The Game Changer (33 page)

I impatiently stare out the window, waiting for Luke’s return. The sun is beginning to set. Killing time, I pull out my sketchpad, but before I have a chance to begin, Luke bursts through the front door, I jump from the couch to greet him.

“It’s about time. I thought you forgot about me,” I say.

“Fat chance, you’re all I can think about,” he says, grabbing me and kissing me. “I said I’d be back in twenty minutes.”

“It’s been forty-five,” I say impatiently.

“Sorry, I had to do a few things... You look pretty.”

“Thanks. Where we going?”

“You’ll see.”

“Do I need anything?”

“Just you.” He grabs my hand and leads me out the door.

We head in the direction of the inlet; I figure we must be going to the beach, which is fine by me. It’s the first time we’ve been here since the weather changed and tonight is a perfect evening. The stars light the sky and the warm ocean breeze is blowing; it’s unusually warm for this time of year. He makes small talk as we walk, asking about my day at work. He’s anxious, I can tell. We walk hand in hand along the water. The cool ocean water rolling over our feet adds to the whimsical feel of the evening. We walk along the beach much farther down than we usually do. We finally settle on the rocks for a few minutes to talk.

“This was a good idea. It’s beautiful tonight. We’ve never been this far down.”

“It’s private. No one comes down this far. Are you still hungry?”

“I’m fine,” I answer, ignoring my growling stomach.

“Wrong answer. You’re supposed to say yes.”

“Okay, yes. I didn’t want to make you feel bad, I thought you forgot and being here is so nice. I don’t want to leave; it’s such a nice night.”

“Who says we’re leaving? Come with me.” He grabs my hand and helps me down from the rocks as he leads me a little further down the beach. “Okay, now I need to cover your eyes.” He places his hands over my eyes as he walks behind me, guiding me along. “No peeking.”

“I can’t see a thing,” I promise, my whole body tingling with excitement. Finally, we stop and he removes his hands.

Blankets are spread out in the sand on a secluded section of the beach, surrounded by trees, but with the water so close, you can practically touch it. The only light is from the moon, the stars and the numerous candles flickering in mason jars. “Oh, my God, Luke! How did you do this? It’s beautiful. How did you ever find this spot?” I ask, regretting that second question as soon as I say it.

“Okay, I know what you’re thinking. No, I’ve never been here before. I wouldn’t do that.” He knows instantly what entered my mind. “I was trying to think of something that means a lot to both of us and I thought of the beach. I came down after work today looking for a spot that would be totally private, no interruptions. I found this. I don’t think anyone ever walks this far down. I didn’t know it existed, to be honest.

Anyway, I set everything up earlier, before you got home from work. The only thing I had to do was pick up the food and come back and light the candles. That’s what took me so long.” He opens up a cooler filled with food and drinks. “Oh yeah, and I was banking on you saying you didn’t want to go to the party tonight. That would have sucked.”

I laugh, thinking about how that would have sucked. It’s even more special to me, knowing the time he spent planning this. It looks like something you would see in a magazine or a movie.

“Sit. Eat.” He directs as he turns on his iPod’s portable speakers.

“I don’t know if I can... My stomach is doing flip-flops.”

“Yes, you can. You said you were starving. I got all of your favorites. I wasn’t sure what you would be in the mood for; the Turkey with
Avocado, the Chicken Salad Wrap, or the Santa Fe Turkey with Jack.”

“You thought of everything. What about you?”

“Me? You know how that goes. Whatever you don’t eat, I will. Relax. You look really nervous, which, for some reason, is making me really nervous.” He hands me a
Pomegranate Mike’s Hard
, another of my favorites, as he opens up one for himself.

“Sorry. This is perfect. I don’t know why I feel nervous,” I say as I pick up half of the Turkey and Avocado sandwich and take a bite.

