She gave a little gasp as he lifted her but didn’t resist, rubbing herself against him in a way that made his blood heat. His skin prickled everywhere as he cupped the back of her head and drew it down for a kiss. A long, lush, wet kiss that went on and on…and on.
“You’re a good kisser,” she said breathlessly, a long time later.
They were both breathing hard, and heat burned over his skin. Her soft tits against his chest were making him crazy, not to mention the way she was rubbing her mound against him as if she was trying to make herself come. That was hot as hell. “So are you.” He bit softly at her bottom lip, then licked it.
She moaned. “You didn’t let me finish my massage.”
“I had to taste you.” He kissed her again. “As sweet as I remember.”
She wriggled her way down his body, inflaming every nerve ending as her curves dragged over his straining dick. Anticipation tightened his muscles.
She lifted the hem of his T-shirt and pressed her lips to his belly just above his low-rise jeans.
“Jesus.”
He felt her smile as she kissed him again, her tongue coming out to lick over his skin. More heat cascaded through him as her finger began to work at the button of his jeans and then the zipper, opening them. She parted them, shifting still lower, and then soft fingers slid over his hot skin into his boxer briefs. When they closed around his shaft, his head nearly exploded. His balls drew up tight, and his cock jerked in her hand.
“Wow,” she murmured, stroking him.
He swallowed, his throat dry, his voice nonexistent as he made a guttural sound.
He lifted his hips as she eased his jeans and underwear lower to free him, and, sweet baby Jesus, the visual when he looked down over his belly at his dick in her hand…thick and hard, veins prominent, flushed dark, the tip glistening with pre-cum.
He took in the look on Jodie’s face—rapt fascination and hunger. Her tongue swiped over her plump bottom lip as if she was eager to taste him. Again, his dick leaped, anticipating the touch of her mouth.
“Jodie…”
“Mmm.” She stroked him from root to tip. “You know what would make this massage even better?”
“Uh…”
“Lube.” She pushed up onto her knees. “Hang on.”
He watched in disbelief as she slid off the couch and lightly ran upstairs. Still breathing fast, his dick abandoned and balls aching, he closed his eyes.
She returned only seconds later with a bottle that she held up, eyes gleaming. “I’ve been doing research.”
“Jesus. I need to hear about this research. But not now.”
“I checked on Zyana too. She’s sound asleep.” She situated herself back on the couch between his legs, her admiring gaze on his cock. “This is going to be so good.”
He made a small, choked noise watching her open the bottle and squeeze some clear, thick liquid onto her palm. She closed the cap and tossed the bottle to the rug, then rubbed her hands together before taking him in hand again.
Sensation rocketed through his body.
“Oh fuck.” She was right. This was even better…her hands gliding slickly over him. “Tighter, baby…yeah…like that.” She squeezed him as she stroked, curving her hand over the head in a movement that felt so fucking good he almost couldn’t stand it.
He wanted it to last forever, but pressure built at the base of his spine.
She glanced up at him through her eyelashes, lips quirked, curving her palm over the glans and rocking it slowly back and forth.
“Ah, Jesus.” His head dropped back.
She lowered her head and kissed the tip, then slowly drew her tongue up the shaft. He didn’t know if the lube was flavored, but she seemed to be enjoying it, making soft little purrs in her throat as she slowly licked him all over. Then she took him into her mouth and pleasure slammed through his bloodstream.
That pressure built even more. His thighs tensed.
He reached out both hands and slid them into her hair, holding it back off her face so he could watch her. That mouth he loved to look at and think about, that beautiful mouth, was hot and wet and making him lose his goddamn mind. Her tongue swirled and lips glided up and down along with her hand at the base, bringing him up and up. She curved her other hand under his balls and gently cupped them.
His skin prickled everywhere, and his body roared toward that goal, that ultimate pleasure, and then his balls tightened even more and fiery sensation ripped up his spine as he came so hard his vision went dark.
Christ. She’d blinded him, just like the guys had been talking about at the party.
He swallowed the shout of pleasure that rose to his lips, letting out a rough groan instead, then gasped for air as his body pulsed on and on, her mouth still on him, taking everything.
She eased away, licking him tenderly, teasing her fingertips over the sensitive skin of his sack, and he pried his eyes open, praying he wasn’t really blind.
Nope. There she was, perched between his legs, a satisfied smile on her gleaming lips, looking so fucking gorgeous he wanted to grab her and never let her go.
Uh…he gave his head a little shake. “Wow. You know, I think I did go blind for a minute there.”
Her smile deepened. “Oh no.”
“It’s okay. I can see now. Come here.” He lifted lethargic arms.
She tucked him back into his underwear but didn’t do up his fly, and crawled up over his body. He wrapped his arms around her and held on tight as she pressed her face into the side of his neck. He was still catching his breath, his body still buzzing with that intense orgasm.
She felt good in his arms, soft and yet strong, warm and resilient. He was so fucked.
Chapter 14
Things had changed between her and Nick, after some non-PIV sex.
It was still sex, by her definition, anyway, and damn, she wanted more.
