A/N: Mature content... of course. 🥰🥰🥰

Nearly ten months since Jake and I made up in Hawaii, or two months after we became 'officially stuck with each other' and he and Kieran resumed their bromance, Jake nearly sweated his balls off. While I wanted nothing more than to take credit for that reaction in him, all I could was sit and distract him.

Technically sit, stand, and lay down.

We'd been in New York City for the past two days and while the collective asshole factor here was definitely higher on the sidewalks than in laid-back California, this city hadn't disappointed from its hype of sexual affliction. An unspoken, invisible surge of energy lived within the city, maybe the constant streams of people and activity on the streets, and it ignited a wildfire of lust inside both me and Jake to the point where we'd been nearly insatiable.

Or he's just nervous. He has every right to be though.

We attempted sight-seeing but didn't get much farther than grabbing bagels for breakfast or pizza for lunch because Dad insisted that we needed to try both while we were here. The bagels were amazing, although no amount of money existed in this world that would have tempted me into putting lox on one.

Fish and bagels do not mix. But then again, I also thought love and I didn't either.

Even while we walked through Central Park, hand-in-hand like fucking high school sweethearts, and I gaped at the Alice in Wonderland statue, a gentle breeze had innocently fluttered up my skirt. Jake's eyes snapped down and darkened, followed quickly by his hands as he pinned my skin down into my thighs. Just the brush of his fingers dried out my mouth and surged warmth straight into my lady bits.

We barely made our way back to the hotel without becoming exhibitionists.

My shirt and bra were thrown somewhere, and I was pretty sure one of Jake's shoes was in the hallway. I hadn't even gotten my skirt off before his cock buried deep inside me from behind, his hands clutched my breasts like handles as he gyrated his hips upwards until my back writhed and I squealed in ecstasy against his chest. My chest heaved with raspy breaths as I grinded myself up and down his length and moaned at the intensity that had built up from our outside venture.

His fingers rolled, pinched, and pulled on my nipples so hard I was surprised they stayed attached but fuck, it felt good. Ten minutes of groans and sweaty thrusts later, he came first. I followed shortly after his last pump emptied himself inside me.

"Guess we should shower again," he grunted into my shoulder, followed by a soft kiss and wipe of his sweaty forehead onto me.

"Eww." I swatted him off me because he knew I hated that and did it anyway.

Jake found the quickest way to get me in the shower with him was wipe his sweat on me. Since he spent half his life sweaty, our water bills seemed like almost as much as our general rent. But at least we didn't have to worry about that with the hotel.

Every time we actually left the hotel, our sex drives reignited. The closer we got to Jake's deadline, the rougher our rounds got. I had no complaints since I could take anything he lashed out and after every time afterwards, he held me tenderly and kissed me until our lips numbed over.

The little spoon part no longer bothered me, but I'd never admit if I actually liked it.

The sex though...

Ten months of this shit and we still can't get enough of each other.

Or maybe he's just nervous and needed to fuck those nerves out of his system.

Either way, my vagina had no complaints. And, for once in my life, my heart was aligned with my lady bits in that both were Jake's.

"I'm sorry," he whispered into the side of my neck after our most recent round, surged by my insistence that we at least walk into Bloomingdales and ride the wooden escalator, left our skin sweaty and stuck to the hotel's bed sheets.

"For what?" My head rolled over lazily and bumped into his chest.

"I might've gotten a little rough." His fingers traced around the red marks on the side of my hips where his hands had dug into me tightly as he pounded into me from behind.

"You seem to forget..." My hands cupped his cheeks as I looked directly into those warm, dark, soulful eyes and reassured him with a few rubs of my fingers over his rough chin. They traveled lightly to the pink streaks my nails had marked on his shoulders and chest muscles.

Scratched by Harper was a good look on Jake's bronzed skin.

Soulful? What a fucking sap I've become.

"...I like it rough."

His eyes dropped down to my finger marks near his left nipple, which bounced as he chuckled. "Shit, Harper I'll never get tired of this."

"Good because it's going to be hard to live together if you do..." I teased him from underneath my lashes. "But if you do, then I'm getting you Viagra."

My eyes dragged away and widened at the clock. "Your Mom and the newlyweds are going to be here in thirty minutes, Jake."

"Newlyweds?" His eyebrows lifted at my use of that word. "Ellie and Logan have been married for ten months."

"And they still act as gooey as they did while saying their wedding vows," I shot back with the absolute damn truth. "You saw them at Ellie's graduation ceremony."

Jake and I's act-first, think-second nature wasn't easy to overcome and we still had our moments of regression. I also reserved the right to go off on any bitch that thought her boobs flashed in his face grabbed his attention. Well, they probably did but we both knew mine were better at this point.

For the first time in almost eight years, we were open, solid, supported, and relied on each other. That said, no one would ever confuse our relationship's dynamics with the NFL's golden couple.

