The Jock and the Wallflower

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 2 The Jock and The Wallflower

THE party was in full swing by the time we arrived at a quarter ’til ten and if it hadn’t been for my best friend, Scarlett Wade, clutching tightly to my hand and forcefully dragging me forward, I would have happily bolted out the door. I really didn’t want to be there. At all. Only a week into my sophomore year, I simply wanted to spend the weekend doing what I had done every weekend throughout my freshman year: I wanted to hang out in my cluttered dorm room with a bag of popcorn and a good book, or maybe an old black and white film. I certainly didn’t want to attend the Kappa Psi Delta fraternity’s Back to School Bash—quite honestly, I had to question the sanity of anyone who did want to attend any event hosted by a fraternity made up of football jocks, baseball jocks, and basketball jocks. It was Jock Central. And me… well, it was safe to say no one would ever mistake little five-foot-five-inch, one-hundred-forty-fivepound me as anything remotely related to a jock. I had, however, spent my entire high school career with an invisible target posted on my back, inviting any and all jocks and their friends to torment me in whatever ways they deemed amusing. Scarlett knew this, of course, as she and I had been best friends since fifth grade, and on more than one occasion Scarlett had jumped wildly to my defense when some asshole tried to badger me in her temperamental presence. No one wanted Scarlett pissed with them. She wasn’t a wilting

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 3 southern belle by any stretch of the imagination, never mind the fact she was only an inch taller than me. Scarlett’s dainty, blue-eyed, blond beauty fooled many tragic fools at first glance, but most quickly learned that Scarlett didn’t tolerate stupidity, arrogance, or bigots and she could and would stare down men twice her delicate size, if and when someone landed on her bad side. I adored her beyond reason. I wasn’t close to my family, but I had Scarlett. I knew I could depend on her come hell or high water, and it was because I did indeed love her that I allowed her to talk me (thoroughly strong-arm me) into attending Kappa Psi Delta’s Back to School Bash. “Brent’s going to be there and I’d like to maybe show up and flirt a little, to find out if he’s really interested.” Brent was—of course—a jock, as the Kappa Psi Delta directive apparently mandated, but having talked to the star pitcher on several occasions, I had to admit he seemed like a decent sort. If he hadn’t been, I would have told Scarlett as much. Period. She was certainly strongwilled and capable, but the protective nature of our friendship went both ways, and I looked out for Scarlett’s well-being whenever I could. She had dated a few jackasses in the past, but Brent seemed intelligent, levelheaded, he didn’t come across as painfully arrogant, and I didn’t doubt for a second that he was very much interested in Scarlett. And Scarlett (damn her) knew I was utterly interested in and completely enchanted by Brent’s best friend and Duke’s star right fielder, Avery Beckett. Yeah, call me a short, skinny little hypocrite; I wasn’t a great fan of jocks in general, but damned if Avery Beckett wasn’t an exception to the rule. But being an exception didn’t matter all that much, considering a) I hadn’t seen or

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 4 heard anything that suggested Avery was gay or even bisexual, and b) if by some glorious chance Avery was indeed gay or bisexual, there wasn’t a chance he would ever look twice at me. He was a freakin’ Adonis. Six feet tall. Broad shoulders, powerfully long legs, narrow hips; Avery was solid muscle with deliciously bronze skin, brilliant blue eyes, sensual full lips and sun-kissed sandy brown hair. And he was smart. He had shared the same creative writing class as me the previous semester (not that Avery had known I was alive, let alone in the same room with him), and I was blown away each time Avery posed a question or answered a question, and anytime we were required to read an assignment out loud, I found myself captivated by Avery’s smooth voice and equally captivated by his undeniable (and damn sexy) talent with words. When it came to Avery, I had a serious crush/case of lust/desire to actually know more, but I didn’t fool myself. Avery Beckett hadn’t a clue who I was, he never would, and sadly, despite knowing that, I was willing to hang out at KPD’s alcohol-fueled, jock-infested party because I wanted a chance to ogle him from a distance. Oh yeah, I was a loser of the bona-fide variety and less than ten minutes after arriving, I was a loser flying solo. The moment Scarlett caught sight of Brent lingering on the other side of the overly crowded room, she left me with a kiss on the cheek and an order to have fun. “Mingle and hang out. Okay? You don’t have to drink. Just maybe drop your guard and you might have a pretty good time, darlin’.” She was off to flirt with Brent before I could respond to her advice, and watching her quickly disappear into the crowd of dancers and drinkers, I knew I wouldn’t see her again. Scarlett was

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 5 on a mission: land Brent Logan. And me? I was a pitiful little fish out of water, and I really just wanted to go back to my dorm, where I should have remained in the first place, thank you very much. But I had promised Scarlett I would hang out for a least an hour, and I couldn’t break a promise I made to Scarlett, which meant I had an hour (fifty minutes!) to play Mr. Wallflower. Swallowing what little pride I had, I worked my way through the crowd, feeling more than a little nauseated by the rather pungent—and overpowering—stench of beer combined with other obviously cheap alcohol. It never failed. Just the smell of beer made me sick. It was a bitter reminder of a past I wanted to forget; a reminder of my father’s drunken rages and a sad reminder of my mother’s tragic inability to defend herself (and me) against verbal insults and flying fists that often left one of us in need of medical attention. Christ, would I ever forget? No, no, I knew there wasn’t any chance that I could or world forget my troubled childhood, but I wished I could escape the countless reminders. Especially now. College was supposedly a carefree time and let’s face it, a person couldn’t get through college without encountering drinkers. I shook my head as I finally found an unoccupied corner, where I leaned against the wall with a heavy sigh born from exhaustion and relief. I had maybe another forty minutes left before I could run for the hills (or the dorm room in my case), and I couldn’t wait. My eyes closed for a moment and I willed myself to relax. I struggled to ignore the smell, the sounds, the music that was unbearably loud; I could feel one hell of a headache

