Mercy: Second Chance Military Romance

by Abbi Hemp

  “It’s not the women, Tony. It’s the teenager girls.”

  “What?” I shouted into the phone. “That’s crazy.”

  “Keith has signed a statement. We’ve called the police. I would lawyer-up if I were you.”

  “This is bullshit,” I said, spit coming out of my mouth. “Fucking bullshit!”

  “With these accusations, I can’t have you playing for the team. You’ve already tarnished our reputation.”

  “Tarnished your reputation for losing,” I snapped, instantly regretting it.

  “Bye, Tony.”

  After he ended the call, I threw the phone across the room in a fit of rage. It hit the wall, shattering into a half-dozen or more pieces that all fell to the carpet.

  “Fuck!” I shouted, wanting to hit something. “Fucking Keith!”

  None of the women I’d been involved with were underage. I had gone through the trouble of checking each of them before initiating any sort of contact.

  Is Andrea behind this? I wondered suddenly when she popped into my head. She had told me she was doing a negative story. Is this what she was working on? If so, why would she sleep with me?

  Nothing made sense as I took a deep breath to calm myself. My anger took hold, growing. The only person I wanted to see was Andrea. She calmed me. I decided to go to her house unannounced.

  SEVENTEEN

  Andrea

  As Kenneth sat on the opposite side of the couch, I wondered if I would ever get him to leave. He was so damn sweet, but he wasn’t my type of man. Not at all.

  “I’d love to read your fiction sometime,” he said.

  “I don’t know about that,” I said with a chuckle. “My romance stories are fairly steamy.”

  He fidgeted in his seat.

  “That’s fine with me.”

  While I was certain he was gay because he had never made a move on me, I didn’t bring it up because he had never mentioned it. A commercial on my television across the room played as I thought of how to get him out of my apartment.

  “Maybe some other time,” I said. “My idea for a romance novel is a good one, but I don’t have the time to write it.”

  “If you found a publisher, they would pay you to write it.”

  “I’m sure I’m not good enough for that.”

  I sat up on the edge of the couch, hoping he got the hint. He didn’t, leaning back with his hands resting limply in his lap. He was too sweet for me to be mean to him but not exciting enough to make me interested in him as anything other than a friend.

  “Well, based on your non-fiction writing, I’m sure you would do great.”

  “Aww, thanks,” I said, hoping I wasn’t leading him on.

  Unlike Tony, Kenneth routinely looked like an excited puppy when he was around me. I loved the way the football star made me feel in and out of the bedroom.

  “So, you’ve actually started writing it?” he asked.

  I nodded.

  “Yeah, but I’m not ready to have anyone read it yet.”

  “I’d love to be the first.”

  I heard a knock at the door and stood up, wondering who it might be. Kenneth glanced over at the door, but he didn’t say anything as I walked over and answered it.

  Tony stood on the other side, looking as fine as ever in tight jeans and an even tighter white tee-shirt. He looked at me with a fire in his eyes.

  “Hey, Tony. Everything okay?”

  “No,” he said. “Can I come in?”

  “Sure…”

  I stepped aside. He stepped in. Kenneth stood up from the couch.

  “Am I interrupting something here?” Tony asked angrily.

  “Come on, Tony. It’s not what you think. Kenneth works with me.”

  I put my hand on Tony’s thick arm, hoping to settle him down. His anger scared me.

  “I’ve got to leave,” Kenneth said as he walked over. “I’ll talk to you about the book tomorrow at work.”

  He smiled at me, acting as if Tony wasn’t even in the room. As I saw them next to each other, the differences in their bodies became even more apparent.

  “Nice to meet you, Kenneth,” Tony said sarcastically as he stretched out his hand.

  Kenneth looked at it then shook it with his own. From the look on his face, Tony gripped his hand tightly.

  “Okay, you two met. Great. Kenneth is leaving now.”

