by Desiree Holt
“That’s it.” His voice was raw and harsh with need.
Her cheeks flamed as she realized he was dreaming about her. Doing this to him. Good Lord! As if pulled by a magical thread she moved toward his lounger, careful not to wake him. Her heart pounded and her pulse raced, and deep inside something mysterious unwound and spread through her veins. Silently she knelt beside him, eased her hand inside his shorts, and covered his fingers with her own. Oh, yes. Yes! God, he was blatantly hot and hard. Shivers skated along her spine and over the surface of her skin. Boldly she reached beneath the ragged edge of the shorts to find the sac containing his balls and gently cradled them.
She watched his face, fascinated as she moved her hand up and down with his. Oh, God, he was almost there. She could tell. She could just feel it. She squeezed her fingers hard around his, pumping hard, and—
His eyes flew open, widened when he saw her. He yanked his hand out of his shorts and hers along with it, tumbling her to her ass with the jerky motion.
“Holy shit!”
She didn’t know if he uttered the words or she did.
* * * *
Joe had returned Marge’s call, answered her questions, and set up a time to meet with her Monday. He checked his messages to see if Lisa had called about Gina but he found nothing. He hoped no news was good news, although a thread of disquiet wiggled its way through his system. Again he wondered how he’d let a good deed turn into a black pit that kept sucking him in. His own stupidity, for sure. He hoped Lisa realized he meant it when he said this was the end. Maybe that was why she hadn’t called, although he’d feel much easier if he knew Gina was settled in a job again, better about cutting off the connection.
Putting his phone on the table, he leaned back in his chair. His thought was to wait for Shay out on the deck, catching the nice weather at the end of the day. Share a beer before they started foraging for dinner. A little casual time, then dinner and a movie. A nice evening at home.
Followed by sizzling-hot sex. After last night, he wondered if he’d ever get enough of her. Keeping his cock from standing up and waving a flag all afternoon had taken every bit of self-control he could muster.
All day, even as he’d been talking to people at the Mustangs facility and signing the footballs at the sporting goods store, his eyes had strayed again and again to Shay. She smiled at people, chatted when necessary. Sat back to let him do his thing. Every new thing he discovered about her was another shot of voltage through him. There were so many different facets to her. He thought he could spend his life discovering them and still not know them all. He had it bad, no doubt about it. He just hoped he didn’t do anything to fuck it up.
The feel of the sun on his face was soothing, the soft breeze a whisper on his skin. They made his entire body feel weightless and relaxed. He’d closed his eyes for just a moment.
* * * *
“I’m glad we have privacy here in the yard.”
Joe looked over and there was Shay, completely naked except for gold hoop earrings.
“Holy shit, Shay! The neighbors.”
“They can’t see through the screens. It’s double thick. Hank likes his privacy.”
He shook his head as if trying to clear it. “Are you telling me Hank has sex out here on the deck?”
“Certainly not when I’m around, but I’ll bet it’s on his agenda.” She padded over to him on bare feet, eyes fixed on his erection straining his sweats. “Looks like it might be on your agenda, too.”
He couldn’t believe how bold she was. Shay was confident, snarky, not shy about anything. But this? He’d never expected this from her.
“What’s wrong?” she asked. “You aren’t afraid of a naked woman, are you?”
“Hell, no.” He grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him, tumbling her on top of him. “Not afraid at all.”
The thin fabric of his sweats might have been nonexistent, providing almost no barrier. He urged her legs apart with his thighs and his shaft pressed itself against her body, seeking her heat. With his hands on her naked hips, he urged her body forward so her pussy embraced him. Her naked breasts rubbed against his chest, the nipples like diamonds stabbing into his flesh. God, she was a mouthwatering morsel.
Suddenly he knew exactly what he wanted. He yanked off his T-shirt, folded it, and placed it on the deck next to the lounger. Then, balancing her so she wouldn’t fall, he lifted her from his lap and lowered her to the shirt, nudging her to her knees. She looked up at him, a question in her eyes. But when he stood, slid off his shorts, and sat again with his legs spread wide she knew exactly what he wanted. She drew her tongue in a slow lick across her lower lip, heat smoldering in her eyes. Damn, but he’d never expected Shay Beckham to set him on fire like this.
Tentatively at first, then more confidently, she wrapped the slim fingers of one hand around his cock and slowly glided them up and down the throbbing shaft. As she eased the other hand between his thighs to cup his balls, that sexy tongue of hers came out to lick the dark surface of the head. She probed the slit with the tip before circling it around and around. Electricity shot through his balls and along his spine and he swore his heart rate tripled.
It was obvious to him that although she’d done this before she was far from experienced. That only made it more erotic, more arousing. Her lips were soft yet firm around his pounding erection, her fingers strong as they worked him up and down, up and down.
He wanted it to last forever.
He closed his eyes, letting the climax swirl in his belly and rise up within his body. She squeezed his cock and he could have sworn another set of fingers closed over hers. He opened his eyes and—
* * * *
He was flat on his back rather than sitting up, Shay kneeling beside him, watching him. His fingers were wrapped around the largest, most painful boner he ever remembered having. He wanted it to be her fingers, just like in his dream, but her hand rested on his thigh, just touching his balls through the soft material of his sweats.
