We all watch her go then the coach turns back to Shane and scrubs his hands up and down his face before speaking.
“What did I tell you about bringing dates to practice?” he says sternly as his eyes flick over to me. He clearly thinks I am another one of Shane’s soccer sluts and it makes me inwardly cringe.
“I didn’t bring her coach; I don’t even know how she got in past security. Hell, the last time I saw her was months ago.”
Coach O’Brien gives me an assessing look before responding. “See that it doesn’t happen again.” He leaves us and disappears back into the building and I briefly close my eyes and sigh.
“Does that happen to you a lot?” I ask.
“Get out of your head, babe. Don’t read too much into what just happened.”
“I knew you were a player,” I murmur and his answer is to step forward and clutch my waist.
“Right now all I can think about is playing with you,” he whispers in a voice that makes my nipples stiffen. As he trails his fingertips down my arm I try to hold my breath to stifle my cry but when he drags his tongue up my neck I let it out.
“I have to go,” I manage to say as I try to extract myself from his grip but he grunts and pulls me tighter, crushing my breasts against his hard chest.
“See what you do to me?” he groans as he rocks into me, letting me feel his erection. His breathing is uneven as his tongue traces my ear and when he sinks his teeth into my lobe I whimper.
“Shane,” I moan his name and the next thing I know I’m being led through the locker room to the showers at the back. Once we are inside he bolts the door and backs me up against the bank of lockers.
“Why is no one back here?” I say, heaving in an excited breath. My heart is still hammering full speed in my chest.
“I asked the guys to give me some privacy,” he answers as his hands slide my sundress up over my hips.
“Why?”
“So I could do this,” he says with a smirk before dropping to his knees. His fingers push aside my panties and within seconds his mouth is on me. I gasp and dig my fingernails into his shoulders.
“This is not happening!” I stammer, jolting when his tongue slides between my folds.
“I think it is,” he speaks into my thigh before bringing his hand up and sliding two fingers all the way inside. I buck against his hand and he releases a guttural noise.
“You feel so good, babe, so tight,” he breathes and I close my eyes and moan. It’s all too much - the cold metal biting into my back contrasted with the heat of his mouth on me. When his teeth find my clit and gently tug the pressure is too much to handle and I explode. I yell out his name as my body convulses and he continues to circle is tongue as he grips my hips in place.
When the last of the aftershocks have ripped through my body he leans back and looks up at me. A sly grin appears on his face as he licks his lips and gets to his feet. I look around, realizing where I am and I quickly tug down my dress. Now that the earth-shattering orgasm has passed my heart has leapt into my throat and I’m ready to bolt. Almost as if he senses my panic Shane steps forward and brushes a strand of hair from my face.
“Don’t freak out,” he says against my ear. “We are alone back here and no one saw us - though they might have heard you,” he chuckles and I give him a gentle shove. He doesn’t even budge and instead drop his lips to mine and gives me a deep, wet kiss letting me taste myself on his lips. I twist away and look up into his eyes.
“But what about you?” I say, feeling strangely a little shy.
“That was for me, babe. Though I won’t lie - I can’t wait to be deep inside you again.”
“Shane!” I say as I blush and avert my eyes.
“God damn you are cute, woman. How is it that you can be so sexy and yet so adorable at the same time?” he says as he plants a kiss on my temple.
“Enough,” I respond with an eye roll. “You already bedded me, remember?”
He just looks at me like I’m crazy and shakes his head. “Go on a date with me?” he asks giving me big puppy dog eyes and even though I’m confused about what just happened I agree. Because as much as I keep telling myself that this is a bad idea when I think about not seeing him again a ball of tightness starts forming in my chest. Though I hate to admit it he’s managed somehow to get under my skin and I highly doubt there’s any coming back from that.
Chapter 10
I shouldn’t be as nervous as I am but I’ve already changed my outfit twice. Shane told me casual and I started out with skinny jeans and a boyfriend blazer but it’s a quarter to seven and the sun is still blazing so I switched to cut offs with a wide brown belt and a loose fitting white tank, paired with light brown gladiator sandals. My hair is wavy and down around my shoulders and I kept my make-up to lip gloss and mascara only. When I hear him knock I grab my small brown shoulder bag and go to meet him at the door. I don’t invite him in but instead I slip out and lock the door behind me. He’s wearing khaki shorts and a light blue polo with flip flops. His hair is styled into that bed-head messy perfection and his face still looks a little flushed - probably from running all afternoon in this heat.
“You look good,” I say and his face splits into a grin.
“Nah, you do. But you already know that,” he says as he takes my hand and this time I don’t resist him.
“So where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise,” he answers cryptically.
“You’re good at those.”
“I am,” he answers not giving away anything as he opens the truck door for me and hoists me up. It’s a short ride over to south Austin and I bounce up and down in my seat when we pull up to one of my favorite micro-breweries. Shane looks a little surprised as I rush to undo my belt.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this worked up. I’m not sure if I should be happy I chose well or offended that you get more excited about beer than me,” he says but I barely catch the last part as I scramble out of the car.
