Hard Ball

by Heather Stone

  “Your father wishes he could join us.” She hangs her head. I roll my eyes.

  “I'm finding it pretty strange I'm getting you without him. I didn't think you two left each other’s side,” I sneer. “What? Too much traveling?”

  Her face pales. “That's what I came to talk to you about.” I hold up my hand to stop her.

  “If you're here to get more money from me, you're out of your mind. The bank is closed.”

  She shakes her head. “I wish we would've just told you from the beginning. I told your father that we needed to tell you. He’s so bullheaded, you're just like him. He said that we couldn't, that you would give up everything, but it's not fair.”

  I narrow my eyes at her. “What are you talking about?”

  “Cole.” She takes a deep breath. “Your father and I have been abroad, but we weren't traveling for pleasure. We've been going to Switzerland to meet with a specialist who offers alternative treatments for a rare form of brain cancer.”

  I scrunch my face in confusion.

  “Why would you be seeing a doctor in Switzerland for brain cancer?” I have a hard time keeping up. Her eyes glaze over and she looks like she could cry. Worry fills me. The woman I'm looking at is not my mother. This woman is broken. I place my hands on top of hers.

  “What's going on, Mom?” My voice is meant to be soothing. She looks into my eyes, pain and regret in them as a tear falls.

  “Your dad's dying.”

  I jerk back at her words. Surely she can't be serious. “What?”

  “A little over a year ago, your father was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer called medulloblastoma. We consulted with a few doctors here in the US, but we kept getting the same answer. The best we could do is radiation, we were told, but the doctors were all pretty honest in saying all it would do is possibly prolong his life by a couple of months.”

  She takes a moment to wipe away the tears. “It was actually Catherine Anderson, Makenzie’s mother, who mentioned reading about an alternative treatment in Switzerland. She helped me look up the details and get in touch with the doctor.” Makenzie’s mom knew. Does Makenzie?

  No. She would never keep something like this from me.

  “Why in the hell didn't you tell me about this?” I fume. “I would've given you more money. I wouldn't have been so pissed off thinking you were just using me for my money!” I bring my fist down onto the table, drawing concerned looks from the other patrons. I don’t care. “I would've fucking been there, Mom.”

  “I know.”

  “I had a right to know.”

  “If you would've known it would've eaten you up. You've worked so hard and you love the game so much, your dad didn't want you giving up your dreams to follow him across the world, chasing a cure that probably doesn't exist. We wanted more for you.”

  “That’s my choice to make.” As much as I want to yell and scream, the fact is, my dad’s sick. I’ve been harboring these hateful feelings for him this whole time and all along he’s been dying.

  “What can we do?” I bite back the tears.

  “There isn’t anything else to do.” She sniffles. “That’s why I’m here. It was time to tell you, and your dad…well.” Her words cut off into a sob. I stand quickly, coming around to her side of the booth to hold her. “He couldn’t do it.”

  I know my father and when he gets something in his head, he’s a damn stubborn fool. If he didn’t want me to know, then he sure as hell wasn’t going to be a party to telling me. It’s bullshit.

  You’re just like him.

  “Are you two going to be in town later this week?”

  She shakes her head no. “We have a few appointments but we’ll be back in a few weeks.”

  “I have to meet Makenzie over at the sports complex for physical therapy, but I want to spend more time with you guys.” My mother looks up at me, her eyebrows raised.

  “I promise as soon as we are back in town, we can spend plenty of time with you. You and Makenzie. How’s that going?” A small smile forms on her lips. “I always liked that girl. She’s a keeper, that one.”

  Grinning, I squeeze her tighter. “She sure is.”

  “You’re in love with her.” It’s not a question. Hearing it come from someone else is strange. Up to now, it’s been my secret, but now it feels like the world knows and I have a certain satisfaction from it. I want to claim Makenzie Anderson as mine. Forever.

  “Ma. I need to go.” I hug her once more. “I’ll call you later.” I hop out of the booth and head on out, for my girl.

