by Ryan, Kaylee
Chapter 14
Landon
I’m supposed to be taking her home, but I’m calling an audible. I want her at my place, in my bed. That’s all I’ve been able to think about, and now it’s going to happen. I don’t ask her if it’s okay. It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission. Besides, the way she returned that kiss told me all I needed to know. She’s in this.
We’re in this.
Finally.
Pulling into my place, I hit the button for the garage and it slowly opens. I pull in, turn off the engine, and shut the door. Lifting her hand to my lips, I kiss her knuckles before pulling away, and climbing out of the SUV. I race to her side and this time she waits for me. Tugging open the door, I offer her my hand as she steps out. As soon as the door is closed, I’m on her. I push her back against the car, and my mouth claims hers. Emma’s hands find their way to the nape of my neck, and her fingers glide through my hair. She’s so tiny, and I need better access. Bending, I lift her into my arms. With my hands on the backs of her thighs, I take her mouth once again.
“Landon,” she breathes as my lips trail down her neck.
I want to fucking devour her, every delectable inch. Instead, I force myself to slow down and pull away. Her green eyes are glassy as she gives me a half smile. I realize that I could be moving us a little fast for her, and I don’t want that. I want her to be in charge, which is a new concept for me when it comes to the opposite sex. I’m learning that everything with Emma is different.
“I know I said I would take you home, but then you said you wanted the date, and we kissed, and well, I just wanted you here. In my home, in my space. I don’t expect anything, just your company,” I ramble. Looks like the asking for forgiveness part of the evening has come around. I’ve done nothing wrong, but I don’t want her to get the wrong impression either. If she asks me to take her home, I will. In fact… “If you’d rather I take you home, we can do that. I just… I really needed you here, in my arms.”
“I was kinda hoping to get more kisses.” She bats her eyelashes and I can’t stop the deep throaty chuckle that escapes my chest if I tried.
“Done.” And since it’s kisses she wants, I press my lips to hers for the third time tonight and take my time tasting her. By the time I’m done, we’re both breathless.
“That’ll do, Number Eighteen. That’ll do,” she says, her head now resting back against my SUV.
“Come on, you.” I tighten my grip on her and carry her inside. Once we’re in the kitchen, I position her on the island. My hands rest on either side of her, caging her in. “You thirsty?”
“No, thank you.”
I’m trying really hard to not drag her off to my room to ravish her. Instead, I stand here, stick still, staring into her big green eyes.
“How about a movie?”
“Movie?” She nods. “That I can do.” Snaking my arms around her, I whisper, “Hold on tight,” as I lift her into my arms and carry her into the living room.
“My feet work. The ankle healed weeks ago,” she teases.
I sit down on the couch with her straddling my lap. “I like you close,” I admit.
“How close?”
Her words are barely a whisper as she leans in and kisses my neck. “That works,” I say, gripping her hips to keep her close. I like her right here where she is.
“You know, we’ve never tried the cuddling thing here at your place. Maybe you won’t like it on your home turf.”
“Did I not tell you? I’m a professional cuddler now.”
“Really? Giving up the starting QB spot for cuddling. I didn’t see that one coming.” She grins down at me and my lips ache to kiss her. So I do. Just a quick peck to her lips.
“Nah, but there’s this girl, she’s pretty much knocked me on my ass.”
“Aw, poor baby.” She juts out her bottom lip, so I nip at it with my teeth, soothing the ache with my tongue.
“She’s got this long, dark curly hair. Her eyes… they’re this green I’ve never seen before. She’s open and honest, and not afraid to call me out for my shit. She’s pretty much my dream girl.”
“Have you told her?” Her eyes soften because we both know the answer.
“Yeah.” My hands slide behind her neck, bringing her closer. “I’ve told her, but maybe I should remind her, you know? In case she’s forgotten or maybe she thought I wasn’t being serious?” I raise my brows at her, daring her to challenge me.
“Oh, I’m sure she believed you, but maybe she might like to hear it again, you know, just to seal the deal.”
I nod. “Emma Deaton, you’re everything.”
She bites down on her bottom lip, stealing my attention. “I’m worried about a broken heart, but Aubrey helped me see the light. I don’t want to wonder what-if.”
“What-if what?”
“What if I let this pass me by? Would I always regret it?”
“I don’t give up that easily, Emma.”
“I’m glad.”
One hand still behind her neck, the other wrapping around her waist, I pull her into a hug. “I don’t know what all this means. The things you make me feel. The breathless, fluttering, romantic sap that I’ve never been, but I want to know more. When it comes to you, I find I want it all.”
“It?”
“You. Us. The future. Cuddles on the couch, kisses, laughs, meals, dates, you coming to my games. You name it, I want it. As long as it’s with you.”
“Well, I say we start with that movie.” She slides off my lap and I let her. When she bends over to grab the remote from the coffee table, I don’t even hide the fact that I’m ogling her ass. After tonight’s declaration, I have that right.
