Nerdgasm (Naughty Nerds) Page 5

  “I h-hope you like this one.”

  “I’m sure I will, Theo. Thanks for taking me out.” She gives me a playful bump with her shoulder before I open the passenger door for her. “And thank you for getting my door.”

  “Of course. My mother practically beat into me that a gentleman always opens the door for a lady.” I shut the door when I see her grin and make my way around the car.

  The drive is a short one, and we spend the ten minutes catching each other up on school and making small talk. Soon enough, the scenery outside has Addy raising her eyebrows in interest.

  “What are we doing at Ithaca College?”

  We’ve just passed through the college’s entrance, and I take my time responding as I drive us along the main campus road and toward a parking lot.

  “Well.” I take in a deep breath. The moment of truth has arrived. “We’re here for IthaCon.”

  “You brought me to IthaCon?”

  “Yes. Have you heard of Comic-Con?”

  With a smile and an eye roll she says, “Everyone’s heard of Comic-Con.”

  A nervous laugh escapes me. “Well, this is Ithaca’s Comic-Con. I have a pair of VIP passes. I hope that’s okay.”

  Beats of silence pass as she looks back out the window. Dread chills the pit of my stomach as I start to worry that I’ve epically messed up and done something weird. I finally park, and just when I convince myself she hates this date and is trying to find a way to ask me to take her back home, she turns to me.

  “Theo. It’s not okay. I need you to be straight with me, you got it?” Her expression is serious, and I’m waiting for her to tell me this was a huge mistake. I swallow and nod, the words lodged in my throat. At my gesture, her face transforms right before my eyes. Excitement takes over, and I can hear the eagerness saturate her voice as she practically shouts her next words. “This is amazing! I’ve been dying to go to IthaCon for months, but tickets sold out before I could buy any. How on earth did you get VIP tickets?!”

  Gobsmacked. I’m feeling gobsmacked right now. I might have to marry this girl one day.

  ADDY

  This is going to be the best. Date. Ever.

  Ever.

  I knew Theo was going to surprise me, but boy, this guy doesn’t disappoint. I’m used to being carted off to movies or mini golf on first dates, so I am completely floored to find out IthaCon is on the table for today. I’m pretty sure his jaw has unhinged itself from shock at my excitement, and it takes him a minute to gather his thoughts before he can even tell me how he got ahold of VIP passes.

  “D-Demi and I go every year and get first d-dibs on VIP passes. She gave me her ticket for our date.”

  “Oh, my gosh. I feel terrible for taking her ticket!” Kind of. Part of me feels terrible, but a larger part of me is about to pass out from excitement and a lingering sense of disbelief. “How much do I owe her?”

  Theo scoffs at my question and waves it off. “Nothing. This is a date. And don’t feel terrible. She doesn’t mind, and she is more than happy to hold me to a future favor. If I’m being honest, she’s probably more excited about that.” He gives a rueful smile, but even though he’s poking fun at her, the affection is clear in his voice.

  I’m going to send her a gift basket or get her a really sweet souvenir today to show my thanks. I tell this to Theo, and he gives me a look of surprise.

  “You don’t need to do that. I was already planning on doing that; if you’d like, we can pick something out for her together. I still can’t believe you’re excited. I was worried you wouldn’t like this.”

  I stare at him for a moment, my mouth hanging agape. “Are you kidding? You chose the perfect date. If you can’t tell by my t-shirt, The Walking Dead is my ultimate guilty pleasure. I saw Norman Reedus, the guy who plays Daryl, is going to be here today. Just a heads up,” I warn as I finally move to unbuckle my seat belt, “I’m going to fangirl all over the place. That guy is a badass.”

