I'll Always Be His

Chapter 3

HARDIN

I finally had Tessa in my bed. I was so caught of guard when she kissed me I just couldn’t contain it anymore. This was all I wanted. She was in my bed with her legs wrapped around my head. She tasted so sweet. So good. I wanted nothing more than to be buried deep inside her right now. f*****g Kendra had interrupted us. I thought she left but she was in the kitchen getting some water and a snack. I was gone when she came back and she was looking all over for me. Even with her talking all I could hear was Tessa’s moans inside my head. It was making me harder than I already was. I shifted myself so Kendra wouldn’t see it but I was too late.

“Ready for round two I see.”

She wrapped her arms around my neck and started kissing me. I had Tessa in my bed and now that I’ve had a taste I can’t stop. No one else will ever compare to her. I had to get rid of Kendra.

“I’ve got a big family thing tomorrow. I should probably take you home.” It wasn’t a lie. We had a big family dinner tomorrow. We did every Sunday. “Go on out to my car. Ill grab my keys and be out in a minute.” She gave me a pouty face in protest but when she seen I wasn’t budging she said, “Fine!” and turned on her heels to head to my car.

I was going to tell Tessa not to move. I wanted to have my way with her when I got back. I’d been dreaming about this day for years. When I opened my door though she was gone. Panties and all. I was disappointed. I was angry. f*****g Kendra. Why did I even bring her home with me? I kicked myself mentally all the way to my car. Now that I’ve had her that way I can’t go back. I don’t know how I’m going to keep my promise to Sylas now.

TESSA

Mom called for me. Sunday dinner was at the Lake's house tonight and I just couldn’t stomach seeing Hardin. Why did I have to kiss him? He already had a female there. I’m such an i***t. I haven’t been out of bed all day. When I didn’t respond mom came looking. I lied about being sick and mom didn’t make me go to dinner. Maybe I could just avoid him for a year and then he would go off to college and I could forget all about him. I hoped.

When I heard everyone leave I went to the kitchen. I was hungry since I stayed in bed all day. I ate and then retreated to my room to catch up on Dr. McDreamy. I borrowed mom’s box set of Grey's Anatomy two weeks ago but got too busy to finish it. I looked at my phone. No calls or texts from him. That tells me where I stand I guess. Chanel texted wanting to come over after my family dinner. I texted her back and told her to come over since I’m home.

Thirty minutes later were in my room and I’m telling her all about last night. When I finish going over the details I told her I faked being sick to get out of dinner with him tonight.

“OH MY GOD! You dirty little slut. How was he? Was he big? Was it what you’ve always imagined it would be?” she was practically screaming.

“Ssshhhhh…… I don’t need the whole neighborhood to know. It was perfect until that knock on the door. I just felt stupid. I’ve loved him forever and this meant everything to me but nothing to him.”

“You don’t know that! You surprised him. It’s not like he knew you were coming.” She said matter of factly. “The question is what’s your next move?”

We talked about for about an hour and said our goodbyes. My parents would be home soon and if she was here my whole I’m sick cover would be blown. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do this. Chanel wants to turn me into a temptress but I honestly don’t want to embarrass myself anymore than I already had. He probably didn’t want some stupid little virgin pining after him anyways. From this point forward I would avoid Hardin Lake. That was all there was to it.

TWO MONTHS LATER

I had managed to avoid Hardin for the most part. He stopped coming to family dinners. Making up excuses. I was ok with that. It meant I didn’t have to face him. I turned seventeen last month and was able to go to parties now. No brotherly escort. We always have a huge party before school starts. Amanda always throws it at her house since her parents go to Mexico for a week every year before school starts.

We got ready at Chanel’s so I didn’t take a chance of Sylas wanting to go with me. After the bonfire at the beginning of the summer and the incident with Luke I avoided all get togethers after that. Chanel begged me to go to this party since it’s the first one I’m allowed to go to unchaperoned. I finally caved and said yes after her incessant begging. I borrowed one of her black strapless dresses that hugged my curves. Paired with my necklace and heels and I looked like a s*x kitten.

After the way things ended with Matt and what happened with Hardin I was committed to having fun tonight. I knew I’d see Cole tonight and I could have fun with my best friends. Everyone else be damned.

The music was loud and there were people everywhere. Everyone had a red solo cup in their hand and most were tipsy already. I played beer pong with Cole as my partner. We were pretty good but the alcohol was coursing through my veins. I wanted to dance. I made my way to the living room where it was jam packed with people bumping and grinding all over each other. I had girls grind on me as well as guys. I was having so much fun letting loose.

