“Yes.” The answer comes out in a rasp.
“Slide around, babe.”
I maneuver one leg between us until I’m straddling him in the chair. His hips thrust upward, driving between my legs and showing me how hard he is.
He leans back and whips my shirt over my head, his eyes landing on my favorite black bra and growing wide in appreciation. “Fucking perfect,” is all he says before threading his hands through my hair and bringing my mouth to his.
Our kiss starts slow, him taking his time, kissing along my lips gently and lightly, stroking his tongue against mine. The taste of whiskey coats my mouth, and it’s all I can do not to suck him in deeper for more, turning my insides into mush.
The wind picks up, and goosebumps break out on my chest and back. He notices and cocoons his arms around me, never breaking the kiss. I unbutton his shirt as far as I can and run my hands up and down his chest, feeling each ripple of muscle contracting at my touch. He grows harder between us, and I move one hand to caress him under the material.
There’s a deep rumble in his throat that vibrates on my tongue. It’s foreplay like I’ve never experienced, exploring him in the open, grinding down and gripping him at the same time. My fingers find his belt, and I easily get it unbuckled. His pants are so tight there’s barely room for me to get his button undone and zipper down, but I manage without breaking our connection. I finally free his cock through his boxers, and it bounces in my hand.
My brain screams in victory as I stroke it several times.
“Fuck.” He tears his mouth away from mine and moves it to my shoulder, while flicking my bra clasp open. He pulls the straps down my arms, forcing me to release him, then tosses it somewhere behind him. My already hard nipples grow harder in the night air, and I swallow down a whimper when his teeth skim over one of them.
Lust and need start to sear in my veins, and I don’t want to wait any longer.
“Shaw, please.” I scoot back to stand, but his arms form a vice grip around me.
“Where are you going?”
“I need to stand to take off my pants.”
He looks at me with an evil glint in his eye, and my heart skips a beat. The sound of ripping fills the space and the cool air hits my throbbing core immediately. There’s no time to react when he slides a finger easily into me, then another, teasing me with slow movements.
“Aaaaaahhhh…” I throw my head back, shoving my hips lower.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck—”
Shaw scoots lower and leans back in the chair, removing his hand and replacing it with his tip. Unlike earlier, he doesn’t go slowly. He slams into me and lets out a guttural moan, gripping my hips so hard the pressure builds immediately.
In this position, he hits so deep I shudder, falling forward and landing chest to chest. He doesn’t stop rocking into me from below, holding both our weights. I cry out in ecstasy, my body craving release.
I love the fact that this man made love to me all night and once this morning, cherishing my body. But now, he ravages me as if he’s starving. I start to move with him, thrusting my hips into his, bracing my hands on his chest. I stare at him as he stares at where we are joined. His movements grow faster, and I meet him push for pull. There’s no stopping the moans and groans falling from my lips.
My first orgasm hits me full force, and I clamp down on my bottom lip to keep from crying out. He doesn’t stop his assault, flashing me a satisfied grin. The next few minutes are a combination of both of us kissing, biting, and moaning until I reach my peak again. He swells inside me and lets out a possessive moan, sending me over the edge as I start to drown in pleasure. My whole body shatters, sparks flying, until I go limp and collapse onto him.
Nothing registers but the beating of his heart against mine, until my vision clears and I feel his lips moving gently across my neckline.
“Pretty sure I can’t move and we have to sleep this way,” I whisper lightly.
“I’d gladly do that.”
“I’m serious. Everything is numb.”
“Bizzy, you want to stay like this for the rest of the night, I’ll gladly do it.”
I use all my energy to sit up and face him. “I love you, Crenshaw Bennett.”
“Not nearly as much as I love you, soon to be Bizzy Bennett.”
I fall back to his chest and close my eyes. Sometime during the night, he takes us back to our room and takes care of me.
