“Once the divorce was finalized, Bob and Linda took half the furnishings and moved to Los Angeles. And here I am.”
Griff pushed to his feet. He engulfed her in a huge hug. Once in his arms, she broke down, sobbing into his chest. Her body shook, and her tears wetted his shirt. He rocked her, kissing her hair and rubbing her back. Finally, she calmed down, the weeping stopped, and she hiccupped.
“I’d never do that to you,” he whispered.
“Never knock me up and leave me flat if I lose it?”
“Never.”
“But you want kids. What if I can’t have kids? What if I miscarry every time? Why would you want to get involved with a woman like that?
“You don’t know if that’s true. Besides, aren’t you projecting a little far ahead?”
Her body stiffened. She pulled back, pushing away from his chest. “You’re right. Who says we’d even be serious? You’re busy sleeping around, and I’m plain not interested.” She laughed. “That’s almost funny.”
“I told you I’ve changed. I want my own family.”
“You did say that. Obviously, a woman who can’t hold a pregnancy would never be the right one for you.”
“I’ll make that decision myself.” He cupped her face with his hands and lowered his mouth.
She resisted for a moment then parted her lips.
He plunged in, taking her, demanding her submission. She softened against him, her body hip to hip, chest to chest, with his. His temperature began to rise, and heat flowed through his veins.
He wanted her.
Chapter Nine
Emotion sapped Lauren’s strength. His mouth worked magic on her, renewing her spirit, as desire flew through her body. Resisting Griff was out of the question. She ached for his touch. Weeks of watching his easy grace, as he moved about the house wearing only jeans or shorts, had captured her attention. Staring at his almost naked body day-after-day had made her beyond horny. She welcomed him, moaning when his hand slid up to cover her breast.
She flattened her palm against his chest. His fingers dipped under her T-shirt, spreading heat over her bare skin. He popped her bra open easily then circled around to close over her naked flesh. He caught her peak between his fingers and pinched gently. She caught her breath as the sensation zoomed down below her belly.
He moved his lips to her throat as he continued to massage her. The soft kisses made her breathe harder. She closed her fingers over his shoulders, feeling his powerful muscles. With a little push, he moved her back. He eased her shirt up and off then ripped his over his head and tossed it on a chair. Lauren couldn’t wait to run her fingers through the dark hair lightly covering his pecs.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, scorching her skin with his gaze.
“So are you,” she said.
He chuckled. “Nothing you haven’t seen before.”
She spread her fingers behind his neck and pulled his mouth to hers. She slipped her tongue over his. It was as if she had flipped a switch. He returned the favor, both hands massaging her breasts. When he stepped back, he picked her up and carried her into his room.
“I’ve waited long enough,” he announced, reaching for the button on her jeans. In a second, he had stripped her pants down. She stepped out of them and reached for his zipper. He shucked his jeans then his boxers.
Shyness welled up in Lauren, standing in front of him in only red panties. She folded her arms across her chest. He sucked in a breath.
“Wow. You’re amazing.” His gaze raked her body.
“You, too,” she said, eyeing his erection.
“Don’t cover yourself.” He eased her arms to her sides. “Let me look at you.”
She sensed color heat her cheeks as he bent over, hooking a finger in each side of her panties and whisking them to the floor. She stepped back, leaving them where they lay. He stared at her.
“Better. Much better,” he said, moving closer. “Stunning.” He glided his hands down her hips and around to her rear end. She placed hers on his stomach and moved them up slowly. A tingle went from her fingertips to her sex. She pushed up on tiptoe to kiss his throat then suck on his earlobe. A hiss from him made her smile.
He moved his large hands over her behind, then inched them between her thighs. As the fingers that threw a football expertly touched her core, she jumped.
“Oh my God,” she muttered, closing her eyes, frozen with need.
Griff stroked her then dropped his mouth to her shoulder. Lauren couldn’t move, only feel.
“Griff,” she murmured.