  “Anything for you,” he said to me with that lost puppy look.

  Tony stepped forward and puffed out his chest.

  “Goodnight, Kenneth.”

  He waved at me then left. I shut the door behind him then turned to Tony with a frown on my face.

  “Why are you just showing up here at me house unannounced.”

  “I thought we were in a relationship,” he said. “And I’m upset.”

  “Obviously. You were kind of a dick to Kenneth.”

  “The guy who’s in love with you and hanging out at your house? That Kenneth?”

  “He’s not in love with me. You don’t need to be an asshole.”

  “Oh, I’m the asshole?” He snorted and shook his head. “You’re making me even madder.”

  “You? What about me? There’s nothing going on with me and Kenneth, but you don’t own me.”

  “I didn’t come here to fight,” he said, staring into my eyes.

  “Why did you come here? To check up on me? I didn’t take you for the jealous type.”

  “Jealous? Of him?”

  He snorted again.

  “Why do you have to be such an asshole? Maybe you should leave.”

  “Maybe I should,” he said, stepping to the door.

  Before he reached it, he stopped and turned to face me. I took a deep breath, trying to not let my own anger get away with me. The sharp features of his face were locked in place as he stared at me.

  “That guy is in love with you,” he said finally.

  I sighed and threw up my hands.

  “You’re incredulous.”

  “Thanks, but sweet talking isn’t going to work.”

  “It wasn’t a compliment,” I said, shaking my head. “You don’t get it, do you?”

  “I do. You’re the one who doesn’t want to admit the truth.”

  “How do you know he’s in love with me?”

  “I just do,” he said. “The way he looks at you.”

  “Yeah? How does he look at me?”

  “Like he wants to kiss you, but he’s afraid to do it.”

  I opened my mouth to respond, but he stepped forward, closing the gap between us. As he pressed his lips against mine, I forgot what we were even arguing about. When he got angry, I found it difficult to talk with him.

  Physical fun wouldn’t always work to defuse the situation, but one more time wouldn’t hurt. He put his arms around my waist, making me feel safe. His hands on my ass, squeezing, made me moan as our kiss became even more passionate.

  “We should talk this out,” I said as he kissed my neck.

  “We’ll talk later.”

  He picked me up and carried me over to the couch where Kenneth had awkwardly sat only a few minutes earlier. The change in the mood of the room excited me, made me want to do dirty things with my football star, a perfect specimen of a man.

  I laid on the couch with him between my legs, dry humping me as he explored the nuances of my lips with his. He moved down my body and pulled up my shirt. A moment later, his wet kisses pelted my stomach, sending jolts of pleasure through my brain.

  “This couch isn’t working,” he said while trying to get comfortable.

  “We could…”

  “Stand up,” he interrupted urgently.

  I did as he said, my chest rising and falling as my heart beat faster. He kissed my lips while undressing me. At the same time, I fumbled with his clothes, stripping them off to expose his hot, hard body.

  The smell of man filled my nostrils as we stood in front of each other naked. How is he going to take me this time? I wondered as our eyes met. He k
issed me again while his hands roamed deliciously.

  Unable to wait any longer, I turned and kneeled on the edge of the couch, my ass sticking out as I clung to the top. When I felt his hands on my back, scratching it, I took a deep breath.

  He surprised me when I didn’t feel his dick plunge into my pussy. Instead, I felt his hands on my ass cheeks and his tongue on my pussy. I spread my legs, giving him easier access.

  Moans fell from my mouth as he licked and lapped at my pussy lips, brushing against my clitoris once or twice. Pleasure washed over my entire body as he stuck his tongue in as far as it would go.

  “Oh, Tony,” I moaned. “Fuck me.”

  A moment later, I felt the thick, mushroom head of his cock rubbing up and down my pussy opening. I braced myself, wanting to feel it inside me – pulsating and pounding.

