by Sharon Kay
“You’re from the St. Louis paper?” she asked.
“I am.” Chelsea nodded proudly.
“What brings you to our little county?”
“Sundown has an excellent shot at the state football title. The boys are having a Cinderella season,” Chelsea said. “I’m here to cover the game and cheer them on.”
“How wonderful,” Becca said, and Shane was sure she didn’t mean it.
“Well, I just had to say hello when I saw you. Small world. Take care now.” Chelsea gave him a megawatt grin and sauntered off.
“She’s the one who took that photo?” Becca asked when Chelsea was out of earshot.
“Yeah.”
“Huh.” Becca frowned. “That’s weird. Who knew her big fancy paper cared about our little county.”
Shane shrugged. “Reporters are nosey.”
“She’s pretty.” Becca folded her arms.
Shane raised a brow. “Nope.” He slid a hand to her hip. Was she jealous? “You’re pretty.” And damn adorable.
The smile Becca gave him made him want to bend her backward and kiss her breathless. “Thank you.”
Hell, they needed to move along because he could spend all night just staring at her. “Now, about that popcorn…” They made their way to the end of the line. A sudden cool wind teased her hair, blowing a lock across her face. He moved to tuck it behind her ear. “Having fun?”
“Sure.” She arched a brow. “Even though a cute reporter sought you out, and my team is getting killed.”
“Hey, it wasn’t too long ago that the tables were turned. Hamilton’s been—”
“Shane!” a familiar voice called.
Shane turned to see Ted Markham, one of the other deputies, waving as he approached. His brother Sam ambled next to him.
“Hey, guys.” Shane nodded to both of them, but slid his hand around Becca’s waist. Ted was a low key guy, but Sam was a player. “Great game, huh?”
“You can say that again.” Ted grinned. “Ain’t nothing better than the home team winning.” His eyes fell to Becca and then to Shane.
“I’d like to introduce you to Becca,” Shane said. “Becca, this is Ted, who I work with, and his brother Sam.”
“Hi,” she said cheerfully. “I went to Hamilton.”
Ted and Sam both winced. “Damn. Whoops, didn’t mean to gloat.” Sam grinned.
“That’s all right. Shane’s already enjoyed every play.” Becca turned to give him a smile so big she may as well have broadcast I’m here with him.
“You win some, you lose some,” Shane murmured, caught in her gaze. He tore his eyes away and back to Ted. “You guys here with the whole crew?”
“Nah, just us. We’re headed to the Bar and Grille after. You’re welcome to stop by,” Ted said.
“Yeah, maybe we will.” Hell no, we definitely won’t. Shane played it as neutrally as he could. But all he had time for tonight was the sexy brunette at his side.
“Well, enjoy the rest of the game,” Sam said. “Nice meeting you, Becca.”
“You too.” A pensive look crossed her face for a second… almost a frown. Then it was gone and her magnetic smile was back. Maybe he had imagined it. But she turned toward him, sliding her hand up over the cotton of his shirt sleeve, and all imaginings turned red hot.
“I think Hamilton is gonna rally,” she said.
“Oh yeah? I like your optimism.” They moved up, almost to the head of the line.
“Gotta cheer for the underdog.”
They reached the cashier, and he ordered. “Anything to drink?” the girl asked.
“Looks like it’s pop or apple cider,” Shane said to Becca.
“Cider,” she murmured. And more quietly, “Can I get that spiked?”
He couldn’t stop a grin. “You need a little something in there?”
“Maybe.” Playful eyes danced.
The grin stayed on his face as he paid for their food. He didn’t think he had anything back at his place that would be good in cider… beer, yeah. But just the thought of her back at his house, with nothing but time on their hands, made him want to drag her back there ASAP. Lord, she was beyond tempting. He cleared his throat. “Maybe we can take care of that later.”
He swore her breath hitched. But just then, the announcer’s voice came on the speakers, hyping up the crowd as the teams jogged back onto the field. People around them started migrating back to the stands. But Shane and Becca just stood there.
