Spare Hearts

by Dorothy F. Shaw

  Candy licked her lips, remembering the taste of his cock from the week prior as she focused on his erection, hard and thick, angling up and away from his groin. My God, he’s beautiful.

  He gripped his prick, stroking himself, then cupped his heavy sac in his palm before bending and pulling a condom from his pants pocket. He rolled it on and lay down beside her.

  Chapter 12

  Sterling ran his hand over her stomach and rested it on her hip as he dipped his head in search of her lips. His kiss started gentle then grew heated as Candy’s body responded. Tasting her lips with his tongue, she opened for him willingly.

  Smoothing her hands up his chest and around his neck, she laid one leg over his hip.

  Releasing his kiss, Sterling pulled back to gaze at her. “My Lord, woman. You are gorgeous.”

  “Come on now.” Candy blew out a sigh. “You’ve been around. I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of women.”

  “I’m very serious. You’re beautiful.”

  “I was seri—”

  Sterling cut off her reply with a well-timed kiss, rolling his body on top of hers as her thighs wrapped around his hips. He trailed kisses down her neck and collarbone to her pert nipple, drawing slow circles with his tongue around the tight peak before sucking it hard into his mouth.

  Gasping, Candy arched her back off the bed and grabbed the back of his head with one hand, holding him to her.

  He squeezed her other breast and teased her nipple with his thumb. Nipping his way between her cleavage, he tasted her skin as he began inching down her belly.

  “Where do you think you’re going, cowboy?”

  “I need to taste my Candy.” Sterling gazed up at her.

  “Next time.”

  “You’re gonna deny my sweet tooth?”

  “I need you inside me. Now.” Candy dug her heels into his ass and pulled him closer.

  “Damn, honey.” He groaned. “Since you put it that way.” He sat up on his knees and palmed his throbbing erection, guiding it to part her slick folds. “So wet, baby. Mmm.”

  “Stop teasing me,” she groaned.

  He entered her slowly, pressing inside her hot core. His hands pushed her thighs wide as he moved deeper.

  “Yes.” Candy’s head rolled back as she gasped.

  “You feel so good wrapped around me.”

  She rolled her pelvis to accept all of him as their hips met.

  Sterling leaned in and kissed her hard, their tongues wrestling as he began to thrust in and out of her slick pussy.

  Candy wrapped her arms around his back and dug her nails into his skin as their rhythm intensified. Her thighs flexed around his hips as she pulled him deeper within her.

  “Oh God, Sterling, yes…” She arched into him.

  He thrust harder, his release beginning to build. As he slid in and out of her, their skin slapped together in time with their moans. His muscles began to tighten, and the feel of her nails scratching down his back was about to send him over the edge.

  “I’m so close, cowboy.” Candy’s breathing grew heavy. “Come with me.”

  Sterling was past the point of no return as his release flooded through him and he drove deep inside her one more time.

  Candy’s arms and legs tightened around his body as her breath hitched. Then every muscle in her body relaxed as Sterling collapsed against her, their breathing heavy in unison.

  Sterling kissed her neck and rolled to his back, bringing Candy to rest on top of him.

  * * *

  Candy shifted to the side to lie on the bed next to Sterling and nestled her head on his chest. Her heart finally calmed to a slower beat.

  He trailed his calloused fingers up and down her back and she curled closer to him.

  “That was one hell of a ride, cowboy.” She yawned.

  “Glad you liked it.”

  “Mm-hmm.” She kissed his chest.

  “Gonna run to the bathroom, sweetheart. You need anything while I’m up?”

  “Water would be nice.”

  “Comin’ right up.” Sterling kissed her forehead and got to his feet.

  Candy gathered the blankets that had settled at the foot of the bed and pulled them over herself. She should really grab a nightie from her drawer, but she was too dang tired to bother.

  The toilet flushed and she heard the bathroom door open, then Sterling’s footsteps in the hall. A few minutes later, he returned to her room with a tall glass of water.

  She sat up and took the cool drink from him. “Thank you.” She tipped the glass back and swallowed a big gulp then handed it back to him.

