Keeping Her (The Lexington Series Book 2) (9 page)

Everyone cleared out at the same time
and I was exhausted, but I decided makeup the two beds that did come. When I
was finished I went down into the family room to find Landon and Nick on the
couches flipping through the TV. The space was large that we still had a ton of
open space even with a decent size sectional with two recliners, a love seat, a
chaise lounge, and a sofa with rocking chair that I just had to have. It was a
nice comfy one that I called the queen’s throne. I collapsed next to Landon and
fell into his arms. They turned to
Lip Sync Battle
reruns and I just
relaxed.

We ordered pizza since it’s been a
long day. When we decided to retire to bed, Nick looked from me to Landon then
back again. “Well kids, it’s been fun but I’m going to blow up my bed and
crash.” He said stretching and pointing to his room.

I frowned. “You do realize that one
of the beds for the guest bedroom is here and I made it up right?”

He gave me a disgusted look. “So that
I can overhear you two christen that room and the bed. Nope, no thank you. My
room is just fine, and I can turn on the TV and tune you bastards out. Now go hump
like the rabbits you are and I’ll see you in the morning.” He gave me an
accusing look, “and don’t think I didn’t notice that you just cooked for you
and
him
this morning I saw the evidence. That shit won’t fly another day
just so you know that.”

I held my hands up in surrender. “I
will not neglect you again dear.” I told him sweetly. He seemed to think it
over, and then nodded. He followed that up with a salute and went to his room.

Landon wrapped his arms around me and
pulled me to him. He placed a soft kiss to my lips. “Ready for bed?” he asked
and I nodded. He took my hand and led me upstairs to
our
room. That was
still a novelty to me. When we got there I looked around the room at our boxes
and sighed. Tomorrow was going to be another long day because I’ll be unpacking
our stuff. There was no other choice, our books and clothes and everything we
need were in them. Landon came up behind me and placed a kiss behind my ear.
“What’s wrong baby?” he whispered.

I turned to look up at him. “Moving
is exhausting.” I confessed with a pout.

He chuckled and then grinded against
me. “Lucy…” he trailed off.

I smiled. “Landon?”

He leaned down until his lips were
touching my ear. “Baby, I want you.” He said and my entire body tingled.

Through the lust coursing through my
body I giggled. “What’s so funny?” he asked.

I turned around to face him and
wrapped my arms around his neck. “I just remembered that night. The night I had
finally remembered what happened with Dan and everything, and you told me any
house that I live in would be ours… well, it’s kind of happening. At home it’s
still like we’re under our parents you know? Here even with Nick we’re all
starting a beginning in a new home, an additional chapter. It’s a good
feeling.” I admitted.

He smiled. “I think Nick mentioned
something about a christening to new homes?” he stated as a question and raised
his brow. I smiled and put my hand on the back of his head bringing his mouth
to mine. Nick was right we absolutely
did not
go right to bed.

I cooked breakfast the next morning
then headed out to pick up some items that we missed. When I got back Landon
and Nick helped me unload all the bags and we set about unpacking our things.
We were halfway through when the rest of the furniture was delivered. After we
got through getting the rest of the furniture setup we finished unpacking. I
walked through the house when everything was done and breathed out a sigh of
relief. We still needed a few things but we had more than enough to be
comfortable. The only thing missing really is that it that it lacked
us
.
The walls were empty and there was nothing that resembled us. That night I went
on my computer and went through my pictures. I had tons. I sent in an order to
Walgreens to have them printed and ordered frames from amazon. I planned to
hang up pictures of our lives throughout the house. There were some from our
trips and parties and just random shots. I went to bed that night happy. When I
woke up I went to the bathroom to relieve myself and when I came back out I
noticed a change. Landon had hung up some of the paintings I made in our room.
The one I painted of him from the art show was in front of the bed next to the
TV and I smiled. Throughout the day I found a few more hanging up in the house
but I would need to get proper frames for them. The thought made me melt a bit. 

Monday I went to my two classes that
day and went back home. Both Nick and Landon had practice so they wouldn’t be
home until later. I set about making dinner then got out my books to work on
school work. When Nick then Landon got home they joined me in the family room.
We stopped for dinner and then finished up our work before watching a little
TV. When it got late we retired to bed. We fell into that routine simple
enough, it was just like before. James came out on Wednesday while we were all
out of class and took us to the school that Max would be attending so that we
can see the school, meet the teacher, etc. James deposited Max to us on
Saturday and we got him settled. It didn’t take him but a few hours to get
comfortable. Of course he was crazy about the games and stuff they had bought
so he played with that for a while. I went out to the supermarket and got lunch
meats and things to pack him lunches for school.

