I grinned, and Charlie pinched my side.
"Hey, don't laugh. It was my dream."
"Sorry," I said. "I can just see that so clearly in my head. Please, go on."
"Anyway," she said, "then I got hurt, pulled a muscle in my thigh and wasn't sure I'd ever be able to walk normal again, let alone dance. Luckily, I found a PT, who helped me get better." Charlie gave a shrug. "Now, I want to help others."
"Amazing," I said again.
"Funny you should say that."
"Why?"
"A lot of the guys I hookup with use that word," she said. "But they don't mean it the way you do. With them it's more, 'God, your mouth is amazing' or 'Your body, tits, and ass are amazing.' That kind of thing."
I didn't look away from her eyes.
"Well…your body, tits, and ass are fantastic. I'm surprised nobody's written sonnets about them."
She laughed as I'd intended.
"But seriously, I mean it." I gave her hand a squeeze. "You, Charlie. All of you is amazing."
"So, why baseball?" she said, abruptly changing the subject. "Your whole family is crazy about the dumb sport, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why."
I nodded, aware of what she was doing. Charlie hadn't meant to reveal so much, and now she was retreating. That was okay. I didn't press her. But I couldn't wait till she lowered her walls again.
"Family has a lot to do with it," I said in answer to her question. "My parents inspired all of us kids to love baseball. And the team is like a family. We're there for each other. We also annoy the crap out of each other. But in the end, we defend and give our all for our teammates."
"I guess there are some good parts," she said. "Watching you strike people out is kind of hot."
"Not as hot as it would be to watch you dance. Wish I could've seen that."
She gave me a half-smile. "Maybe you will someday—if you're lucky."
I leaned forward, pressing my lips to hers, tugging on her bottom lip before I drew away. She'd made another one of those noises again, and I found myself grinning.
"What are you so happy about?" she asked.
"Nothing," I said.
Charlie sighed. "Are you sure you're a virgin?"
That made me choke on air. "Uh, yeah. Why do you ask?"
"Because that kiss was fire, and now, I'm having trouble believing it."
"Can't lie, remember?"
She shook her head. "Crazy. Is it for some religious reason?"
"No," I said. "I'm not waiting for marriage or anything."
"Just your soulmate," Charlie said.
I nodded, running my fingers through her hair like I'd always wanted to.
"Chase, you should know that whatever happens here, it'll be a one-time thing. I don't hookup with the same guy twice. Learned that lesson the hard way."
"Hmm," I said as she kissed her way down my neck. "And you should know…I always assumed that my first time would be with my wife."
"What?!?"
Charlie's head popped up, her eyes wide as they met mine.
"Relax." I chuckled. "I'm not proposing."
Yet, I mentally added.
"Just thought you should know."
She let out a breath. "Jeez, give a girl a heart attack will you? I was so not expecting that."
"You think being my wife would be that awful?"
"No, no, it's just…wait, are you laughing?"
I totally was.
"Chase, this isn't funny!"
"Admit it. It was a little funny."
Charlie scoffed, but her lips were turned up in a smile. "Well, you're definitely not getting any tonight."
I shrugged. "That's okay. I wasn't expecting to."
"Besides that, though, we can do anything you want."
My ears perked at her words. "Anything?"
She nodded as she ran a finger up and down my chest. "Just think about it, Chase. You've got to have a top ten, right? If there was one thing you could do with a girl, what would it be?"
"Just so we're clear Charlie, for you, I have like a top 100."
"Well, pick one," she said on a laugh.
I lifted a brow. "Anything I want, right?"
She gave another nod, and I grinned.
"Okay then," I said. "There is something I've been dying to try. Would you turn over so your back is facing me?"
Charlie's eyes flared. "Well, well, well. Mr. Perfect has a kinky side. Who knew?"
I lifted a brow, waiting until she complied.
"I'm just putting this out there," she said. "For the record, I'm good with heavy petting or some dry humping. But like I said, no sex, tonight."
Feeling my cheeks flare hot, I muttered, "Good to know."
"Don't get me wrong. I'd love to feel you take me from behind at some point. But—"
"Charlie. Will you please stop?"
"Okay," she said.
As she got situated, I turned with her. I lay on my side with my chest pressed against her back, fitting my legs behind hers as well. Once we were both comfortable, I wrapped an arm around her middle and gently pulled her closer. I released a sigh into her hair.
After a few moments, I heard (and felt) her chuckle.
"This is what you wanted to do?" she asked in a quiet voice.
I hummed in response.
"Unbelievable." Charlie was trying to sound put out, but somehow even though I couldn't see her face, I knew she was smiling. "I give you a free pass to do whatever you want, and this is what you choose? Spooning?"
"Yeah," I said. "Like I told you, I've always been curious about it."
She humphed.
"Not as kinky as you thought, huh? I hope you're not disappointed."
My voice was teasing, but I meant it. The last thing I wanted to do was let her down in any way. Charlie was important to me. More important than she knew. I hadn't gone there yet because I was afraid to scare her off—but I'd tell her soon. Tense and nervous, I waited for her response.
