Caught on Camera (Love Through a Lens, #1)

by Chelsea Curto

“You’re the only person I want to be myself around, too,” he says, and there’s a shift in the air.

“I got tested six months ago,” I whisper, wanting to have this conversation before we turn mindless. “I haven’t been with anyone since.” He nods and pulls down my bottom lip with his thumb. Smears my lipstick a little in the corner and drags it down my cheek to make me look thoroughly wrecked. “Same. Negative on all tests.” “I’m also on birth control.” “What are you saying? No condom?” “I want to feel you.” I take a deep breath and try to steady myself. “But I’m sure you… you might have… I’d never do anything to put you in an uncomfortable position or trap you or anything.” “I would never think that,” he says fiercely. “I trust you completely.” “Okay.” I nod and wrap my hand around his cock. I stroke him up and down, and his eyes flutter closed. I think he’s trying not to lose too much control too early. “Then it’ll just be us.”

“Going to fuck you raw,” he says through a strangled exhale. “Really make you mine.” For the night, I want to say, but I keep that thought to myself. “How do you want me?” I ask. I run my thumb over the head of his cock, and I rub the pre-cum I find there down his length. He lurches forward and nearly falls on top of me, but catches himself at the last second. “What makes you feel the best? You made me feel so good, Shawn. I want to make you feel good, too.” “Anything with you is going to feel like heaven.” He taps my knee and lifts his chin. “Move up to the headboard.”

Shawn stares for a minute before he shakes his head, like he’s trying to rid himself of thoughts he shouldn’t be having. He positions himself between my thighs and tips his mouth to mine. “Do you want me?” I ask him, and in the dead of night there’s no one around to hear his answer. No one to see the way he kisses me and pulls me close. Up here, it’s just us, nothing but the light of the moon, the stars in the sky, and our naked bodies as we reach for each other. “You know the answer to that,” he says into my neck like it’s a secret. His tongue runs up my throat and he bites my earlobe. When he sucks on my skin, I let out a sharp breath. “I’ve never wanted someone as much as I want you.” Shawn pushes inside of me. Gentle at first, as I arch into the pillows and get used to his small thrusts. Harder when my hands grip the sheets on either side of my body because I’m afraid I’m going to

fall. There’s a gradual build up and then he’s moving faster, harder, lifting on his knees and getting deeper as he tries to find the best position. He fucks like he kisses; possessively. With every part of himself. Teeth on my neck. A hand taking my arms and pinning them above my head. Words of encouragement whispered in my ear and a soft laugh when I arch my back and ask for more. “Harder,” I say through a gasp, because as mind-numbing as this is, I still want more. I lift my leg so he can drive deeper into me, and he lets out a string of expletives at the new angle. His muscles flex and his eyes squeeze shut, concentration painted beautifully across his face. “Lacey. I can’t—” He swallows, and I watch the bob of his throat. The shade of crimson on his cheeks and how hard he is between my legs. In and out, the rhythm makes me dizzy with lust. He’s still inside of me, but I already want more. “If I go any harder, I’m going to come. I’m not going to last for you.” “So come,” I say. My hands escape from his hold and move up his chest. They settle around his neck and I pull him toward me. I kiss his throat. Lick at his collarbone and sink my teeth into his shoulder. He makes a sound from deep in his chest, a rumbly noise of pleasure I love instantaneously. Shawn opens his eyes. He looks down at me and thrusts so hard, the headboard slams against the window. I’m afraid the glass might crack.

“I said I’m getting three from you.” He reaches between us and his thumb finds my clit. He rubs in a circle, and there are spots in my vision. “I don’t come until you do.” “Such a gentleman,” I get out. He pinches me hard, and flashes of color sparkle behind my eyelids. “Can we switch positions?” “What do you want to try?” he asks. His thrusts slow, and he looks distressed. On the verge of ecstasy, but not close enough. “Can you fuck me from behind?” I look away and bite my lip. “It’s my favorite position.” Shawn squeezes my cheeks and turns my head so I have no choice but to look up at him. “What did I say about hiding from me?” “To not.” My hand curls around his bicep, and I hold on to him for support. “I’m sorry.” “You never have to apologize,” he says, and he slides out ...

“You don’t need permission,” I say, and the wind gets knocked out of me when he rests his palm against my backside. “It’s a shame we said only once. I’ve been wanting to take your ass since the minute you walked into my apartment tonight,” he says. He kisses the top of my spine and pushes down on my shoulders until my chest rests against the bed. “I bet you’d like that.”

