“Maybe because you’re smart, kind, beautiful, and you intrigue me like no woman has ever before?”
My heart soars. “That’s one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me.”
“Please tell me that’s not true? Please tell me someone in your life has told you how incredible you are before now?”
An urge to fling myself across the console and wrap myself around him rides me hard. “Keep talking like that and I’ll turn into a level-five clinger,” I joke.
“Cling on tight, babe. I’ll never let you go.” He flashes me a huge grin.
This time, I give into my urges, stretching across the console and pressing a kiss to his cheek. His spicy, citrusy cologne wafts around me like a comfort blanket. “Thank you.” I reluctantly pull back, because it’s getting dark and he needs to concentrate on the road. “I don’t think I’ve said that enough. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me so far. It’s embarrassing to admit you’ve done more for me, and treated me with more kindness, than my own family.” My eyes burn with rejection. “All I ever hear from my mother is how much of a disappointment I am. No matter how much I devote myself to my studies, and how good my grades are, it’s never quite good enough. And I never wear the right clothes or say the right things. To her, I find creative ways of humiliating her. In fact”—I bite down hard on the inside of my mouth—“I can’t actually remember a time when she has ever told me she loves me.”
Red-hot pain slices across my chest.
“And your father lets her get away with that?” Fire blazes in his eyes, and he grips the steering wheel tighter.
“She bullies him too.”
His eyes widen in shock. “I cannot imagine anyone bullying Coach Parker. He’s fierce. It’s one of the reasons we all respect him so much.”
“I guess you never know what someone is dealing with behind closed doors.” I shrug. “And he tries to defend me, but he’s not always consistent.” I stare out the front window, watching cars fly by on the other side of the highway. “He’s distracted a lot lately, and I don’t really know what’s going on with him.”
Silence engulfs us for a few beats. “I presume he doesn’t know you’re taking this trip with me?”
I jerk my head back around to him. “Hell no! I value breathing. As I’m sure you do.”
He chuckles. “Has he specifically warned you off me?”
“No, but he has told me his football players are off-limits. He knows what you guys get up to in your spare time and, that’s not who he wants for me.”
“Hey. Don’t paint us all with the same brush.” He pins me with serious eyes. “I don’t play the field, and my last serious girlfriend was in high school.”
“I know that’s not who you are.” He doesn’t have a manwhore rep like a lot of the guys on his team do. All the gossip I’ve ever heard about him is how he likes to keep to himself and he’s a gentleman. Nothing I have seen since our paths crossed has proven otherwise. “But even if you were, your sexual history doesn’t define who you are as a person.”
I hope he shares that sentiment, because my own background is hardly saint-like.
His features soften as he glances at me again. His green eyes radiate sincerity. “Agreed. And there is far too much emphasis on that shit these days. People should be free to screw who they want if they are respectful and make their intentions clear.”
I pull my jean-clad knees up to my chest, smiling at him. “You’re definitely one of the good guys, Adam Miller.”
“Shush.” He places one long finger against his delectable lips. “Don’t tell anyone.”
“Your secret is safe with me.”
“Speaking of secrets.” He shifts in his seat. “Why were you in the hospital that first time I met you?”
I decide to come clean. “I bought some bad shit in a bar and had a seizure.”
“Fucking hell, Em.” My nickname rolls easily off his lips, and I like it a lot.
“I know.” I sigh. “It was a poor judgment call, but I’d had a bad day. Wes had pulled some shit, and I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
A dark cloud passes over his face at the mention of Wes. “I fucking hate that prick, and I hope this Kim ponies up, because she’s all that’s standing between Wes and an early grave.”
* * *
“Will this do?” Adam asks, pulling the truck to a stop in the half-empty motel parking lot. We’re only a half hour from Charlotte, but it’s late, and we’ve both agreed it makes more sense to approach Kim in daylight. So, we’re going to stay here for the night and head to her house after breakfast.
