

Copyright

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author's imagination and used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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His Love Play Copyright 2019 Thoughts In Words

Written by Thoughts In Words

Published by T.I.W

Website: www.thoughtssinwordss.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thoughtssinwordss/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thoughtssinwordss/
Prologue

Chapter 1 (Grace)

Chapter 2 (Rony)

Chapter 3 (Rony)

Chapter 4 (Rony)

Chapter 5 (Rony)

Chapter 6 (Rony)

Chapter 7 (Grace)

Chapter 8 (Rony)

Chapter 9 (Grace)

Chapter 10 (Rony)

Chapter 11 (Rony)

Prologue

Rony Wayne & Grace Portman — Time brought them together & their attraction brought them closer...

Rony Wayne:

Love is non-existent. There is no one in the world who can love and be loved at the same time. My own parents didn't love each other and forgot to share some love with me. But the good thing is I never look for love, I only look for temporary flings—a way to satisfy my desires.

And this year, being the last year of my college, I want more—sexually satisfying myself along with winning a challenging bet. My dislike for all those women who did wrong to her loved ones propels me to teach a lesson to one girl before I say goodbye to my college life. But the problem is, the one I have to destroy manages to destroy the negative guy in me.

What's more? I fail to protect myself from falling in love with her.

Will my deception and knowledge of the challenge destroy what I have built with her? Will she forgive me once so I never make another mistake like this again?

I want to be with her because I have finally found my pearl among all the rocks.
Chapter 1

Grace

Finally, the day had arrived and I was leaving for my college where I looked forward to earning my Computer Science degree in Programming to begin my life of independence. Sure, it wasn't easy in any way, leaving behind my family, my family home and this beautiful ranch with my favourite horses. But, as it is said wisely, to gain something one has to lose something, and in my case, I am not losing anything permanently. I had my future planned out with a computers degree, royal clients and a home office here at the ranch.

I carried my last bag to the car and deposited it in the trunk. Dad was going through the list of things and bags I was carrying with me for my hostel stay. Mom had gone an extra mile to arrange everything and everything else that was not needed at all. She believed that there's no harm in carrying extra.

"Do you want an extra pair of floor disinfectant for storage?" Dad asked looking at the list.

"And what exactly do you expect me to do with it? It's not like the first one will get over in the next 6 months?"

"Make it a year. Her laziness will save a lot on expenses on cleaning material," Jenny shouted from the passenger seat.

I walked to her window and replied, "Why are you sitting here?"

She clapped her hands and smiled devilishly, "You want me to be on the driver's seat? You only had to ask."

The moment she tried to move to the other seat, dad interrupted, "Don't try acting smart, girl. Your sister meant you are supposed to be in the back seat with mom."

"Can we not leave mom behind to protect the house or something? Someone has to stay back to make sure we have a place to return."

I rolled my eyes and dad snickered before replying, "Don't worry we have people to safeguard your beloved home. Your mom doesn't have to play security today."

She dramatically signed and added, "So, you make her play bodyguard to me." Her stern side-look made us laugh more.

"Don't worry drama queen; she will be cool with you at the campus."

"I hope so because I have a reputation to make and people to impress."

"Of course, you have to rule the place from next year after all." Jenny was a year younger to me but her innocence and wittiness made her look much younger.

"I'll let you know I take my work seriously," she added.

"Then why haven't you shut your room windows and why the charging point in your room wasn't off and why is your uncleaned dish lying in the basin and..." mom said walking out the front door.

"Let's say I am going to start taking my work seriously from tomorrow."

We all laughed at her pouted face and she smiled back.

"Aren't you getting late for your first day?" she looked at me and asked.

"Technically, it's not my first day. We are just moving me in in my hostel room. And why are you hiding that you are eager to reach there more than me?" I raised my eyebrow while she moved out of my seat and settled in the back seat.

"Now, young girl, you will behave. You'll stay close to us and no wandering away. You won't ogle at the boys or try inviting them or yourself to anywhere. You..." Mom was interrupted again by Jenny.

"Didn't you say she won't be the bodyguard today?" She asked me and I shrugged back from the front seat.

"Traitor," she whispered and dad started the engine to bring the car in motion.

We continued with our banter throughout the journey while also fighting over the radio and quick stops on the way. Jenny and mom kept up with their back and forth while me and dad joined whenever we felt safe to. Within two hours, we arrived at the campus and dad parked the car outside the D-wing of the hostel. My hostel gate faced the far side of the campus ground and stood last from the other wings.

While unloading the bags, dad asked, "The boys' hostel is on the other side of your hostel ground?"

"Yeah. Wing A and B are facing the boys' hostel while my wing faces the college buildings."

"I'll have to remember which wing to request when I join," Jenny whispered.

"And I'll ensure you be in your sister's wing, far from the boys," mom added.

I smiled and felt a pang of sadness when realisation of staying away from them hit me.

Dad must have realised and he hugged me from side before speaking, "You won't get much time to miss us. And we'll see you every weekend, if you can make it that is, at home."

He leaned and kissed my head while mom walked to us and hugged me. Dad wrapped his hands around the both of us and we stayed like that in his embrace.

"Make space for the forth wheel." Jenny squeezed in and we all hugged her.

"I'll miss you, young lady," my emotions spiked at this moment.

"I won't let you. Make sure your phone is with you and you answer all my calls," she smiled adoringly.

"Oh, no. She is here to study; you will not disturb her without any important reason," mom sweetly argued.

"No worries. You can call me anytime you want with anything you have to talk about," I assured Jenny.

Her eyes were suspiciously shinning in the daylight. She threw herself on me and hugged me tight.

"I'll hold on to that and I'll miss you too." I kissed her forehead and hugged her tight.

Soon, we separated and went back to unloading the bags and taking turns depositing them in my room on the first floor. With the last bag in the room, we settled on the sofa in the sitting area which connected the two bedrooms. Luckily, I had found my close friend Minnie with no roommate and I could claim the empty bed in her room.

"You're sure you don't need help unpacking? I can stay and help you out," Minnie asked coming out of our shared bedroom.

"Go ahead, Minnie. I can manage unpacking in my sweet time. I am in no rush and you have the dinner gala preparations to be at." Being a volunteer for the freshman dinner held tonight, she was expected to be helping others and be present in the hall before the event started.

I was looking forward to meeting my new basketball team and other students starting with their year at the college. I was lucky to have Minnie from my hometown and as a member of the same basketball team I was expected to join.

"Alright, I am heading out. It was nice meeting you Ginny and Mr. Portman. Goodbye, Jenny."

"Nice meeting you too, Minnie. Take care of my little sparrow here," mom said while dad nodded followed by Minnie.

"So, you have a party to attend on your first day of college?" Jenny narrowed her eyes accusingly.

"Not her first day," mom said and rolled her eyes. No matter how many times we told her my college started from day after tomorrow, it never went through her.

"It's more like a freshman get-to-know-each-other dinner," I answered.

She stared at me as if I was the one losing my mind and replied, "You mean a dinner night with hot and sweet boys in huge numbers? You mean an evening where you get to talk to any guy you want without anyone telling you not to," as she continued talking her eyes kept on going at my mom. And mom returned her stare.

"And you are telling me it is a simple new-comers dinner," she finished with a bored tone.

"Something like that," I replied barely suppressing the bubbling laughter.

"Now, young girl. You'll have your dinner night, or however you put it in those little words, next year. Right now, we are heading home and letting Grace have some downtime before the meet-and-greet," mom playfully chided Jenny.

"Fine. I'll wait outside next to the car," she said in an annoyed tone and walked out of the room without looking back.

"You upset her, Ginny," dad said when Jenny closed the door behind her.

We stared at each other for a minute and realised how wrong dad was. Mom and dad hurriedly bid me goodbye and ran out to find Jenny and stop her from doing anything stupid her mind was set on.

I settled back on my couch and hoped my college life was as good as my life with my family.
Chapter 2

Rony

"So, the day has finally arrived," said James who came to join me as I looked out the window of my room. "Freshmen moves in today. I was expecting you to be looking out for your next girlfriend."

I could not help but roll my eyes. My friend knew me well and understood my little temptation to hook up with a fresh face every year. Just to make sure I was single when this day arrived, I had a breakup with my ex a week back. She was all too cool about it after I presented her with an expensive phone as a parting gift. I always had a way with girls. Though she was shaken and heartbroken, but I knew she would be fine once the tide was over.

No doubt James is annoying, but a very good and useful friend. I like him more because of his tendency to sit on the sidelines while I did what my heart desired. Not that he felt compelled to be morally sound, he just never wanted to put his hands in dirt. And I did not mind that because I liked to play my games on my terms.

It was easy for me to not stick around one girl and move to next every start of the year. I was popular for this tendency of mine.

"For their and my sake, it is better to get to them before they realise what struck them and know any better to avoid it," I said.

"Assuming the plan for this year is the same. Finding yourself a beautiful looking girl and spending your precious time with her for a year before you finally graduate?"

Nah. This year demanded some changes. I shook my head to let him know. I turned my attention to the campus ground below where first-year students were going on exploring their new home. My room's window allowed to have the best view of our campus that was spread in a vast acre of land.

"This year I am looking for a challenge since it will be the last," I said knowing that after our final year we were bound to go our separate ways and stay busy for the rest of our lives.

"What is in your mind?" James asked.

"I want you to pick the girl for me. It can be anybody provided she is mildly attractive, able-bodied, and mentally sound."

"You're such an egomaniac. You think you can have anybody you want?"

"I know that I can."

"Fine. I am up for this challenge. Don't say that I didn't warn you."

"All I am asking you is to choose a decent girl for me who is not completely out of my standards. Dude, I have a reputation to maintain."

"Shoot your reputation. Everyone in the college knows what shithead you are."

"Does that matter? Everyone is willingly kissing the road I walk on."

Yes, it's true and why shouldn't they do it. My parents are the trustee of this university and most of the money for running it smoothly comes from them. I watch students walking to their respective hostel wings with boxes and bags in their hands. The entry to the girls' hostel was facing the side of the boys' hostel and my room window.

"Well, good luck. Once the new girl hears you are the Rony Wayne, she'll know it's a trap. Your stories are popular among all the departments and streams."

"But my status and money are enough to get any girl's panties wet." I wink at him. "It is never a hardship to woo a girl."

"Is that it?"

"No, the challenge doesn't end there. I am going to expose her for whatever wrong she did in her past."

I want to make a girl confess and feel guilty for what she did. I had my own reasons and some satisfaction to pursue.

"Ruining her life?" he asked.

"Before the term ends."

"You are a narrow-minded prick, you know, right? Still, I love this game. I am on," he winks at me.

I am not a cruel guy but it doesn't take much to push me to do bad things to those who are bad to others. My friend knows that too and he will choose the one who deserves to be getting a piece of my anger.

I smile at the thought of this new freshman not knowing what is about to hit her and learning, a little too late, that all wolves wear sheep's clothing. I am one of the most dangerous wolves. I never believed in relationships or love. I have learned first-hand from my parents that love is outdated and doesn't exist in this mean world. My birth mom left dad years ago for a younger man and dad remarried a much younger woman—probably just to annoy mom.

I see James smirking at me, probably wondering that I will fail with good measure.

"You think I will not be able to do it?"

"It won't be the same. Wooing a girl makes it easier for you since you already chose her from your liking. Now that I choose, there is a possibility that you might not like her altogether."

"It won't stop me. I can flirt with the most rigid ones and bend them to my liking. And that's the challenge, right?"

He nods. "Any girl?

"Yes!"

James chuckled. "Any girl who ever fell for you was definitely not mentally sound."

"You know your terms and I know mine."

"Anything else?

"Choose her today by the end of the welcome dinner. She can be a first-year student or a transfer. I am not picky."

"Fine, and you have until end of the semester to make her your bitch. Meaning she should also willingly confess about her wrong deeds on a video. Loser pays 10k."

"That's low. Make it 20k." I was surprised James didn't bet for more as he was sure to believe he is on the winning end.

"Come on, man. We never played such games for money, but only for fun. I know you would do it for free also." He started laughing at his own observation.

"I am doing it just to make a point."

From first year of engineering, I have played many games from flirting to fighting. Most of them I won against him, but this was different and huge from all the others we played.

I indulged myself with many girls over three years while also having my so-called girlfriends, but a girl every year broke her heart over our breakup. They weren't truly my girlfriends as they knew our relationship terms, but they still felt heartbroken over the breakup. Sometimes I never understood a girl. And I wasn't cruel or rude when breaking up with them, I was just distinct when it happened.

This year I was not only going to break a girl's heart by breaking up but going to destroy her. She would confess what wrong she has done in her life, and embarrass herself. It thrilled me to teach a lesson or two to mean girls.

"10k if you pull it off before the semester ends and 20k before the exams start," he offered.

I knew it won't be an easy task for him to extract a huge amount from his father. I can accept this and not push my luck. Plus, I never did this for money. I have modes to earn my own money in addition to my monthly pocket-money which was far more than an experienced employees' income. Working as a model photographer gives me enough to earn a luxurious livelihood.

"Deal! You know I never lose. You better keep the money ready."

"Dude, this is different. And if you lose?"

"I'll keep it ready." I gave him my I-never-lose smile.

He smiled back and looked out the window to begin his search. I could see the wheels running in his mind and a renewed light in his eyes from the belief of winning. Twice or thrice I believed he was ready with his choice, but he dropped it. After watching out for more minutes, he turned and gave his biggest grin like the one you see in the Orbit ads.

"No one?"

He rolled his eyes and said, "I'll find someone very soon."

I nodded, and he left my room. I was grateful for this little challenge because life was simply getting very boring. This brings in some excitement and I can't wait to start. I was confident that I can make any hard-shell break and lower any wall. A girl is soon going to fall in love with me.

LOVE—I don't know what that exactly meant. My own parents didn't love me enough to spend time with me. For them, love was meant for the money they made and the lifestyle they lived. Especially after the breakup, they have been very busy with their respective lives. And it didn't make it better that I studied in Chicago while dad and mom lived in New York. Being half Indian and half American, I never got a hold of one culture completely and struggled through my years of staying them.

And now, whatever my target was about to feel will be the ultimate cause of her destruction.

