“Last chance. You don’t want to back out or change your mind?” I ask, holding my breath. We both know her parents know, but it doesn’t mean we have to announce it to everyone else.
Not yet anyway.
“Not at all,” she says, confidently.
“Good,” I murmur. She tilts her head back against the seat, looking over at me, and smiles.
Unable to resist her, I lean over, pressing my lips against her mouth. She releases her grip, tracing her hand over the side of my face, slipping her fingers into my hair.
I can’t hold back from touching her, needing and wanting to feel her soft skin on mine. My hand lazily runs along her leg, and her body relaxes beneath my touch.
It’s like her silent way of giving herself over to me and trusting me to take care of her.
The further my fingers graze over her leg, up her thigh, she opens her legs wider, giving me better access until the tips of my fingers brush over the front of her panties. I picture them as red lace. Something about the visual in my mind unleashes the animal inside of me.
“Sydney,” I moan, pressing my forehead against hers.
“Colson,” she whispers back, full of need.
“Do you trust me?”
“Always.”
She reaches down, slips her dress up higher to give her legs more room to move, opening for me. I want so damn badly to pull her on top of me and have her ride me, but it will have to wait.
Right now, I want to help her relax. I want her to think about nothing but us, and know I’ll always be here to take care of her.
Tracing the line of her pussy lips through the lace of her underwear, her leg starts to shake, and her breath shutters. She adjusts her leg, draping it over mine, giving me better access to watch as I touch her.
Holding my thumb against my mouth, I suck on it before touching her again.
She mutters a quiet, “please,” lifting her hips up toward me, begging me to give her more.
“Take them off,” I command.
Her moves are frantic and chaotic, fumbling to slip her panties down. She toes them off, moving her leg back over my thigh, opening herself up to me.
“Dear God,” I moan. My dick is about ready to bust out of my slacks at the sight of her. Her pussy is glistening with how wet she is for me.
We don’t have much time. As much as I want to draw this out, make it good for her, if I want to make her cum, I have to be quick.
I lightly trace over the edge of her pussy, softly touching her clit before grazing down to push the tip of my finger into her tightness.
The soft touches and the deliberate changes in course leave her guessing, drawing it out for her.
“I wish I was buried inside you right now,” I moan. She reaches her hand out, pulling me in to press a hard kiss against my lips. She pulls back slightly, keeping her forehead pressed against mine.
Her eyes squeeze shut in concentration. Kissing a path from her lips to her ear, I whisper lightly, “Relax, baby. I’m going to make you feel good.”
It’s a tight squeeze, much like my pants, but I’m able to kneel on the floor. She leans back, slipping her dress up for more room, pressing her knees against her chest.
A sheen of sweat dots her forehead, the back of the limo warming up with our heavy pants, while we both desperately seek her release.
With one swipe of my tongue over her clit, her legs twitch in my hands. She doesn’t move otherwise; you can hardly hear her as if she’s holding her breath waiting for me to give her more.
“I could do this all damn day,” I moan, flicking my tongue over her tight bud once again.
When I pull back to tease her again, her fingers grip my hair, urging me back where she wants me. She’s either forgot where we’re going or doesn’t care anymore.
“Who’s in control, Sydney?” I ask, my breath coming out harsh against her pussy.
Her fingers release my hair, her arm collapsing next to her on the seat.
“Quit teasing me already and…” She stops, not finishing it.
“And what?”
“Just do it already,” she huffs out. Her face already rosy with arousal, but for a second, she almost looks shy. Embarrassed.
Not my Sydney.
This is the same woman who only a few weeks ago was strutting her sexy ass through her apartment wearing nothing but my jersey.
“Say. It.”
She sighs, smacking her hand down on the leather seat next to her. “Lick my fucking pussy, Colson. Do you hear me? I want you to make me cum.”
Grinning, I lick my lips, and I watch as she stares at me while I do. “Only because you asked so nicely.”
Her mouth drops open, her gaze never leaving mine as I flick my tongue over her clit once again. She hooks her arm under her knee, giving me better access while I add a finger.
Her eyes roll shut, and she bites down on her lower lip. Curling my finger up, rubbing the bundle of nerves, giving her one last flick of my tongue before sucking her clit into my mouth.
The combination of my fingers fucking her, and the suction sends her body on a wave of convulsions, racking through her body, her hands find their way back to my hair, gripping me.
She mutters incoherently, alternating between my name and praising me for how good it feels. I don’t know if I’ll ever get over the sight of her like this, coming undone right before me.
Sitting back on my haunches, I stare up at her and smile. She pushes herself up so she’s sitting, having nearly come off the seat in the throes of her passion.
“Do you forgive me?” I ask.
Her eyes narrow at me, confused.
Reaching my hand down, I grab her panties gathered around her high heel, sliding them over her other foot. She lets me, lifting her butt off the seat until her panties are back in place before I move to sit next to her.
“Forgive you for what?”
Lifting my finger to my mouth, I pause for a minute, smelling her on my skin. The thought of her scent on my lips for the rest of the evening is going to drive me insane.
