16. Isla

16

ISLA

I cross my feet as I lean back against a wall in the campus center. I’m wasting time listening to the latest episode of You’re In Danger, Girl while waiting for Hailey to arrive.

The campus center is quieter than normal because it is the weekend, and most students are probably hungover from partying the night before. This is why this was the perfect time to meet up with Hailey for lunch.

Speaking of, I find Hailey before she sees me. She’s standing by the smoothie counter, looking around to, I assume, find me. I wave my arm, and she gives me a small nod.

As I approach, she gives me a look. “There you are. I was starting to think you ghosted me.”

I laugh because I know she’s being sarcastic. “Now, I wouldn’t do that… not on purpose, anyway.”

Hailey smirks. “Well, if you did, just know I’d haunt you for the rest of your life. Let’s go grab a table.”

We make our way to a small table by the window. By placing our things down before ordering food, we show that the table by the window is taken. We both end up with sandwiches and she also gets a smoothie, while I decide to just drink water with lunch.

I’m glad she breaks the ice first when we sit down at our table.

“You know, I’m so glad you didn’t say you wanted to meet at Brewed Beginnings,” Hailey says as she takes out a reusable straw from her bag.

I shrug. “I figured you were already in there so often, why would you want to spend more time there on your day off?”

That causes her to chuckle for a second. “Not to mention, I’m also the chess club president, and we meet there as well. Sometimes, it feels as if I sleep there too.”

So far, things aren’t awkward between us. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we made plans to meet up, but now I’m glad we did. “Sounds like you’re super busy.”

“That’s an understatement. My best friend, Jade, always tries to convince me to let loose and go out to parties with her, but I have a packed schedule between Levi, school, work, and chess club. I assume yours is too with the hockey team?”

Since I’m in the middle of chewing a piece of my sandwich, I wait until I’m done to respond. “I’m in a similar boat with the business and having a best friend who also tries to cause chaos in my life. But between classes, the team, and everything else… it’s been nonstop.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Everything else? Care to elaborate?”

“It’s not as interesting as it sounds. I have some health issues I’m trying to get a handle on. Dad’s got the hockey team over tonight for some bonding thing, and I’m helping out and attending.”

Hailey nods along as if this isn’t a surprise to her. “Levi mentioned it to me. He’ll be there tonight. Sounds like a good time to observe all their drama up close. The stories I hear from Levi sometimes are just…wild. I swear, some guys get into situations I could never dream of.”

I laugh to cover up the fact that I’m thinking about the tension between Asher and me and the issues that Asher is having with Knox. Asher seems to be the common denominator here. “I doubt there’s that much drama. But you never know. I just hope it doesn’t turn into a mess.”

“With all those guys in one place? It’s bound to be.”

“And I assume Asher is going to be there? That could also cause a mess.”

I jerk my head as my eyes land on her. “Wait. What are you talking about?”

“I saw you two having a pretty intense conversation after one of their games.”

Fuck. “That wasn’t even a good segue.”

“And you’re avoiding the question.”

Touché. “Things are…complicated, to say the least. We used to date, but I went away to another college, and now I’m back.” That’s the condensed, clean version, at least. I don’t mention how he broke my heart or how he can still set my body ablaze when his green eyes meet mine. Or how his presence sets my nerves on fire.

She studies me for a moment. “There’s more to it than that, isn’t there? I can see it in your eyes, Isla.”

I shift in my seat because she nailed it. This is why I’ll never excel at poker... or become a serial killer. My eyes will betray me each and every time. “It’s been awkward, but we’re making it work because we see each other so often now.”

“Awkward how? Like, you want to rip each other’s clothes off awkward, or you want to rip each other’s throats out awkward?”

I can’t help but laugh at her bluntness. It helps relieve the tension this questioning has been creating within me. The truth is, it’s a bit of both, but I am not sure if I want to admit it to her.

“You sound like my best friend, Selene, now.”

“It sounds like we need to get you, me, Jade, and Selene together at some point.”

I like that idea. “That sounds like a plan. But in terms of Asher, it’s complicated,” I repeat. “We have a lot of history.”

See? Simple diplomatic answer.

“But you’ll figure it out, I’m sure.”

I’m glad she has more faith in that than I do.

The rest of our lunch goes well as we take our time getting to know each other. Once we wrap things up and say goodbye, I decide to head to my car and drive home versus running the risk of having to see Tessa by going to our dorm room. I replay my conversation with Hailey in my mind as I’m trying to wrap my head around what tonight will be like if Asher shows up. As I pull into my driveway, I see Bella at the window. As I walk up the front porch stairs, Bella’s excited barking greets me even before I open the door. She is all over me as soon as I step inside.

“Hey, old girl,” I say, bending down to give her a few scratches behind the ears. She licks my hand in response, her whole body practically vibrating with excitement. “You ready for a house full of people?”

