“Could be better.”
“Yeah, how so?”
She sat up, pulled out his arm that was settled on his chest and laid her body next to his so his arm was wrapped around her and her head was on his chest, snuggling up next to him.
“So much better,” she said as she placed her hand on his chest.
He felt like he couldn’t breathe, she was so close to him, practically wrapped up like a pretzel with him. He liked it…no, he fucking loved it. Her breasts pressed against his side and her hair tickled the bottom of his chin, releasing a lilac scent that was intoxicating. She was memorable, perfect in every way, and in his mind, made just for him.
“Now, tell me,” she asked, “Why is such a strong and confident man like you on the field so shy when it comes to the ladies? Shouldn’t you be a cocky bastard with women texting you every two seconds?”
Shrugging his shoulders, Jesse said, “I’ve always been too busy for girls. I had a girlfriend, Katie, in high school and college, but she moved away. We’re good friends now, but that’s pretty much it. I’ve never really been the player that everyone expects me to be. I’m more of a reserved kind of guy; I like being at home.”
“I get that vibe from you. You seem like a really good guy and very genuine.”
Jesse nodded as she nailed his personality exactly. He was just an all-around good guy. He didn’t go “fishing for bearded oysters” as Ryker liked to say. Mason and Ryker always tried to get him to go out with them, but frankly, he just wasn’t interested because what he wanted was a wife, a future, not a quick bang in a broom closet…that was just not the kind of guy he was. It wasn’t in his blood.
“I try to be,” Jesse answered. “What about you? You’re gorgeous and sweet, how come you don’t have a boyfriend?”
Ashlin was quiet for a second as she thought about his question. She took a deep breath and said, “I really don’t want to get into that side of my life. It’s complicated and fucked up, and I’d rather not taint the impression you have of me.”
Slightly disturbed by her answer and sad, Jesse squeezed her tightly to let her know that even though she didn’t want to talk about her past right now, he would be there for her.
“Nothing you tell me could taint what I see in you, Ashlin.”
Ashlin huffed at his comment, but dropped it.
“Do you not believe me?” Jesse asked, pushing the subject for some reason.
“No, I do, and that’s what makes me nervous. You’re too good, Jesse.”
“Too good for what?” Jesse asked, confused.
Ashlin sat up and stroked his jaw with her petite hand. “You’re too good for me, Jesse. I have a lot of baggage, and I could easily bring you down.” Jesse was about to disagree with her, but she stopped him from talking by placing her fingers over his lips. “That doesn’t mean I’m not a jealous girl and won’t take what I want.” With that, she placed both of her hands on either side of his head and lowered her mouth just above his. Licking her lips, she said, “I want you, Jesse, more than anything.”
Silently agreeing, Jesse wrapped his hand around her neck and brought her lips to his, igniting the burning fires in the pit of his stomach. She melted into his chest as their tongues meshed together, arousing them both.
The way she moved her mouth against his had him quaking in his shoes, pleading for her to continue. She felt so perfect, so right. She was confident and sexy and had a powerful aura about her that had him begging for more.
Her hands ran up the sides of his face and cupped his cheeks, as she continued to move her tongue in and out of his mouth, testing his restraint. He hadn’t had sex in a very, very long time; it was his choice because he just didn’t find pleasure in fucking random women, but now that he had the woman he wanted in his arms, he felt his will slowly ticking way with each whimper and moan that came from her mouth.
Pulling away, Jesse ran his hand over her cheek and said, “You’re so damn beautiful.”
Smiling, Ashlin replied, “Then kiss me again.”
She didn’t have to ask him twice.
**Brooke**
Checking her watch, she sighed as she waited for Jax to get home. He’d been working late almost every night since Mason was injured, leaving no time to go on dates. She tried not to think about how, once again, football took precedence over her…just like when she was dating Mason. She kept reminding herself that she was just getting to know Jax, so she didn’t need to go all psycho girlfriend on him.