  Sterling set it on the night table and climbed back into her bed.

  “Are you sleeping over?” She lay back down.

  “If that’s all right with you.” Sterling fluffed the pillow and lay down.

  “Well, I guess. I just…” Candy sighed. “It’s fine.”

  “It’s pretty late. You really want to send me on my way?”

  “No. It’s okay.” Candy scooted closer to him.

  Sterling turned to face her. “You sure?” He ran his fingers through her hair.

  Candy nodded and closed her eyes. She did want him to stay, but worried about her neighbors seeing a strange car in her driveway. Maybe no one would be around by the time he left in the morning. She hated people knowing her business.

  “You’re frowning.”

  Candy opened her eyes. “Am not.”

  Sterling ran his fingers over her brow. “You sure are. What’s on your mind, babe?”

  Candy turned over and scooted her bottom against his groin. Lord knew she had no poker face at all, so it was best he not be able to see any signs of her worry.

  Sterling wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her tight against his chest. “C’mon now, spill it.”

  “You wore me out, cowboy. Don’t go lettin’ it go to your head, though.” She lied and wiggled her hips a bit, hoping to distract him. “I’m just tired.”

  “I’ll wait until tomorrow morning to pound my chest like a caveman.” Sterling nipped her shoulder. “Sleep, sweetheart. You wore me out, too.”

  Candy let out a deep sigh and entwined her fingers with his. She liked how he felt spooned up behind her. He was a big man, yet fit right against her like he’d been made to be there. And the sex? Lord, the sex was incredible. Again. Candy closed her eyes with thoughts of how good Sterling had felt when he sank deep inside her. And thoughts of how many times she might get to feel that again over the next few weeks. The hard part was going to be not letting him sink into her heart, too.

  Chapter 13

  The next morning, Sterling woke to Candy nuzzled into his chest as he lay on his back. She had draped one leg over his and her arm around his waist as she continued to sleep. He really hadn’t expected all this. He’d come to town to practice before moving on. He certainly hadn’t planned on meeting anybody, let alone Candy.

  He wasn’t complaining, though. She lit a fire in him every time he was near her. Frankly, he couldn’t find anything about her he didn’t like yet. As far as he was concerned, his plan was to spend as much time as he could with her while he was in town. There was no reason to avoid it, as long as he didn’t lose focus on the main goal, Fort Worth.

  Candy stirred against him, stretching her body as she yawned then rubbed the sleep from her eyes and looked up at him.

  “G’mornin’, sunshine.” He rubbed her warm back.

  “Mornin’. What time is it?”

  “Not sure. I haven’t checked yet. Just woke a minute ago myself.”

  Candy rolled away from him enough to check the clock on her nightstand then sat up. “Dangit, it’s already eleven o’clock.”

  “I don’t know ’bout you, but I slept pretty damn hard.”

  “Guess we really did wear each other out.” Candy brushed her hair out of her face with her fingers, scratching her head a bit as she did.

  “Hey, I got an idea.” He pulled her back down to rest her head on his ch
est. “What say we get dressed and head into town for some late breakfast?”

  “No.” She sat back up. “I mean, I really don’t feel like a late breakfast right now.”

  “Okay. We can call it an early lunch if you like instead.”

  “Really, I think I just want to lounge around this mornin’. Besides, I have food here.”

  Sterling pushed himself up so he sat against the headboard and laced his fingers together behind his head.

  “That’s fine by me, if that’s what you wanna do. I was just thinkin’ less dishes.”

  “Never heard of paper plates?” She patted his chest, teasing him. “Lemme throw some clothes on and I’ll see what’s in the fridge.”

  “Don’t go gettin’ all fancied up for me, darlin’. I’m fine with what ya got on.”

  Candy rose out of bed and grabbed her yoga pants off the floor.

  “Ha! I just bet you are.” She snorted a laugh. “Now where is my tank top?”

  Sterling tossed off the covers and dropped his legs over the edge of the bed. He paused to rub his shoulder while he scanned the floor for his jeans. Spotting them, he scooped them up and pulled then on, buttoning them as he stood up.