Her eyes blaze into me, watching as I breathe her in, before answering her. “For teasing you?” I finish with a wink before licking my finger, tasting her.
I’m going to be a crazed man by the time the night is over and I can have her alone again.
Lord, help me.
Chapter Nineteen
Sydney
We pull up in front of the entrance and Jairo opens the door for us. Colson runs his hand over his hair, a grin curving his mouth. I fold my lips together to contain the laugh, knowing I had been tugging on the strands just a few moments ago.
You wouldn’t know looking at him though.
When I step out of the limo, I’m blown away by how beautiful it is here. The Liliana House overlooks the water, giving a stunning view as the sun has started to set in the distance.
The walkway leading up to the doors is lined with black lanterns, giving it a romantic and calming atmosphere. The charity gala is normally hosted at someone’s home, however, this year we decided to switch things up.
I’ve been working hard on the planning of tonight since I first started with the organization. I’m blown away and so impressed with how beautiful it turned out. One of our sponsors took care of the accommodations, taking the stress off me when it came to decorating and setting up today, leaving me to focus on the auction and this evening’s presentations.
We are quickly ushered onto the red carpet for pictures. I notice a few curious glances thrown our way, as Colson links our fingers together. Any lingering questions on whether we are together or not are put to rest when Colson’s arm wraps around my waist, leaving no space between us when he presses me against his side.
“You look beautiful,” he whispers, as we both look forward, lights flashing before us. I feel out of my element at these big events, although I do enjoy being able to help organize anything that will help the charities the Miami Blaze supports.
The night begins
with cocktail hour. We don’t make it more than a few feet through the door when I hear Jaxsen Wild shout out Colson’s name. He’s not hard to miss, like many of the players on the Blaze team. He waves us over, as I do a quick gaze around the room, surveying who all is here when my eyes land on Mr. Bruner’s. He’s the owner of the Blaze and happens to be my boss.
He looks at me, over to Colson, and down to where our hands are joined. A brief look of surprise flashes over his face before his eyes find mine. I’m not sure what I expected. A part of me wants to let go of Colson’s hand, fear and apprehension creeping in that I could be blowing it all, until he flashes me with a wink and a smile. He lifts his glass in “cheers” before his wife, standing next to him, pats him on the arm to get his attention.
It’s as though a two-ton weight has been lifted off my chest, and I can breathe. It’s likely not going to blow over that easily, but I’m still relieved to see it wasn’t as bad as I feared it could’ve been.
“I have to go take care of some things. Give me a few minutes, okay?”
The room is packed with people. Several who I recognize, many I don’t. I’m able to slip away to check in with the rest of the crew who have been helping me make all the final arrangements.
I do a quick run-through to make sure everything for the auction is ready to go when I run into Emily, the event coordinator.
“This looks stunning. You did an amazing job; this looks even better than I had envisioned in my mind.” She clutches the clipboard against her chest, dressed in a black blazer and matching slacks. She looks as though she means business, ready for anything that could come her way tonight.
“I told you I had it all handled. Now that you know you can trust me, get out of here and enjoy the evening with everyone else.”
She waves me off, assuring me she made sure all the auction items were organized and set to go. When I’m about to insist on looking over everything for my own peace of mind, she shakes her head and tells me to go.
“I promise you, I took care of it all. You have nothing to worry about.”
I sigh, clutching her forearm and mouth a “thank you.” She nods, giving me a smile that says, “I told you so,” before I turn to head back in search of Colson.
The ballroom is filled with tables and a dance floor off to the side near where the stage is located. Small teardrop lights twinkle overhead, giving the room an elegant glow and the same romantic and calming feel I had when we first walked in.
The tables are all numbered and covered with black tablecloths; nameplates are at each chair. I intentionally set us, along with the rest of the players’ families, toward the front. We are being seated with Jaxsen and Miles, along with my parents and a couple other guys from the team.
Standing off to the side, my eyes search through the crowd of people, looking for Colson. I want to take back my earlier thought. You’d think finding him would be easy, much like Jaxsen, except he’s nowhere in sight.
“There she is!” my dad boasts.
Glancing in the direction of where his voice came, I find him with my mom standing next to him. She still looks so much smaller next to my dad’s tall, burly frame.
They are both dressed in black. My mom’s hair is pulled up away from her face, with a jeweled hair pin glistening beneath the twinkling lights overhead.
“Oh, Sydney,” she croons. “You look stunning! You did a wonderful job with the event, too. I’ve heard multiple people say this is the most beautiful and organized gala we’ve had. Good job, honey.”
She reaches her arms out toward me, pulling me into her warm hug. My father is standing behind her, smiling at me as he nods his head in agreeance.
“Thank you!”
“Did you see Colson, honey? He’s here. I just saw him not too long ago.”
“I have. We actually came here together.”
My eyes bounce between my mom, over to my dad, who gives me a knowing smile. He doesn’t say anything further, and I’m grateful. I don’t exactly wish to have this conversation here, going on about how he “told me so.”
