“Ace.” I whisper as he takes my hand. “I feel like I failed you. I didn’t push hard enough when you turned into yourself. I didn’t love you fierce enough to make you want to fight your fear. I just wasn’t what you needed.”
“Don’t say that. You’re so much more than I deserve. None of that was your fault. I made those choices and I was too selfish to see they didn’t effect just me. I hurt everyone close to me and kept making the same piss poor choices. Until I realized I couldn’t play the game of life I’d done my whole life . . . I didn’t know what I threw away. At night when I was craving a pill, it wasn’t baseball that got me through it. It was you.” He brings my hands to his chest. “It was remembering the feel of your skin. The taste of your body. The beat of your heart. The peace of hearing you say you love me. I wasn’t thinking of what kinda ball I could throw because it pales in comparison of what being yours meant.”
“How can this work?” I beg him to make me understand. To make my head and my heart agree.
“Do you trust me?” I hesitate. “Doll, do you trust me?”
“Yes.” I do. I trust the man he made me love. I trust the man who cherishes me. I trust the man who makes me laugh. I trust the man that was my best friend.
The same man standing in front of me.
The pills altered him but didn’t change him at the core. I have to find a way to reconcile that because I don’t know if I can give him up again.
“Do you love me?” He pleads.
“I love you.” I put him out of his misery.
“That’s how it works. Not without obstacles. Not without strife. But we draw from our love and trust and that makes us stronger than anything put in front of us.”
“What happens when you get drafted?”
“You come with me.” So simple. So off base.
“I can’t. I want to finish school. I want a career. This is a big hurdle and it holds me back from accepting what you’re offering.”
“Then I don’t go.” He shrugs.
“No. Not a chance in hell.”
“We figure it out. We can’t worry what will be thrown at us. We swing and hope we connect but if not, we regroup and start over. The key to our future is the we part of this equation.”
“Okay.” I step to him.
“Okay?” He stares in disbelief.
“Okay.” I reiterate. “You made my mind follow my heart. I’m yours.”
“Damn straight.” He dips his head and takes my mouth. His tongue seeks entrance and who am I to deny him. The first taste of him has desire pooling in my core. His fingers tangle in my hair, holding my head in place while he unleashes the pent up frustration . . . the longing . . . the love I’ve denied him all these months.
I pull back and catch my breath. “Ace.” I call.
“Yeah?” He skims his nose down my cheek and nuzzles my neck.
“I think I’m ready to sit on that wall.” He snickers.
“Good. Because it’s made of fucking stone.” He kisses me again and spins. “Hop up Humpty Dumpty . . . you’re about to fall . . . in love.”
“Been there. Did that. Got the t-shirt and I’m never taking it off.”
“Except in bed.” He hoists me higher on his back and the friction of my clit rubbing his spine is enough to make me quake in his arms. “Naked in bed. For days.”
“Okay.” I lean around and kiss his lips.
“I’ll take this submissive Brecklynn for twenty-four hours . . . then I need my stubborn woman back.”
“You can count on it.” I laugh.
“I love you.”
“Show me.” He sprints to his truck, deposits me in the seat and takes his. He speeds home and rushes me in the house. The party is still happening at mine so his is quiet and it’s just us.
My sports bra is discarded. My pants shoved down my legs. His clothes are stripped as quick as mine and we’re all limbs tangled falling onto the bed. “I’ve missed you.” He nips my neck. His tongue follows the curve to my ear where his teeth latch and tug. It’s a direct hit to the exact place I need him. “Hurry.” I demand.
“Not a chance in hell, Doll.” He ignores my wanton pleas. His fingers knead my flesh, brush my sides and pinch my nipples. His mouth encloses over one and sucks it into a stiff peak while his hands pull and roll the other. I buck my hip and rub my dripping pussy over his stomach creating the friction I need. “Go ahead, get yourself off. I’ll be doing it many more times.” So I continue. “And then you can tell me about the Purple Pounder Avery mentioned.”
“Bitch.” I exclaim but it doesn’t bother me as I grind on him and he uses his hands to hold my hips at an angle that gives me the most pleasure. As his mouth stimulates my upper body, I work my lower. His teeth close over my collarbone at the exact pinnacle I’m cresting. I shout his name and pant his accolades.
He moves lower . . . lower . . . and stops. Bringing his tongue to take a long, slow lick of my pussy he sets me aflame. My nails dig in his scalp, which accelerates his actions, and soon his tongue is dipping inside me, as his teeth nibble my clit. Two fingers enter me in a swift motion, curling up and stroking my sweet spot. “Ride me.” And I do. I dig my heels in, hold his face to me and fuck him like the starving girl I am.
