Sophisticated Sophomore (Love 101 #2) Read online

  “What reason could he have for talking to her? She is doing everything in her power to drive me insane.” My voice cracks but I continue, “He even paid to replace my tires. You’d think he shared my frustration.” I look around to make sure my dad isn’t nearby. “Even if she approached him he should have walked away. Entertaining her for even a minute is letting her win.”

  My mom doesn’t react. She takes a seat at the table and I continue my justification. When I finish she says, “It’s not about winning or losing. When you understand that, you’ll be in a much better place.” She rubs my hand. “I’m only concerned about your safety. Anyone who cares about you probably feels the same.”

  I think about Monica and how she’s been the past few weeks. Then a tear falls as I realize I overreacted. “Go call him, honey. Hopefully he isn’t already on his way to Tennessee.”

  Smiling, I run to find my phone, clicking Chris’ name. “Hello.”

  “I was wondering how long it would take you to call.” Chris’ voice is mellow, calm, and I can’t tell if he is upset.

  “My mom just confirmed that I was overreacting.” I take a deep breath before continuing. “Where are you?”

  “Glad your mom is on my side. I’m on the beach. It has a way of calming me.”

  The butterflies in my stomach rejoice. “Are there beaches in Tennessee?”

  Chris laughs. “Yes, actually, but I don’t think they compare to the Florida beaches.” I hear the waves in the background and I can feel my body relax. “Join me?”

  “The least I can do since our last trip to the beach was cut short.”

  I freshen up and update my mom before driving to the beach. When I find Chris, he is sitting on the pier, gazing out into the ocean. Before approaching, I admire his body. The wind pulls his shirt taut and each of his muscles is rightfully displayed. A kid runs behind me and Chris turns at the sound. We make eye contact and neither of us moves. A smile spreads across his face and he begins to walk towards me and I close the gap by running towards him.

  Before any words are exchanged, he covers my mouth in a deep kiss, sucking on my lip before whispering, "You overreacted." He pulls away, looking into my eyes. "But why did you run away? I didn't have the chance to explain what happened."

  Looking out into the ocean, I remain silent. Chris grabs my hand and pulls me to a table. He straddles the bench and sits me between his legs. “I have to protect you from Courtney at any cost. She’s my past and I don’t want her to ruin our future.” A tear rolls down my cheek and he brushes it away with the pad of his thumb. “She approached me and tried to express her feelings for me. She even told me she forgave me for getting her sent back to Tennessee.” My skin crawls as Chris continues to tell me about Courtney’s confessions to him. “When you called, I didn’t want to set her off. I was hoping she would divulge what she’s been doing to you. When I asked her about your apartment and your tires she didn’t admit anything but the smirk on her face didn’t convince me otherwise.”

  “I just thought, after everything she’s done, and your feelings towards her, you wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of even having a minute of your time.” I feel the anger boiling and my voice is unsteady. “I don’t want to give her actions any merit. Ignoring her seems the better option in our situation.”

  Chris kisses my forehead. “Listen, there isn’t anything she can say to persuade me to go back to Crazyville.” He wraps his arms around me and says, “Now, last time we were here I think you had a few ideas in mind.”

  I lean forward, grabbing the nape of his neck and kiss all my worries away. I hear kids laughing and I break away from him. “The things I want to do to you would rob those kids of their innocence.”

  Chris grins. “And you say I’m the responsible one.”

  Chris nudges me awake and I struggle to open my eyes. I need shades to block my eyes from the light illuminating his house. The mini mansion in front of me has more lights than our entire block at home.

  I turn to Chris as I blink my eyes open. He shakes his head. “It’s my mom’s favorite time of year. She goes all out.”

  The doors open, and Chris’ mom is standing there with a wide grin on her face. I can hear Christmas music spilling from the house. Chris’ mom embraces me and says, “Welcome to our home. Come on in.” She looks at her son, and he hugs her, lifting her off her feet. She slaps his arm and says, “Hey baby, I’m glad you’re home.”