I’ve been meaning to check out this particular brewery because their line of Belgian blend craft beers but they always seem to run out before I can get my hands on any. There’s a light on inside but I notice that there are no cars in the parking lot which is a bit strange. Shane links his fingers through mine and leads us into the taproom. Inside are long cafeteria style picnic tables that flank a long back bar with rows upon rows of taps. There’s music playing and someone is standing behind the bar but no one else is inside.
“Is it closed?” I ask, confused as he tugs me forward.
“For us it is.”
I whip my head around to face him and balk. “You rented the taproom for us?”
“I thought a private tour would be better. That way I can stare at you but no one else can.”
“You are insane,” I scoff and he laughs.
The man behind the bar introduces himself as the Brew Master and proceeds to tell us about a new old-world style blend with strong southern influences. He gives us a taste then pours a flight of some medal winning beers before taking us on a tour of the brewery. He shows us the huge copper brew kettles used for boiling the liquid and explains how the fermentation process works. He explains the hops and the special blend of herbs they use for seasoning and I am totally in my element and grinning from ear to ear like an idiot.
“Beer is the third most popular beverage in the world after water and tea,” the Brew Master explains as he leads us past all the stainless steel equipment. “It has been brewed for thousands of years and was a food staple in the middle ages when clean water was difficult to find.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a woman get this pumped up about beer,” Shane says, shaking his head.
“Believe me when I say that my ass wishes I didn’t love it so much,” I sigh and he steps behind me and pulls me against him. I can feel his dick pulsing at my back and he leans over to whisper in my ear.
“You are exactly how a woman should look: round hips, firm ass, tiny w
aist, smooth stomach and soft breasts. If beer is all it takes then ladies the world over should drink up.” His tongue darts out to trace the length of my lobe and my sex clenches in response.
“Egyptian pyramid workers were paid with beer and the oldest known recipe for beer is over four thousand years old. At any given time 0.7% of the world is drunk and they say the world’s longest hangover lasted four weeks when a Scotsman consumed over sixty pints of beer.” As the Brew Master spouts off a few more ridiculous facts Shane grinds his length into my ass and I have to slap my hand over my mouth to stifle a moan. The Brew Master stops speaking and gives me a funny look and Shane clears his throat.
“Sorry, I think I’m just really thirsty,” I say weakly but he seems to buy it because he leads us back up to the taproom and sets us up with another tasting flight before disappearing into the back. We sit side by side at one of the long picnic tables and Shane inches as close as he can and presses his thigh against my leg.
“If I didn’t think he was coming back I’d take you right now on top of this table,” Shane whispers and I giggle as I sip at one of the dark ales.
“I can’t believe you did this for me. Way over the top, but thank you,” I say shyly, looking down at the table.
“I like doing things for you,” he says simply, leaning forward to kiss my shoulder. The gesture is so sweet that it makes my heart split right open and I turn to kiss him, pulling his full bottom lip into my mouth. He makes a soft noise as I suck on it before plunging my tongue into his mouth. He stays very still, letting me take the lead and so I crawl into his lap and loop my arms around my neck while my tongue continues its exploration of his mouth. I can feel his heart beating rapidly and a low hum emits from his chest before his hands come under my butt to lift me up.
“You drive me crazy and I want to tear the clothes right off of you and sink into you right here.”
I keep on kissing him as I run my fingers through his hair and when I tug on the ends he rockets right up from the table with me in his arms.
“You have to stop, Carmelina,” he pants adding, “or I will be arrested for public indecency.”
He sounds like he’s being serious so I let my legs slide down his body until I’m standing on the floor.
“So where to next?” I say, tugging down my tank top to give him a better view and his eyes darken at the movement.
“I’m holding on by a very thin thread here, babe. Remember that,” he groans pulling me into a firm hug and burying his nose in the crook of my neck.
I laugh against his chest before I speak. “I’ll try my best to remember.” I spin away and give my hips an exaggerated shake as I head for the door and I think I hear him groan behind me.
Next he takes me to the Longhorn; a run-down honky-tonk bar on the south side with a huge dance floor that’s always filled with an eclectic mix of senior citizens two-stepping, hipsters and real-deal cowboys. It’s dark and a little dank inside but the place has a long musical history so it always attracts the best bands. The beer here is cheap and definitely not as tasty but it’s refreshing after we take a few turns on the dance floor. It’s a country rock vibe tonight and the place is shoulder to shoulder. I look down at the sheen of sweat that’s formed across my breasts and scrunch up my nose. Maybe not the best idea for a first date but I’m having too much fun to care. Shane follows my eyes and he hitches his foot under my stool to pull me closer, then his tongue darts out and licks all the way up from the crevice between my breasts to my collar bone.
“I like it when you sweat. You taste good.” His voice at my ear is rough and hard and it sends my pulse off racing.
“So have you given any thought to Salt Lake City?” he shouts over the music as he licks another trail along my neck. He’s talking about the plane ticket he sent me last week. I already called the airline to try and return it but apparently it’s non-refundable.
“I’m not going. I can’t accept the ticket.”
“Why not?”
“It probably cost a lot of money and it’s not right.”
“It’s my money so what does it matter?” he challenges.
