Swinging Strike (Cessna U Wildcats Book 1)

by Kimberly Readnour

  “Uh, we’re not—”

  “Bullcrap. I see the way he looks at you, and he can’t keep his hands off you either.” She quirks an eyebrow, a challenge in those blue eyes.

  “It’s new. We sort of started hanging more after going to the game.” That’s putting it lightly. I mean, we only hooked up twice, and it’s not like we’re going after each other like rabbits, but at the same time, it’s hardly time to change the status announcement on social media. I’m not sure what I expected from Shannon, but the concern etched on her features wasn’t it.

  “Just don’t get too attached. He isn’t one to settle down.”

  “Like I said, it’s new. I’m not expecting any declarations of love or anything crazy like that.”

  “Good, because it will be awkward after it ends, and I really like you.”

  Thanks for the vote of confidence.

  I don’t think she quite meant we’re doomed, but there seems to be some truth behind her words. Are we doomed before it starts? I shake those thoughts away because I’ll drive myself crazy if I don’t. Instead, I do what I do best, deflect.

  “What’s going on between you and Noah?”

  “Nothing.” Her reply is quick, but I don’t miss the hint of frustration flashing in her eyes. “Would you be pissed if I ditched? I’m not feeling so well.”

  Even though my curiosity spikes, I don’t press the issue. “Of course not. Do you want me to go with you?”

  “No, that’s not necessary. Contrary to popular belief”—she shoots a glance at her brother—“I’m a big girl.”

  “Okay, I’ll be back later.”

  “Maybe.” She winks and makes her way out the back door. Interesting.

  “Where’s Shannon going?” Braxton asks when I hand him a drink.

  “She’s going back to the dorm. She doesn’t feel well.”

  “Do I need to go after her?” He goes to get up, but I shake my head and glance at Noah. His lips press together in a tight grimace.

  “She’ll be fine.” I can’t very well tell him she needs space from his best friend.

  Dalton pushes to his feet. “I’ll make sure she gets back safely.”

  Before anyone can protest, he beelines out the front door with Noah tracking his every move and Braxton letting out a sigh.

  “I’m not sure that’s any better,” Braxton murmurs.

  “She’ll be fine. She’s a big girl.”

  The top of the ninth rolls around with the Dodgers trailing by three runs. I let out a small groan when the last chance for a miracle steps to the plate. The bond I formed with AJ’s former teammates doesn’t exist with this team. I know nothing about the guy shouldering the divisional championship hopes. The day’s events take their toll on me when the guy strikes out. Luckily, the crowd starts to thin out as I follow Braxton to the kitchen.

  “I still can’t believe you have stripper poles,” I say as we walk past the supports.

  His eyebrows quirk. “Anytime you’re ready.”

  I flash him a smile. “Keep dreaming, Smith.”

  “Every night.”

  My smile soon fades as the thoughts from the last week creep into my mind. My secret is out. There will be no more articles to incriminate Braxton. That makes me happy, but what it took to get to this point is almost too much.

  “Sorry your brother lost,” Braxton says, mistaking my somber mood for the loss.

  “There’s always next year. Don’t tell him I said that though.”

  He wraps his arms around me and kisses me on the nose. “You know what puts people in better moods?”

  “What?”

  “Sex.”

  “Now, how did I guess you were going to say that?”

  “Because you know it’s true. Stay with me tonight.”

  “I should go back and check on your sister.”

  He groans but fires off a quick text to her. Dalton returned about fifteen minutes ago, so I know he wasn’t worried about them being together. I noticed another person relax at the sight of Dalton, too, but I’m definitely not bringing him up. Braxton seems a little oblivious when it comes to his sister and best friend.

  His cell buzzes, and he nods his head at the text. With a wave of his phone, he says, “See, she’s fine. Now, where were we?”

  Miller decides to join us by nudging his nose against Braxton’s leg and letting out the most pathetic whine. “Seriously? Cockblocked by a canine bladder? Maybe having a dog isn’t the best idea?”

