Page 97 of Racking Up Penalties
His thumb finds my clit again, and it’s that perfect touch that sends me soaring again. I come apart beneath him, my cry a mixture of his name and a plea for more. He follows, his own climax overtaking him as he buries himself deep within me, his release hot and overwhelming.
We’re both shaking, the intensity of our joined release rendering us speechless. Ethan’s breath fans over my skin, warm and quick, as he lowers my legs and collapses beside me. Our chests heave in unison, the room filled with the sound of our recovery. He pulls me close, his arms wrapping around me in a familiar gesture that speaks of love and care.
“Wow,” I manage to get out, still riding the aftershocks that seem to keep coming in gentle waves.
“More than wow,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
Then we fall asleep together in his bed and I plan to be here a lot more.
Chapter 43
The chirp of my alarm wakes me up. I fumble for my phone, bleary-eyed, and silence it before it can break the sacred quiet of dawn. Today’s the day Ethan’s moving in and a tangled knot of excitement sits heavy in my stomach. I slide out of bed, muscles protesting the early hour but heart thrumming with anticipation. It’s more than just a roommate situation; it’s family, no matter how unconventional, coming together under one roof.
Padding down the hallway, the hardwood is cool beneath my feet. Moving in the winter is going to be rough but we don’t have a choice. I scratch at the stubble along my jaw, thinking about how Ethan’s presence will change the dynamics of the house. It will be easier to spend time together with Tessa.
Tristan will just have to stay over sometimes.
I reach the bottom of the stairs just as a knock sounds at the door. Right on time, as always, Tristan stands on the other side when I swing it open, his sandy-brown hair catching the first light of day, those deep blue eyes already sharp with purpose.
“Morning,” he greets, handing me a styrofoam cup labeled with my name in bold marker. “Figured you’d need this.”
“Godsend,” I mumble, taking a grateful sip of the coffee, its bitterness a welcome slap to my senses. The steam curls up into the crisp morning air.
Tristan steps inside, shrugging off the chill. “So, what’s the game plan?” His voice is steady, but there’s an undercurrent of something else, a readiness to jump into action. He’s not just here to help move boxes; he’s here to support his friend, his loyalties as unwavering as they come.
“Tessa is coming here then the three of us will go to Ethan’s. He’s packed everything up and we just need to move it,” I say, leading the way to the kitchen.
“Sounds like a solid strategy.” Tristan leans against the counter, arms folded across his chest, his silhouette framed by the weak sunlight spilling through the window. “You sure you’re ready for this? Having Ethan crash into your space? It wasn’t that long ago you hated each other.”
“Absolutely,” I answer without hesitation. “Everything has changed and I like the Ethan I know now. He’s family both in blood and our relationship with Tessa.”
“Good,” Tristan says, nodding slowly. “That’s what he needs. A place to call home, people to rely on.” There’s a knowing look in his gaze, as if he understands more than he lets on.
“You’re family to me too, Tristan. I’ve liked you from the start,” I confess.
“I feel the same. I don’t know if I would have been so adamant that Tessa could date other guys if I hadn’t already met you. She, uh, she talked about you. To me. In the spring and I knew I had competition but this couldn’t have worked out better.”
My heart skips a fucking beat. Tristan is one of the most genuine guys I’ve ever met and hearing Tessa was talking about me in the spring after I had already fallen for her, means everything to me.
“Sounds like timing was on both our sides. We both liked her before this semester but it wouldn’t have worked out like this if we made our move before.”
“Exactly,” he agrees.
Tristan pushes off from the counter, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I think I hear a knock at the door. It must be Tessa. Let’s get to it then. The sooner we start, the sooner we finish.”
“Lead the way,” I say, setting my empty coffee cup aside and rolling my shoulders in preparation. Today marks a shift in our lives, and I’m determined to make it count—for Ethan, for all of us. With each box and piece of furniture, we’re building more than just a living space; we’re cementing bonds.
No looking back now, only forward. Together.
I hurry to the door, pulling it open.
“Morning, Tessa!” My voice resonates with more enthusiasm than I expect, but I can’t help it. There’s something about her that just brings me so much joy.
“Hey, Liam,” she greets, her smile bright and wide as she steps in, bringing an energy that fills the room instantly. The affection I feel for her surges at the sight, mingling with an excitement that’s not entirely due to today’s moving plans.
“Tristan’s already here. We’re just figuring out the game plan.” I lead her into the living room where Tristan stands, smiling.
The three of us get in my car and drive over to Ethan’s place. He’s just taping up the last box when we arrive.