“It matters,” I say, averting my eyes.
“Come on babe; it’s important to me. It’s my old team so that adds a lot of pressure. You’d be there as my lucky charm.” His voice is pleading and I don’t want to look at him because if I do I know that I’ll cave.
“I don’t know…it seems kind of sudden.”
“It’s only a plane ride. I’ll even book you your own room. Just promise me you’ll think about it. Please?” he begs and the second that I look up into his eyes I know that I’m lost. I agree to think about it and he smiles like he’s already won. We’ll see about that.
***
An hour later he drops me back off at home and I debate inviting him in but before I can muster up the courage he’s already backing away from the door. I must look surprised because he stops and scrubs a hand down his face. “Don’t give me those big, wounded eyes or I’ll be inside your apartment and inside of you before you even close the door.”
“Then what…” I start to say but he cuts me off.
“What happened Friday night was amazing but I’m trying to do right by you so you’ve got to let me walk away. I promised you dates and I’m going to take you on dates.” His voice sounds strained and he’s not looking at me so I make a noise of agreement then spin around to open my door.
“Dammit.” He places his hands behind his head and looks at the sky. “This place is really unsafe and I don’t feel comfortable with you staying here.”
“Well this is where I live so I guess it will just have to do,” I say and my cheeks heat with hurt and anger. What right does he have to criticize my home?
“Come on, I don’t mean it like that. I’d just feel better if you came home with me. I swear I won’t touch you.”
“You insult my place and promise to leave me sexually frustrated? Wow what a compelling offer but no thanks I’m fine,” I say sarcastically as I move to open my door but he grabs the knob and holds it closed.
“Shit, I’m sorry. I feel like I’m losing my mind here,” he says, sighing heavily. “I’m only trying to protect you. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
“I’ve lived here for more than five years now and I’ve managed just fine so back off,” I say shortly and he steps away from the door.
“Okay, okay. I’m going. But I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“I have to work.”
“Tell me where you work and I’ll come to you,” he tries and I glare at him.
“I’ll tell you when I’m ready to share.”
“Why the big secret?” he challenges, his eyes flashing.
“It’s not a secret,” I falter. “I just don’t want you showing up and distracting me.”
“I’ll find out soon enough.” He sounds confident and I mentally cross my fingers that he won’t. “What about Tuesday?” he tries again.
“Shane…”
“Fine Wednesday but that’s the longest I can do,” he says seriously as I gaze into his warm brown eyes. His mouth twitches like he’s trying to suppress a smile so I can’t help the one that spreads across my face.
“Fine, Wednesday,” I agree and he kisses me quickly then ushers me inside. I don’t hear him leave until I lock the deadbolt behind me and even though I’m still a little sore from his comments I can’t help but be a little touched by his concern for my safety.
***
It’s my third trip back to the bar to in the last twenty minutes because the bachelor party that’s occupying three tables is downing shots faster than Matty can pour them.
“At least tips will be good tonight,” I say, trying to find the silver-lining in what’s otherwise turning out to be a rough night.
“Mmmhmm…” Matty says noncommittally. “But watch out for grabby hands.” He tilts his chin at the guys behind me as he transfers the last of the tequila on to my tray. I’m about to go when he grabs
my wrist.
“You still haven’t told me what happened after the club,” he says accusingly and I avoid his gaze. He’s not wrong - I have been dodging him and I haven’t told him about tubing or the brewery date either because I am afraid of what he might say.
“Customers to serve, remember?” I say, gesturing to the rowdy table.
“You can’t avoid me all night,” he narrows his eyes and I sigh and sit down on the stool. “Friday was…amazing,” I say, “but it was a mistake.”
“So you got laid did you?” he crosses his arms over his chest and I can’t read the tone of his voice at all.
“Shut up, Matty.”
“It’s about time, honey.”
“If you feel that way then why are you giving me such a hard time?” I get up from the seat, balancing my tray on one arm.
“I’m glad you are having fun. I’m only worried about where this is heading.”
“Why does it have to be heading anywhere?” I shrug. “So we went out on one date, what’s the big deal?”
“You went out with him too? Shit, Carm, I thought this was just fucking. If you believe that this is no big deal then you are only fooling yourself. Since when have you done casual?” he argues.
“Since when have I done anything? I’ve had like two boyfriends in the last five years Matty and neither of those relationships lasted longer than six months!” I shout and an old man at the end of the bar looks over.
“So where does the jockstrap think you are tonight?” Matty calls me out and I flush with embarrassment. He pestered me with texts last night asking about my second job so I came up with a quick lie and told him that I work at a sports bar called Yagger’s located about forty five minutes out of town. I have my fingers crossed he won’t call me on it or try to visit.
“It’s none of his business,” I snap back.
“You should probably just tell him the truth so that it doesn’t blow up in your face later. Either he can handle it or he can’t but one way or another he has to know.” Matty gives me a look and I glare back.
“I’m not telling him. We are just having fun so what’s the point? Besides, it’s not a big deal - it’s not like I’m up there dancing. That was a one-time thing!” I tug my short skirt down my thighs and turn toward the tables.
On His Turf Page 10