Nick couldn’t keep up the grouchy act after that. Okay, she didn’t really believe he was acting, but she also didn’t believe he hated people as much as he said, which she’d told him. And he’d admitted he didn’t object to having friends.
Were they friends now?
He’d gone home to his place that night because she was careful about having men stay over with Zyana around. But even though Jodie knew he’d enjoyed their, um, interludes, and even though he’d kissed her good night when he left, she was unsure of what exactly was next.
After a breakfast of the cereal and milk Nick had brought over, she did some activities with Zyana. The sun was out again, blinding bright with all the snow, which was quickly softening and shrinking, so after lunch she bundled Zyana up for a trip to the park. They came home wet and cold and pleasantly tired from all the fresh air, which made putting Zyana down for a nap easy.
Now she could get some work done. She and Kendra chatted online about some business things they’d been planning to work on today, and she accomplished quite a bit.
Hey before I sign off I need to ask you something.
Huh. Jodie raised her eyebrows at Kendra’s message, then typed back, Sure.
Max’s friend Cam Brickley wants to ask you out. He asked me if I’d give him your number.
Jodie’s eyes flew open wide. She stared at the computer for a moment.
Because she hadn’t answered, another message from Kendra appeared. You met him at Max’s birthday party…remember?
She did remember. They’d flirted a little, and he had seemed interested, but she’d kind of forgotten about it. He seemed like a nice guy…attractive. Around her age.
I told him I’d ask you first before I give your number out.
A moment passed.
Are you there?
She bit her lip. I’m here. Thinking about it.
She enjoyed dating and had gone out with a number of men
in New York. It wasn’t that she was hoping for some kind of forever relationship; she just liked meeting people and socializing. So why not go out with Cam?
Why did she keep thinking about Nick?
Sure, I guess you can give him my number. Even though she was markedly unenthusiastic about actually going out with him. What was that about?
Okay, I will. Cool! Max says he’s kind of cocky but basically a good guy.
Alright then.
She was about to close up her laptop and go wake Zyana when there was a knock at the door.
Her heart bumped at seeing Nick outside, the sun gleaming on his dark hair. He was wearing another thick plaid shirt over a T-shirt and jeans, and work boots.
She opened the door. “Hi.”
“Hi.” He stepped inside.
Their eyes met, and she tingled inside. For a few seconds, neither of them said anything, wrapped in a web of mutual attraction and uncertainty.
“I came to ask you and Zyana to dinner at my place.”
Her heart knocking, she nodded slowly. “Thank you. I’ve got frozen peas and peanut butter.”
He cocked his head. “Might be good.”
“Blegh.”
His lips quirked. “Where’s the munchkin?”
“Napping. I was about to wake her up.” She gestured at the computer. “I was getting some work done.”
“Ah. It’s good you can do that.”
“Yeah. Technology is great.”
They still regarded each other, the air crackling.
“Are we just going to act like nothing happened?” Jodie asked.
He dropped his head forward briefly. “Works for me.”
She laughed.
“Seriously, not sure what to say,” he added.
“Actually, I’m not either,” she admitted. “So maybe that is the best approach.”
“Until it happens again.”
She eyed him. “It could happen. Although I’m sure you realize that my life is a little complicated.”
“Yeah.” He nodded.
“Okay then. I guess we’re on the same page. Sort of.”
“Come over around five.”
“Okay. Thanks again.”
* * *
—
After dinner at his place, Jodie didn’t see Nick for a few days. Friday, the city was getting back to normal, and Nick had flown to Calgary for the Sunday game. Sunday afternoon, Kendra came to take Zyana out shopping and for ice cream, so Jodie had some time to herself.
Of course, she thought of Nick.
The team had gotten home late last night, as in, early this morning. She knew this from Kendra, who’d told her Max would probably get home around three A.M. Was Nick still sleeping? She hadn’t seen or heard anything from the house. It was a shame to waste adult alone time…
So she grabbed a jacket and threw it on over her jeans and long-sleeved tee. She paused, then ran upstairs to grab a couple of condoms from her dresser. Maybe she was being overly hopeful, but it was good to be prepared.
Outside, the snow was amazingly half gone, only places where it had drifted super high or in the shade remaining. After one last outburst, Mother Nature had decided it was time for spring in Chicago.
She rang the doorbell and waited. Nothing.
Huh. Maybe he wasn’t even home. She hadn’t heard any noise from the garage, but maybe he was working there, refinishing his antiques. She was just turning away when Nick appeared at the door.
He slowly unlocked and opened the door as if reluctant to see her. Her stomach tensed, readying for rejection. But they were at least friends, right?
“Hey.” His voice rasped. “What’s up?”
“Not much. Just thought I’d pop over and say hi. Kendra took Zyana out for the afternoon, so I’m…on my own.”
His eyes flickered, but he rubbed his forehead as if he had a headache. “Oh.”
He hadn’t shaved, and his jaw was scruffy. She now took in his messy hair and slightly red eyes. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.”
She tipped her head, frowning. “You don’t look okay. Are you sick?”
“No.”
