by Penny Wylder
His fingers gently brush down the side of my body. He’s studying me, waiting to see how I’m going to react. I want to push him away, tell him not here, not now.
But I can’t. I don’t want to. I like it when he touches me. I like the way his hands feel on my body. My belly is warm, coiling tight like corded rope. Every nerve in my body is crackling, and my heart starts to pound like a caged bird in my chest.
This is dangerous, but with the danger comes a certain level of excitement. Excitement that makes my pussy melt and my clit pulse. Excitement that makes my heart pound and the air between us hot as fire.
I bite my bottom lip, he notices and smiles, closing the distance between us. My nipples are hard, and brush against his firm chest as he looms over me.
“You and I both know this weekend was incredible. You enjoyed it as much as I did.” His hands grip the outside of my hips, and he leans in to give me a kiss on my forehead. “Am I right?”
Nodding, any and all rational thoughts exit my brain. I know I’m at work, but I’m forgetting why I even care. The way his hands move around my body, and his thickening erection strains against my leg is enough for everything else to dissolve around me.
His lips find my neck as he cups my cheek. Pressing my face into his hand, I moan softly as he nibbles my skin, licking the curve of my jaw, and driving his lips onto my mouth.
I groan into the kiss, closing my eyes and giving myself to him. I can’t ignore the feelings inside me. I feel like I’m his, I feel like he’s mine, and it feels right.
Squeezing my breast, he pushes his tongue deep into my mouth. And I kiss him back. I kiss him because I feel like I need him right now. Ryon grabs my ass and lifts me off my feet, setting me down on the massage table.
We’re lost in each other. Neither one of us is thinking about where we are, what we’re doing, or who might catch us.
A noise outside the door catches our attention. I jump to my feet, and he takes a long step away from me. No one comes in, and I start to giggle as I hold my hand over my heart, like I’m stopping it from jumping out of my chest.
“I’m sorry,” he says, rubbing his hand across his jaw. “I promise I won’t touch you again while you’re at work. I shouldn’t put you in this position. It’s not fair.” His eyes stay firmly on mine as his voice stays low, and sincere. “I respect you, Gil, and I’ll always respect you.”
My heart hammers inside my chest as I listen to what he’s saying. I can’t help myself from taking the jump.
I’m falling in love with him.
“Are you free tonight for dinner?” he asks.
Grinning, I curl one corner of my lip to the side. “Only if I’m cooking for you.”
“Seriously?” he asks.
“Seriously. My house, seven o’clock. Sound good?”
“Sounds great.”
And as we go our separate ways for now, I can’t deny the excitement I feel inside.
Ryon Daniels has done the unthinkable. He’s won my heart.
10
Ryon
Pulling into her driveway, I turn the car off and look up at the brightly lit windows. Taking a moment to look in the rearview mirror, I run my fingers through my hair and adjust the collar on my button-up.
Grabbing the small bouquet of flowers, I climb out of my car and head to her door. Lifting my knuckles to the wood, I’m about to knock when the door swings open.
“Well, don’t you look nice,” she says, her eyes running up and down my body.
Looking her up and down, her black dress hugs her curves perfectly, and her breasts are peeking out of the top. Her eyes are shadowed with swipes of dark purple, and her lashes are thick, fanning her lids like canopies.
The bright blue of her eyes pops against her makeup, making them bolder, louder, and so much more intense. Her hair is pulled up into a loose ponytail, and she has wisps of hair floating around her face.
“Wow,” I say, taking a step back. “I look nice? Look at you.” My eyes move up and down her body, lingering over all her sensitive places. Her neck, because she shivers when I kiss it. Her tits, because her body stiffens when I nibble on her nipples. Her pussy, because it’s always so wet when I touch her.
“Yeah? You like this dress?”
“I love that dress. You look stunning.” Pulling the flowers out from behind my back, I smile. “For you.”
