Swinging Strike (Cessna U Wildcats Book 1)

by Kimberly Readnour

  Relief flickers through her features before something more feral takes over.

  “I want you, Braxton.” She leans down and places her lips on mine.

  “You can have me, Pole Girl. All of me.”

  As she works her mouth lower down my chest, I don’t worry about the fact she didn’t say she’d be exclusive. It’s a given. As she continues her downward path, peppering me with kisses, I don’t worry about labeling what we have. She’s my world right now. Then, as she wraps her lips around the tip of my cock, I certainly don’t worry about Dad’s reaction when I bring her home, nor do I worry about Alan’s fate on Monday.

  I have the lips of the best girl in the world wrapped around my dick, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than right here with her. She’s worth any consequences I’ll face.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  BRAXTON

  I specifically wait until the room clears before stepping into Alan’s classroom. When I walk inside, the doors slam behind me, but Alan doesn’t peer up from the podium. His back faces me while he stuffs papers inside a leather briefcase.

  “If you had a boner for me, you could’ve just faced me like a man.”

  His back stiffens before turning around to face me. “What do you want, Braxton?”

  I spit out a laugh. “You’re not so cocky when there isn’t a female to push around and threaten, huh?”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Oh, I think you know exactly what I’m talking about.” I step closer to him. “In case I’m wrong, let me refresh your memory.”

  His eyes widen, and he steps backward, placing his hands up. “There wasn’t any harm done. You have nothing to worry about.”

  “No harm done. How about the fact you blackmailed my girlfriend which resulted in her dropping the class? How’s that not harmful?”

  “She didn’t have to drop. I wouldn’t have done anything.”

  “You threatened to give her a failing grade and expose her identity.” I cock my head, narrowing my eyes. “Which you ended up doing anyway. You really are a spineless fuck, aren’t you?”

  His nostrils flare. “I owed Isabella.”

  Understanding dawns on me. Through my rage, I never considered how Izzy obtained the information, just that she got it. “She threatened to turn you in if you didn’t tell her, didn’t she?”

  His jaw works back and forth, and it takes everything I have to keep from throat punching him. “It doesn’t matter. Your precious girlfriend didn’t perform. Who cares if she has a dropped grade?”

  “She cares.” I grind down on my teeth so hard I swear the sound echoes around the empty chamber.

  “I hardly see why that matters.”

  “Her reasoning doesn’t matter, but it’s still a concern.” I take another step closer and try not to smirk at the way he flinches. “I should lay you out right now.”

  “I’d think long and hard about your next move if I was you. Threatening a professor will get you expelled.”

  My eyes narrow as I clench my hands by my side. “You’d like nothing more than seeing me gone. Trust me, this isn’t a threat.”

  “What? You’re going to risk your future stardom over some lay? Wow, maybe I should’ve tried that route because she must be damn good.”

  Before I fully process his words, my right fist connects with his left jaw. He stumbles back from the force of the blow, his glasses flying to the ground. I grasp his tweed jacket to keep him upright. The spineless bastard doesn’t attempt to fight back. I’m pretty sure punching a teacher will get me kicked off the team and expelled, but damn, that felt good. Regardless of what happens, Cara is worth every bit of repercussions I face.

  “If I had it my way, you’d be reported and fired. Let me tell you what’s going to happen. You’re going to tell admissions there was a huge misunderstanding, and then you’re going to reinstate her in the class. Plus, you’ll give her legit assignments, not fluff pieces.”

  Anger coats his eyes, but there’s another layer to them—understanding. I squeeze his lapels tighter.

  “Do you understand me?”

  After a long pause, he grinds out, “Yes.”

  I release him. He stumbles backward but manages to balance himself in time before falling. Pity. I’d rather see him ass-planted on the ground.

  “Don’t even think about reporting me. I’ll have your ass fired, which is what I should’ve done in the first place.”

