Bottom Of The Ninth: Bad Boys Redemption: Book Three Page 12
“Ah, gotcha.” He grabs his bag and mumbles something about needing a cold shower.
I drop the candy bar on the counter before it melts in my hands. Criminy, why does that man make me so hot and bothered? An entire day of being stuck in this cabin together may be my undoing.
* * *
“This is good.” AJ stares over his mug at me. I watch his lips slip over the rim as he takes a sip.
“Better than the packet kind, huh?”
“Definitely.” He stretches his neck from side to side again with a pained expression. “Maybe I need something stronger than this to ease the muscles?”
“Sorry, fresh out of Guinness Blonde American Lager.”
His head rears back. “How’d you know my favorite beer? I never drank in college.”
“I know. I’ve seen you drink it before.”
“Where? I’ve never seen you out.” He drops his voice. “Believe me, I would’ve noticed.”
That’s because I stayed hidden. “You were previously occupied.”
He doesn’t appear happy at that, but his face grimaces as another pain shoots across his shoulders.
“Neck’s still hurting, huh?”
“Fu-u-u—Stupid couch.”
“Here.” I slide behind him and straddle him from behind, hiding my grin from his attempt at curbing his foul mouth. “I owe you one. Even if it’s one-handed.”
“How is your finger doing?”
“It’s fine. Thanks to my wonderful doctor.”
He grunts out a laugh that morphs into an appreciative moan when my fingers knead his neck muscles. Darn, these muscles are tight. I bite my bottom lip as guilt creeps up my spine. I tried to take the couch last night, but he insisted I sleep in the bed. My argument fell flat, but I was right—I do fit better on the couch. He wouldn’t hear it though, and there’s no arguing with AJ Gonzalez. I ended up with a decent night’s sleep—minus the extremely horny part—and his reward for being chivalrous is a sore neck. Go figure.
His deep breath as he relaxes into my hand is my undoing. Heat flares between my legs, and my pulse quickens. I work my fingers down his spine and slowly rub circles back up.
“Wait a sec.” He drags his shirt over his head and tosses it to the side.
My breathing stutters at his perfectly natural tanned skin stretched across the massive deltoids and bulging biceps. And his tattoo. Holy crap, I can never get enough of this sight.
AJ’s hands fall to his sides, grazing my thighs. I lean closer to him, working my fingers across his neck as my chest slides against his back with each rise and fall of my breath. The faint howl of the wind and soft crackle of the fire compete with our own breathy sounds.
His thumb rests against my thigh and starts moving with the slightest touch. He works small circles at first. I don’t protest. In fact, I mentally beg for more. As if answering my plea, the other fingers follow, one by one, until his entire hand wraps around my thigh.
Tingles shoot outward to my toes all the way to my chest. I swallow hard while continuing to run my hand along his bare back. This glorious back that’s mine for the moment.
“Cupcake?”
My name rolls from his tongue like a plea for mercy. As if he’s drowning and my name is the life preserver that will save him. His fingers tighten around my thigh, and I feel each breath against my palm, against my core. My own breathing syncs with his and keeps rhythm—short, shallow pants. Then, I can’t help myself.
I lift up and forward, my pebbled nipples grazing his skin through my thin shirt, and I plant a soft kiss on his neck. His entire body stiffens, and the next thing I know, I’m lying beneath him, his gaze burning into mine. He’s trying to resist me. I see his struggle in the way his jaw sets tight and the tortured look as if he’s in physical pain. I almost whimper at the restraint this guy has.
I part my mouth, and that simple move is all it takes for his will to break and everything to become a hot, frenzied mess of lips smacking, hands roaming, and tongues raging war with each other. Blindsided by lust, I can’t get enough of his body, the hard ridges and the defined pecs. He’s absolutely delicious.
He lifts my shirt over my head as I unbutton his pants and work them over his hips. He doesn’t protest this time. Instead, he jumps to his feet and kicks his pants the rest of the way off while snagging my leggings down with him. Heat passes through his eyes as he stares at my lacy white underwear and bra.
