Page 12 of On the Dean's Naughty List

We begin to cross the street to the wooden walk that leads to the Keys crystal blue water, when I pull up short. Across the street, I see my father getting out of his car and rounding the other side to open the door for my mother. What the heck are they doing on this side of town?

Mark tugs at my hand but stops when he sees me frozen.

“What’s wrong, Mackenzie? Afraid I’m going to get you wet?” He’s got a sly look, but all I can think about is getting us out of here. I turn and yank him with me. We quickly round the building; out of the way my father was heading, and I lean against the cool brick and pull Mark against me. He counteracts the chill with his own heat.

And fuck, this was a bad idea.

“Well, if you wanted me pressed against you, you should have just said so, Tink.”

“I want you, Mark.” The words fall from my lips. I don’t think twice about saying that out loud and that’s how I know I’m in trouble. I’ve forgotten all about hiding from my father and am only concerned with Mark. He cups my face and kisses me. No, he consumes me. I’m lost in his lips, his cinnamon scent. His hands travel down my neck to my collarbone, then lower, where he lets his fingertips dance just above the curve of my tank.

I let out a breathy moan, and his groan gets louder. He pushes his hips into mine, then reaches down and snags me under my thighs, lifting me so I’m wrapped around his waist.

“I need to feel you.”

My arms are around his neck, his strong broad shoulders hiding us from view. I shamelessly grind against him, and he lets out another groan.

“Fuck. Not here.” He pulls back from me, both of us breathing hard. “Come on, let me fuck you in my truck.”

“Mark!”

He laughs and leans his forehead against mine. “What? I’ll put candles in the cupholders, so we’re classy and shit. You’re special, baby.”

I hit his shoulder. I’m so lost in the fact that I was making out like a teenager, again, only this time against a brick building. My senses are returning, I’m guessing my father is gone, and the coast is clear. I hesitantly unlock my legs from around his waist.

“You sure you can walk there, buddy?” He adjusts himself and it’s the fucking sexiest thing ever. I smile at the impact I have on him.

“You owe me, Tink.” He replies and bites his lip.

“Hey! I thought you said you’d never push for more. That sounded a little expectant to me.”

He throws his arm around my shoulder, and we make our way back to his truck, the beach long forgotten. “Like I said before, I want passion. And when my woman shows her passion for me, she damn well better be ready to give it all to me, too.”

MACKENZIE

“Girls, Ready!”

My captain counts it off and the cheer starts. It’s a pre-season game, but we show up to all games and support the boys. I’m doing my best to stay in the here and now, but Mark’s words of ‘when my woman shows her passion for me, she damn well better be ready to give it all to me, too,’ play over and over in my head. Am I his woman? And if I am, can I give it all to him? Am I ready to open up my secrets and give it all?

I’m standing behind the girls, on the farthest side, away from the team’s bench. I see Dash and Mark standing by Coach Karol. Pre-season games are the only time they’ll be allowed on the field for the opening drive, so I know they’re taking full advantage. Summer is standing with them, and she gives me a little wave. I wave back and so does Mark, accompanied by a wink.

“Why’s that guy here?” My dad’s booming voice in my ear makes me jump. I didn’t hear him approach. He stands next to me, watching the field. It looks like a friendly conversation among University staff.

But I know better.

“Hello Dean Stoll. Lovely night.”

“Mackenzie. I told you to stay away from him.” His fake smile is plastered on his face as he looks out on the field. It’s one ‘cheer’ thing we have in common, fake it til you make it.

“Mark? He’s friends with Dash. They’re here supporting Jameson. You know, yourstarQuarterback.”

He gives a sideways glance at my dig. I know who butters the bread at this school. And so does dad.

“Mackenzie, he’s nothing but a player. Do you know how many women I’ve seen him flirt with? And your mother. Don’t get me started.”

“Da-Dean Stoll,” I drop my voice at my mistake, “you’re being ridiculous. He didn’t know mom was your wife, and he’s just a nice guy.”

“Your mother is twice his age. And I’ve heard stories. We don’t need a guy like that representing the university.”