“Really,” he stated evenly and kissed me again, though this time he didn’t stop at sweet and simple. No. He pulled me in closer as his tongue traced the seam of my lips. They opened willingly and he kissed me in slow, lazy strokes, no rush, no hurry. He took his time, a simple justification of his reason for heading back early—for me.
Levi groaned softly and pulled back, his cute, boyish smile, his happy smile, pulled high on his cheeks.
I took a deep breath. “The flowers . . . they’re beautiful.” My hand trailed down his chest, landing in the crook of his elbow. “And it looks like they threw in a couple extra,” I added, feeling giddy inside at his thoughtful gesture.
“That was me actually.”
“How so?”
“I was going to order a dozen, but had them add one more . . . for good luck.” He chuckled under his breath. “After I thought about it, there would be thirteen and you know how superstitious ballplayers are. So, I changed it to fourteen and then thought, well, that’s just too close to thirteen and then asked the florist to change it to fifteen, but then I remembered that’s how old I was when I lost my virginity,” he rambled and then shook his head, quietly laughing it off. “Definitely one of my less than stellar moments, so, when I told her to make it sixteen—”
“Your jersey number,” I interrupted.
“Corny?”
“Cute.” I solidified my answer with a sweet smile.
“Good.” He regarded me with kind eyes and the look alone warmed the area around my heart. “Are you busy this weekend?” he asked.
“I don’t think so, why?”
“I was hoping we could spend some time together.”
“I’d like that.” What was it about this man that made me forget my worries?
“Pack a bag for the whole weekend and I’ll pick you up at your place.”
His request was unexpected. A lot of what I was learning lately was unexpected when it came to Levi and me. When had our one-night stand turn into a two-night sleepover? Was I prepared to spend an entire weekend with him? Yup. I think I am.
“Hey. I just want to spend time with you, is all.” His knuckles grazing the side of my cheek made my heart thump. But what really warmed the organ was his low and gentle voice. “We could grab a beer at Bucks. A movie maybe, or hit the batting cages. If I remember correctly, someone said you were quite the slugger.” Greg and his big mouth.
Speaking of, we need to have a conversation about Greg, and soon, I need to know if our hanging out together could jeopardize his career.
“Or just stay in and hang out. Your choice.”
“What about Greg?” He hushed me by pressing a finger to my lips.
“Shouldn’t be against the law if we’re just two friends hanging out, right?”
Right. But why did that sting a little?
“A beer at Bucks equals my kind of night,” I settled. It didn’t matter where we went or what we did, I was just glad to be spending quality time with him. “I have about thirty minutes or so of stuff I need to get done before the weekend. Would it be okay if I meet you at your place?”
“Nope. I can’t run the risk of you taking off, again.” He chuckled softly. “Text me your address before you head out and I’ll meet you there.”
“Okay.” I nodded. “I’ll see you soon.”
“See you soon.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Levi
I pushed through the main doors of the building, sliding my shades down to cover my eyes, eager, wanting to fist bump the air with excitement, another first. She agreed to spend the weekend with me and I was going to use the time wisely.
Only five cars remained in the parking lot, and I didn’t have to talk myself into waiting. Thinking of Rowan out there alone, the choice to make sure she left the building safely before following her home was a no-brainer.
On the last five days while I was away, our only contact was a few text messages, and I didn’t want to be too far from her. Add that to the crazy pile of firsts. There was something about Rowan that drew me to her, an unfamiliar pull that was hard to digest being it was new to me.
This weekend was the perfect time to remedy that.
At five thirty-seven, Rowan strolled out of the building, a purse and large bag hanging on her shoulder. She put her shiny sunglasses on to cover her already sparkling blue eyes and reached for her phone, which I assumed was to text me her address.
After texting a thumbs up, I followed her the twenty or so miles before she pulled in to a driveway fronting a light-gray bungalow. She parked next to a little red Honda, and I parallel parked on the street.
As she made her way out of her car, my eyes roamed over every inch of her willowy body. Her slight curves filling out her fitted navy slacks perfectly, hugging her hips and thighs. The baby-blue blouse accentuated her gorgeous eyes, and with the slowly descending sun behind her, I realized her hair was tinted a soft shade of light pink.
I got out of my car and met her on the passenger side.
“Did you want to wait inside while I get my things? I’d like to take a quick shower too, if we have time.”
“You can shower at my place,” I offered. My invitation being for purely sinful and selfish reasons, secretly wishing she’d let me join her. The slow smile creeping on her lips said she knew exactly what I wasn’t saying.
“Okay,” she answered coyly, and I found it cute, how she would bite the inside of her cheek and glance away. “But do you want to come in and wait?”
“Probably not a good idea.”
“What? Why?”
“Because . . .” I tucked a golden pink strand behind her ear and whispered, “I can’t be held responsible for what happens behind closed doors.” Her cheeks flushed a shade darker than her halo of waves. “You reacting to me like this.” I brushed the pad of my thumb across the top of her rosy cheek. “Me and you, alone—” I licked my lips painstakingly slow, making sure she was watching.