Neither Landon nor I had class Monday
before 9am. Max needed to be to school by 8 so we went together to drop him
off. We would both be there at 3pm to pick him up. We shouldn’t have any issues
with his schedule because even with football practices I didn’t have to be on
campus at either time. As the days progressed we became more and more
comfortable in this new life. After the first few nights, Max was able to sleep
in his room. He got over his initial anxiety of us leaving him or not being
there. One evening Landon came home while I was cooking dinner and helping Max
with his homework. I heard him greet Max and came up behind placing a soft kiss
to my shoulder.

“Hey baby.” He whispered.

I smiled and turned in his arms. “Hey
there.” I told him and pecked him on the lips.

He stepped back and brought up his
hand which was holding a bunch of different color roses. My eyebrows shot up to
my forehead. “What’s this?” I asked.

He shrugged and looked around
uncomfortably, “I don’t know. I mean I know girls like this stuff and well I
wanted to make you smile.” He finished.

That earned him a full blown genuine
smile. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. He pulled me flush
against him and I could feel him beginning to get hard. I pulled back and shook
my head. “Cooking Landon.” I scolded and then signaled towards Max. He looked
back and sighed.

“Oops.” Was all he said and I shook
my head. Nick decided that was the time to come into the kitchen.

“What is all of this?” he asked.

I held up the flowers. “Landon got me
flowers.” I told him.

He let out a girly squeal, “aren’t
you two all domesticated these days?” he asked. And truth be told that is kind
of how it was.

NICK

Christmas came up fast it was only a
couple of days away. At James insistence, we would be celebrating this year
here at our new home. Erica and Mel would be arriving today and then James,
Sam, and Mel’s parents will get here tomorrow. We’re going to have a full
house. We decorated the place a few weeks ago at Max’s insistence. I couldn’t
wait to see Mel. This whole long distance thing is a hell of a lot harder than
I thought. The longing is hard to deal with. When I speak to Mel I could see
the same sadness that I feel. We pretty much just started, and we’ve got years
ahead of us. Don’t get me wrong, I
want
this. I
want
her but the
fact of the matter is the whole situation is taking its toll on me. I don’t
want to see anyone else… I don’t even notice other chicks. We’re only going to
be spending a quarter of the year actually together the next few years but I
cared too much about her to let go. It was well worth the wait and the effort
knowing that once we got through this we would have the rest of our lives.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts.
She was going to be here and there was no need for the depressing feelings
right now. I wanted to enjoy her, not wallow in my self-pity. I can’t wait to
get my damn hands on her that’s for sure. I sped to the airport anxious to see
her. I waited by the baggage claim for them and I saw her red hair through the
crowd and my heart sped up. I’d know her anywhere. She saw me and broke out into
a huge grin. I opened my arms for her and without missing a beat she took off
towards me and jumped into my arms wrapping herself around me. I breathed her
in, god she felt like heaven. I leaned my head back so I could kiss her. She
gripped my hair and kissed me savagely. Her kiss mirrored the hunger I felt
inside. I started to swell and had to slow down. This would have to wait until
we get home. Damn her seeing Lucy, she could wait until I had my fill which
might take a few days. I lowered her to the floor letting her slide down my
body.

“Hey sweet cheeks.” I said with a
grin.

“Hey yourself Nick.” She replied with
a goofy smile.

I heard a throat clear and I looked
to the side to see Erica watching with a huge smile on her face. I pulled her
into a bear hug and spun her around. I placed a kiss to her temple.

“Hey E, what’s going on? You miss
me?” I asked her.

She scoffed, “of course I didn’t. Who
do you think you are?” she responded but I knew she was full of shit she was
like my sister. I loaded them up in the car and headed home.

“This is awesome!” Erica squealed
when we got there and I smiled.

“Thank you, I did all the hard work
while Landon and Lucy sat on their lazy asses and watched.” I said with an
exaggerated sigh.

“HA! Yeah right Nick.” Lucy said
coming towards the door to greet them. Landon was on her heels.

The girls squealed and shit and Max
came running from his room and tried to tackle Erica. He was getting big,
that’s for sure. He’s going to outgrow them girls soon. After they did all their
girly greeting shit, Landon took Erica’s bag up to Max’s room where she was
going to be sleeping. And I carried Mel’s to my room. They followed me into the
family room.

“I want a tour!” Erica pouted. So
Lucy grabbed them and showed them the house. I could hear them chattering the
entire time. I went to the kitchen to grab a beer and Landon met me there.