  The spineless fuck doesn’t say a word as I exit the room. With him taken care of, Cara and I can finally have a fresh start. Nothing can get in our way.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  CARA

  Midterms are over. Alan reinstated my class. I submit everything, even our communication, electronically. This way, I don’t ever see him. He made some bullshit excuse to admissions. They may have bought it, but my adviser was skeptical. Doesn’t matter. I won’t have a mark on my transcript, and my minor is still obtainable.

  This past month of dating Braxton has been better than I could have expected. And I admit I feel like my old self. Who knew one of the biggest stressors this semester came from writing that senseless article? I’m free to concentrate on my grades and my dating life.

  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and since I’m spending it at Braxton’s house, I call Mom now. It’s hard telling how much free time I’ll have.

  “Hey, Mom,” I say in a voice too chipper for the morning, but I’m glad to be talking to her. I’m really missing her today. “Are you having fun?”

  “Cara?”

  I wince from the grogginess in her voice. “Sorry to call so early. I forgot about the time difference. I wanted to call before Braxton picks me up, though.”

  “It’s okay. But, yeah, the trip has been nice. I wish you had come, though. I worry about you.”

  “You’d worry about me even if I was there.”

  “You’re my baby girl. Of course, I’d worry.” A whooshing sound screeches in my eardrum as if she’s leaning closer to the phone. In a hushed voice, she adds, “But I understand why you wouldn’t want to come. Drake’s sort of a douchebag, isn’t he?”

  I laugh, surprised by Mom’s admission. “He really is.”

  “I don’t know what you ever saw in him besides his looks. I hope this new guy treats you better. You really need better taste in men.”

  “Braxton’s way better. AJ liked him. Just saying.” At this point, I take all the validation I can get because I think Braxton is the real deal. “Tell me what you’ve been seeing.”

  The question is enough to deflect her attention off me and onto the various sites they’ve visited. The conversation is good, not strained like the others in the past. After promises of letting her know when I arrive at Braxton’s home, we hang up.

  About thirty minutes later, Braxton and Noah knock on our door. Shannon squeals.

  “You ready?” Noah asks, making his way to her luggage set.

  “Yes! I just have to grab my backpack, and we’re set.”

  Braxton draws me in for a hug and plants a quick kiss on my lips. “You ready to meet my parents?”

  I hesitate because it seems too fast. Too real. But he obviously wants me to come. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have asked. I force a smile and nod. “Let’s go.”

  His gaze lingers on me and he seems like he wants to say more, but he doesn’t. Instead, he pecks my nose with another quick kiss and grabs my only piece of luggage. “Is this it?”

  I shrug. “I travel light.”

  “I’m still working on her,” Shannon says as she pats my back.

  If I thought Noah’s house was elaborate when we dropped him off, it pales in comparison to Braxton and Shannon’s. A white stucco mansion set on the hillside looks more like a fancy hotel than a home.

  We follow the driveway wrapping around the side and pull into the lower level garage. I try not to gape, but I swear this massive space parks nine cars. Who are these people? I’ve never been one to be intimidated
by wealth, but this is over the top. I knew when we went through the gated community I wasn’t going to a normal residential area, but hello, mind equal blown.

  “You didn’t tell me you lived on an estate.”

  Braxton looks around, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t want to sound unappreciative, because I’m not, but it’s just walls.”

  “Yeah, lots of them,” I deadpan.

  “Come on, let’s find Mom.” Shannon throws her arm around me and looks behind her at Braxton. “Can you grab the luggage and bring it to our rooms? Okay, thanks.”

  Braxton eyes the pile of luggage in the back of the truck and shoots her a dry look. I can’t help but laugh as Shannon pulls me away.

  We find their mom sitting in a chaise lounge by the infinity pool on the back deck. The ocean view in the far distance stops me in my tracks. This scenery is beautiful. I can’t imagine growing up here.

  “Cara, it’s nice to meet you, again.” Mrs. Smith pads across the concrete to greet us.