Charlie sighed.
"It's not that," she said, and it felt like I could breathe again. "I'm just surprised. Chase, you're…not what I expected."
I didn't know whether to take that as a compliment or not.
"How do you mean?" I asked.
"You're not like most guys," she said. "With an offer like that, they'd try and get away with whatever they could. No one would ask to play the big spoon to my little spoon. Men are usually ruled by hormones. Why are you so different?"
I lifted a brow. "I assure you. I'm as hormonal as the next guy."
She scoffed. "Yeah, right."
"You laugh, but do you know why I love this position?"
My hand tightened against her waist, causing her breath to catch.
Good. I had her attention. I didn't want her to miss a word.
"I can feel you," I said softly into her ear. "Everywhere. Every movement from the way you just swallowed to how your heart is beating so fast. I feel it all."
Dropping a kiss to her shoulder, I grinned as she shivered.
"I felt that, too."
"What?" Charlie said. "It's cold in here. That had nothing to do with you."
"Liar," I breathed against her skin.
She shivered once more in response.
"I like being close to you," I murmured. "Holding you, touching you, learning what you like. And I know I didn't say anything before, but…I'd be more than happy to take you from behind."
Charlie's breaths were coming fast now.
"Or the side," I added. "Or the front. Any way you'd like."
She didn't say anything, but I knew she was listening.
"The first time, though, the very first time, I want to see your face. Doesn't matter who's on top or in what position. I just want to remember every second, every expression, every sigh that leaves your lips."
I didn't know if Charlie was breathing at all anymore. She'd gone still against
me, seemed to be holding her breath.
"If I'm ever lucky enough to have you, I want to remember all of it," I finished.
After a few moments, I lifted my head to check on her.
"Charlie?" I asked.
Her eyes met mine. "Hmm?"
"You okay?"
"Yep, I'm good."
The way her voice squeaked at the end made me want to laugh, but I bit my tongue.
"Chase?" she said then.
"Yeah?"
"I think you should kiss me again."
She didn't have to tell me twice.
CHAPTER 18: Chase
It was game day.
I used to think there was nothing better than the feeling you got when you were out on the field, playing the best game in the world, pushing your body to the limit as the sun beat down on your back.
But that was before I'd kissed Charlie.
Hours of kissing, our mouths dancing together, coming up for air only to go back in for more. It hadn't gone any farther. We'd kissed and spooned. And I couldn't stop thinking about it. Her. Her lips. The way her body felt next to mine. Her taste… Man, I could still feel her the next day, and I didn't know if that was normal or not.
But I wasn't complaining.
I wasn't distracted either.
This was my third game post-injury, and I was determined to kill it.
My body was ready. It had only been waiting on me to figure that out. My head was in the right place now, too. And I had an extra incentive to do well, knowing my girl was up there somewhere, watching me in the stands. Charlie hadn't spoken to me since that amazing night. But I knew I'd get to see her after the game.
My determination to win was only matched by my anticipation to talk to her.
"You ready?" Archer asked.
"Yeah," I said.
"Sorry again about all the pressure I put on you without knowing it."
I waved him off. "It's fine."
"No, Charlie was right," he said. "I didn't mean to—"
"Archer." I waited until he met my gaze. "I said it's all good. I'm ready to kick some butt today. Are you?"
He nodded. "You know it."
"Let's show these guys who we are."
"I'm down with that."
Archer and I bumped fists, and it was on.
The Wolves were first at bat since this was an away game. Our team put some runs on the board. Now, it was my turn to make sure the other team didn't get any. My pitching was strong. Putting those first three batters away was a piece of cake.
Charlie had called it. It did feel like they were underestimating me, swinging at pitches they had no chance of hitting. Maybe after two bad showings, these guys had written me off.
Well, I thought, they'd regret that.
I was going to make sure of it.
By the time the fourth inning rolled around, Southern U was up by five, and the other team had yet to get a single hit.
Bear stopped me as I was about to leave the dugout.
"How you feeling, kid?" he asked.
"Really good," I said.
"That arm about to give out, or do you have another inning in you?"
I gave him a smile. "Nah, Bear. Are you kidding? I've got at least six more in me."
He squinted at my face, checking for the lie. But it wasn't there. My arm felt freaking fantastic. I'd been pitching nothing but strikes. Couldn't wait to get back out there and throw some more.
"Was there anything else?" I asked.
He shook his head. "No, you keep giving these guys the good stuff, fast and straight down the middle. Don't you go easy on 'em."
"Don't worry," I said. "I won't."
It was a promise I knew I could keep.
And I did.
This wasn't the first no-hitter I'd pitched, but I couldn't remember one that felt better. Mom aka our coach left me in the whole game. Both she and Archer had asked if I wanted to rest the last few innings, but I'd declined. The ball and my arm were totally in sync today. It was like I couldn't go wrong. Again, for the rest of the game, there were no bad pitches. When I put away our opponents' last batter, my whole team met me on the mound and lifted me up.
Literally.
