In It to Win It

by Ella Jade

  “Dinner was delicious.” He tried to take his thoughts off what he wanted to do next. Manners, he reminded himself. This was not his usual set-up. When had anyone ever cooked for him? “It was kind of nice not having to sign autographs through my meal.”

  “That must be hard.”

  “Especially after a game like today’s. I love my fans, but after a long, humid afternoon in the sun I like my privacy. Between the reporters and the crowds swarming, it’s like everyone wants a piece of me.” He shouldn’t complain. How many athletes wanted to be where he was?

  “I noticed.” She leaned against the counter. Her bare feet featured her purple toenail polish that matched her tank top. The tiny shorts that were frayed at the edges gave him a full view of her endless, tanned legs. “The female fans love you.”

  “Occupational hazard.” He pulled her to his chest, breathing in her vanilla scent when she wrapped her arms around his waist. “It’s getting old.”

  “Yeah, right.” She grinned. “How do you resist that sort of attention?”

  “I usually don’t,” he admitted. “Not until today.”

  “Aren’t you smooth?” She giggled.

  “You tell me.” Tucking her hair behind her ear, he focused on her full, kissable lips. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d stopped at kissing. High school, maybe?

  “I thought you were real smooth in the hallway at the stadium earlier.”

  “Did you?” Lifting her, he sat her on the counter. “I’m going to let you in on a secret.” He nuzzled her neck with his mouth, causing a throaty laugh to escape her lips. He’d become addicted to her in twenty-four hours. When had that ever happened?

  “What’s that?”

  “Kissing you is the highlight of my day.”

  “What about your grand slam?”

  “Who says I can’t hit another one tonight?” Pressing his lips to hers, he kissed her hard, pouring all of his desire into this one encounter. As his hands roamed her sides, he trailed his lips down her neck and to the valley between her breasts. When she arched her back and thrust her chest in his face he took that as an invitation to explore underneath her tank top.

  A soft, breathy moan flowed from her as he slid his hands up her shirt, rubbing her silky flesh as he worked his way to her perky breasts. She tensed when he swiped his thumbs across her nipples, pulling back and staring into his eyes. Hers were full of lust. If he focused only on her magnificent, chocolate gaze that would have been all the confirmation he needed to continue. But her body language gave off another vibe. One he couldn’t ignore.

  “Sorry.” He removed his hands from underneath her shirt. “You’re so irresistible that I lose myself.”

  “You don’t have to apologize. It’s just that...” She closed her eyes and shook her head, taking a moment to continue.

  Fuck! He had read the situation wrong. When she invited him to dinner he just assumed they would have sex. Not with a woman like her, dirtbag. She required a different approach. She wasn’t the typical groupie—the one that hung outside the locker room or frequented the bars that the team was known to hit.

  “Never mind.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him harder than he had expected.

  His cock delighted in the sensation, and if he wanted to be a total player, he would have pushed her down on that counter and fucked her like there was no tomorrow. In most cases there usually wasn’t a tomorrow when it came to the women he slept with. That wasn’t going to be the case with Frankie. She lived next door. He wouldn’t be able to avoid her after they slept together. Not that he even wanted to avoid her. Hell! If they kept kissing, they’d be fucking in three minutes. As much as he wanted that, he didn’t think that was her scene.

  “Wait.” He released her from his tight hold, but his cock wasn’t on board with his decision as it strained against his zipper. “I had a really good time today.”

  “Me too.” She slowly licked her lips. Did she have any idea what that did to him?

  “It’s been a long day.” He nodded, not sure how suave his getaway was going to be. “Those Sunday games in the heat really take it out of me.”

  “Oh.”

  “Yeah.” He picked her up from the counter and rested her on her feet. “I need to go watch the replay of the game before our team meeting tomorrow.”

  “Now?”

  “Coach is pretty adamant that we do it within a few hours of the game so it’s fresh in our minds. I don’t want to screw up on my first full week here, you know?”