  “You have a gorgeous home, Mrs. Smith.”

  “Call me Sarah, please. And, thank you.” She turns to give Shannon a hug. “It’s good to have you home. You been feeling okay?”

  “Yes, Mom. I’m fine.” Shannon averts her gaze, seemingly uncomfortable with the question.

  “Where’s your brother? I figured he’d come with you.” Sarah looks past Shannon’s shoulder, her mouth set tight.

  “He’s bringing up the luggage.”

  “He could’ve had Steven help take care of that.”

  “I’m quite capable of toting some luggage upstairs.” The deep timbre of Braxton’s voice plays over my skin. I turn to look at my handsome guy. He smiles at his mom and leans in to kiss her cheek.

  “I know you are, but that is part of his job.”

  “Why don’t you show Cara to her room. I placed her in the one next to yours.” She gives him a wink, and my cheeks warm. “Phil isn’t home from work. I’m sorry you can’t meet him yet.”

  Braxton’s gaze hardens for a slight moment, but when his mom turns back to him, his smile slips back in place.

  “I look forward to meeting him later then.” I didn’t know what else to say. Braxton doesn’t talk about him too often. Aside from when they complained about him showing up for a visit, neither sibling mentions him.

  “Here you go.” Braxton makes a sweeping motion with his arm as I enter. My gaze makes a quick assessment of the room I’ll call home for the next few days. The wide-planked maple flooring that covers the entire house continues into the bedroom. I’m usually not a fan of white walls, but the simple décor works in conjunction with the floor-to-ceiling windows. You don’t need color when nature paints it for you.

  “Check out this view.” I make my way to the far window and relish in the scenery that mirrors the backyard. Holy crap, this is beautiful.

  “I’m rather enjoying it.”

  I turn toward Braxton and pause, swallowing the nervous lump forming from his look. Those normally vibrant blue eyes burn with a heat that’s directed nowhere else but at me. And I love it. The anticipation. The need. He must sense the way my body craves his touch because each step toward me seems calculated as if he’s on the prowl. When he closes the distance, his lips land on mine. I fist my hands in his shirt as blinding heat slams into me and ignites the desire he brings forth. I want nothing more than to rip the material off. I unbutton the top button when a deep voice calls out his name.

  Braxton drops his hands and backs away, his breaths jagged. There’s an almost desperate plea to his stare that I don’t understand.

  “Ready to meet my dad?”

  I take in his disheveled appearance—wrinkled shirt and skewed hair—and smile.

  No. “Yes.”

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  BRAXTON

  There’s just something sexy about a woman wearing a little camisole negligee while combing her wet, coal-black hair. And by the tent currently erected in my flannel pajama bottoms, my dick more than agrees. The only thing better would be her long hair splayed across my pillow while she lies naked beneath me.

  When I slip into Cara’s bedroom after our showers, I catch her standing by the window with an awestruck expression. I cross my arms across my shirtless chest and stay rooted in place for a moment, absorbing the sight, because, yeah, so damn sexy. I don’t dare speak. No way am I pushing my luck. After she shot down my earlier suggestion of showering together, I’m just glad she allowed me in her room.

  “Your mom asks a lot of questions.” She turns away from the window and looks at me.

  “That she does, but meeting them wasn’t so bad, huh?”

  “Your mom’s super sweet.” She places the brush on the dresser and walks over to the bed. With another glance out the window, she lies down. The sky is dark with stars glittering in the sky, which I know she likes, but I don’t miss the way she evaded the topic of my dad. It’s pointless to call her out on it because I don’t blame her. It wasn’t like he went out of his way to include her in conversations. After the initial greeting, he hardly said two words to her.

  “Thanks for coming here. I know it’s awkward for you.” I don’t try to explain Dad’s behavior or why he’s so focused on my career. If the need arises, I will, but right now, all I want to do is concentrate on us. I snuggle up against her and breathe in the lemony scent of her wet hair.