They stared at each other.
Holy, holy, holy hell.
How long had she been watching him working to get himself off?
She drew her tongue across her bottom lip in the little lick that drove him nuts. Then, without saying a word, she grabbed the waist of his sweats and tugged them down just enough to give her access.
“Shay,” he began, not even sure what to say. Need and embarrassment fought for control of his brain.
“Ssh.” Her voice was a soft caress. “We can’t leave you like this.”
Well, she was damn right about that. He wanted to be intelligent and respectful and just excuse himself but the moment her slim fingers closed around his erection he was lost. Her lips circled the head and her warm mouth sucked him in. She swirled her sweet tongue around him, licking the skin stretched taut over the muscle and tissue beneath it before moving her head up and down on his shaft. He was sure he’d died and gone to heaven, although he was sure he was supposed to be in hell.
As aroused as he was, it took very little time for her to bring him to climax with her magic fingers and her magic lips, especially when she slipped her other hand between his thighs and squeezed his balls. He dug his fingers into her hair, knowing he was on the edge and trying to pull her away, but she was relentless. Any control he might have had snapped and he exploded in her mouth, coming like a maniac, spurting over and over again.
Shay swallowed every bit of it. When the last convulsion eased, she carefully licked him again before lifting her head and slowly sweeping her tongue across her lip again in a motion so sexy it burned him. Something profound had taken place just now. No denying it.
Last night was all about great sex. Just sex. This? This was something totally different, maybe because last night he’d had the impression she wanted to avoid it so he hadn’t pushed her. Now it had the feeling of a special gift. They stared at each other and he could see emotion swirl darkly in her eyes. Though neither of them said a word, it was obviou
s something between them shifted. Despite any reservations she might still harbor, despite his need to still prove himself to her, they were both very aware that from this moment on there was no going back.
Chapter 7
Shay waited for Joe to make a comment. Say something, anything. She couldn’t believe how bold she’d been, but she hadn’t been able to stop herself. The act was so intensely erotic, so personal, she hoped he didn’t dismiss it with a throwaway line or a “Thanks, that was great.” She nearly stopped breathing as she watched him sit, his gaze unreadable as he studied her face. Then he reached for her hands, pulled her closer to him, and gave a soft kiss far more emotional than she expected. He slid his hands through her hair, stroked her cheekbones with his thumbs, and gave her one of his penetrating looks.
He cleared his throat. “That was…unbelievable.”
What should she say? Thank you? She didn’t remember the last time she’d found herself this tongue-tied. Then the word “tongue” brought the image of her mouth on his cock right to the forefront and heat rushed through her.
“Shay? Look at me.”
She lifted her gaze.
“Incredible doesn’t begin to describe you.” His voice was husky and slightly rough. “You amaze me. Truly amaze me.”
The look they exchanged filled her with a whirlpool of emotions. Everything had changed now. Everything.
Finally he pushed himself off the lounger and folded one of her small hands in his larger one. “Okay, Slick. How about seeing what the kitchen has to offer?”
Shay followed along on legs not quite steady. She almost felt as if she’d been the one to have such a tremendous orgasm. She could still taste him on her tongue, still feel the size of him in her mouth. Dinner and a movie seemed almost anticlimactic after what happened on the deck. The air between them was charged now with a different kind of electricity.
As they moved in the kitchen putting sandwiches together, each time they accidentally touched they both stopped whatever they were doing to lock gazes. Heat sizzled in the air around them. Every time their eyes connected, she was consumed by lust. Shay felt as if someone had sandpapered her skin and exposed every nerve.
From the looks he kept giving her, she sensed Joe felt the same way. She’d certainly participated in oral sex before, with only mild enjoyment. With Joe it was different. What she’d done—what they’d done—felt beyond pure sex. She couldn’t ignore her feelings. Don’t say the words, she told herself. There was danger in saying it out loud. Too soon, too soon.
“What time does the movie come on?”
“Seven.” She added some pickle chips to the plated sandwiches.
He glanced at the clock. “Almost time. We can catch the rest of Fox Sports Live, if you don’t mind.”
“Sure. No problem. Let’s take our stuff in the other room.” She took a painted metal tray from the counter. “Here. I’ve got it. You turn on the television.”
She loaded the tray with their sandwiches and two freshly opened bottles of beer, and led the way into the living room. As she helped Joe distribute the food on the coffee table, their hands bumped and again they turned to look at each other. Butterflies did a tap dance in her stomach at what she saw in his eyes and she couldn’t help the curl of excitement winding through her body.
“How did you happen to get into broadcasting?” She picked up one of the sandwich plates, settled on the couch, and put the plate in her lap. “I don’t think Hank ever said, other than to tell me you were doing it. Did you see yourself in a role like this when you were in college?”
He chewed and swallowed a bite of his sandwich. “Uh-uh. I actually graduated with a business degree. My dad was all about getting an education that prepared you for something.” He chased the food with a swallow of beer. “Truth be told, I think he half expected me to come back to the ranch when I was finished with the NFL. Put my degree to use in ranch management.”