The only emotion I felt through my growing years was for one woman who gave her complete attention. She being my nanny whose only duty was to take care of my needs became a close member of my made-up family. Now that I am in college and she has retired, she takes it as her moral duty to take care of me from the distance. Her concern for my well-being has not wavered after she left or technically, I did. As a return gesture for her affection, I keep sending her gifts every year on Diwali and not to forget the handsome bonus for the festivities. She objects but respects my little doings for her. Considering that I myself is an earning member of the family, I don't need the family money to keep going. Three years of model photography through my college years has given me ample to spend like a rich brat without the rich dad's money. I give a share of my pocket money to her and it makes me feel an inch taller.

It feels sad to even put it out loud that my nanny felt as the only family I have. Feeling lonely has become a great part of my life now. Never I felt connected to anybody growing up emotionally, sexually it happens almost every day.

Being with woman for temporary fun has taken up my time along with photography assignments and studies. Plus, I never felt the inclination to trust someone to love me beyond my status and money. So, it was never a serious relationship for me when I was not busy screwing a different girl.

Sometimes I wonder why I do it and all I come up with is my mom's betrayal to dad had made me bitter towards women.

I was excited for two reasons this time: the challenge and the last year of my college. After this, I was a free man to go and do however I saw fit.

I can't wait for James to make the selection by the end of the freshmen dinner gala.
Chapter 3

Rony

I don't call myself a late comer, but I was late by an hour which meant I missed most of the welcome speech by the dean. I was mostly glad about it because he never tried to be creative in his speech and deliver something new from every other year. Coming late was one of the privileges I enjoyed by being the son of the trustee. Getting an invite for the freshman dinner was another privilege I extremely enjoyed.

No one stopped me or questioned me for the late entry. Even the students were aware of the commonness in it and they didn't deter from their focus on the dean to look at me. I took my seat with my fellow classmates where my name stood on a card at the round table.

I tried my best to listen to the dean but failed miserably. My eyes wandered away in the direction of the tables set in the front of the stage. That's where the newbies were settled. There were too many pretty faces and beautiful bodies. Choosing one on my own would have been difficult. Glad that I had James to take up this task. And I hoped that he didn't fail me.

Thinking of him made me wonder where he was when he should have been at my round table sitting next to the petite guy beside me. His chair was vacant.

On cue, James slapped my shoulder and raised his eyes in a mocking gesture when I looked at him angrily. From the look on his face, I was forced to wonder whether I was in trouble? I was liking it.

"Why are you roaming around like a teenager attending her first dinner night?" I asked him as he moved the short guy to his seat to take the seat next to me.

"I have good news for you," he replied ignoring my actual question.

Great. I can't wait now.

"Are you going to tell me who she is now?" I looked at the front row where girls were giggling to something the dean must have said.

"You won't find what you are looking for in the front."

"Why is that so? You know you had to pick a freshman."

"I know and that's what I have done. Thank you very much." He gave me his crooked smile.

"Then why is it that what I want is not in the front."

"Because she is in the back." He started laughing at his own double-meaning joke. Before I could berate him, he held a hand and continued, "She is a freshman."

"So, what's the catch?"

"None." He chuckled.

"Like I believe you. Why don't you just show me?"

"Look at the table at the back where a volunteer is mirroring a foot guard and protecting the kings and queens of the room." I rolled my eyes at his comment.

A volunteer was standing at the back near a table like his. The table was occupied by the girls from the college basketball team.

"Trying to fool me into believing I haven't seen them in college and playing as the best basketball team?" I raised my questioning eyes at him.

He chuckled again and said, "One of the team girls is your girl."

I looked again and found that one girl was new in their team.

"How do you feel?"

"Do you expect me to be intimidated by that?"

"Just a little worried. Being popular, she will not be an easy catch."

"I am not worried. No girl can survive from my charm," I winked at him.

"Well, at least by her looks, she doesn't qualify as a basketball player."

He was right about that. This girl didn't look like she belonged there. She was short than the other players but more than average. Her hair was long and tied in a pony tail and her face was small in an angelic way but sharp giving emphasis on her pointed chin. She was thinner than thin unlike any sports person, but showing off the right volume of curves for the liking of a guy like me. Her skin was whitish if not pale which gave her eyes a beautiful brown-greyish twist. She was wearing a full-sleeve vibrant coloured knee-length dress, very casual in taste. Her eyes twinkled when she laughed at the dean, not at what he must have said, I could vouch for it.

"They did say semi-formal was allowed," I mused.

"Yes, they did. More like keeping her in mind," James mentioned. It was only her in the entire room who was in a colourful casual summer dress for a formal dinner night. What can I say? I like a confident woman.

"So, what do you know about her?"

"She plays basketball and studies Computers or something. She has her next friendly game on the coming weekend against the Dragon Minx, University of Mainland."

I took my eyes off her and looked at my friend, surprised.

"How do you know this?" Was I jealous that he knew this and I didn't even know her name? He annoys me by chuckling at my expense.

"I ran into her and not on purpose if you may ask. Helped her get her stuff up and eavesdropped a little on her conversation with her friend."

She definitely was beautiful and I was tempted to capture her in various shots. Though she looked innocent, her energy was beyond my expectation. She engaged herself in talking to her table members through the dean's speech. Once the speech came to an end, she stood and left the room.

I stood and followed her out. I kept a considerable distance between us and followed her while she stopped couple of times to greet people roaming in the corridor.

From where I could see, she had slim hips, long legs, and a cute butt. She had long wavy hair tied in a pony that bounced when she walked and by the look of it, they were very soft. She can become a model someday if it was up to me. Before she could reach the ladies room at the next corner, I spoke loud enough for her to hear, "Already bored with the dean's speech?"

She turned and looked up at me with her sparkling eyes. Turning back and making sure it was her I spoke to, she answered with a smile, "Is it that clear?"

She giggled cutely and her smile went straight south.

I smiled back and replied, "At least to me because I feel the same."

She signed and spoke, "It is only the beginning for me. Tons of these to attend in the coming years."

Of course, as the basketball team, they are expected to attend every freshman dinner with their new team member/s, if any.

"Lucky me. This year is my last. And don't worry, you will develop tolerance over time," I said with a chuckle.

She smiled again and I was surprised that how drawn I was towards her. One moment she was smiling and the next she was frowning. Every emotion was clear on her face and I could read it like an open book.

"I was looking forward to being friends. I am kind of shocked that you are a final year student."

"That won't stop me from becoming your friend."

She blushed and held up her hands.

"Grace Portman."

I held her hand and replied, "Rony Wayne."

Her hand was soft though she was in sports. My hand engulfed hers completely and her touch was making me hard.

Removing my hand from hers, "Are you in any sports?"

"Yes. Basketball." Her voice held the pride that her face showed. She was proud of herself.

"Good at it?" I smirked at her reaction. Her shyness fell away and she shared her experience in basketball and how she learnt it from her dad when she was just a kid. The conversation went ahead to her beloved sport, which of course was basketball, her favourite team, and her biggest competitor.

And I learnt that she was a Canadian who moved to Philly with her parents when she was only a kid.

"Uh, I should probably go. My team must be wondering where I am."

"Sure. It was nice meeting you, Grace," I held her hand again.

"Likewise, Rony." Just as she spoke, her eyes popped out with shock. I wasn't sure what it was yet.

"You are Rony Wayne." It was a statement.

"I believe so." I raise an eyebrow at her stunned form.

"You are from the founding family." Another statement.

"Last I checked, yes."

"Oh My God! That's really awesome. You get to do big and good things," she said innocently.

"I guess so."

"You must be so proud of your grandfather who started this place. He must have been a good man."

"He was a rich man who used his money at right places."

"Maybe. But one needs to have that heart to do it and that makes him a good man."

She was cute when she defended herself.

"If the college could take his name than I guess you are right. Goodness prevailed."

"It always does."

"Does that mean you are a good person, Grace?"

"Mostly, yes. I am not a saint at least." She grinned and laughed at her own joke.

She was so naïve and a very wrong target. But a challenge is a challenge and I will not back down. Or was it my selfish side speaking because it wanted to know her better?

"You don't need to be good to get a building. Money is enough," I said dryly.

She shrugged and replied, "I think there has to be something good about you for people to name a building after you. Like there are buildings and places in India named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and none after Alauddin Khalji, but both were rich and famous as far as the history goes."

I can't deny she had a point. Also, I was amazed to see her knowledge on Indian history. Was she trying to impress me?

She surely was smart for my liking. I like smart woman.

"You have to believe me when I say no Wayne is a good Wayne."

"Not even you?"

Touché! She will know that very soon.

"Especially not me," I said, putting my hands in my pockets and leaning in slightly.

Grace grinned and pushed my shoulder laughing. "Then, I'll keep an eye on you."

"I'll be honoured."

She rolled her eyes at me. "Grace," someone behind me called for her.

"Hey, Minnie."

"Come to the table. Everyone is asking for you."

"Yeah. Be right there." Throughout her little talk with her teammate, I stared at her. Not because there was nothing else to see but because she was very beautiful. We bid our goodbyes and left for our destinations. Mine was men's washroom and hers was ladies.

Later, I went back to the hall and realised the introduction was over and dinner had started. I went to my seat to find James flirting with a freshman. He never let these opportunities pass to woo a new comer. It was because of my background that he could attendant this gathering and not because he was the part of the organizing team of seniors.

I went and sat next to his seat staring at them. He signed and asked her to meet him outside near the garden gate in 10 mins.

"So?" he asked.

"So, what?"

"So, what do you think?"

"That you cheated."

"No, I didn't. She is beautiful, great body—that's a perk, and mentally sound."

"But not a bitch who needs to be punished."

"Well, you always say that every woman is a bitch in some way. You'll find the bitch in her soon."

"I know why you picked her. You think she is very innocent to let me do dirty things to her."

"Bingo. I hope you'll keep the money ready." He winked and left for his in-the-garden meeting.

I sighed. When we made the challenge, I never specified that she should be a bitch in nature. He played well and all the cards were in his favour.

Great, not just woo her but also find what's wrong in her now. I looked around the buffet that was set on the extreme left of the room and found her with a plate of food and talking to another girl animatedly. Her every move was fascinating to me. I needed a plan, and that meant I'd need to find more about this girl. Social media is the best place for some research. I walked out the room towards my place to order a pizza and stalk my newest target on Facebook.

Chapter 4

Rony

Watching Grace playing with her basketball team was like a balm to my aching heart. Her body in tight-fitting clothes only added to my never-ending pleasure. It was getting difficult to be in a close proximity and protect my dignity. My manhood didn't understand and acted on its own accord, just as now it was by standing tall.

When she saw me, she called for a short break and walked to me.

"Hey, Rony! It's me, Grace."

If she thought I would not recognize her after the first meeting, she was so wrong. I liked how bright-eyed she was the first thing in the morning.

"I don't think I'll forget you so easily." It had been four days after our first encounter.

She blushed and shrugged.

"Just making sure," she said with the sweet smile playing on her beautiful face.

"You definitely are fresh so early in the morning."

It was 7.00 AM and I held a mug of coffee in my hand to keep myself awake.

"I am a morning person." She pouted. "Why are you up so early?"

Did she mean what I think she did? No fucking way. My brain has short-circuited and decided to go on the wayward route. She meant up for me and not my...

"I have football practice now."

"Pretty cool."

"Want to catch up for breakfast after practice? I'll be done by 9.30 and meet you at Ben's by 9.45."

"Sure. I'll see you. Bye." She waved and left to resume her practice.

After the practice, I took a leisure bath but a quick one and walked to the café to meet Grace. She had already arrived and was sitting at a corner table with a coffee in front of her.

"Sorry, I had to order something." She looked guilty. She really was so innocent.

"Don't have to be sorry. Good that you started. Now we can focus on our breakfast because I already had my coffee in the morning."

The waitress came and took our breakfast order quickly. Glad that she had already decided and mine was the usual from the past three years.

"So, you play football, huh? Hadn't expected that."

"Yeah. I don't like much but it keeps me active. Moreover, in shape when I am busy to do anything else."

"Studies must be taking much of your time. I have just started so not too many assignments yet," She shrugged.

"You won't have to wait for long," I said and laughed. "It is not just studies. I work as a model photographer for an ad agency."

"Wow. Is this what you'll do after graduation?"

"No. I will be joining my dad's company."

"Of course. Life is decided for you."

"You can say that. Since I like my dad's company and the people working for him, I don't mind building my career with them."

"That's good for you."

"And well, I'll continue photographing in my free time for the lack of any other passion," I wink at her.

"I don't doubt you are very good at it."

"I can even prove you that I indeed am if you let me photograph you."

She laughed and replied, "I am not a model."

"I doubt that."

"I'll think about it, okay?"

Our breakfast plates were served and we started eating it. Moments passed in silence and she broke it by saying, "Female models must be throwing themselves at you all the time."

Was she jealous?

"Mostly, yes. I don't mind a little attention."

She huffed and said, "Of course, why wouldn't you?"

"It is someone whose attention I am seeking presently."

"Oh." She was surprised and blushed a little when understanding dawned on her.

"Oh, yeah."

We went silent again and ate our breakfast quietly.

Once we were done with our food, I broke the silence, "Can I take you out for dinner?"

Her eyebrows shot up.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Before someone else decides to take you out, I would like to make it difficult for them." I winked at her and she blushed.

"I would love to go," she whispered while playing with the tablecloth.

I paid for the breakfast and we left the café. The wind blew and caught a few strands of her wet hair and made them dance. I wished I'd had a camera at that moment, to catch that look on her. She is an angel on earth with shabby boyish clothes. Her baggy pants and top made her look like a teenager from a small town lost in the big city.

"I'll pick you up at the gate of girl's hostel at 7.00?"

"Okay," she smiled and looked up at me. I wanted to kiss her right there in the middle of the road amongst all these college students. But I had to wait. Rushing things would make her run away and I could not afford that anymore. I had to have a taste and feel of her.

She smiled broadly and then nodded and took off. I smiled a little as she turned the corner. She was adorable and I enjoyed every moment with her. There was no deception or greed in her eyes. She cared for people that I could see. I always believed that everyone has their wrongs and hers is only hidden. I just have to make her open up so that she spills her secrets out and I would stop feeling guilty about destroying an innocent's life.