“I can’t explain it, Claire! It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my whole life. The whole team was amazing, but Nicky was unstoppable. He had it all together. When we saw him at lunch on Sunday, he was so calm and collected, you’d never know he was playing in the Super Bowl. I’ve never been so proud in all my life, except when he yanked Shaw and Mathis on stage with him afterwards. Maria and I couldn’t stop screaming.”
I continue to babble on about my weekend, raving over Nicky’s win and the chance at being a part of so many activities. Shaw had us busy the whole time with business events, but it didn’t take away from the glamour of the whole event.
“So, when will the boys be back?”
“Shaw’s flying back mid-day with Mathis. The team will be here soon after. There’s a rally at the airport to welcome them home. The parade is on Wednesday.”
“My ass is going to the damn parade with you. Make sure Shaw gets us prime seats.”
“I will. My parents will be with us, too.”
“You almost home?”
“Yes, I’m driving into the parking garage now. Tell me again why I agreed to take a shift tonight. That was stupid of me. Four a.m. flights suck.”
“Told you it was stupid, but you never listen,” she mocks me.
“I’m hanging up now,” I cut her off and pull into my designated spot.
Suddenly, I’m bone tired, the events of the last five days catching up with me. My eyes start to prickle with exhaustion as I grab my small overnight bag from the passenger seat, thankful Shaw is bringing the rest of my luggage with him.
“Well, you must be pretty proud of yourself.”
I stop mid-step and spin around to find Sasha walking toward me with hatred and revulsion in her stare. My stomach drops as I search the parking garage and see we are completely alone.
“Sasha, what are you doing here?”
“I came to talk to you, woman to woman. It’s time we set this shit straight.”
“What shit is that exactly?” I fight hard to keep my voice steady. This is the first time I’ve seen her in months, since she stopped by the hospital unannounced. I hate to admit it, but she’s still beautiful. I’d hoped she’d have blown up or had some of the side effects women talk about while being pregnant, but not her. She’s fit, trim, and all baby belly.
Her hair, make-up, and choice of maternity dress looks perfect on her. Even with the nasty glare she’s shooting at me.
“You say you love Ren, so it’s time you understand, if you don’t end this farce of a ridiculous relationship, you will cost him his son.” She stops less than three feet in front of me.
“Stop talking right now. I refuse to stand here and have this conversation. Especially after all you’ve done to Shaw and me. If you have anything to say to me, it should go through Caldwell.”
“Bullshit! Time for lawyers is done. We’re settling this today. You don’t get to live this life that is supposed to be mine. Ren and I are a perfect match. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, he’s blinded by pity for you. That’s the only explanation for this insane behavior. You’re making him choose between you and his own flesh and blood. You are nothing.”
Eleven years of pent up frustration, intimidation, and insecurity finally blows up, and I stand tall, returning her stare.
“You are a jealous, narcissistic, self-centered, and obviously deluded woman. This isn’t supposed to be your life, because there is no you and Shaw. I know he slept with you in a drunken haze, both times. He’s ad
mitted his mistakes and lack of judgment, both things he will live with for the rest of his life. You may have had hearts in your eyes when he went home with you that night in July, but did you even ask him what he was doing out that night? Did you know he was at that bar because I had just walked away from a date? He and his brothers are protective and nosy and came out to make sure they didn’t need to run interference. That’s not pity. That’s love. So, in actuality, you were an easy lay when he was drunk. Why don’t you understand that? He’s told you numerous times.”
Her eyes flare, growing with more rage. I continue before I lose my nerve.
“You think you’re perfect for each other? That’s because you are the social climbing bitch, looking for a man like Ren to take PITY on you. Too bad you picked the wrong man. He loves me and has proven over and over again how much. He also loves your son, and we both know he’s going to be an incredible and loving father. He’s come to terms with the situation, and he’ll fight ‘til his dying breath if you try to keep him from this baby.