“See, that’s my girl. I just want to hang out and chill with you tonight. We don’t have to make it anything other than that,” he says calmly as he picks up the Santa Fe Turkey and takes a huge bite. Just then, his cell phone starts buzzing. “No interruptions,” he says, turning off the ringer.

“Good idea,” I agree, copying.

With the warm, ocean breeze and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, it would have been difficult not to feel relaxed. We are enjoying being together as we usually do. Especially, while listening to the music, which is a crazy mix of Luke’s favorites; Lifehouse, Led Zeppelin, The Script, Kanye, a little bit of Coldplay and of course Springsteen; to name a few.

We finish up our sandwiches as we discuss his meeting today with the scouts from Tampa Bay. We also talk about his other strong possibilities, Arizona and Atlanta. Tampa is actually interested in him and Mikey, which would be totally cool for them, but what are the odds of them being on the same team? Chicago and the Dodgers have their eyes on Mikey, as well.

Luke rests flat on his back with one arm folded behind his head while the other strokes my hair as I lay my head against his stomach and we gaze up at the twinkling stars above us. “Enough about me. What’s my little Picasso going to do while I’m gone?”

“Look for colleges with good art programs in Florida, Arizona or Georgia,” I joke.

“Now, if I was a selfish person, I would tell you to skip school altogether and just follow me around... but, I’m not, so I’m happy with you looking into one of those three states only,” he jokes.  “But seriously, you know I’m kiddin’. You have to go to the best school there is, you are so good at what you do, I’m really proud of you. I’ll follow you whenever I can. I’ll be movin’ around a lot, but in the off season and any other chance I get, I’ll be wherever you are,” he assures me.

“This is going to work for us, Luke. I know that. I’m not worried,” I say without a doubt as I lean in to kiss him.

“Me, neither. We’ll be fine. Look at my mom and dad. They’re perfect. They just stick together through it all.”

“I know. Maria and I have talked about it. It doesn’t matter where you end up... thank God for technology.”

He props himself on one elbow, as he runs his hands softly over my body. “I’m not going to lie to you, I’ll miss this.” He leans down and kisses me softly on the lips.

“Me, too, but you know what they say... Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”

“I don’t know if that’s possible.”

“We’ll know soon enough... I don’t know... You may find someone out there more...
sophisticated
than me,” I tease.

“I don’t think so, especially after seeing you today... But I think I should be worried about you. Don’t think I don’t notice that Blake Christiansen kid always trying to get under my skin, walkin’ with you after Art class. He always has this smug look on his face like he can’t wait for me to leave... waiting to pounce... And, now that we are on the subject... how about Timmy’s friend, what’s his name? He’s always lingering around, too, watching you. If it wasn’t for Deanna, I’d be telling him to take a hike, too.”

He is cracking me up, because I’ve never heard him act jealous before. “You are so weird. I have no idea what you are even talking about.”

“Uh, huh... Don’t play dumb. Mikey notices it, too,” he says, tickling me.

“Mikey’s a trouble maker.” I giggle. He laughs, too, agreeing with me. I can just picture Mikey getting him riled up.

He opens up two more
Mike’s Hard
and we walk quietly hand in hand back to the rocks, it is one of those times when we can just sit there forever in silence, enjoying the peaceful night, feeling the spray from the water, taking in the scent of the ocean and just enjoy being together. After a while, he jumps down, once again turning to take my hand as he helps me down.

He leads me back to the blanket and we sit side by side. He kisses me softly while carefully laying me back on the blanket. My fingers entwine though his thick, black hair; dampened by the spray of the water. I pull him closer and he smiles. Our eyes never leave each other as everything seems to follow so naturally. The smell of his skin and the sound of his breathing, seem to arouse me even more.

He takes his time with me, not rushing any moment of this. His dark eyes search mine, confirming that I’m ready, enjoying every part of his touch. Slowly, he removes my clothing and I watch his face fill with desire as his eyes and hands roam my body. Not breaking my gaze from his, he helps me remove his clothing so that I can feel his bare skin against mine. A soft groan escapes his mouth as his tongue moves softly, but skillfully, over my lips, making their way down the rest of my body, causing each part to burn, wanting more.