My day passed taking photographs at the agency in my personal studio. Since I was the only photographer they had, the studio had become my office practically. By the end of the day, I was bouncing to meet her again. I went home and took bath to remove the day's tiredness and got ready to see her at the hostel's gate.

I parked my car near the gate and waited. She came after 5 minutes in a peach-coloured dinner dress. She looked sexy and I was aroused in seconds. Damn. She opened the passenger door and stepped in.

"Sorry, I made you wait."

I am still waiting, shouted my very pissed and very hard part of my body.

I gulped and spoke, "Not bothered."

You are a liar, shouted that very pissed & very hard part again.

Her hair was open and I wanted to run my fingers through them.

"You look beautiful."

"Thanks," she shrugged and her cheeks turned a beautiful colour of pink.

"Let's go. I am starving." Starving for more than food. But I didn't say that.

"Yeah," she smiled back. She looked around the car and clearly, she was impressed. Not many students owned a car, and not many have an expensive car like mine. Though this college was a private university where rich and richest studied, there were students with scholarships who didn't come from money. Grace looked like one of them. Not that money mattered and she definitely didn't look like money ruled her.

"Your car is fancy," she dryly stated.

"Don't like it already," I rolled my eyes.

"Just wondering why you need a luxury car when you yourself can't afford to buy."

"Who says I can't?"

Rolling her eyes, "Your dad can afford to buy is not same as you can afford."

"No, it isn't."

"You mean..."

"Yes?"

"Shit. You bought this? With your money?"

I made a show of rolling my eyes. Wasn't it obvious now?

"My money. My car. In my name."

"Wow. Photography did you good."

I nodded and added, "Photographing you will do me good too."

"You know that you won't be earning from wasting your time on me," she looked at me with shocked eyes.

We were at the signal so I could turn to her while answering, "I won't do it for money, sweetheart. There is a bigger gain in it for me."

"Like?" she whispered.

"You." I give her a smirk and a wink before driving us to the restaurant I had made prior reservations.

We reached the restaurant in another ten minutes and walked in hand-in-hand. I liked the way she let my hand hold hers in a strong grip. We were directed to our reserved table by the attendant.

"This is a nice place," she stated uncertainly.

"Did you mean this is an expensive place?" I slid in next to her on the couch.

"Something like that." Her lips curved upwards in a semi-smirk and I wanted to plant a kiss on it.

"I am sure the food is good here," she added after a moment of staring at my lips. Can she read my mind?

"Something else seems to be good here too. Can't wait to taste it." My implication was clear to her by the way her breath was caught and she started breathing heavily.

"Me too." She said staring at my lips. I licked them seductively.

"Let's order. We can start with tasting food." I winked at her before calling the waitress.

We placed our food order with non-alcoholic drinks.

"I am surprised that you don't drink," I asked.

"You should have. I am happy with my mojito."

"Nah, I like peach ice-tea they make. You should try it too."

"I will if you let me take a sip from yours."

"Oh, damn." Looking towards the serving window, I added, "Why can't they make them quickly? How hard it is?"

Her lip on my glass was a good way to start the dinner. She laughed and covered her mouth to giggle some more.

"In good time. I know. Well, I have not tasted mojito here before," I said with an act of thinking.

"It is your lucky day today." She passed me her drink. We smiled at each other fondly. Oh, I get to drink from her glass, the start gets even better.

"I like to put a smile on your face," I looked into her eyes and felt myself getting drowned. She blushed at my comment and started to fidget with her napkin. I like to put a blush on your face — that I didn't say it loud.

"So, what do you study?" she asked breaking the silence.

"Civil—buildings and architecture." I said with a shrug.

"Wow. You don't look like who make models but like..."

"What do I look like?" I asked raising both my brows.

"Someone modelling." There was amusement in her eyes.

"Well, for your information, I can pull out both very well."

"Do you model?"

"I have before I started photography."

"I would love to see your work someday."

"I will show you with one condition—you model for me."

"Fine. You are very persistent."

"That's one of my good qualities," I said batting my eyes and she laughed.

Our food arrived at that moment and we silently started digging in.

"This is really tasty," she said with a mouthful of her pastas. I like woman who doesn't pretend to be ladylike when eating.

"Don't make me say 'told you so'."

"You can have your glorious moment for once."

"I have a feeling I won't get to have them as many as I would like with you."

"Time will tell." She put a spoonful of her pastas in her mouth and winked.

I smiled and bent to kiss her head. She smiled back when I straightened up.

It was an odd feeling in me when I thought about our date which was similar to many others I had with other girls. But this was filled with emotions—pouring out in gallons.

We exchanged our drinks and finished the remaining food.

"I enjoyed my dinner. I will have to come down here again," she chimed.

"You can come here again with me."

"I would like that." She rolled her eyes and added, "And anyway I cannot get my basketball team here for the sake of the restaurant's reputation."

I laughed at her admission. True to her word, her team was a little rough at edges and lacked the etiquette needed for such places. Unlike Grace who didn't look like a sports player at all, at least tonight.

After leaving the restaurant, I drove us back to the hostel. Sitting in the car close to the hostel, I asked her number.

"Is it to set another date?"

"That can be done right away. Tomorrow at 7.00?"

She laughed and nodded. I gave her my phone to save her number and she gave herself a missed call.

To my raised eye, she said, "To make sure you don't forget about tomorrow."

"Ah, so you will message me."

"Maybe."

I leaned over and settled my arm over her seat, "I'll pick you up here."

"I'll be on time," she whispered back.

"Can I kiss you tonight? I'll restrain myself tomorrow."

"No." I thought she rejected me but she added, "Don't restrain yourself tomorrow or any other day." Her breathing was quick and she came closer to my face.

I took that as a yes and dived in. I kissed her slow at first but lost the control and moved my tongue in her. She moaned and let me have all the control I needed. She tasted sweet and lemony from the mojito she had had. I moved my left hand to her head and right to her waist to pull her on my lap. She strangled me and kissed harder.

My arms wrapped around her, cupping her ass. I squeezed her in a way that her body rubbed my aroused member hard and my head started spinning. She tugged at my shirt and loosened the top three buttons to stroke my bare chest. I titled her head and kissed her aggressively, biting at her lower lip. Soon, my shirt was open and pulled at my shoulders to bare my front.

Our eyes met as she reached for my belt. Just like that, something inside me snapped. Whatever restraints I had where pulled away and I grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled it around her waist. Thankfully, my car was hidden under a tree close to the left wall of the entrance gate. I pulled her lace panties aside which broke to my total despair.

"Oops..." I said and she laughed nervously. I took her chin between my teeth and she moaned. My hands removed her panties aside and threw it on the passenger seat. Her hands went to my boxers and she pulled it down over my thigh while I helped her by lifting myself up. She wrapped my c**k in her hand, squeezing me tight, and I moaned. I was big enough, she had to wind both sets of her fingers around my thickness to stroke me. This was heaven and I had a piece of it to offer her. My right hand found her opening and I played with it with the index finger. That earned me a moan from her.

"Baby, you are so wet for me."

"I must like you, Rony." She shyly smiled and added, "Do you?" she said while pumping me.

I pushed my hip towards her. "Do you need a bigger proof than this?"

"Is there any?"

"Yes, the way I'll fuck you hard and fast."

"Oh yes. Please."

I opened the dashboard and removed the box of condoms.

"You come prepared?"

"Especially, around you. Can't let an opportunity pass me by, can I?"

"I am glad." She took the condom from my hand and opened the sachet with her teeth. Soon, she rolled the condom on me and raised herself. I claimed her lips again and she pressed down on me and I moaned as she took me in completely.

I wrapped my hands around her hips and held her still. I kissed her neck then moving to her collarbone and then the cleavage. But she was turning into an impatient cat ready for some action. She kept squirming for some movement and I kept the ground keeping her motionless.

"You let me lead." I kissed her cheek and waited for her response. She opened her eyes and looked at me with desire burning for me.

"Please."

"I have got you, baby. Take it slow." She nodded.

I kissed every accessible part of her. I started moving in and out of her with slow thrusts, building the speed till I felt like I was moments away from my release. I leaned back to look at her face and only to find out that she was reaching her climax too.

"You are beautiful, Grace. So beautiful to look at." Her moans were loud and she was half lost in ecstasy.

A growl roared up from my throat as I held her against me, driving myself deeper with each thrust. As soon as she climaxed calling my name, I erupted inside the condom, thrusting as far as humanly possible.

After I caught my breath, "Damn."

I felt her chuckle at my neck, "You are good. You are big. You are amaziiiing." She said in a sing-song way. Must be the high of post-sex.

"Glad to hear that, baby." I kissed her temple and held her close.

"Fuck, I needed that," she looked at me and smiled.

"So did I." I kissed her lips.

"I don't mind if we recreate this evening tomorrow."

I laughed at the way she stated it innocently.

"I would prefer to fuck you on a bed next."

"I don't mind that." She smiled shyly.

We scrambled out of the car and corrected our clothes as best as possible.

I took her in my arms and suggested, "Would you like to have dinner at my place? I'll cook something for you and we can watch a movie of your choice."

"You mean by doing so we can have the bed at arm's reach."

"That too," I gave a peck on her lip.

Reluctantly, I let her go after a goodnight kiss and a promise to see each other tomorrow.
Chapter 5

Rony

Next morning, I had been to her practice before I hit the ground. Like earlier, she was practicing to her best of the ability which proved to be making her the best in her team. Despite her weight and slim body structure, she was a pro when scoring baskets. I was impressed watching her practice and only wished to see her playing professionally against her biggest competition.

According to the match schedule placed outside the court, they had their next match against Dragon Minx tomorrow.

While practicing my game, I kept thinking about her and getting distracted enough to not score a goal. Later, at my match against Bronx champions, I gave my best to get my team, Young Lions, to win. Letting a girl distract me enough to lose is not my style of living.

Since I did not have any class today, and the only one I had was during my match, I had the later part of the afternoon to myself. After taking bath alone and having lunch with my team, I headed to my room for a quick nap before I had a special guest arriving in the evening.

Though I took girls out for dinner more often, I did not bring them to my room more than a couple of times. And definitely not for our second date. Grace was doing things that no one else did to him.

Setting down on my double bed, I opened my laptop to jerk myself watching some porn. Undressing myself, I selected an open site and clicked on a random video. It was just an excuse to watch porn because I knew I would jerk off easily by thinking about her and our first time in the car. Damn, I am never selling this car.

Taking myself in my hand, I started a slow up and down movement. Within seconds my eyes went closed while the video's sound played in the background. Imaging the sound of her voice when she moaned and my grunts when I was on the verge of coming. The vision and the voices were so clear that I felt as if it was really happening. Her flushed and soft skin, her delicate touch, her whimpers, her sparkling eyes, her pale neck, and the list went on. It didn't take me time to come.

I didn't get up to clean myself and used my t-shirt to wipe every sign of my release. Shutting the laptop, I dozed off in seconds, and woke up when my phone rang by early evening. I hadn't expected her to call me and assumed it to be for the worst.

"Please say you didn't call to cancel," I whined.

"Looks like I woke you up, huh?" She must have heard something in my voice.

"Oh, so this is a reminder call."

"You are welcome." I laughed at how innocently she spoke.

"I would love to come..." after a beat, I added, "again."

Now, she laughed at my admission.

"Had a pleasant afternoon?" She asked.

"I can say it wasn't that bad."

"I'll make it better tonight."

"You bet. Can't wait to see you, baby."

"Me too. Leaving from my last class and heading to my room."

"Head to mine."

"Much eager?" She laughed.

"Very. Come fast."

"You better keep my food ready. Or else my stomach won't hesitate to eat you."

"Well, my body does not mind." She giggled at my wild desires.

"Food first and desert afterwards. I'll savour every flavour," she made it rhyme.

"Deal."

After ending the call, I brewed my coffee and got myself busy with dinner preparation.

I made Bruschetta, Parmesan Risotto and Roasted Garlic Potatoes along with Peach Ice tea. I hoped she liked my cooking skills and enjoyed the flavours of food as well. I almost laughed at my silly joke.

I cleaned the kitchen before setting everything on the kitchen counter for heating at the time of dinner. Grabbing a beer from the fridge, I went to the room to settle on my bed to watch some TV. The good thing about being rich and the son of the trustee was that I got my personal room with an attached kitchen and a bathroom. I stayed in the building reserved for assistant professors and temporary staff members.

Drinking my poison, I browsed through channels before pausing at the football match. After an hour, I heard a knock at the door. Moving my empty bottle in the kitchen dustbin, I went to open the door.

"Hi." Every time I looked at her, she made me speechless.

She waved her hand in front of my face and said, "Hi again."

I laughed and replied, "Hi there." She handed me a container before entering my room.

"Impressive," she whistled.

"Glad you like it." I remembered her reaction to my car, and this felt like a true compliment from her.

"Yeah, sure. This is the best room I have seen so far."

"How many are we looking at here?" I asked her questioningly. It was clear that I was asking how many rooms she has seen for the reason she is seeing my room now.

She giggled and replied, "Only to study and nothing intimate." She moved her head in pendulum style. It was very cute. Rather, she looked cute in her sea-green shorts and white loose shirt.

I went close to her and took her in my arms. My lips descended on hers and she opened without hesitation. Her tongue found mine and we were soon lost in our hunger for more than a kiss.

"Dinner time first, bedtime next," she stopped me from taking it further.

"You don't mean sleep-time for bedtime, right?" I asked her teasingly.

"Bedtime first, sleep-time next," she pushed me towards the kitchen. I kissed her on the temple and made her sit with a glass of peach ice tea. If only she drank beer, it would have been easy to woo her into taking everything faster. Well, I need to have patience now.

"What's in the container?"

"Pancakes."

I opened the box and smelled the sweet aroma. My mouth watered.

"You made?"

"Mom did. I suck at cooking."

"Hope you don't suck at any other thing."

"How about I show and you find it out yourself?" she replied shyly.

I roasted the potatoes and made Bruschetta while continuing our small chat.

"So, you'll come for the match tomorrow?"

"If I get a personal invitation from you then it's a yes."