She takes a seat next to me, and I put my arm around her, pulling her close while she starts to surf the channels. Her phone rings, and she hands me the remote while she pulls it out of her back pocket. “I’m sure it’s Aubrey checking on me.” She glances at the screen, then nervously back to me. “Unknown number. I’m always worried it’s going to be about my mom or something and it’s always a telemarketer, but I still answer.” She sits up and slides her finger across the screen. “Hello.” She pauses and glances nervously at me over her shoulder. “Hey, Corey.”
Motherfucker.
She’s here with me, so I have no right to be pissed off, but damn it, can he not see that she’s all mine? She left with me. She chose to let me take her home, well, my home, but it’s the same thing. We’re together. I give up on finding anything to watch and unashamedly listen to her conversation.
“Oh, about that. Listen, I was a little distracted tonight and I didn’t realize what I had agreed to. I’m seeing someone. It’s new, but I’m excited to see where it goes.” She pauses. “Landon.” Again, she’s quiet, and I want to beat on my chest that she’s just told him she’s my girl. Well, close enough anyway. “Thanks, Corey. Sure, I’ll see you around.” She ends the call and places her phone on the table, before taking her spot and curling back into my chest.
I pull her impossibly close and hand her the remote. I don’t care what we watch. Chances are I’m only going to be watching her. She flips through the channels for several minutes before yawning. “Can’t find anything,” she says, tossing the remote beside her on the couch.
I’m not ready to take her home. We just got here. I just got her. She peers up at me, and I know what’s coming. She’s ready to go. “Can we go to bed?”
“You’re staying?”
“Unless that’s not okay? I can have Aubrey come and pick me up.” She moves to sit up, but my hold is strong, keeping her next to me.
“No. I want you here.”
“Okay. I’m exhausted. It’s been a long day.”
“Yeah,” I agree. Game days always take a lot out of me. I stand from the couch, lace our fingers together, and bring her with me as I lock up the house and turn off the lights. I lead her to my room and give her some boxers and a T-shirt to sleep in. “There’s the bathroom. Take all the t
ime you need. I’m going to go down the hall to the guest room to shower.”
“Okay.” Nothing but easy acceptance from my girl tonight.
She disappears behind the bathroom door and I just stand here and stare after her. I meant what I said when I told her I just wanted her here in my space. For weeks I’ve lain in bed at night wishing she were here lying next to me. I’m letting her take us where she wants this to go, but at the same time, I’m a man. A man who only has to hear her voice for my cock to take note. It’s going to be a long night, but I already know it’s going to be the best night I’ve ever had. Just because it’s her, Emma. Just her presence alone makes it so.
Shaking out of my thoughts, I grab some clothes and head down the hall to grab another quick shower. Sure, I showered after the game, but I have to take care of business if I’m going to survive sleeping next to her tonight. Turning the water as hot as it will go, I strip out of my clothes and step in. The water massages my tense muscles. I’m not sure if it’s from the game, or from knowing Emma is staying with me tonight. Either way, the hot water does wonders. Grabbing the bottle of body wash, I squirt a handful into my hand, and wrap it around my already hard cock.
It’s not hard to imagine her here with me, knowing she’s just down the hall. I close my eyes and remember what it felt like to have her in my arms. I remember the first taste of her on my tongue as we kissed.
My hand pumps faster.
Over and over again, I work my cock. My balls tighten, and I have to brace myself with my free hand on the shower wall to keep from losing my balance. My eyes are still closed as I let my mind wander to what it would feel like to be inside her. To hear her soft moans of pleasure. That’s all it takes. My back stiffens as my release pours out of me, as I call out for her. I should be worried she might hear me, but I couldn’t care less. I want her to know what she does to me. That just the mere thought of her brings me to my knees. I don’t play games, not when it comes to someone as important as Emma. There’s never been anyone like her, not for me.
By the time I make it back to my room, Emma is sitting on the side of my bed. She’s wearing a Trojans T-shirt that has my name on the back. The jersey she wore today was similar, but this is different. This time it’s my shirt against her skin, and sure my name was on her back earlier today, but this feels… more.
“All set?” I ask, making my way to the opposite side of the bed. I don’t really have a side living alone. I can take the entire thing if I want and most nights I end up in the middle. Tonight though, that will be different. Emma will have her side. I like that. I like it a lot.
“Yes. Thank you. I wasn’t sure if you prefer a side.” She nods toward the bed.
“No. It’s always just me, so I never have to choose.”
“Well, what side do you take when people sleep over?” she asks, like the words taste bitter in her mouth.
“No one stays here. At least not here in this room with me.”
“Come on, Landon. Be straight with me. I’m not a gentle flower. I can take it.”
“I don’t bring women here, Emma. Just my mother. That’s me being straight with you. Look, I know we’ve skirted around this, but just because I was photographed at an event with a woman doesn’t mean I slept with her. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not a saint, and have never claimed to be. This is my home, Em. My place to just be me. I don’t bring random women into my sanctuary.”
“You brought me here.”
I walk back around the bed, and her eyes follow me as I stop to stand in front of her. Bending down, I cradle either side of her face in my hands. “You’re different, Emma. I want you here.”
“Only me, huh?” A slow smile crosses her face. “So I get to pick my side of the bed?”
I can’t help it. I have to kiss her. Leaning in, I place a loud, smacking kiss on her lips. “Yeah, baby. You can pick your side of the bed.”