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 6 on the horizon, and I prayed the minutes would pass damn quickly. Please God! I was starting to feel just a little claustrophobic standing there, and I cursed myself for it as the sound of loud laughter followed by a sudden squeak snapped my eyes open at the exact moment something icy cold splashed against my chest. The smell of beer assaulted my already hyperactive senses, and I jumped, unable to shrink away from the cold liquid that plastered my shirt to my chest. “Oh my God!” I looked up to see a girl standing in front of me, her eyes wide, a look of embarrassed horror on her face. “I’m sorry! I tripped and… God, I ruined your shirt….” She was on the verge of tears, and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her and that had me forcing a smile as I tugged the soaked material away from my chest. “It’s fine. Really. It’s not a big deal.” “But your shirt….” “I was about to leave, so it’s fine. I swear. Don’t worry about it.” “Are you sure?” Her eyes were still wide and I nodded. “I really am sorry. I can pay for the dry cleaning.” “Believe me, that isn’t necessary.” I smiled at her again. “Like I said, I was just about to head out, so it’s not a problem.” Hell, despite the smell (which was atrocious), I was grateful for the perfect excuse to get out of the party early. When Scarlett asked why I bailed, I could tell her— honestly—that I needed to change before I became tragically ill in a room filled with people I didn’t dare offend with

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 7 projectile vomit. Cowardly? Yep. Did I care? Nope. Blessed escape was in my sight, and I intended to take it, but before I could excuse myself from the still-apologizing girl, a wonderfully warm and strong hand clamped down on my shoulder, and I looked up to find the object of my unrequited longing standing beside me. Touching me. Smiling easily, naturally, that amazing smile that was radiant and charming; the smile that revealed dimples that were oh-sosexy. I blinked, certain I was suffering from some unexpected hallucination. I had to be. There wasn’t any possible way Avery Beckett was touching me… smiling at me…. I shook my head to try and clear aside the obvious hallucination. Avery didn’t disappear from my sight, but he did turn to flash a smile at the young woman whose drink was currently soaking into my shirt and chilling my goose-fleshed skin. “It’s cool, Tabby.” Avery’s voice was as rich and warm as I remembered from our class, but hearing it up close, with Avery’s hand resting casually on my shoulder… shivers of delight (and lava-like arousal) traveled down my spine and my digestive organs did a series of rather impressive somersaults. “Go grab yourself another drink. I’ll take Decker upstairs and find one of my shirts for him to change into.” I was dimly aware of the girl—Tabby—looking relieved and departing with a happy smile aimed at Avery, but mostly I was in a state of shock. 1) Avery was touching me, 2) apparently Avery actually knew my name, and 3) Avery intended to take me upstairs and loan me a shirt, and that was just so out of left field I half expected to hear the theme music from The Twilight Zone. Had I tumbled down a rabbit hole? Could I be drunk—and delusional—from simply smelling alcohol? That seemed unlikely (since I knew it was

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 8 impossible), but there wasn’t any obvious explanation for why Avery’s hand moved from my shoulder to catch me by the wrist. With casual confidence, he began tugging gently through the crowd of giddy partygoers toward the stairs which undoubtedly led to the dorm rooms. What the hell was happening? Dazed and more than mildly confused, I forced myself to stop moving when we reached the bottom of the stairs. Avery turned around to look back at me, and I drew in a much needed, almost desperate, breath. “Come on. I’m sure I can find something for you to wear. No need to spend the rest of the night in a wet shirt.” “I don’t… I mean, I… I was leaving….” I winced, because damn, did I sound stupid. “You don’t need to be nice to me because….” His beautiful lips curved into another radiant smile, and I felt something inside me shiver again because that smile was perfect. I figured he could convince me to walk to the moon and back by just flashing that smile and yes, that made me pathetic on at least a dozen levels, but I realized I didn’t care. So I was pathetic? So what? I could live with it, if Avery would just keep smiling at me like that, like maybe he really did see me, Mr. Wallflower, as more than some borderline hermit/nerd/utterly-unjocklike loser. Christ! My heart kicked so hard in my chest that I briefly wondered if I was suffering from a heart attack, but once again I simply did not care, as once again Avery tugged gently at my wrist and I began following him up the stairs as if I had done so before and would do so again. A moment later, I was ushered into a room—Avery’s room—and I noticed that it was a single, larger than mine and surprisingly uncluttered and well-organized. Avery had a