  “I guess.”

  Don’t look so disappointed. I’m doing you a favor.

  “We’re on a ten day home-stand. Do you think we can get together again? Maybe go out for dinner or something?”

  “Sure.” She smiled. “Just let me know when.”

  “Cool.” He traced his finger along her mouth, wanting more than anything to place a long, hot, searing kiss on her lips, but if he did that he’d want so much more. Instead, he stole a quick kiss before heading for the door. “Thanks for dinner. It was a real treat.”

  “Anytime.” She leaned against the archway of the kitchen that led to the foyer. “Have fun watching the game highlights.” Disappointment dominated her features.

  “I’ll try.”

  * * * *

  Frankie watched as Jed made his escape out her front door. What the hell just happened? Things had seemed to be moving in the right direction. She may have gotten a little apprehensive when he got touchy-feely quicker than she expected, but she just needed a minute to catch up.

  It had been a long time since she’d had sex with anyone other than her ex. To be totally honest, those experiences lacked any heat. She often wondered if that was the reason she and Christopher never lasted. She would come up with all sorts of excuses. He traveled for business too much. He wasn’t attentive enough. His family wasn’t like hers. Maybe all she really wanted was an off the charts sexual partner and Christopher wasn’t it. She wasn’t used to men pursuing her with such determination. Jed was a whole new game.

  What should I do? She went back into the kitchen, grabbed her phone, and quickly composed a text to Maggie. Her outgoing friend would know exactly what to do.

  Made Jed dinner but he left after we kissed.

  Maggie’s reply was immediate. Maybe you suck at kissing?

  Frankie rolled her eyes as she typed.

  It was getting hot but then I pulled back. I think he was being polite.

  She waited for Maggie to help her as she stared at the message bubble on her screen.

  Fuck polite. Fix it!

  How? Frankie replied.

  Get your ass over there and make him understand you want him. Do you want me to tell him?

  No! Frankie responded as she glanced around the kitchen, trying to decide how she should continue. The cookies! They would be the perfect excuse.

  Text me after he slips it to you.

  She laughed at her colorful friend’s response but didn’t reply back. Some messages should be left alone.

  Tossing the cookies into a container, she quickly headed to the front door, not even stopping to put on her shoes. If she did this right, she would be naked in a few minutes anyway. She hoped.

  Chapter 6

  Jed headed straight to the fridge, grabbed a beer, and popped off the cap. Damn that woman! He chugged the ice-cold, bitter liquid, coating his throat as he tried to settle down. His balls ached, his cock was in a constant state of arousal, and all he wanted to do was pound into her. Why had he stopped? That was a first.

  Those inappropriate thoughts were exactly why he was in his own house alone. Frankie was too sweet a woman for him to take advantage of her. She made him dinner and baked him cookies. She went to her first baseball game for him, even though she had no idea what the hell was going on for those three hours. He couldn’t treat her like the others. She was special. He knew that after being in her presence for two days.

  Tugging his shirt over his head, he made his way
to the thermostat. The summer humidity was gaining on him. Being out in the sun all day and then heating things up with that sassy Italian was enough to have his system boiling. Maybe a cold shower was in order. How he was ever going to find sleep was beyond him.

  A soft knock at the door piqued his interest. Could it be her? If it was he’d feel like a big jerk leaving her the way he had. Shouldn’t he be the one knocking on her door? He gazed out the foyer window to find her still wearing those hot, little shorts that barely covered her ass. He opened and closed his palms when he thought about gripping that round bottom in his hands.

  Pulling open the door, he grinned when she looked shocked he’d answered. Where did she think I went?

  “I, um...” She thrust a container in his hands, trying hard not to look at his bare chest. She didn’t succeed. “The cookies.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I don’t usually do things like this.”

  “Bring guys cookies?” He laughed as he widened the door, knowing there was no turning back now.

