Stronger (The University of Gatica #4) (7 page)

"This isn't some kind of awkward double date, right?" Elizabeth asked from the back seat of Ryan's corvette.

"Not at all! Just wanted you to come with us. My brother’s fully aware you’re not interested." Chrissy looked over her shoulder and smiled. The black cocktail dress she wore was fitted, but covered her shoulders and ran down to the top of her knee. Being appropriate in front of her Uncle Marc would still get her teased, but looking less than appropriate – never. Just a shame the dress had to be worn with flats and crutches.

"You look great," Ryan said as he glanced over at her.

"You’re not so bad yourself." Chrissy turned back around and turned the music up on the car stereo. "Tonight is about eating and drinking and having a Merry Christmas."

"Why am I nervous?" Elizabeth sighed softly.

"Because it's not your family. I'm nervous too if it makes you feel better." Ryan pulled the rearview mirror down and spoke at it. Chrissy reached over and slid her fingers along his arm, grateful for his kindness toward her friend.

"The house is just up here on the left. It's the big red brick one. My uncle makes loads of money, so get ready for the full effects of wealth. He’s nice, just not the sharing kind." She grinned when he had told her and Jason in high school that if they wanted to go to college, they’d have to do it the way he had, earning his way.

"Just don't leave me alone in there, okay?" Elizabeth leaned up between the seats, the sapphire dress bringing out the depth of color in her eyes. Worry sat on her features, the expression on her pretty face pensive at best.

Chrissy reached over and patted her friend's shoulder. "I won't. Just stay beside me. Jason’ll be there too, and of course, Ryan. He's sure to be near the TV. Hockey finals are on tonight from what I hear."

"If nothing else? Sloppy seconds here..." He smirked and turned the car into the long driveway.

An inordinate amount of Christmas lights lit up the front yard, ushering in the season of celebration in full effect. Chrissy squealed softly, excitement rushing through her. Where she couldn't stand her mother, her Uncle Marc had to be one of her favorite people of all times. He was her father's oldest brother and looked a lot like her dad.

"Excited?" Ryan pulled up as a valet ran toward them. They got out of the car after Chrissy nodded. She was beyond excited. Due to her injury it seemed like Christmas had snuck up on her. It was one of her most favorite times of the year and yet she had forgotten all about it.

She moved to the front of the car and waited on Elizabeth, staying close to the other girl as she maneuvered through the small white rocks with her crutches. The front door was opened by another young man in a suit and the sound of holiday music spilled out with the sound of voices laughing and conversing.

"Drink... now," Elizabeth muttered as they slipped into the foyer.

Chrissy let her eyes take in the beautiful decorations in the large area. Garland with crimson bows and lights spanned the walls, the smell of pine and cinnamon welcomed and overwhelming. Her Uncle Marc turned from the end of the hall and laughed loudly, run-walking toward them as his voice filled the air. His belly had gotten a little bigger and his hair a little whiter, but he still looked welcoming like her father always had. Emotion struck her hard as she moved toward him, extending her crutches to Ryan, who took them, a smile on his handsome face.

"There's my peanut." Marc stopped in front of her and scooped her up into a warm hug, her body lifting with his efforts. She groaned softly as she squeezed him back. He lowered her to the ground slowly and reached for the crutches, helping her get them under her before touching the side of her face.

"Hi, Uncle Marc."

"Hello, peanut. Who are these fine people you brought with you?"

She smiled and pointed to Elizabeth and Ryan. "This is my roommate, Elizabeth Carrington. This is Ryan—"

Her uncle cut her off. "Ryan Phillips! Holy hell!" He vigorously shook Ryan’s hand and then moved toward Elizabeth and extended his hand, his face wide with shock. "Elizabeth, nice to meet you dear. My home is yours. Have a great time tonight and enjoy yourself, dear."

Chrissy moved toward Elizabeth, laughter erupting from both of them as Marc hurried back to Ryan, his hand extended again.

"How lucky am I? I've been watching you play for the past two years, boy. You’re a legend at Providence. Jason hates you for a damn good reason." Marc pulled Ryan into a side hug and moved them toward the kitchen. "I'm going to show your boyfriend off to some friends, Chrissy."

Chrissy laughed, lifting her hand to wave at Ryan as he turned and mouthed 'help' over his shoulder.

