Joss leaned back in her chair and arched a brow up at me. “Are you doing everything you can to help, Ben?” Her coy smile was irresistible and the way my name rolled off her tongue had me responding in inappropriate ways.
But her question brought me up short, because I hadn’t done everything I could to help the team. “Not yet, but I have a meeting with the superintendent later today.” The girls’ soccer team wasn’t on the agenda, but I would make sure we covered that item first.
Joss nodded and folded her hands on top of the papers in front of her. “After your meeting, I’ll see what I can do about setting my colleagues straight. Was that all?”
“No.” I looked out the small glass window in the door to make sure we were alone and then I stepped in close and cupped her face, turning it up to face me and fitted our lips together. Kissing Joss was the kind of pleasure a man could get addicted to if he wasn’t careful, and right now, I was being anything but careful, kissing her in the classroom, surrounded by lessons on history. “That’s all.”
Joss let out a shaky breath and a nervous laugh. “Glad we cleared that up.”
“See you later, Joss.” That kiss kept me going through my useless meeting with the superintendent as well as the budget committee, where I was told, in no uncertain terms, that while everyone was proud of the team, they could do nothing to make the post-season easier.
“We can’t even re-allocate some of the money from the boys’ soccer team?” The question had been met with nothing but blank stares, as if I’d asked to harvest a kidney from a minor.
“That would set a bad precedent, Mr. Rutherford.”
“Or maybe it would give all teams the incentive to perform better, you know kind of like how the school’s funding is tied to standardized test scores, also known as performance.”
The superintendent only shook his head, as did the head of the budget committee, who at least looked upset about the situation.
I stood with a disgusted sigh. “Yeah, well, thanks for nothing.” That was all I had in terms of niceties, so I took off before I said something I might regret, or worse, something that could cost me my job.
And worst of all, I had no idea how to break the news to Joss. She wouldn’t just be upset, she would be disappointed, thinking I hadn’t gone to bat for her and the team. She would feel betrayed, and nothing I did or said would change that, so I did what any red blooded American man would in my position.
I avoided her.
Instead of picking up food like I’d planned and surprising Joss again, I met up with Xander and Chris at The Mayflower. Like a coward. I joined them at a booth in back, already piled with sliders, potato skins and onion rings.
“I brought beer.”
“Then please, have a seat.” Chris flashed a wide, welcoming smile and relieved me of the pitcher of beer.
“Thanks,” I muttered and grabbed a potato skin. “How was the book tour?”
“Other than missing my girls, it was incredible. My agent is talking to some Hollywood types about turning into a movie, which Tara is on the fence about.”
Xander and I both laughed. “Probably because she is so obviously the investigator chick,” Xander said. “Now that she’s a detective, it’s even more obvious.”
“I’ll tell you the same thing I told her, she was some of the inspiration for the character, nothing more.” The smirk on his face painted him as a liar.
“Sure man. And we believe it as much as Tara does.” At my words, Chris sent a scallion flying at me and I opened my mouth just in time. “Thanks. Next time, do bacon.”
“Dick,” he growled.
“Good book though,” I told him. “Devoured it in two sittings.
“No kidding,” Xander added. “Should I be worried about that warped mind of yours?”
“Nope. It’s strictly professional, but if one more friend asks me that question, I might have to get some new friends.” Chris flashed a smile and finished off a slider in one bite.
“Where’s Tara, anyway?”
“At home with Lila. I came home a day early and my surprise isn’t finished yet, so Xander offered to fill me with beer and bar food while my ladies finish their plotting.”
“Yeah, I’m a great friend like that. You’re welcome.” Xander turned to me with a frown. “What are you doing here, Rutherford, or should I ask who you’re avoiding?”
“That obvious?” They both nodded, but in typical male fashion, didn’t stop eating. “I’ll tell you, but you are sworn to absolute secrecy. Not even your women can know.” If anyone found out, but especially Eva or Sophie, then I would never ever hear the end of it. “Swear it.”