My eyes roll to the back of my head, and I nod. “Yes. I like—I like that, too.” “I knew you would. We’d have to work up to that, and we don’t have enough time. Guess I’ll have to dream about it,” Shawn says, and he slides two fingers back inside me. “You’re still wet for me, aren’t you? You’ve been so patient.” “I’ve been good, right?” I ask, and I’m desperate to hear his answer. “I can still have a third?” “Oh, Lacey girl, you’ve been so good, and I want you to come around my cock this time. Once you do, I’m going to fill you up with my cum because I know that’s what you want.” He leans forward and lines himself up with my entrance. “I’ll tell you a secret: once is never going to be enough. I’m going to think about you every goddamn night until the day I die.” Shawn slams into me, and my eyes fill with tears. I grip the sheets and moan with delight as he gives me every inch of himself. It’s chaotic. It’s messy. It’s the best I’ve ever had because it’s him and it’s perfect.

“Lacey,” Shawn says, and all his control seeps away. He thrusts into me, one hand on my chest and the other around my neck. I think I’m grounding him now, the one to keep him stable and afloat as he lurches forward and pulses inside me. We stay like that for a minute; him folded on top of me and my ass lifted in the air. When he pulls out, his release trails down my

leg. His fingers dance up my thigh and through the mess he left behind. I bury my face in the sheets, and hot mortification and lust roll into me as I lower myself onto his finger and take every drop he can give me, aching for more. “Good girl,” he murmurs. “Not wasting anything, are you?” Shawn kisses my shoulder. He collects me off the mattress and pulls me into his lap. I dip my chin and bury my face in his chest as he brushes the hair out of my eyes. “Um.” I clear my throat. “I should go.” “Stay with me for a minute. Let me hold you. Can I do that?” I nod and take a deep breath. I pull away and look up at him. He’s watching me as he rubs soothing circles on my back. “That was good,” I whisper. The best I’ve ever had. “Are you okay? I didn’t—” “No.” I shake my head. “You didn’t. It was perfect. Exactly what I needed.” “Is the itch scratched?” Shawn asks. “Yeah. Yeah, I think it is. Thank you for your service.” He chuckles and brushes his nose against mine. “You’re not going to disappear on me, right?” “Never. You’re stuck with me, buddy.” “Good.” His eyes bounce to my mouth and they linger there before darting away. “Let me call you a car.” “I can take an Uber. Shouldn’t take long.” “You’ll let me know when you get home?”

“Yeah.” I untangle myself from him and I slide across the mattress, planting my feet on the floor. I look back at Shawn, and he’s lounging on his elbow, staring at me. “What?” He shakes his head and pulls on my wrist. I tumble back to him, and he surprises me when he kisses me. I sigh against his mouth and the warm, soft lips I won’t get to taste again. I’m tempted to climb on top of him. To straddle his lap and ride him until morning. He’s half-hard under me, and his hand closes around my neck again like my favorite piece of jewelry. I’m never going to look at that tattoo the same way again. “We can’t,” he says when I guide him to my entrance, desperate to feel him again. “We said one time.” “It’s still the same time,” I answer, and I was a fool to think just once with him would be enough. “You kissed me first.” “You came to my apartment looking like a goddess and begged me to fuck you.” “I didn’t beg.” “You sure about that, sweetheart?” I sigh and rest my forehead against his. He blinks up at me, and there are stars in his eyes and a smile on his lips. “I’m going to go,” I say, b...

going to have you again, and I know that goes against what you want.” What if I want him? “Thank you for tonight,” I say. “I’ll see you soon for the holiday party.” “Looking forward to it. I’ll get us a car and pick you up at seven. Your clothes are in the living room, by the way.” “Right.” I bob my head and climb off of him. I kiss him one more time and move away from the bed. “I’ll let you know when I’m home.” “Thank you. I’m keeping your underwear, by the way,” Shawn says, and I bark out a laugh. “For prosperity.” “Fine.” I scoop his shirt off the ground and pull it over my head. I’m swimming in the cotton and it rea...

My phone buzzes in my hand and I open the text message. It’s from Shawn, the words good night written on the window directly above the rumpled sheets where we just laid. My heart twists in my chest, and I think I’ve made a terrible mistake.

“You’ve been in my apartment after hours, too,” he says, and his voice is an octave lower than before. Silky smooth, like the bourbon he gave me that night. “We can pretend like it never happened, Lacey, but you can’t expect me to forget about it completely. You haven’t, have you?”