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 9 few sports posters on the walls, a large bed, a desk housing a computer, and a small nightstand. Granted, my eyes lingered on the bed, because it was Avery Beckett’s bed. I was in Avery Beckett’s room, and I considered pinching myself. “Look, I really don’t need a shirt and like I said to Tabby, I really was ready to leave.” I didn’t turn and look at Avery, but I could hear him rummaging through his closet, undoubtedly looking around for the shirt he had offered. My chest felt tight and for a moment I feared I might faint, but I pulled in another breath as Avery moved to stand casually in front of me. Hopelessly, I looked up at him, into eyes that were so alluring and beautiful I could have lost myself in them and stayed lost in them. “It’s way too early for you to be leaving.” He flashed another smile and I took a step back, leaning against the wall in what hopefully appeared a casual stance. “You just arrived and you haven’t had a chance to enjoy the party.” “I don’t… I really don’t like parties all that much.” Yeah, I’m a dork; why not just put a “Loser” sign around my neck? “That would explain why I’ve never seen you at any of these mind-numbing events before tonight.” “I’m here with my friend.” See, I wanted to say, I wasn’t a total loser, ’cause I did have a friend and that counted for something. “I saw you come in with Scarlett Wade.” “Yeah. We’ve been friends since grade school.” “I think she and Brent are hooking up.” Avery took a step forward. “Which means you’re free to spend some time

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 10 with me.” I blinked at that. I couldn’t help it, because really, why would Avery Beckett want to spend time with me when there was a major party taking place downstairs? Gathering my bearings as best I could with Avery so close (and gods, but he smelled so very, very good), I prayed to any deity in existence that I wouldn’t make a major fool of myself—at least not any more than I already had. “You don’t have to do that—hang around me because Scarlett’s with Brent. I can go back to my dorm room, and you can enjoy the party and not be stuck babysitting me all night….” I realized I was rambling, which happened whenever I found myself nervous, and in that moment nervous didn’t begin to describe what I felt, standing there in the same room with Avery. I wanted to turn and run. Why not? I had already come across as a blithering idiot. Avery likely figured I was completely useless, and certainly, I felt that way as I looked away, not wanting to see the look of amusement in Avery’s eyes. It was official. I would always be some socially awkward loser. Time wouldn’t change that, being away from my father wouldn’t change that; it was enough to depress me, but I didn’t have the chance to fall into that depression before a hand reached out and captured mine. Startled, my eyes shot up to look at Avery, who wasn’t looking at me like I was indeed a loser. Wow. I couldn’t claim experience when it came to guys (or kissing, or sex, or anything related to the entire wanting/seduction process), but despite my tragically limited experience, I was fairly certain what I saw in Avery’s eyes was desire. I licked my lips nervously as Avery squeezed my hand. “Here’s the deal; I spent all of last semester wanting a

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 11 chance to know you better and now the chance has fallen in my lap, and I’m taking advantage of it.” “Avery—” “I asked Scarlett to get you here tonight, without telling you why.” “You what?” “Last semester, I couldn’t make a move because I had some family issues going on, and I decided that when I set out to pursue you, I didn’t want anything distracting me from giving you all my attention.” I shook my head, because what he was saying didn’t make sense. Avery couldn’t really be telling me he wanted me, that Scarlett knew he wanted me…. It was too much like a dream come true and frankly, I didn’t buy into the belief that such dreams could become a reality. “Why? I’m just… what I mean is, I’m nothing special and you… you can have anyone….” My face burned, I knew I had to be blushing from head to toe, and I again tried to look away but before I could Avery’s free hand cupped my cheek, and I found myself looking into those brilliant blue eyes as he smiled indulgently. “First of all, you are so very, very wrong, Decker, because you are special.” “You don’t know me.” “I know more than you think.” He offered a teasing smile and I raised an eyebrow. “Really? What do you know?”

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 12 “I know that you, Decker Alexander Lennox, turned twenty on July 25th, you’re from Charlotte, you’re an only child, and you’re majoring in media communications.” I stared as he rattled off the information. “You’ve been friends with Scarlett for years. And she’s protective, of you, just in case you didn’t know. I won’t tell you exactly what she threatened to do to my balls if I dare upset or hurt you.” I laughed because I knew how creative Scarlett could be when she made threats, and I didn’t doubt she had put the fear in Avery. “I also know you love watching old black and white movies, you love reading, parties really aren’t your thing, and I’ve heard you aren’t exactly a fan of brainless jocks.” He grinned as he added that part, and I blushed again. He had to have gotten that information from my dear best friend, and I decided then that I would be killing Scarlett at the first opportunity and that killing would be justified. Maybe. If it turned out that Avery really was—against all possible odds— genuinely interested in dorky little me, Scarlett might be allowed a stay of execution. It was all too much to fathom. Not only did Avery really know who I was, he apparently found himself interested in getting to know me (well, getting to know me more, beyond his basic, borderline stalker information gathering), and that was more than I had ever dared hope for. Maybe more than I could handle. Just standing there with him was surreal, dreamlike; I wondered if it really was just a dream and if indeed it was, I decided to indulge in it a bit more before waking up and returning to my Avery-free reality. With that in mind, I didn’t franticly run from the room when Avery stepped closer. Close enough to trap me between the wall and his wonderfully hard and delightfully warm body—gods, but I wanted to melt wantonly into that delicious warmth. It was unlike anything I had ever