She tilts her head at me as if she’s never heard such a preposterous thing. I laugh and give her one last pat before heading into the living room, where my mom is wiping down the coffee table.

“Hey, Mom. Need some help?” I ask, and she looks up, smiling.

“Perfect timing, sweetheart. You can help me with the drinks and then make sure everything is ready in the living room,” she says.

“Where’s Dad?”

“He’s out back, double-checking the grill. Why don’t you go say hello?”

“I will, and then I’ll come back in and help where I can.”

I walk to the back of the house and find Dad outside, rocking his ‘King of the Grill’ apron that Grace and I got him on his birthday years ago.

“Looking good, Dad,” I say, gesturing to his apron as I step out onto the back patio.

He glances up from the grill and pushes his glasses so that they sit on top of his head. “This old thing has seen its fair share of team barbecues.”

“That’s true. Looks like you’re almost done setting up.”

Dad confirms that with a nod. “Yeah, we should be ready to go before everyone arrives. I have called in reinforcements to help, and they should be here to set up within the hour.”

It’s fantastic because my parents can relax and not have to spend their entire evening working to ensure this event goes well. “You know, it’s been a while since I’ve been here for one of these.”

“It has. I think the last one you went to was your senior year of high school.”

That was when Asher and I were still together. We spent the night stealing glances at one another to avoid letting anyone know the true nature of our relationship. I remember being so hopeful about everything between us, but it all crashed down around me weeks later.

“Are you excited about tonight?”

Dad’s question brings me back to the present day. “I guess, but I’m more focused on how I can help you prepare. If you don’t have anything for me to do, I’ll go back in and check with Mom.”

“I don’t, so please go help your mother. I’ll come in when I’m done and help too.”

With that plan in place, I walk back inside and get more marching orders from Mom. Bella follows me around as I move through the house, setting things up. She sniffs at everything I put down, as if giving her own little seal of approval. Her carefree energy makes me smile, although it takes a little longer for me to get things done due to her investigation.

I spend the next hour or two helping my mom, dad, and the team they hired to help cater the event with foods and beverages they won’t be making. When it is go time, Bella runs around the house excitedly and greets our guests as they arrive.

Despite all the preparation, I’m still feeling overwhelmed.

Many of the players and staff have arrived, and this is the most people I’ve seen in our backyard in years. I spot Levi chatting with my dad while others gather around the snack table, helping themselves to chips and dip. I walk into the kitchen and share a smile with my mom, where she’s putting the finishing touches on a platter for the sliders.

“Is there anything else I can do to help?” I want to stay busy, so I don’t have to think about the elephant in the room.

“Sweetheart, you’ve already done enough.”

“I want to help, though.”

She leans in to tell me, “You’re also supposed to be enjoying this party too. After all, you’re a member of the team.”

Although I’ve told myself and others I am, it still feels weird. But it’s true, I might not be on the ice, but I am a member of the Red Wolves’ organization.

I make it a point to greet and chat with Bailey and Alice. I want to get to know them better outside of work. As the conversation reaches a comfortable lull, I bring the soda I’d been nursing to my lips, and just before I can take a sip, my eyes land on the man who has a starring role in my mind.

Asher.

He’s standing with a group of teammates, one hand in his pocket, the other holding his drink. As if sensing that he is being stared at, he looks up, and our eyes clash across the backyard.

If the heat lamps weren’t already keeping me warm, I know the look in his eyes would. It makes me think of every dirty thought known in history, and I think I can thank Selene and Hailey for that.

I need to get out of here.

I chug the rest of my soda and then turn to Bailey and Alice. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to head inside and check in with my mom.”

They give me small smiles as I leave them in my backyard. As I walk into the kitchen, I don’t see my mom, but I find her in the living room talking with one of the college administrators. She gives me a small wave, and I plaster on a fake smile as I continue walking toward the stairs and up to the next level of our house.

Am I being absolutely ridiculous for running away from someone in my house? Probably, but I want to put as much distance between us as I can. Because if anyone notices, I know they’ll be able to pick up on what’s going on within seconds.

I debate whether I want to go into my room or bathroom to get a breather and then make the snap decision to walk into my bathroom. There, I can at least throw water on my face and try to cool my skin, which now feels like it’s scorching hot.

I close the bathroom door behind me and put my hands on the vanity. I study my reflection in the mirror, confirming that my cheeks are flushed. Damnit. I hate that Asher still has this effect on me, even after all these years.

Turning on the faucet, I cup my hands under the stream of cold water and splash it on my face. The shock helps clear my head, but it does little to calm anything else. I hear a soft knock on the door as I reach for a towel and pat my skin dry.

“I’ll be out in a second.”

“Take your time. I’m just checking up on you.”

Recognizing the voice, I freeze with the towel still pressed to my face. There’s no way that this could be happening to me. There’s no way that Asher is standing right outside that door.

And he wants to see how I’m doing?