"He's not my boyfriend," Chrissy called after them, but her words fell on deaf ears.

"Do you wish he was?" Elizabeth crossed her arms over her chest as a sly smile lifted her mouth.

"I'm not sure yet, but I'm thinking that drink you wanted is our first order of business."

"Count me in too then." Jason's voice caught her attention. She turned a little to see her brother walking toward them from the front door. "Traffic was heinous. Did you guys get caught up in that shit?"

"We must’ve just missed it." Chrissy shrugged. "Jason, you remember Elizabeth."

"Of course I do. You look stunning." Her brother smiled softly, his face warm and welcoming like the other men in her family. Elizabeth blushed and moved toward the horde of people at the end of the hall.

"You don't look so bad yourself." Chrissy reached out and tugged at her brother's sport coat, wishing Ryan would have worn one so she could see him in it. "Be warned. Marc is excited about Ryan and his accomplishments."

"He should be. The guy’s a fucking beast on the ice." Jason shrugged.

“Watch your tongue here, Uncle Marc won’t be impressed.”

Jason covered his lips with his hands. “Shit! I mean, shoot! I forgot.” He glanced toward her roommate. "Let's catch up with Elizabeth. I want to get to know her a little better. Ty gave me tickets to the Pinstripe Bowl. I want to see if she wants to go with me."

"I got her a ticket."

"Ask Ryan instead. I want her to go with me."

"Fine," Chrissy mumbled and moved down the hall with her brother. She lifted up on her good foot to see Ryan in the middle of a group of men, the smile on his face boyishly good looking. His black button down matched the darkness of his features perfectly, drawing her in deep and causing her heart to beat a bit too fast.

"Go save him. I'll find Elizabeth." Jason turned to go.

Chrissy reached out to stop him. "Hey... go incredibly slow with her. Nothing but a friendship. She got messed around with really, really bad. Not for me to tell, but you’re not going to hurt her."

"I wasn't going to make love to her at the bar, sis." Jason chuckled, pulling his arm from her hold.

"She's been through some traumatizing shit, Jason. I'm serious."

"Oh. Okay. Watch your tongue, remember?”

"Treat her like a proper lady. Got it?"

"Of course. Be careful and holler if you need me."

Chrissy nodded at him before moving toward the group of guys. She excused herself into the center of the group, standing in front of Ryan and smiling before turning to the group.

"The hockey star will see you later. He's my date and I'm crippled, so getting a drink isn't happening without him." She winked as they all chuckled.

Ryan slid his arm around her waist and turned them slowly to move to the back porch. He opened the door and moved back, the coldest of winter pressed back by the large overhead heaters her uncle had installed. "Thanks! I love fans, but I didn’t come here to be popular. Everyone’s excited about what I can do, but never who I am." He moved beside her, leaning his arms on the railing and looking out into the darkness.

Chrissy laid her crutches down and moved beside him, slipping her arm into his and pressing herself to his side. "I don't care what you can do on the ice. I just need a drink and the chance to stare at you a little longer."

He laughed and bent down, kissing her hand as it sat on his arm. "I'm just eye candy to you?"

"Oh you're definitely that, but I'm hoping there is more to you than sports and sex."

He moved from her grasp and chuckled. "You've yet to see me in action at either. I do believe I could take your breath away with both."

"Your head gets much bigger and we might have to grease the doors to get you inside." She winked and turned back to the scene before her. "You getting us something to drink, or just going to talk about yourself?" she teased.

"I sure am. I'll be right back."

He left and she leaned forward, pressing her chin to her arms, breathing in the fresh air. The moment was perfect, the scene before her and behind her beautifully joyful. Was it a good idea to sleep with someone as powerful as Ryan? He was most likely leaving and when he did, chances are he would take her heart with him.

She couldn't do another long distance relationship. They didn't work and her level of trust in men wasn't capable of sustaining such a situation. They could try things out if he was staying, if not... she would have to push back. Being friends would be healthy and safe... if they could remain that way.

"For the lady," he spoke as he moved in beside her, extending a glass of white wine.

"Ewww. I hate wine." She wrinkled her nose as he pressed his beer to his lips, taking a long drink.

"You'll love that. It's moscato. Try it."

"I'm not going to like it."

