Playing Hardball: Part 4 Page 5

  “Don't push it, Firecracker,” he said. “Your ass is already calling my palm. Do you mind if I shower?”

  My eyes moved down and up his body, and he busted me.

  “You can come too if you'd like,” he said.

  My bottom lip moved between my teeth, and he reached down to adjust his dick.

  “You get the couch,” I said.

  He walked toward the bathroom grumbling under his breath. On the way there, he pulled his shirt over his head and threw it back at me. Then he stopped, pulled his shorts off, and threw them back as well. I couldn't take my eyes off that sexy ass as walked again. He stopped at the bathroom door and turned around to face me. His entire chest was dripping with sweat. That line of hair going into his boxers was teasing me like it never had before. He slid his fingers under the band of his boxers and dropped them to the floor, releasing his very hard cock. Then he wrapped his hand around it and circled his thumb over the tip, before sliding his hand down and back up his shaft.

  “I wasn't giving it to you anyway,” he said, as he turned, walked into the bathroom, and shut the door.

  “Asshole,” I growled before walking into my bedroom, changing into shorts and a tank top, and crawling under the covers.

  I heard his laugh from the other room and smiled. It was bad enough I'd seen that sexy body covered in sweat. I couldn't help but think about that same sweaty body covering me. His chest and abs were something I missed, and it hadn't been that long since I'd touched them. His arms tensed as he pushed his pants down, and I honestly wanted to squeeze them. Then there were those muscular legs that held that body over me more times than most. My mouth was already watering seeing that line of hair, but when he pushed his boxers down, I was done. His cock was rock hard and begging for attention. Then the ass had the balls to wrap his hand around it and stroke it in front of me. I wanted it to be my finger running over the tip before sticking it in my mouth to get that small taste of the man I found myself craving.

  When the water turned on, I closed my eyes and thought about him standing in the shower, against the wall, letting the water pour over his head and down his body. Before I knew it my hand was under my shorts and in my panties. I rolled onto my back and let my finger run through my wetness. I'd been soaked before he even dropped his boxers in the doorway. All I could see in my mind was every inch of his body covered with water. My legs spread wide and my fingers rubbed circles around my clit. My other hand moved under my tank top and wrapped around one breast. There was no way his hand wasn't around his cock in that same moment, and that drove me crazy. My fingers rubbed faster and harder as my other fingers caressed my nipples, moving back and forth between my breasts.

  I could see Lance leaning with one hand on the wall, his ass perfect and ready for grabbing, his back tight, with water running over him as his hand held tight around his dick and stroked. I could picture the sounds coming from deep in his chest as he applied more pressure. He'd stroke himself from base to tip. My back arched when my fingers tightened around my nipple, and a moan escaped my lips. My other hand moved down and I entered my pussy with one finger, as my palm hit my clit.

  I could see it all like I was right there watching from behind him. Another finger entered me, and I began fucking myself harder. My hips were meeting the rhythm of my hand, as I continued to think about him. His strokes would quicken. The water would pour down that chiseled body. His head would fall back and his eyes would close. He'd stroke faster and harder. My fingers fucked me faster, the same speed I'd pictured him moving. I could see the look on his face. Then he'd tighten his grip on his cock and he'd explode jolt after jolt as a loud growl left his chest.

  I was right there about to fly over the edge I'd been chasing when I heard it. The loud rumble that I'd heard before filled the air, and without warning, I cried out as I came hard around my fingers. I rode out my orgasm as long as I could before letting out a long breath.

  The moment I heard the water shut off, I rolled over and closed my eyes. My breathing was still uneven. I wanted him to think I was already asleep. A few minutes later, I heard my door open. Then I felt the covers pull back. The bed dipped under his weight as he crawled in behind me. His arm went over my body and rested on my stomach. There was no denying how good it felt having him there again. I always felt safe with him, even that first time we'd slept in the the same bed. I felt like nothing bad could happen with him there.