Xander barked out a laugh. “You want a blood oath, or will a pinky promise suffice?”
Chris punched his arm. “We swear, now fess up. Wait, should I be taking notes for future books?” I glared at Chris, hard. “Sorry. Continue.”
“I’ve been seeing Joss. Sort of. We’ve hung out a few times, that’s all.” It was difficult to explain because I had no idea what we were doing. Not really. “We’re hanging out, let’s just leave it at that.”
“Okay. You’re sort of seeing her, but only for a few times, but you’re already avoiding her?” Chris shook his head. “Doesn’t bode well for the future, my man.”
“Future? Who said anything about the future? We’ve just started to see each other and it’s casual. Very, very casual.” This is why I wanted to keep the info to myself.
Xander snorted and shook his head. “So casual that you’re avoiding her because…what did you do?”
“It’s the girls’ soccer team,” I groaned. “They’re doing their own fundraising to pay for hotel rooms so they don’t have to drive to the playoff games on the day of, and now I’m the villain.”
“I’ve heard about it,” Xander nodded. “They’re cleaning the patrol cars, and we’ve pitched in two hundred bucks. Don’t see why they can’t use some of the football or boys’ soccer money, but you know Pilgrim, always willing to pitch in when needed.”
I groaned again at his words. “It’s not that easy, and I spent an hour trying to convince the powers that be to do just that, and they said no. Clearly.”
Chris nodded with a knowing smile. “You don’t want to disappoint her. Yep, that’s more than casual. Sorry.”
“No, that’s not it. I care because that team is my team, and it’s not right.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Xander added dismissively. “But you didn’t really care until you started doing the naked dance with the girls’ soccer coach.”
“Okay, fine. Yes. That doesn’t make it more than casual.”
Chris held his hands up. “If you say so.”
“I do.”
Xander laughed, at first it was a low, slightly amused chuckle but as it continued, it grew into a loud guffaw that grated on my nerves. “Sorry to say, but damn, this is going to be fun. I can’t wait to see it all blow up in your face.”
“It won’t,” I told him with a confidence I didn’t feel right before I buried my face in another glass of beer.
Joss
“All right girls, are we ready to kick some North Central high butt today?” It had taken the full week, but the entire team had come together and raised enough funds to get a few hotel rooms for the team plus the coach and the bus driver. We arrived last night just in time for dinner, pizza, and an early bedtime.
“You can say ‘ass’ Coach C, we won’t tell anyone.” Tanisha flashed her most mischievous smile as she tugged on her socks. “But yeah, we’re totally ready to smash those bitc-,”
“Tanisha!”
“Just kidding.” She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “We will annihilate them. Won’t we girls?”
“Damn straight!”
Teenaged girls were an incorrigible lot, and I did the only thing I could, shook my head and hurried them along. “An hour until game time so let’s get a move on so we can stretch and get used to the field before that whistle blows, yeah?”
We loaded onto the bus and made our way to the field, where a crowd had already started to gather. “Ignore the fans, girls. Next week we have the home town advantage.”
“We’re not worried. It’s just too bad they’ve wasted all that time when they’re gonna lose so bad.” Tanisha’s confidence helped the other girls shake off their nerves and put more energy in each step as they exited the bus and jogged to the field.
“All right. Stretch first, ladies!” Coaching girls on the brink of adulthood was a lot more satisfying than the younger age groups I’d coached in the past, and it helped they could be self-sufficient when it was required. Like now.
I made my way to the sidelines with the rest of the equipment, and froze halfway there. Ben. He stood there with a wide, knowing smile because he was so sure he surprised me, which he had. Too bad I’m not impressed. Okay, maybe I was a little impressed, but just a little.
“Principal Rutherford, this is becoming a habit.” It was a nice surprise for the team. Just for the team.
“Supporting my athletes is mostly definitely a habit, Coach Callahan.” He stepped in close and smiled that panty-dropping smile and it felt like it was just for me.