Shay cocked her head. “And you didn’t want to? Go back, I mean.”
“I wanted to want it,” he told her. “But my interests are elsewhere. Being an only child the generational thing was kind of a burden. My dad and I had a long talk about it and he realized I needed to make my own life. I love the ranch but ranching’s not for everyone.”
“So how did you get to be Joe Reilly, big television star?”
He laughed. “I’m not sure I agree with the big-star thing, but I’m not stupid enough not to acknowledge my success.” He took another sip of beer. “When they operated on my knee the last time and I learned my playing days were over, Scott Manchin, my agent, did some hustling. He doesn’t make any money unless I have a high visibility factor.”
Shay frowned. “But didn’t he already make a lot of money from your NFL contracts and your endorsements?”
“He did. But good agents know which of their clients have longevity beyond the playing field and do their best to capitalize on it. Both ESPN and Fox Sports hire a lot of former players and coaches. They bring them on for some of the studio shows, after a little training, to see how they work out. For some reason I just clicked.”
“And whose idea was it to create the kind of show you do rather than just adding you to an existing studio show? Or having you do play-by-play or color for the games?”
“Scott and I discussed it and a lot of it concerned my comfort zone. While I understand the game of football, I’m not sure I can communicate it appropriately to the viewing audience. That takes a particular skill. It’s a talent you either have or not. Ditto for the color commentary. But a show focused on what I know best? What goes on inside the head of a quarterback? That I got on board with right away.”
“You do it very well.”
He chuckled. “Surprised?”
Shay thought for a moment, not sure how to answer. “If you’d asked me a couple of years ago, I would have said yes. But now? Especially after today? No, I’m not surprised. I think you’re a natural.”
He winked at her. “Best compliment I’ve had today.” Then his face sobered. “I enjoy what I’m doing, Shay. I see an entirely new side to the business. It’s a real trip learning about other quarterbacks, getting into their heads, hearing what their coaches say about them. Then giving my opinion, which someone actually pays me to do.”
She took another bite of sandwich, chewed thoughtfully. It occurred to her this was the first real discussion she and Joe had had about anything. He was right. She had no idea who he was now. “Any idea how long you see yourself doing this for?”
He shrugged. “I haven’t thought much about it. I’m enjoying it. I get to spend a lot of time with the players, study the rookies, analyze the different quarterbacks.” He grinned. “See a lot of games.”
“You’re very good at it,” she said again.
“Um, thanks.” Was that a blush on big bad Joe Reilly’s face? “I try hard to make it interesting.”
“I think the concept is great. People tend to idolize quarterbacks as the glamour players.” She laughed. “I mean, look at Joe Montana.”
“Yeah, he’s always been your idol, right?”
“Yes, and for a lot of other people, too. The quarterback is the symbol of the team and can make or break a game. Knowing what goes on inside his head is important to fans.”
“I’m glad you like the show.”
Silence dropped between them, thick and heavy.
“Well.” Shay uncurled her legs from the sofa and reached for the remote. “Okay. Let’s catch the end of the sports show.”
They watched the end of Fox Sports Live as they finished eating, then clicked over to The Blind Side. About an hour into the movie, Shay hit Pause on the remote and stood up.
“I think it’s time for dessert. Let me take these dishes into the kitchen and scoop up some ice cream. That work for you?”
“Sure. Let me help you.” Joe reached for his plate and empty bottle.
“I’ve got it.” She winked. “You can come help with the dessert.”
; For whatever reason her hands shook as she filled two bowls with ice cream and got out the chocolate syrup. She was squirting it into the first bowl when Joe came up behind her and touched her shoulder, startling her. She jerked her arm as she turned and ended up squirting chocolate syrup on Joe’s T-shirt.
“Oh my God.” She took a step away from him. “Damn. I am so sorry. I seem to keep dumping things on you.”
He laughed and yanked the shirt over his head. “I should really tell you to squirt it on my chest and then lick it off.” When she grinned and pointed the bottle toward him, he wrapped his fingers around her wrists. When he spoke his voice was deep and thick, like warm molasses “But I’m not going to. You know why?”
She shook her head, wondering what was on his mind.
“Because then it would be just sex. And although sex with you is definitely spectacular, I think we’ve moved into a deeper area.”
“Deeper,” she repeated.
“What happened on the deck out back was something very special. Something changed for us. Admit it, Shay. You felt it, too. And I think it shocked you as much as it did me.”
All she could do was nod, her throat so tight she couldn’t force out any words. Did he regret it now?
“That was a special gift,” he went on. “And it took us to a whole new level. As much as I want to strip you naked and slide my cock into you, I want just as much to spend the evening just holding your hand, maybe having you cuddle with me. Watching the movie. Getting to know the things that make us up as individuals. We’ve both carried images of each other that have turned out to be skewed. We need to take the time to correct them. Right?”
“Oh.” Her lips formed the single syllable.
“I hope you’re feeling the same things I am. The game plan has changed here because our feelings are suddenly much more than either of us anticipated. Everything’s out in the open. Raw. Much more intense than I ever expected. Do you agree?”