Romance: Seducing The Quarterback

by Stacie Duncan

  Chapter 15

  The next three weeks were mostly a blur. I went into Avalanche to fulfill their scheduling needs, then I went home and tried to manage my house. I didn’t see either Rick or Christopher the entire time. “You okay Alyssa?” Tim called to me from across the kitchen one night, then ambled toward me to check.

  “Yes, I’m all right. Just a little tired.” I gave him a wry smile and then walked out with a tray full of food. I was more nauseous than usual, and I could tell that people were beginning to suspect my pregnancy. I looked at the clock, relieved that I only had another hour left before I could go home. Just as I was about to take a break and get a glass of water, I saw the door open and Christopher walked inside.

  My heart raced and my palms began to sweat. I couldn’t believe that he was here, and it was all I could to maintain my composure. I wanted to punch him square in the jaw but instead I just walked away. He saw me and tried to get my attention but I ignored his waves. Luckily, my tables were on the opposite side of the restaurant, so it wasn’t difficult to ignore him, but I could still feel his stares from across the room.

  At the end of my shift, I bundled up and then headed toward the door. Christopher saw me walking out, and tried to get my attention once again. I stopped on the steps and then turned around to face him. “What do you want, Christopher?” I glared at him and wrapped my scarf tightly around my neck.

  “Listen, Alyssa. I know you’re mad at me because of what you saw, but you had no right coming to my house unannounced.” He cocked his head to the side and then shrugged. I put my hands on my hips and stared at him for a few seconds before walking down the steps.

  “Seriously? You aren’t even going to apologize? Three weeks go by and all you can say is the basically the same as what you said last time? That it was essentially my fault that I caught you? And not your fault for being a dishonest cheat?” I couldn’t believe how self-righteous he was acting.

  “Let’s back up here pretty lady. Who’s the dishonest one? Me? For sleeping with someone who I’ve been dating for the last year? Or you? For not telling anyone inside the restaurant that you’re five months pregnant?” He gave me an indignant stare then chuckled and walked away. I stood motionless for a few seconds, then spun around and headed to my truck.

  Who told him that I was pregnant? It could have only been Rick. I was furious. I got behind the wheel, started the ignition, then drove away. I could barely think straight. I tried to calm myself down, but my emotions had gotten the best of me and I had no way to vent my frustration. As soon as I got home I stormed inside the house and threw off my boots.

  “Damn it! Damn it, Joe!” I screamed at the top of my lungs and then flung myself down on the couch. “Damn it all.” I covered my face in my hands and cried. “Why did you have to go and get hurt, Joe? Why?” I sat there staring at the ceiling, as if I truly expected a response. When I heard nothing except silence, I got up and trudged out of the living room.

  “Rebecca. It’ me. I’m having a crisis.” I knew that she didn’t mind speaking to me but I felt bad calling her out of desperation. “I’m a wreck.” I wanted someone to hold me, wanted someone to tell me that it would all go away and that I’d feel better soon. But there was nobody there to restore my confidence. I cried into the receiver and then reached for a tissue.

  “Do you want to come stay with us for a while? It’s not good for you to be this stressed out while you’re pregnant, Alyssa.” I could sense Rebecca’s compassion through the phone and I smiled. Sometimes all it took was a friendly voice to make everything feel better.

  “No. Thank you for offering, but I’m going to stay here. I need to make sure Lizzie is taken care of. And I need to get to work easily in the morning. I appreciate it so much, Rebecca. You’ve been such a good friend to me.” I meant all of what I said.

  “Well, just let me know if I can help, oaky?” Rebecca hung up and I sat in silence for a few minutes before deciding that it would be best for me to get a new job. I could avoid having to see Christopher again, and I could avoid seeing Rick, too, if he decided that he didn’t want to see me anymore. I knew that the money I made at Avalanche would be hard to make at other restaurants, but maybe it would be the best to just leave.

  I spent the next week poring over the newspapers, looking for something that would provide me with both the hours and the pay that I needed to survive. There was nothing. I only saw a part-time position at the Bozeman Grille as a line cook, and it paid less than what I was making at Avalanche. I shook my head in despair.

  What else could I do now except forge ahead and try to make the best of it? I would have to deal with Avalanche, with Christopher and with Rick, instead of simply running away. Besides, this had been my making, anyway. I had decided to get involved, and I was just as guilty as the others for creating a dramatic situation. I decided that I’d just need to change my attitude and toughen up.

  “Hey, Alyssa. I’ve got a tale on the other side of the floor that I’d like you to pick up if you’ve got a second.” Tim tapped me on the shoulder and I nodded in affirmation.

  “No problem, Tim.” It was about a quarter of the way into my Friday night shift and I was tired, but still holding up relatively well. I walked to the south side of the restaurant, and stood at Table 4. Rick was in the seat, staring blankly at the menu.

  “Hi, Alyssa. I asked the hostess if you could wait on me. Hope you don’t mind.” He smiled shyly and then pushed away the menu. “Honestly?” He looked at me with doleful eyes and then folded his hands across the table. “I’ve been thinking about you ever since the day I left.” He shook his head and then sighed. “Can you sit for a second?”

