"you have a place in my heart no one else could ever have"

⋆✧⋆✧⋆

I quickly change out of my hockey gear and take the fastest shower of my life.

I shut my locker door and pick up my bag, heading straight out the door.

"Jesus, slow down, Blake. Where are you going in such a rush?" Brian Chambers, one of my teammates, asks.

"Sorry man, my girl is out there waiting for me." I barely turn around to give him an answer.

"Ah, young love. Tell her we say hi!" He shouts, quickly speaking before I'm too far to hear him.

I give him a nod and I'm out the door, making my way straight to the stadium chairs.

The entire team is pretty familiar with Laney. She comes to almost all our games and tries to be there to watch some of our practices, so they've all become acquainted with her at some point.

Of course, they all love her. She's a fucking sweetheart, how could they not.

But, Laney being Laney, won them completely over with her baked goods. She didn't need to because they had loved her sweet personality already, but she wanted to. Apparently, when she gets stressed or overwhelmed, she bakes. Hence the copious amounts of cookies and cupcakes she's brought for the guys.

A smile makes its way to my lips as I spot her reading a book, seated on one of the lower chairs. She's wrapped in a puffy jacket, mittens over her hands, and a hat on her head. She looks fucking adorable.

"Hi, love," I greet her and she beams up at me, putting her book down in her lap.

"Hey, darling, how was practice? From my limited knowledge, you guys looked great, but then again I really have no idea."

I lightly chuckle at her. "It was alright, the usual. I'm just glad it's over and you're here."

I'm sure a blush would've crept onto her face had her cheeks not been red already from the cold. I lean down and kiss her. Her hand goes to my jaw, delicately holding it, and I love the way it feels.

I look at my bundled-up girlfriend and my heart squeezes. "You are so fucking adorable, you know that?"

She laughs and I can't help but place another quick peck on her lips.

"I'm so glad I can do that now," I whisper, our faces inches apart.

"So am I."

When I pull away and stand up straight, her eyes rake my body and a sense of pride fills my chest. God, I love when I can tell she's shamelessly ogling me.

"Not that it doesn't make you look incredibly hot, but your hair is wet, you're going to get sick." Her tone is filled with a combination of lust, worry, and sternness.

"I thought that was a myth," I slightly tease.

She narrows her eyes at me, clearly not very impressed. "Well, myth or not, surely you're cold."

"Why don't you warm me up then." I smirk at her and she gives in. I plant my lips on her's and capture her lips, instantly heating me up.

She's first to pull away and instead of looking up at, she looks at something behind me.

"What?" I ask.

"Nothing." She shakes her head, but I know somethings up.

"No, what," I press on.

"Jax is looking at us weirdly," Laney whispers into my ear and I turn around, my line of site following her's.

I roll my eyes when I find Laney is right. He's unabashedly staring at the two of us. A mix of a scowl and creepy smirk decorating his face.

What a fucking weirdo.

"I swear, I'll kill that kid."

"Why don't you just kiss me instead?" Laney offers and I don't need any convincing to do what she says.

Not wanting to heavily make out in the middle of the rink, with Jax watching, we cut ourselves off before this gets anything beyond PG 13.

Deciding it's time to head out, the two of us exit the rink. I walk out with my hockey bag hanging off my shoulder, my stick in one of my hands, and Laney's hand in my other.

I set down my things in the trunk and shut it before getting in the driver's seat and starting the car.

"So, where are we going?" Laney looks over at me and asks.

"You are going home."

"Wait what?" Her brows furrow in confusion.

"I'm taking you home right now."

"I thought we were going to do something today. You asked me if I was free and I was, I thought that implied we'd be hanging out." I can feel her getting frustrated with me as she speaks.

"We are."

I can't help but explain what's going on irritatingly slow.

I love this girl, but sometimes it's still fun getting her rilled up.

Just like old times.

"I'm confused. So I just watched your practice for no reason. No offence, because I love doing it, I mean you look hot out there–" I smirk at her words but she narrows her eyes at me in annoyance and I sober up my face. "–but watching a sport you aren't educated on is hard to do. Meaning it's not my first choice in Saturday activities."

"You insisted on coming to practice, I told you you didn't need to come today."

"But I just assumed we'd hang out right after, hence me coming."

"You assumed wrong."

"But–"

"Laney, can I tell you the plan?"

"Fine." She purses her lips together, giving me the floor.

"I'm dropping you off. Then, I'm going to my house. We're both going to get ready and then I'm picking you up to go on our first official date."

She perks up at my words, the annoyance that was clear on her face earlier is now gone.

"Well, where are we going?" she looks like an excited puppy right now. It's adorable.

"That's for me to know and you to find out."

Begrudgingly, she follows the plan, not without sending me many texts asking for details. But, I only give her the basic outline; wear something casual, comfortable, and decently warm.

⋆✧⋆✧⋆

A few hours later and I'm in a navy hoodie paired with blue jeans, standing on Laney's porch.

The door opens, revealing Aspen, but not wide enough to let me see into the house and over at Laney.

"State your name and your intentions with my best friend." Aspen stares me down and I feel about 5 feet under her glare.