“Fuck, you’re hot.”
For once, I don’t mind the curse word falling from his mouth because him standing in front of me, wearing nothing but boxer briefs, is a freaking beautiful sight. I raise to my knees, kneecaps sinking into the couch cushion.
“You’re too far away,” I whine as I reach for him.
“Yeah?” He takes my hands and yanks me to my feet. I yelp and then laugh as he sweeps me over his shoulder and carries me as if I weigh nothing. He playfully smacks my ass and pads across the floor to the bedroom. We collapse on the bed, laughing. He turns toward me and asks, “You really want to do this?”
I don’t have to think twice. “Yes.”
Chapter Twenty
AJ
Current Day
Yes, the best consenting word to fall from her lips. This may still be wrong, but I don’t think I can stop now. How I put the brakes on last night baffles me, but I’ve denied my taste of her for far too long. Today, I’m expanding my palate.
As I lean forward, my lips close over hers, this time slower, more careful. I’ve wanted this moment for so long, but there’s still a small part of me that fears she’ll disappear. I drag my tongue along the seam of her lips, silently begging for more. She complies, and I take full advantage, sweeping my tongue across hers as I savor her flavor—chocolate. My appreciation for Hershey’s grows tenfold. Heat courses through my veins as our kiss deepens. I drag my fingertips across her shoulders and down her back and swiftly unclasp the bra. The sexiest sound escapes her mouth as her breast frees and falls into the palm of my hand. Not missing the opportunity, I cup the fullness of her mound as my other fingers weave through her golden hair and grab a fistful. I can’t believe I finally have this girl where I want her.
With the slightest tug, her head drops back and exposes the creamy, silky flesh that drives me crazy with want. I work my mouth along her neck, each sensual moan vibrating against my lips. I don’t think I’ve ever gone this slow with any woman, but Mia makes me appreciate every inch of her body. I don’t want to rush our time. For once, the sex isn’t about me getting off; it’s about us.
I swallow hard as her rosy pink nipples stand at attention and practically beg for my mouth. I sweep my thumb across the puckered bud, and I’m rewarded with Mia arching her back, giving me full access.
Hungry for her taste, I roll her nipple between my fingers and squeeze before taking the beautiful tip in my mouth. Her breath hitches as I gently bite down. Damn, this is better than I imagined. Because I’m an equal opportunity player, I move to the other breast and give it the much-needed attention.
Once satisfied, I shift and begin to nip and lick my way south, reveling in the way her body writhes beneath me. I reach her underwear and nudge my nose across the white lace. I can’t help myself. I take a deep breath and take in her sweet scent. So fucking hot.
I skim fingers along the underwear’s edge and then slip underneath. I join my lips to her skin as I work the material lower, my mouth following suit.
With the underwear disposed, I run my hands along her inner thighs and spread them apart. My breath gets caught in my throat as I bask in the wetness that’s ready and waiting for me. My cock hardens to the point where it’s almost painful.
Mia Gunner is finally mine for the taking. I damn well better do this right because she deserves nothing but the best.
Then why is she with you?
I push the thought away and place my mouth on the spot I’ve waited to savor for the past eight years. And Goddamn, she’s everything I thought she’d be: sweet, ho
t, and fucking delicious. Her hot little “oh” brings forth a smile, and I run my tongue along her slit, along each fold, until I reach the sensitive area that will bring her nothing but pleasure. With a firm stroke of my tongue across the bundle of nerves, she lets out another pleasurable cry, reacting just the way I want her to. Slipping two fingers inside her, I begin working back and forth while continuing to lavish her with my tongue. Her hips buck off the bed in a single jerk, and when my name falls from her mouth, I take that as a sign she’s close. But I’m nowhere near ready for this to end.
Slowing my pace, I continue savoring every moment until her cries grow desperate. Wanting to bring her over the edge, I plunge my fingers faster and then curve my fingertips upward. This sends her spiraling into a series of shudders and moans. Her eyes close and her features soften as she rides out her orgasm.