  I looked around and then pulled out a chair. Tim wouldn’t be happy if he saw me sitting, but I took my chances considering the circumstances. “I’m glad to see you. It’s been a weird couple of weeks.” I took a deep breath and then twirled my hair a few times.

  “I’ve really missed you, Alyssa. I’m sorry I disappeared.” Rick shook his head and then gave me a wry smile.

  “I’ve missed you, too, Rick.” I looked into his eyes and then smiled.

  “Why don’t you stop by my place after work? We can relax, have some tea, talk about me and you.” He looked at me with sincerity and it was hard for me to think about turning him down.

  “I think that sounds good.” I nodded my head and then realized that I finally felt more centered, more certain about what I wanted. I was beginning to understand that my feelings for Christopher had been an illusion, and that I had been caught up in his good looks and his charms. I should have known that it was foolish for me to try and pursue something with a man like that.

  “Well, I’m going to get going then.” Rick got up and then started to get his coat. I remembered Christopher’s comment about everyone knowing I was pregnant.

  “Hey, Rick.” I moved closer and then paused. “Did you tell Christopher that I was pregnant?” I titled my head to the side with a look of curiosity. Rick lowered his head and sighed.

  “I did.” He looked at me for a second and then rubbed his hand through his beard. “I wanted these guys to know the truth. I didn’t want them playing any more games with you, Alyssa. You deserve better than that.” He shrugged and then stuffed his hands in his pockets. Instead of getting mad at him for admitting what he’d said, I smiled.

  “I guess they would have found out sooner or later.” I looked down and rubbed my belly for a moment, then buttoned up my coat and walked down the steps. Rick smiled and walked behind me, then turned toward his truck when we got to the corner.

  “Stop by as soon as you can.” He smiled and then waved goodbye. I sat inside my truck for a few minutes before driving away. It had been a whirlwind of a winter and I was looking forward to spring. The baby would be here by October, and I was eager to get through the winter and spend some of my heard earned money on baby clothes and a crib.

  I drove out of the lot and then headed up the highway until I got on the mounta
in pass that led to Rick’s house. As I looked out the window I could see the tiny buds of flower-tops peeking through the ground. Spring was just around the corner and it was going to be such a welcome occasion. I smiled to myself when I thought about how much my world was going to change in a short period of time.

  When I pulled up at Rick’s house, I could see smoke curling from the top of the chimney. He was out front splitting firewood and one of his dogs was frolicking in the yard. I parked next to his truck at the top of the driveway and then stepped out. As soon a she saw me he waved and walked toward me.

  “It’s great to see you here, Alyssa. Come on in. I’ve already got a nice fire going.” Rick smiled and took me by the hand. I could tell that I had made the right choice as soon as I stepped inside. He had set out mugs of tea for both of us and spread a blanket in front of the fireplace.

  “This looks cozy.” I smiled and then sat down on the blanket.

  “Give me five more minutes while I get the rest of this wood inside, and I’ll be right there to join you.” Rick smiled and then disappeared back outside. I sat and watched the flames dance on top of the logs. It had been years since I’d sat in front of a fire with someone, and it brought me back to a place of warmth and comfort.

  When Rick came back inside, I had kicked off my boots and was propped up on a pillow. He took off his boots as well, then sat next to me and started to rub my shoulders. I looked at him and smiled. “You know I have to admit, when you first warned me about Christopher, I thought you were just trying to sabotage my relationship with him. I guess now I feel kind of stupid because you were telling me the truth.” I looked at the fire and then at Rick.

  “You know, Alyssa, I don’t have time for games. I’m an honest guy, and I call it like I see it.” Rick shrugged and then rubbed my back with his palm. “I knew from the moment that I first saw you that I wanted to be your man. And when I heard that Christopher was responding to a bet, well that just got my hackles up.” Rick shook his head and then moved closer.

  “Why don’t we try to forget about some of what’s happened, and focus instead on the time we have together now?” I ran my fingers through Rick’s tousled hair, then leaned back on the blanket. He smiled and then nodded his head. We both moved toward each other, and in front of the flickering fire, opened our mouths and met for a kiss.

  He ran his hands down shoulders and then around my waist where he slowly unzipped my pants. I traced my fingers along his stomach, feeling the firm contours of his muscles underneath his t-shirt. I could tell that he performed a lot of physical labor because his body was taut and defined. He ran a hand up my back and then unfastened my bra so that he could feel his way over my breasts.

  “You feel so amazing.” He squeezed my nipples and then ran his hands down my belly, stopping when he felt the slight bulge. “And I wanted to tell you something else.” He whispered in my ear and I leaned closer, my body excited and warm, ready and waiting for his touch.

  “What’s that?” I helped kick my pants down to the floor, then leaned back so that he could admire my naked body.

  “I wanted to tell you that I think about marrying you, and that I’m going to love this baby just as much as I love you.” He whispered in my ear and then yanked off his jeans. I was completely floored with what he just told me, but I didn’t want to overreact. Instead, I spread open my legs so that he could place himself inside me. Then I leaned back and held him around his waist.