“We should get back to our seats,” he said.
“Yeah.” She swallowed. “See if my team can whup yours after all.”
He laughed. She was too damn much. “Those are fighting words.”
“I know.” She bumped her hip into his leg as they walked back to the stands.
The third quarter passed much as the first, in a blur of Sundown clobbering Hamilton. Becca took every chance to lean in to him, to lay a hand on his arm or thigh. When the buzzer sounded for the end of the quarter, and her team was losing forty-four to seven, he slid his hand around her lower back and stopped at her hip.
He squeezed gently and leaned close to her ear. “Think the game’s over, unless my team decides to take a nap on the field.”
“I think you’re right,” she mock pouted.
“Wanna get outta here?”
She nodded.
He led her from the packed stands to the parking lot, her little hand in his. She rubbed her thumb along his knuckles. Several other couples and families had the same idea to leave, guessing the outcome of the game. Those folks and the fact they were in public were all that was keeping him from yanking her to his mouth. They got to his Ford, and he opened the door for her then hurried around to his side and got in.
She removed her scarf and shook out her hair.
Sexy hair. He couldn’t wait to thread his hands into it. “You finally warm? I didn’t think it was cold enough for a scarf yet—”
Holy hell. Under her open jean jacket, Becca’s black top dipped dangerously low between her perfect full breasts. Creamy skin was on display, even more than the glimpse he’d gotten when he’d unzipped her hoodie on Redemption Hill. A thin silver chain disappeared into her cleavage and glinted in the parking lot lights. He wanted to trace that path with his tongue.
“You’re right, it’s not scarf weather,” her voice husked over his skin in a verbal caress. “It’s let’s-not-give-everyone-a-show weather.”
Blood surged to his cock, and he stared like a teenager but finally raised his eyes. He couldn’t get words out. Just raised an eyebrow. Too damn much.
Her pouty lips parted and she toyed with her necklace, lightly touching her own curves. “Not everyone. Just you.”
Hell. They wouldn’t have made it through the first quarter if she’d been sitting next to him with so much skin bared. He had to have a taste. Leaning in, he hooked an arm behind her neck. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders like she knew what was coming and wanted it. Wanted him.
He covered her mouth with his. Soft, plump lips sighed and parted. The fruity scent of her hair swirled around him. Slender fingers traced his biceps then moved up into his hair, her fingernails scratching lightly. His cock hardened as he moved down her neck, kissing his way to that damn silver chain.
She angled her head back, giving him full access. He nuzzled the tops of her breasts and gave a teasing lick between. A tiny moan escaped her.
“Damn, woman.” He pulled back. They’d never get to his place at this rate, and the parking lot would only get busier. He threw his truck into gear. It had been ages since he’d driven with a hard-on. Thank fuck his house was close.
Chapter 19
Becca sat in the passenger seat, greedily staring at Shane as she caught her breath. Her body vibrated with anticipation. Just his kisses made her melt. What would his muscular body feel
like on top of hers?
She shifted her legs at the thought of being with him. No alcohol buzz. No bad days. Just the entire night. Just him. And who knew where this would lead, but at some point in the last month, she’d stopped thinking too much about the future. She was living in the moment, day by day. Putting one foot in front of the other. Surviving.
And that included having fun. That included having sex if she wanted, and oh yes, she wanted it.
He sped down the dark, quiet, rural road, one hand draped over the wheel. The other dropped to her thigh.
In just a few minutes they were pulling into his driveway, past her Prius that she had parked at the curb. She’d driven here, since the game was at Sundown-Marmion High. It didn’t make sense for him to go pick her up in Hamilton and then drive all the way back.
He maneuvered the truck past his county SUV and back to the detached garage. She reached for her door as soon as he stopped, but his hand squeezed her knee. “Come inside?”
He was so sweet to ask, as if she would say no. She just smiled and murmured, “Mm-hmm.” They entered through the side door, which opened to a darkened room. The kitchen? Shane cracked the door open a few inches only to be greeted with a black snout.