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 13 experienced and in that electrified moment, I knew my life was about to be turned upside down and inside out, and I realized I didn’t care about any possible aftermath. Throwing caution (along with reason, logic, and perhaps common sense) out the window, I wrapped my arms around Avery’s neck the moment his mouth descended on mine, and I was instantly consumed. I heard myself whimper. I couldn’t help it. This was it. Not only was this my first kiss, somehow—and yes, I knew it was utterly insane—but somehow, somewhere deep in my heart and soul, I knew without a doubt that this kiss was indeed the beginning of a reality that would surpass my dreams and daydreams by leaps and bounds. Avery Beckett was kissing me, and I happily lost myself in that kiss as Avery’s tongue slipped past my lips to delve eagerly into my mouth with toe-curlingskill. Of their own accord, my hands tangled in Avery’s hair; the silky strand wrapped around my fingers, gentle, teasing. I loved the way his hair felt, and I whimpered again when he slipped a hand beneath my shirt to touch my back gently. I arched myself against him. No, I didn’t have a bit of experience, but it seemed that my body had taken over; instincts took control, leaving me to savor the luscious sensation of Avery’s tongue snaking around mine. He tasted like something warm, something delicious. I couldn’t name the taste; it was special, unique, and fantastically addictive— I wanted more and more, and I feared I wouldn’t ever be able to get enough as the kiss ended and Avery pulled back, looking down at me, with beautifully damp, kiss-swollen lips that were oh-so-perfect.

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 14 His hands moved to cup my face tenderly. “Christ! I’ve wanted to kiss you like that from the moment I saw you last semester, sitting in Professor Johnson’s class looking so sexy.” After a kiss like that, I could no longer doubt his admission, but it still amazed me and I guess the depth of my amazement was reflected in my eyes, because Avery grinned. “I can see we are going to spend some time building up your self-confidence, Decker, because you really need to know how incredible you are.” “No one has ever said anything like that to me before.” My hand rested on his chest, and I could feel his heart racing. “Anyone who can’t see what I see when I look at you is blind or stupid.” “Avery—” “Of course, I consider myself damn lucky someone hasn’t snatched you up.” He leaned in to brush a light kiss over my lips, and I shivered from the brief contact. “And honestly, baby, this isn’t how I wanted to go about this and I’m sorry.” “Sorry for what?” “I intended to get you alone tonight, I can’t deny that, but I wanted to tell you how much I like you and ask you out.” “Seriously?” “I want to do this right, Decker.” His thumb brushed my bottom lip. “I want to take you out to dinner. Maybe see a

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 15 movie. Or maybe go dancing. I’ve never done actual dating before, I have to admit, but with you… damn, with you, baby, I want to get everything right. No rushing, no pushing for too much too soon.” He sounded so earnest and his eyes…. As cliché as it sounded, his eyes reflected the honesty behind those words and I smiled, pulling him to me, into another kiss that soon had us clinging to one another. I surprised myself. I couldn’t believe I was being so bold, actually initiating a kiss, but the way Avery responded assured me I was doing it right. I groaned when his hands trailed down my back to greedily cup my ass and my dick swelled, to the point it was near painful. I pressed hard against Avery. I needed contact, as much contact as I could get; damn, but I wanted anything, everything. It would have been embarrassing, if I hadn’t been well past the point of caring, as Avery suddenly lifted me and I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist. With remarkable ease, Avery walked us across the room to his bed, where he sat down with me straddling his lap. My hands rested on his shoulders as we sat there for an endless time, kissing again and again, with each kiss becoming more intense, hungrier, than the last. I forgot about anything and everything beyond Avery; the party downstairs was meaningless, my insecurities were seemingly miles away from me, and I didn’t question it. I didn’t feel the need. I was in Avery’s arms and he wanted me and that was really all that mattered. “Avery….” I gasped his name when he broke the kiss and immediately turned his attention to the sensitive patch of skin just below my right ear. I thought I might pass out. He licked and sucked and nibbled, and I was putty in his hands. Avery seemed to intuitively know

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 16 where to touch, where to taste; places that I wouldn’t ever have imagined sensual were lusciously susceptible to Avery’s exploring mouth, and I arched against him again, feeling emboldened by the press of his erection hard against mine. Incredible. So amazing, so insane. I was a mess of raw emotions and need, and I knew it was the same for Avery as he reached for the hem of my shirt. I quickly lifted my arms, allowing him to easily free me from the still-damp garment. Avery threw the shirt aside before quietly removing his own and I swear, my mouth watered at the sight of Avery’s hairless chest, dark brown nipples, sculpted pecs and abs… he was a freakin’ work of art, and the knowledge that he was mine made me lightheaded. “Christ, Avery, you’re perfect.” The words escaped before I could think to stop them, and I was pleased to see Avery blush at my truthful outburst; I liked knowing I had the same power over him that he had over me. That only fueled my already raging desire, and I reached out, almost tentatively, to place my hands on his chest. At the contact, Avery sucked in a breath. I looked up to see that his eyes were wide, dark with desire, and I wanted more. Needed more. I wanted to touch, taste; it was a need unlike anything I had ever before experienced, but Avery seemed willing to give me the freedom to explore, and my hesitation melted away—if my touch could bring Avery pleasure, I wanted that. I could hear both of us breathing heavily, intently, as I moved my hand over him slowly. Reverently. I was completely in awe. His skin was so warm and taut over his hard muscles, but his skin was also surprisingly soft. I adored how it felt, how he felt, trembling, ever so slightly, beneath my touch.

