The Barter System, page 15
He smiled, “Thanks. So are you.” He got up off the bed and held out his hand to help her up. Once he kissed her soundly, he glanced back at the bed, “I hate feeling like if I let you out of here you’ll be gone but we gotta eat and go out.”
Tugging her naked down the hall, they crowded into the small shower stall. He enjoyed showering with her and watching her wash her hair. They stepped out and he held her in front of the mirror and dried her from behind. When he came back up from drying her legs, he rested his hands on Riya’s shoulders, just staring at her.
She met his eyes in the mirror with hunger of her own, “Go get a condom.” He was gone and back in seconds, rolling it on and entering her from behind. He started playing with her nipples and stroking her clit so he could see how it looked when he did it. He got the best of both worlds, getting to fuck in a position he really liked while getting to watch her face as he made her come again and again.
After they rinsed in the shower again, he changed into well-worn jeans, sneaks, and a t-shirt. He had a Longhorns ball cap on his head. Riya pulled on similar clothes and they were out the door. They stopped for food at Chipotle, one of her favorite places, and talked over burrito bowls and chips.
Joshua was attending University of Texas on a baseball scholarship but he also played tennis. He was majoring in mathematical analysis with a minor in education. The opportunity for an education was more important to him than playing sports.
Most of his family was going to college because of sports. He had a huge family, four older brothers, one older sister, and two younger sisters. His dad owned a remediation company and his oldest brother didn’t go to college, deciding to go into the business with their father and help with the family after their mom died. They all lived in Dallas, pretty far but close enough where he could drive to see them.
Riya asked him about relationships. He told her he couldn’t get too involved with women because he had to keep his focus. This was his senior year. “My roommate, Jessica, is totally in love with me, but she won’t admit it. It pisses me the fuck off. We’ve been sharing a place for almost two years. She brings her people in, men and women…I bring women in sometimes, but I don’t have a lot of time between training and traveling. It’s all very grownup I guess.”
He smiled at Riya. “I fucked up when we’d only been sharing a place for like three months. We got drunk one night, a rare thing for me since I’m on a strict diet. We were flirting and playing Truth or Dare. I admitted my biggest fantasy and she got pissed. No kidding. Said I wasn’t even interested in her, just in using her to get off with two women. Since then, things are fucking buddy-buddy.”
“Sounds like you’re pretty hung up on her, too, Joshua. Maybe you should just be honest and tell her how you feel.” She knew those words were always so easy to say, hard to do…when you put your heart on the line and it got rejected, it could tear you down for a long time. “Maybe start small and let her learn to trust what you really want, like you’re just meeting for the first time.”
“I guess I am…hung up on her. I got the stereo when she was dating this guy named Phil…what a stupid name. I like the sound of her coming…she’s so passionate no matter who she’s with. But hearing a guy scream down the house with the woman you should be fucking, well, is not conducive to sound sleep.”
He took a drink of his water and really looked at her before saying carefully, “I told her about you. About your research. I hope you’re not mad.”
Riya shook her head, “Not at all. I worry about your privacy much more than my own. She has a right to know who’s going to be in her place for a week.” She paused, tilting her head to the side, “You know, I’ve never been with a woman before, Joshua. I’m not sure how to even find someone willing, much less what to do. I’m not sure if we can make this happen for you.”
Joshua laughed, “Riya, every guy has that fantasy. Few of us ever realize it. I’m not focused on that. You asked and I was honest. I just like having you here. It’s been a long time since I’ve had time for sex, especially with the same woman so you learn what they like and they learn what you like. Once I’m done with school and can settle into the real world, I’ll find someone and make a life. I want what my parents had; most guys couldn’t care less about long term.”
“I think it is wonderful you have that outlook, Joshua. Very mature.” And Riya meant it.
“I like sex, I love it. But it means something to me. That’s why a lot of my teammates think I’m soft, maybe even gay, I don’t know. I don’t just fuck anything in a skirt. I wasn’t raised like that. I’d rather spank it myself than have some skank who works the pole of whatever guy she can land. So I’m pent up, Riya. For real. Since I saw you sitting in the sun at the mall, all I can think about is fucking you.”
She smiled and leaned toward him, “I’m not complaining.” She gave him a light kiss, “Maybe we’ll use a little lube so the condoms don’t rough me up so bad. I will happily fuck you as often as you can go.” She sat back and sipped her tea.
He stood and took their trash then came back and took her hand. When they were in his car, the A/C blowing hard and the dark tint keeping out most of the brutal sun, he looked over at her. His eyes raked over her from head to toe. “If I wanted to play with you right here, would you let me?” he asked her roughly.
“Oh yeah, with you looking at me like that? Hell yes,” she answered, surprising herself.
“Will you wear a skirt tonight when we go out?” At her nod he started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. “I’m going to try to not touch you when we get back, save it up for later. Let’s get dressed and hit the clubs. I rarely get to go but we’re off this week, which is why I sent you these dates. A bunch of my teammates are going to be at a local sports bar. Wanna go?”
