by Jade, Ella
“I doubt that. You have the best pitching record in the league.” She gripped his shoulder when he moved deeper. “You can’t be ready again.”
“Sugar, I’m always ready when it comes to you.” He reached behind him and grabbed a condom from the nightstand. “I need to make up for the days when we’re not together.”
“Show me again how much you miss me when we’re apart.” She crawled on top of him. “It’s been a long week for me too.”
SOPHIA PLAYED THE PIANO as the children walked out of the auditorium. The closing ceremonies for the school year were finished and summer break could begin. As she turned and watched the children find their parents in the entryway she heard more of a commotion than usual. The kids must have been just as excited as she was for vacation.
“Great job on the keys,” Maggie said. “You did a fantastic job with the ceremony. You’re going to make a great music director.”
“Thanks.” She stood from the bench and closed the cover over the keyboard. “I still can’t believe it.”
“You have an amazing boyfriend.” Maggie looked out into the foyer. “He funded a whole new department. Not many women can say that.”
“You didn’t do so bad yourself.” Soph gathered up her sheet music. “I can’t believe you’re moving in with Kyle.”
“Me either, but it feels right.”
“I’m glad things are working out for you.”
“What about you? When are you moving into the mansion? You practically live there as it is.”
“Only when Pax is in town.” He had wanted her to stay when he wasn’t there, but she didn’t feel right about it. Maybe after the season ended they could talk about it. She glanced down the long aisle that led to the atrium. “What’s all the commotion out there?”
“Probably all of those desperate housewife moms going crazy over the special guest who made an appearance.” Maggie laughed. “I can’t believe you didn’t notice him in the audience. He couldn’t take his eyes off you.”
“Who?” She stretched her neck to see what all the fuss was about.
“One very sexy baseball player from the Crushers.” Maggie took her hand and pulled her toward the back of the auditorium. “He called me yesterday and asked if he could come because he wanted to hear you play. He said you were so excited about the performance and what the kids were going to sing.”
“Pax is here?” Excitement dominated her emotions. He wasn’t supposed to fly in until tomorrow afternoon. “Why didn’t he tell me he was coming?”
“I wouldn’t have pegged him for such a romantic. He wanted to be the last one in here when you turned around but he was more of a distraction than he’d meant to be. People were actually asking for his autograph during the program. He politely refused but he’s stuck doing it now.”
She spotted him in the center of the room surrounded by fascinated kids, admiring dads, and some very aggressive women.
“He’s popular,” Maggie said. “You better go rescue him.”
“How am I going to get through that crowd?” she asked. “Maybe I should just let him finish signing all the programs.”
“Are you kidding? He’s done signing the kids’ programs. Haven’t you noticed it’s just women hanging around him now? Some of those women are single too.”
“Hmm.” Soph watched as two of the mothers and a few female relatives of the students doted and giggled as Pax finished signing autographs. “Think I need to intervene.”
“You go, girl,” Maggie said. “That’s your man.”
Sophia gently pushed her way passed the crowd of women who had planted themselves in front of her cowboy and made her way to the front of the line. Pax signed one last program as Sophia said, “I’m next.”
Pax grinned when he looked up. “There’s my girl.” He picked her up and spun her around much to the surprise of her students who applauded and laughed.
“Put me down.” She smacked his shoulder. “I’m at work.”
“Actually, you’re on summer break.” He placed her on her feet. “See, ladies.” He looked at the women who appeared stunned. “I told you I was taken.” He winked at them before he led her through the atrium and outside.
“Your very own fan club.” She had a feeling that happened wherever he went.
“The kids are great.”
“I wasn’t talking about them.”
“Jealous, darlin’?”
She didn’t respond. It wasn’t that she was jealous, just annoyed some women could be so forward and desperate, especially with her man.
“You have no reason to be. I’m all yours.”
“I know it. I just want everyone else to know it.”
“I’ll have my publicist prepare a press release. Will that help?”
“What are you doing here?” She hugged him. “You weren’t supposed to be back until tomorrow.”
“I wanted to see the show.” He kissed her. “You’ve been so wound up about it.”
Maggie was right. He was romantic. “That was such a sweet thing to do.”
“It was great, and you’re amazing on that piano. Why haven’t you played for me before?”
“I don’t know. When would I have had the chance?”
“There’s a piano in your parents’ house. I’m going to make you play for me next Sunday.”
“You’re gonna make me, huh?”
“I’ll ask nicely.”
“That’s better.” She took his hand when she noticed people starting to leave the building. “I need to grab my bag from my classroom. Have you eaten?”
“On the plane. It was crappy.”
“Did you come straight from the airport?” They walked around to the side entrance so no one would bump into them.
“Yeah, I changed my flight so I could get here in time.”
“I’m really glad you came.” She retrieved her things from her classroom and turned out the lights before they left.
“It’s summer.” He put his arm around her shoulder. “That means you’re all mine.”
“What are you going to do with me?”
“I don’t think you want me to say that here.” He looked around. “Someone might overhear me, and then they’ll know you’re not the innocent music teacher they all think you are.”
