End Game_Bellevue Bullies Series Read online

  “It’s okay if you don’t want to get close like that. I’m sorry for doing that—”

  “Please don’t apologize,” she pleads, her eyes still looking everywhere but at me. “We were getting hot and heavy, making out. It’s what was expected. I mean, you went out of your way to do this for me. It’s only right that I put out. But I’m just a weirdo—”

  “Whoa,” I say sternly before pulling back and lifting her face to look at mine. I gaze into her eyes, sorta offended by what she thinks of me. “I did not do this to get in your pants. I did this so you can see I care.”

  She presses her lips together, and now tears are gathering in her eyes. Fuck.

  “I’m not that guy, Sofia.”

  “No, I know. I’m just freaking out,” she says, moving her face out of my hand and sitting up. She leans on her legs, her face in her hands. When her voice breaks, so does my heart. “I’m sorry.”

  I sit up, wrapping my arms around her middle and pressing my chin on top of her shoulder. She’s completely still except for the deep breaths she’s bringing in. “Sofia, what’s going on?” She shakes her head, so I hold her tighter. “You can talk to me.”

  She turns her head, glancing up at me. When a tear runs down her cheek, I move my finger, catching it to wipe it away. “I feel stupid.”

  “Why?” I ask sincerely, catching another tear.

  She doesn’t answer me, and as I stare at her, I replay everything that just happened. It’s obvious she’s struggling with this, and if I knew why, maybe I could make it better. When she looks away, closing her eyes, color filling her cheeks, it hits me.

  Oh shit.

  “You’ve never had a boyfriend.”

  She shakes her head. “No.”

  Reaching her for her jaw, I turn her face to look at me, but she looks at my lips instead, drawing in deep breaths. “Have you ever been with someone, Sofia?”

  And when she closes her eyes once more, I know the answer. “I should have told—”

  This time, it’s ice water being thrown on me, but even so, I don’t want her to feel embarrassed or even bad for this. “Why? It’s not my business until you want to tell me.”

  She opens her eyes, her cheeks still a dark red as she gazes up at me. “I feel pathetic.”

  She is far from pathetic. I mean, yeah, it’s a little surprising that someone as gorgeous as she is hasn’t been with someone. But then it sort of excites me. Will she let me be her first? Do I want to be her first? Shit. That’s a load of pressure. But none of that matters. It’s about her, not me. Stop being a dick, Justice. “You’re not, Sofia, not even kinda.”

  She is moving her hands again. “It’s just I didn’t get the opportunity that other girls got. I was training—”

  “You don’t have to explain yourself.”

  She presses her lips together, her eyes searching mine. “You’re not freaked out?”

  I hold her gaze. “No, I’m just glad I know. I don’t want to disrespect you.”

  She shakes her head violently. “No, you’ve been very respectful and very gentle. Dammit!”

  “Sofia, it’s not a big deal.”

  She gives me a disbelieving look. “It’s huge. We all know you’re no virgin.”

  I shrug. “I’m not.”

  Her face is so red as she speaks. “So you probably want someone who is experienced and knows what she’s doing. Someone who won’t freak when you touch her butt—”

  “I want you.”

  Her words trail off, her eyes widening. “You do? Still?”

  “Still. Always,” I whisper, moving my head up to press my lips to her jaw. “It’s you, Sofia. No one else but you.”

  Her eyes glaze over as she leans into my lips. “Really?”

  “Really. You’re a virgin, but everything isn’t about sex.”

  She rolls her eyes. “They make songs about drugs, sex, and alcohol. Not sweet kisses and holding hands.”

  I roll my eyes in return. “But to me, it’s not a big deal. I just want to be with you.”

  Sofia swallows. “Thank you.”

  “Don’t thank me. Just know that when you’re ready, I will definitely be ready.”

  She chances a grin. “Oh yeah?”

  I scoff. “Sofia, I could take you right now, but I don’t think I’m mentally ready to be gentle.”

  She smirks. “You weren’t gentle for my first kiss either.”

  My heart drops into my stomach. “No shit?”

  “No shit.”

  My lips quirk. “Wow. Was it good enough?”

  “It was perfect,” she says breathlessly. “Everything I wanted.”

  Oh, heart. We aren’t gonna make it with her. Cupping her sweet face, I press my nose into hers. “Good, because it was more than everything I wanted.”

  Her eyes soften before she kisses the side of my mouth. Meeting my gaze once more, she whispers, “You really are gonna ruin me for the male gender, aren’t you?”

  “Totally,” I whisper, moving my lips to hers. “But then, I’m sure you’ve already ruined me for the female gender.”

  And she has.

  Yet, even though I’m acting cool as a cucumber, I’m freaking the fuck out. She’s a virgin, and if by chance I’m lucky enough to be her first, I know I won’t be her last. No one stays with their first time. They’re a distant thought, a happy memory you talk about when you find the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. I have a feeling that at the end of this, I’ll be only a memory for her. And damn it, I’m gonna be the best fucking memory she’ll ever have.

  And she’ll be mine.

  But there is no way in hell I’m letting her go.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Sofia

  I grin at my phone, when I should be paying attention to the movie Amelia is making me watch. I’m not, but I’m all giddy. That’s how it’s been ever since I met Ryan. He continues to surprise me, and my very first date was something I’ll never forget. I doubt anyone will ever come close to it either. I’m starting to think that’s how all my firsts with Ryan will be.

  I pull the blanket up on to my neck since Amelia keeps stealing it, and I lean my head against the pillow we share as I watch Ryan’s text bubble.

  Ryan: So you gonna get the all-around?

  Me: Duh.

  Ryan: For me?

  My lips purse as I shake my head.

  Me: I guess I do owe you since you got me a goal.

  Ryan: Exactly. Get me the all-around.

  Me: Surprised you’re not asking for a 10.

  Ryan: You’re already a 10 in my eyes.

  Sigh. Swoon. Ah. Ryan…

  God, he so dreamy.

  Me: Such a suck-up.

  Ryan: Is it really sucking up if I’m speaking the truth about my amazing, gorgeous, and fucking talented girlfriend?

  His girlfriend.

  I’m Ryan Justice’s girlfriend.

  I never thought this would happen, especially not with someone like Ryan. He’s so driven, just like me, and I always thought I’d be attracted to someone who would be fine just being around me. Who wouldn’t have dreams ’cause mine are so big. Honestly, I saw myself alone, but Ryan messes with that.

  Completely.

  Me: I guess not.

  Ryan: That’s right. I wish I could have seen you before you left.

  Ryan: I need a kiss.

  Me: I kissed you when you dropped me off!

  Ryan: Yeah, but then I had a shitty practice, and when I was done, you were gone.

  Me: What happened?

  Ryan: I missed a shot, and my coach lit into me for it.

  Me: It happens.

  Ryan: Yeah, but I missed four.

  Me: Why?

  Me: You’re too good for that.

  Ryan: I wasn’t focused.

  Me: Well, that’s not okay. Get focused, Justice!

  Ryan: Well hell, I will now!

  I giggle softly as his next text comes through.

  Ryan: I just wa