Fucking beautiful.
The pink glow of her skin is radiant and inviting, and I can’t wait until her warm pussy is wrapped around my cock. She opens her eyes, and that wicked smile fuels me on. I climb back to her with every intention of burying myself deep inside, but she surprises me by pushing on my chest. I outweigh her by over a hundred pounds—I don’t budge. She presses harder, and it’s so fucking cute I let her control where she wants me.
She lays me on my back while exploring my body. She palms my muscles, her fingernails sweeping along the lines of my tattoos. It’s both stimulating and frustrating at the same time but highly erotic.
“I love your ink.”
Her words amuse me. I don’t know what the girls find so attractive about the design, but they all seem to love it. She’s hot while taking her time to admire my body art, but my dick throbs against her. He’s already mad at me for not giving him relief last night. This is downright torture, and I’m afraid he’ll rebel against me soon.
“Babe, I—”
“Shh, you need patience.” She brings her mouth to my skin, starting at the tip of my tattoo and working lower.
“I need you on my dick.” My words cause her to chuckle, but I’m close to exploding in my boxer briefs. “If you keep this up, it will be over before it starts and extremely embarrassing.”
“Big bad boy a little quick on the trigger?”
“Fuck no, but I will be if you keep going like this.”
I eye her for a moment. Her long hair cascading over her shoulders tickling my hips, tits pressed against my stomach, and a beautiful face sporting a fuck-me-now look make perfect spank bank material. I’ll keep this image stored for future use.
In a swift move, she pulls my boxer briefs down, and my cock springs free. She licks her lips as she takes in my size. Not going to lie, I didn’t get the short end of the stick when dick sizes were handed out.
“Condom?” She may have asked a question, but when her lips wrap around my shaft, thinking becomes an unfamiliar concept. She grabs my balls and squeezes with slight pressure, swirling her tongue around my tip.
“Uh…wallet.”
Mia scoots off me, and I swear my dick whimpers for her touch.
“Be right back.” She glances back at me and holds up an index finger. “Hold that position.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I raise my hands above my head in a full eagle spread, and the position seems a little familiar. Well, minus the cuffs.
Before I can worry about repeat tie-ups, Mia bounces back in with two condoms in hand.
“We only have the two.”
Fuck, why didn’t I stock up? Oh, yeah, this trip wasn’t about boning anyone.
“Sorry, babe. I certainly didn’t plan this.”
“What kind of boy scout are you?” She climbs back onto the bed and drags her mouth over my cock for one last slow and easy taste. She licks a drop of precum and moans in appreciation. “I should punish you for not being prepared, but I’m too horny.”
I laugh as she sheathes my dick with the condom. I must admit, it’s impressive she knows what she’s doing. She straddles my hips but turns to where her beautiful ass faces me. Reverse Cowboy? Hell, yeah. Ride’em, cowgirl!
With my hands on Mia’s hips, she positions my cock at her entrance and sinks onto me. My breath hitches from the warmth of her pussy wrapped around my shaft. She feels fucking perfect. I cup her sweet little ass cheeks and guide her as she moves and finds her rhythm. I should let her have full control, but I can’t seem to let go. It’s not in my nature.
Her blonde hair sways across her back. Beautiful. Tempting. This may be my only chance to be with Mia, so I’m not holding back. I grab a fistful of hair and tug with the slightest pressure. The approving moan is met with an increased pace. Her back angles just enough for me to cup her breast and flick her nipple.
“AJ, yes. God, yes.”
She grips my hips tighter and pumps up and down faster. Sweat breaks across my back as her walls clamp down. As sexy as her ass is in this position, I can’t see her face. And that’s a fucking shame. My girl is too passionate not to watch as she comes undone. I lift her off from me much to her disapproving whine.
“Hold on, babe.” In a slick move, I tighten my grasp and roll to my side, taking her with me. She ends up underneath me where she belongs.