  I heard him sniff the air around us and pulled my lip between my teeth to prevent any sound from coming out.

  “Fuck, Lucy,” he said. “What the hell were you doing in here?”

  I didn't say a word and held tighter on my lip.

  “I know your awake, your breathing like you've just been fucked and it smells like that sweet pussy in here.”

  It took all I had to keep my body still and quiet.

  “So that's how you're going to play it,” he said.

  He grabbed my hand, pulled it to his mouth, and sucked my fingers. Then a rumble escaped his chest.

  “Are you trying to kill me?” he asked, once he'd released my fingers with a pop sound. “I thought I heard you cry out. I just emptied my cock, and you've got me rock fucking hard again.”

  “You're supposed to be on the couch,” I finally whispered.

  “Not going to happen,” he said. “I need to feel your warm, sexy body next to mine.”

  He pulled me closer to him and threw one of his legs over mine like he had when he'd been in my bed before, and I instantly felt his cock against my ass. He wasn't lying. It was rock hard. I pushed my ass back and moved it back and forth. Even with the covers on, it stung when his palm got my ass.

  “I came in here to sleep. Now stop moving that ass before my cock stretches it wide. You only get one warning, Firecracker.”

  “Lance,” I said on a gasp.

  “Stop playing with me, and go to sleep, woman,” he barked out. “Our baby needs rest.”

  When he said our baby, I felt my chest squeeze. I'd thought of the baby as mine or his. He was right. The baby was ours. He'd been so amazing all day, better than I had ever given him credit for. I instantly felt bad that I'd judged him so many times. He really did seem like he was going to be right there every step of the way. I felt warmth shoot through my entire body as I thought about him being there. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.

  I knew I wasn't going to leave Pennsylvania. I couldn't take our child away from his or her father. The baby deserved all of the love in the world. It was time to put in the effort Lance was putting in. It was time to stop trying to push him away.

  Chapter 10

  Lance

  I'd just gotten the release I needed in the shower. I really did think I heard her cry out, but I thought she was sleeping. There was no way I was going to the couch. I needed her next to me. We weren't fucking, but I had to have her close. I was going to prove I could be there without throwing her down and fucking her like a caveman if it killed me.

  When I walked in, I thought she was asleep. Her ass was faking. When I crawled in behind her and smelled that same scent I had every time we fucked, I knew I was in trouble. She tried not to move, but I could feel her body shaking. I couldn't decide if I wanted to laugh or cover her body with mine. When she continued her charade, I knew I had to call her out. When I grabbed her hand and stuck her fingers in my mouth, I wasn't expecting they had been buried deep inside of her. Just the thought had me rock hard. There was no way around that. She tasted just as amazing as I remembered. It felt like it'd been forever since I'd had my face between those thighs. Then I pulled her back against me so she could feel what she did to me, and the woman had the balls to push back against my dick. I smacked her ass so hard. I knew she'd barely feel it with the covers on, but I had to do it. There was only one way to still her, and I used it. I told her if she moved that ass again, even once, that I'd bury my cock in it. She knew I meant every word I said and instantly stilled. Would I have done it, hell yes I would have. I meant
what I said, and there was no way I would have gone against it.

  When the words our baby came out of my mouth, I think she was just as shocked as I was. Neither of us said a word, and I was glad for that.

  I woke up before she did and quietly moved out of the room. By the time she got up, I'd already gotten some things done in the baby's room. She walked in and her eyes widened.

  “It looks so nice in here, Lance,” she said. “I want you to know that I appreciate you putting in so much effort. I've not been the easiest to get along with, but you've been right there anyway.”

  I stopped what I was doing and went to her. Then I pulled her into my arms for a hug.

  “You're sweaty,” she said, as she moved in my arms.

  “You never complained before,” I said.

  She smacked against my stomach, but I pulled her closer.