  Chris takes our bags and disappears into a room. His mother takes my hand and guides me through the house, showing me each room and filling me in on the plans for the duration of our trip. We’ll only be at his house for a couple of days before we head to the cabin to go skiing.

  Our tour ends in the kitchen where the smells of cake, and herbs, are mixed throughout the air. I look around at the expansive kitchen and I don’t see a pan, cutting board, or a dusting of flour anywhere. “Finished cooking already?”

  His mother smiles. “Yes, I wrapped up a couple of hours ago. I wanted everything to be ready when the two of you arrived.” She glances at her watch. “My other sons should be here soon.”

  Chris appears in the kitchen and leans against the counter. “Ma, where’s dad?”

  “He should be home soon. He had to wrap up the year-end financials.” She looks at him knowingly and says, “You know if you would have come home after graduation he wouldn’t have to work as hard.”

  Chris rolls his eyes. “I know. And I’m sure I’ll hear all about it.” The thought of Chris not being on campus pains me. I avoid eye contact with Chris as he tells his mom he’ll be home in a few months.

  We sit for dinner, joined by Chris’ father, his brothers’ and their girlfriends. His father discusses the business in great detail, and I lose interest. Chris grabs my thigh under the table and I can only think about his lips all over my body.

  "Laila, whatever happened to that chick who was harassing you at graduation?" His brother looks at me, and then to his girlfriend, to catch her up on the story.

  Before I can respond, Chris says, “She’s back at L.U.” Chris’ mom looks at him with her eyes wide open.

  “You must have that serious…” Chris’ brother begins but his mom cuts him a look and he shuts his mouth.

  "Chris, why didn't you tell me she was back?" His mom takes a sip of her wine. "I hear she is from Tennessee. I should locate her family, and see what they think about this situation."

  I look from Chris to his mother and shake my head. “You don’t have to do that, Mrs. Clark.”

  Chris ignores my comment and says, "Anything you can do would be helpful Ma."

  Unlike my parents, Chris’ parents didn’t forbid us from staying in the same room. It was awkward, but I didn’t argue.

  Chris’ room doesn’t look like it is stuck in the past. Instead, it looks refreshed, as if it had been re-decorated since he’s been away at school. The dark wood of the bed, nightstands, and dresser contrast well with the warm walls and beige comforter.

  Lying across the bed, I look around the room for any sign of his younger years. “Looks like your mom packed up your childhood.” Even the picture on the nightstand is recent.

  “I requested she pack all my humiliating pictures and keepsakes away for the weekend.” He laughs. “You may not want anything to do with me after seeing pictures from my awkward years.”

  I smile, remembering my ugly duckling period. “Popped collars and too much bling in your high school years?”

  He shakes his head with tight lips.

  “Overweight with glasses?” I arch an eyebrow as I try to imagine him out of shape. The thought is hard to fathom.

  “I may have had one too many Snickers back then.” We both laugh. “The reason why I stay in the gym now. I know how this body is capable of betraying me.” He lies across the bed, eyeing me cautiously. “I know some chocolate that won’t add any pounds.”

  I gawk at him then shame him for being mannish. “Your parents are in the house.”

&n
bsp; He looks over at the door. “That’s why I locked the door.”

  I close my eyes and pull the covers over my head. Chris joins me and escapes between my legs. I grab a pillow just in case I need to contain my moans.

  Chris kisses up and down my thighs, causing me to pant in anticipation. The thrill of being in his parent’s house heightens my senses. When he reaches between my thighs I almost fall apart at the touch. My hips grind against his hand, and he comes up for a kiss. I reach for his manhood and he releases a slow moan.

  He disappears back under the covers and mimics our kissing between my legs with each fold getting attention and care. My hands fumble around, trying to touch him, but he is out of reach. His tongue pushes deeper and I pull the pillow over my face as I moan while my body releases.

  Chris rolls on his condom and hovers over me, commanding my attention with his gaze. “I love watching you unravel.” He thrusts forward and I dig my nails into his back, wrapping my legs around his waist, trying to pull him deeper inside of me.