"What? Aspen, you know who I am."

"Is that attitude young man?" she snaps and I realize she's actually serious.

I sigh but play along. I just want to see Laney. "My name is Sterling Blake and I'd like to take your friend on a date. I promise you I only intend on keeping her safe and loving her as long as she'll let me."

The curly blonde in front of me smiles at my answer but it quickly disappears when she remembers she's supposed to be the protective parent of sorts. "Best friend, but fine, you pass the test."

She opens the door wider, letting Laney through and disappearing back into the house.

"I tried picking an outfit that followed your vague instructions which was torture by the way, is this okay?"

She gestures to her black leggings and blue crewneck.

"It's perfect. You look perfect."

"You don't look half bad yourself, darling."

I can't help the grin that forms at her words and I lead her down the driveway and to my car.

Nerves threaten to appear in my stomach, I mean this is a first date, but a quick glance at the girl next to me and I'm immediately calm again.

She just has that effect.

⋆✧⋆✧⋆

Sterling leads me into a small library

The same one he once took me to when he wanted me to take a break from school work.

I love this place.

He opens the door for me and I pass through it, loving the way the atmosphere immediately relaxes me. The door closes behind us and small bell hanging on it rings, making it the only sound audible in the entire building.

"Everything is so still, it looks completely empty."

"Good, considering it is." He clasps his hand with my own and walks with me through the short, narrow hallway.

"Really? We're the only two people in this entire library?"

He just nods his head and continues walking alongside me.

A few steps later and we're covered by seemingly endless shelves of books.

My eyes widen and my jaw drops as I take in the scenery. The bookshelves are covered by fairy lights, strung in every which way across them. Blankets are laid out on the ground, pillows scattered around, and a picnic basket on top.

Somehow the prettiest library I've ever seen is even more incredible than it once was.

"Did you do all of this?" I ask as I sit down next to him.

He laughs at my shocked face and opens the basket beside him, taking out two sandwiches placed in a ziplock.

"It's simple, I'm not much of a decorator or cook."

"Sterling," I start. "You're unbelievable. I honestly don't know how I got so lucky." My hands capture his face and I pull his lips to mine.

"I should be the one saying that."

God, this man. He's literally perfect in every way possible yet he's too modest for a compliment.

"No, seriously." My tone is slightly harsh. I want to get my point across. "You really are the man of my dreams. Firstly, you're absolutely gorgeous. You are the best friend and greatest older brother. You're a fantastic hockey player. I think, because technically you could suck balls and I wouldn't really be able to tell." Sterling laughs at me but waits for me to go on. "You are thoughtful, caring, supportive, funny, and probably the best thing that's ever happened to me."

He closes his eyes and his dimples appear in a sort of grateful grin. "Thank you for saying that, my love."

The two of us slip into a comfortable silence, utterly consumed by one another. We just sit there, for what feels like both hours and a few seconds, staring into one another's eyes.

He's first to break eye contact, when he moves his attention to a stack of books on the floor next to him.

"I asked the girls if they knew what books you wanted to buy and Aspen snuck onto your phone to get me the list you have running. Now, these aren't all of them because, baby, that list is never ending. But, this is a start, and we've got all the time in the world to finish."

"You bought me books?"

"I'm close with the owner of this library because of how often my mom took me as a kid, and he got me an insane discount from his book supplier."

Overcome with emotions, I don't really know what to do with myself. Tears well in my eyes and I launch myself over to Sterling, wrapping my arms around his neck and holding onto him as tight as I can.

He hugs me back, possibly even tighter, and rubs slow circles across my lower back. We stay like that for a while, only releasing each other to cure the growing hunger in both our stomaches.

⋆✧⋆✧⋆

We stumble into his house, grateful all the boys are out at some bar tonight, and we head straight to his bedroom.

I can't help but gasp as he turns the kiss rough, gripping the back of my neck and pulling me close to him. I move onto his bed and he follows straight after me, climbing on top of my body and caging me in. I can't help but look at his strong arms holding his body up, his muscles flexed under the pressure of his weight.

I'm quick to run my hands up and down his chiseled torso, loving the way he feels on my fingertips. He smirks at my movements and pulls his hoodie off, giving me full view of him.

Soon, we're both a painting mess in nothing but our underwear. He eyes my body and I still under his gaze. "I will never get used to seeing how fucking gorgeous you are." His voice comes out raspy and thick with desire, and fuck me if it isn't hot as shit.

His mouth tortures me, placing slow, wet kisses down my neck and stomach. "Sterling," I whine, needing him to do something.

"What, baby? Tell me what you want."

"Take my bra off," I basically plead, and he's quick to fulfill my wishes. He unclasps it and the thin piece of material is off me in a second. His finger moves over my hardened nipple and I press myself into his touch.

I will never get over how good this feels.

"Tell me, Laney, have you touched yourself?" he asks as he continues his assault on my breast, licking and biting until I'm squirming under him.

My breath hitches in my throat at his words and I don't answer him. Partly because I'm embarrassed and partly because I'm so distracted by the way he palms and sucks on my breast.

