Double Contact

by Christy Pastore

  “You got this, Lark,” he whispers in my ear before running back to the pitcher’s mound.

  He winds up for the pitch and once I think I’ve got it, I swing.

  It’s a miss.

  “Shake it off, beautiful,” Brenner yells and picks up another ball.

  “This could go on for hours,” I shout as I take my position at the plate again.

  “Concentrate. Get that elbow firmly planted at your side,” he reminds.

  A few more swings and I hit the ball right between first and second base. Brenner scoops me up and twirls me around.

  “That was awesome, Lark.”

  “It was pretty awesome.”

  We’re sitting at a bar around the corner from the stadium on what we’ve decided is our fourth date.

  Our dates remind me of the “Around the World” fraternity parties in college. I have no problem speeding up this process with Brenner. His confession that he wanted to ask me out that night at the Stingers party nearly knocked the breath out of my lungs.

  All the time we’ve missed not exploring our feelings for one another. Would things have been different if I’d met Brenner first?

  I’d only met Alec the week before. I was still on the fence about dating him. But our chemistry was white hot at the time and we seemed to have an understanding between the two of us. Regrettably, I wish I wanted more at the time. Not only from myself but also from a partner.

  “Let’s talk about dinner,” I announce and order two shots of tequila.

  “Dinner?”

  “Yes, I’m pretty buzzed and we need to eat. A basket of fries will hit the spot.”

  Brenner leans in close. “I’m hungry, but not for food.”

  I smirk. “I bet your mouth does amazing things.”

  “Kiss me and find out.”

  A moan rattles my throat. I reach for him. My hands cup his jaw and I press my lips to his. He kisses me back, hard. His hand fists the back of my head, taking over the kiss.

  For a moment, I think we will get kicked out of the bar for lewd acts in public. We don’t, sadly, which would have been a welcome relief to the torture of his kiss and the aching throb in my lady parts.

  We toss back our shots and I’m pleasantly relaxed and happy. It’s more than the booze. It’s being here with him. The air surrounding us gleams, weighted with years of longing.

  “You want to get out of here?” he asks.

  “Did you just read my mind?” I tease.

  He motions for the check and kindly pays for the bill. “I gotta get my luggage from Mom’s, then we can go back your place.”

  “Today was an absolute dream,” I tell him as he cages me against the bar.

  “Tonight will be even better,” he says and dips down for a quick peck.

  “Promises, promises.” I smile against his lips.

  He schedules an Uber, and we wait under the awning of the patio. I lean in and kiss his warm lips, the salty air wraps around us like a cocoon.

  Our driver is quite chatty, and Brenner is a good sport about indulging in conversation. The car comes to a stop and Brenner helps me out with a lazy grin.

  “We could get some takeout here,” Brenner suggests.

  “Not a bad idea. But I think we’ll be better off ordering at my place. I wouldn’t want the food to get cold.”

  He winks at me and I laugh. After we snatch up his luggage, we grab another Uber back to my place in Manhattan Beach.

  We make it to my house and my hands fumble with the keys. I feel his fingers tugging at the hemline of my shorts. “Get that door open, Lark,” he hisses in my ear.

  His cock grinds against my ass. “I’m trying, but if you keep that up, I’ll combust into flames and so will this house.”

  “Well, we can’t have that,” he says and takes the key from my shaking hand. “Let me do that for you.”

  The two of us tumble into the hallway and he kicks the door shut. He slips off his shoes and I follow his lead.

  “Nice place you got here,” he whispers, feathering kisses down my throat.

  My hands fist at the back of his T-shirt. “You want a tour?”

  “Show me the bedroom first.” Brenner kisses me hard, then he hauls me into his arms.

  “Through the living room,” I tell him in between kisses. “Can’t miss the door on the left.”

  We make it to the bedroom. My back hits the mattress and his fingers work the button of my shorts. The flame in his eyes brightens. His hands stroke up and down my legs. “How long have you been thinking about this?”

