Page 25 of Wallflower No More

He looks down at me like I'm the best thing since sliced bread and kisses me soundly. “It's been too long, Scarlett, I can't be gentle.”

I place my hand on his cheek, and he leans in on my palm. “Axel, please.” He sucks on each one of my fingertips before he lets my hand fall back to his shoulder. He places my legs around him, and he begins to move. Axel slams into me over and over. This is not a tame claiming. This is raw and real and everything Axel. A storm is brewing within my body. With every touch, I'm running closer to the cliff's edge. I meet him thrust for thrust and scratch the hell out of his back. He loves every slice to his skin.

“Come for me now.” He commands, and I do. I shatter beneath him as he shudders his release inside of me. Axel lays down on top of me, putting all of his weight there, both of us not wanting to separate yet. That was the best experience of my life, hands down. Never has it felt like that. He falls asleep almost instantly, and I lie awake thinking of all the ways this is a bad idea. There is no real reason to stop, though, and that's the big problem.

Waking with a jolt, I must have turned off my alarm instead of hitting the snooze button. Omg! Only twenty minutes before my shift starts at Java Jerry's, and the big boss will be there today. I hop in and out of the shower. It's a ponytail and make-up-free kind of day. I do take a minute to admire Axel. He looks so at peace when he sleeps. Gone is the dominant, intense man, and in its place is a handsome, carefree college left tackle. But because being poor is stupid, I run out the door before I decide to jump back in bed with him.

Chapter 15

If that fucker Brody shows up one more time, I will lose it. Like, going to jail for three years type of losing it. -Axel

Axel

Waking up with a smile is different. Sleep all too often eludes me, and I haven't had a refreshing night's sleep like this in years. I run my hands over her side of the bed, then frown. It's cold. She's been gone awhile. What the hell? Oh, yeah, Scarlett had to work early this morning. I shower first, then put on gym clothes because I'm restless when she's not with me.

My curvy Red Riding Hood will be the death of me. I change her sheets and make up her bed before heading to my truck. A knock at the door stops me before reaching the handle. No one else seems to be here. Scowling as I open the door. Because...Brody Fuckin' McDougall! “Can I help you?”

He seems unfazed by my open hostility. “Yeah, is Scarlett here? I was told she lives here now.”

“Yeah, we live here together.” Maybe I should just go ahead and kick his ass.

His eyes widen. “Oh.”

I smile. That's right motherfucker, she's mine. “Yeah. Oh. How do you know her?”

“She's one of my best friends. Or she used to be. I actually decided to come back to school here instead of transferring out because of her. Listen, will you tell her to text me her new number when she gets home.” He looks displeased.

“Sure.” Not a snowball's chance in hell, dick face. And what did he mean because of her?

Chapter 16

Listen, I Can Explain

Everything Fearless 24/7

Word on the street is that Axel has moved out of Fearless House and moved in with Scarlett Quinn. There are so many questions and so little answers. Oh, how I hope this is true! #BigGirlsNeedLoveToo

$200 to the follower who can give me all the deets. You will be fact-checked, so no phony business. #LetTheGamesBegin

Scarlett

My phone hasn't stopped vibrating for the last thirty or so minutes. We've been so busy at Java Jerry's that I haven't been able to say even three words to Jared or check my phone. Mornings like this suck ass. Being busy is good, but not so busy I can't have conversations with my people. Not to mention that Axel made good on his promise, and every time my legs move, it feels like my vagina may just fall out at any minute. Wouldn't that be hilarious? Nope. Not at all.

The last customer in my line is a pretty petite blonde smiling an all-teeth kind of grin. I smile back with as much ferocity because we don't do rude at this coffee shop. That's the other guys. “Welcome to Java Jerry's. May I help you?”

“Scarlett Quinn?” She asks excitedly.

Confusion is an understatement. I have lots of friends, but I'm not popular by any means. How does she know me? Maybe from the newspaper? “Yes. May I help you?”

“Large skinny French vanilla latte, please.” Easy enough.

Something's not right. An uneasy feeling settles in my gut. Her asking me my name is weird, right? Oh, great, now I'm having whole conversations with myself. This is how people wind up in the looney bin. I fake a smile and hand her the latte. “Thank you.”

“May I ask you a question?” She asks giddily.

Nope. “Maybe.” I laugh, but I'm not joking. Where is this conversation headed?

She giggles. “When did you and Axel Creed move in together?”