Frankly, she wasn’t even sure if they were boyfriend and girlfriend; it was so juvenile to think of such a thing, but she would like to know if they were exclusive. They’d seen each other a couple of times, but Brooke really didn’t like sharing, especially after everything that went down between her, Jax, Mason, and Piper.
Shaking her head, she thought about the whole fucked up situation and how funny it was that, in the end, Brooke was talking to Jax, the sweet southern man who got screwed over by the fiery, indecisive redhead. Although, if Brooke had to look at the two men side by side, she would have a hard time picking too, she thought. Mason was rough, a domineering alpha male who got what he wanted. Jax was a sweet southern gentleman with a body to die for. Not that Mason didn’t have an amazing body, Jax was just different…unexpected, and she liked that about him.
Car lights glared through the dark night, indicating Jax was finally home, which was a good thing, because Brooke was starting to freeze her tits off. Denver was pretty, but damn, it was cold sometimes.
Walking up to Jax’s car, she waited for him to get out as she held onto the sandwiches she’d brought over in case Jax hadn’t had dinner.
Smiling, Jax got out of the car and looked her up and down. “Hey, beautiful. Why do I get the great pleasure of seeing you tonight?”
Brooke instantly melted on the spot from the way his southern voice dripped with smooth molasses as he spoke to her. It was undeniable that he could possibly give her an orgasm by just talking sweetly into her ear.
“I thought I might surprise you with some sandwiches, is that okay?” she asked, as she held up the bag.
Eyeing the bag, Jax said, “I love sandwiches. Now, let’s get you out of this cold night air.”
Leading her by putting a hand at the small of her back, they entered his house and went straight to the living room, where Jax started a fire by just flipping on a light switch. Ah, modern conveniences.
“Sit,” he pointed to the leather chair next to the fireplace. “I’ll get us some drinks and plates. Would you like a beer?”
“Yes, please.”
Jax winked at her and walked off toward the kitchen. He was wearing worn jeans, a navy blue Stallions polo, his ever-present white Nike hat, and his white Nike shoes. It was a common outfit for the man, and boy, did he pull it off. He was so damn hot with his broad shoulders, slim waist, and muscular thighs that were well-displayed by his jeans. He had it all, and she was one lucky girl to be sitting in his chair right now.
Carrying a tray with some drinks, plates, and chips on it, Jax walked back into the living room and set the tray down on the coffee table, which he pulled closer to them.
“You going to hog that chair all to yourself?” Jax teased as he eyed her.
“Maybe,” she replied by eyeing him up and down.
“I guess I’ll just have to go to the other room…” Jax fake walked away, making Brooke laugh.
“You’re such a baby,” Brooke said, as she got out of the oversized chair so Jax could sit down first.
As he passed her to sit down, he cupped her chin and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, making her insides flip upside down. “You like it, and don’t even lie to me,” he replied, right before he tore away from her and sat down in the chair, scooting the coffee table full of food closer to him.
Patting his lap, Jax said, “Come here.”
“You know you have a perfectly fine dining room table we can eat at.”
“Where’s the fun in that? If we’re at the
table, I wouldn’t be able to work my hand up your thigh, now would I? Now, get over here,” he said, while leaning forward and grabbing her hand. He pulled her down on his lap and tugged her legs over his so her back was against the arm rest of the chair and her legs were on top of his. “Much better,” he mumbled, as he leaned in and kissed the side of her neck.
Little beads of pleasure started to pour through her body as Jax’s lips worked their way up and down her sensitive skin, sending goose bumps along her arms.
“I’m so glad you’re here; you have no idea.” Jax pulled away and looked her in the eyes, making her sink even further into his chocolate brown gaze. “I’ve had a rough couple of days and you here is making everything better.”
“Are you trying to sweet talk me?” Brooke teased.
“Is it working?” Jax wiggled his eyebrows.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Brooke grabbed the sandwiches and handed him one. “When was the last time you ate today?”
Jax thought about it for a second, and then said, “I had an apple for breakfast.”
“What?” Brooke scolded. “Jax, you can’t just eat an apple all day. You need more food than that. I don’t want to be walking around with a skeleton.”