“They’re beautiful.” Taking the bouquet, she steps to the side and invites me in as she smells them. “I love daisies. You didn’t have to do this.”
“I wanted to. You deserve to be spoiled.”
She closes the door, and I follow her into the kitchen. The lights are dim, there are candles lit on the table that’s already set, and a bottle of wine in a bucket of ice.
“Look at this. Very fancy.”
“Sit,” she says, pointing at the seat. “Dinner is almost ready. Maybe ten more minutes. Want some wine?”
“Sure.” She pulls the bottle from the bucket and pops the cork. Pouring me a glass, she pours one for herself, and takes the seat next to me.
Relaxing back in the chair, she crosses her legs and sips her wine. God damn this woman is so mesmerizing. Her long legs look so smooth, all I want to do is run my hands up them.
“So tell me, Mr. Pitcher, what are your plans for when you’re out of recovery? Have you thought about it at all?”
“Honestly, it would be great if a team would pick me up. I want to get back out on the field, it’s where I belong.”
“And if no one does? Then what?”
Shrugging a shoulder, I take a big sip of wine. “I won’t take no for an answer. You should know that.” Winking, I lean forward and reach under the table to rub her calf. “I’m a man who takes what he wants. Simple as that.”
Gil smiles, darting her eyes to her glass as she runs the pad of her finger around the rim. “Is that right?” She uncrosses her legs, leaving a space between them.
Why is this happening to me?
I’ve never wanted one woman this much in my life. And now, I’m wondering what it would be like to have her all the time. To live together, to see each other every day, to be able to wake up beside her and fall asleep with her in my arms.
What do I have to do to make her my wife for real?
The thought simmers inside me, growing, breathing, coming to life all on its own.
I want this. I want her. I want it all.
Moving my hand up her thigh, I creep closer to her pussy. I’m waiting for her to clamp her legs around my hand to stop me, except she doesn’t. Gillian opens her legs wider, giving me more room to play.
Licking her lips, she slouches in the seat a little, bringing her pussy to my hand. I expect to feel something lacy, or silky, but that’s not what I feel at all.
“You’re not wearing any panties,” I say with a grin as I raise my brows.
“No, I’m not.” Licking her lips, she spreads her legs even wider. “I like the idea of easy access.” Her lids lower as she veers her stare. With a tender hand, she gently trails it down her chest, running her finger over her nipple.
She circles her nipple once, proceeding down her ribs and over her belly. Reaching her mound, she rocks her hips as she guides my hand closer. The tips of my fingers brush her lips, and Gillian moans instantly.
She’s soaking wet, dripping as I slip my fingers between her folds and rub her up and down. “Holy shit, Gil, you’re making me hard as rock already and I just got here.”
Gil pulls my hand free and stands up. Moving to my side, she swings her leg over my waist and climbs onto my lap. “I can’t wait. You turn me on, you drive me fucking wild, Ry. Just thinking about you makes me wet. I love it.”
Her hands are on my fly, then in my pants, wrapping around my cock before I know it. She strokes me up and down, closing her palm around the tip when she reaches the end. Dropping my head back, I close my eyes.
“Fuck, Gil, that feels so damn good.” She’s working my length as she bunches the hem
of her dress up around her hips so her pussy is visible.
She bites her bottom lip as she pushes my cock between her lips and rubs it through her juices. I’m not inside her yet, but it still feels so good to be squeezed by her pussy lips. Her arousal soaks my cock, making it slippery. Lifting onto her knees, she lines the swollen crown with her entrance and drops down, and I don’t try to stop her.
This girl is horny as fuck and I love it. She stills for a moment, resting her hands on my shoulders as she lifts up again, and drops back down.
“Mm,” she moans, rolling her hips. “You feel so good inside me.”
“That’s because I belong there.” Slipping the straps of her dress off her shoulders, I pull it down so I can see her tits. Her nipples pebble, and goosebumps explode across her skin.