“Hold on. I better go first this time. My momma’d smack me for having bad manners.” Shane looked sheepish. “But I, uh, don’t have a lot of company. He knows you, but he’s not expecting you.”
“That’s fine.” Becca was happy to be Denver-approved at this early stage. Being welcomed and considered part of his pack would be even better. Maybe one day—whoa. She needed to slow down. Yeah, she would love to spend hours, days, or weeks with Shane, but they still hadn’t known each other long.
Shane opened the door wide enough for him to fit through and blocked Denver from scooting around him. He spoke in soothing words, patting the dog’s sides. “Hey, boy. Our team made us proud tonight.” Denver’s tail wagged furiously, smacking the wall next to him as he gave half jumps up to nuzzle Shane. “Guess who’s here.” Shane opened the door all the way. “Becca.”
Becca held out her hand for Denver to sniff. He did, but only gave her a half second of his time before going back to Shane. “Aw, he loves his daddy,” she murmured. Can’t blame him.
“He’s a good dog.” Shane gave him a final pat and straightened. “He’ll go chill on his favorite rug in a minute.” He flipped on a single light, revealing a tiny kitchen that held basic appliances and a small table with two chairs. “Want anything to drink?”
“I’m good.” She shook her head, keeping her eyes on him. He and the dog filled up most of the space in the room. Slowly, she shrugged out of her denim jacket and draped it over the back of a chair. Next, she leaned over to remove her boots.
Shane tracked her movements like a predator. She took one step to set her boots by the door and turned back—
He was right there, reaching for her now empty hands. He backed her up to the nearest surface, which happened to be the fridge. The welcome chill of cool metal met her back through her thin top. Heat rolled off his big frame as he raised her hands above her head and held them there.
Inches away from her, his sexiness was turning her inside out. He leaned close, and she expected him to kiss her. But he dipped close to her ear, kissing a spot just below her lobe. She gasped as heat arrowed to her core.
He transferred both of her hands to one of his and pulled back. His hungry blue eyes glittered in the low light. With his free hand, he traced a path from her bicep, skimming oh-so-slowly over the side curve of her breast, and down to her waist.
Heaviness settled low in her belly, and she couldn’t stand it anymore. “Shane.” She tilted her head up.
He rewarded her with a kiss. Sexy lips shaped hers with a hint of roughness. She whimpered and arched her back, pressing into him. Abruptly, he released her hands, and she linked them behind his neck. Closer. She needed him closer.
He nipped her lower lip, and she parted for him on an eager moan. His tongue plunged deep, stealing her breath as he explored, making her mind explode with sensual strokes.
And his hands. God, his hands roamed her body like he couldn’t get enough. He dragged one finger down the neckline of her top. The rough pad of his fingertip rubbed along the exposed upper swell of her breast, all the way down the center of the low vee and back up. Her nipples hardened, and she squirmed, breasts aching for his touch. His hands dropped to her waist and then inched up slowly. She lightly scratched his skin with her nails, silently begging him to go higher.
Still devouring her mouth, he cupped her breasts. Relief shot through her as his warm hands covered her overheated skin. God, yes! Needy and greedy, she pushed into his hold. He squeezed her and a soft curse escaped his lips. One hand moved to her lower back, where he dragged a tortuous path back and forth just under the waistband of her jeans.
He slid his hand down and palmed her ass, caressing in a slow tease. With a rumble, he dipped lower, between her legs and spread his fingers, each little touch like fire. Her muscles went limp, and for a second, she forgot to breathe. All her senses zeroed in on him. The world dissolved around them, and it was only him, surrounding her in his sure, strong embrace.
He pulled her flush against his hips, and she gasped. His denim-covered erection pressed into her belly and stoked her need higher. A rush of wild desire surged through her. She dropped her hand to his chest, to those broad muscles she was dying to kiss, and dragged it down, going slowly and savoring every inch.
Down to his hard abs, down over his belt buckle. She paused. He let out a breath that sounded a lot like a growl. She laid her palm against his fly and inched down.