  “Since the day you saved me from falling on my face.” I lever onto my elbows and then sit up.

  He glances down at me with a smirk. “That’s a long time.” He tugs his T-shirt over his head, then his pants hit the floor.

  “Too long.”

  He stands before me in these sexy as hell boxer briefs, giving me a good long look at his body. His big hand glides over his cock and then he pushes his briefs over his hips while gravity does the rest.

  Holy shit.

  The head of his cock is thick. He’s big. I mean, ridiculously big. He gives himself a few strokes and I lick my lips.

  Brenner reaches between us and pulls my tank top over my head. He palms my breasts and then strips me of the pink lace.

  After he tosses my bra onto the chair near the bed, he crawls up my body, kissing every inch of my skin he can reach. His mouth lands on my nipple, giving it two teasing licks. “That day, I’ve thought about it a lot. I couldn’t stop staring at your legs. And now I have my hands on you.”

  My fingers scratch down his chest. “I like your hands on me.”

  Brenner’s head drops to my sternum, he lets out a long rumbling growl that vibrates through my entire body. “You drive me crazy.”

  “Let me show you just how crazy I can make you.” I move my hips and rub myself against his hard length.

  “Fuck.” His fingers pull my panties and I lift to help him. He leans into me, kissing me deeply and stealing the air from my lungs. My fingers dig into the muscles of his shoulders.

  “Shit,” he mumbles. “Condoms are in my luggage. Unless you have some.”

  I shake my head. “No, I don’t have any condoms. I’ve been tested. I’m safe.”

  “Me too.” He bites my nipple as he strokes his cock at my entrance.

  “And I take my pill every day at the same time, like a good girl,” I whisper. My hands glide over the hard planes of his abs.

  His hips snap forward, and he pushes inside me. “Fuck, you feel so good.”

  Brenner stretches me enough that it burns slightly, and I’m no virgin.

  “Harder,” I beg, arching my back, urging him deeper. I cry out at the feel of him filling me completely.

  “Years, I’ve waited for this,” he rasps and rocks into me with deep lingering strokes.

  “Yes, Brenner.” Desire flows through my veins.

  Every inch of my body tingles. I want this to last, but I’m not going too. There’s no way. Every deep, hard thrust of his cock pushes me closer to the edge.

  A breathless scream leaves my lips and I’m soaring. My orgasm intensifies at the realization that it’s Brenner making my body ache and burn. It’s so good.

  “Oh fuck, Lark,” he grinds out. Brenner nestles his face in the crook of my neck, and I feel him pulsing inside me. We cling to one another, catching our breath.

  Shifting to lie beside me, Brenner drags his fingers through my hair and kisses me.

  “God, that was so good.”

  My finger skates up his chest. “It was pretty good.” It was amazing. I hide my smile under the sheet.

  “Pretty good?” he echoes. “Hmm, guess I’ll have to do better . . . in about five or so minutes.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Brenner

  “Hey, so tell me about your brother’s wedding.”

  “What do you want to know?”

  She smiles. “Is it a big wedding or a small wedding? Formal or se
mi-formal?”

  “I honestly don’t know,” I tell her and grab my second slice of pizza.

  Her brows lift. “I take it the two of you aren’t close?”

  “It’s complicated. And since you’re my date for the event, I should probably tell you he’s marrying my ex-girlfriend.”

  She nearly chokes on her wine and the sheet she has wrapped around her slips, giving me a fabulous view of her tits. “What? Who? That’s something out of a rom-com.”

  “Yeah, it’s fucking awkward. I don’t want to go, but I’m trying to be a good sport about it for Mom. And the who is Claire Delano.”

  “That’s tough. I wouldn’t want to be in that situation.”

  I stare at her kiss-swollen lips. “Well, having you there will make it . . . tolerable.”

  Lark shoves at my shoulder. “Tolerable. You’re an ass.”

  I catch her by the waist and pull her onto my lap. “You’ve got a great ass.”