Number two rolls through me and I don’t think I can take another. But he proves me wrong. Rolling the condom over his straining dick, he pulls me up and flips me over. Spreading my legs he pushes in, my ass in the air and his grunts and my moans fill the air around us. “Fuck!” he shouts as he pounds harder and faster. His hand snakes under me and his finger hones to my clit. It’s pulsing and swollen but he doesn’t stop. I clench on his cock and scream. “All over me. Fucking come all over my dick.” So I do . . . who am I to argue.
He flips me over and enters me again. “I can’t, Ace.”
“You will, Doll.” He rolls his hips and slows the motion letting me come down before he works me up again. He pulls out and dips his head between my legs lapping and working me up. Happy with his work, he widens my leg to the point of stretching my muscles and sinks into me. Over and over. Gripping my hips he angles me and grabs my ass holding me in place to take the assault he’s releasing on my body.
Thrust. Grunt. The rhythm continues until I scream his name. He shouts mine and follows me over. “Home.” He murmurs against my neck. “You’re my home.”
“Only you hold the key.” I appease him.
“Fuck, yeah I do.” His lips continue moving over mine and we fall into a blissful sleep.
“Keep it down,” Caden bangs on my bedroom door.
“That’s embarrassing.” Brecklynn whispers and tries to squirm from my grip.
“What’s embarrassing is his limp dick not getting any.” I hold her tighter and shout back at my best friend. “Fuck off jealous.”
“Don’t make me call and have a conversation with Brody.” He threatens. She stills and I push into her. I win. She holds her hand over her mouth so she can be quiet but it makes me work harder to make her scream.
I pitched a no hitter because she’s shouting, Caden is shouting and I’m fucking gloating.
The season is closing tonight and I’m on pins and needles waiting to hear. Several teams have shown interest but no offers. I stand on the mound and search the stands. She’s standing in my line of sight as she’s been for all my home games . . . and a few away ones as well.
Her smile is for me. Her love is evident. Her possessiveness is known.
Last inning of my college ball days will come down to this one pitch. Caden decided to finish his last year with Deacon and I’ll miss playing with them if I get the offer. Coach assures me it’s a sure thing but they needed to make sure my shoulder would hold.
I watch Caden’s call. I wind, lift my knee and let the ball go. It sails through the air, spinning and a blur of white tumbling over itself. “STRIKE THREE!”
The PA system blares to life. “Mason Adler just pitched a ninety nine mile per hour fast ball to secure the win. The
Shockers have won the play-offs.” Shouts, screams, cheers, and tears roar through the field and stands. I stand and take it all in. Breathe in the victory and as my best friends flank my sides we look to the stands and recognize who makes it possible. Our families.
Julie is shouting. “Unca Mace. Youz did it.”
Deacon chuckles. “I feed her. Clothe her. And she still cheers for you.”
“Eat your heart out, DD. Princess has spoken and I’m her hero.”
“She’ll miss you.” I hate that. So many variables with moving but with their support I’ll be able to do it.
It won’t be forever. Once they graduate there is more freedom to visit wherever I end up. “Adler.” Coach calls.
We all walk to the dugout and here it is. The man who has been watching my game for four years. “Son, this is Dennis Lyle.”
“Nice to meet you, Sir.” He shakes my hand.
“Hell of a game. Hell of a season. Can we talk?”
“Yes, sir.” We walk a bit to the side and he gives me his spiel.
Triple A, The Rail Riders, team for the Yankees. Depending on my performance, I could be playing for the Yankees mid season or sooner. The salary sucks for Triple A but when he gives me the salary for Yankees if I make it my jaw drops. 2.3 million three-year contract.
“Can I think about it?” His jaw drops and I smile. “I’m pretty much a sure thing but I have someone to consider.” He nods and looks over my shoulder. I follow his gaze and see Brecklynn squirming in the grass waiting.
“Here’s my card. I’ll be here for a bit but I leave in the morning.” He nods, cups my shoulder and adds. “Watched you for a long time and I’ve never seen more talent. You gave us a scare last year but damn if you didn’t come back stronger.”
I nod and head to take my girl in my arms. “Ew. You’re all sweaty.” She laughs.
“For all the wrong reasons,” I wink.
“Was that an offer?”
“It was.”
“Ace,” she slaps my chest. “Tell me.”
“Yankees. I’ll start on their Triple A team first but it’s the fucking Yankees, Doll.”
“Holy shit!” She gives me a kiss. “I’m so proud of you.” Her eyes shine with unwavering support.
“You okay with this?” I question.
“You bet your ass I am. Shopping in New York. The art galleries there. Heaven.” She beams.
“Does that mean what I think it does?” I don’t want to get excited. It’s been an ongoing conversation.
