Back Seat Straddle

RAINEY

I decide on blue skinny jeans and a plain black T-shirt. I grab my purse from the nightstand and stuff it into my pocket just as Riley steps out of the bathroom.

I give her a thumbs-up, letting her know that her black jeans and blue T-shirt are perfect. Less is more, after all.

As we step onto my porch, a black Honda parked at the gate catches my eye. Alex is waving at us from the driver’s seat. I shoot a puzzled look at Riley, who’s grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.

“What? I called him. It’ll be more fun. Come on.”

I’m pretty sure the moment Riley woke up this morning, Alex was the first person she thought of. But who am I to talk? Ansel was the only thing on my mind the moment I opened my eyes.

…His deep blue eyes, the way his lips curl up when he smiles, and those adorable dimples that make my heart skip a beat every time I see them.

The time we spent in his room was something I’ll never forget. I can still feel his kisses on my skin.

It all feels like a dream, like it’s not really happening. But the ring on my finger, a symbol of his love, is enough to chase away any doubts.

Riley dashes down the steps like a kid in a candy store, and I can’t help but feel excited too.

Alex and Ansel are practically joined at the hip. You hardly ever see one without the other. So it’s safe to assume that Ansel is probably here too.

Suddenly, I’m not so sure about my outfit. Maybe I should have worn a dress and done something more with my hair.

If I knew I was going to see ~my boyfriend~ today, I would have put more effort into my look.

Alex flashes me a big grin from the driver’s seat. I smile back, sneaking a peek over his shoulder. My hopes are dashed when I see that the front seat is empty.

~Where’s Ansel?~

I try to hide my disappointment as I slide into the back seat. Riley hops into the front, and Alex wastes no time in pulling her into a kiss.

~Must be nice~.

I turn to look out the window, giving them some privacy. They make a cute couple, and I’m really happy for my best friend. Alex is a good guy.

“How are you feeling this morning, Rain?” Alex asks, reaching back for a fist bump. I bump my fist against his and shrug. “Not bad, I guess.”

Riley cranks up the volume on the stereo. The song “Gangsta” by Kehlani fills the car as Alex pulls away from the curb.

I squint against the bright sun shining through my window. The sky is a brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds. It’s going to be a beautiful day.

~If only Ansel were here.~

I look down at my lap, running my thumb over the brown Band-Aid on my finger.

I can’t help but feel a little disappointed, and I know I’m acting like a clingy girlfriend. Guys don’t like that, right?

“Oh, by the way, we’re picking up Ansel at Tim’s café in town.” Alex says, a knowing smile on his face. “He’s coming to the mall with us, so don’t look so sad, Rain.”

I blush at his words while Riley giggles. “Aww, Rain misses her boyfriend.”

I look out the window, brushing a loose strand of hair from my face. “I wasn’t sad. I have no idea what you guys are talking about.”

Alex laughs, throwing his head back. “Yeah, sure. You looked like a kid who just got told they can’t have any candy.”

Riley snickers, and I shake my head, smiling.

Before I know it, Alex is pulling up to the curb in front of Crossview Café.

The smell of coffee and milk wafts over from the café, making my mouth water as I remember the coffee Ansel made me the first day I visited.

I look through the tinted glass of Alex’s car, spotting Ansel through the café’s clear windows.

He’s standing at the counter, laughing and chatting with Tim, who’s wearing a white apron.

Ansel’s face is lit up with a smile as Tim talks, gesturing wildly while Ansel listens attentively.

I can’t help but smile at how handsome he looks. He’s wearing a navy-blue button-down shirt with short sleeves and black jeans.

His clothes fit him perfectly, like they were made just for him. He runs a hand through his hair, his teeth shining white as he laughs again.

~I can’t believe this amazing guy is…mine.~

My smile fades as a woman walks up to Ansel. She says something to him, and he nods, then picks up a little girl.

I realize it’s the same toddler and her mother I saw on my first visit.

“God, these women just don’t get that my brother is eighteen years old.” Alex shakes his head, then looks at me in the rearview mirror.

“You’re going to see a lot of women trying to get Ansel’s attention, but don’t worry about it. He’s just too good-looking and too nice for his own good.

“They’ve got nothing on you, Rain. Remember that.”

I smile at him. It feels like he’s giving me a heads-up about what’s to come.