“No,” I whisper. I tip the glass back and swallow the rest of the champagne. “I haven’t.”

With the way Shawn’s looking at me right now, I want to crawl into his lap. I want to take off my coat and let him touch me. If we weren’t headed to an event where he has to give a speech and we have to smile for the cameras, I’d ask the driver to pull over so I could have my way with the six-foot-six man next to me. “We said one time.” Shawn glances away and fiddles with his shiny watch. I’ve never seen him wear it before, and the silver looks freshly polished. “We have to stick to that.” “I know. I can control myself.” I think. My eyes flick to the tattoo on the back of his hand, and the confidence I have in myself wavers. “Good,” he says, and he pours himself another drink. “Because I’m not sure I can.” “You’re going to have to try, buddy. We can’t make this more complicated.” “You stained my couch,” he says, and I turn to glare at him. “It was worth the cleaning bill.” “Oh my god.” I bury my face in my hands. “We really can never talk about this again.”

“Okay.” Shawn laughs. “Want to talk about tonight instead?” “Please,” I say, because if we don’t, I’m going to ask him what he did with the pair of underwear he kept. “I’m excited.” “Everyone is excited you’re coming. It’s low key, but we did invite a few members of the media. There will be cameras and reporters. You’re definitely going to get stopped, but it shouldn’t be anything invasive tonight.” “Am I allowed to say we’re spending Christmas with your family?” I ask. “Or is that an overshare?” “No, that would be nice. My mom called yesterday and grilled me about you. Where you went to school. Where you did your residency. What some of your hobbies are. Luckily, I knew all the answers, but there’s this small part of me that thinks she knows we’re lying.” “Then we’ll do a good job of selling how in love we are tonight,” I say. “And at the hospital gala. And then at Christmas. There won’t be any doubt in her mind.” “Did you ever hear from that guy you were at the game with?” Shawn asks, and a muscle in his jaw twitches with the question. “Did he apologize for leaving and treating you like you were worthless?” I blush, and hot flashes of that kiss in front of the entire stadium run through my mind. “No. He did an interview with Barstool, though. Talked about how I led him on when I was already dating you. I didn’t read too much into it.” “Want me to buy the company and kill the story?” he asks, and for half a second, I think he might do just that. “I could hire a hitman, to...

“No,” I laugh. “It’s fine. Let’s have a good night together. He’s a distant memory at this point.” “What was his name? Chad?” “Matthew.” “Oh, even better. It all makes sense now.” Shawn nudges my knee with mine. “Fuck him. I’m sorry for bringing him up. How was work today? Has it been busy with the holidays?” “Everyone tends to get sick when the weather changes, so we’ve seen an uptick in patients. We’re posting an opening for an additional pediatrician, though, thank god. Maybe that will mean I can stop running around and eat three meals a day.” “I think I’m going to have to have lunch delivered to you...

“Sometimes I’m busy taking care of other people, and it’s hard to put myself first,” I admit, and it’s scary to be so honest with him. “Maybe we can work on that, yeah?” Shawn asks. He touches my cheek, and I nestle into the warmth of his palm. “If your day is busy, let me know. I can easily order you something. I’m going to take care of you, remember?” “Okay. I can do that,” I whisper. “Thank you. I know you’re fiercely independent, which is a trait I love about you. You can fight your own demons and slay your own dragons, but I’m...

“You look—” I swallow and clear my throat. “You look hot, Lace. Like a lot of trouble.” “Yeah?” She reaches up and runs her nails down my neck. I’d like it if she ran them down my back, too. “Trouble can be good, you know.” “I know, and you’re the best kind.” I grab her hand and kiss the inside of her palm. “Thank god I haven’t seen you in a dress like this before. I would’ve asked to hook up with you a lot earlier in our friendship and messed everything up.” Lacey laughs. “There’s a waiting period before you can propose a one-time fuck with your friend. Gives you enough time to learn enough dirt on a person so you can blackmail them if they try to never talk to you again.” “See? Trouble.” I tug her toward me, and her chest presses against mine. “Thank you for coming with me tonight.” “What are fake girlfriends for?” she asks. “We should probably get in there. I see someone with a microphone, and we don’t want to slip in late. Don’t you have a speech to give?” “Yeah, I do. Lead the way, Daniels,” I say, and I hand off her coat to a hotel staff member. “You’re going to look at my ass again, aren’t you?” “Of course I am. You can’t show up in an outfit like that and expect me to not check out your ass. For the record, it looks just as

good with clothes as without, and I’m kind of wondering what it would look like with my handprint on your skin.” “A high compliment.” Lacey pats my cheek and heads for the grand ballroom where the party is taking place. She glances at me over her shoulder, and I have to drag my attention away from her hips. “Oh, one more thing. It would look fucking fantastic with your handprint on it, but I guess we’ll never know, will we? Save me a dance, Holmes.” This woman is going to kill me.