  “Go get her. We’ll call you as soon as we’re back in town,” I hear my mom say. I can’t help but chuckle. Little does she know I already have her. Makenzie is mine.

  22

  Makenzie

  “Makenzie, right?” Tate asks, squinting in uncertainty.

  “Yes. I’m Makenzie.” I can’t contain the smile at the idea that the Tate Marshall remembers my name.

  “How’s your patient?” He grins, referring to Cole.

  “He’s stubborn and ready to get back in the game.” I shrug like it’s typical behavior, and it is, because Tate laughs.

  “Sounds like Callahan.” Shaking his head, he looks up at me, smile disappearing. “Do you—” He shakes his head. “Would you like to grab dinner sometime?”

  I’m speechless.

  Tate is gorgeous, talented, and swoon-worthy as far as any straight, red-blooded woman would be concerned. Any other time in my life I would’ve been all for his attention, but my life has changed. Cole’s the only person I see. The only person I want for the rest of my life.

  “I’m flattered, Tate, but—” he holds his hands up.

  “Let me guess, Callahan has staked his claim.” He looks a little disappointed.

  “That’s fucking right. She’s mine.” Cole’s voice penetrates my senses all at once. His smell, his boldness, it all does a number on me.

  As if that isn’t enough, I squeak as he lifts me off my feet and throws me over his good shoulder.

  Freaking Neanderthal.

  “Cole. Put me down. Now!”

  I hear Tate’s laughter but bury my head in Cole’s shoulder, not wanting to see everyone’s eyes on us. He’s done exactly what I asked him not to do. I didn’t want people to think I got this position because of my relationship with Cole. I want to be taken seriously.

  He opens a door and shuts it behind us and soon we are bathed in darkness.

  “Cole what the—” I’m silenced by a shush and lowered to my feet.

  “Baby, you need to stay quiet or everyone will know what we’re doing.”

  “What are we doing?”

  “I need you.”

  I should be pissed. I should want to tear his ass apart, but I don’t. Something in his voice is off. Knowing where he just came from, I can only imagine what damage his mother has done.

  “Are you okay?” I whisper as his forehead comes down to mine.

  “I will be. Let me feel you.” My mouth opens to speak, but the words are cut off by the fierceness of Cole’s mouth on mine. A moan escapes my lips but is smothered by his tongue dancing with mine.

  I get lost in his kisses, loving the way his hands feel as they move down my body, caressing every curve. When he gets to my hips, he drags the waistband of my yoga pants down my legs. Pushing me back to the wall, Cole falls to his knees, kissing a line down my stomach.

  “You aren’t wearing panties.” His voice is gruff.

  “I never do these days.” That’s a lie, but I wanted to get his reaction. I am not disappointed.

  He groans before he buries his head in my pussy.

  I lift my leg to drape over his shoulder, opening myself up to his brilliant tongue. The long laps he makes over my center have the pressure already building. It’s as if I haven’t been touched in years, whereas it’s been mere hours. His expert tongue knows exactly where to apply pressure and just how much is needed to have me climbing the sensation cliff. Long motions become s
hort choppy strikes at my pulsing clit. Grabbing his hair in my hands I hold his head against my pussy, begging, pleading for him to send me over the edge.

  “Please, Cole.” With that final plea, he delivers. “Yes. God, yes!” I call out too loudly.

  Once I’ve come down from the euphoria, Cole chuckles into my leg.

  “If we weren’t caught before, I’m sure your cries did the job.”

  I groan in embarrassment. “Cole. Get us out of here without anyone seeing us.”

  He stands, bringing my pants up with him and securing them back into place. When he’s fully on his feet, he brings his lips to mine, the salty sweetness of my orgasm on his lips.

  “That was amazing, but you’re the one who sounds like he needs a release.” I was feeling bad that Cole didn’t get any satisfaction out of our closet rendezvous.

  “Baby, you are all I ever need.” I relax into him, his words searing themselves into my heart. “I love you, Makenzie.”

