I’m in my bedroom, lips pressed against a girl in a neon‑pink bikini. She’s hot, she’s sweet, she smells like coconut oil, but my heart just isn’t in it. Hell, I can’t even remember her name. As usual, she just doesn’t live up to the woman that’s always in my head. No matter what I do, I can’t stop my damn brain from thinking about Whit when I’m with someone else.
When Kendrick said she was coming out for the summer, I swear I quit breathing and my dick twitched. I haven’t seen her in a few years, and I can’t wait to see how time has treated her.
Then, like magic, I hear a voice that sounds like her, yelling.
“What’s your problem, Brittany? Trying to start something? Because trust me, sweetheart, I can bring all the honky‑tonk energy you think I left back in Alabama right into this party.”
Okay, that’s definitely Whit. Guess she just got here. And is already starting shit.
I push the girl off my lap without a second thought and bolt for the door.
“Wait… Gabriel.”
“Sorry…umm, hun. Someone important just showed up.”
Downstairs I spot her immediately, about to go toe‑to‑toe with Brittany.
Brittany is what we call a cleat chaser. That damn girl tries her hardest to clamp down on any player on the roster. I can’t help but chuckle when I see her about to get knocked around by Whitley.
Time has been very good to Whitley Barrington. Goddamn, if she doesn’t look fine as hell in those cutoff shorts and tank top.
I rush in before a punch can be thrown and scoop Whitley into my arms. She squirms and protests, but I hold her steady, heading to a quieter room. Her curves press close against my chest, and for a dangerous moment I think about every fantasy I’ve had about her over the years.
“Put me down!” she shouts as she squirms in my arms.
I set her down gently, but the second her feet hit the floor she whirls on me, fire blazing in her green eyes, her hand lifted like she’s about to slap the hell out of me. The fury in her face softens as soon as she sees me. Her lips part, surprise flickering through her expression when she realizes it’s me.
We banter about how fast she gets into trouble and then the words fall away and I take her in. Her eyes remind me of the finest emeralds. I swear, they can see into my soul. It’s like she knows exactly what’s bouncing around my mind without me having to say a word.
She has a tight body with an ass that would bring a man to his knees. Her long legs are so toned. I want to lick down each one slowly. Damn, I can just imagine what those legs wrapped around my waist would feel like. Yeah, she’s been part of my shower fantasies for years now.
But Kendrick made it known a long time ago that she was off-limits. Even though we’re adults now, Kendrick still feels like he has to protect her from all the boys. I guess I can understand, but I’m pretty sure Whitley can make her own decisions.
The words come out of my mouth before I can stop them. “Damn, Whit. You get any more beautiful, and I’m going to have to take you for myself.”
She’s stunned, but there’s intrigue in her beautiful eyes. Before she can say something, the door bursts open and we’re interrupted by Bimbo Brittany, stomping in with Kendrick in tow, calling for our old tradition, the Smash and Bash.
I grab her like I usually do for the bash and feel the smoothness of her skin. She knows what’s coming, so she grabs the back of my neck and holds on. We fall to the ground, and I land on top of her.
My dick is definitely enjoying where we’re at, and I take a moment to look at her gorgeous body. I lean down and whisper in her ear.
“I hope this isn’t the last time we get this close. Damn.” I know I shouldn’t say stuff like this, especially with Kendrick right there, but damn, I can’t help it.
I help her up, and Kendrick leads her to the other room. The music has stopped, and everyone is looking, wanting to know who this girl is and why she’s so important to Kendrick.
“Everyone! I’d like for you to meet my sister, Whitley Barrington! Anyone touches her, and they’re dead!”
I snicker as Whitley elbows Kendrick in the stomach.
“Okay! If anyone touches her without my permission, they’re dead!”
I’m staring hard at her. I’m wondering if maybe there might be a chance after all, small as it is.
Whitley looks over, and her eyes look right into mine. I want her to see. I want her to know I’ve waited for a long-ass time for her, and now, come hell or high water, I will get her brother’s permission.