  With each hand planted beside my head, he strokes while he sucks on my neck and chest. Reaching down he tugs on my nipple and I unravel once again. Looking up at him, a small smile spreads across his face before he moans and his body quivers.

  I lie across his chest as he pulls me close and I close my eyes.

  A few taps on the door wake me up, and I'm alone in the bed. I pull the covers up past my neck before responding, "Come in."

  Chris’ mom peeks through the door and says, “Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes, and then we are off to the cabin. Chris told me you might still be asleep.”

  Knowing I fell asleep without any clothes on I don’t move until she closes the door. I curse under my breath for not being up and ready to roll.

  Outside of the house, I gaze back while everyone tries to decide whom they are riding with. Chris nudges me and we walk to his car. "The drive up to the cabin is incredible. I think it will be better if we experience it alone in my car." I look to his family, as I don't want to be the odd one out, but agree that the idea of looking out over the mountains will be romantic.

  The caravan begins and we trail behind the pack of three cars. Chris explains the dynamics of the families who will be joining us, and I admire his neighborhood. The houses are uniquely amazing. Most are mini mansions, but some look reasonable in comparison. Chris has been discreet about his family’s business, and never flaunts the fact that he comes from money.

  “Sounds like your family is ready for you to come home to help with the business.” I continue gazing out the window as we hit the highway, and the scenery changes from residential to the mountainous views he promised would be breathtaking.

  Chris reaches for the knob and lowers the volume of the music. "Yeah, they are anxiously awaiting my return." He sighs. "Haven't discussed the fact that I'd rather do something on my own yet."

  “And what is the family business?” I give him my full attention, adjusting in my seat to face him.

  “Real estate brokerage. Not exactly my area of interest.” He drums his fingers on the steering wheel. He points out the window. “You are missing the best part of the drive.”

  Turning back towards the window I catch a rainbow spread across the sky as we pass a winding river. Chris reaches over and rubs my thigh as my breath catches.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Tugging my hat down on my head and my jacket up to my chin, I cover as much of my face as possible. Cozying up next to the fireplace as we watched the snowfall was better than standing out here on the slopes. For the first time in my life my face hurts. Of course everyone else is taking the cold air in stride.

  Chris rubs his hands up and down my arms in an attempt to warm me up. “You look miserable.”

  I smirk at Chris and the cold air hurts my teeth. I close my mouth and nod. He laughs and pulls me in closer to his chest. Mrs. Clark joins us and attempts to explain to me how to navigate the slopes.

  "I think I can do this if the feeling returns to my legs." I place one ski in front of the other, following the lead of Mrs. Clark. Chris laughs at me and his mother hushes him.

  Before I can step onto the ski lift I face-plant into a pile of snow. Chris puts a hand out to help me up. Between laughing, he says, "I forget what it was like trying to learn how to maneuver these things."

  “Maybe I should sit inside and watch.” A shiver rolls up my back and my lips quiver. “With a big cup of hot chocolate.” I look down at my skis then back to Chris. “Can you help me out of these?”

  Chris’ brother maneuvers his way over to me with an awkward look on his face. “Years on these slopes and I still can’t get this shit.” He throws down his ski pole and asks, “You headed in?”

  I look between Chris and his brother and nod my head. “Chris, I’ll go in with Bryan and you can keep skiing.”

  Chris’ forehead wrinkles and he says, “Both of you are giving up too soon.” He hunches his shoulders. “Well Bryan, you don’t ever stay out. Your ass hates the cold. You’ll find any reason to go inside.”

  Bryan grins. “You know my thoughts on being out here like a snow bunny.”

  Bryan reaches for my arm and we both take small steps until we reach the nearby restaurant. We sit as close as possible to the fireplace. My skin begins to warm and the feeling returns to my face.

  “My brother treating you right?”

  Caught off guard by Bryan’s question, I nod my head and say, “Of course.” Curious about Bryan’s thoughts about his brother returning home to the business I ask, “Too bad he’ll be leaving me soon to come back home.”