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 17 I brushed fingers over his already budded nipples. He jerked in reaction, and again, I smiled at him. “I like touching you.” I whispered the admission, and Avery caught one hand in his, easily lifting it to his lips and kissing my knuckles gently. It was such a tender gesture. But that was Avery; he was wonderfully tender, respectful. I knew without asking that he was waiting for me to determine the pace, and that meant a lot to me; it told me he respected me and how far I was ready to take things between us and honestly, I knew what I wanted. Needed. I wanted Avery in every possible way, and I wanted him to know that, but despite the information he had gleaned from my good buddy Scarlett, there was still a great deal he didn’t know, and I wanted to be upfront with him. He seemed to notice something in my eyes, and again he cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing over my cheekbone. “What’s wrong? Decker, if we’re moving too fast, we can slow all this down until you’re more comfortable.” “It’s not that.” I whispered, my fingers playing idly with the hair at the back of his neck, mostly because I loved how soft and silky it felt. “You think you know me, but I… well, there’s a lot you don’t know, and I guess I don’t want you to move forward with whatever this is until you understand certain things about me.” “Decker—” “I don’t have contact with my family,” I blurted out baldly.

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 18 “Okay.” Avery watched me closely and I drew in a breath, feeling a little sick, because this wasn’t a subject I enjoyed. “The short version is this: my dad is a drunk and he can be a real ass and I… well, when I came out, he disowned me right then and there.” “Baby….” “And my mother, she cried and she was so upset, but she’s never been able to stand up to my father.” I tried a casual shrug to appear more at peace with the situation than I actually was, but I suspected Avery saw through my bravado. “Scarlett’s the closest thing I have to family. It was her family I stayed with when she and I went home over summer break, and I just wanted you to know that I’m a little screwed-up and if it bothers you, I understand.” I just needed to get it all out there. It was time for full disclosure before I ended up completely losing my heart, and I didn’t doubt that I could tumble head-over-heels in love with Avery before the night was over, because I was already halfway there. Maybe more than halfway there, truth be told. He had this intense hold on me and my heart and honestly, I didn’t know what I would end up doing if he decided I wasn’t worth his time thanks to my less-than-ideal family history. I silently prayed I wouldn’t find out, as Avery shifted our position so I was stretched out on his bed and he lay down beside me. He braced his weight on his elbow and looked down at me, one hand resting on my chest. I reached up to cover that

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 19 hand with my own, and Avery laced our fingers together, which made me smile. “Remember when I said I wanted you since I saw you last semester?” “I remember.” “And I also said I had some stuff going on I had to deal with, because I didn’t want to have anything distracting me from you?” I nodded at that. “Well, the thing is, my mom and dad split years ago. My dad lives in California, and I have to say, he and I aren’t close. I never did forgive him for ditching me and my mom for some bimbo and… well, my mother has never been a strong person emotionally.” There was a catch in his voice at that admission, and I squeezed his hand gently and Avery squeezed back just as gently. “She’s spent years in and out of different institutions and things go okay as long as she keeps on the medication, but last semester, after a conversation with my father, she stopped taking the meds and she had some bad times. My aunt does what she can to help, but I’m an only child and usually, I’m the only one my mom listens to, so I had to talk her into going back to the hospital until the drugs were working again and it’s pretty messy.” “Avery, I’m so sorry.” And I was, I could see how much it hurt him and I hated that. “It’s just the way things are and they can’t be changed, but I want you to know, I have some family history that’s complicated too.” “It’s doesn’t bother me.”

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 20 “And the fact that your father is an asshole doesn’t change how I feel about you.” His eyes locked on mine and held, and I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. “Listen, I know it sounds cliché and hokey, but I’ve never felt drawn to anyone the way I feel drawn to you, Decker, and that means something special. You’re special. I need you to know that. Believe it, baby. I won’t lie and say I haven’t had sex a few times, but that was just sex and I don’t want something cold and meaningless with you.” “I believe you. I do. And I… I’m not experienced. At all.” My face burned. “I don’t want to be a disappointment.” “You could never disappoint me,” Avery whispered. “But if this is moving too fast, we can slow down. Okay? I won’t be upset with you.” “It means a lot to me, that you’re willing to wait, but I want this.” “Decker….” “I know it’s sudden and maybe it’s crazy, but I just know that this is right and I want to be with you.” “I won’t hurt you. Ever. I’ll take my time and I swear, I’ll make this good for you.” He leaned down to capture my mouth in a heated kiss, and I instantly responded, placing a hand on the back of his neck to pull him closer. “Gonna show you what you mean to me.” I shivered at the promise as Avery again turned his attention to my neck; he nipped and licked and bit into the skin at my collarbone, which sent electric-like jolts directly to my dick, and I cried out, because it felt incredible. His body pressed down against mine,