“But you know what, that’s not going to reflect on him. That’s going to reflect on you because you can’t get over your petty and immature grudges and ridiculous war you’ve waged on me. I’m not going anywhere, Sasha, ever. This may be cold, but you need to hear it. Shaw doesn’t like you, his parents are skeptical, Mathis and Nick can’t stand you, and I hate you with a passion. However, I’ve decided to put my feelings aside to help Shaw raise this child. It’s time you do the same. You don’t even call him by the right name!”
There’s an avalanche of emotions that run over her face at my words. Any other time, I’d revel in the fact that this evil bitch is finally realizing she’s not going to win this battle. I’m not running anymore. I’m standing up for myself and the man I love with all my heart. She’s going to use my words against me. I know it, and I’ll have a lot of explaining to do for Caldwell to clean up this mess, but it was time.
My sense of accomplishment is short-lived as she grabs her stomach and bends at the waist, letting out a howl filled with pain. I don’t dare step forward, waiting to see if this is a trick. When her face starts to twist and she stumbles into the car behind her, I start to get concerned. She yells out, her cry splintering through the air.
“Sasha?” I ask cautiously. “What’s happening?”
“I don’t know!” her answer comes out ragged. “Something’s wrong.”
“Jesus Christ, what is it?”
“Shooting, sharp pains, abdominal cramps, my legs are going weak,” she forces out through gritted teeth, grabbing the car for support.
Then I see it; a trickle of fluid drips down her leg, followed by another and another.
Fuck, this can’t be happening. She can’t go into labor right here in Shaw’s parking garage. What the hell am I supposed to do? My mind races until all my years of nursing finally kick.
“Sasha, we need to sit you down.”
I drop my bag and go to her slowly, reaching my hand to her back. “I’m going to help get you to the passenger seat of my car. We really need to get you settled. Remember, I’m a nurse.”
She snarls when I slide my hand from her back to her waist, trying to lean her weight on me. Her head snaps up, and she shoves me with all her force. I’m too unsteady to brace and fly back, hitting my head on my side mirror. Pain cracks through the back of my skull, but I shake my head to regain focus. She’s dropping fast.
It doesn’t even register to call an ambulance as I leap up and catch her fall. She groans as I practically drag her to the other side of my car, throw the door open, and get her in the seat. She’s not fighting me. Instead, she’s sweating profusely, and her eyes are now dilated and unfocused.
“FUCK!” I scream. “Sasha, try to stay awake. Talk to me, yell at me… Whatever you do, don’t close your eyes. I’m going to get us to the hospital!”
I buckle her in, my hand brushing against her protruding belly. She finds the strength to bat my hand away. Thank God, it’s something.
I race to the driver’s side and grip the handle as dizziness washes over me, and I feel something warm running down the back of my neck. Shit, just what I need. I get in, ignoring the pounding in my head.
She whimpers as I reverse and take off, speeding out of the garage toward the hospital. I reach in my pocket and find my phone, calling nine-one-one.
The dispatcher answers, and I interrupt her greeting, my own panic starting to kick in.
“This is Lizbeth Hastings. I have a thirty-three week pregnant woman in my passenger seat who possibly is going into early labor. She’s also going into shock. I’m a nurse and see signs of watery discharge, as well as heavy sweating and confusion.”
I give the dispatcher my location, and she tells me she’ll dispatch an ambulance to try and intercept me, but she’ll also alert the emergency room. I drop my phone and grip the wheel with both hands, trying to concentrate. I glance at Sasha about the time her head jerks up, and she looks around blankly.
Her eyes land on me, and full-blown terror sets in. She has a murderous look on her face. In a swift move, she lurches at me, grabbing the wheel.
“Fuck no! Stop this car now!”
“Sasha, stop!” I scream. “I’m taking you to the hospital.”
“You don’t get to be the hero here. You’ve stolen enough from me. You don’t get to steal this, too. It’s for Ren and me only.”