Alcohol fumes reached her nose, and she wrinkled it. “Have you been drinking?”
“Yeah.”
She blinked. It was two in the afternoon. “Um. Okay then. Are you sure nothing’s wrong?”
“I said I’m fine.” His snappy tone made her jerk back. He closed his eyes and sighed. “Sorry. This isn’t a good time, okay?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “I said I just came to say hi. Look, we’ve gone past being landlord and tenant. Whatever happened between us though, we’re at least friends. Something’s wrong.”
“It’s none of your business.”
That felt like a slap in the face. “I guess that’s true.” She lifted her chin and turned stiffly to leave.
“Wait.” He sighed again.
She turned to eye him.
He rubbed a hand over his face. “Come in.”
She followed him into the kitchen where he picked up a glass of amber liquid and tossed it back. He reached for the bottle. “Want some tequila?”
“Uh…not a fan of tequila. Maybe you’ve had enough?” He gave her a narrow-eyed sideways look, and she held up her hands. “Sorry. Not my business.”
He poured more tequila into the glass, picked it up and drank. “You sure you don’t want some? This is good tequila. Gran Patrón Piedra.”
“That means nothing to me. But what the hell, I’ll try it.” She advanced closer. “No salt or limes?”
“Not with this.” He found another glass and poured her a little. “This is sipping tequila. Not shooting tequila.”
She sniffed and sipped, then wrinkled her nose again. “Okay, if you say so.” It was potent and warmed her chest all the way down to her belly.
“You might as well come upstairs. I’ve been watching movies.”
“Oh.” She followed him up to the family room where they’d had their sleepover. “What are you watching?”
“The Big Lebowski.”
“Hmmm.” He’d apparently paused it to come answer the door.
He sprawled on the couch. His loose black sweatpants rode low on his lean hips, a slash of skin revealed beneath the hem of his thick hoodie. Her eyes were drawn to the narrow strip of hair on his belly trailing down into the pants…and the thick bulge the pants revealed. She swallowed.
Even a mess, he was annoyingly attractive.
She sat too, curling one leg under her. “Sorry to interrupt your movie.”
He just nodded, his lips in a glum line, his eyes a little unfocused.
Worry gripped her insides and squeezed. He was normally taciturn, but this…was different.
“We watched the game last night,” she said. “Well, Zyana only watched the first period. She was so excited to see you and Max on TV.”
He grunted.
“Congrats on the win.”
“Thanks. Hard game.” He tipped his head back.
“Did you get hurt?” She was still trying to figure out what was going on with him, but she didn’t remember anything particular that happened in the game.
“Nah.”
“You even scored a goal.”
“Yeah.” He lifted the glass. “Yay me.”
She bit her lip, almost ready to cry at his demeanor. “Nick. Tell me what’s wrong.”
It took him so long to answer she thought he was ignoring her. Then he said, “Today’s the anniversary of my brother’s death.”
Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, Nick. I’m so sorry.” She shifted closer to lay her hand on his thigh and gently squeeze. Her mind raced with questions and possible answers. “When did he die?”
“T
hree years ago.”
“Oh.” Her heart constricted. “That’s not that long ago.”
“No. It’s not long. I still miss him.”
She squeezed his massive thigh again. “I’m sure you do.” She gave him space, resisting the urge to bombard him with questions.
“We were brothers. Family. But he was my best friend too. Our parents weren’t exactly good providers, so we looked after each other. Our whole lives.”
“Was he younger?”
“Yeah. Two years.”
Somehow she’d guessed that. And she also guessed that although they looked after each other, Nick looked after his little brother even more.
With emotion swelling in her chest, she moved closer still to Nick and laid her cheek on his shoulder. She had no idea if he’d keep talking, but at least she could show her sympathy.
“He was a way better hockey player than I am.”
She didn’t know what to say to that. She didn’t know if it was true or if it was Nick being self-deprecating, but silence seemed to be encouraging him.
“Way better.” Nick sipped more tequila. “I barely made it into the NHL. He was a first-round draft pick. Late, but still first round. He had the talent. I just worked hard.”
“There’s a lot to be said for hard work,” she replied softly. “And besides, I think you have to have a lot of talent too.”
“He played for the Aces also.”
When he fell silent, she whispered, “What happened?”
Another pause, another sip of tequila. “He’d had a bunch of concussions. Starting in junior hockey.”
Her insides cramped up and her breath stuck in her throat, listening.
“He had a lot of anger in him. Growing up in the kind of environment we did, lots of kids were angry. They took it out fighting. Aleks liked to fight.” He sighed. “We were both big for our age, and strong. We had to be tough to survive in our world. Aleks rarely lost a fight, but if he did, I’d go after the guy. I didn’t really like fighting, but I could do it, especially if it meant protecting my brother.”
“I knew that about you,” she said quietly.
“After I went away to college, Aleks had a rough time. He felt like…I’d abandoned him. I didn’t realize it. I was all wrapped up in my own world, big man on campus, so happy to be out of the hellhole where we lived.”
Big Stick: An Aces Hockey Novel Page 14