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 21 effectively holding me captive. I was happily engulfed by blazing skin and hard muscles, and I repeatedly arched against Avery, rubbing our cocks together as best I could with layers of denim between us. I whimpered helplessly. I hadn’t known it was possible to want so much, to feel completely driven by need. It was wonderful and it was heady and I never wanted it to end; I wanted everything Avery could give me, and I dug my fingers deep into his back, using my aching body to beg for more. And more. I couldn’t fathom a rational thought, I couldn’t conjure words, all I could do was make gluttonous little noises as Avery began kissing and biting a sensual path down the length of my chest. He wrapped his lips around first one nipple and then the other, sucking hard at the aching nubs before tugging with his teeth and when he did, I bucked up off the bed. Avery laughed gently against my skin, and I loved the vibrations that created. I shivered once more. I was trembling inside; I was in utter bliss. Avery’s mouth played my body like an instrument only he knew how to manipulate, and I wrapped my legs around him tightly, anchoring myself to that delectable body and the strength it possessed. “Taste so good, baby.” Avery breathed against my skin. “So good. Could spend all night just tasting you.” He nipped teasingly at my belly button as his hands moved between us, and I shuddered as he unfastened and then carefully unzipped my jeans. I felt as if I were teetering on some precarious edge. Everything was hypersensitive, but I realized that I loved how wanton and eager I felt; for the first time in my life, I wasn’t hiding behind self-constructed walls, because I knew, with Avery, I was safe and always would be.

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 22 Always. Avery would see to it. I was where I was meant to be, and I was meant to be with Avery; there wasn’t a single doubt resounding in my mind, and I suspected my feelings were evident in my eyes as I forced them open to watch as Avery stood long enough to tug my jeans and boxers down my hips and legs. He had to pull off my shoes before he could completely remove my pants, and I happily watched each move Avery made; he was so damn sexy, the way his muscles moved gracefully kept me totally transfixed. “You’re beautiful.” I didn’t feel any shame saying the words because they were honest and Avery smiled, emotions shimmering brightly in his beautiful blue eyes; in those eyes, I could clearly see everything Avery felt in that moment, and it thrilled me to know his emotions matched mine. This was indeed real. Avery wanted me. It no longer felt like a hazy dream; it felt like reality, because that was what it was—Avery Beckett had found something in me no one else had ever seen (me included), and that knowledge thrilled me. It made me believe I was more than some nerdy loser; it made me believe I was special and wanted, and I basked in the confidence that generated as Avery stood for a moment, looking down at me, stretched out on his bed and more aroused than I had ever been. It was erotic. Exciting. I knew that compared to my soon-to-be-lover, I wasn’t some masculine work of art, but the way Avery looked at me, the way his eyes devoured me with undeniable hunger, assured me Avery liked what he saw. He didn’t believe me too thin, too pale, too inadequate… whatever I was, in Avery’s eyes, it was more than enough. I smiled at him as he took a quick moment to strip himself, leaving me to eagerly drink in what was the most beautiful

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 23 sight I had ever witnessed. Christ! He was perfect. I was dumbfounded, mesmerized; he was all enchantingly sculpted muscle—I could look at him, forever and it wouldn’t be nearly long enough, a thought that bounced around my mind as my ravenous eyes finally settled on his erection. Damn, but I gasped, seeing his impressive (and gods help me, enormous) shaft nestled in a patch of curls only slightly darker than his hands-mussed hair. Dazed, I pushed myself up on my elbows. “Avery….” I wasn’t certain what I wanted to say, but Avery smiled and crawled back onto the bed to lie down beside me, one arm draping over my waist. “We’ll take our time,” he promised, and I nodded. “If anything doesn’t feel right, or if you need time, just tell me and we’ll slow down, baby.” His lips claimed mine again, and I opened to him as we turned, facing one another, side by side. We seemingly fit together perfectly. I was molded tightly against him, and his hands were somehow everywhere. And I was again lost. I had no ability to form rational thoughts… I could only whimper and gasp in reaction to Avery’s lips on my neck and shoulders, and then he pushed me onto my back, and I went willingly, tangling my trembling hands in his hair. Avery’s lips again teased my nipples, and I arched my back, using the hands in Avery’s hair to try and keep him firmly anchored to me. “Please… please, Avery….” I wasn’t even sure what I was begging for, I just knew I wanted more; it felt like I was burning from the inside out. I was consumed by my need for this man and what only he could give me. His lips moved lower and lower, while one hand moved away

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 24 from me long enough to fumble with the drawer attached to his small nightstand. Tugging too hard, Avery nearly tipped the nightstand over and most of its contents spilled freely to the floor. Cursing, he leaned over the side of the bed, retrieving a tube of lube and a box of condoms, and I laughed. “I can’t imagine how completely inept my seduction attempt must seem.” Avery rolled his eyes at himself. “It’s kinda nice to know you might be as nervous and excited as I am,” I confessed as he pulled himself back onto the bed, lube and condoms in hand. He dropped the items beside him and leaned close to kiss me hard and quick. “Believe me, baby, I’m nervous, and I’m so damn excited I feel like some clueless teenager.” He lifted his hand to caress my cheek tenderly. “This is new for me, Decker. I like you. This is so much more than sex or some casual hookup, and I’m terrified I’m going to send you running from me.” He sounded surprisingly vulnerable, which seemed so out of character for my image of him, but the honesty just made me fall for him even more. I covered his hand with mine. “I’m not running from you. Not a chance. I never believed I could be here, with you, and now… you have no idea how very much I want you, Avery.” The admission came easily, much to my delight, and Avery grinned before sweeping in for another heated kiss, and I wrapped my arms tightly around his shoulders. He pushed me down on the mattress, and I savored how wonderful it felt, his body pressing into mine; he was heavy,