  With one quick thrust, his cock was in my wet and willing pussy. His massive member filled me completely, making me feel whole. I groaned as he pulled out slowly.

  “Faster,” I begged.

  “We’ll get there,” he grunted. “Be patient.”

  Thrust. Withdraw. Thrust. Withdraw. So deep inside me.

  A rhythm formed between us, our two bodies moving as one as he fucked me faster and harder. He pushed my body forward each time he penetrated me.

  He reached around. I felt his fingers rubbing my clitoris as that massive cock pushed in and out. I never wanted the moment to end. Any thoughts of us not being right for each other faded away.

  My heart pounded faster as the friction built up to intolerable levels. All my doubts and fears went away as he fucked me with a primal fury I would not soon forget. The sound of his moans made me even more excited. His dick was a piston, pounding in and out of my tender flesh.

  “Yes…” I hissed.

  I felt his cock throbbing inside me as I came, clenching my pussy around that perfect hardness. He thrust in so deep, his body shaking against mine as he cried out in pleasure. After a few more slow thrusts, he pulled out. I missed it immediately.

  Still breathing heavy, I stood up, almost falling to the floor. He reached out and caught me, holding my body up with his strong, muscular arms.

  “Careful,” he said with a grin, sweat pouring down his face.

  “That was so good.”

  I hugged him tightly, pressing my cheek against his chest. He made me feel so damn safe. I never wanted to let him go.

  He leaned back. I looked up and into his eyes.

  “I didn’t mean to get jealous, but I feel for you.”

  “You feel for me, huh?” I teased.

  “I’m not comfortable with my feelings. All I’m good at is playing football. I score points and work out for a living. All these emotions you make me feel…”

  His voice drifted off.

  “I love you too,” I said then stood on my toes to kiss his mouth.

  I felt his hands move to my ass cheeks, squeezing them as our tongues danced together. He didn’t need to say the words. The way he kissed told me everything I needed to know. Joy spread through my body, not going away with the afterglow.

  We slept together in my bed that night. It was the best rest I’d gotten in weeks, months, or maybe even years. Tony had his problems, but I found myself attracted to his sense of sportsmanship. Well, that and the way he made me feel when we were alone.

  EIGHTEEN

  Andrea

  The next day at work, with Tony still on my mind, Kenneth walked into the cafeteria. When I saw him coming over, I closed the lid of my laptop. Spending my lunch breaks writing my novel had been working well, and I didn’t want to jinx it by showing it to him or anyone else before it was ready.

  “Hey, Kenneth,” I said then smiled.

  “Hey, Andrea. I’ve got good news.”

  “Yeah?”

  “I’ve found a publisher for your first novel.”

  “Get out of here,” I said.

  “After that guy came over last night, I went home and had an email from a publisher friend I know in New York.”

  I stood up.

  “What publisher?”

  “Well, I can’t say yet, but they’ve agreed to send you an advance for the book.”

  That doesn’t make any sense, I thought, but quickly pushed it aside as happiness hit me. I moved forward and hugged Kenneth.

  “Thank you so much.”

  “It’s nothing,” he said, his hands on my back.

  Why isn’t he pulling away? Did he just grab my ass?

  I pulled back and looked at his face. He had a familiar look on his face, but I disregarded it and his hands on my ass because the thought of becoming an author made me happy.

  “No more Scott,” I said.

  “Well, it’s not a huge advance,” he said quickly.

  “I know, but it’s a step in the right direction. Maybe in a year I’ll be able to quit this place and write full time.”

  “I’d hate to not have you working here. You make it easier to get through the day.”

  “Aww, you’re such a sweet friend.”

  I smiled and patted him on the arm briefly.

  Does he get what I’m trying to politely say?

  He frowned at the word friend. Before I asked if he understood, my phone rang. I pulled it out of my pocket and glanced at the screen. A photo of Tony stared back at me.

  “Hold on,” I said to Kenneth then answered and turned around.

