Fielding Her SECRET (Corrigan & Co. Book 1)

by Crystal Perkins

  I shake my head. Who would’ve ever thought I’d be called cute. Or that I’d like it so much. I just need to hold onto Ainsley and my life will keep getting better and better.

  * * *

  Ainsley

  We just pulled up to valet at the Downtown Grand hotel. I’ve passed by here a bunch of times, but have never been inside. Today has been so wonderful, and I can’t wait for the rest of our date. I only asked for a single date, but Zack’s combined a whole week’s worth into this one day. Everything has been unique and fun so far. Even though I’ve insisted on paying for a few things, he’s definitely been spoiling me. Quinn conspired with him to have him pay for my dress before I could, and while I pretended to be mad, I was swooning inside.

  He holds my hand as we walk inside. He’s done that all day, and it’s been making me feel like the most special woman in the world. At least to him.

  “What’re you smiling about?”

  “I was thinking about how special I’ve felt all day being with you.”

  He stops and pulls me to him. Right there in the middle of the busy lobby, he gives me the sweetest, sexiest kiss I’ve ever had. It’s like our other kisses, but different. I can feel him pouring all his love into it.

  “You’re so fucking special to me, Ains. I’m just glad I could make you feel it today because you make me feel special, too. I love you more than I ever thought it could be possible to love someone, and I’ll do everything I can to show you that for as long as you’ll let me.”

  “I love you, too, and I’m glad I made you feel good. You’re definitely welcome to sleep in the bed with me.”

  “Thank God.”

  I kiss him on the cheek and pull him over to the reception desk. We check in and head up to our suite. It’s pretty awesome. Besides the living room with the famous couch, there’s also a dining room, and in the middle of the bedroom there is a square Jacuzzi tub. I squeeze my thighs together, thinking about what we did in my Jacuzzi tub.

  “We can do that again.”

  “Huh?”

  “I know you’re thinking about what we did in your tub. How I took you from behind while you kneeled down and bent over the side.”

  “Please.”

  “After dinner, we’ll do that and whatever else you want, babe.”

  “Now. Please.”

  “Not in the tub yet, but I’ll get you off if you need me to. Kneel on the couch and hold on to the back.”

  I do as he says, and feel him move behind me. He reaches under my dress and tears my thong off. I hear his zipper go down and feel him at my entrance a few seconds later. I lean back into him, letting him know I’m ready. He nibbles on my neck as he enters me in one thrust. I nearly scream from how good it feels.

  “Zack.”

  “What do you want, babe?”

  “Your mouth…kiss…”

  I’m barely coherent, but I can’t help it. It feels so good when he’s inside of me. He leans down and takes my mouth. I feel myself building fast. He breaks the kiss, but holds my chin to the side as he leans around me.

  “I want to look at you when you come. I love to watch you fall apart for me.”

  He slides his other hand to the front of me and rubs my clit. I have the urge to close my eyes, but I keep them open for him. I want him to see me. It only takes another minute before I’m coming. I’m not sure how thick the walls are, so I hold in my scream. Zack comes right after me. He pulls out and turns me, kissing me thoroughly before letting me go.

  “Thanks.”

  “You don’t ever have to thank me for that. I love being inside of you. I’m glad you asked for it. I like that you felt comfortable enough with me to tell me what you needed.”

  “I’m a little embarrassed about that, but not as much as I thought I’d be.”

  “You don’t have to ask, you know. You could’ve just done it—done me—without asking.”

  “Oh. I can just throw you down and have my way with you?”

  “Definitely.”

  I need to tell him how I’m feeling. “Thank you, Zack. For letting me still be me and not trying to change me. I’m changing a little because making love with you is so good, and I want it all the time, but you’re not asking me to do it for you.”

  “I’d never ask you to change.”

  “I asked you, though. You had to change to be with me. I feel like I’m holding you back.”