“You’re bad.” They walked out into the night air. The full moon peered out from behind the dark clouds and illuminated the sky.
“Baby, I have a filthy mind, and you’re on it constantly.” He squeezed her against his side as they walked. “If you could see the things I see in my head when it comes to the two of us, you’d be blushing all the time.”
“Are we going to have a session of show-and-tell tonight?”
“It’s a perfect night for the hot tub. You interested?”
“Always, but I don’t have a bathing suit at your house.”
“Like you need one.” He arched a brow at her. “I’m only going to take it off you anyway.”
“Good point.”
“Why don’t you leave some stuff at my place?” he asked as they made their way to the parking lot. “I plan on having you there a lot.”
“Do you?”
“I hope that won’t be a problem.”
“I do have some free time on my hands.”
“Where’s your car?” He searched around the lot.
“It’s in the shop. Maggie was going to drive me home but now you’re here.”
“What’s wrong with it?”
“It’s old.” She shrugged because there seemed to be a new problem with it every other week. “I think it’s the battery this time.”
“It’s time to get a new car. Something a little more reliable.” He opened the door to his truck for her. “We can go shopping tomorrow.”
“I don’t need a new car.”
“I could take you to see the dealer I’m working with.” He shut the door and walked around to the driver’s side.
Soph shook her head when she thought about all of those high
-end sports cars at that particular dealer. As if she could ever afford one of those.
He slid into the driver’s seat and revved up the engine. “Hear that? That’s what a car’s supposed to do when you turn the key.”
“I’m not buying a new car.”
“I didn’t say you were buying it.” He backed out of the spot and headed for the road. “I’m buying it.”
“You can’t buy me a car.” It was very clear he had lots of money but that didn’t mean he should be buying her elaborate gifts. That wasn’t why she was with him.
“Why not?”
“Because.”
“That’s not an answer.” He turned down the long road to the entrance of the development they lived in.
“You can’t just buy me a car.” She shook her head. “It’s not like giving me flowers or something. A car is a big investment.”
“I can afford it.”
“That’s not the point.”
“I don’t see what the problem is.” He hit the button on the visor to open the garage door when he pulled into his driveway. “You need a car, and I can get you one.”
“My car is fine.” She unbuckled her seatbelt, hoping he would drop this whole conversation. She wasn’t comfortable with the topic.
“Hey.” He reached for her hand. “Why is this a big deal?”
“Why do you think?” She shifted to face him. When she stared into his eyes she realized he wasn’t going to let this go.“You have a lot of money. I don’t come from much. You see where I live. How I live. My parents are very modest people. Your house, your lifestyle is overwhelming for me.”
“You’ve never mentioned that before.”
She didn’t want to make him feel bad but to watch him spend money made her nervous. She’d grown up in an affluent community and spent much time with the Cambridges. She was no stranger to what people had, so she knew Pax had a very hefty income. Her own father had mentioned how much he had signed for and how much he was worth. It was daunting, so she tried not to think about it.
“I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable.” He unbuckled his seatbelt and slid his seat all the way back. “Come here.” He pulled her into his lap. “I had no idea I was overwhelming for you.”
“Not you.” She settled onto his thighs and cuddled against his chest. “You’re very down-to-earth.”
“I don’t come from money either. When my dad died my mother struggled for many years. She worked two jobs and still managed to keep me playing ball.”
“She raised a really great guy. A very generous one. The places you’ve taken me to eat...and let’s not even talk about the donation you made so I could have a job.”
“I won’t lie, I did that for you. It’s a good thing for the community, but you were my main concern. I made the right decision too.”
“How do you know?”
“After seeing you tonight and what you got those kids to do up on that stage, I was in awe. I still am.”
“You’re really sweet.”
“I’m telling you the truth, Sophie.” He cleared his throat before he spoke again. “I’ve fallen hard for you. I’m not afraid to admit that. I do have a lot of money, and that’s not a secret. It’s also not a secret that I take care of the people I care about.”
She knew that was true. His mother and brothers had a good life because of him. His friend Kenny had a cushy life and a dream job because of Pax. He also took care of all of those kids in Texas. He may have said his contribution was a way to give back but she could see how much that after-school program meant to him.
“I care about you,” he whispered as he reached inside her panties.“So much.” His breath tickled her ear as he caressed her mound. “You waxed.”
“Don’t distract me.” She knew he liked her silky and bare.
“We passed distraction five seconds ago.” He continued to explore her. “You’re at my total mercy.”
“Smug much?” She wouldn’t dare tell him he was right. She’d probably agree to anything he asked.
“We’ll see what the mechanic says about your car.” He traced his finger along her slit which was now coated in her arousal. “If it’s more than the battery you get a new car.”
“Stop teasing me.” She shifted and pushed against his hand.
“Do we have a deal?”
“I didn’t agree to anything.”