Her thighs spread eagerly as I settle between them. We’re both close to the edge, so this is going to be fast and rough. I grab hold of her hands and interlock our fingers. Raising them above her head, I push inside. Pure bliss coats her face, and I almost lose it from the sight.
“You like having my dick in you. Don’t you?”
“Mmm-hmm,” she murmurs. “Feels…good.”
Pressing her knuckles into the bed, I drive into her hard, giving her every inch I have. Her legs wrap around my waist, and the change of angle sends a sharp warmth through me. My balls squeeze tightly, and I know I’m on the cusp of going over. Her body quivers beneath me, and after a few more moments, we’re both spilling over the edge. I bite my lip as I pump the last few drives until I collapse on top of her.
Afraid of squishing her, I shift to the side while we catch our breaths. “Sorry if I was too rough.”
“God, don’t be sorry. That was…incredible.” She turns toward me, and I grab hold of her hand. “Perfect.”
That it was. I raise her knuckles to my lips and kiss them. “You’re perfect.”
A sad smile crosses her face, and I wish I could take back my words. I have a feeling she doesn’t like the pedestal I placed her on. She acts like she doesn’t deserve it. I can’t imagine this girl ever doing anything to tarnish her reputation. Mine may be blown, but hers certainly isn’t. No matter what she thinks.
After I dispose of the condom and clean up a bit, I draw her into my side. Mia’s the right size for snuggling. Wait, since when did I like to cuddle? Most girls I fuck leave after sex. The ones that stay only do so because we pass out afterward. I’d like to say it’s from my awesome skills, but alcohol plays a key role. But even with them staying in my bed, I never snuggled with them. Not even in college.
“I’m not so innocent, you know.” Her soft voice breaks through my thoughts.
“I have a tough time believing you almost ended up in juvie.”
She laughs softly. “No, it’s nothing criminal.”
She goes quiet for a moment. I think that’s the end of the discussion, but then the slightest pucker forms between her brow, and I know it’s just a matter of time before she tells me what’s bothering her. I remain still beside her not saying a word as I wait.
“My dad was a businessman. Traveled a lot for work. I hated the times when he was gone. He missed everything. Dance recitals, school plays. The night I had the lead part in the ballet performance of Annie…”
I give her a sideways glance, and when she notices, the color of her cheeks tinge pink.
“Don’t judge. I had to wear a red, curly-haired wig, but nobody could outperform me.”
A light chuckle escapes as I try to take away the sting of her next words. I have a feeling this story isn’t leading to anything good.
My fingertips trace small figure eights over her shoulder and down to her elbow in encouragement. The way she’s clamming up, I can tell this subject isn’t easy.
“That’s the year my sister’s cancer came back. Mom struggled with the news, and taking her to appointments got to be overwhelming. I drove back home to help. Anna only lived a few months after her relapse. I went back to school the following fall semester, but two days after Christmas, our house caught fire. Drake was out with friends at the time, and I was driving back to California. There was a New Year’s party I wanted to attend. Mom was the only one home and she…”
I draw her closer to me as she gulps down a sob.
“The fire claimed Mom’s life.”
“Jesus.”
“We lost everything that night. I didn’t go back to CU after that. I stayed here to take care of Drake until he graduated. When he left for college, he lived in the dorms, and I remained here. The plan was to stay in Vermont until he finished college, but I never made it back. When he started playing for the Phillies, I moved to Pennsylvania.”
A pang of sorrow jolts through me. I had no idea she never finished school. Back when I first met her at CU, she had high aspirations. A positive outlook.
“I wondered what happened to you that semester.” I almost hate to admit this, but after I ditched her, I had a hard time staying away. I blocked her from my phone, so I wouldn’t call, but that didn’t mean I physically stayed away. I just never saw her again.
“What do you mean?”
“After standing you up, I spent the last few months avoiding you only to find myself in places you frequented. The library. Kernette Center. Hell, I’d even walk by your residence hall a few too many times. But I never saw you.”