Playing the Game: Playing the Game Duet Book 1

by Gina Drayer

  Cooper: One of the top five best ways to wake up.

  Emily: Top five? Not too bad given your experience.

  Cooper: Number two on the list definitely.

  Emily: Only #2?? What’s number one?

  Cooper: I promise to show you when I get back.

  “You’ve been staring at your phone all day. Is it that baseball player?” Tony asked from the door of my office.

  I flipped over my phone, my face heating, and nodded. “He’s waiting for a flight, and he’s bored.”

  Tony leaned against the frame and narrowed his eyes. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t think things were going to work out between you two. He’s not…” Tony looked down at the ground and shook his head. “Okay, I’ll just say it. I didn’t think he was good enough for you.”

  “Cooper’s a good guy,” I said, defensively.

  “You’re like one of my daughters. No guy is ever good enough for you, but I think he makes you happy. And you deserve to be happy.”

  It wasn’t always the case, but every time I think about him, my heart does this flip-flop, and my stomach fills with a riot of butterflies. He makes me laugh. He turns me on. Just thinking of him makes me smile. God help me, but I’m falling for him and fast.

  My eyes flicked to my phone. I should be more cautious. I needed to tap the brakes on this infatuation. Just then the phone ding with another message. I broke out into a huge grin.

  “He does make me happy. But I also want to strangle him sometimes.”

  “Sounds like love,” Tony said, wistfully. “Oh, before I forget. We got a call from a potential donor.” Tony handed me a message with the name Ben Lobos at the top and a local number. “He said he wanted to make a big end of the year donation and wanted you to call him back right away.”

  I eyed the name again. It seems odd that he’d call me out of the blue. And as I recall, there seemed to be a bit of animosity between Ben and Cooper.

  “Do you think you can handle this one? I’ve got a call with the booth vendor. There’s some issue with the delivery time.”

  “He wanted to talk to you personally, said you’d met the other night at the auction.”

  “Fine.” I pick up my phone and dial the number, hoping it goes to voicemail. But no such luck.

  “This is Ben.”

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Lobos. This is Emily Oliver. I was returning your call.”

  “Ah, yes. The lovely Miss Oliver. So nice to talk to you again. We didn’t get a chance to finish that conversation the other night before Cooper whisked you away.”

  “I wasn’t aware that there was anything else to talk about,” I said, coolly.

  “Oh, but there are so many things we could talk about. But right now, I’m interested in making that donation. I’m sure you can come up with something I can throw my money at for such a worthy cause. Can I stop by next week?”

  There was something about the guy that put me on edge. I had a feeling there was more to this phone call than just a desire to make a donation. But I wasn’t about to turn away money just because the guy made me uneasy. “I love meeting donors, but I’m really busy with our annual Christmas market. My assistant Tony would be more than happy to meet with you.”

  “I read about that on your website. Do you have a corporate sponsor yet?”

  “No, we’ve always just put it on with the help of the local community.”

  “Well, then, my firm would love to sponsor the event. We’ll cover all the costs. Just put together a proposal.”

  “There’s not a lot of costs. Most of the event is put together by donations.”

  “I’m sure there’s something you need money for. I know I’m a bit late to the game, but I do want to help. Why don’t I stop by next Monday and we can discuss your needs?”

  “Monday doesn’t work for me.

  “Fine, then Tuesday.”

  “I don’t think—”

  “I’m sorry. I’ve got another call coming in. We’ll talk soon.”

  The line went dead, and I just stared at the receiver for a second. I can’t quite figure out what game Ben Lobos was playing at, but I had a bad feeling he’s trying to use me to get at Cooper.

  I should talk to Cooper and ask him exactly what is going on between the two of them.

  My phone dinged again. I flip it over and see the last two messages.

  Cooper: Keep your phone on tonight. I need to hear your voice.

  Cooper: Turning off my phone. Talk again tonight.

  New York Press

  New life for Trinity Lutheran School

  After standing vacant for years, there’s an offer on the Trinity Lutheran School building. The Oliver Family Shelter is petitioning the City Planning borough office for a license to operate a shelter out of the building. In addition, Executive director Emily Oliver says that they are planning to open an after-school program and low income day care.

  If the sale goes through…

  28

  Emily

  I crawled into bed sometime after eleven with my phone tucked under my ear. Cooper had texted a few more times after he landed but still hadn’t called.

  To be honest, this was one of my biggest concerns about dating him. He traveled all the time, and our relationship, such as it was, seemed to be based on proximity. Now that he was on the other side of the country, there was very little holding us together.

  I’d fallen into a light, fitful sleep when the phone buzzed. I startled awake and answered.

  “Do you know how great it is to hear your voice?” Cooper's deep voice washed over me, causing some of my doubt to melt away. “Sorry, I’m calling so late. I couldn’t get away from my mom.”

  “I understand,” I said and propped up against the backboard. “I’m sure she misses you.”

  “She does, but they weren’t interested in me. Everyone wanted to hear about you.”

  “Me?”

  “We’ve been very public about our dating. We wanted to convince people our relationship was real. Well, it worked. My mother might be cyber stalking you.”