Fuck, even I don't entirely understand Jake and I's relationship some days.

A groan left me as the sheets rubbed over the soreness in between my legs as I swung my feet over the edge of the bed. "Probably best they don't find us naked and freshly fucked."

"I like that look on you." His lips skimmed over the back of my head and his smugness filled my ears more than his actual words. For added emphasis, he reached around me and pinched my right nipple, which earned him a squeak and fist punched into his armpit. "Especially knowing I put you like that."

"Like you get no enjoyment out of it, asshole." I scoffed and slid out of bed. My feet stumbled baby deer-style for the first step but my vagina buzzed happily with soreness. The hearty chuckles behind me earned Jake a middle finger raised up over my shoulder.

Like always whenever I flashed him that gesture, the asshole laughed harder.

"Don't say a fucking smug word, Harrison," I tossed over my shoulder as I headed into the bathroom.

"Don't have to," he shot back between laughs. "Need me to carry you?"

After I ran the shower until the water was hot and steam puffed up through the bathroom air, I stepped in for what I thought was a quick shower. When I reached over for the shampoo, I straightened up because Muscles McMuffin was right behind me. Not even the rivers of water that trailed over the bumps and divots I knew in my sleep distracted me from the cocky grin spread on his face.

Fuck, this is almost as bad as the time I called him cute. Still won't let me forget that.

"No more quickies," I scolded him and dumped a pile of shampoo into his held up palm. I thought he was going to wash himself but he palmed the crown of my head then massaged my scalp with his fingertips until the shampoo soap bubbled and my shoulders and spine relaxed.

A small smile played on my lips while I repeated the same favor for him. My fingers threaded through his dark locks, which I'd freshly cut for him before today's event.

I'm so fucking domesticated.

"Just getting my dirty girl clean," was his cocky response. A chuckle rumbled in the cocky asshole's chest.

"One of these days I'll understand why you like doing this," I grumbled playfully and tipped my head backwards to rinse off the shampoo.

"Because I get to stare at you naked, slippery, and wet for a little longer."

I wasn't the least bit surprised when his large hands enveloped around my breasts, cupped them in his palms, and his fingers rolled over my nipples. I might have possibly arched my back so that I thrusted them slightly higher and teased him.

He turned things around when his head swept lower and brought his mouth into the action. Both my nipples tingled and tightened under the assault of kisses and soft nips he placed on one of my breasts while his hand still played with the other.

"Jake..." I nearly growled out in warning when he sucked hard on leftie. The guy was so obsessed with my breasts, I barely needed a bra anymore.

"Just cleaning," was the low-toned response, but his eyes looked darkly up at me as he teased me further on the right side. My eyes fluttered involuntarily when his teeth grazed over my nipple, followed by a bite that released a low moan from my lips.

"Keep that up and I'll pin you against the wall and ride you until your dick gives out," I threatened. "Then you can explain to your family why you're late."

"This." My hips jolted as one of his long fingers grazed over my center slit, then easily slid inside with a soft but still embarrassingly squelch that not even the shower water drowned out. "Is not water, Harper."

"Fuck." I clenched my teeth down as his finger circled against my inside walls. Once he found my most likely enlarged, 'welcome back Jake' collection of nerves that pulsed at the ready, he pressed into it repeatedly like a fucking on switch that squeezed my eyes closed.

Heat flushed through me and I groaned. Tension throbbed through my pelvis, lit up by his curled fingers, until my hips shifted in sync with his thrusts.

My fingers clutched into his hair as he filled me more fully with two fingers and I rode them faster. In less than a minute, I twitched and bucked against him, my unabashed moans filled up the shower area more than steam. He lifted me higher, pounded his fingers into me faster, and pinched my outside folds with his other fingers until a hot coil of another orgasm surged up and peaked inside me.

"I... ohhhh," I moaned loudly with one last clench on his hair and internally squeezed his fingers tightly. My legs quivered out the last of the orgasm and I panted as I clutched onto the back of his head for support.

His lips grazed over mine gently, but before I reacted to the large erection that had also stood up, he turned me around and hinged me over at the hips. Ass presented, I grimaced and palmed my hands flat on the shower bench and braced when he parted my folds just before he slammed into me from behind. With such a quick movement, I barely had time to adjust to the stretched open and full sensation of his warm, bare skin against my still pulsing insides.

"Holy fuck," I grunted as my head nearly smacked against the wall with each jerk of my body when he pushed forward. His fingers clenched down into my hips and he drew me back the same time he thrusted.

Too soon, he brushed his tip all the way up near my cervix. I gasped at the slight tinge of pain that fronted the tidal waves of pleasure that rolled every time he bucked into me raw. Each tug on my hips, each sharp, deep thrust sent me closer to the edge again. The sound of slicked skin smacked on skin mixed with our alternated grunts and moans faded out into the background. A foggy haze of lust came over me and blurred the sight of my fingers pressed onto the shower bench.