  “From other women you mean?” I nod. “I wasn’t me when I was with other women, Ains. That was just sex. Yes, you told me it had to only be you, but I wanted that. I have no desire to be with another woman. You’re more than enough.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes. How could I want more? I’ve got a crazy smart, awesomely beautiful, and totally insatiable girlfriend who wants my cock all the time. I’m pretty much living every guy’s dream.”

  “Well, you’re not the only one. Today has been amazing. You’re good at this wooing thing.”

  “It’s not over. Let’s get changed so I can take you to dinner.”

  We clean up and get dressed. I feel like a bombshell in the purple dress Quinn had for me. It’s got thick straps and hugs my body all the way down to the top of my calves. Stella packed me two pair of shoes, not knowing what my dress would look like. I choose the silver strappy ones. I manage to master one of the up-dos that I was taught, along with some make-up, and then put on my necklace and earrings.

  When I turn from the mirror and see Zack for the first time, I nearly lose my breath. He’s got on a charcoal gray suit with a dark purple shirt and no tie. He’s left a couple buttons undone at his throat, and I have the urge to lick him there. His hair is a little messy, which makes him look all the more like a walking ad for sex. But it’s the look in his eyes that took my breath away. He’s looking at me like I’m his last meal and he’s very, very hungry.

  “I thought we were going to dinner.”

  “We are.”

  “Then you need to stop looking at me like that.”

  “I’ll try to stop if you will.”

  “Me?”

  He raises an eyebrow, and I realize he’s right. I’ve been undressing him with my eyes. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and will myself to act normal. When I open my eyes, he’s just opening his, too. We smile at each other as he walks over to me and takes my hand.

  “Come on, my little vixen. Let’s eat.”

  Zack leads us down to a restaurant in the hotel, Triple George Grill. It’s amazing. I have the crab stuffed shrimp, while he has a steak with bleu cheese. After, we go to Art Bar for drinks. I love looking at the paintings, and the chocolate and coconut drink I get is delicious.

  During dinner, people stared and whispered, but they left us alone. Here at the bar, people can’t help themselves. They approach us constantly. Zack’s friendly with the guys, but firm with the women. He signs napkins and takes selfies, but if a hand starts to wander, he stops it immediately. He also leans over and kisses me frequently, and his hand hasn’t left mine.

  I excuse myself to go the bathroom. I’m in the stall when I hear some women come in. They’re talking about how hot Zack is and how he’ll get bored with me soon. I’m surprised to find that I’m not bothered or worried at all. I know what they’re saying isn’t true.

  “I hate to disappoint you, but I’m not going anywhere,” I tell them as I walk to the sink.

  “You’re not hot enough to keep him,” one of them tells me.

  “I’m pretty sure he’d disagree. Have a good night.”

  I dry my hands and walk out with my head held high and a smirk on my lips. Zack looks at me curiously as I reclaim my seat on the bar stool next to him. I lean over and kiss him when he’s done with his latest pic.

  “A smirk, and a kiss? What happened in that bathroom?”

  “Some girls were talking about how you’d get bored with me. Then they told me I wasn’t hot enough to hold onto you. I told them you’d disagree and walked out.”

  His whol
e face lights up in that special smile that’s all mine. “That’s my girl.”

  “Excuse me, but we need a picture. Can she move out of the way?”

  His smile fades as he turns to the women who were in the bathroom with me. He doesn’t know it’s them, but he’s obviously annoyed that they interrupted us. “No. She’s not moving, and I’m done with pictures for tonight.”

  “Seriously? We just fixed our make-up and hair so we’d look perfect for you.”

  Realization dawns on his face, and he puts his arm around me, pulling me close. “My girl is the only one who’s perfect for me. Now run along before I have security remove you.”

  “You’re serious? Look at her. She’s not even sexy.”

  Instead of answering, he motions for the one of the security guys in the bar. “Can you please move these women along?”

  “Of course, Mr. Taylor.”

  “We can move ourselves. What a waste.”

  “Yeah. I’ll never get these few minutes you wasted back,” I tell them.