"If you don't like it then I'll not try and seduce you tonight." He winked, leaning against the railing. The tilt of his stance pushed his shoulder muscles up, the masculine slope of his body setting her insides on fire. He might not have to try to do anything. Mission almost accomplished. 

"What if I want you to seduce me?"

He grinned wickedly. "Then lie about the wine. Say you love it."

She laughed and lifted the glass to her lips. The sweet smell of sugary grapes rushed across her senses. She let a small sound of appreciation lift from her lips before taking a sip. Her eyes widened as she pulled the glass away. "Wow! Double wow! It's delicious." She took another sip, longer this time, the sweetness almost overwhelming.

"I told you." He took a step closer, turning her until her back pressed against the railing. "I want to taste it."

"Go ahead." She lifted the glass to him. He set his beer down, took the glass and set it down too. "I thought you wanted to taste it."

"I do." He slid his hand into her hair, which hung long and heavy around her shoulders. "On you."

He leaned in and breathed in deeply just before his lips touched hers. Chrissy reached up and slid her arms around his neck, pulling him down further. His tongue rolled across hers as if lapping at the flavor she held. He groaned and pressed his hips forward, his movement almost making her dizzy. She broke the kiss and slipped her hand up to cover his lips.

"You're going to drive me mad with that tongue of yours. Not here where everyone can see." She smiled and pushed at his chest with her other hand as he kissed the hand over his mouth.

"Then take me somewhere. I'm not here to drink a beer and meet people. I'm here to indulge myself with the most beautiful woman I've seen in forever." He moved her hand and leaned down, pulling her up to devour her mouth in another long kiss. She moaned with need, her hands sliding down the flexed muscles of his side. He kissed her a few more times, licking once just under her top lip. "Delicious."

She shifted to turn, needing air. He helped her move until she faced the backyard, his arms encircling her as he pressed himself against her back. She groaned again, pressing the softness of her rear against his erection, her head against his shoulder. One hand stayed on her stomach, fingers spread out as if trying to touch as much of her as he could, the other moved slowly to massage one of her breasts.

He leaned down and whispered into her ear. "I want you so fucking bad. I've wanted you since I saw you in the bar. You, Chrissy, have taken center stage in the naughtiest of my fantasies the last few days. See what you do to me." He pinched her nipple softly, tugging at it as his teeth grazed her neck and hips thrusted forward and up.

"Fuck," she whispered, moving from him and letting her head drop. Her back ached slightly, desire causing her to demand carnality, and soon. She looked over her shoulder at him, both of his hands having moved to her hips.

"Let's go. Tell your uncle you're not feeling well. I'll tell Jason to take Elizabeth home. Meet me out front in five minutes. Please don't leave me waiting." He ran his hand over the curve of her butt and growled softly. "Move fast for me, Chrissy."

Chrissy sagged against the cold marble of the railing, sweat collecting just above her lip. He was so far beyond her league. How the hell had things escalated so fast? She picked up her glass and finished the wine in a long drink. She needed something stronger, but from the sound of his voice, she didn't have time for another drink. She moved into the house and located her uncle. He turned as she touched his arm, concern covering his face.

"What's wrong, peanut?"

"I'm not feeling so well, Uncle Marc."

"You need to go lie down in one of the bedrooms? I'll have someone bring you some soup, yes?"

She smiled and leaned into the side hug he pulled her into. "No, I'm going to go home. I'll come visit this next week and we can catch up."

"You sure? We're just about to start the festivities."

"Yeah, my stomach—my knee, I mean. It’s killing me."

Marc kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back. "Okay, but rain check for sure. Keep that boyfriend long enough for me to talk his ear off about hockey, okay? Unless he's bad to you, then tell me and Jason and we'll beat his ass."

She rolled her eyes and moved back. "Okay, whatever."

"Hey, leave an old man with his dignity, yeah?"

She laughed and used her crutches to get through the crowd. Her brother and Elizabeth were nowhere in sight. Ryan stood by the front door, the look on his face one of determination. He motioned for her to come on and she moved faster, working to stay upright as hormones blasted through her body. His black slacks were tight, the outline of his arousal causing her heart to flutter.

What happened to just being friends?

"Did you find your uncle?"

"Yes. Did you find my brother?"

"Yes. He's not thrilled about me taking care of you, but I didn't give him much in the way of options." Ryan pushed the door open, moving out and holding it as he called out a number to the valet. He moved in behind her, sliding his arms around her and pulling her back tightly against his front.