She nods. “Okay. Get in.” She stands and gives me a pointed look, telling me she means business.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine a spitfire of a beautiful woman would be bossing me around, but here we are. Shaking my head at her antics, I head back to the other side of the bed and climb under the covers.
“You settled?”
“Yes.”
I watch her as she turns out the lamp on her side, well the side she’s standing on, and the room is bathed in darkness. I feel the bed dip and the covers ruffle as she climbs beneath them. I exhale with the knowledge that she’s just claimed her side when I feel her moving and then her body is right next to mine.
“Change your mind?” I ask her. I can’t see her face, but I know she’s close.
“No.” She lifts my arm and slides under, resting her head on my chest. “I just want to be where you are. We can share a side.”
I’m not sure how to explain it, but it feels a lot like my heart’s tripping over in my chest at her words. This gorgeous, kind, sexy, thoughtful woman has managed to turn me into a romantic fool when it comes to her. In no other situation, with any other woman, could I ever imagine myself having this kind of reaction to those words. In fact, I would be running for the hills. Not with Emma.
“I like this plan.”
“Me too.”
We lie in total darkness for what seems like hours when in reality it’s a matter of minutes. “Landon,” she whispers.
“Hmm,” I ask as I run my fingers through her thick locks.
“I really want to kiss you.”
“Are you asking for permission?”
“Maybe? I’m not sure what this is or how this works.”
“This is us in a relationship. This is whatever you want it to be. You don’t have to ask for permission to kiss me or touch me. You’re welcome in my home, and on any side of this bed that you want. This isn’t just something to pass the time, Emma. I want to see where things lead with us. You are the first woman I’ve ever felt this way about. I’m not letting you go anytime soon.” If ever. I keep that thought to myself.
“Just us, right? I mean, we’re exclusive? I know that sounds crazy and I feel stupid even asking, but I want us on the same page. I won’t do this if I don’t have all of you.”
“We’re exclusive and you already have all of me.”
“In that case…” I feel her weight lift off my chest, and her hands roam from my chest, up my neck until their softness cups my cheek. “Kiss me.”
Not needing to be told twice, I flip her over on her back, causing her to squeal. Even in the dark of the room, my lips find hers easily. I devour her. Her taste’s so new yet familiar as I explore her mouth.
Rolling to my side, I continue to kiss her. My hands roam over her body, but I don’t take it any further than that. There’s something to be said about making out like teenagers as an adult with a woman who consumes your thoughts. It’s exciting and innocent, and we need this. This time to just be together. I’m showing her that this is more, that she’s more.
I don’t know how much time passes us by, minutes, hours even; we have no concept of time as we get lost in one another’s kiss. I never knew a night like this would be so… rewarding. Emma’s here, in my bed, in my arms, her kisses branding me and mine her. This is definitely a night for the history books as one I will never forget.
Chapter 15
Emma
I’ve been staring at the wall for over an hour. My body’s in the same position as I think about where I am and last night. Landon was a complete gentleman and while my body screamed for him to take me, it was perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing about our time together. Hence the reason I’m lying as still as I can, not wanting to leave this bed or his embrace. His body is aligned with mine, his arms wrapped around me, and it’s a comfort like I’ve never known.
“I can hear you thinking,” his deep sexy voice says from behind me. I can’t hold the giggle from escaping. “That is a sound a man can get used to waking up to.”
I roll over so that we’re face-to-face. “G
ood morning.”
“Morning. How long have you been up?” He leans in for a kiss and I turn my head. “What’s up with that?”
“Morning breath.”
“Fuck morning breath. Waking up with you in my arms deserves to be celebrated with a kiss, morning breath be damned.” He leans in again and this time, I let him kiss me, keeping my mouth closed. “Emma,” he growls, making me laugh. As soon as my mouth is open, he takes full advantage and slips his tongue past my lips. Suddenly I couldn’t care less about morning breath either.
“What are we doing today?” he asks when he finally pulls away.
“I’m not sure what you’re doing, but I have to work. Speaking of, I should get up and get moving. I still need to go home and change. Can you take me home?”
“No, no, no. Call in sick. Tell Aubrey that your lips are sore from kissing. Tell her that you’re stuck in a warm bed for the day and that I forbid you to leave it.”
“I’d love to, but I can’t. Aubrey depends on me, and the animals too. Besides, don’t you have practice today?”
“No. We get the day after a game off.”
“Really? I would think that you would get right back to it.”
“Nah, some teams do. Coach says we need a day to rest and let our bodies heal.”
“I hardly think that one day is long enough for that. I’ve seen some of those hits some of the guys take and even you when you’re getting sacked.” I grin.
“Always busting my balls.” He shakes his head, but a smile tilts his lips.
“It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.” I peck his lips and then roll away from him.
“Get back here,” he demands playfully.
“Can’t. Now get moving, Number Eighteen.” I grab my clothes from the chair in the corner of the room and disappear into the bathroom. By the time I’m dressed and brushed my teeth with my index finger and some toothpaste, I find Landon sitting on the edge of the bed, his hair mussed and a sleepy sexy smile on his face.