t focus on the game. When his turn came up, he didn’t notice and had to be told repeatedly to play.

They spent hours playing the different board games. When everyone got tired,
they didn’t finish the last one. Sydney threw the pieces back into the box then closed it. Coen carried everything into the closest and stacked it neatly. Sydney turned on the television while the couples sat on the couch. Feeling Ren close to him in a dark room made him want to do something else other than watch television.

“I’m getting tired.
How about you?” Henry asked into her ear.

“I would love to go to bed,” she said with a smirk.

His cock twitched. “Let’s go.” They rose from the couch. “We’re going to head out.”

Sydney and Coen walked them to the door. “Thank you for coming,” Sydney said with a smile. She hugged Ren but didn’t touch Henry. Coen shook hands with Henry but didn’t touch Ren.