  Her hands frame my face, then she kisses me. It speaks volumes, but she doesn’t let her actions speak for her. Lark puts all her thoughts into words. Fearless and unapologetic. I could fall for her easily. If I haven’t already.

  “I’m considering relocating. I hate New York winters, and I’d like to be closer to Mom.”

  “So, you’re thinking about California?”

  I wink. “Dreaming about it, actually.”

  “It’s a big risk,” she whispers.

  “One I’m willing to take.” I owe her honesty at the very least.

  “Is there more to this”—she gestures between us—“than just sex?”

  Breathing in her scent, I push my nose into her hair. “I hope so. I fucking hope so, Lark.”

  “It’ll be challenging, I’m training for Tokyo, and you’re . . . job hunting?”

  All that’s true. But Lark is all I’ve wanted from the first moment I laid eyes on her.

  “Do you want to give the two of us a serious try?”

  Terrified she doesn’t want the same thing I do. Seconds feel like minutes. She hasn’t said anything, and my heart hammers in my chest.

  “I’m a little scared,” her voice cracks, echoing the feeling in my chest.

  “Me too,” I admit. “I want to make it work with you. More than anything, I want you.”

  “Same. I want you. Let’s try—us.” Lark stands and pulls me to my feet. “Take me back to bed, right now.”

  Her eyes are more green than brown, like the water out her back door, and I want to swim in them.

  Maybe forever.

  For two weeks, Lark and I spend our time together in a solid routine.

  Talking. Having sex. More talking. Sharing. Getting to know one another on a deeper level, all while having great sex.

  It’s perfect. From the first time I kissed her and every single time since, it’s a heady rush. The desire that flows between the two of us—it only gets better with Lark.

  Being with her is so easy, she leaves me wanting more.

  She’s helping me figure out what’s next for me as I help her with her workouts. I’ve been watching her practice with Holly, and they are more than ready for Tokyo.

  “Can you zip me up?” she asks, glancing over her shoulder.

  “With pleasure. You look fucking gorgeous.” My fingers ease the metal up her back, and I’m enveloped with the scent of vanilla.

  “I’m not upstaging the bride, am I?”

  “Who cares if you do.”

  Splashing some perfume on her wrists, she laughs. “I do. Although in that suit, you’re giving me so many reasons to skip this wedding.”

  My hands slip over her bare shoulders. “This dress is the only reason I need to skip Anson and Claire’s wedding.”

  She’s wearing a sleeveless red dress that shows off her gorgeous figure. Lark slides past me, making sure her curves brush against me as she does. Her hips sway, making my blood simmer.

  “Actually, what’s underneath it has me more intrigued.”

  Lark bats my hand away. “Yeah, you’re going to get lucky tonight. But we’ve gotta get going.”

  “Fine.” My hand dances over the curve of her hip. “As much as I want to get you out of this dress. I can’t wait to show you off tonight.”

  “I like the sound of that.”

  To my surprise, things between Claire and me went well. After the ceremony, I hugged her and congratulated the two of them.

  They had a small intimate ceremony. It was very personal and honestly beautiful. Claire cried while my brother held himself together.

  Cheers erupt, and booze flows heavily when Anson and Claire walk into the party. Mom cornered Lark at the dessert bar thirty minutes ago. And I stand with my sister, Rikki, watching the happy couple as a server offers them flutes of champagne before they walk toward us.

  “Thank you for donating to our foundation,” Claire tells me.

  “Yeah, and for the personalized luggage. That was thoughtful,” my brother adds.

  Thank you, Kandace.

  “You’re both welcome. Is that a new tradition? Opening the gifts before the wedding?”

  “It’s kind of trendy,” Claire says. “Having the gifts shipped to the house is way easier than having someone haul them back to our place.”

  “Where are you going on your honeymoon?”

  Anson laughs. “I’m surprised Mom didn’t let it slip.”

  “We’re going to Tuscany,” Claire says and hugs Anson.

  “Oh, you’ll love Tuscany,” Rikki begins. “We had a blast when we were there.”