“Oh, good, honey. I’m so glad to hear you have been spending time together.”
“I had to step away to take care of a few things though. Where did you see him?”
“He was off to the side over there.” She points to the other side of the room, near the stage where we entered from.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go see if I can find him. I’ll see you two back at our table shortly.”
Grabbing a glass of wine from the tray as a waiter passes by, I weave my way through the crowd of people. Most are standing in small groups, chatting. Some are dancing or eating hors d’oeuvres.
Once I get through the cluster of people, I’m able to spot Colson standing off to the side where my mom mentioned seeing him. His back is facing me, his head tilted down talking to a woman. She looks like she’s about my age, maybe a year or two older. Her long blonde hair is curled in ringlets.
What stands out to me is how she’s wearing a green dress, an odd choice of color to wear to an event supporting the Miami Blaze. While it’s not written anywhere, most of the women attending would stick to red, black, or white in support of the organization.
I get a sneaking feeling she isn’t meant to be here, especially when I notice the way Colson’s shoulders tense, his jaw set with his hands in his pockets. He looks so different from the Colson I’ve gotten to know over the past few months.
He looks angry, hardened, and it’s a side of him I’d never want to see.
“Hey.” I slide up next to him, running my hand over his back. I ignore the girl in front of him, keeping my focus on him and what’s bothering him.
Colson’s head snaps in my direction, and I can’t help but feel like I interrupted something I wasn’t privy to.
“Hi,” the girl greets. Her voice sounding so sweet it practically oozes. To the point my lip curls in distaste at how fake she comes off. “You must be Sydney.”
My jaw clenches, the old Sydney creeping in. The one who grew up around girls just like her, who made it their mission in school to put me down and embarrass me, pointing out in every way how they were better than me or how I didn’t belong.
Only now, things have changed. I’m not the same quiet and lonely girl anymore, and I certainly am not going to let her put me back in that place either.
She reaches her hand out toward me, intending to shake it, but I don’t move. Something tells me the gesture isn’t the least bit sincere.
“Is everything all right here?”
She forces a fake smile. Her teeth looking shockingly white, highlighting the stark contrast between her smile and her fake, orange tan.
“Of course! I’m an old friend of Colson’s from Chicago. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him. We were just catching up.”
My eyes bounce between Colson back to the blonde Barbie, analyzing the two of them together. Immediately my mind goes to wondering who she is to him and if they’ve ever been intimate. Jealousy creeps in, and I hate how I’m sitting here picking apart each of her features, one by one, mentally cataloging all the ways she and I are so different.
“I’m sorry, what did you say your name was?”
“Molly.”
Ugh. Even her name grates on my fucking nerves.
“That’s interesting,” I mutter. Colson reaches out to slip his fingers between mine. “He’s never mentioned you before.”
I sense Colson’s body ease some. He must know, regardless of what this chick is going to try, say, or do, I’m not going to let her think for a minute she’s fazed us.
“Is that right, Cole?”
My nostrils flare at her attempt to use a pet name with him.
“Molly, I think it’s best if you leave. It was nice to see you,” he says, sending my head snapping in his direction. The expression on his face is unreadable, blank, hard.
Any sign of being pissed or frustrated before is gone, and it almost makes me angry.
/> Nice to see her?
I want to ask him what the hell is going on right now, demand for them to explain what their history is, but now is not the time or the place to hash this out.
“I’ll be in town for the rest of the week. Maybe we can catch up before I go,” she says, smiling at him while reaching her hand out to caress his arm.
My lips curl, and heat spreads across my face. I practically feel the anger simmering below the surface, waiting in anticipation for what he’s about to say next.
“I don’t think so.”
His words are direct, no mincing them. He has no interest in her, and I just want to snatch her by her hair and force her to get it through her head.
She flashes both of us a fake smile. For a second, I swear it’s like the lights overhead are causing her mouth to glow.
She says goodbye, neither of us acknowledging her as she does before she walks off. My eyes beam into the back of her head, following her as she disappears into the crowd. I pray I never have to see her again because no matter what her past is with Colson, just the sight of her grates on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.
As soon as she’s out of sight, I drop my hand from Colson’s and take a step back, turning so I’m facing him.
“Can we talk about this later?” he asks.
I have a million questions running through my mind, starting with who is she and how did she get in here?
Before I have a chance to answer him or demand he give me something, Mr. Bruner interrupts us and politely asks everyone to find their seats. Dinner is about to start, followed by the auction and presentations.
He reaches for my hand again, leaning close enough for only me to hear him and whispers, “Whatever you’re thinking, whatever is running through your mind right now, you have nothing to worry about. Do you hear me, Sydney? It’s not how it looks.”
He makes a point to punctuate the last word, emphasizing the word you.
Colson pulls back, his intense gaze directed at me and mouths the word, “Okay?”
I nod, letting it go for tonight. No matter what Molly wanted me to think, I trust Colson. I believe he would never want to hurt me. He’s done nothing since we’ve been together to make me question him.
Personal Foul: A Sports Office Standalone Romance Page 12