“We established that upstairs. Talking about not using condoms makes us official, don’t you think?”
“It does.” She sipped her coffee, preferring hers with sugar and cream. “I won’t cheat on you either, Dallas McKay. I’m a one-man woman.”
Dallas grinned like he’d won a gold medal and added a burrito to her plate.
“Dallas, are you still a little scared?” she asked, using her fork to cut into the egg and tortilla.
“Only a little, baby. Being with you seems right. That’s all I need to know.”
“Same here,” she agreed, smiling.
“My parents got married a month after they met. Did I tell you that?”
“No. I’d love to hear about it.”
He told her the story of his parents’ impulsive romance while they ate breakfast. Grace had tears in her eyes by the end. Nothing had stopped Quinn and Mary McKay, not the skeptics who’d thought they were rushing or those who objected because his mother had been reared Catholic, his father Protestant. But they’d made it work no matter the obstacles.
Halfway through breakfast, Dallas reached across the table to hold Grace’s hand. They ate and talked, ignoring the clock and not caring when breakfast got cold.
Chapter Eleven
At two o’clock, Dallas turned into the Blacks’ driveway and navigated down the lane to Grace’s apartment. Located above the garage that was separated from the main Victorian-style house, her small, one-bedroom apartment had an open floor plan.
She led him up the back steps to the entrance. Dallas followed her in, having to duck his head to avoid clunking his skull on the slant.
“Nice place, baby,” he said, taking up much of the open layout.
The kitchen area was off to the right, taking up most of the wall, with a tiny window over the sink. The bedroom, which was large enough for a dresser, closet and her double bed, was off to the left. The rest was decorated with a comfortable pullout sofa, coffee table, a lounge chair and a 32-inch flat screen television set within an entertainment unit.
“Thank you,” she replied.
Dallas went over to check out the DVDs and CDs arranged on a shelf in the entertainment center. “I take it the bedroom’s that way,” he said, pointing to the left.
“Uh-huh, you’re welcome to make yourself at home while I change,” she invited, heading to her bedroom.
There was a small bathroom with a standing shower. Compared to Dallas’ fancy multifaceted shower stall that inspired sex fantasies, hers looked tiny and unimaginative. But it was convenient and easy to keep clean. She went into the bathroom, hearing Dallas moving around in the bedroom. Under her small sink, she found her makeup and applied it lightly, mainly to accent her eyes. Her hair was ultra-wavy and she’d need more than a half an hour to straighten it with a flat iron. She gathered it up and braided it. By the time she returned to the bedroom, she found Dallas had indeed made himself at home.
He was propped up against her brass headboard, with his feet stretched out on the bed, his boots on the floor. He’d been wearing his long leather coat and cowboy hat. He must have taken the coat and hat off in the other room.
“Come here, baby,” he said, patting the bed.
“Don’t you think we should get moving? I saw a few cars close to the house.”
“The party can wait,” he insisted. “I’m curious about something first.”
“What’s that?” she asked, strolling over to take a seat beside him.
“Your collection,” he answered with a grin.
“I’m surprised you didn’t look already.”
“I wouldn’t do that,” he stated. “Doesn’t mean I don’t want to know, understand?”
“I think so.”
“The truth is, Gracie, I want to know so I can buy you a few things while I’m away.”
“You don’t have to. I mean, I have plenty.”
“I’d like to know you’re using toys I bought you when we’re playing on the phone or whatever.”
Grace grinned at that. Given what they’d done so far over the weekend, she didn’t mind sharing. Moving about, she opened the top drawer of her bedside table. “Here’s the first drawer,” she said, shifting so Dallas could look over her shoulder.
“Mind if I get a closer look?” he asked, instead of diving in. She liked that.
“Of course not,” she agreed.
“Well, well, my little vixen has a naughty side,” he teased lightly, looking closer.