"Harper, you feel fucking amazing," Jake moaned as my inner muscles clenched down inside again, harder like a small cramp this time. His last three thrusts sent a dizziness between my eyes, and I blinked rapidly as the warmth of his ejaculation flowed into me.

Since my head was low, I gently rose up to standing, and my hand pinched the inner corners of my eyes at the slippery sensation that now rolled down my inner thighs. My lady bits throbbed and pulsed, so I pressed my other hand's fingers gently over my outer and inner folds in a damage inspection, then glanced back up at him. His eyes burned darkly at me and his face pulled into the biggest shit eating grin of smugness as he milked himself empty once with his fist.

Two can play this.

I swept a finger between my legs, scooped up some of his leftover fluid that trailed out of me, and popped my finger into my mouth. His mild cum hit the center of my tongue and I swallowed right when that grin evaporated. By the time his jaw dropped, I winked and turned away to clean myself... again.

"You're late!" Ellie's high voice screeched out at me and Jake.

She stood at the hotel lobby's entrance, in her 5ft2 chihuahua energy glory. Her dark eyes, the same color as Jake and their mom, blazed brightly up at us. In true Ellie fashion, she wore a pair of black leggings and light purple sweater, her long hair pulled up into a high ponytail that I assumed she later complained gave her a headache.

"Hush, Ellie," Mrs. H. scolded her daughter with a soft hand smack into Ellie's shoulder. Her eyes lit up at the sight of us and she clasped her hands at her heart. "Don't you two look great!"

My black heels clicked across the shiny floors as Jake and I both took long, quick steps. His silver tie, a present from me for today, hung untied around his neck and the sides of his black suit fanned open. The silver of his black leather belt flashed with the mid-morning sun and while nerves for sure sat in his eyes, he flashed me a toothy smile and gripped my hand tightly.

Mrs. H. was right though. At Jake's request, I wore a black, fitted, halter neck, knee-length dress. The skirt flowed lightly with each step I took. Not as long as Ellie's, my recently colored hair hung long down my back and I'd pinned back the top. Since my focus today was not to draw any negative attention to myself or Jake, I'd kept my makeup minimal.

"Seriously doubt they were getting ready for that long," Ellie grumbled quietly and Logan patted her shoulder.

"We were," I teased. "In our own special way."

After quick hugs for me, Ellie pursed her full lips, slipped on a giant pair of sunglasses, and yanked Logan's elbow out the door. A round of bright white flashes followed the NFL's golden couple and I bit back a laugh at how many times Ellie was asked if she was pregnant.

She's still not, for the record.

Jake's palm pressed warmth into my bare back as I dipped my head down and braced myself for our media attention even though all we did was walk to the limo escort. At first, I wasn't sure why he'd asked that I wore this dress but his fingers rubbed down the central line of my spine, his go-to post-sex gesture whenever I wiggled on to him before he spooned me from behind. Goosebumps rose on my skin under his touch and he leaned over and his giantass frame invaded my personal space.

"You're wearing my coat when I take it off." For added emphasis, his large, callous palm pressed firmly into my lower back.

My lips curled up at him. "Is that... all you want me to wear?"

"Later." His warm breath puffed over my ear. He lifted his hand off my back and pushed open the hotel doors. "Ready?"

I slipped my hand on top of his and pushed the door harder. "Let's go see where your ass gets drafted so I know which jersey I'm fucking you in tonight."

Jake's journey to the NFL draft mirrored Logan's more than either of them comfortably admitted. During his last semester at USC, he won the Heisman, again and one more than Logan he reminded anyone who brought it up, PAC-12 championship and Rose Bowl, then participated in both the Senior Bowl and NFL combine.

One drip of sweat at a time, Jake trained, conditioned, and worked himself to the edge of his own body's limits. He took ice baths three times a week and the other four nights, I sat on his ass and massaged out his sore muscles until my own fingers cramped. He prepared all his meals and by the time I straightened and tied his tie in the limo ride over to Radio City Music Hall, he'd done everything within his control.

Of all his qualities, Jake's leadership and level-headedness were praised the most in all the mock drafts that touted him as a 'sure pick.' A year ago, I would've fallen over laughing until I peed myself at the words most analysts used to describe Jake. Now though, with an up-close view of his commitment, I fully agreed.

Hardworking.

Cerebral.

Solid.

Dependable.

Off the field, he proved those qualities and a whole lot more to me. With time and patience, he demonstrated his commitment to me, over and over, until I no longer saw my life without him in it. My hand clamped down on his thigh, which bounced wildly from our backstage table behind the floor to ceiling black curtains. While everyone else, including the national television audience, saw his drawn down shoulders, uplifted chin, and relaxed smile, his sweat-soaked hand wrapped a death grip around mine under the tablecloth.