She rolled her eyes and replied, "Do come, Ron."

When I turned to look at her, she was smirking. Little shit was playing with me.

"I like the name." The name 'Ron' suited on her lips.

"And how about my invitation for you to come?"

"Not so much before dinner."

"Ahh, I was all in for it. Well, you lose the offer now."

"Don't tempt me. I am seconds away from pushing those plates you set so beautifully and set you instead to devour you for dinner."

"I would have said yes if I hadn't skipped my lunch today," she was breathing heavy which stated her arousal clearly. But I have to wait for her own sake.

"Eat first," I said bringing the plate of roasted potatoes to the table. After making sure everything was set on the table, I sat opposite her and set our plates full with everything.

After having the first bite of Risotto, "I am having food orgasm." She moaned loudly and I was jealous of the food. Damn if this thing made her moan louder than I did. I rolled my eyes inwardly.

She must have read my mind because she started laughing and said, "You are better."

I smiled and said, "I am happy that you like the food."

"You are one talented man."

"Many skills, yes."

"It will be my pleasure to see others too," she said and winked.

"And my pleasure to deliver," I wink back. I hadn't expected her to be so open with her innuendos, even though she did it shyly.

"Where did you learn to cook?"

"My nanny taught me."

"Your mom?" She looked sorry for me.

"Very much alive. Just not much in picture."

"Sorry."

I roll my eyes and mentioned, "Used to it." I shrugged at my situation.

"Are you close to your dad?"

"Not at all. He is close to his money." She took my hand in hers and politely squeezed it.

"It doesn't bother me anymore. I have known it from a long time now. I have a nanny though." I didn't add 'ex' with it.

"You are close to your nanny?" I could see hope in her eyes.

"Emotionally, yes." She nods with understanding. "How about your family?"

"Single child like you. My parents live an hour away from here on a ranch."

"Wow. With horses and cattle?"

She laughed and replied, "Yes, many. I love the place. And since it is close-by, I have promised to visit them over weekends."

"Every?" Oh, no. My concern was written all over the face.

"No." She laughs it off and adds, "Some. I can spend my weekends on college compound if I have a good reason for it."

"What if the reason is me?"

"Definitely then." She smiled at me and I melted.

"So, you are staying back this weekend?"

There was hope in my voice which crashed as soon as she replied.

"No, I have to go to the Ranch. They expect to see me since it is only the start of my semester."

"I understand." No, I didn't. What's so important to see your child only after a week of departing? I am sure they would have come to drop her off and helped her settle in her room.

"Hey, why don't you come with me?"

"Huh?" I wasn't expecting this.

"Yeah. Why not? It would be fun and they'll get to meet you. Well, they'll know you as my friend. I hope that will be okay with you?"

"No." I was still stunned, "I mean, yes, it's okay. I am though not sure if coming with you is a good idea."

"The best actually. They'll know I have a friend and they'll feel better about my security."

"That's what they'll think?"

"Yes. They were worried about my well-being. And once they meet you, they'll know you are a good person and they'll worry less about me."

"So, all I have to do is win their trust?"

"Which is very simple," she said flatly.

"Are your parents real?"

She laughed at my stupid question.

"They are different, I know. They'll love to see that I brought a friend along. They won't even mind if I bring my boyfriend even." She blushed.

"Have you brought your past boyfriends at home?" I narrowed my eyes which were filled with a little bit of jealousy.

"No. All I am saying is they are open and treats me as a friend."

"I am in."

"That was easy." She finishes her remaining drink in one go.

After we finished our dinner, we stood to put our dishes in the basin and cleaned our hands. And then before I realise, she threw her arms around me and jumped into my arms.

I laughed while she nuzzled my neck and whispered, "I can't believe I am here with you on a second date. I'm so damn happy, so you have to hug me tight, Ron."

So, I did, twined my arms around her waist and held her. My body felt alive and her scent passed a current of electricity through me. I didn't know who initiated the kiss, if I had lowered my head or she had raised hers, or if we had met halfway. She moaned into my mouth, and I wanted to swallow up every sound she made.

I wanted her so much that I was hard beneath my sweatpants. I wanted her more than I ever wanted anybody in my life, this felt scary and unexpected. I kept one hand on her neck and another on her hip while I ate at her lips.

Lifting her up and wrapping her legs around my waist, I moved us to the room while continuing the kiss. Putting her down, I ended the kiss and pulled her shirt off. I moved my lips from her neck to her shoulder while helping her out of her shorts.

She removed my t-shirt and sweatpants while kissing every part from shoulder to hip. Since I went commando for the evening, I was naked for the pleasure of her eyes. I lifted her and threw her on the bed. Slowly, I moved from her leg to her neck, leaving kisses behind. Her hands went into my hair when I reached her nipples. They were hard and very much edible. After playing a little with both, I moved my lips to her neck and sucked a spot hard with every intention to mark her. A hickey will remind her who was with her.

Retrieving a condom from the drawer, I covered myself and settled on top of her. Her hands roamed everywhere over my body and her lips found mine. She was like a little octopus with multiple hands at multiple places. I cupped her right cheek, and brushed my fingers through her hair. Her hair was open and I found some streaks with burgundy colour. Her eyes shined with anticipation and arousal. I claimed her lips and pushed in. Her nails found my shoulder while she tried hard to not squirm, and held onto me. I sucked at her neck while fucking her reluctantly. Her moans filled the room and my grunts grew in number as I fucked her faster.

I lifted myself a little and grabbed her hips, digging my nails into her skin, held her tightly as I slammed home and pulled out and repeated the process. Her legs tightened around me, her heels digging into my back.

Just as her orgasm drove into her, I thrust deep and my whole body vibrated as I jerked and pulsed inside her. Her body went slack, like she turned to mush beneath me.

I kissed her forehead while she kept her eyes shut. I got up and threw the used condom in the dustbin near the bed. I moved next to her and lifted her on top of me. Her head rested on my chest while I stroked her hair. This felt good. This felt real.

My thoughts went everywhere and I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do now.

"I think I should go." At least she knew what she was supposed to do now. Not helpful though.

"You can stay."

"I have my match tomorrow."

"Do you have to practice?"

"No. We did it today."

"Then I'll take you to your hostel then to the court if you want."

"I'll join my team to the court. But I'll like if you will walk me to the hostel tomorrow."

"You just had to ask."

After some minutes, she spoke again, "I don't have night clothes."

"You won't need." She giggled sleepily. I placed a kiss on her head and said, "Sleep, baby." I rubbed her back in a relaxing rhythm.

Soon enough she was asleep and her breathing went even. Half an hour passed and I was wide awake with thoughts about my challenge. It was difficult to find anything against her. But it was more difficult to do something like that to her. And the worst was letting her go.

I had time to figure out what is happening to me. I just have to keep getting her to fall in love with me. With that thought and a smile on my face, I dozed off with the dreams of tomorrow.

In the middle of the night, I woke up for another round of intimacy. To my surprise, she was more than eager to humour me. Our round two was as intimate as round one, considering how we jumped on each other with vigour and speed. With this speed, I didn't doubt if my little dustbin was filled with multiple discarded condoms. I had to slow down for her sake too as she had her big match tomorrow.

Rolling over, I went to the bathroom to relieve myself and use a washcloth to clean. Returning, I went to the kitchen for a glass of water when she tip-toed behind me and wrapped her arms around my waist. I turned my face over the shoulder and kissed her forehead. Her eyes were closed and her lips parted.

I kept the bottle back in the fridge and turned to kiss her. Lifting her in my arms in bridal-style, I walked us to the bed. She was almost sleeping by the time I put her to bed.

"Don't leave again," she whispered and dozed off.

I held her in my arms and slept. Next morning, we woke up for another session in the bathroom under the hot water stream. She proved that she was good at sucking one thing in particular. I didn't complain the lack of it in any other. And I proved I was good at eating healthy early morning as I devoured her core until she cried my name.

We had pancakes for breakfast with maple syrup and honey. It turned out that we had similar preferences in food choices. Once we were ready, me in new clothes and she in her unwashed clothes. I brewed some coffee for us both to push away the remaining sleepiness for a better start to our day.

"I might be a coffee person. But I like to start my day with you!" I loved it when Grace said such things to me.

I wasn't a romantic soul but listening to her confess, how strong her attraction is, made my heart race. My day couldn't be any better without her. I feared that someday I would be able to survive without coffee but not her.

We walked to the hostel and bid our goodbyes in a hurry.

"Break some leg,"

"I prefer to basket,"

"That too." I kissed her and she left.
Chapter 6

Rony

The game was coming to an end and her team, Phoenix Flyers, was winning. It was an amazing feeling to watch Grace play at an actual match from the front row. It was clear in her performance that the training she received was worthy of credit. The last basket that she had scored was so expertly made that the opposite team was left dumbfounded. I was proud of her so much that I wanted to get up and let everyone know, 'That's my girl."

The game ended with them on the winning side. Everyone clapped enthusiastically and both the teams acknowledged the play before disappearing into their locker rooms. She waved at me and smiled before exiting the court.

Slowly, everyone started exiting the room and outside the college building. I was about to start my car when my phone rang.

"Hey," she said on the phone.

"Hi, baby. You were amazing with the ball."

"Thank you. I feel amazing at the moment too."

"You deserve it."

"Would you celebrate it with me?"

"I would love to."

"Great, I'll meet you outside the girls' locker room."

Grace hugged me as soon as she saw me leaning on the opposite wall to the locker room.

"Hey, Grace. We are going for team lunch to celebrate our win," Minnie walked out of the locker room.

"Oh," I could see the dilemma in her eyes. She did not want to upset her team by not celebrating together as well as celebrate her victory with me.

"How about I see you after your lunch?" I offered.

"Rony, you can join us if you want. Of course, if you pay, that is."

"Pay for the whole team?" Grace asked.

"I don't think that would be an issue with him. Would it be?"

"Not for her friends. Just let us know where we going," I replied with a plastered smile.

After a little discussion with other team members who joined them outside, it was decided to go to Jeremy's burgers and pizzas. I wasn't much happy with the selection of the place but I didn't object.

I drove Grace to the restaurant with Minnie taking the back seat. The other team members hopped in their cars and reached before we did. Since I took some alone time with Grace outside in the parking lot, I brought the car a little too late in the front of the building to pick Minnie.

Her expression was enough to let me know she knew what I had been doing. From her behaviour, I could tell she knew about my reputation too.

Once we got settled on our table, Grace introduced me to all the team members. One of the team members whose name was Rebecca spoke, "Everyone here should have a boyfriend like him. We can get used to free load." Everyone laughed and Grace looked guilty.

Did she mention me as her boyfriend to them? At least not when introducing here, why? I wouldn't mind being her boyfriend in public.

Everyone ordered food and drinks and returned to chatting loudly. One of the things I hate about sportsmen/women.

"I never thought Rony can become anybody's boyfriend," Minnie said.

"There are a lot of things people don't know about me."

"Agreed. People should take time to know about you before they jump into any type of connection."

I knew what she meant whereas Grace was oblivious to her advice.

"I treat people the way they treat me and others, and that's more than enough to know about me."

Grace came up to my ear and whispered, "Don't take her words personally. She is sceptical about everyone at first then she settles when she comes to know about them." She looked at me smilingly before turning her attention on someone else.

Food arrived and we busied ourselves eating it. Grace had ordered a burger whereas I went for a thin-crust pizza. We shared a bottle of coke along with fries.

"Are you on diet, darling?" Nancy, another team member, teased me. Everyone started laughing at my expense.

"Just because you don't keep a tab on your body weight doesn't mean others don't too," Grace teased back pointing at her stomach.

"She would eat everything and then cry over eating everything," someone I didn't remember the name added.

"That's called living life, sweetheart." I watched as everyone laughed and kept this banter going.

Occasionally, I laughed while finishing my food. By the time, the lunch came to an end, I found myself genuinely smiling and laughing. I realised I wouldn't mind hanging out with them again. Soon, everyone got in their cars and left.

"Thank you for paying for the lunch when you didn't need to."

I opened the passenger door for her to get in. Once I got settled on the driver's seat, I turned to answer her, "I loved coming out with you and your friends. It was worth the money."

"You're trouble."

"In more than one way, baby." My mind drifted to the things I wanted to do to her. The things that would have destroyed her life and career.

"I like it when you do things like this. You always look out for me," she whispered and smiled when I looked at her.

"Maybe I am a nice guy."

"You are a nice guy. I knew it the day we met."

"Maybe I am a bad guy pretending to be nice."

"Then you wouldn't have been there for me at the match or here entertaining my friends."

"Maybe I like you then."

"I think it is highly possible," she leaned and kissed me. "I like you too," she murmured to my lips when her eyes bored into mine.

Before I jumped on her in middle of the road, I started to drive towards the university premises. Yes, I wanted to date her. Yes, I wanted to introduce her to everyone as my girlfriend. Was I far gone emotionally?

I drove to my building and parked the car before heading upstairs to my room.
Chapter 7

Grace

It was late in the evening when I returned to my room. It was a two-bedroom attached to a living room aka kitchen that I shared with three other roommates. By the time I threw myself on the couch with a bottle of water, I was far gone with fatigue. It was a long day physically, but longer emotionally. I was getting attached to Rony Wayne far too quickly. It was wise to put a brake on it, but I was not able to follow my own advice. I spent my other half of the day with him in his room. Getting cosy while watching a movie and getting touchy while cooking dinner and getting glued on bed while we explored every part of our bodies, it was becoming very intimate. Yes, I had boyfriends before and short flings too, but this felt far from that. I was scared of falling for him so quickly, this only meant one thing, I was heading towards doomsday.

Should I let this happen? Can I love him without worrying about breaking my heart? Will he love me back? Or does he already love me? He hasn't said anything like that but his gestures were louder than words. Anyway, what do I know about love? A guy can be flattering and caring to stay in a girl's pants. Maybe he is doing the same and this won't last for too long. I can't make a fool of myself by falling for him. I am too young for this. Plus, he will be out of college in a year and live in the real world where he will meet smart women every day. Whereas, I'll be here and still a college student. I can't compete against those smart and sexy women out conquering the world with their charm.