  “Rick, this is where I want to be. Right here and right now- this is it.” I closed my eyes and all of the drama from the weeks before melted away. He leaned down and kissed my nipples, then toyed with them gently in his mouth. I caressed his firm body with my hands, then waited for him to slide his manhood into my aching walls of womanly fire.

  “Let me make love to you like there’s no tomorrow.” He whispered in my ear, then thrust himself deep inside me. I let out a moan that I was certain the dogs heard outside. He moved like a perfectly created being in and out of my body, his eyes fixated on mine as he did. I didn’t want the moment to end, and I clung to him with passion and desire.

  We rocked back and forth, our bodies melded as one, until the moonlight disappeared behind the clouds and made way for the sun in the morning. “Rick, I feel like your body was meant for mine.” I whispered in his ear and he continued to pleasure me with his hardness. I could feel every inch of my body quiver with sensuality as he brought me to the brink of ecstasy.

  “I love you, Alyssa.” Rick looked at me as I arched my back to meet his body. He thrust deeper and deeper inside me, until I finally exploded with a massive wave of orgasmic bliss. He collapsed on top of me and I let out a long sigh.

  We lay there in silence, and it felt like I was in the right place, and that my life could once again be happy. I thought of Joe, but it didn’t make me cry. Then I ran my hand along my belly and smiled, convinced that Joseph-Michael would indeed have a good life, after all. I gazed once more into the fire, then closed my eyes and dreamed of my new life.

  The Luckiest Cowboy

  By: Erin Walsh

  The Luckiest Cowboy

  © Erin Walsh, 2015 – All rights reserved

  Published by Steamy Reads4U

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events are purely coincidental. This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

  This book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return it to the seller and purchase a copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

  Warning

  This book contains explicit content intended for readers 18+ years old.

  If you are under 18 years old, or are not comfortable with adult content, please close this book now.

  Chapter One

  “Stop fidgeting,” Kate tugged on Jonathan’s hand. The seven-year-old put his other hand down by his side and stared at the bustle of people on the train platform.

  Kate kneeled down next to her son. “Look, I know you don’t want to be here, but we have to do this. This is the only way I can keep you with me. I know you loved Kansas, but we can’t afford to keep living there. Mr. White has agreed to help us. You need to be nice to him, okay. Do it for your mom, okay?” Jonathan nodded and clutched his teddy bear.

  Sacramento was much warmer than Kansas City this time of year. It was only April, but the thermometer on the side of the station read 85 degrees. “It’s hot here,” Kate fanned herself with her train tickets and smiled at her son. “This suit was a bad idea,” she thought. The worsted wool traveling suit she wore started to stick to her slip in the heat.

  A man dressed in a light gray suit and blue tie approached her on the platform. Kate reached into her purse and pulled out a black and white photo of a man. It matched the man walking toward them.

  “Kate?” the man asked as he reached the mother and son.

  “Yes. Michael White?” Kate searched his face.

  “Yes. So lovely to meet you in person! And I assume this is Jonathan?” Michael indicated the boy.

  “Yes. This is my son Jonathan. Jonathan, say “hi” to Mr. White,” Kate instructed her son.

  “Hello Mr. White.” Jonathan’s voice was small.

  Michael squatted down and shook Jonathan’s hand. “Nice to meet you Jonathan. Your mom has told me you are a wonderful boy. I am looking forward to getting to know you.” Jonathan just stared back at the man shaking his hand.

  “Is this
all your luggage?” Michael looked at the array of bags around the two passengers.

  “Yes, this is it.” Kate said. Michael signaled a porter. A young Hispanic man came over with a luggage cart. He loaded the two trunks, two duffle bags, and a box onto the cart.

  The foursome walked through the station to the front. Michael guided them to the large Chevy Deluxe. He opened the trunk and porter began to load the luggage. “Put the duffels in the back seat,” Michael instructed. He opened the doors of the car. When the porter finished loading the bags, Michael tipped him and the three got into the car.

  “Are you two hungry?” Michael asked.

  “Yes, a bit. We ate breakfast on the train at eight this morning,” Kate looked back at Jonathan who was clutching his bear on his lap.

  “I know a good place near the Capitol.” Michael guided the Chevy down Third and turned onto L Street. They parked outside a small diner on the corner of Tenth Street. “Johnson’s is pretty good.”

  The three sat in a booth at Johnson’s. Jonathan stared out the window. “I am so happy to finally meet you in person. I feel like I know you both already.” Michael smiled.

  Kate looked back at him. Despite a year of correspondence, she felt like she was forcing conversation with a stranger. She held back tears. Guilt welled up. Matthew had died five years ago but sitting across from this new man, Kate longed to be looking back at her true love. She believed Michael was a good man, but there was no love for him. This was survival for her.

  “I am glad we are here,” Kate forced a smile. “I am grateful for you.” This second part was true. Without Michael’s proposal, Kate would have had to put Jonathan in an orphanage and found some very undesirable way to support herself in Kansas.