A smile crossed Jax’s face which only irritated her. “What are you smiling about? I’m serious,” she demanded.
Gripping her thigh and drawing small circles with his thumb, Jax said, “I like you worrying about me. It’s cute.”
“Well, you better eat, so there’s someone for me to worry about,” Brooke said, while poking his ribs.
“Noted,” Jax replied, just as he took a giant bite of his sandwich. “Damn, this is good. Thank you, Brooke.”
“Of course,” she replied, while taking a bite of her sandwich as well.
They both sat in silence as they ate their food, occasionally stealing glances at each other and smiling like fools. They didn’t have to say anything or even touch, just the heated glare in their eyes spoke enough. They wanted each other badly, and it didn’t look like anything was going to stop them.
Once they finished their food and tossed the wrappers to the side, Brooke turned Jax’s hat so it sat backwards on his head and straddled his lap. Placing his hands on her hips, he situated her body so they were both comfortable. Given his height and her lack thereof, their faces were evenly leveled, giving Brooke perfect access to Jax’s lips.
“So, tell me, have you missed me?” she asked, hoping to get the answer from him that she wanted to hear.
“Terribly,” he said, warming her heart. “I’m sorry that I’ve been working late these past couple of days. Believe me, I would rather be here with you, getting to know you better…everywhere.” Jax ran his hands slowly up her thighs to the juncture of her hips and legs, making her want to squirm in place. It was such an easy thing to do, to run his hands up her legs, but to her senses, it was as if he was performing magic on her nerves, igniting every last sensation in her body.
“Everywhere?”
Nodding, he continued to move his hands up her body until his hands rested right below her breasts. Her breathing started to hitch as she tried to rein in her raging hormones. They were just hands, not magical orgasm wands, she thought to herself as she continued to stare him in the eyes. His head was leaning against the chair, and he was so casual, so comfortable…as if his slight movements weren’t about to make her combust any minute.
Shifting on his lap, she wondered how he could be so calm, and then she felt the bulge that was protruding from his lap. She smiled at the thought of him being turned on as well.
Reaching for the hem of her shirt, she lifted it over her head and dropped it behind her so it was out of the way. She’d made sure to wear some sexy navy blue lingerie, just in case she was presented with the situation she was in at the moment.
Nodding in appreciation, Jax took in everything about her, slowly perusing her body and making her body temperature skyrocket. She didn’t know how much more of this she could take; she needed to be with him.
“You’re so sexy, Brooke,” Jax said in a throaty tone. He outlined her bra with his finger, making her breathe even heavier. She just wanted him to touch her, in any way, just touch her and make the pressure building up in her core float away.
“Jax, I want you to fuck me.” She didn’t mean to be so crude, but she was at her breaking point. All the looks he gave her during dinner, the wait of not seeing him, and the slight touches he delivered were a recipe for explosion, and she needed to explode…badly.
Raising an eyebrow at her, Jax said, “Well, I never knew a lady to use such strong language.”
“Jax…” she whined, actually whined. Is that what her life had come to?
Chuckling to himself, he wrapped his arms around her back and unclasped her bra in one swift movement. Looking down at her breasts, he licked his lips and said, “Damn, I’m about to have myself a little fun.”
Chapter Eight
**Hannah**
“Were you going to eat all these burgers by yourself?” Hannah asked, as she counted five in the bag Ryker brought back to his place.
Not ashamed, Ryker said, “Yeah, I’m a hungry boy.” He lifted his shirt while patting his stomach. Hannah felt like her eyes bulged out of their sockets as she took in the extremely well-defined six pack Ryker was sporting. She never swore, but holy shit, those abs were swear worthy.
Laughing, Ryker poked her in the side and said, “Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to stare? It’s not very polite.”
Shaking her head, she said, “I’m sorry. I just…I mean wow, Ryker. You’re kind of toned for a guy who likes to eat five burgers at…” she checked her watch and said, “At nine at night.”