That’s when I felt the hairs standing up on the back of my neck. I couldn’t see him but I could feel him watching me. Nick Walker was behind me grinding on me. As I turned to face him I caught a glimpse of Hardin through the cloud. He was on the couch talking to Mark Cooper. Nick turned me around so he could grind on my ass some more. I was directly facing Hardin now. We stared at each other daring the other to make a move. He looked super pissed. Then Kendra Damico dropped herself in his lap whispering in his ear. I was so stupid to think he cared. I hadn’t heard from him since that night. It was obvious he just wanted laid and I showed up at the perfect time.

I broke eye contact with him and turned my attention back to Nick. I was tired of being a virgin and that was not how I wanted to begin my senior year. I turned back around to face Nick. He tangled his hands in my hair and lifted my legs to bring me up to him. I wrapped my legs around his waste and then his lips were covering my mouth. His tongue pushing through them to slide against mine. His hands were grabbing my ass and I could feel his erection against my core. It didn’t feel right. It didn’t feel the way it did with Hardin. I set my mind and that was it. I was doing this tonight.

I heard a commotion and dropped my legs. I turned around and seen Kendra on the floor looking dazed and Hardin heading straight for me. He picked me up despite my protests and Nick's and carried me outside.

“What are you doing Lake?”

“Don’t call me that Goldilocks.”

“It’s Artressia to you.”

“I’m not allowed to call you Tessa anymore?”

He actually looked hurt.

“No. That’s reserved for friends and family only.”

He reached out to touch me but stopped letting his hand fall back to his side. He was quiet for a moment. He looked up looking me in the eyes and I seen the desire there. Dark pools of it making his blue eyes clouded.

“You're drunk. Let me take you home.”

“I'm not ready to go home. I'm ready to have a good time. Excuse me.”

I went to walk past him to go back inside and he stopped me. He turned me towards him. I wrapped my arms around myself. His staring was starting to make me self conscious. He pulled me into him and kissed me softly. I pulled away. No matter how much I wanted to melt into him I couldn’t. He wouldn’t make me look like a fool again. He looked shocked. I gained my composure and as I walked away I spat, “Go to hell Hardin Lake.” I walked inside and didn’t look back.

HARDIN

I wanted to follow her. Seeing her all over Nick was making me sick. I just wanted to claim her but I knew I never could. Sylas would never allow it and he was also my beat friend. I didn't want screw that up. I couldn’t help the way I felt about Tessa though. I've tried to avoid her. I erased her number from my phone so I wouldn’t give into temptation to call and throw myself at her. I’d hurt her. That much had been obvious. I hated myself for it. I’ve loved her for years. It’s only ever been her. Nothing feels right if it’s with anyone else. I’ve spent all summer trying to forget her and having meaning less hook ups. Mostly with Kendra since she's been all over me since the bonfire. I can feel my attitude changing. Nick is my number one rival. Anyone but him I wanted to beg her. I didn’t want her with anyone but me and that wasn’t an option. I’d grit my teeth and bare it for anyone but him.

She hates me now and that is how it should be. I wish things were different but they’re not. I need to let her move on and I need to leave her alone. I'm not in any mood to party now but I still want to watch out for her so I make my way back inside and keep my distance. I can’t find her anywhere though. This was not good. I made my way to the stairs only to be blocked by f*****g Kendra. This chic just doesn’t get it. She can’t get me off. Only Tessa could ever do that.

I moved Kendra out of my way telling her I’d be right back. I checked all the rooms upstairs. She wasn’t in any of them. She wasn’t in the bathroom. I made my way back downstairs and checked again. I found her out back in Nick's lap sitting by the fire. Of course it would be f*****g Nick. Fine. If that’s how she wanted it two could play that game. I felt how wet I made her. I know that she wants me. Jealousy was getting the better of me. I should just leave it alone. This is what’s best but I just couldn’t.

Kendra chose that moment to throw herself on me. I took it. I picked her up wrapping her legs around my waist and kissed her deeply. I could feel people staring and giggling. When I put Kendra down and looked up Tessa's eyes locked onto mine. She looked crushed and I wanted nothing but to hold her. I hurt her because of my own jealousy. Damn It! There was no going back now. This had to be done. I threw Kendra over my shoulder, smacking her ass as she giggled. I carried her out, put her in my car, and took her home.