I can’t fight her strength, and she turns the wheel so hard ,we go flying in a circle. I feel the first impact as my door crushes under pressure, and I’m pinned, my arm stuck. The only thing I can do is slam on the brakes as we lose all control. I lose count of all the spins and hits we take until we finally stop. I look at Sasha, who’s conscious and bracing on the dashboard. I think I see a flash of sorrow in her eyes right before I let out a ragged scream and feel the pain take over.
Then I hear the sirens.
Chapter 33
Shaw
Nicky owns the crowd as Mathis and I stand to the side, watching the adoring fans shoving items in his face for autographs. The whole team files through the roped off area and soaks up the attention.
Mathis and my phones both ring at the same time, and we walk past the group.
“Bennett,” I shout over the noise.
“S-s-s-hhhhhawwww,” Claire’s broken voice cuts through the line.
“Claire? What’s wrong?”
At the same time, Mathis starts barking into his phone and takes off running to the waiting limos. My heart skips a beat as I take off after him.
“It’s Bizzy.”
I stop, my knees going weak.
“What’s Bizzy?”
She starts sobbing through the line, and I can’t understand what she’s sputtering.
“Claire, calm down! What’s happening?”
“Shaw! Move your ass and get in this fucking car right now!” Mathis screams at me, waving frantically.
Suddenly, I know whatever has him so tweaked is the same thing that has Claire so upset.
“What the fuck is happening?” Nick is at my side in an instant, taking the phone from my hand.
“Who is this?”
He goes still beside me, and I watch the color drain from his face. He leans into me, grabbing for support, and I try to hold us both up, my mind mingled with possibilities.
“God, no, please no,” he pleads as tears form in his eyes. “We’re on our way. Pull your shit together, Claire. Prepare them for us. I’m not going to like it if I arrive and have no information. Mathis can only do so much. You do what you have to do. I don’t care if you break every fucking rule and protocol in that goddamned hospital. You hear me?”
He hangs up and yanks on me, both of us jumping in the waiting car. The driver takes off, and my head starts to clear.
“What the fuck is going on?”
“Shaw, there’s been an accident. Bizzy is unconscious. She was rushed into trauma, but then immediately cleare
d for emergency surgery,” Mathis explains, his own voice shaking.
My heart stops beating as I absorb the words. “What kind of accident?”
“Car accident. Multiple collisions. Her car hit a median, a barrier, and another car.”
“How the fuck?”
Both Mathis and Nick turn into me, caging me between them tightly. I brace for more. “Shaw, listen to me and hold tight. She wasn’t alone. Sasha was in the car. They’re prepping Sasha for a c-section. The baby is showing signs of distress.”
For the second time in a matter of minutes, my world stops. I drop my head to my chest and breathe deeply, trying not to hyperventilate. This can’t be happening.
“How the fuck?” I repeat.
“There are no answers, but the EMTs are still at the hospital. The police are there, too, and it seems there is a nine-one-one recording. We’ll know more soon.” Mathis goes into doctor mode, and I grind my teeth.
“Who was that on the phone?” I ask.
“Evie called me. She just got off the phone with Rory and Tom. They are on their way.”
I nod and remain silent the rest of the way to the hospital.
Once we drive up, the car isn’t even at a stop before Nick throws open the door and leaps out, me right behind him.
“I’m going to check in and get changed. I’ll find you as soon as I can,” Mathis yells, racing in a different direction.
Claire is waiting for us at the emergency entrance, and she collapses in my arms, hysterical. I pick her up easily and stomp through the hospital, looking for anyone who can give me answers.
I must look like a madman, because once I get to the registration desk, the woman flinches at me. “I need to talk to someone on the status of both Lizbeth Hastings and Sasha Crane.”
Claire scuttles out of my arms and lays a hand on my shoulder, suddenly much calmer as she pulls herself together. Her face is still splotchy, but she now has complete control and speaks to the woman in an authoritative voice.
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