“What are you doing out here?” she asks. She stops a few yards away from me and tilts her head to the side. “I needed a minute. It was getting too loud in there for me. I felt…” I trail off and shake my head. Weak, is what I want to say, but I know my therapist doesn’t like that word. “I felt overwhelmed.” “I understand.” She points at the spot next to me, the dirty sidewalk covered in salt and sand to keep snow from sticking to the concrete. “Can I join you?” “I don’t want you to ruin your dress.” I take off my tuxedo jacket and set it on the curb. “But I’d love if you joined me.” Lacey smiles and walks my way. She plops down beside me and scoots close. “The stars are pretty tonight,” she says. “Yeah. They are.” I tip my head back to look at the sky. Snowflakes start to fall, and I shiver. “Are you having fun?” “I was until I saw my date disappear.” She rests her head on my shoulder and loops her hands around my arms. “I was worried about you. Are you okay?”

“It felt like the beginning of a panic attack,” I explain, and I offer her a shrug. “It’s the second time it’s happened this season, and I don’t know what’s been going on lately.” She hums and stares out at the parking lot. “I’m not a therapist, but I have an idea. Maybe it’s because you have a lot on your plate. The Titans have the best win streak of your career as head coach. You kissed your friend in front of seventy thousand people and you told your parents you’re bringing that same friend home for the holidays as your girlfriend, even though you aren’t really dating.” She pauses and chuckles softly. “What am I forgetting?” “When you put it that way, it’s a wonder I haven’t fallen apart yet.” I laugh with her and put my chin on the top of her head. “Thanks for putting it in perspective. It’s good to see the big picture.” “Just think: you only have a couple more weeks until we can stage a break up. You can go back to focusing just on football. The Titans will make the Super Bowl. I’ll get the promotion I want, and we’ll all live happily ever after,” Lacey says. My smile dips into a frown. I know our agreement has an end date, a very obvious circle on the calendar that tells us when we’re going to part ways, but I’ve liked having Lacey around.

“Why are you single?” I blurt out, and she pulls away to glance at me. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to shout it at you. You’re just… you’ve been great these last couple of weeks. Is there a reason you don’t date?” “It’s not so much that I don’t date, but more like I don’t like to date.” She pushes her shoe into a melted pile of snow and moves the heel from side to side. “I’m going to say something that’s going to come across as incredibly narcissistic, and I don’t mean for it to sound that way.” “Well, fuck, now you have to tell me,” I say. I turn my body so our knees press against each other, and I watch her, anxiously waiting to hear more. “Go on.” “A lot of men are intimidated by my success and my career. And, I know I’m not a literal brain surgeon like Maggie, but even her ex-husband made comments from time to time about how he was supposed to be the breadwinner in the family, not her. I worked hard in school. I took out loans and paid them off. Now I’m making good money, and I shouldn’t be embarrassed by that. Men I’ve met have asked if I’d quit my job when I was ready to settle down. If I’ll stop working when I decide to have kids and start a family. That’s kind of bullshit, isn’t it?” Lacey asks, and there’s passion in her voice. “I’m a woman who makes two hundred thousand dollars a year. I’m smart and I’m successful. I don’t have time for boys who don’t see my worth and expect me to change to fit their needs.”

“Good for you for recognizing your worth. The dudes that say that stuff to you get off on belittling women. It’s not a good look, and we’re not all like that. I promise. You deserved to be valued, Lacey, because you’re a fucking diamond.” “I know you’re not all like that. Especially when I come here tonight with you and—” Lacey pauses and shakes her head. “Anyway. Why don’t you date? What skeletons do you have in your closet? You’re the nicest man I’ve ever met. You’re kind and compassionate, and you know how to make a girl feel good.” “Ah.” I rest my elbows on my legs and stare straight ahead. “Guess it’s only fair. You showed me yours, now I have to show you mine.” “Tit for tat. You’re safe to share your stories with me, Shawn.”

