Tough Break (FSCU Pitbulls Book 3)

by Stella Marie Alden

  His voice brightens. “After Jackson wins the forty?”

  “Whether he wins or not.” I sit next to him and cup his face so he has to believe me. “Honey, I want to be with you, no matter what.”

  He kisses my palm. “What about if we have to move to a new city? Will you come with me?”

  “Is that what’s been bothering you?”

  “Some. Maybe. Yeah.” His pained eyes search mine as he clamps my hands in his.

  I had no idea. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  Gaze locked on mine, he lets go of me and takes a deep drought of beer. “I was afraid I was losing you. I didn’t want to give you another reason to go.”

  “Losing me?” My brows crease. “I’m not going anywhere, not ever.”

  “Love, I’m doing my best but I can’t give you giant diamonds.” He places the empty bottle on the table with a clunk.

  “You think that’s what I want?”

  “Doesn’t every woman?”

  “No. I’m not your ex, Chris. I’m not going to leave you, and you need to stop comparing me to her.” I lean over and kiss him. “Babe, as long as we’re together, I’ll be very happy.”

  “Damn, how did I get so lucky?” Standing, he takes my hand and leads me into the bedroom, then stops and touches an indentation on my cheek. “I’ve been meaning to ask. How do you sleep with your face on the keyboard?”

  “It takes years of practice.” I laugh as I take off my favorite shirt. It’s one of his I stole out of the laundry basket because I slept better.

  “I need a shower but don’t you dare close your eyes, I’ll be right back.” He jumps into the shower but I follow and open the curtain to take a peek.

  There’s no way I’m waiting for him to finish.

  I grab a bar of soap and hold it high. “Need help?”

  His eyes grow dark and his cock jumps to life. “Always.”

  I hop under the water, lather, and spread suds across his wide back. I wash the tats on his shoulder, down his arm, and his side. Grabbing his buns, I savor them and run my fingernails across the back of his thighs.

  He shudders under my touch. “Danni…”

  “We haven’t made love for seventeen days and yes, I’m counting.” I turn him and begin working on his chest. His eyes close and he heaves a deep sigh that echoes in the small room.

  When I arrive at his lower parts, he grabs the soap from me.

  “I got this.” He lathers up and with a hand on each breast, squeezes.

  My hands slide to the back of his neck and I bring his mouth to mine.

  Our kisses start slow but soon turn frantic. His tongue claims me as he pushes me to the back tiled wall and continues to caress my front.

  I pant in the steamy room, grab his beard, and pull him closer to my ear. “I thought you were losing interest.”

  “You serious? I want you every minute of every day.” He bends, holds my waist, and sucks until my nipple goes hard.

  I need to ask before my mind goes numb. “I thought you were mad at me.”

  He pinches me, zings shooting to my lower lips.

  “Mad about what?”

  “Not sure.” My head hits the back wall, he spreads my legs with his knee, and reaches to my sex where I ache for him.

  “Not mad. Worried.” He slides the side of his hand over the length of my lips while I try to ride him.

  His finger finds my nub and he makes little circles while I open wider.

  “Fuck, you are so hot.” He places his cock at my opening. “Ready?”

  I wrap my legs around his waist and press down, getting only his tip.

  “I guess that’s a yes.” He groans, thrusts, and drives deep until our cores hit.

  “Oh my God.” I press down, needing more.

  He goes wild, I respond, and we slam into each other repeatedly until his body grows taut. Swelling, he presses into me at the perfect angle. High at the same instant, we shout, our bodies shake, and we hold each other as the shower cools us down.

  When he pulls out, I want him again but we’re both spent.

  He grabs a soft towel and dries me. After, I dry him and we slip under the covers, asleep at once.

  In the morning, everything’s back to normal, but better.

  I kiss him goodbye at the door as he squeezes me tight. Then, he’s off and the days fly by until the Combine.

  Chapter 36

  Chris

  I remember my own trip to the Combine as if it were yesterday. It’s hard to believe it was actually two years ago.