  “This was a shock to both of us. I honestly didn't think I wanted kids for a long time yet. When I saw that picture, every thought I had about it was a happy one. That shocked the shit out of me. Sure we have a lot to figure out. I know that. I'm gone so much, and it fucking hurts thinking about what I'll miss. That part is hard for me. I know you're an amazing person. Sure you're cocky and stubborn, but you're going to love our baby and take care of the little one. I have no worries on that. You're going to be a great mom, Lucy. I'm going to be the best damn dad I can be. You told me you didn't want kids. How are you feeling?”

  “I didn't want kids,” she said. “I was never going to have them.”

  “Why?” I asked.

  She shook her head no, and I didn't push.

  “When I saw the test, it scared the crap out of me. I felt like a horrible person. When I thought about going to the doctor and finding out the test was wrong, I felt so much loss. That was when I realized just how much I already loved the baby. I've been reading and doing everything I can to keep the little one safe. I know my past is a bit crazy, but my life has changed. Everything I do is for the baby.”

  “I'm reading too,” I said.

  “What?” she asked.

  “Carrie's mom gave me two books while I was there. I'm halfway through the first one already.”

  “How can you read that fast?” she asked. “What are you thinking about what you've read?”

  “I sat in my room reading instead of going out after the game, and I read on the way back home too. I've learned some things I didn't want to, but I've learned some good stuff as well. I saw you had vitamins, and it's great that you're not drinking coffee. Some of it's a bit scary. When I thought of a woman being pregnant, I never realized how much she would go through mentally and physically.”

  “I can't believe you're reading about it,” she said with a smile.

  A knock at the door pulled us from our conversation.

  “Go get ready,” I said. “I'll get the door.”

  I opened the door to the delivery guys that were bringing the furniture. They brought in all of the boxes and lined them up along one wall in the baby's room. I looked around and knew it was going to be a long couple of days. I wanted to make sure everything was put together before I went back out on the road.

  By the time Lucy emerged from her room again, I had one box open and pieces all over the floor. She walked in and looked around with wide eyes. I couldn't help but laugh.

  “Where do we start?” she asked, as she finished pulling her hair up on her head.

  “We aren't doing anything. You can take your pregnant ass into the living room and turn on the television,” I said.

  “This looks like a lot of work. I want to help,” she said.

  “My baby's momma will not be in here lifting and working. Go out and rest.”

  She let out a huff and walked out of the room. I'd gotten one of the dressers put together before she came back.

  “I made lunch,” she said.

  “Let me get this box open and I'll be out,” I said, as I wiped my arm across my forehead.

  “No,” she said with her hand on her hip. “My baby's daddy will not work so hard that he doesn't eat. Now get that sweet ass out here for lunch. Those boxes aren't going anywhere.”

  “I just want to finish before I leave,” I said. “I know what will happen if I don't.”

  “What's that?” she asked, as she reached out her hand for mine to help me up.

  “You'll put the shit together yourself,” I said.

  She laughed and turned around to leave. I pulled my hand back and smacked her ass hard.

  “What was that for?” she yelped, as she rubbed her ass.

  “There are so many things I can think of,” I said.

  “Very funny,” she said.

  I was surprised to see that she'd made steak, potatoes, and vegetables.

  “This is lunch?” I asked.

  “Yep,” she said. “I've got to feed you good to keep you going.”

  I let out a laugh of my own and sat down to an amazing tasting meal. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until I looked down and everything was gone.

  “You're expensive to feed. It's a good thing you make so much,” she joked.

  “You're not doing so bad yourself,” I said, as I pointed to her plate.

  “Hey,” she said. “I'm eating for two. I do need to be more careful though so I don't gain too much weight.”

  “Bullshit,” I snapped. “You eat as much as you need to keep our little one safe and healthy. I can't wait to see you with a round belly.”

  “You wouldn't be saying that if we were still having fun,” she said.