Riya thought of Victor and the misconceptions the other men in his life had of him, sad to see this young man dealt with it too simply because he wasn’t a man-whore. She nodded. “I’m going to tell everyone you’re college friends with my older sister. No one here knows her. Tell them you were in town and asked to crash with me. Is that alright?”
“Perfect cover,” she agreed with a grin.
They got back to the apartment and he shyly asked her for another blowjob to take the pressure off. She had no problem with that. After, he thanked her, kissed her, had to get her off so he didn’t feel selfish, and then got dressed. He pulled on another t-shirt and sneakers. When he’d freshened up, he went out to watch television so she could have the bathroom.
Riya had known when she was packing for her trip that she’d have to prepare for being with Joshua. She didn’t mind. He was a college kid on scholarship.
Only for him, given his circumstances, had she packed additional supplies. She would also use her own money. Not a problem.
She picked out a solid black schoolgirl pleated skirt, a snug cropped white button-down shirt with a gorgeous black lace bra and thong underneath, a red tie that dropped down her stomach, a wide angled black belt and platform heels that would make them almost the same height. She went a little heavier on the eyeliner and mascara, making her eyes pop dramatically, and lip gloss. Squirted some Calvin Klein on the best spots and tucked her ID, credit card, and lipstick in a tiny pocket of the skirt.
She left her hair loose and went out to see what her date thought.
Chapter Eleven
When she stepped into the living room, Joshua sat straight up on the couch staring at her. Without bothering to look, he turned off the TV and stood up. Walking slowly to her, he took his time circling and inspecting.
“You are so fucking hot, woman. I’m hard as a rock…again.” He ran his hand over her ass and came around to stroke her bared midriff. “I could fuck you all night, you wearing nothing but those heels and a smile. Fuck, Riya.”
He kissed her hard and fast then stepped back to adjust his cock in his pants before dragging her out the front door muttering if he didn’t get her somewhere public fast, she wasn’t leaving his room.
In the car, she sat gracefully while he revved the engine and tore from the parking lot. When he was on the freeway, she lifted his hand from the gear shift and placed it on her thigh. “Your skin is so soft. I love that you don’t wear hose or anything. Sleek and tanned.” He stroked her leg, moving higher and higher until he was under her skirt.
He took an off-ramp and after a few minutes they pulled into the parking lot of a packed bar. Before he got out, he reached over and slid his hand up her skirt, fingering her clit through her panties.
“You’re hot and wet already, Riya. I wish I could eat that pretty bare pussy right now. Then slide my cock in and fuck you hard. We’re going to do that later, but I need you to come for me. I need to know you got to come before we get out of this car.”
He pressed and stroked until she came quietly. When Joshua slipped under the edge of her panties, raking his finger along her clit and into her wet pussy, she came again. Then he pulled out and sucked his finger dry of her come. “Oh yeah, we are going to fuck a lot this week. You’re pure sex. Stay there, I’ll come around.”
He got out, discreetly checking his cock position before coming around and opening her door. He blocked her from the doorway as she straightened the panties and skirt. “Oh, Joshua, you make me feel very good. I wish my college boyfriend had been like you…I would have never made it to class. Damn.”
They smiled at one another and walked inside. The place was crowded but not near the door. When it closed behind them, all the people nearest turned to stare. Most were men and their looks were impossible to mistake. He put his hand possessively on her low back and guided her to a huge table in the back with a bunch of jock-types wearing assorted Longhorn gear.
They were revving up to rag him when they saw her. Everyone went silent. Riya put on her biggest smile and Joshua said, “Everyone, this is Riya. She’s a good friend of my older sister and needed a place to crash for a few days.” The men were instantly jostling for her attention, but she slipped her hand around Joshua’s waist and kept him beside her. They made two spaces for them towards the center.
A heavily made up blond wearing a tube top and leather pants eyed her cattily. “So, do you follow the team? Or what?” she asked in a little-girl voice.
“No, honey, I had business in Austin. I keep an eye out for opportunities to fuck my friend’s little brother. This seemed like the best of both worlds. I don’t follow jocks. The man I want just happens to be one.” The other woman parted her lips but didn’t seem to know how to reply to the obvious set-down.
Riya ordered an iced tea from the waitress and asked if she had anything resembling a salad while behind her the men tried to pry locker room talk from Joshua. He ignored them, twirling a lock of her hair between his fingers.
She turned to ask him what he wanted but instead told the waitress. “Can you just bring a lot of appetizers and refill all the pitchers, too? Thanks.” She turned to Joshua and whispered softly in his ear, “I’m about to make you a legend, I hope you don’t mind.”
“So, um, just what is it that you do, um, Riya, right?” This from a woman who resembled Jennifer Gardner, very pretty and obviously not as secure in her position as she would have hoped. “I mean, you seem kind of old.” A couple of the guys whispered jealous bitch under their breath but all Riya did was smile with amusement.