He tore his mouth from hers as hard breath hissed over his lips. She held his gaze as she found his thick length and stroked over his jeans. Raw sexual need shone from his eyes, matching the growing ache deep in her body.
His hand still played in teasing strokes up and down her ass. “Sh…” she tried to say his name and totally failed. Forming complete words apparently wasn’t one of her abilities when his hands were roaming her skin.
“Upstairs.” His voice growled over her in a rough, delicious tenor that gave her goosebumps.
She nodded, past the ability to speak. He could ask her to do anything right now, and she’d be on board.
He reached for her hand and led her through the kitchen, then a small living room. A street light outside shone through the window, providing a glimmer of light in the dark. A sliver of it fell across Denver, sprawled sleepily in the middle of the floor. He raised his head as they passed, but Shane didn’t stop. He guided Becca to a central staircase near the front door. He paused to take off his shoes, then his hand was back at her waist. “Second door on the right,” he murmured.
He stayed a step below her and kept a hand on her rear as they ascended. The carpet was soft under her feet. She clutched the railing in the darkness, focused on a dim light up ahead. Shane’s hand on her ass was teasingly distracting. All she wanted was his naked skin on hers right this second.
A night light in the hall provided enough of a glow for her to see several doors. “This way.” Shane moved in front of her and guided her to the right.
The one door on that side of the hall opened into a large room dominated by a king-sized bed. On either side of the massive headboard were windows closed against the autumn chill. Curtains were half drawn over them. Becca registered the presence of other furniture, but everything was secondary to Shane.
She turned to face him, and he captured her mouth with heated urgency. Skimming her hands up his arms, she stopped at those hard, strong biceps. She wanted to kiss every inch of his sexy skin.
Grabbing her waist, he walked her backward until her thighs bumped his bed. He broke their kiss and flexed his fingers into her hips. “You ready for me, Becca?”
“Yes,” she breathed. I’m ready for everything with you. She
let go of his thick arms to grab the hem of her shirt and tug it slowly up.
His eyes were riveted to the newly-exposed skin of her belly. Becca pulled higher, loving the way his expression shifted from anticipation to need to fascination. She dragged her top completely off and dropped it on the floor.
“Jesus, you’re beautiful.” Shane’s palms covered the thin lace of her black bra and massaged.
Becca’s breath heaved from her lungs. She’d worn this bra tonight, wanting to be sexy. Most of her bras were so basic and functional, designed to keep everything locked in place, that she hardly ever wore anything delicate and pretty.
The gossamer floral patterns that barely contained her curves were no barrier to the warm exploration of Shane’s hands. Her nipples stiffened to tight points as he caressed and stroked. He traced over her silver necklace, which disappeared into her cleavage.
Breathing hard, she reached for the buttons of his shirt and undid them as swiftly as she could. Dying to touch and taste the skin of his chest, she leaned in and pressed a kiss to his sternum. Her fingers still fumbled with the bottom button, but he came to her rescue and took care of it. She pushed the cotton off his broad shoulders and stared at the sculpted male perfection before her.
His pecs stood out in thickly defined slabs. Below them, hard abdominal muscles formed a grid pattern that she couldn’t resist laying a hand on. A fine trail of dark hair in the center disappeared behind the button of his jeans, tempting her. She hooked two fingers inside his waistband. His abs tightened. She popped the button and reached for his zipper.
He reached around her back and unhooked her bra. The flimsy garment relaxed and the feather-light straps threatened to slide off her shoulders. Shane, apparently all too happy to help them along, tugged them down.
Lace rasped over her nipples, hardening them into stiff points. His hands found them next, tugging them between his thumb and forefinger. “So damn perfect,” he growled as he dipped to kiss her neck.
She abandoned his jeans, lost to blissful sensation. Her head fell back as he dropped kisses along the upper curve of her breast. She clutched his trim waist because god, she needed help standing up in this overload of Shane-induced lust. When he lifted one breast to take her nipple in his mouth, she gasped. His tongue swirled over her tip, stirring the ache deep in her belly. Her knees wobbled.