A fresh wave of butterflies scatter in my chest. “It’s perfect.” The motel looks like your typical motel, which means the Ritz it ain’t, but the walls are newly-painted and it looks clean and tidy, and that’s all that matters.
He turns to face me, a hint of uncertainty briefly appearing on his face. “Is one room okay, or you want me to book separate rooms?”
“One room is fine.” I’m pleased my voice doesn’t betray my nervous excitement.
He unbuckles his seat belt, cupping my face. “I would love to hold you in my arms all night, but I expect nothing more.”
“What if I do?” I blurt.
His lips curve up at the corners. “I don’t expect anything, but I never said I didn’t want you.” He leans in, brushing his lips once against my mouth. “Just so we’re crystal clear, I’ve been dreaming about fucking you. More than is normal.” He kisses me again, and my entire body relaxes.
“I’ve been imagining that too,” I whisper over his lips. “I really like you Adam.”
He winds his big hands into my hair. “I really like you too, Emily.”
I’m grinning like a crazy person as I watch him walk across the parking lot to the reception desk. His Cypress Bulldogs T-shirt is stretched tight across his broad shoulders, and the muscles in his back flex and roll as he walks. My eyes lower to his toned ass, and intense heat floods my pussy as I imagine grabbing handfuls of his butt as he fucks me. His muscular thighs mold to his dark jeans, and there is no denying Adam Miller is one damn fine specimen of masculine hotness.
I slink out of the truck, grabbing our overnight bags from the back. Dumping them on the ground by my feet, I lean against the hood of the truck and stare up at the smattering of stars in the nighttime sky. Adrenaline floods my system, and my core aches with anticipation.
I’ve never spent the full night with a guy before, and this is the third time I’m spending the night with Adam. First where I’m clean and sober. Shock skitters across my face as I realize I haven’t thought about getting high once today. Ordinarily, I’d be at the warehouse or some frat party, wasted by now.
And now, I’m thinking about Molly and craving a high.
Way to go, doofus.
“You okay?” Adam asks, startling me.
I jump a little. “Yeah.” It’s not like I’m itching for a hit or anything.
He peers deep into my eyes, rubbing his thumb along my bottom lip. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I can get a second room.”
I place my hands on his waist. “I’m not uncomfortable.” Well, not for the reasons he thinks. “Truth be told, I’m a little nervous, but I want to share a room with you.”
His mouth presses against mine in a tender kiss. “You call the shots, gorgeous. We can do as much or as little as you want.”
I circle my arms around his neck and stare into the depths of his emerald-green eyes. Adam is my new drug of choice, and if I focus on him, I’ll forget all about needing an illegal high. “Now, it’s my turn to be clear. I want everything you’re offering, Adam.”
* * *
Adam slams the door closed with his foot, dropping our bags on the ground and stalking toward me like a man on a mission. My lady parts explode as he pins his heated stare on me. Instinctively, I back up until my legs hit the edge of the bed, and I let myself fall. I flop onto the bed, and he crawls over me, his eyes burning with lust.
&nbs
p; “The things I’ve dreamed of doing to you,” he rasps, lowering his head and brushing his hot mouth along my collarbone.
A trail of shivers skates across my flesh as I dig my fingers into his thick, dark hair. “How about we turn those dreams into reality?” I yank his head to mine, slamming my lips into his. We devour one another in a frenzy of lips, tongue, and teeth while he hovers over me, propped up on his elbows. Heat rolls off his powerful body in waves, doing funny things to me. I pull him down on top of me and then roll us over until I’m straddling him. I tug at the hem of his shirt. “I need this off.”
“Do what you want to me, baby. My body is yours to worship.”
I snort out a laugh as I peel his shirt away. “That was so cheesy.”
He grins as his fingers wander to the buttons on my shirt and he starts unbuttoning them. “I think you’ll find, when it comes to you, I’m a walking cliché.”
I press a kiss to his toned stomach. “I don’t mind in the slightest.” I peek up at him. “As long as I get to have my wicked way with your sexy body.”