Again, he looks to me for reassurance. Hungrily, I pull his head up towards mine; wanting to taste his mouth again and give him confirmation that I am ready, relaxed and waiting. I tell him I love him as he carefully positions himself between my legs. Tenderly, and slowly, he enters me, asking if I’m okay. I feel a slight pain, but one that passes quickly as he whispers my name and tells me he loves me, too. He takes his time as he masterly, but gently, moves inside me, slowly, watching me carefully, knowing when he has me filled with complete desire.

A moan escapes my lips, causing him to smile and tell me again how much he loves me. I begin to move my hips faster in rhythm with his. I’m savoring every minute our bodies are joined. I can barely stand it anymore as both of our breathing becomes more erratic the faster he moves inside me. I clench onto his dampened skin, pulling him closer as again, a moan escapes my mouth. Together, we explode in complete desire. His eyes hold mine and he’s breathing heavy as his body collapses over mine with his strong arms holding me tightly.

“I love you so much,” he says breathlessly, his eyes watching me intently as he holds my face in his hands.

“I love you, too,” I say, staring at him as my eyes fill up. I’m filled with so much emotion, I can’t imagine feeling any better or more loved than I do right now.

“Are you okay? Did I hurt you?” he asks with concern, while he remains inside me.

“Hurt me? No, not at all. I’m just really happy right now. I didn’t imagine it could be this good.”

“Me, neither,” he answers, his eyes also beginning to well up.

“Luke, what is it? You’ve done this before,” I say, looking into his eyes.

“JJ, not like this... ever. I swear. I know it sounds like a line. You know this isn’t my first time... but, it has never felt like this before. I know I sound really corny right now. Everything is just so different with you. I feel so much with you.”

“So, it was good? I mean... Could you tell?” I ask meekly. Why am I acting shy all of the sudden? I wasn’t two minutes ago.

He lets out a breath and laughs as he slips out of me and rolls onto his back, pulling me into his arms. “It was great. Really great. You felt so good... It’s never felt that good, I swear. I was more concerned with how you were feeling. It was your first time. I was trying to be careful.” He pauses momentarily as a smile escapes his lips. “Why does that question seem familiar to me? Didn’t you ask me that the first time we kissed?”

“I think so. Who would’ve thought back then, that you would be
all of my firsts
,” I say, laughing.

“I did. Shortly after that first kiss, believe me,” he answers back.

“Liar.”

“I swear I knew last summer after the first time I kissed you that there was no way in hell that I wanted you kissing anyone else like that. And, not to sound like a possessive cave man... but… I like knowing that I’m the only one you were ever with
and
that it will
always
be that way. That’s sexy to me.”

“Really?” I ask, surprised.

“Absolutely,” he says, kissing me.

While I rest in Luke’s arms, feeling overjoyed, listening to the ocean and the soft sounds of music, I have a few things that are on my mind. “Luke, every time when we are together, like… you know. I open my eyes and you’re watching me, why?”

“I like to watch you. I can tell when you’re all worked up and turned on. I don’t know… It turns me on
… a lot,”
he says, chuckling. “Is this going to be fifty questions again?”

“I like watching you, too. I like asking you questions, I like your honest answers.”

“Okay, my turn. Are you really alright? Truthfully, did I hurt you?”

“No, you didn’t, I swear. There was a little pain, but it quickly passed, I was expecting it to be worse. Should it have?”

“Sometimes, the first time… I guess. I tried to be really careful, take my time and make sure you were ready first.”

“I was definitely ready,” I say, laughing. “My turn again.”

“Figures. It’s always your turn. Go ahead,” he says sarcastically as he cracks open two more
Mike’s
, while handing me my dress and slipping on his shorts.