  Bryan smirks, looking away from me. “Our father has been persistent about us all working for him since we were old enough to understand the concept of work.”

  “What would you be doing otherwise?”

  He looks to me with a glow in his eyes. “I wouldn’t mind opening an art gallery.”

  My head leans back and I raise my brow. “I take it you are the creative one in the family.”

  Bryan laughs, taking a sip of his hot chocolate. “Something like that. I’ve been selling pieces of my art randomly over the past few years and the money isn’t too bad.”

  “How does your dad feel about that?”

  He rolls his eyes. “Of course he doesn’t take it seriously. If it isn’t the family business it isn’t worthy of his attention.” Bryan shifts in his seat, staring at me carefully. “Laila, I’ll let you in on some inner secrets of the Clark family. You see, of the three Clark boys, Chris is the chosen one. I was the rebellious soul, who dropped out of college. David has always been the perfect one, doing everything by the book. But Chris, Chris aligned perfectly with dad’s exit plan. With his MBA, Chris will fit snugly in dad’s shoes, right in time for dad to retire.”

  I can't imagine the amount of pressure Chris is under to come home and join the fold. "Thanks for sharing." I lean onto my knee. Now that my body temperature has returned to normal my body is no longer tingling. "Sounds like David would be more than happy to take the lead."

  “If only it were that easy.” Bryan stands and puts out his hand for me to join him. “I’m ready for some food. We’ll have to sustain ourselves while we wait for these fools to get tired of the cold air.”

  We feast on soup and sandwiches, and then Bryan groans about me being too young to drink. “A drink would help us get through this day. Besides, I think it’s your turn to entertain me with your secrets.” He winks.

  “I don’t have many secrets to tell.” My gaze drifts off as I think of something that could be slightly entertaining.

  "Either you are lying or not living, and I'd be upset if you aren't living. I hear some interesting things go down at L.U. and these are the years to experiment."

  “I party, but I haven’t been seduced by a roommate or streaked across campus naked.”

  Bryan laughs and says, “Too bad. That would be entertaining. You still have two years to make it happen. Next time I see you hopefully you can upd
ate me on the progress.”

  “What progress?” Chris leans down and kisses my forehead. Pulling up a chair, he sits beside me, wrapping our fingers together.

  “Bryan doesn’t think I’m living enough at L.U. I don’t have any entertaining stories to tell him.”

  Chris smiles at me then looks to Bryan. “Not every girl is as adventurous as the ones you bring home.” Chris signals the server to the table. “I better grab some food too. Our parents could be out there a while. Dad is trying to impress Mr. Nelson.”

  Sarcastically I ask Chris, “Shouldn’t you be out there watching and learning?”

  Bryan laughs, “She learns quickly. I like this one here. Make sure you keep her around.”

  Chris brushes both of us off, finishing his food. “Babe, you sure you don’t want to give the slopes one more try?”

  I shake my head emphatically and say, “But don’t stay here on my account.” I nudge my chin towards Bryan, “I’m sure Bryan and I can manage until you all finish.”

  Bryan tips his drink in the air and says, “I’ll share more of my suggestions for her to liven up her life.”

  My syllabus sits in my lap and I’ve flipped through it for the third time and still have no clue what to expect from the class. I’d much rather be back at the cabin, cooped up with Chris and his family than back in my apartment at school.

  Monica sits in front of me, her giddiness overflowing. “How’d it go?” The words tumble out of her mouth. “Was it too much time with his family?”

  “It was better than I could have imagined.” I laugh smugly, “But skiing is not my thing.”

  Monica shrugs and says, “I wouldn’t expect that it would be. Of course unless we are talking about water skiing.” Her leg bounces up and down and her smile widens.

  “What are you excited about?” I place my hand on Monica’s knee and calm the jitters that seem to be racing through her.

  “I’ll be needing your services this semester.” She grabs my hand and squeezes. “I’m running for Junior Class president!” I snatch my hand from her grip and cover my mouth as I squeal.