  Candy found her top and put her long, slightly tangled hair in a hair tie.

  “Anything you’re in the mood for?”

  “Now that you mention it”—he pulled her into an embrace—“I could think of a few things.”

  “Oh no you don’t, cowboy.” She placed a hand on his chest to stop him from going farther. “Two words: morning breath. You best let me brush my teeth first.”

  “Ha. Yeah, me, too.” He chuckled and released his hold on her.

  As Sterling returned from the bathroom, a delicious scent emanating from the kitchen greeted him while Candy set paper plates and silverware on the table.

  “Dayum, that smells good. Is that French toast?”

  “Seemed like a good idea this mornin’. I hope you like it.”

  “I love it already, and I haven’t even tasted it.” He started to pull a seat out. “You need any help?”

  “Nah, I got it.” Candy placed the plate with a tall stack of French toast in the center of the table. “You could grab the coffee if you want.”

  “Sure thing.”

  He grabbed two cups, filled them, and headed to the table.

  * * *

  Candy headed for the shower after breakfast, leaving Sterling in the kitchen to do the dishes. She’d never met a man so willing to help out as he was. It made her wonder if it was all for show—people tended to be on their best behavior when getting to know someone after all. But based on what she had learned so far about Sterling Dey, he was the real deal. Guess his momma raised him right.

  After tossing on a fresh pair of yoga pants and matching tank top, Candy added a light touch of makeup and pulled the crown of her long hair into a clip. She stepped from the bathroom and stopped short when she heard a familiar female voice. Hell and damnation, it was Sunday and she’d forgotten. Candy turned and pressed her forehead against the wall. Lord Jesus, get me outta this mess, please? After a couple of deep breaths, she made her way down the remainder of the hall and peeked around the corner.

  Trudie sat on the couch, one leg tucked under her, the other crossed over the other, her high heel dangling as she bounced her foot. Today she wore a bright orange blouse and purple leggings with orange polka dots on them. Good Lord, the woman was a fashion nightmare, but she always made it work.

  Sterling sat next to her, quiet as a mouse, while Trudie rattled on about God knows what.

  Deep breath, girl. Just go on in there and act normal.

  Candy stepped into the kitchen. “Hey, Trudie. I wasn’t expectin’ you.”

  “Weren’t expectin’ me?” Trudie gaped. “Darlin’, we made plans on Thursday for today. How could you forget?” Trudie frowned.

  “I…” Candy crossed her arms. Shit. “Oh, hell. I got distracted, I guess.” Candy reached in the fridge and grabbed a sports drink.

  “Hard not to be with Sterling making your couch look so nice and all.”

  Sterling laughed. “Now, Miss Trudie, stop that. You’re gonna make me blush.”

  “But it’s true. Did she let you take her to dinner yet?”

  “No, ma’am, she hasn’t.”

  “Hello! I’m right here, y’all.” Candy shook her head and took a seat in the chair across from them.

  “You keep tryin’, cowboy. Eventually she’ll give in.” Trudie studied her cuticles.

  Candy rolled her eyes and took a swig of her drink. Did Sterling tell Trudie he’d spent the night? No. He wouldn’t have done that. He was too much of a gentleman to kiss and tell. She hoped anyway.

  “We were just about to watch a movie. Did you care to join us, Miss Trudie? I didn’t mean to intrude on your time with Candy.”

  “We were?” Candy looked at Sterling and he winked at her. “I mean, we were.” She set her drink down and coughed. “Yes, Trudie, you’re welcome to stay.” Damn damn damn. Please say no.

  Trudie clucked her tongue and tilted her head to the side. “Sugar, I think it’s best I make myself scarce. Give you two a little cuddle time.” She stood. “We can go shoe shopping anytime.”

  Candy jumped up. “We’re not—it’s not what you—I don’t want the whole town knowin’, Trudie.”

  Trudie made the motion showing her lips were sealed. “Don’t worry, sugar. I won’t say a word.”