  “Take that back,” I say, punching his arm.

  “Fine, I’m sorry, Miller.” Braxton grabs my hand as he opens the back door, his stare never leaving mine. When I step outside, Miller races toward the woods. Darkness blankets the trees, making it seem like a wall of blackness.

  “Are there trails?” I ask as Braxton steps behind me. He runs his hands along my sides until they’re seated at my hips. I feel content standing with my back against his muscular body, his chin resting on top of my head. Tingles zip along every nerve pathway as I feel his excitement pressing against my backside.

  “There are pockets of privacy.”

  Shannon’s words, “don’t get too attached,” echo in my head. Maybe she’s right and what we have is temporary, but the knowledge doesn’t stop my nipples tightening and practically begging to have his mouth back on them.

  I turn to face him. His hands slip to the curves of my ass. “Why don’t you show me?”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  BRAXTON

  I don’t know what I did to deserve this girl, but I’m one lucky son of a bitch.

  We reach the clearing just a few feet away tucked behind some trees and brush. She turns to face me, and holy hell, the look she gives me. All tempting and luscious like I’m the hero to her favorite fantasy. I claim her mouth. Our tongues collide in a mixture of want and need. A desperate plea on both our ends. Maybe, it’s the buildup from the slight tease of the entire night, but we both can’t seem to stop this rush of emotions. There’s so much I want to do with her.

  Her hands yank the bottom of my shirt, and she runs her hands along my belt buckle to loosen it. My cock twitches in anticipation when the metallic sound of the zipper rips through the air. She slips her hand down my jockey shorts and rubs along the length of my shaft. I groan in pleasure. I have to tell myself not to come right there since she has me so turned on.

  “Fuck me, Braxton. I need you.”

  “You sure?”

  “God, yes. I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”

  That’s all the encouragement I need. I whip her body around so her backside is facing me. She grasps the tree bark while I yank her shorts down and expose that sweet ass that’s been practically riding me during the game. I give the skin a slight smack and then rub the area. My balls tighten in anticipation as I palm across her curves and into the junction of her thighs. “Am I going to find you hot and ready for me?”

  “Yes,” she draws out her reply, her breath coming in short, rapid pants. “I’m so ready.”

  Her being more vocal this time is turning me on more. I slip a finger inside her and match her moan. The warmth, the wetness, is overwhelming. She is so fucking receptive to my touches, my body. I can’t wait any longer. I have to have her. With a quick brush against her clit when I remove my fingers, I smile wickedly at her shudder. She’s so beautiful wanting me. I push down my underwear enough to don the condom in record time and bend her forward a tad as I line myself up at her entrance.

  “I’ll make this up to you when we go inside.”

  When the words rush from my mouth, I thrust my cock inside her until I’m balls deep. She huffs out a surprised gasp, and I still, waiting until her body adjusts to my length buried inside. “Is this what you want?”

  “Yes. God, yes.”

  Grabbing hold of her hips, I pull back and then shove forward before falling into a rhythm that’s both satisfying and rewarding to our needs. Her fingertips dig into the bark as I can feel the orgasm buil
ding inside. I don’t know what it is about this girl, but she’s pure perfection. It’s as if she’s molded specifically for me. I can’t even think about anything or anyone else. All I can think about is us and how good we fit together.

  A sheen of sweat breaks across my forehead as I increase the pace.

  I move my hand to her front and rub circles over and around her clit. Her body writhes against me as I run my other hand up her shirt and cup her breast. I curse to myself that I never took the time to remove her bra because I’d rather be skin to skin. But even with the light fabric between us, when I squeeze her nipple, it sends her over the brink, and her inner muscles clamp around my dick.

  “Braxton, oh, God.”

  “That’s it, baby, come for me.” I wish I could see her face because she’s so fucking beautiful when she comes. I drive into her fast and hard as she milks the last of her orgasm from me. I can’t hold off any longer. I come so hard as every sensation rushes through me.