They carried me around for a good few minutes before setting me back on the ground.
Their happiness was contagious. It felt incredible knowing I'd had a hand in this win. One of the last games of the regular season, the third to last before we went to the conference tourney. This would give us momentum. And that was a hard thing to stop. The Wolves were a hard team to stop once we got going. We were definitely still in this.
I couldn't wait to celebrate with Charlie.
And as if God had heard me, there she was, waiting for me when I got to the changing rooms. Our rivals had a setup similar to the one back home. Charlie was waiting in the little medical room right beside the entrance.
She smiled when she saw me.
"Great game, O'Brien."
I barely heard the words as I jogged forward, picked her up and spun her around.
She giggled as I placed her back on her feet.
"So, you enjoyed it?" I asked.
"Of course, I did," she said. "You threw a ton of strikes, and the other team went from looking cocky to devastated. I loved it."
I leaned closer to speak into her ear. "You did say it was hot when I struck people out."
"Hmm, I don't recall that," she said.
"I do," I said. "It was the best night of my life. I remember everything and am very much looking forward to a repeat."
Charlie shook her head and patted the table.
"Hop up here, superstar," she said. "You worked hard. Now, let me do my job and get a look at that arm."
I did as she asked.
"Shirt off, please."
Again, I complied, pulling my shirt over my head and throwing it to the side.
"Now, you take yours off," I said.
Charlie rolled her eyes on a laugh. "Nice try."
She started the massage like she always did, first palpating then gradually moving into smooth, ever deepening strokes against my shoulder, arm and back.
It felt so good I groaned out loud.
"So, is it true what they say?" she asked after a minute. "Does victory really taste sweet?"
I turned to meet her eyes. "Not as sweet as you."
Charlie blushed a pretty pink as a I placed a kiss against her cheek.
"I can't stop thinking about you and that night," I murmured.
"It was wonderful, Chase," she said quietly. "But I already told you it can't happen again."
"I know, but I was hoping you might've changed your mind."
"Why? We had a good time. Let's not ruin it."
I shook my head. "But it wouldn't ruin anything."
"Yes, it would," she said. "You'd get tired of me—"
"That's not possible."
"—and you wouldn't like me as much if you really knew me."
I didn't even know how to respond to that.
She sighed and went back to focusing on the massage.
"So, see? It's better if we just stop it here," she finished.
"Charlie, I do know you," I said, waiting until she met my eyes. "But I want to know more. I want to know everything. I want more nights talking to you, kissing you, touching you."
Charlie tried to look away, but I wouldn't let her.
"If you don't like me, that's one thing. Just say the word, and I'll leave you alone."
As she narrowed her gaze, my breath caught in my chest.
"You…do like me, right?" I said quietly. "Because if you don't, this just got super embarrassing."
Charlie's lips twitched. "Of course, I like you, Chase. How could anyone not like you? You're practically perfect."
"Then what's the problem?"
"I'm not."
"You're not what?"
"Perfect," she said. "A
nd that's what you need. It's what's you've been holding out for all this time. Your perfect soulmate."
"Charlie…" I ran a hand over my neck. "That's just not true."
"Which part?"
Taking her hand, I kissed her palm.
"I want you."
"You only think you do."
"I. Want. You." I brought my lips to hers and pressed a kiss there for every word. "Believe me."
Charlie's smile started to bloom, but before she could say anything, another voice intruded.
"Yo, Chase," someone called.
I looked up to see Randall Hanover at the door. He was a senior, played shortstop and center field. We'd only spoken a handful of words to each other over the years. Randall usually preferred to hang with Snider and his crew.
"Randall," I said. "What's up?"
"I was wondering if you're done with Charlie yet," he said. "I want to borrow her. Got a kink in my lower back that I think she could help with."
The way he said 'done with Charlie' grated on my nerves. But the knowing smile he threw at the woman next to me made my stomach churn.
"Sorry," I said not really meaning it. "We just got started. Plus, she's my personal physical therapist. Charlie only works on me."
"Ah come on. You can't hog her all to yourself."
"I don't like to share," I said.
The frown I gave him was a signal to back off, but he missed the message.
"Well, I've heard she likes variety"—Randall bounced his brows—"if you know what I mean."
Charlie scoffed at my side.
"Please," she said. "Don't act like you know me, douchebag. I've never even seen you before."
"What about Justin Humphreys? You seen him?"
Watching Charlie's face was like seeing a star fall. She went from bright and shining to dim in five seconds flat. She drew away from me then, and the move was both physical and mental.
Randall nodded. "Yeah, you know, Justin."
"I do." Charlie cleared her throat. "If I remember correctly, he's a total asshole. Seems like you two have that in common."
"Don't be like that, baby," he said. "Justin's my roommate, and he had a lot to say about you."
"I'm not your baby," she said.
"You could be." Randall grinned. "After you're done with Chase, why don't you give me a try? I'll make you feel good."
Charlie gave him a sweet smile, but her words were pure venom.
The Perfect Play (Southern U O'Brien Brothers) Page 16