It's been an hour that I had been sitting at the same place and contemplating my options. I kept checking my phone in a hope to find his message. Why was I so desperate to know that he was thinking about me? But I was. I wanted to hear his voice and hear how he was missing me.

"Hey, Grace. When did you return?" Minnie walked out of our bedroom and sat next to me. Well, she was my bed-mate. I am going to miss my yesterday night's bed-mate. Grhhhhh.

"Sometime back. Was too tired to move to bedroom."

"Long day, right?" I was glad that I shared my room with Minnie who played with me from our high school days. The other room was occupied by fashionistas who had nothing to do with sports. It was difficult to breathe here at times. Thank god, they were out partying.

"Yeah. But I think I am done now."

"I wasn't expecting you here. I thought you would spend the night with him."

I would have if he hadn't asked me to spend the night with him. Was I crazy? Sometimes I didn't understand myself. Because he wanted me to stay, I had to run. It felt like he was asking a lot from me and I couldn't follow his every word. I had to tell him that I was too tired for anything tonight. Really? Though he tried to tell me that we would just be sleeping and nothing more, I slipped out with the guilt of lying.

"I thought I should have a good night's sleep on my bed."

"You wouldn't have had that at his?"

"Fine...I was scared, okay? It felt like I was getting too attached to him."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"You saying that? The one who hates his guts for some unknown reason."

"I have my reasons. But I know you well. You will never let just anyone walk into your life and affect you. He holds a special place."

"He does. Hence, I am scared that when he'll leave, I will not be able to put myself together."

"It is a far thought. Maybe he won't leave because he feels the same for you."

"Can you tell?"

"After meeting him today, I can say the least that he likes you. Though I don't like what he has done in his past, but I have seen him with you. He seems like a different person to me. And I don't hate this person."

"I have heard things about him too. Just never believed. Even if they are true, I know he won't do that to me."

"Because you know he likes you too."

"Yeah," I sigh.

"See, it was easy. Be with him as long as you want. You always have to take risks in your life, right? And you know when things go wrong where to find me," she winked at me.

I smiled because I knew she would always stand by me. We had known each other from school days and we always had our backs even though she was a year older to me.

"I know. Now get lost. I want some privacy."

"Ahhh, calling your man, are we now?" She batted her eyes letting me know I was due giving her the credit for this.

"Yes, just because of you. You are a best friend that one can have. I am the luckiest in this college, oh no, in this world, and I will always be grateful to you to have befriended me..." I dryly said mocking her.

"Fine. Fine, I get it. Sheeesh."

She walked out the suite for her night walk and I went to bedroom laughing out loud.

Rolling over to my side on the bed, I scooted beneath the covers and swiped the screen to dial his number.

Within a few rings, he answered, "Hi, baby."

I was silent and so he continued, "I know the call hasn't ended so you might as well talk to me."

I rolled my eyes and replied, "I thought you would be studying, and I could have messaged." I contemplated that option whether to leave a text or call. Hearing his voice won over looking at my screen.

I shifted down between my sheets and rolled it till my chin, enjoying the sound of his voice.

"I was working on my assignment but that can wait now."

"Oh."

He chuckled and replied, "You are more interesting than my project on historical monuments."

I laughed and replied, "No comparison there."

"Do you miss me already?"

"I think I do."

"You can come over. My bed is still looking for the second."

I smiled and replied, "What if I hear your voice and go to sleep? Would you like that?"

"I think I would. But I would like not to be alone crawling between my sheets after you left me hot and horny."

"Can I come stay with you tomorrow? Would you like that?"

"I think I would like that better." I could hear him smiling. I smiled back.

"I really got you horny though we had sex before dinner?"

"Totally. And now listening to you has made me hard again."

"Wow, is that normal—for you?" I sounded ridiculous to my own self.

"Very. For a guy who has a special girl in his life."

"I am special?"

"Proves from the hardness I am holding." My breath got caught and I breathe through mouth.

His breathing was laboured too from the sounds coming through the phone. My heart continued to beat rapidly.

"What do you like the most about me?"

"Your eyes. They are the purest crystal I have seen. When I look in it, I feel like I am lost in its dept, and I can see myself clearly."

"And?"

"Your hair. They are like the waves rushing in everywhere when it flows toward the shore. The burgundy colour feels like the colourful corals playing peekaboo from the surface above."

I swore I could smell my own arousal and feel the wetness between my legs. First time I realised that poetic words could turn me on.

"Are you turned on, baby?" Oh yes, totally. I whispered, "Yes."

"What turned you on?"

"Your voice." After a moment, I added, "Imaging about your hands. Your muscled body. I miss your warmth."

"I miss wrapping you in it too."

After a moment, I asked, "Are you touching yourself?"

"Yes. Thinking that it is you. Are you?"

"No."

"Do it, baby. Think those hands are mine. Touch yourself the way I would have."

I moved my free hand over my stomach and rubbed it in circles with a little pressure.

"Do you feel the warmth of my hands?"

"Yes." My hand went to the right nipple and tugged. I moaned loud in the phone.

"That's right, baby. Play with your body and let me hear it."

"Play with yourself, Ron." I wanted to hear him moan too.

"I am, sweetheart. Everything in good time."

"Are you naked?"

"Yes. You?"

"My dress is pulled up to my waist. I am panty-less." He groaned in my ear.

"I would have tasted you, baby. Do you feel my lips on you?"

"Ahhhh." I had pushed a finger inside me and rubbed the spot. "I can let you fuck me for hours; I am so turned on right now. I swear, every time you moan or grunt, it makes me shudder."

"I can fuck you for hours without taking a break, baby. I can touch every part of your skin without tiring myself out. I can kiss you without losing a breath."

"I want to kiss you."

"Me too, baby. Me too." I hear his grunts growing loud and frequent. I increased the speed of my finger and fucked myself on it.

"I am close to coming, Ron."

"Come for me, baby. I want to hear you."

As though I was waiting for his permission, my orgasm hit me hard and I went boneless. I heard him shout my name and his breaths coming loud.

After minutes, he spoke, "I like having phone sex with you. Damn, I like doing everything with you."

"Studying too?" I sleepily asked.

"Studies too—where you study and I do..."

"Shhhhh. I don't think I can even think of it again." I said and laughed. He joined me soon.

"I know, baby. You should sleep now. We have tomorrow for more of this."

"And getting touchy too?" I missed touching him.

Phone sex was great but the real him will do wonders.

"Yes, that too and everything else. You sleep now, baby. I'll see you tomorrow."

I didn't realise when I said 'Good night' or if 'I love you' slipped right out of my mouth. I could only pray that latter was not the case.
Chapter 8

Rony

"Do I have to lose the money already?" I looked up from my phone to check James looking at a group of girls near the college entrance.

I found Grace among them talking to her classmates. She was looking at me where I stood in the park, and smiling. I waved at her and she waved back.

"Hello, did you hear me?" he waved his hand in front of my face.

I didn't answer but removed the money from my pocket and gave it to him.

"Huh?" he looked shocked. Why would he not be? Technically, I was winning. She was all over me and all I had to do was make her confess whatever bad she had done in her past.

"You win."

"Oh my god! You are head over heels on this one." He started laughing and added before walking away, "You are a done case, my friend."

James was right; I was done. I couldn't think of losing her by going forward with my little game. I walked to her and took her in my arms.

"Are we ready to leave tomorrow?" As she had promised, I was going with her to her family home. She had already spoken to her mom about me and she was happy to welcome a friend over. I was looking forward for the weekend.

"Yes, I have my bag packed. I'll pick it up after my class and come over to your place. We can start tomorrow early morning," she replied.

Since it was just an hour's drive, we had planned to stop by a popular breakfast outlet for a delicious meal.

"Sounds perfect," I gave her a peck on her lips and left. I wasn't sure if I should do more due to my reputation of being an asshole to women. I didn't want to start an alarm in minds of her friends.

I had planned to confess everything to her at the end of our weekend after we returned from the ranch. Till then I have to be careful no one else comes and breaks the news to her.

Later in the evening, I prepared some easy dinner for us as we had to call for an early night. While waiting for Grace to arrive, I set the room to give away some romantic vibes. I changed the white sheets and set some burning candles on the side tables. I burned some fragrance and let it flow through the air. I put some instrumental music in the background to calm my nerves.

A knock on the door notified me that she had arrived. I put the wine bottle and glasses on the side table and went to open it.

"Hi." She leaned up and kissed me. I took the bag from her and pushed it in a corner.

"Traveling light, I see."

"Yes, this is light," Grace complained and added, "I had to remove one pair of outfit already just to make it light."

We both laughed at the irony of it.

"I am trying to understand here as to why you need so many clothes to choose from?" We were staying for a day and half after all.

"You. The reason is you. I want the meet-and-greet with my family to be successful. This is not a normal visit home for me." Roaming her eyes all over me, she added, "You need to pack for your lack too."

"You should know by now that I don't look this fabulous by trying... it comes natural," I said with a smirk.

She rolled her eyes and walked in, and stood still before I could close the door behind us.

"You like it?" I asked her when she noticed the atmosphere of the room. The music, the fragrance, and the bed--most importantly the bed.

"It is amazing. Thank you for doing it for us." She turned and hugged me before connecting her lips in a kiss that made me feel heat flow through my entire body. Damn, dinner will have to wait.

She blushed, and I took that as consent to throw her onto the bed, and she landed with a little bounce. She closed her eyes and laughed like a child looking for trouble. I wasted no time and pounced on her.

Quickly I managed to remove her dress without tearing it apart.

"Wow. You look delectable in this lingerie." I was directly on the point.

"I bought them especially for you. Like?" She asked sceptically.

"You could not tell from my reaction?"

She aimed a mischievous look at me and said, "I can, but a girl never grows tired of hearing the words."

She giggled and I threw myself over her. Kissing her before removing her sheer lingerie. I prefer bare skin over any sheer-covered skin.

I kissed her neck and moved to her stomach that made her giggle. I felt warmness spreading in my heart by knowing she was responsive to every touch of mine. I kept moving south kissing every part of her sensitive body. Her nipples were red and taut by the time I was done with them. My hands moved on its own accord feeling every curve of her body.

Her breathing changed and her body became hot to my touch. I pinched her nipples with my fingers and moved my mouth over her opening.

"What are you doing?" She gasped with surprise when my lips landed on an overtly aroused bud. I waited for her body to adjust to my assault before plunging in.

After minutes, she whined, "No more, I can't take it."

"You can, just relax. Come when you are ready," I whispered. I could feel the tension creeping in her body before she climaxed.

When her orgasm left her plaint on my bed, I moved above her and kissed her. My body was shaking with the effort from restraining my desire that burned through me.

Wearing a condom, I drove my hips forward, burying myself in her body. Her shy smile took my breath away, and the blush decorating her face made my heart pound harder.

"More," She moaned. I gave her what she wanted. Soon enough, we both were sated, she in my arms while I tried catching my breath.

"That was awesome. Is it always going to be like this with you?"

I chuckled at her innocent comment.

"You can test me again and see for yourself."

"I can't wait enough for the next time." I let my hand roam over her back and pull her closer to me. Her head was resting in my neck while her left hand rested on my stomach.

"This is my favourite hiding place. I love to breathe in your warmth and scent," she whispered in my neck. I felt loved—is this how it feels?

Moments passed; I didn't feel like letting her go to have our dinner together. Still, I said, "Let's go have dinner and call an early night."

We got off the bed and wore meagre clothes—me in my boxer and she in her lingerie. We walked inside the kitchen hand-in-hand and set the food on the table to eat.

"You remember my friend, Nancy, from the team? The one who had commented about your food preference at Jeremy's."

I nodded and she continued, "She has a huge crush on you from years. She is from the same year as you."

"Ahhh. Does that mean she will be available to move with me to wherever I go after college?"

We spoke in-between bites of food.

"You said you are joining your dad's company. It is in the same city, I believe?" She asked raising a questioning eye to me.

"Yes, it is, but not the headquarter. It is in New York."

She narrowed her eyes and asked, "You are joining at the headquarter?"

"Maybe."

"You're moving to New York?"

"Maybe."

"You are willing to walk on the hell's road with sons of Satan all around?" Does she think New York is filled with devil minds?

I saw her anger was rising, and still I answered, "Maybe."

"Do you have any other answer than 'Maybe'?"

"Maybe." I answered with a straight face, but as soon as her face turned red, I ended up laughing.

She threw her napkin over at me and I caught it before laughing more.

"So, she has a crush on me. The ship has sailed and she has lost her chance."

She giggled and said, "I already let her know."

"Glad! I don't like breaking a girl's heart."

"You mean you would have said yes if she had asked you out?" Before I could answer, she added, "Don't say 'Maybe'." Her stern expression made me laugh again.

"I might have. She is not bad for looking at. But, not as good as you. So, I would have politely informed her to keep a distance before my girlfriend-zilla kicked her rare." I nodded sincerely which made her laugh.

"I wouldn't have kicked her. But, yeah, I would have given her a piece of my mind."

"All's done in good sense. She would have understood and stayed as your friend cum teammate?" I gave her a raised eye and I added, "Thank God, I asked you out first, huh." She smiled sheepishly.

"I have decided I am keeping you." I said when she stayed silent.

"I have decided I would like to stay," She answered as my heart desired.

I took her hand and walked her to the bed. Settling on bed, I turned the lights off. The kitchen light illuminated the room and helped me look at her with no extra efforts.

"You called me your girlfriend."

"That's what you are, aren't you?"

"Very much. The one and only."

She kissed me and wished me night before turning so that her back was snuggled against my front. I kissed her temple and then her neck before wishing her night. She smelled of jasmine and cool breeze, a scent that could only belong to her—not so mild and not so loud with a little feminine touch. Her smell was quickly becoming intoxicating to me and I could never protect myself from drowning in it.

I thought about her earlier comment that she'd decided to stay. I knew it was only an expression—how can it mean anything more? No one stayed for forever or long enough to call forever. Yet, something in my chest had fluttered at the thought. I liked the idea of staying with her, getting to see her every day, and feel her in my arms.

Maybe, maybe, I can join the company here and live with her till she is out of college. We can move to New York together four years down-the-line.