“Good. Make sure you cheer extra loud because the opponents have tons of supporters to cheer them on.” I nodded in the direction of the booster club, decked out in team colors with handmade banners declaring victory.
“Got my bullhorn, don’t you worry.” To punctuate the point, Ben cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted to the field. “Let’s go team!”
The game started and instead of heading to the stands where a few parents and cheerleaders had gathered, Ben stayed on the sidelines. With me.
“Feel free to take a seat.”
“Nah, I’m right where I want to be.” Ben shoved his hands in his pockets and smiled, his gaze never left the field.
I shook off the feeling that those words weren’t just for me, because I knew better. No matter what my stupid, skipping-a-beat heart wanted to think about it. “Good job, Pirates! Keep it up!”
Ben side-stepped closer and leaned in close. “Why did you choose to coach soccer?”
I looked over, surprised at this question. “You mean why girls’ soccer?” He nodded and gave an unapologetic shrug. “I played soccer from the age of six and I loved it so much, I played all through high school. Earned a college scholarship while I studied history, which was a good thing since I was only ever an adequate player.” Luckily, I had a head for strategy, which helped in my coaching career. “No big mystery, really.” But I appreciated that he wanted to know more than what was on my resume.
“Kind of a mystery. Most women with your qualifications would have negotiated a way onto the boys’ team.”
I shrugged. “I’d rather be a head coach of a winning team than assistant coach on a losing.”
He smiled, really smiled, all big and wide and bright as if he’d uncovered some fact about me. “Your parents must be proud.”
I barked out a laugh at that thought. “My mama was, let’s say old school, and the thought of me ‘runnin’ around in the dirt’ wasn’t exactly her idea of ladylike behavior. She figured I would never find a man with all these muscles covering up my womanly physique.” My mama, god bless her, but she had a very narrow view of the world and being a tomboy and slightly on the curvier side, I was destined to disappoint her.
“And your dad?” I stiffened at the mention of my father, but Ben didn’t know anything, he was trying to get to know me.
I think, or maybe I hoped. I let out a sigh and gave him an abbreviated version of my history with James Callahan. “My dad left when I was young. He was in and out of my life for a few more years before he forgot about me altogether, so I really don’t know if he’s proud or not.” The words stung even after all these years, but not with the same intensity they once had.
“Sheesh, Joss, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m not.” I shrugged it off, but the truth was I did feel as if something was missing by not having a dad, which explained my ill-conceived idea to reach out to the Callahan brothers. But that was old Joss. This new, more mature Joss, was just fine. “It’s all in the past.”
“Doesn’t mean it can’t still hurt. Sometimes I forget my dad is gone and I’ll want to call him, like when I became principal. Cried like a baby when I remembered he wasn’t here anymore.” Ben’s lips twisted into a mildly embarrassed grin that was so damn endearing I had to look away.
The last thing I needed, in all the world, was for my crush to transform into something more. Something real. Something a lot like genuine feelings. “I’m sorry for your loss, Ben.”
“Thanks.” He flashed a sardonic smile before turning towards the field and clapping wildly. “Good job, Pirates! One more goal and we’ll have a celebratory steak dinner. On me!”
“Get ready to max out your credit card!” Tanisha called out and passed the ball, displaying excellent teamwork which led to the game winning goal.
“Good job! We won! We won!” I turned to Ben with an excited grin and wrapped my arms around him. “We won!”
Ben squeezed me tight and whispered, “You won, Coach Callahan. Good job, you just won yourself a steak dinner.”
Somehow it felt like I’d won a whole lot more.
Ben
I should have called Joss to let her know I planned to come over for another visit, but it was so much more fun to catch her off-guard. It wasn’t even planned on my part, I just wanted to pick up a few things at the grocery store, but as the meal came together, I knew showing up was the right thing to do. After a long weekend spent with the team, she was probably exhausted and today was her only day to relax before the week started and she had to do it all over again.