She swallowed hard and nodded. “I get it.”
“I knew you would. You’re a smart woman.” I stifled a chuckle, loving how she wasn’t the least bit immune to me.
“But Gabby’s here. We won’t be alone.”
I shook my head, and she started to back away.
“Ten minutes?”
“I’ll be waiting.”
It took her almost twenty to walk out her front door.
Another fifteen or so for us to drive back to my place.
And approximately one minute for me to get the front door open, shut, and then her body caged between me and the closest wall. My heart hammered in my chest while my eyes remained fixated on her sexy mouth. All I wanted were her lips on mine—her sweet tongue tangling with mine. And that’s what I got: a hot, demanding, tongue-thrusting kiss.
And here I thought I was the one in control, but she silenced me with her mouth. A flame blazed inside me and if I didn’t stop, we’d never leave the house. Not that I was against it, but she deserved so much more than to be cooped up inside.
Reluctantly, I pulled back and rested my forehead against hers, slowly filling my lungs with air.
“You have no idea what you just agreed to by spending the entire weekend with me.” My warning was half predatory, the other half infused with light humor. When I said I wanted to get to know her, I meant all of her, every supple inch.
“I think you forget that I already know quite a bit about you. But it’s the man in here”—she laid her palm in the middle of my chest—“that I’m truly interested in.”
And that’s what drew me to her. It was her craving to differentiate the real Levi Montgomery from the public persona, the man beneath the uniform and what he had to offer.
What is it exactly that I’m offering?
“And I’m all yours.”
* * *
“You can shower in my room.” With her hot on my heels, I led Rowan to my bedroom. I set her bag on the edge of the mattress and then moved to the bathroom to start the wate
r and set a towel out for her. When I reappeared, she had a set of clothes and her toiletry bag in hand.
“Did you want to go first?” she asked mindfully, hugging her things close to her chest. “I can wait.”
“I’ll go after you’re done . . . unless you want me to join you.”
“You know if you join me, we’ll never leave the house.” My dick jumped at the sound of her inviting voice.
“Is that such a bad thing?”
She shook her head and pressed one of her palms on my chest, her touch amplifying my already crazy need for her. “No, but after the week I just had, I’m looking forward to that drink.”
“What if I promise to only wash your back?” I pressed, slipping my arms around her waist, not wanting to give up or let her get away so easily.
The corner of her mouth edged up in a half smile. “I think I can manage, but thank you.”
With fervent eyes, I watched her while she slipped out of my arms and into the bathroom. Her hand encompassed the doorknob and she stepped into the steam-filled room, fixing her gaze on mine as she slowly shut the door.
Music started to play and the urge to join her pulled me closer to the cool hardwood door where I pressed my forehead and listened, visualizing her removing each piece of clothing.
One.
By.
One.
The vision taunted me.
My cock erect and ready, I gripped the handle and listened as she softly sang somewhat in tune to the music over the shower and the steam. Temptation wore me thin, provoking me to break the barrier separating us. I twisted the knob, but before pushing the unlocked door in, I thought better of it.
Now—later, it didn’t matter. We had time, and after I dirtied her up later tonight, I’d get my time with her soaking wet.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Rowan
We turned in to Bucks parking lot and the first thing that spilled out of Levi’s mouth was “Shit.” Not the expression I was going for, since he was the one who had suggested we come here. What made even less sense was this was like a second home to him and the guys. One of the few places I knew the crowd would respect their time and their space.
“Everything okay?”
“Yes. No,” he sighed. “I should’ve realized it would be packed. It’s Friday night.” He stated the obvious, but I had assumed he already planned on it being a busy night. I hoped his lapse in cognizance was because he might be equally as affected by me as I was by him. Especially since it took some time and effort to actually make our way out of his house.
The scent of his cologne—a mixture of spice, citrus, and musk pleasantly assaulted my senses. Combined with the visual of the virile and vigorous man seated next to me, and I was easily pulled under.
I scanned the perimeter, taking note that there wasn’t a single parking spot available. A few trucks were illegally parked on the curb, but then I remembered some of the players had reserved parking in the back.
“Don’t you guys have designated stalls?”
“We do.”
Then why aren’t we parking in the back?
He didn’t elaborate, and that’s when the air in the cab of the truck became thick, a total shift from the fun and flirty we had been earlier, forcing me to become unnaturally quiet. The twisting feeling in my gut had me retreating into myself. I casually crossed my arms over my chest and silently questioned why we even bothered leaving the house. If he didn’t want to be seen together in public, introduce me to his friends and hang out, he shouldn’t have suggested coming here, unless, after arriving, a huge dose of reality hit. And I became his dirty little secret.
I sat there confused, totally twisted in my head. A week ago, we had a night out at a public restaurant and he didn’t seem to be affected then. So why now? What made tonight any different?
His hand worked its way between my thighs and he squeezed somewhat gently. “It’s not what you’re thinking, angel.” I turned and gave him a half-cocked yeah right look. “If you keep thinking that shit, you’re getting spanked.” My eyes went wide, and before I could protest, he lowered his voice to add, “The guys are here. Is it wrong that I want you all to myself?”