He raised his head. The tingles inside her had become fire, burning, making her squirm. He moved his hand around to the front, between her legs. She gasped as an orgasm began to build. He rubbed her faster and harder. She clung to his chest, muttering his name. Her knees wobbled until he snaked his arm around her waist, steadying her. She couldn’t hold out any longer. Her muscles clenched then fluttered, as her release took over her body.
“Oh, God,” she whispered, tucking her head into his shoulder.
His soft chuckle made her open her eyes. He kissed her, backing her up toward the bed. She went down when the mattress hit the back of her knees. He knelt beside her. His mouth sucked on her peak as his palm glided down her flat belly.
“You’re magnificent,” he said, then turned his attention back to her breasts.
She reached over and closed her fingers around him. He was hard as steel. “Wow. Impressive.”
She saw him blush for the first time. He climbed up next to her, reached down for his wallet, and extracted a foil packet.
Lauren stiffened. “Condoms?”
“Unless you’re on the pill?”
“Guess I didn’t think it through.”
“I’ve never had one break on me before.”
“There’s always a first time.”
“Not necessarily. Don’t worry. It’ll be fine.” He dropped the condom on the pillow, parted her knees, and inched down the bed. When his tongue touched her sensitive flesh, she bucked her hips. “I’m not gonna be able to do much if you keep movin’ outta the way,” he said, his eyes bright with mischief.
She giggled and stopped.
“Much better,” he mumbled, as he continued his assault.
Lauren ran her fingers through his thick, dark hair. His hands gripped her thighs, and his tongue sent her to the moon. As the fire in her climbed, she began to squirm.
Griff was up in a flash, covering himself. “I want to be there for this one,” he explained, pushing up. Glowing with lust, he stared down at her, before he entered her slowly.
She wiggled. “Hurry up.”
“No way. I’ve waited a long time for this.” He shot her a sexy grin as he pushed in farther.
She arched her back. “Oh, my God. Griff!” It had been months since she’d made love. A slight burn turned to pleasure as he filled her. She hiked her knee to her chest to enable him to move in all the way. He was larger than Bob, but fit perfectly.
Griff groaned and closed his eyes. “Lauren, baby. So good. So good.” He dropped his forehead to her shoulder to plant a kiss.
He pumped in and out. The pressure of him inside her, the swipe of his chest hair against her breasts, the feel of his muscle and skin beneath her fingers shot her to her breaking point. A powerful orgasm ripped through her body, bringing pleasure to every nerve ending. Her hips undulated while he continued to push into her. A few seconds after, he came, thrusting hard once, and then stopping. He muttered her name as he balanced on his elbows and touched her face.
Lauren looked into his eyes. Is that love, pity, or sexual satisfaction? Maybe all three? She cupped his cheek and brushed her lips against his. Happiness flowed through her veins like adrenaline. Sweat beaded on his forehead and chest. His eyes, like pools of melted dark chocolate, stared into hers, questioning.
“What?” she asked.
“That was amazing.”
“It was. Way beyond expectations,” she adm
itted.
“Oh?” He cocked an eyebrow. “And what horrible thing did you expect?”
“I expected a self-obsessed lover who didn’t care about me.”
“Really? I gave you that impression?”
She nodded.
“And so?”
“I was wrong.”
He bent over and kissed her. “So, what am I?”
She snaked her arms around his chest, hugging him to her. “You’re just what you said. The best lover.”
“And your experience is so wide? You’ve slept with so many men?” He pushed up, pulled out of her, and rested on his side.
“I’ve had my share.”
He chuckled. “Nice save.”
She smiled at him. “Unlike a man, a woman never tells.”
Laughing, Griff headed for the bathroom. Lauren watched him. His back was broad and muscular. His waist was trim, and his butt, adorable. He was supported by long, strong legs with meaty thighs and tapering calves. She wanted to touch every inch. When he returned, she took her chance, running her palm along his chest and down his abs. He lay back as she explored his body. When she got to his arms, she asked, “Which arm do you throw with?”