Grace knew what he’d see in the first drawer. Along with her first simple vibrator, she kept her favorites in the top drawer, mainly for clitoris and G-spot stimulation, and one, which she’d thought was rather large until she’d had sex with Dallas, had a clitoris stimulator and a thin finger-shaped extension for anal play that vibrated. She’d not used it yet, as it was brand new and the anal part scared her a little. Now that she’d tried a few things with Dallas, she’d like to try more. She needed time to come to terms with the idea of taking his cock, but she was really curious about how they’d get there.
In the second drawer down, she had another array of dildos of varying length. Dallas reached in and picked up the most realistic one. Grace now knew that the dildo she’d chosen for its realistic skin-like feel and size was more comparable to an average-sized man.
“I need this for something,” he said.
“Okay, are you going to use it now?”
“Not now,” he answered, shaking his head. “More than likely after I come back from Vegas if you’re not up to having sex tonight.”
“I have the feeling you’re planning to be naughty, McKay,” she said. “Not that I’m objecting. Sometime soon, I’m going to use these on you.”
“What?”
Grace opened the third drawer and pulled out her beginner’s bondage kit, complete with a feathered whip, blindfold, handcuffs and ankle cuffs. Near the kit was a small paddle she’d picked up at a thrift shop.
“Grace Daniels,” he said sharply. “You think you’re going to use that paddle on me?”
“When I get you handcuffed, maybe,” she answered, winking.
Almost as quickly as the spontaneous toy display began, Dallas slammed the bottom drawer closed and tackled her back against the mattress. “Use that paddle and be prepared to wrestle,” he said, swooping down to nibble her throat. “I tend to fight dirty.”
“If you tickle me, I will hurt you.”
“I’ll only tickle as a last resort,” he promised, swiping his tongue over his bite mark.
“Maybe you’re a vampire,” she teased when he nipped a little too hard, sending lightning streaks to her clit. “If you keep this up, we’ll be even later.”
“Nah, baby, I just looked out to see how many cars had pulled in since we got here. Looks like a dozen. I thought I’d get a taste of you before we visit the masses.”
“Wow, must be a popular event for the Griffins.”
“That and it’s Kyran’s house,” he said. “He hasn’t had an open house since he and Anna moved.”
“Are you planning to have one after the next storm?” she asked.
“That’ll be up to us to decide.”
“I have a say?”
“Sure you do,” he assured. “I’m thinking you’re going to be at my place most of the time. I wouldn’t have a party without your okay.”
Flattered that he’d think of her, she grinned. “You’re a keeper, McKay.”
“Thanks, I’m trying to be,” he said. He wore a Griffins’ long-sleeved t-shirt, jeans and a flannel shirt. He looked delicious enough to eat.
Grace smoothed her hand over her hair. Her braid was unraveling. She grabbed a pair of panties and a clean bra from her dresser, jumping when he came up behind her to lend a hand with the back clasp. It shouldn’t have surprised her. He was constantly helping her or taking care of her.
“Don’t braid it,” he suggested. “Your hair is really pretty down.”
Blushing at the compliment, Grace ran her fin
gers through her curls until her hair fell long and soft past her shoulders. She went to her closet, chose a long-sleeved blue cashmere sweater and a clean pair of jeans. On the shoe rack, she saw a pair of suede boots that were comfortable and warm and bent to grab them. She had socks in the dresser. She rushed over and got a clean pair, quickly slipping them on.
Dallas assisted her with the boots. “I think I’ll stow my coat and hat here and we can make a dash for Kyran’s. The driveway is plowed.”
“If I bust my butt on a patch of black ice, I hope you’ll carry me.”
“I won’t let you fall,” he vowed, staring at her. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she said, actually feeling beautiful. “Don’t forget, we have a gallon of sweet tea and the munchies in your truck.”
Wrapping her up against his side, he led her out of the apartment and to the truck. Together they gathered the tea, a crock pot of nacho cheese that was still warm and a paper sack with three enormous bags of tortilla chips from his Ford F-150.
On the way past the garage door, he looked back. “You’ll have to show me your car later, Gracie. If it gets icy, I might not let you drive back to my place. Kyran lets you use the garage?”
“It’s big,” she said, nodding. “Not as big as your garage, but there’s room for three cars. Kyran’s SUV is rather big too.”