  Jackson seems pretty psyched except for tedious physical exams on the first day. The second day he’s scheduled for the forty yard dash.

  The stadium is full and every TV camera is on my guy. They’ve seen him practice and know what he can do. The problem is, he recently broke up with his girl and it’s messed with his equilibrium. Yesterday during practice, was his worst time in weeks.

  I slap him on the back. “You got this.”

  “Hell yeah, I do.” His expression doesn’t quite match his words so I give him my final pep talk.

  “You need to give me a little more juice than yesterday. Can you move off the block a bit faster?”

  “Piece of cake.” He stretches while he waits for his turn.

  Then, he takes his mark and at the gunshot, is off like a rocket.

  Holding my stopwatch, I stare, thinking I did something wrong and forgot to click because this can’t be right. My God. My protégé just broke the record.

  Hands on his knees, he catches his breath and his face turns down. No one applauds. Everyone is too damn stunned but I’m the first to get my head out of my ass.

  “You did it.” I run up and show him his time which simultaneously flashes on the stadium’s big screen.

  Owners, players, and TV crews stop what they’re doing and stare. Then, they break into a thunderous roar. The stadium monitor replays his historic run with a timer underneath. He’s a whole second faster than my record, two years ago.

  When his grin fills the screen, I know what I want to do with my life. I want to coach guys like Jackson Farnsworth and help them to their glory. If I can achieve that, I’ll have a lifetime of wins, just like this one.

  Hell, I couldn’t be happier.

  A few reporters shoot pictures of us together and champagne pops for me, not him. He still has a full day of showing off to do.

  While he waits in line to show the crowd how he can catch, CJ pulls me aside. “We got rid of Shannon, but the syndicate pulled in another fuck-head, even worse. He’s threatened Mel and the kids. Jackson’s girl, too. The FBI is here, I called in a few favors from a securities firm so everyone is safe. But the NFL is none too happy with Jackson… or you.”

  “Will it keep him off a team?”

  “I have no idea.”

  “Shit, listen, Coach, I really had no idea.”

  “I understand and don’t blame you. I blame the NFL and the College Commission for not watching this kind of shit better. Apparently, this has been going on for years. Tonight, a few agents and owners are taking us out to a casino. You watch Jackson, I’ll handle Ryan.”

  “Sure thing, but tomorrow, I need a few hours off.”

  “What for?”

  “I’m getting married.” I grin.

  “Well, congrats. Does that mean you’ll be staying on in Freedham?”

  “Can I? What did they all say?”

  “Nothing. The forty shut everyone the fuck up.” He chuckles while I stare a bit dumbfounded.

  “Then, I think I’ll stay put. It feels pretty good helping guys to the top.”

  CJ grins and slaps me on the shoulder. “Freedham’s a nice town. The schools are good, streets are safe, those kinds of things.”

  “Yeah. That’s what I’ve been thinking, too.”

  “When we get home, I’ll make sure to draw you up a contract.”

  “Thanks, Coach, for everything.”

  He shakes his head. “Who knew? A whol
e second faster than your time. Hell, as his trainer, you’re going to be getting a lot of offers. You sure you want to stay?”

  “I do.”

  “Save that for your fiancé. See you tonight.”

  Later, in the hotel lobby, we meet up with agents, owners, and some guy who I never met who buys Jackson some chips.

  CJ pulls me aside. “There’s Dale. He’s trying to pick up where Shannon left off. The FBI’s got him under surveillance. Without making a big deal, try to bring Jackson back to the hotel. Leave the rest to me.”

  I curse my dad under my breath. He must’ve known he could’ve cost me everything. Hell, in a way my accident was a blessing. I got out before the underworld could control me for the rest of my life.

  After a game or two of poker, I pull Jackson aside. “Do you mind if we go? I got a bride waiting at the hotel.”

  “No way? You really getting married?”

  “Yeah.”

  “What about her career and school. Is she going to give it all up for you?” I have a feeling his question is more about his relationship than mine.