“Right.” He smoothed his hand down her back as she continued.
Lauren examined the muscles in his right arm. “Is that one more developed than the other?”
“I don’t know. Never compared ’em.”
She went back and forth between the two, trying to measure. “I think it is, maybe a little.”
He wrestled her down onto her back and kissed her belly, tickling her. Lauren was lost in laughter, screaming and kicking. He subdued her legs with his, moving his thigh between hers. He slid it up against her. His eyes danced.
“More?”
“Hell, yeah.” He reached down for another condom. “First one held fine, by the way.”
She blew out a breath. He covered himself and was inside her before she could blink. He hiked her leg up, hooking it over his shoulder. She gasped when he plunged in deeper. His power and aggression thrilled her, sending sparks down her spine. He pumped hard and fast, making her come with him. His mouth captured hers, their tongues dancing.
Lauren arched her back and rubbed her nipples against his chest. They hardened immediately. She hummed a tune, like a purr.
“You’re a special woman, Lauren.”
“Yeah?”
“Sexy. I could make love to you all night long.”
She giggled. “You’re wearing me out.”
“Already?”
“Umm hum.”
He drew her close. She snuggled into him and closed her eyes. Griff pulled the sheet up. Within minutes, happy dreams filled her head.
* * * *
At nine, Griff woke up, starving. Missed dinner. He tried to slide out of bed without waking Lauren, but as soon as he moved, she raised her head.
“Hungry?”
“Yeah.”
She sat up. “Leftover meatloaf in the fridge.”
“Cold meatloaf? Yeah!” He licked his lips. “Should I save some for you?”
“I’ll have some corned beef.”
He pulled up his boxers and offered his robe to her. It touched the floor, and he had to roll the sleeves up three times. She smiled as he threw his arm around her shoulder.
After their late feast, they cuddled up together in his bed for the rest of the night.
In the morning, Griff was whistling when he entered the locker room. Buddy was ready for his workout.
“A new tune?”
“Nope.”
“Oh, yeah. I think someone got lucky, eh?”
Griff turned away to hide his blush, but Buddy wasn’t deterred. He followed his friend.
“Man, you’re red. Did you make it with that babe?”
“Butt out, Buddy.”
“You did! Shit, you banged her, didn’t you?”
“I said, shut up.” Griff stuffed his bag in his locker.
“Really? How many times?”
“Shut the fuck up.”
Buddy snickered. “Finally! Was she worth the wait?”
“I swear I’ll take you out you if you don’t shut your mouth.” Griff raised a fist.
Buddy held up his palms. “No violence, please. Don’t mess up this pretty face.” He laughed.
Griff’s frown broke into a grin. “Come on, asshole. Let’s practice.”
The two men continued teasing each other as they took the field. They did warm up exercises and ran on the track. Memories of Lauren in his bed invaded his brain. Buddy kept talking, but Griff wasn’t listening.
“So, how was she?”
“Lauren’s not a pick-up. Not some fuck buddy.”
“Yeah, so? Tell me. Come on.”
“Shut up.” Griff pushed ahead, adding speed to avoid his friend’s questions. Remembering the feel of her soft skin made Griff’s fingers tingle. He couldn’t wait to touch her again. She was sweet, loving, and wary. But when he got her going, she perked up, responding to his every caress. A twitch between his legs told him he’d better steer his mind in another direction, or he’d soon have a raging hard-on.
The two men stopped and emptied two water bottles. Griff tossed a few short passes to warm up. Then, the men got serious. Buddy ran and Griff threw for the next forty-five minutes. They stopped, grabbed more water, and headed to the workout room. Griff iced down his arm then showered at the stadium. He took care combing his hair, shaved, and slapped on an expensive aftershave in expectation of the night to come.
On the way home, he roared into town to do a few errands. When he placed the key in the lock, Spike’s familiar barking greeted him. Upon Griff’s entering the house, the pug jumped on him, trying to lick his face. A tantalizing aroma drifted to his nostrils and made his stomach growl.