  Theo follows suit with a smile, and we exit his car. I skip ahead in my eagerness, and it’s not until I’m a few yards away I realize he isn’t beside me. A quick glance over my shoulder shows he’s strolling along at a leisurely pace, a soft smile on his lips as he watches me. I feel an answering tug in the vicinity of my heart as I watch him watch me. Not only that, my mouth waters a little as I take in the long, lean lines of his body moving toward me. I blink a few times and force my mind to put that thought on hold because I’m about to go bananas at IthaCon. I skip back to Theo and grab his hand to lace our fingers together, which seems to catch him off guard because his luscious lips part as he looks down to where our hands are clasped in wonder. He is so adorkable.

  Leaning in and stretching toward him on my tippy toes since he’s so tall, I whisper, “C’mon, hot stuff. Let’s go get our nerd on.”

  His answering grin is all I see before I spin around and practically drag him to Campus Center and follow the signs to Phillips Hall where all the fun awaits us.

  For hours we explore all the different retailers and exhibits, and we even hit up a few panels. I spend an ungodly amount on TWD merch, and we both pick out some great Harry Potter souvenirs for Demi since that’s her thing. I also feel an enormous sense of glee when Theo completely geeks the hell out over anything Marvel and DC. There are a few instances walking around where we have to stop some expert-level cosplayers and take photos with them because they look legit. Although we’re surrounded by so much to see and take in, we still manage to hold a delightfully easy conversation that’s a fun mix of nerd trivia and personal information.

  “So, what do you want to do next?” I ask as I try on an Iron Man mask. “What do you think?” I cock my hip out and gesture toward my face.

  A throaty laugh is what I get in response, and the butterflies that have been fluttering around in my stomach all day take flight. “You’re way s-sexier than Iron Man.” A faint blush accompanies his words, as if he’s startled by his admission, and he rushes to answer my first question. “I thought we could check out another panel. Twisted Tunes is one of my favorites, and I think you’ll like it.”

  “Twisted Tunes? I’ve never heard of it.”

  “C’mon. You’re in for a treat.”

  He grabs my hand and leads me toward one of the large auditoriums where it’s held, and warm fuzzies fill my chest at his rising comfort level with me. It feels so natural to be with him, and even though we just met, I feel like we’ve known each other for years. We just click, and I’ve never felt such a strong pull toward another person.

  We luck out when it comes to seating because we get a great spot in the center of the second row. I take advantage of the confined space and lean in close so our bodies are touching from shoulders to knees.

  “So, what’s Twisted Tunes all about?” I murmur into his ear.

  “Basically, v-voice actors and s-sometimes regular actors will r-read from a book or script in the v-voices of popular characters.”

  “Oh, that sounds cool.” Instead of pulling back, I stay pressed against him, savoring the warmth between us.

  Theo nods in response just as one of the event hosts walks up on stage. “Hello, and welcome to IthaCon! I hope you’re all having a fabulous time. I know I am! Who’s ready for Twisted Tunes?” Thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd fill the room. “That’s what I thought! Let’s get things started!”

  A bunch of people whose names I don’t recognize take the stage and are introduced. In lieu of regular introductions, they say hi to the crowd as some of the characters they voice, which is really cool. There are six voice actors on stage, but there’s still an empty seat at the end of the panel. Before I can wonder overlong on who will take the final seat, the host speaks again.

  “We also have a surprise guest joining us today. Before I introduce them, I want to introduce today’s story that our lovely panel will be reading to us today. For your listening pleasure, today’s Twisted Tunes panel is Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back!” More cheers from the
crowd. “And joining us on this journey is none other than Norman Reedus!”

  My mind blanks for a second, and then I’m screaming along with the rest of the crowd. “Oh, my God!! Norman, I love you. I FREAKING LOVE YOU!!” rips out of my mouth before I can run it through the filter in my brain. I clap my hand over my lips in surprise and turn to Theo to see his reaction at my outburst. Instead of pretending he doesn’t know my crazy ass, he’s laughing so hard that he needs to remove his glasses to wipe the tears from his eyes.