  “We’re figuring it out as we go along. We decided we’d rather find our future together than apart. The rest will fall into place.”

  “I wish my girl was so accommodating.” Jackson fidgets.

  I chuckle. “I don’t think I’d use that particular word to describe my girl.”

  We say goodbye at the elevator and I text Danni.

  Me: Ready to get hitched?

  When she doesn’t answer I worry and rush to my room. Eyes wet, nose red, she’s sitting on the bed in her underwear.

  My gut goes cold. “What is it?”

  “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.” She holds up a silky white dress.

  “Okay. So we won’t do it.”

  She looks up between wet lashes. “You’re not mad?”

  “No. Disappointed maybe but not mad.” I sit down beside her on the bed and take her hands in mine. “You were the one who wanted this.”

  “You don’t want to marry me?” Her voice slips up an octave and tears well.

  “No, I mean yes.” The woman has my brain all messed up. “What I want to say is I love you and if you want to wait, it’s okay with me. Can I ask why?”

  “Well, I got to thinking about my mom and how she married three different guys and never got it right. What if I’m like her? I wouldn’t want to hurt you…”

  I hold my tongue and try not to laugh at her worries. “Hold on. You want to call off our wedding so as not to hurt me?”

  “You’re turning this all around.” She blows her nose into a wet ball of tissue.

  I kiss her on the forehead. “Danni, I’m cool as long as you don’t leave me. You aren’t, are you?”

  “You can’t get rid of me that easily.” She pulls me into a kiss. “How about the justice of the peace, this summer, after we both graduate?”

  “Works for me. By the way? I need to tell you something. I was going to tell you at the chapel but now is as good a time is any.”

  “What is it?”

  “CJ offered me a job. I’m staying in Freedham.”

  “What about all those great NFL jobs? The money? The fame?”

  “Honey, they don’t mean shit if I don’t have you.”

  “Really?”

  “Babe, I don’t know how else to tell you. You mean the fucking world to me.”

  “Let’s do it then.”

  “I’m sorry, you lost me.”

  “Wake up Elvis. We’re going to the chapel of love.”

  Chapter 37

  Danni

  It turns out Elvis has not left the building. The online website boasts in huge bold font how the chapel is open twenty-four-seven. Dressed in the fancy lace dress I found at a second-hand store, I stand at an altar filled with silk roses and piped in music.

  I’m no longer nervous but Chris has paled.

  “You sure you’re up for this?” While I adjust his tie, he shoots me a handsome grin.

  “Honey, if you’re willing to take a chance on me, I’m all in.”

  “Now, that’s what we like to hear. Are you ready to say I do?” The preacher does a pretty good impression of The King, if he were still alive and weighed about three hundred pounds.

  We both nod, then he points to a wrinkled ninety-year-old wearing a blond, beehive wig. “This here is my wife, Stella. She’ll be your witness.”

  She’s wearing a Jackie Onassis suit, white kid gloves, and glasses with glittery cats-eye frames.

  She hands me a bouquet of pink roses and pats my hands. “The last girl left them here so you can have them for free.”

  “Thank you.” I sneeze and discreetly shake the dust from them as Elvis moves us into position.

  The automatic camera video tapes us for an extra thirty bucks.

  “I can sing the vows if y’all like.” When he tosses his hairpiece and curls his lip, I stifle a giggle.

  Chris makes it worse. “Can you sing I’m all shook up?”

  The karaoke music sounds through the speakers followed by this ancient man who starts swiveling his hips.

  I look to my future husband who manages to keep a straight face but I cannot. I hide my tears of laughter behind my free roses.

  After the gyrating stops, he steps up to the altar. “Danielle Hughes? Do y’all take Christoff Vance to be your husband until death do you part?

  “I do.”

  He leans in. “Do you have a ring? If not I can provide one for you at a special discount.”

  Chris reaches into his pocket. “I got it covered, thanks.” He puts a gold band on my finger and hands me the other.

  Elvis says to me, “And do you take him?”