Lauren sashayed out of the kitchen, wearing a simply stunning sundress in peach. The bodice hugged her breasts, attracting his gaze, tempting him. He licked his lips. Her dark, shiny hair flowed around her shoulders, ending in a loose curl or two. Her smile was broad, and her eyes sparkled. A woman well loved.
“For you,” he said, offering her a dozen red roses.
Her eyes widened. “Oh my. Really? That wasn’t necessary.”
“I wanted to.”
“They’re lovely. I’ll put them in water. What do you want to drink?”
“Beer? Something smells great. What’s cooking?”
Lauren handed him an open bottle before arranging the long stem beauties in a vase. “Lasagna. My grandmother’s recipe.”
“My favorite.” He put his hand on the small of her back as he accompanied her into the kitchen. Griff set the table while Lauren made a salad. “Wine?” he asked.
“Perfect.”
Griff opened a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon while she created homemade dressing and tossed the salad. The table was set. He retrieved the candlesticks from the dining room and set them down then struck a match.
“How romantic,” she said.
He took the hot dish from the oven, placed it on a trivet, and then bowed low, pulling out her chair. She added the salad and took her seat. The candlelight kissed her face with its warm glow, making her eyes sparkle. He sat across from her. Griff hadn’t seen such a beautiful woman off a movie screen.
As Lauren served the meal, he sat back, waiting for the piping hot pasta to cool. “Will you spend the night with me tonight?”
She shot him a sly look and grinned. “Guess where I was today?”
He shook his head and raised his eyebrows.
“At the drugstore. Guess who filled a prescription for birth control pills?”
He laughed and took her hand in his.
The next morning, Griff started training camp with a positive attitude. With a sexy woman in his bed and a hot meal waiting for him every night, his appetites were sated. He worked hard and drove home tired. Lauren remembered what he had told her about Kathy and every evening a hot, herbal bath was waiting for him.
He looked forward to the end of the day, returning to Lauren. It surprised him how comfortable he had become living with her and Spike. Sometimes in the car, as he sped toward the Victorian, he’d marvel that maybe he’d found a woman who captured Kathy’s talents in the kitchen and bested Carla’s in the bedroom.
Life was good, except for Sunday, when he called California. Most times, Joe and Missy were happy to talk to him. They filled him in on their school and sports achievements, bragging shamelessly, seeking his praise and approval. On the Sundays when they weren’t around, he’d chat with his sister, then hang up, trying to forget the void in his life. He’d shut down, escaping for a run, a drive, or even a long walk with Spike.
Loneliness welled up in his chest, creating a hollowness inside.
When he returned, feeling guilty about abruptly taking off, Lauren was forgiving. She didn’t mention it, but rather asked his opinion about something trivial or offered him a special snack. Gratitude flowed through him that she knew when to back off. Was it possible he was falling in love with the woman he accused, in open court, of being a dog abuser?
He pushed the idea aside and focused on training camp and enjoying his time with Lauren, ignoring the fact she was creeping closer to his well-protected heart. While he had decided he needed to get married, he still wasn’t used to the idea of giving up bachelorhood and settling down. He wondered if he’d be able to make the switch from man-whore to husband material.
Part of him questioned if she was nice to him because he paid her thirty-five hundred bucks every month. She could fool me in the kitchen and the living room, but never the bedroom. He smiled to himself at the stupid idea that Lauren’s affections could be bought.
When the game schedule was handed out, he tacked it up on the fridge and decided that out-of-town bed buddies had to become a thing of the past. Would he have the willpower to walk away from attractive, willing women when he was on the road? Time would tell.
* * * *
Lauren bundled Spike into the car, fastening his leash into the seatbelt in the back before she slid behind the wheel. She was pumped up about her new assignment, decorating an entire house for a man who was in Europe. She breathed a sigh of relief he wasn’t around, as she feared the same outcome as with Bob. Something about decorating a guy’s house makes you sexy to him.
Griff Montgomery, Quarterback Page 11