  Zack laughs and kisses me. “You ready to go back to the room, babe?”

  “I could be persuaded.”

  He leans over to whisper in my ear. “I’m going to lick you until you scream my name and then put my cock in you and fuck you into another orgasm. Once I’m done, I want you to ride me hard before I take you in the Jacuzzi like I promised. After all of that, I’m going to cuddle with you as you fall asleep in my arms.”

  “I’m persuaded. Let’s go.”

  I jump off the bar stool and practically run out of the bar, dragging Zack behind me. He’s shaking with laughter. Once we’re out of the crowd and back in the lobby, he swoops me into his arms and carries me the rest of the way.

  Chapter 13

  Zack

  Ainsley and I did all the things I promised her we would. Instead of sleeping, though, we’re cuddling in the Jacuzzi right now. I even let her put some bubbles in. I reach for her necklace on the ledge of the tub.

  “Here, babe. You take one end and I’ll take the other like in the dog movie.”

  “Lady and the Tramp?”

  “That’s the one.”

  “It’s a good thing your female fans can’t see you now.”

  “Because they’d be horrified?”

  “Are you kidding? They’d go even crazier for you if they knew how sweet and fun you are when we’re alone. If they saw you the way I do, you’d need extra security.”

  “There’s no need to worry. I’m only this way with you. No one else will ever see it.”

  “Are you trying to make me swoon?”

  “No. I’m trying to eat some chocolate. Grab your end.”

  She laughs, but complies. We each eat a couple of the chocolate “jewels” before I decide that it’s taking too long to get to her mouth.

  “Fuck this,” I say as I throw the necklace and just kiss her.

  “You already did. Several times.”

  “If I didn’t have practice in the morning, I’d do it all several more times. We should go to sleep, though.”

  I stand and pull her up with me. Then I grab the towels and dry her off as the water drains. When we’re both dry, I step out and lift her up, carrying her to the bed.

  “Thanks for my date day, Zack. It was perfect.”

  “I’m glad you liked it. Do I get to be your boyfriend again?”

  “Yes, please. I’m still waiting for that jacket and ring, but I’ll settle for you for now.”

  “So you don’t want them?” I ask as I walk over to my suitcase.

  “You have them? Really?”

  “Yes, really.”

  I pull them out of the suitcase and walk back over to her. Her eyes light up as she bounces on the bed, holding her hands in front of her. I sit down with the jacket in my lap and the ring in my hand.

  “This is my high school letterman’s jacket and my class ring. I never thought I’d have a girl to give them to since I didn’t have a high school girlfriend. They’re yours if you really want them.”

  “I do. I want them.”

  I place the ring on her ring finger and drape the jacket over her shoulders. She puts her arms inside the sleeves and pulls it close around her. I pull her to me, and kiss her. Seeing her in my jacket is even better than seeing her in my jersey. We really do need to go to sleep, though. So I tuck her in—jacket and all—and then climb into bed next to her. I hold her in my arms as we both fall asleep.

  Morning comes too soon. Both of our alarms are going off as we groan. “I’ll order you some breakfast while you shower, Ains.”

  “Thanks.”

  I drink my juice after my shower, and then we head out. We get to the stadium early, so I’m able to kiss her in the parking lot for a few minutes before we both head inside. We separate at the locker room door.

  When I walk out onto the field, I have to smile at seeing her standing there wearing my jacket. It’s really too hot to be wearing it, but I won’t complain. She’s mine again, and I love that everyone will know it.

  Practice is rough, but good. We’re all stoked about playing our first regular game this weekend, so we played hard during practice. Afterwards, I sign autographs. I say no to body parts and stop anyone from groping me. Ainsley waits for me to get done, and we hold hands as we walk back into the tunnel. She tells us all what she saw, and then leaves us to change.

  “Where should we go to lunch today?” I ask her as I walk out of the locker room.

  “Somewhere close to your place if we can. I need to get my car.”

  “You have a hot date?”