Alex honks his horn, and Ansel looks over at us, nodding. He puts the little girl down, says a few words to Tim, then heads for the door.

My heart skips a beat as he steps out onto the sidewalk, the wind ruffling his hair as he walks over to the car.

In those cheesy romance movies, this is the part where the girl would be frantically fixing her makeup or running her fingers through her hair.

I wish I’d brought my compact with me. My hair is already up in a messy bun, making it a bit of a hassle to freshen up before he gets here.

I’m not sure how to behave around him now that we’re officially a couple. I’m a novice in this department. What do girls usually do in relationships?

“Alex, you got here so quickly. You didn’t get a speeding ticket, did you?”

Alex chuckles. “I might have.”

Ansel grins at Riley, who gives him a playful salute as he reaches for the door handle.

I scoot over to give him room as he slides in next to me, his thigh brushing against mine as he pulls the door shut.

His fresh, intoxicating scent fills the small space, and I’m amazed at how someone can smell so clean and perfect.

“Good morning.” He smiles at me then leans over to kiss me. His lips are slightly cool, and his breath has a faint hint of bubble-gum.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to how soft and smooth his lips are.

My face turns a deep shade of red as he pulls away. He licks his lips before running a hand through his hair, and the silver promise ring on his finger catches my eye.

~I’m glad to see he’s wearing his too.~

Alex, who’s been grinning along with Riley, starts the car again and turns up the music, giving us some privacy to talk.

Ansel’s smile doesn’t fade, and he looks genuinely happy to see me. The feeling is mutual.

“I missed you. Did you sleep well?”

I smile back. “Yeah, I did. You?”

“Yeah. ~Very well~.”

His last two words seem to hint at something, and his steady gaze confirms it as his eyes light up with affection.

My mind flashes back to our passionate make-out session last night, and my cheeks turn an even deeper shade of red. I bite my lip nervously, and his eyes follow the movement before meeting mine again.

“So, you had work today?”

“Yeah, but I asked Tim for the day off, since Alex told me you guys were meeting up with him, and—what happened to your hand?”

His eyebrows furrow as he takes my hand in his, examining the Band-Aid on my fingertip.

“I broke two mugs this morning,” I mumble. “It doesn’t hurt though. I’m fine.”

Riley, who’s been eavesdropping on our conversation, looks at us with a strange expression. I can tell she wants to say something, but she holds back and refocuses on the road.

“Damn, don’t hurt yourself, Rain.” His eyes are full of kindness as he says this, and it makes me smile.

“I’m really fine. It’s nothing serious or—”

He cuts me off by pressing his lips to my finger, sending a wave of heat to my face. The gesture sends a shiver down my spine as he looks up at me.

“Don’t get hurt again, okay?”

I nod, mesmerized by his captivating eyes.

“Yo, An,” Alex calls over the music, and Ansel turns his attention to him. He’s still holding my finger, his thumb tracing circles on it.

“You know, when Rainey realized you weren’t in the front seat, she almost cried.” Alex chuckles, and my eyes widen. ~Why would he—?~

I look at Ansel, who’s already looking at me. He’s smiling, his eyes sparkling. “Yeah?”

“I did not ~almost cry~. Alex is exaggerating,” I try to clarify, and Riley laughs.

“No, you were definitely close to crying, Rain. The tears were this close to falling.” She pinches her fingers together to illustrate, and I stare at her in disbelief.

“Riley, whose side are you on?”

“In this case? My boyfriend,” she giggles, and Alex laughs, throwing his head back. “That’s my girl. High five!”

He holds out his hand, and Riley slaps it, grinning widely. “I’m sorry, Rain!”

Suddenly, two strong arms wrap around my waist, and before I know it, I’m being pulled onto Ansel’s lap. I gasp, and Alex turns around, causing Ansel to laugh.

“Keep your eyes on the road, Alex. Do you want to kill us?”

~Ansel seems to have a thing for pulling me onto his lap.~

My face turns red as I feel his arms tighten around me and he buries his face in my back. “You feel good, Rain…”

“Damn, Riley, we could be doing that in the back seat if I weren’t driving.” Alex frowns, then smiles at her. “But don’t worry. I’ll make it up to you later, babe.”

Riley laughs nervously, shaking her head. “You’re something else, Alex.”