My eyes shut tightly when he dips his hand down in between my legs. "I asked you a question." He sounds almost unrecognizable, dominance and craving coating each word that passes through his lips.

I nod my head slowly and his jaw hardens.

"Remember what I said about using your words? Hmm? Don't make me ask you again."

"Yes," I whisper sheepishly.

"Show me." He takes my hand into his and guides it to my centre. "Show me what it looks like when you make yourself come."

Nervously, I tug down my underwear and rub slow circles across my clit, as he watches my every movement.

"What do you think about when you touch yourself?"

"You," I admit in a moan.

"God, you're killing me," is all he says before he tugs my legs further apart and replaces his hand with my own. I gasp as he runs a finger through my slick folds and enters me.

"You're soaked, baby. So pretty and wet, just for me."

I push myself harder into his hand, riding his finger, and writhing in pleasure. I don't even have to open my eyes to know he's smirking over the effect he has on me.

"I bet you taste even fucking better than you look, can I taste you?" he asks.

"Yes," I cry. "Please, Sterling."

He lowers his head and licks my clit, sending a shock wave through my entire body. Not able to handle how good it feels, I squirm under his mouth but he holds my hips down on the bed, making sure to keep me in place.

I'm a screaming, moaning mess, and It doesn't take long before I'm about to come. "Don't stop. Oh god, you feel so good."

I feel him smile against me and when he pinches my clit with his fingers and thrusts his tongue into me one last time, I'm done for. Black spots invade my vision and I arch my back off the bed, a wave of the most intense pleasure I've ever felt crashing over me.

"You did so well."

It takes me a few minutes to recover from my high. But eventually, my mind clears and I'm able to function once more. I open my eyes and look up at Sterling who just smirks down at me and pecks my lips.

Still on top of me, I can feel his hard length on my stomach and I get the urge to do something about it.

"What about you?" I ask.

He smiles down at me and tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. "What about me?"

"You're–" I point to his still painfully hard dick hoping he'll get the idea without me saying it.

"I know, but I just had the best fucking meal of my life. I'm okay, Laney. Satisfying you was more than enough for me."

"But I want you to."

"Want me to what?" he questions.

"I want you to feel how I just felt. I want you to– um– touch yourself."

A smirk plays on his lips.

"Can I watch?"

He looks more than pleased at my request and nods his head. He pulls his boxers down and his considerable length springs free. My mouth waters at the sight of it. He is impossibly hard, and fucking massive. He leans back against the headboard with me sitting in front of him, so I have the best view.

"God, you're huge," I say before I have the chance to think. Honestly, I don't know how I'll ever be able to take him.

His dimples are on full display at my comment. "You impressed, baby?"

I can only shyly nod, no doubt in my mind that I'm blushing like crazy.

"Spit on my hand," he instructs, holding out his palm in front of my mouth.

"What?" I'm a little taken aback.

"Spit on my hand, Laney." His tone is a little more demanding.

God, that's fucking hot.

Something about the way he says it has me dripping wet, and I'm eager to fulfill his wish.

I look him in the eyes and grab his hand with mine, bringing it closer to my lips as I spit into it.

"Good girl," he praises.

Fuck.

He spreads my spit across the length of his shaft, stroking it up and down, and I watch as his abs tighten and flex as a result.

He continues to pump his cock with his hand and his eyes snap closed as his head falls backwards. It's so fucking hot watching him lose control.

"I want to help."

He opens his eyes and looks up at me, stopping his movements. "You don't have to, my love. If you don't want to, that's perfectly okay. I don't want you to feel pressured into this."

"I know." I give him a reassuring look. "I want to. I really want to. I'm just not sure what to do," I admit.

"Come here," he says, and I move closer, sitting right next to him so I'm able to reach.

I bite my lip and wrap my hand around his hard length. He groans out at the contact and I know I'm doing something right. I try to mirror his movements from a minute ago, gliding my hand up and down him, using my spit to help.

"Fuck, baby. That's it."

My pace is slow, still a little cautious about what I'm doing. Obviously needing me to go faster, he places his hand on my own, guiding me. Our speed picks up and the groans coming out of his mouth encourage me to keep going.

He brings my hand to his tip, and we circle it a few times, rubbing his pre-cum across it. He lets go of my hand and moves to grip the bed sheets below us as I take over on my own. Now, more confident in what I'm doing, I continue stroking his cock.

I know he's close when he thrusts his hips up, fucking my hand hard.

"Shit," is all he says before he twitches in my hand and ropes of cum spurt out of his tip and fall onto his stomach. Not, wanting to stop, I continue rubbing up and down his length, this time a lot slower. He seems to enjoy it, grunting as his head is thrown back against the headboard.

Then, his eyes open and he looks up and over at me. "You're gonna kill me if you keep stroking my cock, baby."

"Oh." I smile sheepishly and stop.

"That was fucking amazing, my love." He frames my face with his hands and kisses me on the tip of my nose.

My attention falls to his stomach, covered in his cum and I absentmindedly move to lick it. I stick my tongue out, collecting the liquid from his chiseled torso and he groans at my actions. I swallow the salty yet delicious substance and look up at him smiling.