The door opened and I couldn’t help the smile that crossed my face at the sexy rumpled mess she made. Joss’ hair was pinned on top of her head in a messy bun and she wore black yoga pants that sculpted to every curve and muscle of her thighs and legs, and an Ole Miss t-shirt that had seen better days.
“Ben,” she sighed, and a little quirk of a smile parted her lips. “You’re here. Again. Uninvited. Again.”
“I am. Are you busy?”
Joss folded her arms and arched a brow. “Super busy, can’t you tell by my incredibly busy and important outfit?”
Since she brought attention to her clothes, I took my time to look my fill. “I don’t know about busy and important, but I’m not complaining about what I see.”
“Thanks, I think.” Her gaze went to the two bags dangling from my fingers. “What are you bribing me with this time?”
“I wouldn’t say bribing you, I would say that I’ve brought taco fixings for my favorite soccer coach.”
She kept her arms folded and leaned against the door frame with a smile. “Favorite, huh?”
“Yep. Can I come in?” I held my breath in anticipation of her answer, knowing there was a good chance she could send me away.
Joss pushed off the door and nodded me inside. “Only because you brought tacos.”
“I’ll take access for the tacos because I know you’ll let me stay for my sparkling personality and dazzling wit.” I batted my eyelashes at her as I stepped inside, inhaling her fresh from the shower scent for a brief moment, smiling as her laughter sounded behind me.
“You sure do think highly of your personality and your, ah, wit.”
“I’m not offended because I hear the laughter in your voice, and I know you secretly enjoy my company.”
“Yeah? How can you be so sure it’s not just the fact that you bring me food?”
I dropped both bags on the kitchen table and turned. “Dammit, how can I compete with tacos?”
“Who says you can?” Her tone was playful and that was irresistible to me. I took a step forward and Joss took a step back. “What do you think you’re doing?”
I took another step forward. “I’m trying to compete with tacos. What else?” Three more steps and I was right in her
pretty smiling face, cupping her face while my thumbs slid up and down her jawline. “Objections?”
Joss let out a low, shuddery breath. “Well, let’s see,” she said, stalling and I took advantage of the moment and captured her lips with mine. Her lips were as soft and plush as I remembered, and the kiss instantly turned to fire as she pressed her curves up against me and wrapped her arms around me. Tight.
I walked her up against the wall, pressing my body into hers so she could so how crazy she made me, how hot and hard I was. How ready I was for her. Now.
We kissed fiercely, almost like the hormonal teenagers we wrangled all day, and then Joss moaned. She moaned into my mouth and I swallowed it and deepened the kiss, sliding my tongue deep in her mouth, grazing over her teeth because now that I was here, capable of tasting every inch of her, I fully planned to take my fill.
Completely.
Joss lifted a leg over my hip so our bodies were perfectly aligned and it was my turn to groan, to growl from somewhere deep in my gut as I pressed against her, enjoying the way she gasped out her pleasure and shook with need, and it was all for me. Her hips began to move, up and down, scraping the length of my cock through my jeans as her breaths came in faster and harsher.
I tore my lips from hers because I needed to see her face as she took her pleasure from me. “Go ahead Joss, take what you need. Make yourself come on my cock.”
Heat and surprise lit her blue eyes and her lips parted. “Such a dirty mouth, Principal Rutherford.” A sexy growly laugh erupted from her and I pushed my hips a little harder. “Oh!”
“I think I might like it when you call me Principal Rutherford in this context.”
“Yeah?” The word came out low and breathy, her smile was radiant.
I nodded and leaned in to brush a kiss on the column of her neck, her collarbone until she let out a satisfied, strangled noise. “Oh, yeah.”
“Well, there’s a couch about ten feet away.”
Without another word, I hoisted Joss in the air and growled when she wrapped her legs around my waist, and let me carry her to the living room where I sat and left her panting and growling on top of me. “Joss, you’re killing me.”
Misbehaving Curves: A Boss Romance Page 8