"Ryan," she looked over her shoulder.  She didn’t want to fall in love with him and then him leave in a few weeks. “Maybe I should just go home."

He groaned. “Okay. This isn’t about sex right now, is it?”

She shook her head. “I barely know you, and you barely know me. Why does it suddenly feel like we have to rush things because we won’t see each other again? I tried the distance thing once, and it didn’t work.”

"I'll do whatever you want, Chrissy. I only have a year and a half left. This doesn’t have to be a fuck in the hay for two weeks and then I’m outta here."

She turned back as the car pulled up, conflicting emotions riding her hard.

He moved from her and walked around to her side, opening the door and giving the valet a look that said to back off. Chrissy got in, chuckling at his reaction and trying to settle her nerves. She turned to chuck her crutches in the back seat before he got in.

He buckled up and looked over at her. "I'm serious,” he said. “I’m willing to give this a try if you are. But either way, you're coming home with me. That was part of the deal, right? Whether you let me make love to you all night or not is up to you." He winked and turned to pull the car out, the large mansion fading fast behind them.

"I just went through a horrible breakup after dating this guy for almost five years. We went to different schools and I thought the distance would be no big deal, but it was. I showed up on his birthday and watched him screw some chick for a few minutes in his dorm room. I was standing at the door, too shocked to say anything." She leaned her head back, the pain of the moment gone. Embarrassment was the new emotion that took its place.

Ryan reached over and took her hand, pulling it toward his mouth and kissing her fingers one at a time. "I'm not that guy and you're going to have to learn to trust people again. One man shouldn't have the power to ruin your relationships going forward." He kissed her fingers again, pulling two of them into his mouth, sucking softly on them. She groaned, her desires overriding her sense of self preservation. "Let tonight be about pleasure. We'll work out what it all means together tomorrow over breakfast. You're in college. You're young and wicked sexy. Let me take you to the top and make you tremor with ecstasy. Give me a chance to make you feel good. No hearts involved, just our bodies."

"I want to try." How did he make sex sound so incredibly appetizing? One minute he was talking about fucking, the next it was about relationships, and then he was talking about teasing her body until she was a shaking mess. Screw it. She had every right to mess around with him for the next two weeks. Why did it have to be a relationship? What was wrong with enjoying a seriously strong physical attraction?

"Then do." He sucked her fingers before putting her hand back in her lap. He reached down, his hand sliding along the exposed skin of her good knee and pulling slowly at her dress as his hand moved up her thigh. "Raise your skirt up a little. I want to touch you."

She looked over at him in the darkness, her breathing off center, her pulse racing violently through her veins. She wasn't one to be told what to do by anyone and yet when he did it, it was hot and welcomed.

He glanced over at her and smiled. "Trust me. We have ten minutes to get to my dad’s. Raise your skirt a little for me."

She reached down and tugged at the skirt, lifting her hips, using her good knee until it was mid-thigh.

"More."

She glanced at him, his eyes on the road in front of them. She pulled it up to the top of her thighs, the edge of her white lace panties showing at the junction of her thighs. She looked back toward him, trying hard to focus on breathing.

He nodded and licked at his lips. "Beautiful. Lay the seat back just a little and relax."

"Ryan..." she whispered, her words shaking slightly. Her stomach sending tremors down her legs.

He touched her leg. "Trust me."

She reclined the chair and opened her thighs a little more, his fingers sliding along the softness of her inner thigh. He moved his hand for a moment, reaching down and pulling at the front of his slacks, his hips lifting slightly. He leaned toward her, resting his right elbow on the divider, his finger brushing by the front of her panties. She let out a sound of surprise, her heart almost stopping in her chest. He did it again and her hips arched slightly, her body damning her with its need.

"Hell yeah, you beautiful thing. You need someone to love you deeply." He slipped his finger down the front of her as her stomach tightened. "I can almost taste you, Chrissy. Let me when we get to the house? Please?"

She groaned and turned her head toward the window, her eyes closing as his hand brushed by her again. Desire flooded her system just before his slipped his fingers under the edge of her panties, his touch sinking down into her wetness. She arched her hips again, the sound leaving her lips painfully needy.

"Look at me. I want to see your face when you come."