“Rain…,” Ansel murmurs, and I take a deep breath before responding.

“Yeah?”

“I want to see your face. Do you want to turn around?”

I glance down at how my thighs are pressed against his, and given the tight space in the back seat, I’m not sure if that’s possible.

But I want to see his handsome face just as much as he wants to see mine.

I shift around, using the edge of the seat behind him for support. He guides my legs over his, so I’m straddling his lap with my thighs on either side of his waist.

~I’m glad I wore jeans today and not a dress.~

When I finally settle on his thighs, I realize how close our faces are. My hands, which are gripping the edge of the seat behind his head, start to sweat from my nervousness.

“That’s better,” he says, and I watch as his lips curl into a smirk. It’s the most attractive thing I’ve ever seen.

“Put your hands on my shoulders.”

Ansel’s whisper is just loud enough for me to catch over the blaring music, but not loud enough for Alex and Riley to hear.

I do as he asks, immediately feeling the tension in his shoulders under his shirt.

It’s clear I’m not the only one affected by our close contact, as Ansel’s arousal becomes evident beneath me.

My fingers involuntarily tighten on his shoulders, and he grins, that familiar playful glint returning to his eyes.

“You’ll get used to it soon, okay?”

I nod, a little shy. I’m not sure if he means I’ll get used to sitting on his lap or the feeling of his arousal pressing against me.

My nervousness is clear on my face, a blush creeping up that’s easy to spot.

Given how close we are, I wouldn’t be surprised if he could see every pore on my face.

“Are you comfortable?” he asks. I open my mouth to answer, but his hand sliding under my shirt silences me.

~What is he doing? Riley and Alex are right up front. He can’t possibly—~

I risk a glance back at the couple. They’re both lost in the music, hands clasped together, minding their own business.

Ansel’s hands on my bare waist pull my attention back to him.

I see the desire in his eyes as he leans his head back against the headrest, his gaze locked on mine as he gently strokes my skin.

His touch is innocent enough, but it sets my body on fire. My breath comes in ragged gasps and my hands twist in his shirt. His hands feel ~way~ too good on my skin.

He leans in, but instead of kissing my lips, he moves to my neck. I think Ansel has discovered my weak spot.

Whenever he kisses me there, I lose all sense of reason, my body taking over.

The first soft touch of his lips makes my eyes flutter shut as I grip his shoulders tighter.

“Is this your weak spot, Rain?” he whispers.

I don’t know if he expects an answer, but I couldn’t give one even if I wanted to.

His soft, slow kisses along my neck have completely scrambled my thoughts.

I swallow hard as he grips my waist, a wave of arousal washing over me as a familiar wetness pools between my legs.

~What on earth is he doing to me?~

I’ve seen so many sides of Ansel. There’s the studious side, always with his glasses on, nose buried in a book.

Then there’s the dangerous side, the one who beats up a guy in the school bathroom or slashes a man’s stomach with a pocketknife hidden in his shoe.

But this side? This sensual, erotic side is new and unfamiliar.

My heart races wildly, like I’ve just snorted a ridiculous amount of cocaine. It’s a new feeling, but I don’t want it to end.

One of his hands leaves my waist to cradle the other side of my neck, and I tilt my head further into his touch, giving his lips more access to my skin.

“I had a dream last night,” he murmurs, his mouth moving against my skin in a way that makes me bite my lip. “Want to know what it was about?”

My head nods of its own accord, as if I’m under his spell.

“Me…you…us.” He says this between kisses, and I instinctively press my thighs together, but his solid body is in the way, causing me to arch slightly instead.

“We were this close, and I was kissing your neck, just before…our lips met perfectly.”

With that, he finally kisses me, slowly and tenderly, as if he wants to savor the moment.

His lips part mine, and his tongue slips in, chasing mine in a sweet dance of blissful euphoria.

It feels like the world has disappeared and we’re the only two people left.

There’s no embarrassment as we kiss passionately, even though my best friend and her boyfriend are just a foot away.

I never knew I could feel this kind of ecstasy, and I never knew that Ansel King would be the one to awaken it in me.

It’s funny how every day I discover a new side of him, and I can’t help but feel there’s still more to learn about this beautifully complex man.

He has my heart, and I don’t think I’ll ever get it back.