  Candy knew better, though. Trudie might be the closest thing to a best friend she had here, but that wouldn’t stop her from blabbing. All of Strawn would know that Sterling was on Candy’s couch before the sun rose tomorrow morning.

  Trudie gave Candy a peck on the cheek and made her way for the door. “Remember what I said, Sterling.” She winked and turned away.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Sterling stood.

  “Quit calling me ma’am. Startin’ to make me feel old, and believe me, cowboy, I’ve got plenty of young left in this body.” Trudie shifted her hips from side to side and fluffed her hair.

  Candy slapped her forehead and cringed. “Thanks for the mental image.”

  “Sugar, it tickles me to no end how embarrassed you get.” Trudie pinched Candy’s cheek and walked out the door.

  Candy closed the door and turned to face Sterling. “I’m sorry. I forgot I’d made plans.”

  “I got no problem with it. I feel kinda bad actually. You sure you don’t want to call her back?” He stepped in front of her and pulled her into his arms. “I can go if you want.” He bent his head and kissed her.

  Candy rose on tiptoe and took his kiss. The man had a way with his tongue. It made her belly tighten and her knees go weak every time he kissed her. Actually, he had many ways with his tongue and she liked all of them. Quite a bit.

  Sterling nipped at her bottom lip then her upper one, taking little sips of kisses in between before pulling away.

  She sighed and gazed up at him.

  “You ready for that movie now?”

  “Lead the way, cowboy. I’m all yours.”

  Chapter 14

  The week had gone well. Sterling practiced hard most every day and found that texts and phone calls between him and Candy gave him an extra boost of energy to push harder through the afternoons. Every time he heard her voice, his heart pounded out of his chest and he couldn’t wait to tell her how much stronger and more consistently he was playing. Sterling packed away his gear for lunch, figuring on returning for a few more frames in a couple hours, when Andy walked up to the half wall between them.

  “Hey, Sterling, how’s things?”

  “Howdy, Andy, good to see you.” Sterling straightened and walked over to shake his hand.

  “Heard you were training for the tourney in Fort Worth. How come you didn’t say nuthin’ the other night?”

  “Didn’t figure it was all that important right then. Just wanted to have a good time instead of work, work, work.” Sterling set his bag on the half wall. />
  “That makes plenty of sense to me. If you ain’t doin’ nuthin’ tonight, you should come out to my ranch. The hands are talkin’ ’bout a poker game.”

  “Well, that’s awful nice of you to invite me along.” Sterling reached into the side pocket of his bag and retrieved a sucker. “Any way I can take a rain check?” He unwrapped the lollipop and put it in his mouth.

  “That’s a shame. I was hopin’ you might make it.” Andy’s brow creased and he appeared disappointed.

  “I really do appreciate it, Andy. I just try hard not to do much during the week. Practice schedule and all.” He turned, grabbing his hat off one of the seats, and came right back.

  “I suppose I can understand that. I thought maybe you had a hot date or somethin’ instead.”

  “What in the world would give you that idea?”

  “Word on the town is you and Candy are a hot ticket these days.” Andy grinned like the cat that’d just caught the bird.

  “Seriously?” Suspicion rose in his gut and he frowned at Andy’s remark. “Is that what brought you down here? To see if there was any truth to it?”

  “Okay, guilty. You caught me.”

  “That’s pretty messed up.” Sterling rubbed his hand over his head. “And poker tonight? More investigating?”

  “Don’t take it like that. I’m not tryin’ to be rude.” Andy paused, looking down at his feet and then back to Sterling. “It’s just kind of curious. I mean, pro bowler breezes through town and charms local small-town girl? She may have turned me down, but she’s a sweet girl. She don’t deserve to be hurt by anyone.”

  “I’m here to practice. I’m here to go pro again.” He shifted his weight to one foot. “And I’m not all too happy at the prospect of people talkin’ ’bout me like that. Not to mention it ain’t fair to Candy one bit. That ain’t right and you know it.”

  “No, no. I suppose you’re right. I was just hopin’ that since we all had a good time on Saturday, maybe you might fill me in.”