All rational thought flies out the window as I toss the towel over my shoulder and scramble to the door. I unlock it within a second, yank the door open, and pull him inside, not caring that anyone might have witnessed what happened.

Asher stumbles into the bathroom because of my aggressive move. While I usually would have taken the time to dissect how I managed to move this giant hockey player like I did, I don’t. Instead, I shut the door behind him and lock it before I face him.

Is this considered kidnapping? It might be.

“Isla, what are you—” he starts, but I cut him off, pressing a finger to his lips.

“I’m about to do something crazy and don’t want to give it much thought. If you don’t want to kiss me right now, please say so,” I whisper, my voice trembling as I do.

It takes a second for it to click in his head, but then he pushes forward and kisses me. Everything about this is oh so wrong, yet it feels so right. So, instead of worrying about what I’m doing right now, I focus on what I’m feeling.

Everything about this kiss is hot, and Asher is so demanding. I can taste the sweetness of the juice he was drinking on his tongue as it tangles with mine. It’s like no time has passed at all, and we’re right back where we left off. Alarm bells are ringing in my head about this turn of events, but I’m ignoring them all.

Asher’s hands slide under my sweater, and his fingertips touch my lower back. I shiver just before I arch into him, deepening the kiss. Despite being locked away in my bathroom, a distant part of my brain continues to remind me that anyone could come up the stairs and catch us. But I can’t bring myself to care with Asher’s body pressed against mine.

I moan into his mouth, my hips rolling shamelessly against his. It’s like my body has a mind of its own, desperate for anything and everything he is willing to give.

Asher tears his mouth from mine, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses along my jaw and down the column of my throat. I tilt my head back, giving him better access as my fingers move from his shoulders to his hair.

“Fuck, I’ve missed this,” he groans against my skin. “I’ve missed you, sunshine.”

His words make me melt even further into him, my body molding to his as if no time has passed. The familiarity of his touch, his scent, the way he feels against me. All of it is intoxicating.

Asher’s actions grow bolder, hands sliding up my ribcage and brushing the underside of my breasts. I gasp, and the words fall out of my mouth before I can stop them. “That’s not where I want you.”

“Then where do you want me, baby? You know I love when you tell me what you want.”

I bite my lip for a second, but I’ve already decided. Fuck it. This is what I want, and this is what I need to take the edge off. “I want you to fuck me. With your tongue.”

Asher’s eyes darken because of my words, and a wicked grin spreads across his face. He looks as if he’s just won the jackpot. Without warning, he hooks his hands under my thighs and lifts me up. He spins us around and carries me to the vanity.

He sets me down, and we both fumble to get the button on my jeans undone. I lift my hips to help him slide them off, along with my panties. None of this is romantic, and I don’t care. This is about pure lust, and I want to get him out of my system. The cold counter against my bare ass makes me shiver, but it’s quickly forgotten as Asher drops to his knees before me.

He presses hot, open-mouthed kisses along the inside of my thigh, and the feel of his stubble against my skin creates goosebumps. My fingers are in his hair because I want him to be locked in on where I need him.

“Before I begin, you’ll have to be quiet, sunshine. We don’t want Coach to hear what I’m doing to his daughter, right?”

The only thing I can do is nod my head like a bobblehead doll, and he takes that as confirmation that I’m all in. He hooks my legs over his shoulders and puts his hands on my hips just before burying his face between my thighs.

The first swipe of his tongue has me seeing stars. I swear I lose all control of my body as my head falls back against the mirror with a soft thud. He groans as if this is bringing as much pleasure to him as it is to me. He looks into my eyes as he fucks me with his mouth, driving me closer and closer to the edge.

He stops what he’s doing and says, “Keep quiet or I’m going to stop. Got it?”

I nod and wonder where this side of him came from, but I don’t ask any questions. Instead, when he gets back to licking me again, I grab his hair with one hand while the other flies over my mouth. It’s all I can do to try to keep quiet the moans and screams that are threatening to be unleashed.

All that does is encourage him to double his efforts. His tongue moves faster as he alternates between every motion known to man and then some in order to get me off. His fingers are digging into my hips now as if to keep me steady because he can sense that I’m about to lose it.

I’m so close.

My thighs begin to shake, and my breaths come in short, sharp pants in between the animalistic noises I’m making. He doesn’t let up, and soon, I’m flying off the deep end as my orgasm crashes over me.

He works me through it, his tongue only slowing down as I come down from my high. When I finally catch my breath, he presses a soft kiss to my inner thigh before standing up.

“If you ever need my services again, you know how to contact me.” He kisses me with such passion that I not only taste myself, but I feel lightheaded. That could also be the result of the mind-blowing orgasm he just gave me. When he pulls away, he walks over to the door and says, “I plan on making up for lost time.”

With that, he leaves me in my childhood bathroom with more than just a physical mess to clean up.