  The laughter doesn’t stop there, either. I’m pretty sure I bust a seam—or, if I’m being honest, pee myself a little—at the hilarity that ensues as the panel launches into their reading of Star Wars. Their vocal imitations of Cartman from South Park, Christopher Walken, Morgan Freeman, and other beloved voices is impressive, and the crowd goes insane. My cheeks hurt from laughing by the time the reading is through, and I’m worried I’ve tracked makeup down my face from the tears of laughter I cried. At this point, though, I don’t care because I’ve never had so much fun on a date with a guy. Then again, I can’t say I’m surprised.

  We spend the rest of the day attending a few more panels and revisiting the booths again before heading off to dinner. I’m exhausted and satisfied by the end of our date. Ever the gentleman, Theo walks me to my door with our hands linked; the contact between us is easy after the day we’ve had, and I’m reluctant to say bye.

  “Would you like to come in? My roommates went to a party, so I know they’ll be home late.” I look up at him, willing him to say yes and come inside. Now that we’re truly alone, my fatigue takes a back seat. All I can really think about now is getting my hands on him. “We can finish our conversation from the library,” I cajole gently, hoping to entice him.

  “Oh?” He sounds interested, and a brief second passes before he replies. “Sure, I can come in for a little.”

  I want to fist pump the air in triumph, but I manage to restrain myself. Nervous anticipation swirls in my belly as I unlock my door, his tall presence at my back, and lead him into my kitchen.

  “Would you like a drink?”

  “Just a water, please.”

  Theo looks larger than life in my space, his tall frame leaning casually against the counter, but his sweet, unsure smile is going to be the death of me. I grab a bottled water from the fridge and make my way over, pressing my body close to his as I hand it to him.

  “Now, where were we?”

  “W-what do you mean?”

  He must be nervous; I love how I have this affect on him. “I told you we could finish our conversation from the library.” Recognition, followed quickly by curiosity, lights up his expression. “If I recall correctly, you told me about how much you love swimming, and I was just about to tell you about your body before we were interrupted.”

  “M-my…” He takes a deep gulp and swallows, and his words come out slightly strangled. “My b-body?”

  “Mmhmm,” I murmur. I don’t think I’ve ever been so turned on by a guy with so little effort; we haven’t even done anything yet. It’s a heady feeling to be the pursuer in this moment, especially since I’ve never been so forward with a guy before, and seeing him so flustered has my hands itching to touch him. More than that though, I’d love to finally feel his plush lips against mine. If I’m lucky, Theo will want me as badly as I want him.

  Seven

  Theo

  My pulse pounds loudly in my ears as the blood rushes through my veins like a tsunami. Any remaining blood is at risk of quickly traveling south when Addy continues to press closer to me, invading my space with her sweet scent.

  “Your body,” she finally clarifies when she makes contact, “is ridiculous.” I can feel the heat from this point of contact through my clothing, and I have to start thinking of homeless orphans, poverty, and wrinkly penises to stop myself from getting hard when her fingers drag a slow, purposeful path from shoulder to shoulder and down the center of my chest and stomach. “Ridiculous in the best possible way.” Her words come out as an almost inaudible whisper, but my straining ears pick them up as clearly as if she were yelling. The inquisitive pressure of her fingers stops when she hits my belly button, and she retraces her path back up to the base of my throat before finally pulling away. “I should’ve guessed you were a swimmer as soon as I saw your broad shoulders.”

  I don’t know how I manage it, but words tumble past my lips. “So you’re only going out with me for my body?” I quip, and it’s an utter miracle I don’t stutter.

  I was already struggling for breath when she was touching me, but that and all coherent thought effectively leaves me when she gives me an unabashedly sexy smile that still manages to come off as shy. For the first time ever, a girl is looking at me with unmasked desire, and I’m not sure what to do. I don’t have a second to even think of what I should do because Addy answers me.

  “Of course not. Your body comes in fourth place when it comes to things I really like about you.”

  “Only f-fourth?” My voice is filled with mock incredulity. “Should I be offended?”

  She’s still right in front of me, and although we’re no longer touching, our heads are angled so close together I can see the toffee-colored flecks in her dark brown eyes.