  “And what does she think?” I asked, suddenly nervous.

  “She loves you and is already planning our wedding.”

  “Really?” I knew he was just making a joke, but that didn’t stop my heart from racing.

  “Yes. And that’s why I got in so late tonight. After dinner, Mom sat me down and lectured me like I was fifteen.”

  “Because we’re dating? So she doesn’t approve?”

  “Oh, no she approves of you. It’s me she doesn’t approve of,” he said with a laugh. “I know your dad’s not here anymore, but don’t worry, my mom already gave me the you’re not good enough, and you’d better treat Emily right talk.”

  “She didn’t.”

  “She did. After about an hour of being told how to treat a lady, I pleaded jet lag. I know it’s late there. I thought about waiting until the morning to call, but I needed to hear your voice. It’s lonely here without you.”

  Immediately, I flashed to this weekend and glanced to the other side of my bed. Funny how, in just a few short days, everything felt so different.

  “I’m sorry. I thought you forgot to call.”

  “Baby, I couldn’t forget about you if I tried.” He sighed and then I heard the rustle of fabric. “I travel a lot, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t on my mind. All I could think about today was your pretty smile. The sweet sound of your laugh. I wish you were here right now.”

  “And if I was…” My voice was a lot huskier than I intended. He was trying to be sweet, and I was getting turned on. Feeling bold, I put the phone on speaker and got comfortable. “If I was there, tell me what you’d do to me.”

  “Who knew there was a saucy vixen just under the surface?” The sound of his deep, rich laugh fills my room. “If you were here, I’d start off slow, exploring every inch of your body. I want to get to know all the things that turn you on. I’d tease you with my mouth, letting my tongue trace every curve, taste yo
ur wetness. Would you like that?”

  “Yes.” I slid down on my bed, picturing. My whole body was on fire.

  “Are you wet?”

  “Yes. Soaked.” I traced through the wetness until I landed on my clit, and imagined it was him touching me. But this was good enough for now.

  “I’m picturing you right now, naked, moving your hand between your legs. Pretend my mouth is on you, exploring your sweet pussy. If I was there right now, I would tease you until you were begging me to make you come.”

  “Yes. Make me come. Please,” I said, moaning as his words brought me closer to climax. My breathing was ragged, my entire body pulsing with need.

  “That’s it, Baby,” he growled, low and husky.

  “Are you touching yourself? Are you imagining my mouth on you?”

  “I’ve got my fist around my dick, but it’s not enough,” he moans, and I recognize the sound. “I want to feel you come around me. When I get home, I’m going to fuck you so hard.”

  “Yes. I want it all. Everything.”

  All our words fall away as our noises become the only soundtrack. Images of Cooper stroking his thick length on the other end flashed through my mind. The tension in my body tightened and then exploded. I called out his name as an intense orgasm rips through me.

  “I fucking love that sound. God…” He roared his own release and another ripple of pleaser pulsed through my body.

  The line was silent, our ragged breathing the only sounds.

  “Well, shit, that was amazing,” he said with a chuckle. “I can’t wait until I’m home.”

  Every night that week, Cooper called. And every night that week, I came with my hand between my legs and his groans in my ear.

  During the day, he sent me texts when he had a chance. He sent dozens of pictures of his family—of his mom and sister and a lot of his niece and nephew.

  And he wasn’t joking earlier about getting the fifth degree. He’d never had a girlfriend, and they wanted to know everything about me. Per his sister’s request, I sent a proof of life and then spent the week answering dozens of questions. I was actually starting to feel a little bad for him.

  And as the week came to a close, one thing was clear; even though we were miles apart, I was falling more and more each day.

  29

  Cooper

  Seven days felt like an eternity. I knew this would be the first of many long road trips I’d make if we continued to see each other—not to mention, spring training. It was a reality we both had to face if we were going to make this work.

  The phone sex was hot and just as important, we talked every night. I learned a lot about Emily. And not just because my family wanted to know. I enjoyed hearing about her day, about the kids at the center. She was funny. Her sense of humor was dry and cutting. She was also compassionate and empathetic. She cried more than once over the troubles one of the residents was dealing with.

  But as much as the distance brought us closer, I couldn’t wait to see her again.

  As I boarded the plane on Sunday afternoon, I sent her a quick text. My flight didn’t land in New York until ten, which meant getting home sometime after eleven. We agreed to see each other Monday, but I wanted to see her tonight.

  I spent the entire flight back debating whether or not I should call her when I got home, beg to come over. When we landed, I collected my bags and sent her a text.

  Cooper: Flight just landed. Are you still up?

  It sounded like a booty call. I didn’t wait for a reply. I told the driver to take me home. We’re half-way across town, I received her reply.

  Emily: Yes. I’m waiting for you.

  I told the driver to turn around and promised him an extra hundred if he got me there in the next fifteen minutes.

  We pulled in front of her house, and I grabbed my bags, tossing a few bills at the driver without even counting. By the time I reached her porch, Emily was there waiting at the door, wrapped in her ugly pink robe.