That's a far-off thinking. What if she doesn't approve this idea? What if she is with me because it is temporary? She was only looking for temporary and would move on to another relationship after this year. Who knows we would survive a year even?

With too many depressing thoughts, I let sleep take over.
Chapter 9

Grace

"I know sometimes I act like I know everything," Ron said while putting our bags in the car compartment.

He was full of himself when he claimed that it was going to rain on our drive to the ranch. I wished it did not because I didn't want to make a negative impression by making him meet my parents in drenched clothes.

"Isn't it all the time?" I said while opening the door of the passenger seat.

"Don't you go smarty-pants with me, missy." He glared at me with faked anger in his rounded eyes.

I laughed when he took his seat and moved the car out of the parking space.

"I didn't say more than the fact that I am much smarter than you."

"I won't deny that considering the fact that you are smart because I am with you."

"How can you say?"

"Isn't it a smart move to take me with you for the weekend so that you'll have someone to entertain you?" He emphasized the word 'entertain'. Well, he wasn't wrong about it. I never had any past boyfriends or flings with me over the house during my stay. He surely is starting a new trend—a benefitting one indeed.

"Sure, that smartness came out because of you. But, don't underestimate me when I am being smart with others in your absence."

"I never doubted it. A basketball player going to become a computer nerd—nope, not doubting your smartness at all."

"Ha, ha! Very funny."

"Sorry, can't see anything funny in it," he said and shrugged trying very hard to hide his smile behind his straight face.

"Whatever. I am a girl with beauty, brains, and strength," I made a show of showing off my muscles.

He laughed at my declaration and I joined him.

"On serious note, brace yourself for a hell of a time with my family."

"How bad can they be, huh? If I can handle you, they should be piece of cake for me."

"Are you saying I am difficult to be with?"

"Not at all. All I am saying is I am well-prepared by you."

"I am glad you see being with me is some sort of a training."

"More or less. At least I won't feel overwhelmed by your family."

How wrong was he? He'll get a wake-up call very soon. Serves him good, huh.

We continued with our light banter till we reached the breakfast bistro and occupied a corner near the window.

Once we had ordered, my phone rang and I answered seeing it was my mom.

"Hey, mom."

"Hello, my little sparrow." She loved calling me that.

"We have left and should be arriving soon. We just took a break to feed ourselves."

"You should have come home directly. I would have cooked your favourites and whatever your friend liked."

"We are good, mom. We wanted to try this breakfast place since it was on our way."

"Alright. But, don't expect me to wait longer if you both decide to take any other diversions or halts." I could hear amusement in her voice.

I decided to play along, "Mom, I can have many diversions and halts at the ranch house or the barn or in the woods. And I plan to take them," I looked at Ron who looked like his eyes were going to pop out and added innocently, "to show Ron around."

"I am sure your dad would love to take up the tour-guide role while you spend your time with me and Jenny."

"Oh mom, Ron would enjoy better if I take him for the tour." Two can play this game.

"I don't doubt it. Even I take your father for a tour once in a while, just to show him places he normally doesn't visit...no other reason."

I laughed at her fake attempt to keep her secrets secret.

"I have places I would love to show Ron too—just to show...no other reason."

"Okay, honey. You better come fast so that you can take him wherever you want to before the lunch hour."

"Sure, mom. Thank you for letting him come over."

"Anything for your friend...and someday something more."

She knew how I always felt even when I didn't address my feelings myself.

"Someday. Bye, mom. See you soon."

"Bye, my sparrow."

I ended the call and kept the phone on the table to dig in my food which had just arrived.

"I see you have plans for me," he asked and ate a forkful of his omelette.

"Yes. Your planner for the weekend is made."

"Should I be relieved?"

"Depends upon whether you like it or not."

"Does the plans include alone time with you?"

"Yes."

"I would love it." He smiled and I smiled back.

We finished our breakfast and I made the payment when the cheque arrived.

I took the driving while he relaxed on the side seat. I started the radio and let it play in the background.

In silence, we covered the remaining distance to my ranch. Once we reached the outskirts of the city, I took a right turn towards the off-road that led us to the Star⭐Ranch.

My heart began to tap-dance and my palms grew sweaty. I was nervous and my insides were tying itself in knots. I didn't know why but I desperately wanted my family to like him. He has made a place for himself in my heart.

I parked the car in the parking spot and he walked out to my side of the door.

He opened my door and said, "Are you coming? I think it would be awkward if I knock on your parents' door while you sat in your car looking lost in your thoughts."

He took my hand and pulled me in his arms. He rubbed my back and asked, "Are you alright? We don't have to do this if it makes you nervous. I can go..."

"No. No. You aren't going anywhere. Not without me at least." I looked at him and made sure he saw the determination in my eyes.

"Good. Now, let's go in before you breakdown with nervousness." He kissed me and went to get our bags out.

Ron was about to say something when the front door opened and Ginny Portman greeted us.

"Mom." I hugged her when she said, "Finally you arrive."

"On time."

"Yes, yes." Looking at Ron, she said, "Hello, Ron. Happy to have you at our home."

"Hello, Mrs. Portman. It is my pleasure to be here with your family. Thank you for inviting me over."

"More like accepting the invitation."

"I am sorry if Grace was a little too pressing on you."

"No, I wasn't. She was more than thrilled to meet my friend," I stretched the last word.

Mom laughed and said, "I can't deny that. A mother will always be eager to meet her daughter's friend."

"More than necessary," spoke my dad joining us from the next room.

"Dad." He hugged me and kissed me on my head. He slipped his arm around my waist, and hugged me into his side.

"You must be Rony Wayne?" He extended his right hand to Ron.

"Yes, sir. Pleasure to meet you," Ron replied shaking dad's hand.

"Likewise. Please come inside or my wife will forget her manners and let you stand here while she chitchatted her way into finding everything about you two."

"Jaden," Mom reprimanded dad.

"Be a good host, wifey, and get these two some refreshers." He looked at me and said, "I have to go to the barn for my daily rounds. I'll see you two for lunch."

"Yes, dad. We are going to settle and look around the place for a while."

"Sure do. Let me know if you need anything on your tour."

"Thanks, dad."

"Come on you two. I'll get your drinks in the sitting area," Mom demanded.

I took Ron's wrist and dragged him to the sitting area where he dumped our bags.

"Where is Jenny?"

"Must be around. She has two giraffe legs always on the go."

"Mom, she is a grownup and you have to treat her like one." She handed us both our drinks and sat opposite to our couch with her own.

"She is a notorious grownup who always ends up in trouble. With you around, she was controllable but now, she is unreachable."

"Talking about me, mom. Not the first impression I would have made for myself." Here comes my little sister, Jenny. God save Ron. Amen!

"Here comes trouble," said mom.

I laughed and I stood to hug my sweet-with-fire-in-her-mouth sister.

"What? You can't even hug your sister properly now?" I asked when she did not hug me back.

"I have someone else in my mind to hug." Her eyes were on Ron. I rolled my eyes when I saw Ron controlling his smile from breaking.

"Not yours to take."

"You already claim him?"

"Yes. Thus, he is off-limits," I raised an eye to her.

"Damn, there are no boys on this ranch and the ones that come here are taken. Can't you get single guys for me from your stupid college?"

"Language, young girl," mom chided her.

"Are we talking about boys or chocolates? Because I can get you chocolates next time when I come to see you."

"I would like to lick something more than a chocolate," she whispered to avoid mom's scolding.

I laughed and ruffled her hair with affection. For an 18 year old girl, she was a smart piece of work.

"In good time, young lady," I assured her.

"At least you call me 'lady'. Someone needs to learn from you that I should be treated like a grownup woman."

"You grow up from above here," mom touched her forehead and added, "I'll never call you 'young girl' again."

"That's not fair." She folded her hands and pouted.

"Why, do you think you will never grow there?" I said and laughed.

"No, I think I am already grown up. If I grow up more and come to your age, I'll turn into an oldie."

"What the hell? Are you calling me old?" By the time I finished my question, she had hugged Ron and was out of the sitting area humming to a random song.

Ron stood near the couch in a shocked state. Yeah, my sister was like breeze—no one can predict where her mischief will head.

Mom huffed and said, "Don't mind her."

Out of nowhere, the silence was eaten up by Ron's laughter. I giggled and mom joined us too.

"She is cute, Mrs. Portman. Can't expect anything else from young minds." He smiled at her and my heart melted. He liked my family and all its weirdness.

"Stay for the weekend and let me know if you change your mind," she said and smiled.

"Alright. Let's go for a walk outside before it is lunch time," I interrupted.

"Yes, you two be back on time."

It was a sunny day so we borrowed two hats from the stand at the door. We headed outside the house and walked towards the barn.

"You look cute in your hat," he complimented me.

"How do you see through it?" The hat covered my face completely. And his larger frame didn't help either.

"I just know it."

I tried tilting my head to look at him. He smiled when I succeeded and I smiled back.

"You look like a true cowboy minus the clothes."

He laughed and replied, "And the shoes."

Sure enough, he was wearing the wrong footwear for the land. By the end of the weekend, I didn't think it would survive much, unless...

"Those fancy shoes will do a lot better on a catwalk than this old country side. We can go shopping in the later part of the afternoon and buy you some cowboy outfit."

"How about we do it the next time we come? I am not sure if I can pull the cowboy act without observing some cowboys here." He looked around to find them.

"They would be in the barn with the horses."

He nodded and said, "So I'll try to learn how to talk and walk from them. Next time, I can play the role."

"I look forward to it."

"How about you be my cowgirl tonight?" He asked me seductively.

"Oh yes. I know how to pull it off." I gave my minx voice—a little whisper and a little sensual.

He leaned down, tilted our hats and took my lips with his. His lips were sweet from the coconut punch we had. He tasted delicious.

We reached the barn and entered to see dad's men working on the horses. Some men were cleaning them, some brushing, and some feeding. I walked Ron through the path and introduced him to the horses with their names. Yes, every horse had a name. And the funny ones were named by Jenny.

"And this is Mr. Sniffy."

"Because he sniffs," Ron replied confidently. We came across Mr. Fatso before who was named because of his fats. And Mrs. Fatsosfarty (aka Fatso's Farty) because Jenny got her married to Fatso and found out she farts a lot. Yikesss. (Not going into more gross-filled names to save us from cringing.)

Through the walk in the barn, Ron kept clicking my pictures while I showed him around and cooed and spoke to all the horses affectionately.

"Hi, Grace," called Billy from two stalls ahead.

"Hello," I replied and walked to him.

"Good to see you here, kid." I was only a decade younger to him but he always called me a kid.

"Billy, this is Ron, my college friend."

"Howdy, Ron." He offered his hand to Ron.

"Hello, Billy."

"How are the breeds, Billy?" I asked

"All doing fairly good. Some ready for the turfs."

"That's good news. I heard we had maximum number of bookings this quarter for the race."

"Yeah, we did well." He grinned and made me smile.

"Very well. Billy, I have a favour to ask. Can you help us saddle up for a ride this afternoon?"

"Sure." Looking at Ron, he continued, "Have you rode a horse before?"

"I am afraid not." He looked at me with a sorry face.

"Don't worry, Ron. We will ride the same horse if you are up for it," I suggested.

His face literally lit up. "Yes."

"Great, I'll see you two at the corral by 3.00," Billy ordered.

I nodded and we walked off to the end of the barn where dad was talking to a handyman.

"Hey, dad," I greeted when we neared him.

"Hi, sweetheart. Hello, Ron."

"Hello, Mr. Portman."

"Please call me Jaden." Ron nodded and I took over the conversation, "I have asked Billy to help us with our horse ride in the afternoon."

"No problem, dear. I'll assign his work to someone else."

"Thanks, dad."

"Shall we head for lunch? We will not hear the end of it from your mom if we are late."

I giggled and Ron laughed.

We talked about college and friends while walking towards the house.

"Hah, look what the breeze brings in," Jenny spoke when we entered the living area.

"How dramatic of you, Jenny?" Dad asked.

"Wait till you meet mom." She said with raised eyebrows to prove her point.

Dad rolled his eyes and went inside the kitchen. I hung our hats while Jenny walked to Ron with an inspecting eye.

"You are handsome," she said with a nod as if her approval was required to bestow him the title.

"Thank you," Ron suppressed his smile. I went to sit on the couch to enjoy the show.

"But a little old for my liking."

"I am sorry for that I guess."

"Apology accepted. You should have waited to be born." As if...

I laughed silently. Ron gave a smirk and joined the game.

"I realise I should have. You look like a smarter one with a real brain."

"You have an eye for brilliancy. Not many people see it and very few admit it," she sighed dramatically.

"I feel you. Someday you will achieve greatness in life and people will realise their mistakes."

"Amen!" She joined her hands in prayer style and bowed.

"If you two are done, get your asses in the kitchen for lunch," mom shouted from the kitchen.

I lost the battle and laughed. Ron chuckled while Jenny looked at us with a straight face.

"Glad I made you laugh, big sister," she walked passed my couch and entered the kitchen.

"She is something," Ron asked with awe.

"Isn't she? I adore her so much."

"I have started adoring her too."

"More than me?" I walked to him and went in his open arms.

"I adore the child in her, and I adore the woman in you."

"I like that." He kissed me until mom interrupted again.

We went to the kitchen and sat down. The plates were served with food and we started digging in.

"Have you made friends with popular kids?" Mom asked in-between the bites. Her advice before I left for college was to make friends with famous kids and popular sportspersons. According to her that's how you go places and make a name for yourself—just studying does not take you far, but only till landing a job. I agree connections are important.

"I am friends with one popular kid." I gave Ron a side-eye. He rolled his eyes at me.

"Hope you don't mean your basketball team, Grace." She huffed at me.

"Nope. He plays football."

"She is talking about him," Jenny said pointing a finger at him.

"That's nice. You plan to play professionally?" Dad asked him with interest.

"I don't. I play to stay fit. After college, I'll let gym and morning jogs do the work."

"What are you planning after graduation?" Dad asked again.

"I am joining my dad's firm."

Dad's eyes went huge and he said, "Wayne Realty. You are the grandson of the trustee who started the university."

"Yes."

"That's a lot of responsibility," Dad said. I saw compassion in his eyes.

"That's a lot of freedom," Jenny corrected.

"How so?" Mom asked.