Reaching up, I squeeze her tit, plucking her nipple and rolling it between my fingers. She leans forward, pushing her tit into my mouth. Sucking her deep into my mouth, I flick my tongue back and forth over her nipple.
“Yeah,” she coos as she bounces faster and harder on my dick. Her hands dig into the muscle of my shoulders, nails piercing me to help her stay in place.
Holding her ass, I slip a finger to her asshole and start to play with it. Gillian gasps gently as I press the tip of my finger into the puckered hole. Pulling back out, she rides me hard, slamming herself to the base of my cock.
She likes that.
My finger dips into her ass again, and I can feel the pressure as her pussy tightens even more around my length. Her tits are jumping up and down in my face, so I hold out my tongue and move between them.
Reaching a hand into her hair, I tug her face down and kiss her. My cock is already throbbing, my balls are pulling tight against my body. I’m going to come any second. Her tongue sweeps into my mouth as I jerk my hips up, meeting her as she slams down.
I’m going so fucking deep into her body. Thrust after thrust, I fuck her as she fucks me. A shiver scales her body, moving between my fingertips as it travels through her muscles.
“I’m going to come, Gil, I’m going to come and I’m not wearing a condom,” I say, quickly realizing that there’s no protection between us.
“I don’t care,” she moans out as she continues to fuck me. “Just fuck me.” Her voice is a sultry moan as her fingers dig into my shoulder and her back goes straight.
With one last pump, my cock fills her with hot cum as she lets out one long moan and drops her head into my chest. Her body is shaking, legs trembling as she comes with me. Our breathing is in sync, ragged and labored as we just sit quietly.
Smelling the air, I pull her off my chest. “Does it smell like something is burning?” I ask, angling my brows.
“Shit, dinner!” she yells, jumping off my lap and rushing into the kitchen.
Tucking my dick into my pants, I follow her into the kitchen, and find her pulling a black and smoking glass dish from the oven.
She sets it on the stove and waves her potholder back and forth over the top. Coughing slightly from the smoke, she laughs. “Did you say you liked extra crispy salmon?”
We both start laughing, and I grab my phone. “I’ll order us some pizza. Sound good?”
“Sounds great. I’ll cook for us another night.”
The way she says us sends a shock through my system. She says it like she sees more of this, more time together, more nights of dinners and hanging out.
We clean up the kitchen and eat pizza by candlelight, it’s actually more romantic than you might think. The flames flicker, casting orange and yellow streaks across her skin.
She’s so damn beautiful.
Gathering both our plates, she sets them in the sink and nods for me to follow her into the living room. “I thought we could do dinner and movie.”
“Which movie? Oh, god, is it a romantic comedy?” Groaning slightly, my words drag.
Laughing, she shakes her head. “Clerks?” she asks, holding up the DVD.
“I’m in. I love that movie.”
We snuggle up on the couch under a fuzzy white throw blanket, and she starts the movie. It feels so natural, like this is exactly where I belong. Right here, with this woman in my arms, laughing and enjoying the moment.
“You went out on the mound today. How did you do?”
“Pretty good actually.” Reaching my hand out, I grab her tit and hold it like I hold a ball. “I did some curve balls. See, you hold it like this,” I say, placing two fingers on either side of her nipple and my thumb underneath. “And I threw a few good fast balls.”
Maneuvering my hand so I’m not holding her tit like I would a fast ball, Gil laughs out loud and slaps my hand away. “All right, thank you for the demonstration. I could probably throw some heat myself now with that little lesson.”
We’re both laughing when my phone rings. Digging it out of my pocket, I look down to see it’s Eddie. “Oh, it’s Eddie,” I say out loud to her. “Give me one sec, I’ll be right back.”
“Want me to pause it?” she asks.
“Nah, don’t worry about it. I’m sure this will only be a second. He’s not a big talker.” Stepping out into the front yard, I close the door behind me.
I haven’t talked to Eddie since before I went and eloped with Gil. I meant to call him, but the past week has been crazy with rehab, training, and spending time with her.