“That’s not what I want to hear.” He withdrew his finger. “I can make you come many times tonight. We can start now.” Moving his lips across hers, he skimmed her mouth with his tongue. “I’ll use my mouth to do it once we’re inside. I know how you like to come on my tongue.”
“Yes...” There was nothing more sexy or arousing than when he talked filthy to her.
“Do you want to play right here? You’re so wet.” He swirled his finger inside her entrance. “Do you want me to make you mine over and over again?”
“You know I do.” It wouldn’t take much. She was already unraveling. His voice, his words, and his teasing touch had her in overdrive. “Please...”
“I suppose you agreeing to go away with me will have to be enough for now.” He pushed two fingers inside her heat. “Because the thought of you coming all over my hand is far too tempting.”
She spread her legs as far as she could and moved in time with his thrusts. “I’ll go anywhere with you,” she moaned. “Anywhere...”
“I know, sugar.” He curled his fingers inside her as he swiped her clit with his thumb. “I’ll take you places you’ve never seen. I’ll give you everything. Let me.”
She opened her mouth to agree, but all that came out was a breathy pant.
He sought out her lips as he continued to pump his fingers. The faster his pace, the harder he kissed her, biting and sucking on her lips. They’d be swollen and her insides would be sore after the night was over, but that was always a sign their intimacy had been marvelous.
“Pax...” Her leg muscles tensed as she eagerly kissed him back. Rocking her hips into his hand, she cried out his name again and again until finally he suppressed the fire inside her.
“That’s one.” He withdrew his fingers and brought them to his mouth. “Now I want to taste you.”
She placed her hand over his and slowly pressed his fingers into his mouth. “Good?” she asked as he licked his fingers.
“Delicious, but not nearly enough.” He pushed his face against hers, trapping his hand between them. He darted his tongue out, seeking hers. She gave him what he wanted and in the process she tasted herself on his fingers. “Let’s get inside and get you naked.”
“Cowboy.” She licked his lips.
“Yeah, sugar?”
“I’d like to do some tasting of my own in the foyer.” She moved her palm over his cock as she licked her lips. “I want to blow your mind.”
“What are we waiting for?”
Chapter 15
WITH PAX’S BUSY SCHEDULE and engagements June seemed to fly by. Sophia had come on the road with him for almost the entire month, and he couldn’t have been happier to have her by his side. He’d gotten used to her sitting behind home plate and was proud to have her on his arm at team parties and charity functions.
He watched as she laughed and chatted with some of the other team members’ wives and girlfriends. In the past few weeks she’d gotten friendly with some of them. Pax was glad to see her form some friendships with women who understood the life of being with a ballplayer. It was good for her to have girls to talk to because this life wasn’t always easy. He enjoyed having her on the road with him. He wasn’t sure how he’d managed to do it without her, but now that he knew what it was like to have her with him he never wanted to go back to the way things were before he had found her.
“She is a beautiful woman,” Nic said as he pulled up the barstool next to Pax. “You’re a lucky man.”
“I won’t argue that.” Pax took a sip from his beer as he continued to stare at her.
Her hair was pulled into a low po
nytail that hung halfway down her back. She wore a black tank top and low-fitting jeans that accentuated her hips. A small sliver of skin peeked out, revealing her belly button. Her silky skin reflected a bronze, sun-kissed glow. The longer he stared at her, the harder it was to stay away from her.
He wanted to give her some girl time. Many of the hotels they stayed at accommodated them when they had asked for privacy away from the general public. Pax and Sophia had agreed they hadn’t wanted to stay long. Just enough to mingle for a bit, but then they wanted to get back and spend a quiet night in their suite alone.
“The guys in the clubhouse can’t believe you’ve lasted as long as you have with her. This is some kind of record.”
“Maybe you hens should stay out of my business.”
“Don’t be that way.” Nic swirled his vodka. “Seeing you with Sophia gives me hope.”
“You? Seriously?”
“What? You think you’re the only wild stallion who can be tamed? Maybe I’m looking to have the same girl in my bed on and off the road. I’m growing tired of the game.”
“I hear you. I was feeling the same way, then I met Sophia and it all changed.”
“Are you kidding?” Kenny said as he took the stool on Pax’s other side. “You were looking to get inside her panties. Don’t try and rewrite history.”
“Hey,” Pax said. “Where have you been?”
“Occupied.” He took a long pull from his beer. “The ball girl.”
“From the opposing team?” Nic laughed. “Traitor.”
“You would have done the same if you had your chance. Both of you.”
“Maybe me,” Nic said. “Not Pax. It’s serious with him and the lovely Sophia.”
“Right.” Kenny nodded but he didn’t look convinced. “For now.”
“What the hell is your problem?” Pax had thought Kenny’s disbelief over him settling down with Sophia had ended when he had rejected Carla. “You just got laid. You should be in a good mood. Not focused on my love life.”
“Love life? Is that what we’re calling it these days?” Kenny looked at Nic. “Do you believe this guy? He’s having the best season of his career. He’s starting in the All-Star Game and will probably be a shoo-in for the most prestigious award any pitcher can receive.”