“Dude, could you imagine if they all
lived here? I mean I’m used to it and I could only tolerate it from them. But
it’s been a while since I’ve heard it.” Landon said with a chuckle. I could
faintly hear Mel telling Lucy about how she decided to switch her major to
physical medicine and therapy. She decided to take that class for her first
semester and ended up enjoying it. She had told me about it when she first made
her decision but decided to wait to tell Lucy in person. I guess so they can
scream and jump all over each other about it, it made me smile.

I nodded to Landon and passed him a
beer. We went into the living room where Max was flipping through the channels
and got comfortable. When they were done… 30 minutes later they joined us. That
really shouldn’t have taken that long but I’m sure they were up there probably
redecorating. I rolled my eyes at the thought.

Mel came and snuggled next to me on
the couch and I wrapped an arm around her. I leaned down and whispered in her
ear, “I missed you so much baby.”

She looked up at me and met my eyes,
“I miss you every day.” She said softly and I felt it to my heart.

When it got late we all retired to
our rooms and I practically dragged Mel to mine. As soon as the door closed I
was on her. I walked her backwards towards the bed and my hands found their way
underneath her shirt. I pushed her back so she fell on the bed and began to
climb over here when she put her hands out to stop me.

“Uh Nick, we can’t.” She told me.

I shook my head and kept going and
she laughed and pushed against me. I growled in frustration, “Listen girl now
is not the time to fuck with me.” I told her.

She giggled, “seriously Nick. It’s
that time of the month.” She told me.

I sighed and let all of my weight
drop on top of her. She let out an oomph with a laugh before she slapped me on
the back. “Get your huge ass off of me.” She got out.

I rolled over and pulled her into me.
I gave her a light kiss. “That’s fine. I’m just happy you’re here with me. Now cuddle
me and give me all the kisses you owe me.” I told her.

She smiled and shook her head. “I
could do that.” And we proceeded to make out for the rest of the night.

Landon

Christmas was great and we had a lot
of fun. It was different that’s for sure with Dean missing. You could sense it
from everyone but we made the most out of it for him as much as ourselves.
James, Sam, and Mel’s parents left 2 days after Christmas and Erica and Mel
stayed until the winter break was over. It felt good to be with everyone again
and Lucy was on cloud nine. She was so happy to have everyone around. I’d kill
to have her smile all day every day. This girl can’t possibly understand how
much I love her.

The house cleared out, and it was
back to life again. We had just finished an excruciating practice and I was
wiped, but today was Ted’s birthday and it was a Friday. They wanted to go out
and celebrate and I told him I would go. I knew he wouldn’t feel comfortable
being there without anyone he’s close to. I showered and we headed out, Nick
was going to meet us there. Lucy would be staying home with Max. I’m not going
to lie, these days it does feel like we’ve gotten domesticated and raising Max
like he was our own. But honestly, this was what it was like back home before.

When I got into my car I took out my
phone and called her and she answered on the third ring. “Hello?”

“Hey babe what you doing?” I asked
her.

“Finishing dinner and helping Max
finish up his math homework. I’m probably going put him in the bath after
dinner and then get my essay started. We might watch a movie before bed.” She
told me and I smiled.

“You remember I’m going out right?” I
asked her.

She laughed, “Yes Landon I remember I
won’t leave the food out. Do you want me to make you a plate and put it in the
fridge?” she asked.

I smiled wider. She was always
thinking about feeding me. “Don’t worry about it babe. If I’m hungry I can make
myself a plate. You’re going to wait up for me?”

She scoffed. “No. I don’t know what
time you’re getting home and I’m not going to try to keep my eyes open.”

I laughed, “Aww babe. I’m going to be
out around a whole bunch of drunk probably half-dressed girls and you’re not
going to stay up to see what time I get home? Not even to see if I smell like
another girl or if I have lipstick on my boxers? You’re a disappointment to
women.” I teased.

She laughed. “No I’m just not a creep
like you. Besides, you do anything stupid I will still get the chainsaw
bastard. So take that as your warning to behave.”

“Yes ma’am. I’ll see you later baby.
I love you.” I told her.

She sighed, “I love you too Landon.
And don’t wake me up when you get in either.” She threatened and hung up. I
shook my head and laughed then headed to the party.

When I got there most of the guys
were already there. I stopped by a drive thru to pick up a burger and some
fries so I had something in my stomach before drinking. I made my way over to
Ted and gave him a fist pump.

“What’s up man?” I asked.