He rears up, lifting his shirt over his head one-handed, and his abs tighten with the motion. My eyes are glued to his six-pack. Or is that an eight-pack? My eyes almost bug out of their sockets.
His soft chuckle snaps me out of my daze. His thumb swipes at my mouth. “You had some drool there.”
I swat his hand away before moving to the buckle on his jeans. He unbuttons the last button on my blouse, pushing the silky material off my shoulders. It flutters to the floor, joining his shirt.
He stares at me with hooded eyes as lust mixes with something else I can’t figure out.
I press my hand to his chest. “What is it?” He seems to be struggling with something.
His chest heaves as he pins me with a serious expression. “I need to know that you’re clean.”
I hate that he has to ask, but I get it. I nod. “I get tested regularly, and I’m good.”
I can almost see the stress lift from his shoulders. In a lightning-fast move, he flips me flat on me back. Looming over me, he buries his head between my bra-covered breasts, and when he drags his tongue over both swells, goose bumps sprout on my flesh.
“Oh my God.” A breathy moan escapes my lips as he tweaks my nipples through the thin lace while his tongue does laps of my breasts. Before I know it, he has my bra unclasped and he’s sucking one taut nipple into his hot mouth. I drag my fingernails down his back, slipping my hand into the loosened band of his jeans, surprised when my fingers meet warm flesh. “No boxers?” I inquire.
He lifts his head from my chest, grinning. “I was in such a hurry to meet you I forgot to put them on.”
My heart melts. This guy can’t be real, can he?
He slides down my body, and I pout at the loss of his hot flesh under my touch. He laughs. “I need to get you naked, baby, and then it’s your turn.” He shoots me a devilish wink, and I lie back and close my eyes, happy to let him undress me. He makes quick work of my jeans and undies until I’m laid out before him in all my naked glory.
“Fuck, Emily.” He sits back on his heels. “You are so beautiful.” He takes a slow, lazy perusal of my body, and his gaze is like a sensual caress that I feel all the way to my toes.
I’m usually high or drunk when I have sex, and most guys don’t waste time admiring my body before screwing the shit out of me. This entire experience is completely different, and it’s only now I realize I’ve been craving this kind of connection with someone. “I need to taste you.” His eyes take on a hungry look as he lowers his head to my pussy.
I automatically spread my legs wide, groaning as he licks along my slit before plunging inside me. My hips jerk up, and his large palm holds me in place as he eats me up. I’m squirming and writhing on the bed as a whole host of incredible sensations swarm my body. My skin feels electric. Like I’m hotwired and primed to explode in a frenzy of pent-up energy.
Adam pushes two fingers inside me, frantically pumping them in and out as his lips close over my clit. He sucks on the little bundle of nerves for a few minutes, and my orgasm detonates without warning. I scream out his name as I ride the euphoric train, my body sinking into the mattress when I finally come down from my climax.
I push damp strands of hair off my face as I hear the telltale rip of a condom wrapper. I prop up on my elbows, coming face to face with his impressive erection. His cock stands long, proud, and thick, and I lick my lips as I crawl toward him, swiping my tongue over his crown before he can roll the rubber on.
“Fuck, Emily.” He grabs the back of my head, stalling me.
“As much as I love the feel of your lips on me, it’s been a while, and I need to be inside you. Right now.” His eager eyes plead with me.
Who am I to deny the man after he gave me the most earth-shattering orgasm of my life? I straighten up on my knees, leaning into him. I press my lips to his, shoving my tongue into his mouth, and we kiss passionately as he rolls the condom over his rock-hard dick. “Fuck me, Adam.”
He caresses my cheek as he stares into my eyes. “You sure?”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
“Thank fuck.” He lays me down gently on the bed and spreads my legs, positioning himself at my entrance. “Because I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you.”
“Adam.” Happy tears sting my eyes. “You say the most amazing things.”
“I’m only speaking the truth,” he says, pushing inside me a little. I wrap my legs around his back, allowing him to go deeper.