  “Have you and Lark been dating long?” Claire asks, a hint of uneasiness rings in her tone.

  “It’s still new, but we’ve known each other for years.” I take a sip of my drink.

  “Come on wife, let’s dance,” Anson says and drags her away.

  Rikki looks up at me. “How are you holding up?”

  “I’m fine.” I stare at Lark for a long moment, studying every line and curve of her face. The lights from the room seem to follow her everywhere. All those brown waves, shiny and thick, cascade down her back.

  I picture Lark’s creamy ass encased in black lace. Fuck, I need to think about something other than Lark naked.

  My sister’s rambling on about Tuscany and all the wonderful bread and pasta. The words barely register because Lark turns toward me. The breeze toys with the slit of her dress.

  What are you wearing underneath that dress, babe?

  “. . . so yeah, I highly recommend creamy Tuscan salmon. It’s to die for with the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Gosh, Brenner. I can’t believe you haven’t been to Italy, like ever. Maybe you’ll take Lark?” She bumps my elbow.

  “Yeah, maybe. If she wants . . . anything she wants.”

  “Omigod, you really like that woman. Are you in love with her?” she whispers behind her water glass.

  Lark looks at me and I’m lost in her eyes, but I get myself under control.

  “I don’t know. It’s possible.”

  “Like I said, you will make a wonderful husband someday.”

  “Really never thought I was the marrying kind.”

  “Some men never do. All it takes is the right woman.”

  Rikki glides off to help Mom with something, and I head to the bar. It’s been a nice event, but I’m exhausted from smiling and the general chit chat. I’m more than ready to get Lark home.

  “So, you’re dating Lark Saddler,” the words come from Sebastian.

  I lift the bourbon to my lips and swallow. “And you’re still not dating Lindsay.”

  He shoots me a glare. “You know that I can’t do anything about my feelings for her.”

  “Bro code is for bros, and you’re not a bro. You’re a successful businessman. Nolan would be lucky knowing that you’re taking care of his little sister rather than some douchebag with zero going for him.”

  He sips his cocktail and bobs his head. “So, how’d you meet her?”

  “It was years ago at a team par
ty. At the time she was in a relationship . . . but now, she’s all mine.”

  “How’s that gonna work?”

  “Apparently you haven’t read the latest news, I quit my job.”

  He stares at me, the shock visible on his face. “You’re leaving GSN?”

  “Already left,” I confess. “And now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to take that gorgeous woman home and worship her body.”

  He slaps my shoulder. “Happiness looks good on you, buddy.”

  I make my way toward Lark, and she flashes me a smile. I pull her into my side. “You about ready to get out of here?”

  “Definitely ready to show you what’s not under this dress,” she whispers.

  My eyes go wide. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

  She gives me a slow nod. “No panties.”

  “Fuck, Lark,” I hiss.

  After we say goodbye to my mom and a few other guests, I haul her out of the reception and down to the valet. My fingers itch to touch her silky skin. The restraint I’m exercising right now is a feat of epic proportions.

  I’d ordered a car service for the night, unsure of where the evening’s festivities would end up.

  We slide into the back seat, and I push the button for the privacy screen. Lark spreads her legs for me. She’s on full display, smooth and luscious.

  Jesus Christ. Stars flood my eyes at the sight of her glistening pussy. I tease her folds with my fingers. I’ve never been this hard in my life.

  Instead of fucking her in the back of a town car, I wait and haul her ass through the front door of her home, right back to her bedroom.

  I eat her up and swallow her release as she screams my name over and over. My name on her lips as she comes is etched on my brain and in my heart.

  Lark skips off to the bathroom and the cold, heavy ache of reality climbs in and settles in my gut. I’ve got to go back to New York and tie up some loose ends.

  She returns wearing black panties and a thin ivory tank top. Her brown hair is a messy halo, she’s got a sex kitten look going on. “The bathroom is all yours,” she says, tucking herself under the blankets. “And I’ve cleared a drawer for you in the closet. If you want it.”

  “A drawer, huh?”