He shrugged, “nothing much. Let’s
grab a drink.”

I nodded and we headed into the
kitchen where all the drinks were. Nick showed up about a half hour later and
we spent the time joking, drinking, and people watching. We were there for
about 2 hours when I started to get restless. I really wanted to go home and
curl up behind Lucy or better yet crawl into her. The party had reached that
point where people were wasted and stumbling everywhere. A few of the guys from
the team were fucked up. When some of them started having trouble standing up
and I felt a little buzz we decided it was time to go. We still had to drive
home tonight. I went over and gave a few of the guys fives and slaps on the
backs when Dylan stopped me.

“It’s early you leaving already?” he
slurred.

“Yea man, I’m heading home.” I told
him with a pat on his shoulder.

He threw his arm around me. “You got
some good pussy or something waiting for you? You still tapping Lucy? She sure
is a fine thing.” He said and my blood boiled. My fists clenched in instinct
and I had to control my temper.

“Lucy’s mine.” Is all I said and
tried to shake free of him.

“Of course golden boy. You get the
spot on the team, you get the hot girl. Shit, you even get to make your own
rules huh? How did it feel to take my spot? I let you you know. But I wouldn’t
get too comfortable if I were you. But dude I think your good and all.” He said
swaying and some of the liquor in his cup spilled. The dude was done for but he
was telling me what he was really thinking. I knew there was something off with
this dude. He resented me for taking his spot and even though he was smiling, I
could see the hate in his eyes. He wasn’t thinking of holding anything back
because he was too fucking drunk. Now wasn’t the time for this shit.

I smiled and grabbed his arm to
remove his hold on me. “Right I hear you man.” I nodded and turned to leave.
Nick and Ted were both watching wearily they had caught the whole exchange. I
met Nick’s eyes and we said everything that needed to be said. We’d have to watch
this fucker. He’s pissed and people with this much resentment tend to do stupid
shit. The fact that he was aware of Lucy and our connection pissed me off.

I headed home and let the anger seep
out of me on the drive. When I got to the house I grabbed a glass of water and
headed upstairs. It was a little after 1 in the morning so I knew that Max and
Lucy would be asleep. When I got upstairs I went into Max’s room first and
checked on him. I went and placed a kiss on his forehead. I left the door
cracked then went to our room. Lucy was fast asleep with her mouth slightly
open. I undressed and got in the bed. She was going to curse me out in the
morning for tossing my clothes on the floor but I didn’t give a shit right now.
I studied her face for a few minutes and let my eyes trail over her features.
My girl was beautiful. I know she said not to wake her up but I couldn’t resist
touching her. I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.

She sighed. “Landon?” she said
sleepily.

I grabbed her up and pulled her into
me. “I’d better be the only man you’re expecting in bed with you.” I murmured.

She cracked one eye open to look at
me and then shut it again. She maneuvered herself so she was more comfortable
and half of her body was thrown over mine. I wasn’t complaining I loved her on
me. “I told you not to wake me up.” She mumbled half sleep.

I smiled, “you did. I didn’t listen.
Now go back to sleep angel.”

I could hear her smile when she
spoke. “You smell like another girl now you have to sleep on the couch.” She
said.

I laughed. “You’re fucking lying but
thanks for the effort. Now sleep Lucy.”

She sighed. “No. I don’t have to.
You’re not the boss of me.” She argued.

I sighed. Leave it to fucking Lucy.
She threatens me about waking her ass up and what does she do? Find a reason to
stay awake to fight with me. Normally this type of shit would piss me off.
Granted with other chicks I didn’t do this whole sleeping shit. I mean, I won’t
lie and say that I’ve never literally slept in the same bed as a girl and that
was only from being fucking wasted and passing out, but there was no holding or
snuggling and shit. Even when I took a bitch to bed, I wouldn’t tolerate any of
this shit. But her… I could take her bullshit. I actually liked this cute
little banter of hers not that I would ever admit it to her. Lord knows what
the fuck she would goddamn do with that information. She might think its ok to
talk me to death. The thought made me laugh.

“What’s so funny
Landon
?” she
whispered.

I sighed. She was fighting her sleep
and she would stay up as long as she could. “Stop trying to fight with me and
go to sleep Lucy.” I told her. She grunted and I started running my fingers
through her hair making sure to massage her scalp. I swear I heard her purr and
she snuggled deeper into me. Her breathing evened out within a minute and I
knew she was out. I kissed her hair and let sleep come over me.