  “I can’t believe you grew up here.”

  “I think I was six years old when we moved into this house.”

  “My house would fit inside your garage.”

  “Sometimes, I think the smaller homes are more personal.” I absently strum my fingers across the silky material draping her abdomen.

  “The views here are gorgeous, though,” she says dreamily.

  “Not as good as this view.”

  She turns to face me, and I can’t seem to pull away. This beautiful girl who caught my attention ever since running into that pole has succeeded in capturing my heart. And she did it without even trying. That’s the beauty of it all.

  “I know we’re at your parents’ house, but I want you.” Her hands skim along my sides and run along the waistband of my jammies.

  I pull the condom out of my pocket and hold it up. “I came prepared.”

  Her lips curl into a smirk. “Thank God.”

  I kick my bottoms off.

  Lost in each other, we take our time as I explore her body—her sumptuous curves, her glorious breasts. She’s perfection.

  As I sink into her, our gazes lock, and I know she’s it for me. The realization is both frightening and exhilarating because I don’t know what this means for either of us. I just know I love this girl.

  “I could live inside you.” My admission lifts the corners of her mouth into a wicked smile as she lifts her hips, prompting me to move.

  “You should consider yourself lucky then.”

  “Yeah?”

  “This is prime real estate, and you better keep working for it.” She clamps her walls around my cock, which elicits a moan.

  I take the hint and start moving in and out.

  The other times have been rushed, frenzied. This time, I’m taking my time wanting to savor every detail.

  This connection between us is tangible. The slight part to her mouth and the heat to her stare are tells that she feels it too.

  And when I come, I not only take her with me physically but mentally as well. I can see it in the way she eyes me and the flush on her cheek.

  I pull out from her and go take care of the condom, but my body misses her warmth. Wasting no time, I lie beside her and tuck her body next to my side. I had no idea I was a spooning type guy. Maybe it’s just with her, but in my arms is right where she belongs.

  The niggling feeling of Dad’s disapproval creeps into my thoughts, but I push it away. I’ll throw him off course tomorrow. No way will he understand, so there isn’t any point in trying. Tonight is all about me and her.

  “Happy Thanksgivi
ng,” I say as I grab hold of her arm and pull her into an embrace. That earns me a small shriek, but she complies. I lean down and plant a few kisses on her neck. “You trying to escape?”

  “Never.”

  I groan against her skin, my cock hardening in my pants. Earlier this morning, I snuck back in my room in case someone came checking on me. I doubted they would, but Dad was acting rather strange last night. It’s obvious he isn’t happy. “I hated not waking up with you in my arms, but you know what’s worse?”

  A smile lifts the corners of her mouth. “What?”

  “Being this close to you and not having you.”

  “Mmm, I think you can survive, big boy.” Her words come out low and breathy. She’s obviously affected by our proximity as much as me.

  “I think I’m going to combust. Death by blue balls, and you’ll be the one to explain it to my parents.”

  She runs her hands down my chest and doesn’t stop until her hand rests against my hardness. “It’s been less than six hours.”

  “That’s ages ago. I think we need to revisit your bedroom.”

  A throat clears from the top of the stairs. Cara drops her hand and pulls away from me, her cheeks matching the shirt’s red logo. I try not to smirk, but damn, she’s cute.

  “I’d like to have a word with you before we eat.” Dad turns to Cara. “I think the women could use some help in the kitchen.”

  “Thanks, Mr. Smith. I’ll be right there. I just need to grab something from the bedroom.” Cara doesn’t give me a second glance before retreating back to her room.

  “You didn’t have to sound so dismissive,” I say, watching her until the door shuts behind her.

  “A word, now.”

  Dad’s harsh tone makes me cringe, but I follow him into his study. I don’t say a word while he goes over to the bar and pours himself a glass of scotch. Without offering me one, he swirls it around the tumbler before slinging back a drink. Still facing away from me, he sets the tumbler on the counter.