“It’s a sweet ride,” Dallas said. “I changed the oil for him a few weeks ago. That’s when I learned about you.”
“I’m glad I moved to Fairfax,” she replied. “If I hadn’t left my comfort zone in Baltimore, I might not have met you.”
“Who knows, maybe we would have. I’m good friends with Kyran and Anna. Eventually our paths would have crossed. I’ve even been to her school when she was a coach for the JV football team.”
“Awesome, did you see that intramural game between JV and varsity? I heard about it from my sister Kate, but I was working on a case and wasn’t able to go.”
“I was there. I gave some advice to the JV wide receiver.”
“JV won on the receiver’s touchdown,” Grace stated. “You must have helped.”
“I reckon so,” he said modestly, but this was a man who ran football camps. He knew how to coach teenagers, as well as run like the wind.
With their arms full, they walked side by side into the Blacks’ house. As soon as they arrived and put their supplies in the kitchen, Grace was pulled aside by Anna and some of the players’ wives. Dallas was taken into the family room to watch football with the guys.
The house was packed with guests. Grace supposed that after spending a day and a half cooped up in a house, many of them needed a friendly laid-back gathering. An hour passed as she talked with the other women, completely enjoying the chance to have some girl talk, especially with Anna.
Grace was surprised when the doorbell rang and Kyran announced that Alex Grant had arrived. Alexander Grant was Dallas and Kyran’s agent. Kyran walked Alex by the dining room where the women had retreated to talk. She’d never met a sports agent, but if Dallas trusted Alexander Grant with his contracts and endorsement negotiations, she’d like to.
Almost on cue, Dallas came hustling up to the agent and directed him into the dining room. “Grace, come meet Alex,” he invited, offering his hand out to her.
Grace joined Dallas, hearing the soft murmurs from the wives sitting around the table. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Grant,” she said as Dallas’ hand went to the small of her back when she accepted Alexander Grant’s handshake.
“Same to you. I hope I don’t have to be formal,” he said, giving a firm but not uncomfortable grip. She liked Alexander, though she noticed he was a bit more reserved than Kyran or Dallas. He wore gray slacks, a charcoal sweater and an expensive leather jacket. His shoes were polished. His short, conservatively cut blond hair made her think he’d look great on the cover of GQ.
“Please, call me Grace,” she said, waiting for him to let go of her hand. “I hear you like to play poker, Mr. Grant.”
He nodded his head, smiling. When he smiled, whoa, watch out, it was a panty-drenching moment, even for Grace. And she was totally in love with Dallas. “No formality for you either, Grace. My name’s Alex and I do like poker. Do you play?”
“I have a few times, but can’t say I’m very good at it,” she admitted. “Maybe Dallas will let me join in with the guys sometime?”
Alexander lifted his silvery gray eyes to Dallas. The two exchanged something in silence and she felt Dallas nod. “I’ll look forward to it. Better watch out though, your boyfriend is a card shark.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” She smiled again, relaxing.
“Hey now, Alex,” Kyran joined in, coming up beside his friend. “Did you have a good trip out to California?”
Something weird flashed in the agent’s eyes. Grace swore she saw his jaw clench. “It wasn’t as productive as I’d hoped. We’ll talk about it another time.”
“Sounds good,” Kyran said. “I’ve got chili on the stove. There’s also munchies, tea and beer. What can I get you?”
“Beer would be great,” Alex Grant said, glancing back at Grace. She got the feeling he approved of her because he flashed a grin at Dallas. “Who’s playing today?”
Kyran led Alex away, leaving Grace alone with Dallas for a moment. “He seems real nice,” she said.
“He looks out for his clients,” Dallas commented.
“What was he doing in California?”
“Afraid I can’t say,” Dallas answered, shaking his head. “I guess there was nothing pressing here and he took a few days off.”
“I should get back to the dining room,” she decided. “Let me know how the game’s going.”
“Will do, baby,” he promised, leaning in to kiss her quick before heading off to the family room.
“Someone’s got it bad for you, Grace,” Anna said behind her.