We had a game a few weeks later
against Michigan. The game was tight and there were players getting hurt left
and right. It came to the point where the coaches were playing people to cover
for other positions. It was intense but I was holding my own. We were down to
the last play and the coach wanted me to take a pass off and go for the
touchdown. We needed this play to win the game and I pumped myself for it. We
got into position and the ball was handed off. I ran to Dylan for the pass off
but when I got there he scoffed and took off down the field himself. I muttered
under my breath, he’s fucking up the play and had no one to cover him where he
was running. I wasn’t used to taking on defense but I sped up ahead of him. The
reason that the coach wanted me to take this play was because I was the fastest
on the team. I ran ahead and blocked two players off of him. We kept going down
the field as the yards diminished. We were lucky that some of the other guys
picked up on the fuck up and started to wing it. It was a fucking mess but
thankfully my team had brains. Everyone on the team pretty much took up
position to get him to the goal. I kept pace with Dylan even though to me he
was moving pretty fucking slow. We were almost there and just needed a few more
seconds when this huge beast of a man came running towards us. I braced myself
and threw myself right in between him and Dylan. I pushed Dylan over, not hard
enough to knock him down or throw him off balance but to get him out of the
way. I knew this guy was going to get me down. Dylan stumbled but didn’t fall.
I heard the crowd erupt just as I hit the ground…
hard
. I felt all the
wind knocked the fuck out of me. The guy fell on top of me and I felt a pain
shoot up my side.

The guy rolled off of me and I didn’t
move. I stayed where I was as I felt the pain linger and throb in my side.
Shit. This is definitely not my fucking forte. I stayed there with my eyes
closed. I knew this wasn’t an actual injury but it hurt like a mother fucker.

“Landon…. Landon…
fuck Landon!
”
I heard above me. I opened my eyes to see Lucy on the ground next to me. “Baby
are you okay?” she asked frantically.

I looked over to see coach and some
of the medical guys standing behind her worried. I groaned. “Oh Lucy.” I
whined.

“
Oh my god! What is wrong? Landon
tell me what’s the matter.
” My poor girl, she was frantic and scared out of
her mind.

“Angel I think I have a booboo. Come
kiss me to make me feel better.” I said with a pout.

She frowned then growled out,
“Landon…”

“Lucy? Is that you? I think I see the
light.” I complained. “I need you to save me baby.” I said feigning imminent
death. I heard a grunt and looked over to see Nick smiling and shaking his head
and a worried Max. “Max, tell Lucy to save me.” I told him.

“Lu, you have to help Landon.” Max
said worriedly.

Lucy sighed, “Landon you bastard.”
She muttered angrily and I heard snickers. I closed my eyes and groaned. I
heard the announcer giving information on me and apparently I was making a spectacle
of us but I wanted Lucy to kiss me and there wasn’t shit that was going to stop
me.

“Lucy I’m hurt. You’re not going to
leave me like this right baby?” I asked with a loud voice.

“I’m going to fucking kill you.” Lucy
muttered.

“No you’re not because you love me.”
I told her.

“I fucking hate you right now.” She
told me and I smiled.

“Lucy get your ass over here and kiss
me. My side hurts like a motherfucker.” I admitted.

She looked worried and leaned down to
me. She put a hand behind the back of my head and kissed me. I gripped onto her
and let myself get lost in it. I heard cheers but it didn’t faze me. We tend to
do that I knew our kisses were hot as fuck so I’m sure they saw it. She pulled
back and feathered kisses on my face.

“Well kids I’m sorry to interrupt but
we need to have you checked out. Where does it hurt?” The coach said.

“My left side hurts. It doesn’t feel
like anything is broken or anything but it hurts like hell right now. I might
just need to let it pass.” I told him.

“Either way we need to be safe. Let
them get you off the field and take a look to be sure.” Coach replied.

I shook my head. “I’m straight. I’m
telling you.”

“He’s a pain in my fucking ass I tell
you.” Coach Richards muttered.

“Coach I’m good. You’re making a big
deal out of nothing.”

He huffed and turned to Nick, “can
you help me here?” he asked him.

Nick shook his head. “Have you met
this stubborn bastard? Fuck no I can’t. Not with him. You’re looking at the
wrong person.” He said nodding his head towards Lucy.

The coach swung his head to Lucy. “I
don’t think we met. I’m Coach Richards. You’re Lucy I take it?” he said holding
out a hand.

She took his proffered hand and shook.
“I am.” She confirmed with a smile.

“How do we get this stubborn son of a
bitch to follow protocol?” he asked.

She scoffed. “We’re talking about
Landon here. Have you met him?” she asked and he laughed.