"I've been in the spotlight since I was ten years old,” I say. “Interviews, highlight reels, media days, a massive contract when I turned twenty. Whenever I meet someone, the first thing they see is Shawn Holmes: the football player. The tight end who won the Super Bowl a couple times and was part of a dynasty franchise. No one ever asks how I’m doing or what I’m going through. It’s always, hey, what happened in that game last night? Or, should’ve caught that ball, Holmes, and maybe you should’ve gotten your college degree and done something important with your life. Even women see how they could benefit from being with me; the monetary payoff. Brand deals. I’ve been careful about who I let get close because of that fear of not being

loved for me, but being loved for what I bring to the table. I didn’t think that was possible until I met you. You don’t give a shit about how much money I make or if my team wins or loses. Yeah, you support me and want me to do well in my career, but it’s different with you. You’re one of the only people who sees me as a person, which has always been my dream. And that… that makes me feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” I whisper. “You are a person, Shawn, and I do see you,” Lacey says. She crawls into my lap and holds me in her arms. “You’re not more than me because you have a Super Bowl ring and millions of dollars in your bank account, and you’re not less than me because you didn’t go to medical school and dropped out of college after your junior year. You have hopes and dreams and fears. And, sure, you’re a popular guy with a famous last name people talk about on the news sometimes. But do you know how I know you? You’re not the guy under the stadium lights or running back a touchdown. To me, you’re Maven’s godfather. You’re the guy who bought her tampons when she was on her period and lets her paint your nails. You’re the guy who treats my best friend like she’s your sister and welcomed her with open arms when you realized how head over heels she is for your best friend. You’re a loving son who cares about his family, and you’re a man with a good heart and a good soul who desperately wants to do good in this world.” She touches my cheeks, and her hands are i...

I don’t know what I’m thinking when I take her hands in mine. When I lift her chin and press my lips to hers, just that I want to. I have to. I need Lacey Daniels like I need oxygen. She sighs against my mouth and kisses me back, and I’m warm all over. “Does this count as breaking our rules?” I ask, and I dip my chin to trail a set of kisses down her neck. “No, this doesn’t count. We can be friends who kiss, right?” Her hands clutch my collar, and she drops her head back. “Platonic kissing buddies.” “In that case, you’re the best buddy I’ve ever had,” I murmur into her shoulder. She pulls on my hair, and I kiss the skin under the thin strap of her dress. “Fuck, I want you.” “Kissing only,” she says, but she grinds against me. She lifts her dress and I can feel her. Hot and wet and trying to touch me everywhere. “You sure make kissing fun.” “We should stop.” “Okay,” I agree, and I bury my face in her cleavage. “We’ll stop.” “In a minute.” “I’ve heard that before,” I say, and my hands move over the ...

“Equally guilty parties.” I stand up and set her on the ground. “Let’s head back inside. Your fingers are turning blue.” “I’m okay.” A snowflake hangs on the tip of her nose, and she doesn’t look the least bit cold. “You still owe me a dance.” “We don’t have any music,” I say, and Lacey shrugs. “That’s okay. We can make our own music.” I take her hand in mine and pull her close. I wrap her in my arms to try to warm her up. She rests her head on my chest and we sway side to side. “Really, though,” I whisper in her ear. “I’m lucky to have you in my life, Lacey girl. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for seeing me. You make me happy.”...

“Hang on. Let me grab my wine and we can toast to them.” I reach over and lift my glass off the bedside table. As I do, I knock my vibrator to the floor and it turns on. “Dammit.” “What was that?” “Nothing.” “It sounded like something. Are you okay?” he asks. “I’m fine. All good over here.” “Are you sure? It was pretty loud.” “It’s my vibrator,” I blurt out. “It, uh, fell when I was getting my wine.”

The other end of the phone is quiet. I down half my wine before shoving the glass aside. I think Shawn might have hung up, but then I hear his breathing hitch. “Were you using it?” he asks, and his voice takes on a different tone. It’s lower now, and silky smooth. It matches what he sounded like that night, and I’m transported back to his penthouse apartment, his hand around my neck and his mouth everywhere. “I was before you called,” I whisper. “Why’d you stop?” “I couldn’t exactly keep going when I was talking to you.” Shawn is quiet again before he says, “you could use it.” “W-what?” “You could use it with me on the phone.” “I’m—that’s…” I take a deep breath and close my eyes. “You want me to?” “It wouldn’t go against our agreement, would it?” he asks, and I flop back against my pillows. “I’m not the one doing it to you. You are.” I squirm on the sheets as I listen to his loophole, and I like the logic. “Okay. Do you want to watch?” “Fuck,” he breathes out, and it’s a strangled word. “I’d love to watch.” “Hang on.” I chug the rest of my drink and grab the toy. We’ve already seen each other naked; what’s one more time? I FaceTime Shawn, and he answers right away. “Hey.”