“I’ve been blessed with the metabolism of a god.”
“And an extreme amount of humbleness as well,” Hannah added.
“Always humble,” Ryker said, as he dove into his first cheeseburger. “Here, these two are for you, and I’ll take these three. Fair?”
Eyeing the burgers, Hannah said, “One will be just fine for me.”
“Now, Hannah, I’ve noticed you’re looking a little thin; you better eat two burgers, or you’re going to be in trouble.”
He thought she was thin? She didn’t think she’d lost that much weight. Yes, she missed a couple of meals here and there when she was depressed as hell when Todd broke her heart and she lost Ryker, but nothing noticeable….right?
“I’m not thinner,” she said defensively.
Ryker gave her the “You’re kidding me” look and then put his burger down. “Come here,” he waved his finger at her.
They were both sitting on his couch, but with a decent distance between them. After she changed and washed her make-up off, the magic that sparked between them out in his front yard had slightly disappeared, and immediately Hannah felt awkward, even though she knew she shouldn’t. She was with Ryker, the one person who could make her feel the most comfortable.
Moving closer, she sat a foot away from him now.
“I said, come here,” Ryker scolded, as he pulled her on top of his lap. He positioned her so she was now straddling him, making her feel even more awkward. She was by no means a virgin, but she was also a little more reserved, so that fact the that she was wearing men’s clothing while straddling someone she once only thought of as a friend was a foreign thing to her.
“There, much better,” Ryker said, as he looked her up and down. “You see, I’ve known you for a while, and I’ve really examined your body…”
“Ryker!” Hannah exclaimed, as her face heated from embarrassment.
“Nothing wrong with taking a look at the goods,” he joked. “Anyway, you’re thinner. I can tell, because I know this body like the back of my hand.” Gently he started to lift her shirt, but she stopped his hands.
“What are you doing?”
“I want to make sure you’re not thinner than I thought,” he said with a smile.
Getting off his lap, she
replied, “Nice try, Romeo. Eat your burgers.”
Laughing, he bit into his burger, but then grabbed her hand, making sure she didn’t go too far. The feel of his hand on hers was overwhelming. She liked Ryker, a lot, and always thought of him as a friend…yes, she thought he was sexy, but never did she think she would be sitting on his couch, wearing his clothes, and holding his hand as she watched him take down three cheeseburgers.
“So, tell me,” Ryker said with his mouth full, “What made you go out and get all gussied up? You weren’t meeting up with someone else, were you?” The way he asked the question was teasing, but Hannah saw the insecurity that was right below the surface. He was a very confident man, but at that moment, she saw his confidence lacking.
Finally taking a bite of her burger, she answered, “No, the only person I was looking to see was you tonight.”
A small smile grew on Ryker’s face as he took in what she said. “Is that right? Well, aren’t I a lucky son of a bitch?” Hannah quirked an eyebrow at him for his language. “Oh, yeah. Sorry. Why the change, though?”
She shrugged her shoulders and said, “Thought that maybe if I changed, became, you know…sexier,” she practically whispered making Ryker smile brighter, “That maybe you would give me a chance, take a second look at me.”
Ryker creased his brows as he listened to her. Putting down his second burger, he said, “Hannah, you have to know that I’ve never had a hard time looking at you, or thinking about you. You’ve been on my mind ever since I first saw you…”
“But we haven’t seen each other in three months, and then at the grocery store, it was like you couldn’t get away from me fast enough.”
“Yeah, because I was mad at you,” Ryker said with a firm voice. “I mean, damn, Hannah. You ripped me apart the moment you compared me to Todd. I would do anything for you…anything!” Ryker’s voice kept rising, making Hannah wilt in place. “And then you go and compare me to Todd, when I’m nothing like that douche nugget. I would never cheat on you…ever, and do you know why? Because I fucking cherish you; I cherish everything about you, from the way your eyes sparkle in the sun to the way you crinkle your nose when I swear. There is nothing I don’t like about you, and it fucking gutted me when you so easily turned me away…when I was trying to be there for you.”