He smiles and takes off his shirt, exposing the ripped muscles and smooth skin I’ve been longing to feel against me again. I quickly take my clothes off not even letting him do it. Sensing my urgency, he strips the rest of the way, then pulls a thin blanket from the basket.
“In case you get cold or want to cover up.”
I sit back on my elbows, smiling at him. “So you just assumed I’d go for this?”
He kisses my neck and coaxes me back down. “I knew you’d go for it, my little nymphomaniac.”
It’s so mean, but it makes me laugh. “That’s the last time you get to call me that.”
We kiss and touch like we can’t get enough of each other, breathing heavy and starting to sweat in the cool night air.
“I’m trying to go slow for you, Jade, but it’s been too long and I don’t—”
“I don’t need slow. I’m more than ready.”
He instantly joins us together and I hear him groan my name as he goes deeper. My core is fired up with sensation, ready to burst. He’s still trying not to hurry as he slowly rocks his hips, his breathing ragged, his head resting on mine. I push my hips into his and guide him to a quicker pace. He seems relieved at my signal and moves faster and deeper until we both finally get relief from the desire that’s been building inside us for weeks.
Garret moves off me and holds me in his arms, pulling the blanket over us. “Okay, now we can talk,” he says, kissing my forehead. “By the way, I love you. I should’ve said that when I first saw you. I’m out of practice. I haven’t been able to say that for weeks.”
“Yeah, and I’ve missed it. I love you, too.” I snuggle closer to him and wrap my arm across his chest. “When is this going to end? Have you heard anything?”
“My dad said the organization has been monitoring what’s going on, but they haven’t addressed it any of the meetings. He’s just heard stuff from other members. So far, it sounds like nothing’s changed. They still want me to go through with this and that’s why they’ve been trying to interfere.”
“By doing what?”
“They’ve been planting fake articles saying the rumors about me are false. That I’m a good guy, but just struggling with some issues. They got the reality show to reshoot the last episode so the actor playing me could blame my mom’s death for why the fake me is doing all these things.”
“So the producers of the show are working for the organization? Are they members?”
“No, I think they were just offered a shitload of money to reshoot the scene. They probably didn’t even ask why.”
“I saw that episode and I wanted to talk to you so bad after that. I almost went up to your room, but I knew I shouldn’t.”
“I’m over it. I’m just trying to forget about the show. Oh, and now that Ava dumped me I’m getting a new fake girlfriend to cheat on. Some 20-year-old blond actress. She’s done some modeling but hasn’t had any real acting jobs yet.”
“Great. Competition from a hot blond. Just what I need.”
“You have nothing to worry about.” He flips me on my back and hovers over me. “I don’t even like blonds. I only like girls with long brown hair, jade green eyes, around 5’5 with larger-than-average breasts.”
“I was just your type until that last part.”
“I disagree.” He cups my breast with his hand. “See? A perfect handful, and I have large hands.”
“And how do you know that’s larger than average?”
He smiles. “I’ve done some research over the years.”
I laugh. “Yeah, I’m sure you have. I hope you’re done with that research.”
“You know I am.” He leans down and kisses me. “You’re all I think about, especially now that I can’t be with you. And speaking of competition, what’s with all the guys asking you out?”
“One guy. That’s it. Nic’s in my history class. He just asked me to dinner.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I told him I wasn’t ready to start dating again. He hasn’t bothered me since.”
“And why do you keep wearing skirts? Are you trying to torture me?”