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 25 but it was a weight that I gladly accepted as Avery gently nudged my legs apart, and I didn’t hesitate to allow him the freedom to do so. The hand that wrapped around me was gentle, teasing, but it was a touch that was beyond exquisite. “Avery….” My body bucked upward, and Avery chuckled before kissing along my neck as his hand began stroking me slowly, languidly. It was obvious he was enjoying the teasing pace, and I wrapped a leg snuggly around his hips, rubbing wantonly against him. I didn’t care if I appeared out of control, because hell, I was indeed out of control; my skin was blazing, my heart pounding wildly. I wanted to cry out Avery’s name, but I was too breathless as he worked his mouth down my chest. He placed heated, open-mouthed kisses. He licked, nibbled, his tongue teased sensitive places with sensual intent and then, that hot little tongue impishly licked the underside of my cock and stars exploded behind my eyes. Holy shit! I may have said that out loud, as I heard Avery laugh in the instant before the most glorious heat engulfed my shaft. Avery seemed to swallow me effortlessly, until the head of my cock brushed the back of his throat and with focused energy he used his mouth, tongue, and lips to pull me closer and closer to some magical abyss. I was gasping, hips flexing, my hands tangled in the sheets…. I was lost on a sea of pure pleasure that became even more wildly intense when Avery brushed lube-covered fingers over my tight opening. “Oh God….” I shivered and braced myself for the first invasion as ever-so-slowly, Avery eased a single finger inside my body and there was a brief, burning sensation as the muscles adjusted to the newness of what was happening. I drew in a shuddering breath; I felt

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 26 Avery begin to carefully, gradually move the finger inside of me and the discomfort was quick to fade and a wondrous sensation took its place. My back arched again, and Avery’s mouth left my cock to first teasingly lap at my balls before sucking them into his mouth. Humming, sending enthralling vibrations from my balls up my spine, Avery gently added a second finger to the first and this time, the muscles gave more easily. “Feels so good….” I half-whimpered the words. I wanted Avery to know how wonderful it felt—how right. I was under his spell completely; my body literally throbbed. I wasn’t certain how much longer the pressure building inside me could successfully be suppressed by sheer will. “Avery….” His name was ripped from me when he again easily swallowed my cock, just as a third finger entered me. In the most perfect sync, the fingers inside me moved and curled, hitting the sensitive patch Avery so skillfully sought while his mouth and tongue worked together to propel me over the edge into a soul-shattering release. I didn’t just cry out, I screamed as the pleasure rolled over me again and again, and I spilled myself into Avery’s mouth. Still, Avery stayed with me, his fingers still flexing, curling, flexing, until I whimpered again and carefully, he withdrew those talented fingers and with casual ease kissed his way up my body an exploring inch at a time. “So beautiful, baby.” Avery whispered the words against my chest between kisses and once more, my hand tangled in his

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 27 damp hair. “Loved doing that for you… loved seeing you come apart like that….” His mouth was finally on mine again, and I kissed him fiercely. I could taste myself; it was heady, delicious, and I greedily devoured Avery’s mouth. Never breaking the kiss, he parted my legs again and pushed my knees up, and I didn’t feel hesitation or fear. Gasping, Avery pulled back from the kiss, and I felt dazed, so many emotions and needs warred inside me. “Just relax for me, baby,” Avery interjected, easily lifting my legs to drape them over his shoulders, and I blushed at the exposed position. “I promise, I’ll make this good for you.” Those remarkable eyes held mine, and I wanted to tell him he had already made this beyond good—it was wonderful, perfect, better than I could have imagined, but the words failed me as Avery quickly snatched a condom, ripped open the pack, and slipped it over his shaft. I was mesmerized watching—damn, but the sight was amazingly erotic. He was so beautiful. I wanted to tell him that again, but I couldn’t form words when slowly, cautiously, Avery began pushing himself inside of me and again, after a brief burning sensation, my body accepted him, an inch at a time. He filled me, consumed me; the entire time, our eyes held, and I realized again that this connection we had went beyond the merely physical. I was home. The thought made tears sting my eyes, but I blinked them away—crying wasn’t what I wanted now, with Avery completely inside of me. I could feel every blessed inch buried in my ass, and the feeling couldn’t be described with words, because it was indescribable.