  “I missed you.”

  “I missed you, too.”

  We stood on her porch, staring at each other for what felt like an eternity. I scanned her face, every inch of her body, matching up my memories to the reality.

  “I was afraid you wouldn’t come tonight,” she said, tugging on the ties of her robe.

  I took a step forward, catching her around the waist. “Trust me, I have every intention of coming tonight.”

  In the next breath, my lips were on hers. Soft at first, and then harder, hungrier. Her robe had fallen open slightly, and I teased the edge, slowly parting it more.

  “Someone could see us,” she said, even as she unbuttoned my pants.

  “I don’t care.”

  And I didn’t. The only thing I cared about was the way she pushed down my jeans just enough to free my hard cock and wrap her hand around the length.

  Even so, as I yanked open her robe, I walked us back into the shadows of her apartment, shutting the door behind us. She was completely naked under all that fabric, and I groaned.

  “Fuck, I need you. Right now,” I said and hooked her knee around my hip.

  “Yes.” She tossed her arms around my neck, as my erection trailed through her wetness.

  I couldn’t wait any longer. I pushed in, slowly, enjoying the feel of her. I watched every reaction on her face as I buried myself fully.

  “God. You feel so good.”

  The frustration of not being able to touch her all week fell away, and my entire world was reduced to just this moment. I pressed her back against the wall and moved faster, murmuring sounds of praise. Her nails dug into my shoulders as my thrusts grew harder, more urgent. Her head fell back against the wall and called out my name just as the aching in my spin exploded.

  My fingers dug into her hips as I came. There’d be marks tomorrow, but fuck if I didn’t need this—need her. I ran a hand down her leg to her ass and sighed.

  “God, Baby. You’ve ruined me.”

  I pulled out slowly and set her down. She clung to my neck, still unsteady on her feet.

  She looked up through hooded eyes and smiled. “Welcome home.”

  I tucked a long lock of honey hair behind her ear and kissed her again. “Did I mention how much I missed you?” I pulled her robe closed and zip up my pants. “I know it’s late, but I couldn’t wait to see you.”

  “Me either.”

  Now that all my pent up sexual frustration was spent, I wasn’t quite sure what my next move should be. I showed up on her doorstep in the middle of the night for a fuck. Does that entitle me to stay the night? Or should I take my bag and go?

  There was still a lot we hadn’t worked out yet.

  “Dating you has really put a kink in my sleep schedule.” She yawned and rubbed the back of her neck. “So are you just going to stand in my entry all night or are you going to come upstairs?”

  “You want me to stay?”

  “Of course, I do. But if you need to get home, I’ll understand.” She yawned again and then kissed me on the cheek. “Either way, I’m going to bed.”

  I grabbed my suitcase from the porch as she shuffled back to her bedroom, and locked the door behind me. I used to think I liked to sleep alone, but waking up with Emily in my arms was one of my new favorite pastimes. There’s no way I’d pass up an opportunity to do it again.

  We fell asleep wrapped in each other’s arms, and in the morning made love again. I felt like a million bucks as I headed off to my morning yoga class. I was looking forward to taking her out tonight and bringing her back to my place.

  I was starting to understand the lure of marriage—not that I was even thinking about that yet. But the idea of sharing a life with Emily didn’t seem so farfetched.

  I spotted Kevin in the corner of the class and remembered how his marriage fell apart. But I wasn’t Kevin, and Emily certainly wasn’t Tonya.

  I had always been quick to make up my mind, even as a child. Some people thought I was impulsive. I liked to think of it as being
decisive. And the more I thought about making our arrangement more permanent, the more I liked the idea. We clicked. From the moment we met, there was something there. Once my contract was renewed, I could start planning for the future. A future with Emily.

  30

  Cooper

  “I thought we were supposed to be working out. My grandma can throw faster than that,” I heckled Hernandez as I hit another ball deep into the outfield.

  “Dammit. You’re still letting your shoulder drop,” the coach yelled.

  Tim Bradley, our pitching coach, jogged out to the mound, still yelling about follow through and swivel. I stepped away from the plate and swung the bat a few times, trying to limber up. Even though I kept up with my drills, this was the first time since the playoffs I’ve worked out with the team.

  “Looking good out there.” Kevin bumped my shoulder as he jogged in from the outfield. “There’s something different.”

  “Must be all the hookers and blow.”

  “Shit, you better not say that too loud or it will be front page news.”

  Kevin had a point. There always seemed to be someone hanging around that was willing to sell a juicy story to the papers. Even if it wasn’t true.

  “You know, I bet it’s the yoga. I told you it would help your game.”

  “It’s not the yoga. Man, I know this is going to be hard for you to understand, but some of us are just born with God-given talent.”

  “God-given talent my ass. The only natural talent you have is landing your ass on page six. What was up with that photo? Is Emily alright?”

  “Evidently, my girl is a bit of a klutz,” I said, unable to hide the smile. “She rolled her ankle on the sidewalk outside her house.”

  “Your girl?” Kevin’s eyebrows shot up. “That sounds serious. A lot more serious than just an off-season fling.”