"You get access to everything and everywhere."

"She is right," Ron confirmed.

"Will you get me access to your football match?" And here I thought she would ask for entry into the college. Nope, her priorities were not straight.

"Yeah, I can."

She bounced on her seat with excitement.

"Why do you want to go for the match, girl?" Mom asked with narrowed eyes.

"I have to see a friend play," she said with a shrug. But the sparkle in her eyes gave her away.

"Are we talking about Hank Whitaker?" Dad intertwined. Hank was a local boy who joined college this year just as me.

"It can be him," Jenny replied hesitantly.

"Missy, you are too young to friend old boys," Mom chided her.

"He is just a friend from social media. It isn't like we meet outside the digital world."

"Do I see anything happening in future?" Mom asked.

"Only in my grownup future, mom. Gosh, I am not a baby anymore."

"For me, yes, you are. You are allowed to be friends with boys but just that...nothing more," Mom commanded.

"Just as Grace is friends with Ron?" she batted her eyes with an act of innocence.

I huffed and Ron laughed. I never admitted we were more than friends though some of our actions spoke otherwise anyway.

"Winter vacations should be banned in our country," Mom complained. Jenny's school was starting again after a break of two whole months.

"You'll love my company, mom."

"More than you know, kiddo." Mom huffed and we all laughed.

"People die to be with me, even horses and ponies fight to be with me...and you, mom," with a dramatic shake of her head, "...losers weepers."

"The quote is 'finders keepers losers weepers'. Use it right," Mom laughingly commented.

"Whoever finds me is a keeper..." she said in a sing-song way.

"I double you on that," Ron sided her.

"Someone is on my side...without me asking for it."

"Don't fly, Mantis. He is only being nice to you because he is my b...friend." Before boyfriend slipped out of my mouth, I held it back.

"Mantis?" Ron asked looking surprised.

"She used to look like it," I informed.

"Used is the word to be considered here," Jenny argued and I rolled my eyes.

"If you all are finished with your dinner, then go clean your dishes and come back for hot chocolate brownies," Mom stood and went to the dishwasher.

"Can I take Betty out today?" Jenny requested.

"No," Mom and dad said together.

"Betty?" Ron asked eying me.

"She is referring to our beat-up truck," I informed.

"I thought she is referring to a dog," Ron looked surprised. Who names a car Betty?

"We have dogs and they stay mostly with the handymen."

"I would like to let you both know that I know how to drive," Jenny interrupted us by whining.

"You were taught to drive for emergencies. And I don't see an emergency here?"

"It is an emergency for me. I have to reach the department store before my eyeliner runs out," Jenny spoke hysterically.

Mum huffed and answered, "No Betty for your eyeliner emergency. You can borrow mine."

"I don't do second-hand."

"I have a brand new and you can take it."

"I don't use the brand you do."

"Enough. Yes or no? No other option for you till the next week."

"You are forcing your daughter to obey," Jenny folded her arms and stared at mom, "I agree to your terms...half-heartedly."

We silently laughed at her antics.

One by one, we stood and cleaned our plates before settling back on our seats. We grabbed pieces of brownie and ate it.

"You have a talent in cooking, Ginny." During the lunch, Ron had learned to call mom by her name.

"I am the best," mom said and dad huffed, "Jaden cooks decent too."

I laughed and chimed in, "Dad is great at cooking too. It is just me and Jenny who didn't inherit that particular skill from them."

"Hey, talk for yourself. If I set my mind, I can do anything... I just don't want to set myself on fire by being close to the stove and oven." Jenny dramatically shivered.

"Stop being dramatic. You are just lazing," mom teased.

"Just as those who can't dance have two left feet, Grace has two left hands. She is as clumsy as the name goes," Jenny argued.

"I don't put my right or left... anyway you are the queen of disaster, aren't you? What did you make last time? Burned pie?"

We all laughed while Jenny snickered.

"How about you, Ron?" asked mom.

Before he could answer, I intervened, "He is a great cook. You should try out his specialities."

"Looks like Ron has already cooked your dinner. Dinner date?" Jenny leaned on her side and eagerly asked.

I tsked and Ron replied, "Yes, I did. Still can't believe I was on the edge the whole time anticipating her reaction." He looked at me and we shared a moment.

Once we were done with the dessert, I excused myself to freshen up a little before joining Ron for the afternoon. I showed him the guest room where he could freshen up and meet me in the living room when done. After half an hour, I waited for him in changed clothes and a hat in my hand.

"Nice hat," Ron commented when he joined me.

"It's mine. I thought of removing it for use."

I went on my toes and kissed him. I had missed this, the quite moment when we were alone.

Ron picked a hat from the stand and we walked out. I took him to the smaller barn where the ponies were in their pen.

"I know you are scared of horses and you prefer not to go near them, but these are just cute babies."

"Oh no, you don't want me to touch them, do you?" Ron squeaked in his manly voice and I almost laughed.
Chapter 10

Ron

I have had a roller-coaster morning and now my biggest fear comes alive. It wasn't that I was shitty scared by horses, just nervous around them. What if they decide to go aggressive especially on me? What if they bite me out for fun? What if they kick me to laugh at my expense? I shuddered.

I have to distract myself before I ran off like a scared puppy. And the best way was hanging right over my neck—my camera.

"These are innocent babies. They'll be welcoming you with open arms." After a moment, she added, "Open heart—arms would be impractical."

I rolled my eyes and replied, "I think I can take that risk. It isn't like they are powerful enough in their tiny forms to do any harm to me."

"Wise thinking. Let's go meet Chicken-ears," she said and giggled.

I laughed and without any doubt knew how the pony received the name.

"Well, I call her Chrome and she is my baby. I was there when she was born and it was a magical moment which connected us through our hearts."

"You love horses, don't you?"

"I do very much. It is my passion for technology that took me to college and out of country-side." She sighed.

"Do you like city-life so far?"

"So far..." She smiled at me and I kissed her for letting me know that my presence in her life made it bearable for her to be living in a city far away from people and horses she loved.

While she opened the door for us to enter, we removed our hats and hung it on the nails hammered outside the door. As soon as Chrome realised it was her, she came nuzzling her neck and sniffing her smell. I took my camera in my hand and set it ready for clicks.

"That's my good girl. Have you been a good girl in my absence? You have, haven't you?" she cooed.

Chrome nudged her head bumping Grace's neck as an answer to her. Click.

"I have brought a friend to meet you. Would you like him to be your friend?" She rubbed her knuckles on Chrome's neck and touched her face to hers. Click.

Stepping away from Chrome, she spoke to me, "Hold your hand out and let her sniff you."

I did as I was being told, and she nudged my hand and bumped my chest with her head. I laughed and rubbed her back to offer my affection.

Grace took my camera and clicked for me.

"She likes it," Grace let him know.

I scratched Chrome's jaw while Grace rubbed her stomach.

"It is funny that I like her already," I replied.

"Good. The feelings are mutual," she whispered patting Chrome's back. "She is easy to like," Grace added.

I clicked us in the frame with Chrome and leaned to kiss Grace before replying, "So are you." Instead, I wanted to say 'You are easy to love not just like.' I was quickly losing my heart but I wasn't scared this time. I wanted it.

I rubbed Chrome's neck and said, "Don't you worry, girl. Your friend is safe with me. I'll take care of her in your absence. You don't forget to let the good people here take care of you. We'll come soon to meet you again." I kissed Chrome's forehead and took Grace in my arms.

She laughed and whispered in my ear, "Let's go to the washroom where we can wash our hands and get to the touchy part."

"Now that's a good plan." I lifted her and she guided us to the store room near the barn that had an attached washroom.

I dropped her on the basin counter and kissed her necked. She let go off the hats she had repossessed from the door on the ground.

"We don't have much time. Anyone can drop in," she hastily added.

"Then we will have to be quick." I sucked at her neck and she moaned with a nod. I popped her pant buttons and dragged it around her ankle. Her pants were tight so it was a tight fit for me to hold a position between her legs. While kissing her everywhere, I had my pants down too. And soon we were making love to each other. Yes, it was love-making.

Once we were sated, she giggled and said, "Glad you come prepared."

"I remember you saying my planner had alone time with you. How could I not be prepared and miss the opportunity?" It was a thrill to have fucked her in open where people couldn't see but could have heard if they were nearby. I am not an exhibitionist but a thrill went through when there was a fear of being caught.

"I don't want to let you go." She hugged me closer and I tightened my arms around her. I could feel her breath on my chest and her fingers tugging my shirt.

"I want to take you to bed and stay cuddled."

She sighed and replied, "Will have to wait till the night falls. We have asked Billy to help us with horse-riding."

"You had, baby. I am not a fan of horses as you could see already."

"I know. I know. I didn't realise it when we took the tour at the barn."

"I didn't let you." I placed a kiss on her head and murmured, "Let's go and get done with it."

I helped her with dressing up and we walked out hand-in-hand relieved that no one decided to visit the store room when we were having a private moment.

Once we reached the edge of the corral, we saw Billy walking the biggest, polka-dotted, but a pretty horse I had ever seen. Click.

"About time you both arrived," Billy shouted from the distance we had.

"Sorry, Billy. I lost track of time while talking to Chrome," Grace explained.

"Accepted. Let's get you saddled up first," Billy said covering the distance between us.

Grace helped me wear the gear while Billy arrived next to us inside the corral with the horse. Click.

"What's her name?" I asked.

"His." Grace laughed.

"Apollo," Billy added. Does the name come from Polka-dots? I couldn't say.

"Let's do it," I said instead.

We climbed the fence, Grace first followed by me, and we mounted the horse. I hadn't expected Grace to need my help in getting on a horse, but it would have been an embarrassment if I had needed.

Billy walked the horse circling the edge with a slow pace.

"Are you alright?" Grace turned and asked.

I managed to kiss her cheek with the hats intruding and replied, "I like it because it is with you."

She beamed and said, "Once we are trained with riding, we can take him out over the hill to enjoy the scenery."

"I can be your personal trainer if you both like," Billy offered.

"Thanks, Billy. We would love that. Every time we come here; we can get trained from you."

It warmed my heart to know that there was more than this visit. This family has started feeling more closer than mine. I liked spending time with them. They are so welcoming and made me feel like at home. Grace was right that they are weird, but a good kind of weird. I would love to be a permanent part of this weird.

"What are you thinking?" she asked.

"Just that how much I like it here."

"It is peaceful," she added.

"And people are so warm," I offered.

"Wait till you go in town and meet others," Billy added.

"I'll take you to town next time we come here." Turning and whispering to me, she added, "Probably not the next weekend."

I laughed at how quickly she decided to spend her time with me alone in seclusion of our rooms.

"I look forward to every weekend spent with you anywhere."

"Me too," she whispered.

I held the camera in front of us and hugged her before clicking. I kissed her cheek and clicked. I was looking forward to all these pictures. Pictures from our visit to the main barn, from the ponies' barn, and here at the corral. These were memories and I was going to hold on to them.

After an hour of riding on the back of Apollo, we bid our goodbyes to him and Billy before heading to the house. Evening rolled out quickly and after dinner, we settled on the porch with hot chocolate under the moonlight.

"I love the sounds of insects. We don't get to hear it in the city," Grace broke the silence.

"And the fresh air. I like the smell of ranch life." I confessed.

"Really?" Jenny asked.

"Sure. It is nice here."

"Well, consider adding a ranch in your retirement homes. I have heard once a city boy always a city boy," Jenny conveyed.

"Maybe. I am used to the city life and my plans of future involves a city in it." I shrugged and added, "Ranch can be my vacation home whenever I want to take a break from the fast city life."

"Consider this as your vacation home then," Jenny shrugged.

"Are you trying to tell him he is welcome to visit again?" Dad asked Jenny.

Grace giggled and moved closer to me on the couch we had occupied. Jaden and Ginny sat on the two-seater swing chair, and Jenny on a wooden recliner.

"Dad, don't put words in my mouth."

Jaden shook his head and laughed.

"We would love to see you again," Ginny helped the situation by being direct.

"I would love to come again."

"Then it is settled, we will see you next weekend with Grace," Her mom clapped and excitedly said.

"Mom," Grace chided her.

"What? I am just making plans ahead of time. It is always best to be prepared."

"We aren't coming next weekend," Grace informed them.

"Of course, they want to take their 'friendship' to the next level in private," Jenny quoted the word and rolled her eyes.

We all laughed at her attempt to be innocent.

"We just want to spend some time together when we are not worried about our classes," Grace eyed Jenny challengingly.

"Does that mean you both don't need to spend the time together tonight as you'll have the whole weekend to yourselves?" Before Grace could say, she continued, "I am sharing Grace's room with her."

"No. What?" Grace looked shocked and I wanted to laugh.

"You heard. My room is being renovated and I had been sleeping in your room from past two days."

"No, you can't."

"Yes, I can. I have a big heart. I'll let you sleep on my temporarily-acquired-bed and share the room."

"I meant you can't sleep in my room, young lady."

"Why do you have someone else sleeping in your room with you?" Jenny eyed Grace then me and back to Grace.

"Mom, please save me," Grace looked at Ginny for help and we all ended into a fit of laughter.

"Jenny, you'll sleep in the guest room."

"No."

"Yes, girl. Get your things from Grace's room for the night and go to the guest room. It's time to end the night."

"It's not fair. You are taking away my room...twice now."

"It is not your room in the first place," her mom argued.

"I sleep in it so it is mine. When I'll say goodbye and leave never looking back, it won't be mine."

"Don't be dramatic. The bed in the guest room is comfy too."

"You break my heart, mom. I will never share my room with you. NEVER." Looking at Jaden she said, "Dad, why are you not renovating your room? Since the guest room is mine now and her room is mine, mom will be room-less. Huh, it would serve her right."

"Sweetheart, will that not make me room-less too?" Dad asked her trying to fan innocence.

"Oh shit. I didn't think of that. Well, I'll let you use the other side of my bed."

Ginny shook her head and laughed. we joined her and laughed so hard that my jaw started hurting by the time I was done.

"Go to your room and plan your revenge in your dreams. Get going now..."

Jenny huffed and stood to leave.

"Finally, some peace," Ginny smiled affectionately.