“I am definitely older than you. I’m twenty-five, out of college. I own a shipping business in South Florida,” This was true since she owned fifty percent of her father’s company. “I travel all over. I met Joshua in Dallas last year at a family thing. I’ve been chasing him ever since. We hook up when we can. Generally, if you aren’t seeing him, I am. Such a good man and…so talented.”
Hip hop started playing and Joshua pulled her to her feet and led her to the dance floor. He had the bump and grind going before they were fully through the crowd. She had to give it to him, the man could move.
Seeming to sense her surprise that he could dance, he said in her ear, “My dad is black, babe. He made sure all of us could. Said our mom being Asian meant people would automatically believe the stereotype about not being able to sing or dance.” He took her to the floor in front of him, bringing them back up with the power of his legs alone. Shit. He worked her around the floor like Usher and she responded like Beyonce.
When her face was near his, he whispered in her ear, “You can obviously shake your ass with the best of them, Riya.” Sucking her earlobe between his teeth, he nibbled gently before adding, “You’re making me so fucking hard with what you’re telling my friends. You don’t have to do that for me.” His hands came up from her hips, over her sides, pulling her arms up over her head and linking them behind his head as she ground her ass into his cock.
“Only the part about knowing you before isn’t true,” she said against his neck. “You fuck with an energy and raw talent I’ve never seen. I do find you incredible, Joshua, and they should, too.” She’d never experienced his type of devotion to the moment and the ability to focus single-mindedly.
They were getting a lot of attention. He surprised her further when a Shakira song came on and he led her into a grinding salsa. They danced around, only the other Hispanic dancers able to keep up. By the time the song ended, the waitress brought their order and he cha-cha’d her ass back to the table.
When they dropped laughing into their chairs, the women were utterly speechless. One of the players said something about taking her out to dance and she told him Joshua more than filled her dance card. She softened the blow by refilling his drink.
She kept her hand on Joshua’s leg, seductively sliding from the knee up the inner thigh, seemingly doing it distractedly. When someone said something next to her, she ‘accidentally’ brushed up his cock with her knuckles.
When Shake That by Eminem blasted through the room, she shocked them by singing every word, unedited, until Joshua dragged her back to dance and did some dirty talking of his own.
Joshua’s teammates asked her how long she was in town. She told them for a week and was told there was a party they were invited to. She replied that she’d see how often they left his apartment, “I only get to see him a few times a year so I like to take advantage of every minute possible.”
“We all run in the mornings if you’d like to join us,” another said. The women mumbled, yeah right.
“Now that I may take you up on,” she said seriously. “How far do you run?” When they told her five miles, she let them know she did double that distance daily and usually ran on sand. They were impressed.
“That’s how you keep those legs and ass so fine,” they told her.
“The fact is, I know Joshua is here with a bunch of fine little college girls a few years younger, so I make sure I keep things…tight.” She stretched her leg over Joshua’s lap, flexing to emphasize every inch of tone. He smiled hungrily and ran his fingertips from her ankle to just under her skirt. “Every time I see him naked I feel like I need an hour on the stair climber to even compete.”
Several men stood to show her their abs, flexing and preening for her. She had to tell them, truthfully, Joshua’s were better. The few other women asked him to stand and show them. He did only after Riya asked him to, pulling his shirt up to his armpits.
“See? Not an ounce of fat. Not one. Cut and toned, just beautiful.” She rubbed her hands over his chest and stomach in appreciation. She pointedly licked her lips as he sat down again. “He’s like that everywhere…fit, tone, hard. I have to take my time when I haven’t seen him for a while and just lick him slow from head to toe.” She sighed dramatically and looked at him, “Baby, are you about ready to go?” She leaned in close and whispered loudly, “I miss you…I need you. Take me home now.”
He nodded, smiling wolfishly.
She motioned the waitress over and handed her a credit card, “You have been so great. Will you please do a quick check of whatever everyone wants, refill all the pitchers and food if they want, and I’ll take care of the check? Add everything from the night for this table and tack on 25% for yourself. Thanks!”
The other guys looked at Joshua incredulously and said, “Dude, she is hot, totally into you, and loaded? If you don’t want her, can I have her?”
Riya shook her head, “Don’t you guys know Joshua at all? He’s completely into his education and making the right decisions for his future. If he accomplishes his goals, and still wants our relationship, it will be on his terms. I like how strong and dedicated he is. In the meantime, I’m busy with my life and business too, so we do what we can. He takes very good care of me when I see him and puts it on me so hard I can usually last until I see him again without trying to force a visit.”
When the waitress brought the credit card receipt, she signed it and told them all how nice it had been to meet them. “Normally we stay holed up in his apartment, I’m very spoiled. I just had to come out and meet everyone this time. He always talks so highly about his teammates.”