  “I do.” Shaking, I place the ring on Chris’ outstretched hand.

  “Well then, that’s it, kids. You go on and kiss her, son. Thanks for using Elvis’ Chapel. Tell your friends about us. Pick up your certificate on the way out.”

  “Will you sing “Love me tender on our way out?”

  Chris winks at me as I cry out, “Please, don’t trouble yourself.”

  But urged on by my husband, the man croons and I’m laughing hysterically by the time we hit the sidewalk.

  “Oh my God. The man is tone deaf!”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “Why in the world did you ask for another song?”

  “Maybe, I like to see you laugh. It’s like the sun coming out after a month of rain. Damn, Danni. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. Back to the hotel?”

  “I thought you would never ask.”

  We walk past the famous fountains, the bling-blings of the slot machines, and into our hotel lobby.

  The manager waves Chris over to the front desk hands him a key card. “Courtesy of CJ Quinn. Top floor. Swipe your card at the first elevator on your left. Congratulations on your nuptials. Please call down to the front desk should you need anything at all.”

  I squeeze my husband’s hand as we rush across the gilded room and press the up arrow. The doors slide open, we step inside, and once they close, we kiss. While one of his large hands holds the back of my neck, the other slides to my lower back and his mouth devours me.

  I slide my arms inside his suit jacket and hold him to me. The door pings, someone mutters ‘get a room’ but leaves us alone in the small space. At the top floor, he lifts me up, carries me to the door, and slides the card over the lock. When the LED turns green, he walks me into this huge suite, down the hall, and drops me on the bed.

  I kick of my shoes and slip my dress over my head while he lays his suit on the bed, eyes on me. I’m naked first, so help him with the buttons at his wrist and the ones down the front. Opening his shirt, I inhale his scent.

  It reminds me of the day I rode behind him on the motorcycle in his leather jacket, the day I fell in love. I pull off his shirt and slide down his briefs. Both naked, we stare at each other.

  “Beautiful.” His hands cover my breasts while mine lift
to his soft beard and bring his mouth to mine.

  Our tongues tangle and our heat rises but it’s different this time. It’s as if our bodies know we have a lifetime to explore each other. While I slide my hands to the back of his neck, his go to my butt cheeks. He squeezes them and backs me up to the bed until I fall onto the soft sheets.

  He climbs over me like a lithe large cat, his large cock bouncing over my curves. Mouth at my breasts, he tastes one, and pinches the other. Then, he switches.

  I want badly to give as much pleasure as I get but tonight he is in control. Every time my hands reach for him, he pulls them away with a small growl.

  As he kisses down my stomach, chills run up and down my spine. His beard rubs against the sensitive skin of my inner thighs and I stretch wide to give him access.

  I want him to come with me and pull his hair but he takes my wrists in one hand and puts his mouth to my already swollen nub. He licks and sucks while I squirm and moan.

  “Chris. Now.” I’m on the verge of orgasmic delight.

  He stops and turns me onto my hands and knees. With a finger to my clit, he puts his tip to my center and teases.

  I push down and try for more while he makes circles around my blossoming desire. Frustrated, I cry out and arch into him for more.

  When the high comes, I fall into heaven, panting and yelling his name.

  He enters me from behind, his arms wrapped around my waist, hands cupping my breasts. Every in and out sends jolts of pure joy and I buck for more.

  “Danni. Fuck.” He grunts as he thrusts faster and harder, holding me tight to him.

  All of a sudden, he stops, his muscles tense, and he thickens inside me.

  One last push and a primal shout comes from deep within his chest. He empties into me repeatedly until I collapse on my stomach, him on top.

  The pulsing at an end, he pulls out slowly and I heave a deep sigh from his loss.

  “Hello Mrs. Vance.” He turns me onto my back and nibbles my ear.

  “Hello, husband.” I kiss him again. “I wish we could stay here forever, just like this.”

  He chuckles. “Eventually, we would need to eat.”

  “Perpetual room service?”