"I always thought I was your favourite, but when you look at her so affectionately, I have my doubts," Grace smiled and commented.

"I love her and I love you. You both hold a special place in my heart. I am a lucky woman to have such daughters who are pole opposites."

"True that. When you are not around, we miss you a lot. Jenny doesn't say but she misses you too," Dad added.

"She keeps bugging me with anything—like one time she called to ask me if I have brainwashed her dear Nightmare Stormy into not listening to her. I knew it was just an excuse to talk to me," Grace said and laughed.

"Nightmare Stormy?" I asked Grace.

"Oh, the horse was born on a night hit by storm which was scary for the little Jenny," she said and laughed.

"The name fits right," I laughed back.

"Jaden, let's leave these two to have their alone time while we have ours. The kids have already tired me but I would like you to drain out my remaining energy," Ginny said and winked at her husband.

"Shhsshh, wifey," he chided her. Looking at us, he said, "I am taking her to bed before she spills all our secrets and embarrasses not only you two but me as well."

He held her hand and looked at her with so much affection in his eyes. They walked inside hand-in-hand, and wandered if I could have that connection with someone when I grew old.

I looked at Grace who was resting peacefully in my arms. I would love these moments more. The ranch has grown on me too—its quietness, the fresh air, the family love, and the horses too (to some extend). I see myself happy in this life.

"Are you alright?" Grace looked at me with concern in her eyes.

"I like your family. I have never experienced so much love and affection before if I don't count my nanny."

"I am happy that you like them. I really wanted you to like them. Does this mean you will come here again?"

"If your family don't mind me coming."

"Are you kidding? They are so charmed by your presence. If I don't get you the next time I come here, I fear they would send me back to bring you along." She laughed at her own joke but I felt she wasn't entirely kidding.

"Then I would save the double trip and tag along with you," I smiled at her.

"Great, so next time I am taking you in the town and making you eat local cuisines. And we are shopping all trendy cowboy clothes for you and make you do a fashion show for me. And we will continue with your riding lessons with Apollo and we will take two ATVs out for a drive over the hills. Oh, you can also cook for my family and show off your skills. And..."

"Hold on. You already have the planner ready for me." I said and laughed while she pouted at me.

"It is because of my planner that we had an amazing day." She rolled her eyes and squinted at me accusingly.

"I agree but there is one action still pending from your planner."

"I don't think so. We did everything today as we had planned. Tomorrow I have kept it free so that we can spend some time with my family and explore the land. What have I missed?"

"Your own personal fashion show you had promised."

She banged her hand on her forehead dramatically and sighed. "Of course. The day hasn't ended so..."

She took my hand and dragged me out of the couch. Before she could take a step ahead, I lifted her and made her fold her legs over my waist with her hands over my neck. I started working inside towards her bedroom on the first floor.

"What if while kissing you, Jenny bumps into us?" I asked keeping one hand on her hip and another around her waist.

"Then the morning newsflash in the house would be 'Two astray homo sapiens found wandering with insatiable needs.' Mom and dad will have a field day."

We both laughed because we knew how true that was.

Once we reached in the safe walls of her room, I peered down into her face and kissed her while dropping her slowly on the ground. Our kisses deepened and I slowly removed every piece of clothing from her body.

Stopping our kisses, I managed to speak, "Fashion parade first, bedtime next." It has become our code word for sex whereas sleep-time is just as the name implies—sleep.

She rummaged through her clothes and changed into some fashionable cowgirl outfit. Her pants fit her so tight I could see every curve of her slim legs. She looked cute at the same time very sexy. The next outfit was even better, a loose shirt tucked halfway in with open top buttons that did things to my libido. The last outfit made her look like a young girl on the way to do dirty things. It was perfect. Her black skirt and white shirt with red scarf looked killer. I wasted no time in lifting her and gently lowering her back onto the bed. Standing and stepping back, I looked at her lying on the bed with a sexy smile on her face. She was exquisite and the most beautiful person I have ever met.

"You take my breath away."

"Really? Do you like the cowgirl side of me?" she asked biting her lower lip in anticipation.

"Damn yes. I love it. You look so sexy that I just want to tear those clothes apart and make love to you."

She laughed cutely and spoke, "If you say these clothes look sexy on me then why tear the poor things?"

"So that I can reach to the sexy I was talking about—that's you."

"What else am I?"

"Everything to me—my innocent angel and my sexy siren. I would do anything for you."

She sat up and held her hand over my chest. Looking up at me, she whispered, "What would you do?"

"You only have to ask and I'll rotate earth just to give you night if it is day! I would bring the river to cover you from cold when the chills of the night bothers you! I would pull the sky down if you ask for an umbrella to protect you from rains! I would move mountains just to give you a little bit of shade on a sunny day!"

She stood and kissed me while slowly removing my shirt followed by every other clothes. She continued planting kisses over my chest, neck, and shoulder blades. I removed her clothes one by one and caressed her body. I lifted her to sit in the middle of the bed. When her arms curled around me, I pushed against her gently, urging her to lie her head on the cushion.

Our lips met in a desperate, breathless devouring hunger. My hands strayed down her body feeling the smoothness of her skin. I let my fingers trail across every sensitive point I know which made her shiver with pleasure. I moaned softly across her lips and trailed kisses over her body.

We lost the track of time and forgot that we were in her family home. All that mattered was me and her. I was scared about the noises that would travel outside the room but not enough to make me stop. I was lost in the moment completely and only a knock would have stopped me. Every single part of her body belonged to me and mine to her. And I wanted was to savour the taste of her skin and never forget these moments in my life. I wanted to make many more moments with her and save them in my memory bank. Her whispers, her needs, her sharp inhales when I touched a spot she enjoyed. Everything about her was arousing—her smell, her smile, her whimpers, her breath, her squirms, her head trashing. Yup! It was everything.

Soon I had her moaning and squirming beneath me as I set a steady rhythm. Having a pack of condom in my pocket might be risky, but I knew how much handy it was. Thus, the risk was worth taking.

As soon as we found our rhythm, it was over too soon. She whispered in my ear, "This has been the best night on my bed."

I kissed her temple and hugged her close by tightening my arms around her.

"I am happy that you'll think of me whenever you sleep on your bed."

"I hope to never sleep on my bed alone," she whispered and relaxed. I held her in my arms while she slowly fell into a heavy sleep.

It was easy for me to sleep as well not just because I had a long and tiresome day but because I was happy.

Next day, we woke up quite late to our dislike and missed having breakfast with all. Ginny had prepared an amazing breakfast and we were full by the time we finished it. We had planned to leave by afternoon after lunch but a sudden call from my dad asking me to come see him had us making changes to it.

As we drove towards our college, I realised how much I regretted missing lunch with them. We could have had a family meal before we had to leave. I also felt guilty that Grace had to shorten her stay too.

"Hey, stop looking like someone hit your cat. I am fine that we had to leave early. We are coming back for the weekend after the next—all because you promised so obediently like a good old son." I laughed at the amusement in her voice.

"If you wish to stay back, I can come here alone for my planned stay. I already have the planner you made for me. I'll be fine I suppose," I suggested.

"No way. I am not leaving you alone with Jenny. You won't survive a day without me."

I laughed at her reasoning and said, "I agree with you. And thanks for saving me today morning." Jenny had confidently asked me to set her up with any of my football team member so that she doesn't have the worst summer of her life. She wanted some kicking, pushing and tumbling, and she wasn't talking about football—I wasn't naïve to understand the innuendo behind it. Meaning she wanted to play football on bed.

"See, I told you. You need me."

"I do. I'll always do," I replied with seriousness in my tone.

After dropping Grace at her hostel gate, I left to go meet my dad at the office. I met with a series of important people with my dad and discussing my future. All the meetings went on till late and we ended up having dinner together at some fancy hotel before dad left for New York. I had to do this and spent time with him if I had to secure my job here. He had wanted to meet me to discuss my role and the first project of my career. Thankfully, we have agreed and finalized who I was working with and on what project. It wasn't a big project but something I would have personally loved to do. I had to rebuild a rich man's five storey house keeping the original structure intact as much as possible. The destruction and planning will be done before I graduated and the rebuilding will initiate in my presence.

I had called Grace and explained her my situation and apologized for not showing up for dinner. We had made a plan to hit an Italian restaurant which will have to wait till next time now. I reached my room late and missed Grace by my side immensely.

Lying on my bed, I messaged her to come to my room after her classes tomorrow so that we can spend the evening together. I had a long Monday with classes, practice, and the new project shoots. With the thought of spending tomorrow night with her, I dozed off immediately.

Chapter 11

Rony

It was a long day with classes, practice, and photography—longer than long. Strangely, I had managed to drag myself through the day. I called Grace before leaving the room and assured her to meet tonight. She had some time off so she had stayed back in her room for some more hours of sleep. If she was at practice, I would have gone to steal a kiss or two. I missed spending time with her.

I missed our weekend at the ranch and with people I could call family. They had been really nice and I was looking forward for my time with them on the next weekend. The coming weekend was saved for some special activities that only required me and Grace.

I liked the idea of her being in my bed and treat my room as hers. She even had a spare key to the room to let her in if I was running late at the agency. That perspective helped us today as I was late and literally missed my dinner with her.

Due to my latest project which demanded extra work on the models, I had to stay back and try to meet the deadline. It didn't help that the models were famous actresses from Hollywood.

I had called and asked her to sleep because I was expected to be late. So, when I reached my room, I had expected Grace to be asleep as it was past midnight.

I found her on the sofa waiting for me with eyes downcast on the floor.

"I told you not to wait up for me. You have early practice tomorrow and without proper rest, you will be tired." I spoke as I walked to her.

"Is your concern fake too just as all the time we spent together?"

"What?"

She stood with such force that I thought she'll lose her balance and hit the floor. But she managed to stay upright and angry all at once.

"I know the game you played so expertly with me. You won, Ron. You won. I am heartbroken and revealed every part of my life to you." Spreading her hands, she continued, "Why don't you grab your camera and shoot the damn video so that you win through and through. I'll do whatever you say for this last time before I leave forever. I never want to see your face again."

Her tears were running down quickly and I was shaken to my core. I didn't know how to handle this situation or make her understand this never was a game for me. Not from the very beginning. Will she believe?

How can the timing be so wrong? I didn't want her to find out from someone—I can bet in this case it is James because it was only him who knew about the bet. I wanted to tell her everything but my meeting with dad and agency work prevented me from explaining her everything.

"I never played any game with you. I admit I had taken up the challenge to make you mine but that stayed far off from my actions towards you. Everything I did was coming from my heart. Every moment we shared was true as the clear sky. After getting to know you, I never thought of going through the bet. Hell, I might have not taken the challenge seriously from the first day I spoke to you. Please believe me that you are more than just a girl to me, more than just a challenge, and more than just a temporary fling. I want to make it permanent. I even want to stay here and work instead of going to New York. I have everything planned out and executed just to be close to you. I never wanted to break your heart or make you go away from me. You are everything and I never want to see you go."

"How do I know this is not just another game to try and secure your win?"

"I already gave away the challenge money and backed out calling myself a loser. If James let you know about the challenge, how did he miss to tell you it is no more happening?"

"I didn't wait long to hear him out. Anyway, why would I believe you again? You met me with an intention to win a bet. Your friend chose me for you, and not you. Hell, maybe you didn't even find me attractive enough to approach yourself. I might have gone unnoticed if it wasn't because of James."

Pointing her finger back and forth on us, she added, "This is a lie. You would have been with someone else if it wasn't James picking me up for the challenge."

"I don't deny it was him who picked you. Baby, I swear I would have picked you over anybody. The only problem would have been my dislike for relationships that would have stopped me from approaching a girl too good for me. But I know my heart would have given up and run behind the one it wants. And it wants you. Now and forever. You made me believe in love and family. You changed my life for good. I love you, Grace."

"Now you say you love me. Out of all the best moments we had together, now you say you love me. Wow."

After a moment, she continued, "I need time. I can't do this." She turned and rushed out before I could catch hold of her.

Next day, I was on the phone with James crying my heart out and yelling at him for his big mouth when there was a knock on the door and I walked to open it, "I wish I could talk to her..." I spoke to him.

Grace was not answering my calls or answering the knocks at her door herself. Minnie who had answered the door twice had assured me she would talk to her. I was still waiting with no positive results. I messaged her lengthy heart-felt texts but to no use. She read and ignored both—me and my texts royally. Do I and my love not exist for her anymore? Can one mistake ruin my love and leave me alone forever? I couldn't imagine my life without her...and her family that is becoming mine slowly.

Whole day had passed and another night had risen. I dragged myself through my daily activities without any focus or interest. My only interest and focus were her—to fix what I had broken.

The moment I opened the door, I was shocked to find who was there on the other side.

"I love you; I love you; I love you," she said. I disconnected the call and put the phone on the cabinet next to the door.

As soon as I stood empty handed and lip-tied at the door, she jumped on me and wrapped me around her arms and legs. I held her by the hips and kissed her hungrily.

"Your wish has come true, your highness." I heard James speak as he bowed before he entered the door. Breaking the kiss, I stared at him. The one who spoiled everything for me is the one mending it. Should I thank him or shake him out of his smirk that he was carrying at the moment?

"The cat ate your tongue, my friend," he spoke while walking towards the kitchen. I didn't disagree to his claim—it was difficult to talk when I finally had her near me. Laughing, he helped himself with whatever food he wished to indulge in. I'll have to deal with him later on—feed the goat before the kill.

I kissed her again and deepened it ignoring the presence of my best friend.

After breaking the kiss and lowering her down, I caressed her cheek and said, "You shouldn't love me. You should hate me,"

"I'll remember that," she said.

"Even if you had not loved me, I still would have. And I would spend my life loving and convincing you to love me back," I confessed

"I'll let you do that. Not to convince me to love you back but to keep loving me."

"Fucking beautiful," I mumbled against her lips, and kissing her again.

This time, I didn't hold back. Squeezing her, I swept into her mouth, tasting her, breathing in her scent, and allowed it to drug me.

There was nothing better than to repeating what my heart felt, "I love you." And I'll love you forever.

"Forever." She reads my heart as she kisses me. Our hearts were one, always were, and always will be.

*******THE END*******

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