I’ve never had phone sex with someone before, but this is Shawn. I can trust him. “Hi.” “You look pretty tonight,” he says, and his eyes bounce across the screen. “Thank you.” I angle the camera so he can see my legs, and I bring the toy to my chest. “I wish you were here,” I say, and I blush as the admission slips out of me. “I wish I was too. Are you going to show me what we’d be doing if I was with you?” Shawn asks, and hell, that’s hot as sin. “We’d be doing a lot of things if you were with me.” He leans out of the frame for a second before popping back up. He flips his camera and I can see the front of his sweatpants. “I’m already hard.” “I want to watch you, too. Can I watch you come?” I ask. “You can have whatever you want. We can get off together.” “What do you like best? Do you want to see me? Do you just want to see the toy?” “I want you to do whatever you feel comfortable with, Lacey girl. I want to see you take care of your pussy the way you know I would if I was there. But we both know I’m better than a toy,” he says. “You are.”

“I like to tease myself.” “You like when the guy works for it. You love to be touched, don’t you?” he asks as his hand disappears, and I know he’s touching himself. “Yes.” I click on the toy and circle my nipples with it. I remember what he said the other night about something he wanted to try, and I push my breasts together and run the vibrator up and down in my cleavage. “This is what it would look like with your cock,” I say. “Fuck, that’s hot. I’m bigger than that, but we’d make it work, wouldn’t we? I fit in your tight pussy just fine.” I nod and bring the toy to my clit. I moan as I move it in a small circle, and the vibrations run through my body like live wires. “It feels so good, Shawn.” “Can you come a little closer to the camera? I want to see how wet you are,” he rasps, and I crawl across the mattress. “Is that better?” I ask, and he nods. “Yeah, Lacey girl, that’s perfect. You’re so perfect. Look at you already wetting that toy. You’re needy tonight, aren’t you?” “I’ve been thinking about this all day.” I click up the speed, and my legs spread wider across the mattress. “I’ve been thinking about you, too.” “What about me? How you wish I was buried inside of you? You know we can’t.” “That’s why I want to,” I say, and I feel the beginning of my climax within reach. “I want what I can’t have.”

“Can you lie on your back for me, pretty girl, and spread your legs nice and wide?” Shawn asks, and I blush. “Remember when you did that on my couch? I liked seeing you like that.” “I’ll do anything for you.” My back rests on the bed, and I scoot toward the phone. “Do you like what you see now?” “I’m fucking obsessed with what I see. How do you like to get off? Do you use your fingers? Do you fuck yourself and get nice and deep?” I slide two fingers inside of myself, and I arch off the bed. “It feels so good, Shawn. God, I wish you were here. You get much deeper than I can.” “I’d like to watch you like this when I’m right next to you. Your fingers and a toy. I could play with your tits. You could suck on my dick, too. Would you like that?” “I’d love that. I want to taste you. I didn’t get a chance to.” I increase my rhythm, and I’m so close. “I need to come, Shawn.” “You can come, Lacey girl. You’ve been so good,” he says, and his praise notches its way down my spine. “I’ve loved watching you. I want you to come first, then I will after, okay? Can you let me see how good you make yourself feel?”

“There you go. You’re such a good girl for letting me watch. Fuck, you’re getting your sheets all wet, aren’t you?” Shawn says.

“Wow,” I breathe out. “You okay?” Shawn asks, and I sit up. I give him a lazy, satisfied smile, and he chuckles. “You’re just fine.” “It’s your turn,” I say. I grab my phone off the table and lay on my side. “Unless you already—” “No.” He shakes his head. “I didn’t. I was waiting for you.” He flips his camera, and I see his hard length. He got rid of his sweatpants, and he’s stroking himself. I lean forward and frown. “What are you holding?” “Your underwear from the other night,” he says, and I almost come again. “That’s hot,” I whisper. “You brought them with you?” “Yeah. Wanted to get off to you.” I watch as he wraps the lace around his cock and moves his hand up and down. “God, you’re so big.” “I stretched you out the other night, didn’t I? You took me so well, though, Lacey girl. Every fucking inch.”