  “Hey, baby,” Tony said. “You busy?”

  “Not really. What’s up?”

  “Can you come over tonight? I’ve been thinking about you all day.”

  “I’ve got some work to do.”

  “At the paper?”

  “No, something else I’m working on. I’ll tell you about it later tonight, okay?”

  “You’re coming over?”

  “You know I can’t resist you.”

  “Did I mention I’ve been working out all day?”

  “Mmm. You’re making me excited. That’s no fair.”

  “No fair?”

  “I’m at work.”

  “Go to the bathroom.”

  “What?” I exclaimed with shock. “No way.”

  He laughed.

  “You’ll have to wait then. What time do you get off work?”

  “I’m leaving early. Right now. I want to share this news with you.”

  “Sounds great,” he said.

  I turned and saw Kenneth still standing next to my table and laptop.

  “Great. I can’t stay long, but I said, but long enough to…”

  “Give me the news?”

  “Yeah,” I said with a slight giggle.

  Why the hell am I acting like a school girl?

  “Bye, Andrea.”

  “Bye, Tony.”

  I ended the call then skipped back over to Kenneth.

  “More good news?” he asked.

  “Yeah,” I said. “I’m leaving early to go work on my novel. You’re sure this is real, right?”

  I stared into his eyes, wondering about the mind behind them.

  “Uh huh,” he said. “I’ll bring you the contract tomorrow. And a Money Order.”

  “A Money Order?”

  “Yeah, for the advance.”

  “They’re not paying by check?”

  “No. They’re a small publishing house.”

  “That makes no sense at all, but okay. I’m trusting you.”

  A weak smile slid onto his face.

  “Can’t wait to read the first draft,” he said.

  “I’ve not decided if I’m going to let you read it early yet or not.”

  “Well, I can’t wait to pass the manuscript over to the publishers.”

  “Thanks again, Kenneth. You’re the best.”

  I hugged him briefly, sure he understood we had a work friendship and nothing more. After grabbing my laptop, I left the building without going back to my desk. The last thing I wanted was to have Scott assign me a stupid story. If he called, I would tell him I was wor
king on a further article on Tony.

  The truth was that I couldn’t get the football star off my mind. Our love making made my head spin and my teeth vibrate, but beyond all that there was something else. When we were together, I felt more powerful, as if he was feeding me some secret energy all the time.

  And I noticed something special in the way he looked into my eyes. Even as a writer, I found it difficult to put into words that gravitational pull between us, dragging us closer and closer together with each minute and moment we spent in proximity to each other.

  Simply put, I found myself hopeless falling for him.

  For better or worse, I wasn’t able to stop the process.

  NINETEEN

  Tony

  The game was about to start, so I sat down on the couch and waited for Andrea to come over. She didn’t know I had placed a half-million-dollar bet on the Mustangs to win, and I wasn’t sure if I should tell her about my occasional gambling. I could stop whenever I wanted.

  While I might have made a mistake inviting her over during the game, she might bring me good luck. If nothing else, I enjoyed having her around. Even when we weren’t fucking, she had a way of making life more enjoyable. Would our relationship last? I had no idea.

  Anchors on the television pre-game show talked amongst themselves. Most journalists and media people pissed me off because they sat on the sidelines and passed judgement on what I did on the field. Andrea was different in that she had competed before. She understood.

  I grabbed my water bottle and took a long drink. The doorbell rang as I set it back down on the coffee table. I stood and headed to the front door a few hundred feet away. She got here quick, I thought as I opened the door and smiled. Her flawless face defined perfection.

  “That was fast,” I said. “Come in.”

  “I told you I was leaving work early.”

  “No need to get snippy,” I said. “I’m about to watch tonight’s game.”

  “Where’s your entourage?”

  “They’ve not been around as much. It’s just you, me and the game tonight.”

  “I’m not in the mood to watch a game,” she said, pressing her body against mine. “I need some loving.”