  “Not at all,” she breathes in a low voice, her tone serious. “First, I like your personality.” She places her hand over my heart before moving it to the top of my head, where she lightly rakes her fingers through my close-cropped hair. Addy is really touchy, not that I’m complaining; I’m starting to crave her touch more than the next Marvel or DC movie. “Second, I like this smart brain of yours. Third,” she whispers, and I pitch my head farther down in an effort to hear her better. “I really, really like your lips.”

  “My l-lips?” My cheeks flush in pleasure and embarrassment, and my heart kicks violently when her fingers move to my mouth.

  I realize keeping my hard-on at bay is futile when she lightly scrapes her nail along my lower lip, and all this talk of lips has my eyes zeroing in on hers. They’re full and a pale coral-pink, and any blood left in my brain travels below my belt when I see her pink tongue peek out and slowly lick them. I’m almost painfully hard at this point, and I really want to kiss her.

  “Th-thank you, Addy.”

  “Mmhmm.” Her voice sounds drowsy, and she’s still staring at my mouth. “Theo?”

  “Mmhmm?”

  She finally drags her eyes up to mine. “I’d really like you to kiss me now, please.”

  Instead of answering her with words, I reach up and gently cup her jaw with both hands, my thumbs tracing the plump outline of her lips as I lean down. I move toward her slowly, my breath ghosting over her parted mouth. Time has slowed, and the thump-thump-thump of my heart is like a steady drumbeat as I move closer until my lips finally touch hers.

  Although adrenaline spikes through my body at the contact, I’m gentle as I taste her, taking my time like Demi advised. I’ve never been as physically aware of someone as I am with Addy, and it feels as if my senses have been heightened as I’m flooded with sensation.

  The petal-soft texture of her lips, and the satiny feel of her skin against my fingertips.

  The heady scent of her citrusy shampoo tickling my nostrils.

  The warmth of her body as she steps between my legs and presses herself against my chest.

  The sight of her upturned face, downcast lashes, and dreamy smile when I momentarily pull away.

  The faint gasp of delight when I lean back in for more, and the dulcet sound of a moan trapped in her throat when I don’t stop.

  The sweet taste of her when I lick into her mouth gently, savoring her as I gradually and unhurriedly deepen the kiss.

  Our tongues tangle slowly as we learn each other’s touch, and I savor the feeling of her hands as they start to roam over the body she was praising earlier. Eventually, Addy pulls away slightly and takes a deep, shuddering breath that simultaneously sounds like an awe-filled sigh.

  “You’r
e shaking,” she whispers as she opens her eyes, and I am.

  I think it’s a combination of nerves, desire, and the still-present adrenaline coursing through me. I definitely don’t feel in control—which is why my stutter is more pronounced—but it’s a good kind of loss of control.

  “S-so are you,” I whisper back when I feel her body tremble under my touch.

  “I want you, Theo. Would you like to spend the night? We don’t have to go all the way,” she clarifies, “but I’d like you to stay a little longer. We can see where the night leads.”

  Her direct words and their meaning aren’t lost on me, and she sees just how much they affect me when she moves in and lightly brushes up against my hard-on with her lower body. For a moment I fear my dick is going to punch through my jeans and beg for more contact. Fighting my body’s screaming plea, I give her a quick peck before I move away and force some space between us.

  “I want you, too,” I admit. I see confusion cloud her gaze, and I quickly answer the unspoken but I know she’s wondering about. I don’t want her to think I’m rejecting her. “Which is why I should leave. I respect you, and I want to take things slow. Is that okay?”

  A blank look is all I get in answer for a moment before a sweet smile breaks across her face like a sunrise. “Yes, that’s more than okay. Thank you, Theo.”

  “For what?”

  “For respecting me. For not being like a lot of guys who would’ve just taken me up on my offer. I swear, I’m usually not so forward.” She laughs and runs a hand through her hair. “There’s just something about you. You make me feel special.”

  I grin and pull her in for a tight hug. “That’s because you are.”