  “For lunch, yes. After that, I promised to hang out with Reina and some of the girls for a couple of hours.”

  “Oh.”

  “Are you mad?”

  “Just disappointed, I guess. I wanted to spend more time with you.”

  “You’re not really asking me to be one of those girls who drops her friends to be with her guy all the time, are you?”

  I sigh because I don’t want to be that guy. She should be able to hang out with her friends. “No. I don’t want you to do that.”

  “Good. Because I wouldn’t.”

  “I know.”

  We go to the Babystacks by my house. I draw out lunch as long as I can, kissing her in between bites of my food. I know people are taking pics with their phones, but I really don’t care. I’m not hiding Ainsley ever again.

  I convince her to make out for a little while against her car before she leaves to meet her friends. She tells me I can come over later if I want. I do want to, so I tell her to call me when she’s done with her afternoon plans.

  * * *

  Ainsley

  I told Zack the truth about meeting with Reina and the girls. We’re just not hanging out. I’m here at the office to tell them about our conversation from the other day.

  “You believe him?” Reina asks.

  “Yes. I know him, and he wasn’t faking his shock at me accusing him of being behind the sabotage.”

  “You two were just broken up a couple of days ago. Are you sure you really ‘know’ him?”

  “He’s scared of being in a relationship. He’s scared of being in love with me. But he never lies to me. Never. I know it, Faith.”

  I wish Ellie was here, but she’s on a mission. One of our real missions, saving someone. She’s the romantic among us, so I know she’d side with me. The other girls mean well, and I know they think they’re just looking out for me, but it makes them suspicious.

  “You’re still leaning towards Donaldson and someone from the staff?” Isabelle asks.

  “I feel like Kevin is involved because he wasn’t standing in the water when he got shocked, and he tries to come across as too perfect. Although his façade has been slipping lately when Zack and I are together. He had to have someone help him set that up, though. No one was there except for the staff.” Something’s off about what I said, but I feel like it’s just out of my reach. Hopefully it’ll come to me later.


  “I’ve researched backwards and forwards and still, nothing. I met him at the stadium the other day, and he doesn’t seem like the brightest bulb in the box. He has to have someone pretty smart working with him if he’s able to hide his motives.”

  “I just really feel in my gut that he’s involved, Teeg.”

  “I want to hear more about how his façade is slipping. You’re right when you say he seems too perfect. On TV, and in person. I felt a little slimy when he was hitting on me at the Griffin’s party. It was just weird.” Reina shivers a little thinking about it.

  “He told Zack that he would eventually screw things up with me. And when I wore Zack’s jersey to that game, he made some remarks to both of us about it. He’s not the nice guy he wants everyone to think about. And if he made you feel weird, Rei, then that’s not good.”

  “Who was weird with you, Princess?”

  We all turn to the door to see Matt standing there, looking like he’s ready to rip someone apart. Why won’t he just admit how he feels about Reina? She hasn’t been hiding her feelings too well lately, and they’d be so good together.

  “Kevin Donaldson. You know that, though, since you got me away from him at the party.”

  “Has he tried to get in touch with you since you left with me that night?”

  “Yes. He’s called here a few times. Alex doesn’t put him through. He also sent flowers today.”

  “Motherfucker. If he doesn’t let up before the game this weekend, I’m going to have some words with him. No one messes with you.” He realizes what he said and freezes. “With any of you. No one messes with any of you girls.”

  I’d already turned back to Reina so I see the flash of hurt cross her face before she hides it. “Thanks Matt, but I can handle myself. I appreciate your help at the party because it was getting awkward, but I don’t need your help to get rid of some overzealous idiot.”

  They have a staring contest for a minute. Matt loses and turns on his heel, walking out without another word. Reina collapses in her chair. No one knows what to do, so I ask them all to leave us alone. We’re all close, but since Reina and I are both mentored by Jane, we spend more time together, and are closer to each other than to anyone else.

  “When are you going to admit that you’re in love with Matt and just go for it?”