Jake had interviewed, repeatedly, with all thirty-two teams at the combine. Several were highly interested in Jake but none of us had any idea where he went because certainly not all needed a quarterback.

As an invited guest of the media, Logan had been interviewed a few times, about his draft experience, any advice for the players, and how his first NFL season had gone as Seattle's backup quarterback. Behind closed doors, he told Jake his assumptions, for what they were worth. Tampa Bay and Buffalo were Jake's biggest pursuers, but the wild cards in this year's draft were the New York Giants, who held nine picks that included two in the first round, and Houston, who held the first overall pick.

For probably the first time in my life, the uncertainty of which direction I headed didn't bother me at all. I happily took a back seat to wherever the fuck Jake went because, ironically, the stability we'd built between us our last year at USC could withstand a cross-country move.

Jake, Ellie, their mom, and I sat in complete silence once the draft started. Ten minutes had never felt like an eternity and the draft countdown clock seemed like it ticked backwards.

"I have a trade to announce," The Commissioner boasted proudly as if he had anything to do with it. Just then, Jake's cell phone buzzed on the table where he'd left it. He grabbed it with one hand while the other squeezed mine tightly in a vice grip that numbed my fingers.

His eyes widened, then a huge smile broke out on his face at the contact name.

"Hello?" He answered right away. "Yes, this is Jake... Yes, Sir. Of course, Sir. One minute."

His hand trembled, then cupped his phone to his chest and he looked directly at me with a completely blank expression.

"Jake?" A tight constriction sensation pulled inside my chest as his eyes darkened a shade at me.

"How do you like it here in New York, trouble?" he whispered as emotion pooled into his eyes.

"Not that I mind, but we've mostly seen the inside of the hotel room." I leaned forwards and added with a smirk, "Not that we needed it, but seems pretty good for our sex life though."

"What if we stayed here?" His eyes shifted down to his phone.

"Of course." I leaned over and gently pressed my lips against his cheek. "I go where you go."

After I made sure we discreetly sat near a clothed table, I ran my hand between his legs under the tablecloth, palmed his crotch, then mouthed, "All of you."

His eyes widened but sparkled with interest, then his face erupted into a radiant smile as he answered into the phone, "Absolutely."

After a short amount of small talk, he grinned widely and hugged his arms around me. "We're moving, firecracker," he murmured into my ear, followed by a kiss against my lips. "You and me, we're moving."

"Like... into the same confined space... together?" My eyebrows lifted high when he nodded. "It's not just because I'm jobless and homeless, right?"

He surprised me with how tightly he bear-mauled me into his chest. "It's because there's no one else I want in my corner."

"Yeah," I choked out tightly. He flashed me a huge grin, smacked his lips hard against mine, then released me for oxygen and hugged his Mom. My fingers trembled as he looped his coat around me, full of warmth and the smell of his deodorant.

Tears beaded up in my eyes when I realized his childhood dream unfolded right in front of my eyes. Jake's life had been blessed and his hard work finally recognized and paid off. The surge of emotions that rose up in my choked off my breath in my lungs and, for once, left me without any words.

After one last kiss, Jake was whisked away by an escort. Silently, in a synchronized head lift, we watched as the NFL commissioner continued, "With their trade for the first overall pick, the New York Giants select... Jacob Harrison, quarterback, University of Southern California."

In a flurry of activity, Jake appeared on the mounted TV screens, joined by a few men in suits with a blue and white jersey and coordinated baseball cap handed to him. Under the flash of blinding lights, he promptly slipped the hat overhead, thankfully not backwards because honestly he still looked stupid when he did that.

Hands shook, the hometown fans in their seats erupted in a drunken ruckus, cameras flashed, his Mom hugged me tightly, Ellie and I bawled like babies, and Jake grinned brightly within all the commotion.

"I never would've thought you two would end up... whatever you are. Together, right?" Ellie practically gushed at me and dragged the tears out of her eyes.

"In our own way." I smiled at him across the room as he sat down for a few camera interviews. "We are."

His eyes shone as bright as his smile, which looked just as adorably boyish as the gangly, awkward Jake I'd fallen for in middle school. As if he felt the weight of my gaze, he glanced over and his lips curled upwards into a smirk that, for once, I no longer wanted smacked off his face.

Now sit on during our celebration tonight while wearing only a Giants' jersey, that's another story.

Not a romance story, but still... ours.

The End.

Thank you SO much if you have reached the end of this long, frustrating journey. These two are a different relationship *cough* dysfunctional *cough* dynamic for me and I appreciate anyone finding and reading about them. The comments, votes, and reactions truly help my writing improve and humble me, so thanks again!! ❤️🤪🤪❤️- me