She turned to look at him, his eyes hooded as he stared at the road ahead of them, his tongue darting out to lick at his lips as he slid two fingers into her. She groaned again as he began to move, the soft urges of his voice undoing her fast.

"That's it. Squeeze hard and take from me what you need. So beautiful, baby."

She gripped the seat, her eyes closing again as she lost herself to the steady rhythm of his fingers, his palm pressing hard against the top of her sex. She heard her own voice, but almost didn't recognize it. It was too sexy, too low. "Faster..." she whispered, lifting her hips again as a shudder rolled through her.

He picked up the pace, his thick fingers bringing her to the edge of the universe and throwing her off violently.

She screamed, her fingers digging into the leather as she rolled her hips, her body exploding as stars lit up her vision.

"Fuck me," he whispered, slowing his assault until she pressed her hand to his through her panties.

"Stop. No more," she choked out, whimpering on the end of her words.

"I’m only getting started." He pulled his hand from her slowly as she slumped in the seat, her heartbeat pumping along her spine, in her neck, her stomach and deep inside her womb. She opened her eyes and looked over at him as he slipped his fingers into his mouth, licking and sucking at them as he watched her.

"More. I want that all over me." He finished his visual assault and repositioned himself, pulling into a dark driveway as he stopped the car. "I'll come help you get out."

She mumbled something, the world fuzzy and warm. The car smelled like sex mixed with his cologne. She was so far beyond being in trouble with this man that there was nothing left to do but go with it.

He wanted it tonight? He was getting it.

Ryan opened the door to her side, leaning over and pulling her out.

"My crutches?"

"I'll get them later." He moved to the front door, shutting the car door with his hip. "Have I told you how hot you are?"

"I think so. I don't remember. My knee’s messed up. I should really use my crutches.”

He chuckled and moved toward the door, putting her down to tap something in the key pad. The door opened automatically and Ryan bent over, picking her up as if she weighed nothing. He walked in and closed the door with his foot, moving toward a large room to their right. He set her down on the black leather sofa and moved to turn a few more lights on. The place illuminated in soft romantic light, the fire starting to her left in the oversized ornate fireplace as he pushed a few more buttons.

Ryan disappeared from the room as Chrissy turned and pulled her leg up on the couch, leaning back and trying to still her heart. She hadn't ever experienced anything like that in all of her life. No one had ever tried anything like it. He was beyond sexy, ballsy and exactly the kind of man that would forever stain her soul.

He walked back in, his shirt undone and untucked, the tanned muscles of his chest and abs on display. He held up two beers and offered her one. She sat up and took it, taking a long drink.

"You okay?" He took a sip of his before pulling the shirt from him and throwing it behind him. He moved to his knees and worked with ease to get to her.

Chrissy stiffened, drinking more of the beer and trying to determine if she were having a heart attack. "I think so," she spoke softly, her voice not at all sounding like her own. "Just not used to all of this."

"Well, if you're up for being mine then you'd better get used to it." He smiled wickedly. Taking their beers, he turned and put them on the table behind him before tugging her up and making her turn to put her back against the cushions. He moved the coffee table behind him closer. "Put your feet here, at least your right one. Keep it steady."

She carefully lifted her leg and propped it up as he said. She looked back toward him, reaching out and running her fingers through his dark hair, tugging him closer. He smiled and slid his hands up her thighs, pushing the dress to her waist. Her panties were ruined, wetness coating the front of them. She wanted to be embarrassed, but the look on his handsome face said she was everything he wanted and so much more.

He leaned down, pressing his mouth and nose to her center before breathing in deeply. He opened his mouth and pressed his teeth against her as she moaned softly, his actions so aggressive and animalistic. He licked at her once before moving back and sitting on his heels, as if contemplating what to do.

"What's wrong?" Concern surfaced in her stomach as she moved to sit up.

He pressed his hand to her stomach, pushing her back down. "Do you like these panties?"

She looked down at them. "What? They're panties. I have a million pairs of them."

"Good answer." He moved to his knees and reached down, grabbing the soft cotton and ripping them twice to remove them from her. She gasped as he dragged a finger down her center, dipping it into her as he looked up at her. He watched her closely as he pumped the digit a few times in and out of her, the wicked grin on his mouth undoing her. She reached out and took his head, pulling him toward her without resolve.

"So perfect," he whispered before pressing his tongue to the center of her, his fingers working to touch every place his mouth didn't.