I gasp at the sensation of him filling me up, completing me with every inch he advances. He keeps his eyes trained on mine the whole time, and it’s the most intimate moment of my life. His face conveys so much, and my heart is beating superfast behind my rib cage. I feel every movement, every careful thrust, my nerve endings firing on all cylinders as he moves slowly inside me.
It’s not like he’s making love to my body.
It’s as if he’s making love to my soul.
When he’s fully seated, I stare at him in wonder, my heart full to a bursting point.
I wonder if this is what it feels like to find that one person who completes you mind, body, and soul.
Because, right now, in this moment, with superstar quarterback Adam Miller buried balls deep inside me, he feels like the other half of me.
17
Adam
I stare at the woman who blew my fucking mind last night—not once but four times. I seriously don’t think we slept but an hour. I replay several moments as my jeans grow tight. Holy hell, shower sex with the blue-eyed goddess this morning topped my list of things I want to do again and again. Fuck. I’m ready to blow breakfast and screw her again in the shower. Something about the feel of water cascading down our bodies while I pump inside her makes me as hard as the steel tabletop separating us.
She peeks over her menu, her eyes alight with pleasure. “Stop staring.” I can’t see her mouth, but I know she’s smiling, and it’s a beautiful picture. I love seeing her sober, happy, laughing, and being herself. I worry though that her new lease on life will be pulled out from underneath her.
It’s only been a week since I rescued her from that creep who I’m praying like a motherfucker we can take down. Still, not a minute goes by when I’m not thinking about her, hoping she’s dealing with her shit without the need to indulge in Molly or any other drugs.
She places the menu on the table, her cheeks a rosy pink.
Man, how did I get so lucky?
“Are you blushing?” I tease.
Not tearing her gaze away from me, she slides down in the booth just a tad before dragging her foot up my leg.
My brows lift. “Be careful, Em. I’m not opposed to taking you right here.” I’m not one to do something as brazen as sex in a hotel diner, but this girl is doing things to me that send delicious shock waves throughout my body and she’s shredding my self-control.
I swear, if my body wasn’t so big
, I would get under the table and taste her for breakfast until she was screaming my name.
Fuck. That thought makes my dick harder than it already is.
She searches the empty diner slyly, holding her bottom lip hostage between her teeth.
Except for two waitresses who have been watching us since we walked in, only a handful of patrons are paying us any attention. Most are just enjoying their food.
As soon as her cute foot finds my cock, I’m holding in a groan that would shake the damn windows. My breathing ramps up as I grab her foot, tilting my head, wondering if she’s ticklish. She tenses, and I have my answer.
Before I can follow through, the brunette waitress shows up, snapping her gum, studying Emily then me.
Emily doesn’t move but giggles. Her laugh is infectious, and suddenly, I’m laughing with her. The act is freeing, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I’m not worrying about money or football or even Mom and my sister.
“Are you two lovebirds ready to order?” the waitress asks without batting an eye. I’m sure she’s seen all kinds of things working at a hotel diner.
Emily sits up, regarding the waitress, casually moving her strawberry-blonde locks over one shoulder. “I’ll have two eggs over easy and bacon.”
Chewing that gum like a cow gnawing on cud, the waitress turns her attention to me. “Sir.” Her eyes roam down my chest.
I want to laugh because the woman—who I would guess is in her thirties—is trying to gauge the package in my jeans. Thankfully, my boner is now gone. “Three eggs cooked hard, bacon, sausage, and pancakes. Oh, and a tall orange juice.”
The waitress snags the menus. “Coming right up.”
“You’re going to eat all that?” Emily asks, shock leaping off her.
I sit back. “I worked out a lot last night.” I give her a cheeky grin. “Growing boy too.”
A wicked glint appears in her eye. “We could work out again.” Her tone is seductive.
I swear I’m in puberty again. I can’t seem to control my fucking erections since she got into my truck to come up to Charlotte. Hell, who am I kidding? I’ve had a constant hard-on since I met her outside the warehouse at that rave.
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