Page 3 of Playing the Neutral Zone

All this time, all this flirting and banter, finally maybe it was over, and we could take the next step toward becoming one.

His tongue washed through my mouth, as his hand fisted my hair, then cupped my cheek.I moved my hand off his cock and placed it on his hip as he slid his body closer to mine, grinding himself against me.I swung my leg onto his hip, wanting to feel more of him as he continued grinding into me.I felt the warmth of his smooth skin as my fingers trailed along his back.

I couldn’t breathe—not because I was nervous, but because I was afraid any type of movement would make this moment end.I wanted us to cross this imaginary line, because until now, the most he’d ever done was cuddle me during a movie, place tiny kisses on my neck when we were alone, and flirt with me until I was ready to drop because he’d made me so weak in the knees.

I felt his fingers playing with the buttons on my shirt, and one by one he slowly undid them all, slipping his large hand into my shirt and gripping my side.He kissed me deeper, and when his thumb grazed the side of my breast, I let out a soft moan.

Just as I ran my fingers through his thick, dark hair, he broke the kiss and looked down at me, his hair disheveled.

He studied me, looking deep into my eyes.“We—”

I placed my fingers on his lips.“Don’t say it,” I whispered, my throat straining from the flood of emotions I was feeling.“Please…don’t say it.”

He looked down at me for what felt like forever, then he slowly lowered his head and took my lips with his, consuming my mouth.When he pulled his lips from mine and looked down at me again, I thought for sure he was going to say it, but he got up, shut the TV off, held out his hand for me to take, and led me down the hall.

I felt as if I were floating on a bed of clouds as I followed him, my hand in his.He met my eyes, softly smiled, and then stopped right outside the spare bedroom, pushed me up against the wall.He pressed himself against me, took my mouth with his, his tongue washing through my mouth as his hands explored me.Then he broke the kiss, pulled away and stepped back.

“I’ve wanted you for so long, Scarlett.I promised myself I’d never lay a finger on you until you’re done school…and as fucking tempting as you are, I’m hell bent on keeping that promise.”

I stood there, my body on fire as I watched his eyes wash over me while he slowly backed away.

“That’s why I’m saying good night, Scarlett, and I’m going to ask that you don’t come into my room tonight, because I don’t think I have the strength to hold back much longer.”

Six Months Later

“Congratulations, Scarlett.”

I could feel my cheeks heat as Scottie and Levi stood there holding a small graduation cake in Levi’s living room.

It just so happened that Levi had a couple days off from games and had invited me and Scottie to stay before we took off home to see Mom and Dad.

“I should also announce this isn’t the only celebration,” Levi added, slipping a knife through the cake.

“Oh, what else are we celebrating?”Scottie questioned.

“Well, I’ll let Scarlett tell you,” Levi added, popping a piece of cake on a plate for each of us.

Scottie looked over at me, a smile on his face as he waited for me to tell him.

“Now don’t get too excited, but I got a job withIce Insiders.I did a co-op for them this past semester, and while it’s only a temp position for now, it has good promise to become something more once I prove myself.”

“That’s outstanding, Scarlett.So, you’ll be staying in the city then?”

I glanced over at Levi.We’d kept our relationship on the quiet side for the past month, and a couple of weeks ago, with the news of the new position, just as planned, we were moving in together.I had no idea how Scottie was going to take this news.I still needed to tell Mom and Dad.I was probably crazy for telling Scottie first.

“I will be.”I swallowed hard, still trying to gage his reaction.

“Well, I’d ask Levi to check in on you, but with his schedule, he’s barely in the city.”

“Don’t be silly.You don’t even need to ask.I’ll keep an eye on her,” Levi added, passing each of us a piece of cake.

“How are you going to do that?Like I said, you’re barely here.I think I counted two weeks out of the past eleven.”Scottie chuckled.

Levi and I looked at one another.

“Well, I’ve asked Scarlett to move in here.It will be perfect.Honestly, someone will be here while I’m out of town, and since the building is secure, I know she’ll be safe,” Levi added.

Scottie thought about it for a moment as he shoved a forkful of cake in his mouth and then nodded.“Might be a good idea, Scar.I mean rent out here— well, I can’t even imagine what it must cost.”

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