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 28 For an endless moment, Avery held perfectly still and then, carefully, he moved once, twice, and that was all it took to spark the fire; my cock was again painfully hard, and Avery’s hand wrapped around me once more. “Let go and enjoy this, baby.” Avery stroked me with one hand as the other held tightly to my hip and together, almost effortlessly, we found a rhythm, steady, strong, a perfect cadence. I reached up and wrapped a hand around his arm. I needed to touch him as much as possible. I wanted the moment to last forever, but I knew it wouldn’t, it couldn’t, not with the heat generating between us as Avery began to move faster and faster. His hips snapped forward again and again, and I arched my back as I thrust up to meet him, to accept him and the rightness of what we had found together. “Avery….” I cried his name as hot come shot over my chest and stomach and less than a second later, Avery’s orgasm followed mine. His fingers gripped my hip so tightly I knew I’d have bruises come morning, but I didn’t care. “Avery….” His name escaped me again as Avery’s weight collapsed heavily against me, his delectable skin damp with sweat, scorching hot; he was breathing erratically, but so was I as I lifted a hand and stroked it up and down his back while he buried his face snugly against my neck. I turned my head and kissed his hair. I could hear the beat of music echoing from downstairs, and it surprised me—I had honestly forgotten there was a party taking place below us. It seemed nothing else in the world mattered beyond what Avery and I had found. Together. I smiled lazily, and Avery finally lifted his head to look at me, and I knew the dazed and oh-so-very-satisfied light in his eyes was reflected in

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 29 mine as well. Avery smiled with such natural ease, it nearly stole the breath I had just managed to regain. My hand moved to his hair, which was damp as well, and he made a sound that was suspiciously close to a pleased purr. “You’re sort of amazing, Mr. Beckett.” He was so much more than merely amazing, but the way Avery grinned told me he was fairly delighted with the compliment, and I smiled. I couldn’t help it. I wanted to smile. Avery made me want to smile and laugh and make love with him again and again. It was impossible to believe I hadn’t wanted to attend Kappa Psi Delta fraternity’s Back to School Bash, but now I thanked God that I had, because it had changed my life. “You’re pretty damn amazing yourself, Mr. Lennox. I’ve met my match.” The way he said it told me exactly what he meant. “Yeah?” “Oh yeah. I have a good feeling about us, baby. A real good feeling.” “Me too,” I whispered. “A real good feeling.” He eased away from me then, and I felt the loss of his weight and the pressure of him buried deep inside me. It felt oddly like he was a part of me now, and I didn’t want to be away from him. Certainly, it was strange how quickly our connection developed, but I decided not to question it as Avery went into the bathroom to dispose of the condom. When he returned, he had a washrag in hand. I happily watched each move he made as he perched himself on the edge of the bed, and using the warm rag, Avery quietly cleaned each of us. It was

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 30 another remarkably gentle, caring gesture. Avery was so much more than even I had imagined; yes, he was beautiful and sinfully sexy, but he was also kind and gentle and thoughtful, and I was damn grateful we had somehow found one another. We were a truly unexpected match, the jock and the wallflower. Who would ever have imagined? Maybe it was possible for secret dreams to come true. I figured I might have to reevaluate some of my more cynical views in light of this new found happiness; being chronically cynical would be an unwelcome challenge when everything in my life felt so perfect, as Avery tossed the rag to the floor and crawled back into the bed. Resting on his back, Avery pulled me to him so my head rested comfortably on his chest and he cradled me close, his hand stroking over my hip lazily. “So, I know we’ve put the cart before the horse, so to speak, but I really would like to take you out on that date.” “Avery—” “I mean it. I want to show you how much I like you. I want to do the things couples are supposed to do together.” “Is that a good idea?” I asked softly. “What do you mean?” “Well, you’re in a unique position, being on the baseball team and all. If we’re seen out, chances are, people will talk.” “So?” “So, I’m pretty much openly gay and you—”

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 31 “Don’t worry about forehead. “Coach Harris Neither have a problem can kiss my ass because

that.” Avery pressed a kiss to my knows I’m gay, and so does Brent. with it, and if someone does, they I don’t care.”

“I just don’t want to cause problems for you.” “You won’t. Unless you don’t want to see me again. If that’s the case, I have to tell you, you’ll be breaking my heart.” Laughing, I snuggled closer to him. “Believe me, I won’t be saying I don’t want to see you again, and I would love to go on that date with you, sweetheart.” Sweetheart. I had never used such an endearment before, but somehow, it suited Avery, and the way he hugged me tight told me he liked it. What we had, whatever it was, it was new, precious, but I honestly did believe it could turn into something lasting. Content, I closed my eyes and enjoyed just being close to Avery when he again kissed my forehead. “Any chance I’ve changed your mind about not liking jocks?” He was teasing me, and I knew it, which made me feel warm and safe; I was right where I was meant to be, and I was damn happy about it. “Well, I don’t know about all jocks, but I do like you.” I lifted my head to look at him with a delighted smile. “Just me, huh?” “Just you.”

The Jock and the Wallflower | Lisa Marie Davis 32 “You know what? That’s good enough for me, baby.” He pulled me to him, kissing me with tenderness and passion, and I melted into him because he was right—it was good enough, and it was only going to get better.

About the Author

Born and raised in Florida, LISA MARIE DAVIS spends her time writing and babysitting her nearly three-year-old nephew, Zach. A night owl, most of her writing gets done well after one in the morning when the rest of the world is happily sleeping. Visit her blog at http://lisamariedavis.livejournal.com/.

Copyright

The Jock and the Wallflower ©Copyright Lisa Marie Davis, 2011 Published by Dreamspinner Press 4760 Preston Road Suite 244-149 Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. Cover Art by Anne Cain [email protected] Cover Design by Mara McKennen This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. This eBook cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this eBook can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press at: 4760 Preston Road, Suite 244-149, Frisco, TX 75034 http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/ Released in the United States of America May 2011 eBook Edition eBook ISBN: 978-1-61581-920-1