  Our pants cut across the cooler night air as I cradle her body. A few moments later, Miller lets out a bark. The sound of rustling leaves breaks our stupor, and we release a few laughs as we quickly pull back on our pants. “That damn dog.”

  She turns her face toward me with a smile stretched wide. There’s a shift between us. A warning what we have between each other is different. I reach for her hand. “Let’s get inside.” When she nods and grabs hold of my hand, I holler for Miller to follow.

  “I was serious earlier. Stay the night.”

  Something flashes in her eyes. A hint of worry, maybe? Whatever burden she carries disappears with her softening smile. She gives me a nod and says, “Okay.”

  I wake to a nice warm body lying against me. Mmm, this feels nice. My fingers trace slow, lazy circles along her side and stomach. When she wakes, I ask, “Do you know what today is?”

  “What?”

  “Our first real date.”

  “Dancing tonight, right?”

  “You bet.” I picture her ass shaking, but it leads to visions of her naked ass bent over for me. My morning wood strengthens.

  “It’s probably good we go tonight because I’ll need to study for midterms next weekend.”

  “You’ll do well.” I give her a reassuring kiss on the top of her head.

  “Thank for the vote of confidence, but remind me to never take nineteen credits again.”

  “You have nineteen credits?” No wonder she spends all her spare time studying.

  “I did. I suppose it’s sixteen now.”

  “Did you drop a class?”

  She’s quiet for a beat, but she finally answers, “Yes.”

  This surprises me. She’s a whiz in our biochemistry lab. I wasn’t kidding her brother’s friends. The girl is smart. Why would she drop a class? “Which class?”

  She lifts her head. Those beautiful brown eyes staring back at me hold regret. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  My fingers still as my stomach pitches. I’m not going to like the answer. “What class?”

  “The one I have with Alan.”

  A spike of adrenaline surges through my veins. That asshole better not have forced her to drop. I lift onto my side and perch on my elbow. I want to see her face when I ask, “Am I the reason?”

  She takes a staggering breath as she gnaws on her lip. “It’s a combination of things.”

  “You need to tell me,” I say low but stern.

  She nods and then goes on to explain how he threatened her the entire time. The more she talks, the more I become pissed. I knew the fucker hated me, but damn. To make her go through all this. His actions are borderline insanity.

  “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

  “Now that I’ve had time to think about it, I wish I had. At first, I didn’t want you finding out I wrote the articles. I felt horrible after learning the truth after the first article. I’m so sor—”

  “Shh, we’re not backtracking.” I place my finger against her lips. The last thing I want to do is make her feel guilty again. She’s had enough regrets—we both have—but Alan will have his too. It’s just a matter of getting to him. But mark my words, I’ll get him to make this right. She shouldn’t have to sacrifice anything for that spineless fuck.

  I remove my finger when she gives a slight nod. “We good?”

  “Yeah, but I don’t understand his hatred toward you. He legit hates you.”

  “It’s a long story but dates back to freshman year.” I scrub my hand over my face, not sure if this is my story to tell, but if I have to make a choice between the two girls, Cara’s going to win. “Isabella took a class that required her to work for the newspaper. It happened to be Alan’s first year teaching. She wasn’t doing too well in the class and didn’t want her grade to slip. She ended up doing him special favors if you catch my drift.”

  Cara lets out a small gasp and even though I hate betraying Isabella, I know Cara needs to hear this.

  “Anyway, this went on most of the semester, but Alan started texting her. It got…weird. We had calculus together and developed a friendship. With me being a baseball player and her on the dance team, I think we had a connection.” I shrug because I still don’t see the dance team and the baseball team as being one and the same. “According to her anyway.”

  “What happened?”