  Butterflies swirl madly in my belly, warming my entire being. The fact that he loves me gives me a sense of peace I never thought possible.

  “I love you.” Our declarations are sealed with soft kisses. I could stay right here in this dark, cramped closet if Cole Callahan is with me. I love him and nothing and nobody can come between us.

  “We need to get out of here.” He grabs my hand to lead me out.

  “Wait. Can you hear anybody out there?” Suddenly, my fear of being caught catches up with me. I don’t want this moment ruined by eyes watching us.

  “It’s fine, baby. Nobody is ever down here. Trust me.” He squeezes my hand. Taking a deep breath, I squeeze his hand back, letting him know I’m ready. He opens the door and steps out.

  Nobody in sight.

  I sigh in relief.

  23

  Cole

  The ride back to my place was excruciating. I told Makenzie all I needed was her and I meant it. Literally. I need to be inside of her. The one place I know is safe and for me only. Call it caveman, call it alpha doucheness, I don’t give a fuck. She’s mine and I’m taking her.

  “Why are you in such a hurry?” The smile in Makenzie’s voice proves she knows me. There is no doubt what’s about to happen.

  “You know. I can’t wait,” I say through my clenched teeth. My pulsating cock is painfully begging for release.

  “Get us there safely and you can have whatever you like all day.” Her sultry voice does nothing but make my cock harden even more. I didn’t think it was possible, but she’s proven that she can do the impossible to me.

  Commit? Check.

  Fall in love? Check.

  Beg for sex? Yup. I’m fucked. This girl is a witch and she has me spelled. She always has.

  The thoughts have me smiling like an idiot. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, until the conversation with my mom filters back through the haze of love and lust to punch me in the gut. Makenzie must sense the shift as she squeezes my hand.

  “What’s wrong?”

  I pull into the parking lot of my place, turn off the engine and turn to her.

  “Let’s go inside. It’s not a conversation I want to have in the open.” Her face goes white and she pulls away. I narrow my eyes at her reaction.

  “Baby. It’s not about us.” I watch as her body relaxes and color returns to her cheeks.

  “I just…I don’t know. I worry.” She lowers her head and breaks my heart in the process. She’s insecure about us. The thought kills me. Does she not feel how much I love her? Does she not realize that she’s the most important person in my life?

  “What do you have to worry about? I love you, Makenzie. That’s never going to change.”

  Her head snaps up. “That’s easy for you to say now. You’re Cole Callahan, girls throw themselves at you. I’m just me, Cole.”

  “You’re everything,” I vow. “I’ve lived that life and there isn’t anything fulfilling about it. I don’t want just any girl who throws her pussy at me.”

  “Disgusting.”

  “You know what I mean, damn it,” I huff. “I don’t want any of them, Makenzie. I only want you. Forever.” I wait until her eyes catch mine. “Do you get that?”

  Her shoulders drop and her hand goes to rub her forehead.

  “I’m so sorry. I’m such a childish bitch.” She frowns. “You have something on your mind and I made it all about me.” I lean over the seat and bring her mouth to mine.

  “You’re my girl. Don’t ever doubt what you mean to me. Okay?” She nods.

  “Let’s go.” I come around to help her out. Pulling her into my side, we walk to my place enfolded in each other, both needing the comfort of the other for entirely different reasons.

  I could’ve told Makenzie what was on my mind, but the truth is, she grew up a part of my family. She harbors resentment toward my parents but only because she believed what I had, that they had abandoned me, skipping off with my own money. When she learns the truth, it’s going to hit her just as hard as it did me. The truth is, I’m not ready to face the reality yet and I sure as shit don’t want to have a breakdown in public. There is always a camera lurking.

  We get settled, Makenzie changing into comfortable clothes and me grabbing a drink from the refrigerator. This conversation is going to require a Bud…or three.

  “What’s on your mind?” Makenzie asks, scanning my face for some sort of a clue.

  “Sit.” She does.

  “I met with my mom today.” She inhales.

  “That bad?” She winces.