“Eddie, my man, what’s going on? I’ve been meaning to call you—”
“Dude, I’ve got great news!” he yells into my ear.
“Ah, shit man, that was loud.”
“Sorry, I’m just super happy for you.”
Wait. . . Does he know I got married? No, he can’t.
I’m quiet for a moment as I wonder if someone found out about Gillian and me.
“You still there?” he asks.
“Oh, yeah, I’m here. What’s the news?”
“Dallas wants to sign you and so does Hartford! Can you believe that?”
“Wait. . . Seriously?”
“Yeah seriously. I guess some scouts have been around, and people are talking. You’ve been on point recently in therapy and people are starting to notice.”
“Wow! That’s awesome, Ed, I’m super excited to hear it. It’s exactly what I’ve been hoping for.”
“Right, it’s your dream. A new team, a fresh start, a place to finally come back strong. You’ll be ruling the game before you know it.” He chuckles and lets out a sigh. “All right, well I’m hopping on a plane tomorrow to come up there. We can discuss the offers and see what you think is best.”
“Yeah, that sounds great. I’m stoked man.”
“Good thing you didn’t run out and get married, huh? What the hell was I thinking giving you that idea.”
Shit.
I never told him I actually did get married.
“Ed—” I’m about to tell him, when he cuts me off.
“Okay, I’ll be in touch soon. I got a plane to catch early.”
The phone goes dead and I’m left with this feeling in my chest. Did I make the wrong decision? It doesn’t feel like it.
I want to be with Gillian, I don’t doubt that. But what does she want? If I take a new job, would she be willing to move with me?
You’re a fucking idiot if you think she’ll give up everything for you.
You know she won’t. She loves her job too much.
Tucking my phone back into my pocket, I walk back in with my head down. I know I’ll never ask her to leave everything for me. That’s not even fair for me to think about.
And if I leave, I’ll never be able to stand a long distance relationship. The thought kills me inside. I don’t want to give her up, but I also don’t want to miss the only opportunity I might have to jump back in the game.
Maybe we can just make a clean break? There’s a chance we can even get the marriage annulled too. It will be like it never happened.
No harm, no foul, right?
It hurts to think about losing her. To know that I’m probably go
ing to be leaving her behind. My heart aches and my insides feel like they’re being torn apart.
I love this girl.
But love isn’t always enough. Love doesn’t equal forever.
“Gil,” I say as I go back into the house, but when I step into the living room, I find her sleeping on the couch.
Pulling the blanket up to her shoulders, I touch her face with the weight of a feather. I don’t want to wake her, so I decide to head home. Leaning over, I kiss her forehead, and take a minute to just look at her.
It might be the last time I get this with her, this intimate moment where everything is perfect. Because life gets in the way, and our careers will keep us apart.
I’ll tell her tomorrow.
Pressing my lips against her ear, I whisper, “I love you.”
Shutting off her lights and the television, I lock up her house and head home.
11
Gillian
I feel heat against my cheek. It’s warm enough to stir me awake. Rubbing my eyes, I crack them open, blinking a few times to focus.
I’m covered up on my couch, the house is quiet, but I swear I can hear Ryon’s voice in my head telling me he loves me.
You’re going crazy, Gil. He didn’t say that. He never would because this marriage isn’t real.
I wish it was. . .
The thought lingers, making me feel full and empty at the same time. I really enjoy being with him. Ryon is funny, he’s handsome, and the sex is incredible, but I also know this is a marriage of convenience.
Not to mention this is a huge risk. And to ever call this love. . . That’s crazy. I can’t love someone I hardly know, and he can’t love me.
Pushing up on the couch, I yawn as I look around. “Ryon?” I call out, wondering where he is.
The last thing I remember is him taking a call from Eddie before I fell asleep. Slipping the blanket off my legs, I let my feet adjust to the cool floor before standing. A shiver runs through my body, so I grab the blanket and wrap myself up.