“Are you thinking about me, Shawn? Are you thinking about how good it felt to come inside me?” “Fuck,” he grunts. “Yeah, I am. I’m not going to last much longer.” “You know I don’t care about that.” I push my breasts together, and he makes a sound from the back of his throat. “I just care that you fill me up.”

“Lacey,” he says, and it’s like a warning. As if he’s got me by the hair and is about to finish down my throat. “You’re incredible.” “Look how good you are, Shawn. Such a good boy for me. Do you want to come?” “Please,” he begs, and I smile. “Let me watch. Pretend I’m on top of you. Don’t waste a drop,” I say.

“I think the only word I have left in my vocabulary is fuck,” he says, and he flips the camera so I can see his face again. “But, fuck.” “That was fun.” I bring my legs to my chest and rest my chin on my knees. “I like being your friend.” He laughs. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. Sexiest, too.” “What? You don’t get off with your friends on the phone all the time?” “I’ve certainly never done that with Aiden. There’s a first time for everything.” “Tis the season of good tidings and cheer. Phone sex too, I guess.” “You’re funny.” Shawn opens his eyes, and he sits up. My underwear is still wrapped around him, and I’ve never seen something so sexy in my life. “I should go clean up. I made a mess.” “Me, too. Thanks for helping me decompress,” I say, and he gives me a salute. “Right back at ya, Daniels. I don’t even remember what my problems are anymore.”

“Funny how that works. Have a good rest of your night. I hope tomorrow is a better day. And we’ll be cheering for you on Sunday.” “Thanks. I’ll see you at Maggie and Aiden’s.” We stare at each other, and I realize I don’t want to hang up with him. I want to keep talking and ask about their practice tomorrow. I want to find out if the Christmas tree in his apartment is real or fake. I think I might just want… him. “Are you okay?” Shawn asks, and I smile. “I’m fine. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” “Right. Yeah. Tomorrow.” He looks like he wants to add something else, but he doesn’t. “Bye, Lace Face.” “See ya, Shawn Yawn.” I click off my phone and throw it face down on the bed like it burned me. I stare at it and shake my head. Nope. There’s no way I’m falling for my best friend. If anything, it’s just a silly crush. Post-orgasm affection toward the guy giving me attention. There aren’t any actual feelings involved. But why the hell is there an ache in my chest when I think about him walking away from me when the new year strikes?

“Okay, we’re down to the last question. You two have passed with flying colors, but here comes a tough one,” Aiden says. “Lacey will be first. What is she most looking for in a partner?” My breath catches, and I dip my chin. There’s no way Shawn knows the answer to this; we might have talked about our pasts during his team party, but I wasn’t specific about what I want. We turn the whiteboards over, and I stare at what Shawn’s written. There are two words, and they perfectly match my own.

An equal. “Told you I know you like the back of my hand,” Shawn says softly, and my skin heats. “You want—you deserve someone who isn’t intimidated by your success. Someone who looks at you and sees all your wonderful accomplishments and lifts you up. Someone who isn’t afraid. Someone who knows you’re worth more than a million tons of gold. I hope you never settle for less than that, Lacey girl. Promise me you won’t.” The air is still and silent. I stare at him, and I swear my heart crawls up my chest and sits in my throat. I nod, and my eyes never leave his as I say, “I promise.” “Good,” he murmurs, and he drags his thumb down my jaw. “Anything less than that means you’re out of their league. Hell, you’re out of everyone’s league.”

“Okay. Same question for Shawn,” Aiden says, and I wonder if he can sense the shift in the room.

We flip our boards, and I smile when I see we’ve written the same answer again. To be seen. “You know I see you, right?” I ask him, because I want him to be sure. I scoot across the couch until the scent of his cologne and shampoo tickles my nose. “Not just as the football coach. I see all of you, and gosh, I like what’s there. I always have. When this ends, I’m still going to see you, Shawn. The real, full you is one of the most marvelous things I’ve ever gotten to experience, and I feel lucky that we met all those months ago.” He drops his board and pulls me into a hug. He’s become so familiar to me, and my body relaxes against his. I don’t care that Maggie and Aiden are watching and the jokes they’ll probably crack after. Right now, I just want to be in his arms. “Thank you,” he whispers. “You really are my favorite person in the entire world. If they gave out plaques, you’d have a dozen of them.” “Just a dozen?” I ask, and I laugh into his chest. “I need to step it up.” “No. You’re perfect exactly as you are.” Maggie clears her throat, and Shawn and I pull apart. I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear and bite back a smile. “Great game, Aiden,” Shawn says. “I don’t think Lacey and I will have any problems convincing my parents this is real.” “No,” Aiden says. He drapes his arm around Maggie’s shoulder and smiles into the curve of her cheek. “I don’t think you will.”