  “I’m not in the habit of knocking on a man’s door, looking for...” She rocked from foot to foot. “What most girls are looking for when they meet you.”

  “I know that.”

  “It’s just that... Well, I may end up regretting whatever happens between us, but it’s something I really want.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “Unless you don’t. In which case, I’ll feel like a total loser.”

  “What man wouldn’t want you?” He leaned against the doorframe, giving in to the fact that the gentleman approach he was trying to take with her wasn’t going to happen. “The thing is if you come inside here I’m going to have to fuck you, and I’m not sure that’s what you’re looking for.”

  “I am.” She nodded. “It’s definitely what I’m looking for.”

  “Then I guess you better come inside.” He took her hand and guided her into the foyer, closing the door behind them. “It appears we’re on the same page.” He set the cookies on the bench by the front door. “What should we do about it?”

  She inched closer to him, smoothing her hands over his chest and down his abs. “I’m not afraid to let you lead.”

  “Good.” He lifted her up and pressed her against the front door. “I like leading.” He licked his lips as he focused on hers. “I’m not going to stop at kissing this time. I need more.” He brushed his mouth along her jaw. “So much more.”

  “Me too.” She wrapped her legs around his hips, pushing her center into his cock.

  He supported her with one arm as he swept his other hand through her hair, twisting his fingers around the silky strands, keeping her face close to his.

  “I didn’t mean to offend you when I left, it’s just you’re different.” He set her on the foyer table as he focused on her lips. Once he started kissing her there would be no backing off this time.

  “I don’t want to be different.”

  “Maybe I want you to be different.” He smoothed his palms up her legs as he leaned in and kissed her. “I need you to be different.”

  “I can be whatever you want me to be.” When she spread her legs, he stepped between them. “Right now I need to be the one you want tonight.”

  “I can promise I’m going to want you more than just tonight.” Gripping the hem of her tank top, he pulled it over her head. “But tonight is a good start.”

  As she ran her hands along his shoulders and down his chest he unhooked the clasp on her bra, sliding the white, frilly lace from her body. Taking a step back, he admired her beauty as he licked his lips. Her dark hair fell over her shoulders, covering her breasts, but he could spy her nipples peeking through the strands of her luscious locks.

  She gazed up at him with heavy eyes, begging him to continue. Closing the gap between them, he dipped his head, kissing her neck as he traced his fingertips over her erect nipples.

  Slipping his hand between them, he unbuttoned her shorts. “Let’s get these off.”

  “Here?” She looked around the foyer.

  “Right here.” He tugged her shorts down as she lifted up, helping him remove them. “Don’t tell me you’ve never done it in a foyer before?” Fuck, she’s hot spread out before me in those tiny black panties.

  “I’ve only ever done it in a bed.” A light flush covered her flesh. Adorable.

  “Oh, baby, I have a feeling I have a lot to show you.” He smirked as he gripped her hips and slid her panties down. “No time to be embarrassed.” Kissing her neck, he maneuvered his way to her breasts, swirling his tongue over her nipple. “A woman with a body like yours should be naked all over the house.”

  “What about you?” She reached for the button on his shorts. “It’s only fair.”

  “You can take my clothes off anytime you want.” He yanked his wallet from his back pocket and took out a condom. Lowering his pants and boxer briefs, he quickly put the latex in place.

  She stared at him, pushing the hair from her face as she bit her quivering lip. Was she impressed with what she saw? He glanced down at her wet heat, and although he was ready to plunge deep, he couldn’t resist stealing a quick taste. Dropping to his knees, he ran the tip of his tongue along her slit.

  “Oh...” She tensed. “Jed... I...”

  “Shh.” He placed slow, open-mouthed kisses across her mound as he spread her entrance with his fingers. “Relax.”

  Blowing his breath over her entrance, he delved in. Taking his time to savor her, reveling in the warmth of her sex as she squirmed into him. He held her hips still as he licked her clit. When he gently bit down she moaned. In that moment she was his.