Grace flushed, feeling it heat up her face and neck. “Feeling’s mutual,” she admitted, giggling a little.
“Get in here and spill,” Anna demanded. “You can’t spend a weekend with Dallas McKay and not give us a few details.”
Grace wanted to spill, but she’d never turn it into gossip. For awhile, she stayed with the players’ wives, totally enjoying the conversation. From the family room, they could hear the men cheer or groan or comment on plays.
* * * * *
Dallas sat with his friends, his mind on Grace while he watched two of his favorite college teams duke it out on the field. It was a close one, with a two-point conversion making the difference.
The team’s kicker sat on the floor drinking a beer. “So what’s the deal with Grace Daniels?” Adrian asked Dallas.
“The deal is simple. She’s mine.” Dallas took a drink from his sweet tea and grabbed a handful of pretzels.
“She’s really pretty. You’re a lucky guy,” Adrian complimented.
“Yeah, I am,” Dallas said.
Kyran went to answer the front door again. Dallas chose to see what was going on with the ladies. Partway to the dining room, he saw Kyran open the door and Russell Sexton walked in. It was fair for the other wide receiver to come to the gathering, but Dallas wasn’t pleased to see Russell arrive with his date, Robyn.
Groaning, he couldn’t get to the living room fast enough before Robyn spied him. “Dallas,” she called out, halting him in midstride. “I was hoping you’d be here today. Do you know how angry Ty Kendrick is for the foolish stunt you pulled in the stands Friday night with some woman you didn’t even know?”
She wore a faux fur-lined suede jacket, expensive black boots, a fancy red sweater and black pants. “Hey, I’ve already talked to management and promised it was a one-time deal,” he said, not wanting to talk about it.
“Are you okay with us being here?” she asked, looking back and forth between him and Sexton.
Dallas didn’t care if Russell was there. “It’s Kyran’s house. It’s not my call,” he answered, hoping that’d be enough. G
race was in the next room and the women had stopped chatting.
“Oh good,” Robyn said, batting her eyes at Russell.
“You two have fun,” he offered, about to head into the dining room.
“I saw footage of you climbing into the stands and falling into some blonde woman’s lap,” Robyn remarked, returning to the subject she’d started with. “Not sure why, but she reminded me of someone. She was pretty. Maybe she’s a model for one of those real women’s shops, you know. For the full-figured?”
“Robyn, talk like that’s not welcome in my house,” Kyran warned, stepping forward.
Dallas didn’t need another man to defend his woman. “I don’t care what you saw or think, Robyn. There’s no need to come in here and stir up trouble other than you wanting to be a bitch.”
“So it’s real then? This thing you have going with the woman from the stands?” Robyn tested, grinning like she’d won an acting award.
Dallas heard Grace come up behind him. He half turned, saw her and grinned. “Yeah, her name’s Grace Daniels.”
“Grace is here, at a Griffins’ after-snow party?” Robyn asked, flushing like she’d been caught red-handed. Something in her mannerisms cried wolf.
“She sure is,” he said, reaching backward to grasp Grace’s hand. “Gracie, this Robyn St. Clair, Administrative Assistant to Griffins VP Ty Kendrick. Ty’s in charge of media relations. After all the negative coverage that surrounded Kyran and Anna, team owner Derek Billings vowed to keep the coverage on the team. Ty has taken over that task.”
Grace stepped out in front of him, letting him wrap his arms around her middle and hold her close. “Hi Robyn, small world isn’t it?” she said, confusing Dallas. “It must be exciting to work for the Alexandria Griffins. Is that why you changed your name?”
“Grace, you know Robyn?”
“Uh-huh, we graduated from the same high school,” Grace answered, glancing up at Dallas almost shyly. “On our first date, I’d asked you about her. But I didn’t think they were the same person.”
Drawing Grace closer to shield her from any of Robyn’s venom, Dallas glared at his ex.
“I can’t believe it,” Robyn said. “After all this time, you sure haven’t changed that much, Grace Daniels. You didn’t bother coming to the reunion to let everyone know what you’ve been doing since graduation.”
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