I turn around so my back is almost flush against his chest. His fingers dance across my shoulders and down my spine. He presses his lips to the base of my neck, and I shiver from the heat of his mouth. “Thank you for helping me,” I whisper. “It’s my pleasure.” “I’m thanking you for a lot of things tonight.” “They’re things I want to do,” he answers, and his words are sin on my bare skin. “Things I like to do.” He tugs on the zipper of the gown and drags it up my spine. It’s torturous, almost, how slow he goes. “Going to take care of you, remember?” “Yeah.” I nod and rest my head in the crook of his neck. “I remember.” “You look like a goddess,” he says in my ear, and his teeth nip at my shoulder. “You make me want to lose control.” “You can, if you want.” I close my eyes and arch my back. “I’d let you.” “It would make this more than one time between us.” “Yeah, but we’ve kissed since then. We can be friends who kiss.” I take his hand in mine and trail his touch down my neck. I settle his palm at the top of my chest, and his fingers fan out across my breast. He makes a strangled sound from the back of his throat, and my lips curl into a smile. “Friends who fuck.” I roll my hips and feel him hard

behind me, his length pressing into my backside. “Friends who take care of each other. Forget the goddamn rules.” “Lacey,” he murmurs, and my name is silky smooth. His hand moves down my body and he takes his time, like he’s waiting for me to stop him, but I’m not going to. “Is this what you want?” “Maybe we can keep having fun until we end our agreement. Be physical. Touch each other and make out. We both want to,” I say. I roll my hips again, and Shawn’s breath catches on an exhale. “We do what we want until New Year’s, then we can go our separate ways. Quit cold turkey.” “Okay.” He nods into my shoulder, and I wrap my arm around his neck to pull him closer. “I’d like that. I’ve tried to stay away from you, Lacey girl, but it’s damn near impossible.” “What do you want, Shawn?” I ask, and I kiss the spot on his throat I know he likes. “Am I not making it obvious enough? I want you,” he answers, and my world stops spinning. “Badly.” “You have me,” I say, and he bunches my dress at my waist.

“Already wet. I love you like this. I love having you like this.” “How?” I breathe out, and rationality is close to flying out the window. “Horny?” “No.” His touch is unhurried and lazy, not a care in the goddamn world about how long it takes to get me to where I want to be. “Mine.” He dips his fingers beneath my thong, and he groans in my ear when he finds the spot between my legs where I’m aching for him to touch. “Shawn. Please,” I beg, but he doesn’t move any faster. My eyes flutter closed and I feel that gentle pull in my belly, the gradual rise of pleasure building up my spine. “Do you like that?” he asks. His voice is thick with lust and need drips from his question. Two fingers slip inside me, and he holds me tight against his chest when I cry out and squirm against him. “Yes,” I pant, and it’s ridiculously close to a plea. “I love when you touch me. You know exactly what to do.” “Because I know you.” He kisses my neck and his mouth sucks a hot line down my throat. He’s going to leave a mark, and I’m going to show it off. “Best you’ve ever had, right?”

“No one can take care of me like you do,” I say, and his grip on my waist tightens. I think he might rip my dress when he thrusts his hips forward and rubs his hard length against my ass. “No one treats me right like you do.”

“Such a good girl for me,” he whispers against my lips, and the praise makes me melt. It makes me grind into his palm, desperate for more. “You’re going to come on my hand, aren’t you, Lacey girl? Then we’ll sit next to our friends and they’ll have no idea I stretched you out. They won’t know I filled your pussy with my fingers to get you ready for my cock. You’re going to be begging me for it, aren’t you? Fucking dripping for it.”

“You’re alright,” Shawn’s soft voice says. “I’ve got you.” I open my eyes and blink, trying to adjust to the room around me. I wobble on my feet, my legs heavy and aching. Shawn leads me over to the edge of my mattress and pulls me into his lap, holding me tight as my breathing returns to normal. “Holy shit,” I whisper. There are spots in my vision, and my skin feels tight on my body. “How are you—why do—fuck, you’re good.” He laughs into my hair and drops a kiss on the top of my head. “Can’t deny we have chemistry.”