Oh.
I smiled, a little shameful of my reaction, but his concession quickly wiped my unease, replacing it with a giddy feeling. The butterflies took flight and his boyish smile made me weak in the knees; it was a good thing we were still sitting.
“What if we skipped Bucks”—he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear—“grab a six-pack, maybe hit the batting cages, unless—”
“I could go for that.”
“You’re sure? We can do something else if you’d like. You choose.”
I shook my head. In all honesty, it didn’t matter where we went, as long as we were spending the time together. We could have parked in his driveway and sat with the radio on, drinking that six-pack, just talking about random this or that, and the night would have gone down as one of the best ever.
On a short nod, we drove out of the parking lot and headed west. I sat content and simply happy, but what he had said earlier about not being held responsible for what happens behind closed doors made perfect sense. There was no questioning our chemistry and how quick things would get heated. If we decided on a quiet night in, I was positive it would have been spent solely between the sheets.
And what would that accomplish?
But the two of us out in public offered an opportunity to get to know one another on a deep-seated level, and I was thankful he was willing to give me the time.
“So . . .” I started, but quickly lost my train of thought as my gaze shifted out the window, soaking up the surrounding lights. I took note of how high the buildings ascended into the sky and how the glass sparkled against the surrounding light. A song or two later, he pulled in to a twenty-four-hour convenience store and I turned to ask, “Did you want me to run in?”
“Nope.” He reached behind me for something on the back seat.
“But won’t it be easier if I go in?”
“Nope.”
When he pulled the gray beanie over his head, I couldn’t suppress a mocking laugh. “It’s almost eighty degrees out.” It was actually a comfortable seventy-two, but still.
“I’m trying to keep it on the down-low.”
I laughed again.
“Right! And by you wearing that”—I pointed to his wool covered head—“you’re not at all being conspicuous.”
He shrugged, not caring in the least. “Cans or bottles?”
“Bottles.”
“Anything else?” He slipped on his sunglasses.
“Beef jerky?”
“You got it.”
“Oh, and a stick of gum.” He gave me a two-finger salute.
Sixty seconds, he was in and out.
He opened the door, handed me the beer, bag of jerky sticks, and pack of gum before hopping back in the truck.
“That was quick.”
A mischievous smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “You won’t be saying that later tonight when you’re under me,” he stated blatantly, and I scoffed. “Just speaking the truth.” He tossed me a wink.
Levi leaned in and grabbed the back of my neck. His warm, wet lips trailed across the seam of mine. He pulled my bottom lip between his teeth and groaned. I shifted in my seat to face him, counting on the movement to alleviate the ache between my thighs, but it only served to amplify my growing need for him. The build-up stretched the delicious torture.
He pulled back and before I could protest, he said, “We better get out of here.”
For a man who possessed such carnal traits, prime and definitive in his wants, his self-control at times was unbelievable.
With our seat belts buckled and the radio playing in the background, I settled into my seat and snuck a glance at the gorgeous man beside me. How crazy handsome and comfortably silly he looked with that beanie on. It would have made sense had the temperatures been cooler, but summer was only a
week away, which equaled heat and humidity.
My eyes traced the sharp curve of his jaw before moving up to his bottom lip and I noticed how it naturally jutted out a tiny bit. Then, I giggled inwardly and squeezed my thighs, remembering the ticklish feeling his scruff would cause when his face was buried between my legs. Thinking about his tongue and those soft lips at my core kicked up my heart rate. I coughed unexpectedly, the memory causing a flush of heat to travel rather quickly, burning my cheeks.
“I can feel you staring at me, angel.” He smirked, thumping his thumb against the steering wheel in time with the song playing.
“I’m not staring . . . I’m admiring.”
* * *
“Why are we stopping?” I asked, staring out the window.
“You’ll see.”
We parked in an unfamiliar neighborhood. He got out and came around to open my door with his hand held out. “Let’s go.”
Hand in hand, I followed him to a bridge, curiosity running wild through my thoughts. It was starting to get dark out, but it was still visible with ample light. A few people were staggered on both sides of the bridge, catching a glimpse of the city backdrop or taking photos of the lights. To the far left, a couple similarly dressed and a photographer attempted to catch the view in the background, probably for engagement photos.
“Why didn’t I ever think to come up here?” I smiled, marveling at the sights before me.
He shrugged. “We’ll have to come back at sunset.” There he went, inserting me into his life again. I tossed a questioning look. “What? I’ve stopped a couple times on my way home—”
“It’s breathtaking.”
“I agree,” he replied earnestly, staring directly at me; the weight of his stare telling me more than he let on.
Not that I was against it, but if he kept looking at me with such fondness and saying such sweet words, he might be in for more than he bargained for. A woman’s mind and heart could only separate so much before lines started to blur and eventually cross. Feelings would develop and before you know it, someone was falling.
Top Notch (Man on Top Book 1) Page 13