  The back of my neck prickles with the memory. “Not to get into too much detail, he wouldn’t leave her alone. Then he threatened her grade. I could tell something bothered her, and after some cajoling, she confided in me. Needless to say, I paid him a visit after that meeting.”

  “Did you kick his ass?”

  I let out a humorless laugh. “No, but I should have. I may have been a freshman, but I’ve always been built.”

  She shakes her head and mumbles, “Still cocky.”

  “He backed off after I threatened him, but I wanted to go to the administrator.”

  “Why didn’t you?”

  “Isabella didn’t want her name dragged through it. And I get it. She voluntarily slept with him.”

  Cara flinches, but the concerned expression doesn’t leave. Something else is bothering her, but I have no idea what. Darkness clouds my thoughts, and I wonder if Alan tried something with her. “You didn’t—”

  “God, no. That wasn’t even an issue. I had time to drop the class, so that’s what I did.”

  “Let me talk to him. I’ll make this right. You can retake the class, he’ll give a real assignment, and the mark will be off your record.”

  Her eyes flash to mine. “I’m not sure I really want to be around the man.”

  “Give me a half hour with him. He won’t bother you.”

  “Please, don’t. He’s not worth it.”

  “He’s not, but you are.”

  Her eyes hold mine.

  “I really like you, you know.”

  I smile. “I really like you, too.” Since I can’t keep my hands off her, I start tracing circles on her stomach again. She has a calming effect, and my anger slowly dissipates, at least for now. “I am sorry your brother’s team lost.”

  “Eh, it’ll give him more time to get ready for his trip.”

  She has never mentioned anything more about her brother taking everyone to Hawaii. I was serious back at the wild card game; I don’t want her to stay on campus alone. “What are you doing for Thanksgiving?”

  “I was just going to stay at the dorms. I heard they serve a mean plate of turkey and instant mashed potatoes.”

  “No. You’re going home with me.”

  “Braxton, I can’t do that.”

  “Why not? It’s only going to be my family, and you already met three-fourths of them.”

  “I-I hate to impose.”

  “How are you imposing? We have plenty of space, and Mom would love to have another mouth to feed. She actually enjoys cooking large meals. It’d be more of an insult if you didn’t come.”

  “I don’t know.”

  I run the tips of my finger
s across her silky-smooth skin. This girl is heaven beneath my touch. I could lay here with her naked body wrapped in mine all day. It’s incredibly scary how well she fits against me.

  “I know. You’re coming home with us. We won’t be gone long. I have a practice on Saturday.”

  “You’re sure your parents won’t care?”

  “I’m sure.” Mom won’t, but Dad will be livid. I’ll undoubtedly get another lecture, but I can deflect. Cara’s different. She is in no way a distraction when it comes to baseball.

  “You really want me there?”

  “I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.”

  “I’ll go, but what are we doing? I mean, what would you call what’s going on between us?”

  My body tenses, not liking the direction the conversation took. “What do you mean?”

  “If you had to put a label on us, what would you say?”

  “We don’t need to define our relationship, do we?”

  “No, but I guess what I’m trying to ask is what are we doing?”

  “I think that was your original question.”

  She huffs.

  “We’re together, and I like you a lot. What we’re doing doesn’t have to be labeled.” No way. I refuse to make the same mistakes as last time. I won’t ruin what we have by getting all macho and overprotective. “What’s worrying you?”

  “My last relationship wasn’t exactly defined either.”

  Oh, hell, no. If it’s exclusivity she’s worried about, I can shut that thought down.

  I yank her on top of me. Her full breasts front and center. Beautiful fucking sight, but I don’t compliment her. Now isn’t the time. I’ve learned enough about her to know she’s self-conscious about her looks.

  “Stop right there.” I shift the focus onto me. “See this body right here?”

  “Yeah?” Her eyebrow quirks as she watches my hand fan across my chest in a sweeping motion.

  “This belongs to you. Only you. Don’t worry about other women. They simply don’t exist. Not when you own my mind, body, and soul.”