  “Jed,” she cried out when he pushed his fingers inside her pussy, moving them in time with his tongue. “You should... I mean... Oh...”

  Smiling as a warm rush of fluid coated his tongue, he knew he’d more than satisfied her. Kissing his way up her stomach, he positioned himself between her legs, wrapping them around his hips.

  “That was just the beginning.” He grasped his cock in his hand and stepped forward. “I need you.”

  She inched closer to him, tightening her hold on his waist as he thrust forward, trapping her between his chest and the wall.

  “Fuck,” he moaned once he was completely inside her.

  Shifting his pelvis forward, he moved at a quick pace. Even if he had wanted to slow down, he couldn’t. He was a greedy man. She held on as his speed intensified. Kissing him hard, she slipped her tongue inside his mouth, exploring.

  “You’re amazing,” he mumbled into her neck. His leg muscles supported his weight as he lifted her from the table, fucking her as he stood.

  “How can you do that?” she whispered.

  “I’ve got lots of tricks, sweetheart.” He walked toward the wall, pressing her against it as he moved in and out of her. “I’ll share them all with you.”

  “Mmm...” She kissed him, running her fingers through his hair. The sounds of their breaths filled the foyer as they indulged in the connection they had created. “Jed,” she softly breathed out as she gave into his thrusts. “God...”

  “I’m right there with you.” He rested his forehead on hers as he let go, releasing hard as he shook with a fierce need. “This isn’t over.” He held her against the wall as he gazed into her lust-filled eyes. “We have all night.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.”

  * * * *

  Two hours and four orgasms later, Frankie opened her eyes to find Jed setting two bottles of water on his nightstand. She had no idea it was possible to have sex that many times in such a short span of time. Rosalie wasn’t kidding when she said players had stamina.

  Jed climbed back into bed and kissed her softly before pulling her into his side. She cuddled into his muscular, warm body. She could get used to this.

  “What are you thinking about?” He kissed the top of her head as he caressed her arm.

  “Are you always this sweet after sex?”

  “That’s what you’re thinking about?” He
quietly laughed. “Because I can’t get the images of all that explosive sex we just had out of my mind.”

  “It was pretty amazing.” She traced her fingers along his chest. “I still can’t believe I came here tonight.”

  “Regrets?”

  “None.” Looking up at him, she smiled. “It’s just that I’ve never done anything like this before.” She didn’t want to get into her past relationship, but now that the pillow talk had started she couldn’t help but get chatty.

  “That’s not a bad thing, you know.” He rolled onto his side so they could face one another. “Not being promiscuous.”

  “Says the player.”

  “I’m not half as bad as some of them.” He shrugged. “I’ll admit I indulged a lot last summer. I was new to the majors and women seemed to be at every turn.”

  Maybe she didn’t want to have this conversation. Just how many women were at all those turns?

  “I was hoping Kingston would be a fresh start,” he said. “I’ve been restless. Tired of the lifestyle. Maybe that was part of the reason I left your house tonight. Believe me, it went against all of my instincts, but I didn’t want you to be like the others.”

  “But we slept together anyway.”

  “Well, I’d be an idiot to have sent you away.” He nipped at her bottom lip. “Just because we slept together doesn’t mean things can’t be different. If you wanted them to be.”

  “You know what’s funny?”

  “What’s that?”

  “I never have one-night stands and wanted to sleep with you on our first date, and you’re no stranger to casual sex but you wanted to wait it out.” Go figure? “Is that messed up?”

  “No, it just means we’re really attracted to one another.” He ran his fingers through her hair. “I meant it when I said I wanted Kingston to be a new beginning for me.”

  “It’s a clean slate for me too.” She pressed her palm to his cheek. “Before I moved here I’d come out of a long-term relationship. I wasn’t looking for anything. Now that I’ve met you...well, I think my fresh start is about to begin.”