  “That bad, but not what you’re thinking.” She purses her lips. “The money, the travel, it’s been because my dad’s dying.” She gasps. “They’ve been traveling to Switzerland for treatment. The money paid for all of that. They missed my games because they were trying to find a cure.”

  “Cole. Oh my God. Why didn’t they tell you?” Her high-pitched words telling me she is angry that they kept it from me.

  “Dad knew I’d take a sabbatical to go with them. I worked so hard to get to the show, that he didn’t want me to put my life on hold for something that probably wasn’t even going to work.”

  Tears begin cascading down Makenzie’s cheeks.

  “I feel awful. I’ve said so many terrible things. If I’d only known,” she sobs. I envelop her in a hug. Her arms fly around my neck, squeezing me tightly. We hold each other for several minutes, not wanting to break the connection.

  “Now what do we do?” Makenzie whispers into my ear, refusing to ease up on my neck.

  “One day at a time, baby. One day at a time.” I run my hands down her silky hair. “I’ve got to get back in the game, Kenz. What do I need to do for you to sign off?”

  She drops her arms and moves back to look at me.

  “Why are you hell-bent on rushing it? The more you force it, the more likely you’ll be permanently injured.” Her frown lines deepen as she sees my resolve.

  “I need the money.” I shrug.

  “Bullshit, you have the money regardless. Your contract is for the season. It’s guaranteed.”

  “If I don’t show them what I can do, I won’t get a better contract next season and I need that money to help my dad. I have to do everything I can for him.” She nods, understanding how important this is for me.

  After all the hurt and misunderstanding the past year, I need to make it up to him. I know they don’t expect it and they sure as hell wouldn’t want me to get hurt, but I’ll do anything to get him the treatment he needs to fight this.

  “If we really hit things hard these next few weeks, you might be ready. The pain has stopped. It will just come down to whether it’s enough.” She narrows her eyes at me. “No excuses. When I say, you ice, you ice. When I tell you to get your ass in the pool, you get that ass in the pool. Got it?” She points at my chest and I can’t help but laugh at my girl. She tries to be tough as nails, but under that scowl, I know she wants to laugh. She knows me.

  “Come here.” I grab her hand, leading her b
ack to my bedroom. “I need you,” I growl in her ear. Her neck turns a pretty shade of pink. How she gets embarrassed still is beyond me.

  Laying her down on the bed, I start to pull off each piece of her clothing. With each item I fling to the floor, her chest heaves and her breath is thick with desire. Watching her thrust her breasts up makes me want to devour her.

  To take her over and over again, letting her know without a doubt that she’s the only girl for me.

  Now and forever.

  But as much as I want to mark and brand her, I have to be slow. I need to show her this is more than sex, that she’s…everything.

  Once she’s naked before me, I remove my own clothes until there’s nothing left. I sit on the bed.

  “You’re so beautiful,” I say as I lean down and place a kiss on her lips. She opens for me and I thrust my tongue in, getting a good taste of her before pulling away and dropping a line of kisses across her jaw, down the curve of her neck and over her collarbone.

  With each swipe of my tongue, there’s a soft moan from her. When I reach the swell of her breast, I trail a line, nipping and sucking until I pull on her nipple hard, eliciting a long sigh of pleasure from her sweet mouth.

  The sound goes straight to my cock, making me harder then I ever thought possible. The need to push inside her and fuck her senseless is overpowering me. Instead, I trail my hand down, parting her legs. I push two fingers inside her. She’s drenched and tight around my digits.

  I need to have a taste.

  Pulling away from her breast, I lower my body until my face is level with her sweet cunt. As my fingers work inside her, I latch on to her clit and start sucking with an intensity that will send her over the edge in seconds. With a curve of my finger, I find the spot I’m looking for and soon she’s quivering.

  That’s all it takes. Before she’s even done shaking, I crawl up her body and spread her legs open. With my right hand, I rub the head of my cock in her cream, coat the tip, and then plunge my dick all the way in until I feel myself bottom out.