  “I sure would,” I said. “I'd smack that ass just as hard if it were more plump and round. It wouldn't change a thing. I'll get back to work.”

  “Can I at least come and talk to you?” she asked.

  “Sure,” I said.

  She sat on the floor and we talked about the baby, Carrie, my team, Lucy's work, and so much more. Time passed quickly. I put the crib together and a small nightstand. There was still a chair and footrest left. I grabbed the next box, but she reached out to stop me.

  “Not tonight,” she said. “You're dripping with sweat and look so tired. Leave these for later. We have months before we need them. We need to eat.”

  “You're hungry again,” I said with a laugh.

  “Seriously,” she said. “Come on. Are sandwiches okay? I can cook, but it will take longer.”

  “Sandwiches are fine. I'm actually pretty hungry too,” I said.

  “I don't doubt that,” she said.

  Before she could get up, I grabbed her around the waist and pulled her onto my lap.

  “Lance,” she yelped.

  “I was just seeing if I could still do it,” I said.

  “Fucker,” she snapped, as she smacked my chest and pushed up from my lap.

  She was out of the room before I could get to my feet. I jumped in the shower while she made the food. I wanted so badly for her to come in so I could take her against the wall. It wasn't easy being around her without putting my hands on her.

  “Can we watch a movie?” she asked, as she put two plates of food on the coffee table.

  “My pick,” I said.

  “Why?” she asked.

  “I don't have to keep you happy to get in your pants. I've watched enough of your movies. I worked hard today.”

  “Fine,” she said.

  I didn't like that she sat as far away from me as possible on the couch. It wasn't what I wanted, but I knew I had to have some control so she wouldn't think sex was all I wanted.

  I turned on a comedy. It was probably what we would have picked anyway, but she didn't need to know that. It was my pick, and I made sure to remind her.

  She let out a yawn and her eyes were closing. I put my legs up on the couch and pulled her so her back was against my chest. When her hand rubbed across my crotch, my breath caught for a second. She settled back against me, and I felt her body relax as she fell asleep. My fingers ran softly up and down her arms over and over.

 
; Before I knew it, she was shaking me. I opened my eyes and looked down at her.

  “Come on,” she said, as she stood up and took my hand. “Let's go to bed.”

  I stood up and followed, shocked that she'd even said it. She crawled in and I got in behind her. When I put my arm over her, she pulled it in close to her chest and held it tight. I threw a leg over hers and fell back to sleep instantly.

  She had to work the next morning, so I got up and made breakfast. When she walked out of her room and rubbed her eyes, it took all I had not to pull her close and kiss those soft, plump lips.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “Making breakfast,” I said.

  “You don't have to do that, Hotshot. You're already working so hard. I can just grab toast,” she said.

  “No,” I said. “I made you a lunch too. I already told you, my baby's momma needs to keep my baby fed.”

  She shook her head and turned to walk away.

  “I could get used to this,” she said, as she walked into the bathroom.

  “So could I,” I replied.

  The craziest part of it all was that I really could have gotten used to it. When I slept with her in my arms, I slept better than ever. I noticed she hadn't woken from a bad dream that night. She seemed just as rested as I did. Being around her seemed so real and comfortable. We'd talked more the day before in the baby's room than we ever had. When I thought about leaving, I didn't want to. That scared the crap out of me.

  She ate the eggs, bacon, and toast I had made and grabbed her lunch on the way out to work. I got to the door before her and opened it. Then I pulled her in and kissed her forehead.

  “Have a great day at work, honey,” I said with a smile on my face.

  “Thanks, dear,” she joked back. “Will you be here when I get home?”

  “I want to get everything finished before I leave. I do have to go by my house and get some things. We don't leave until tomorrow, and I need to practice in the morning first. Can I come back here tonight?” I asked.

  “Sure,” she said. “You can have the couch.”

  “Not going to happen,” I said, as I kissed her cheek. “I'll see you tonight.”