“Not right away. One more year here.” Holy fuck.
“So I should accept?”
“You didn’t?” She’s shocked.
“Not without your input.” I promised her she was first and I prove it to her every day.
“Get your dad over here and get the contract to your attorney.” She’s giddy and I count my blessings.
“I love you.” I wave my dad over, get Mr. Lyle and we hash out details. I’ll need to be in Pennsylvania by June first but it’s doable. “Can you spend the summer with me?”
“Gave my resignation two weeks ago. Well, just on hold. Told her next year I’d have to be more flexible because my man was big league.”
I hold her close and relish in my dream coming true.
Her by my side.
That’s been my endgame since I met her. “Let’s go tell our friends.”
* MORE ENDGAME SERIES COMING 2017 *
Acknowledgements
My betas. Thank you for all the oopsies you catch… telling me what works, pushing me to expand… Love you all.
My readers group – When I get the chance I love giggling with you girls… still on my resolutions list to be more present.
Readers – Last, but never least. I write for me. I write for you. I write because without an outlet for the characters talking to me I’d be institutionalized. I appreciate each and every one of you reading the tales I weave. For recommending me. For reviews. For all your kind words.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leigh Ann Lunsford is a stay at home mom turned author. She writes Romance/New Adult and loves her happily ever after in all books and movies. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs in Fleming Island, Florida. When she isn’t writing or reading you can find her stuck in front of really bad reality shows. Leigh Ann has a filthy mouth and a huge amount of sarcasm that knows no end. She hopes to give the voices in her head an outlet with many more novels to come.
FB Author Page https://www.facebook.com/leighannauthor ★
Twitter: @AuthorLeigh
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7382702.Leigh_Ann_Lunsford
Email: [email protected] ★
Website: www.lalunsfordauthor.com ★
OTHER WORKS BY LEIGH ANN LUNSFORD
Not Enough (Parker Siblings, #1)
Brielle Parker has her life in front of her; she just does not know how to live it. After years of not being enough for her parents, or the dreams she once had, how did one man Colby James show her she was actually more than enough?
Raised by her grandparents with her three siblings, Brielle was loved, no doubt. However, her grandparents were taken too soon, and she was left with her older sibling to try to raise her younger ones. She couldn’t help but let the doubts take over her life. Would she ever be enough? Then Colby walked in and changed everything, and just when she was facing her fears and falling in love for the first time, Colby ripped her heart out.
Will they be able to get past their mistakes to live the life they both want? Did Colby finally break Brielle when all he wanted to do was protect and love her? You can rebound from some mistakes, but some you just have to learn from and walk away. The love they have is true and pure, but will they finally be enough for each other?
Not Leaving (Parker Siblings, #2)
Addison Parker has loved one boy all her life, Tyler James. She met him the first day of school after moving to Tennessee to live with her grandparents. Through death, raising her younger siblings, betrayal, and heartbreak, he has been there. She has forgiven him for many things, but this time when he leaves, she decides he is not her future anymore.
Tyler James loves Addison Parker. He has made mistakes, but his love is always constant. He wants to be with her, but through lies and misunderstandings it doesn’t seem possible anymore. When a single moment changes his future, will he be able to come back and pick up the pieces of their relationship, or did he finally break all of her faith in him?
Not Hiding (Parker Siblings, #3)
Cambree Parker has finally flown the nest and headed off to college in a different state, truly alone for the first time. Trying to escape from her sisters’ shadows, she runs from the lies and deceit that have plagued her family for years, and from the boy who stole her heart and shredded it in the process. Once there, she realizes her freedom is not all she hoped it would be. She misses her family, thinks of Max daily, and when she decides she wants to take control, she is attacked, leaving her family to fear for their safety. Can she protect her heart and remain safe when the source of her heartache has taken up permanent residence by her side?
Max Baird knew he messed up. His guilt over Cambree being attacked makes him doubt if he is good enough for her. He just knows he can’t walk away. She has told him she hates the lies, but the one he is keeping can blow her family apart, and he doesn’t know if she will ever forgive him. He has seen his share of sorrow and heartbreak, but he refuses to allow Cambree to suffer at his hands anymore. He will prove to her they can work. Hopefully he isn’t too late.
Not Over (Parker Siblings, #4)
Dustin Parker had life and love in his grasp until the moment she disappeared without a good-bye. He has watched his sisters struggle, fall in love, and find a happily ever after. He thought it was his turn, but fate had other plans. Leaving the family again, this time to attend school across the country, he will play soccer, and try to keep her off his mind. All of a sudden in walks someone to occupy his bed
but not his heart. Why is he promising her forever?
Teryn Hall has suffered years of abuse, held a prisoner in her home by the one man who should have nurtured and loved her. Her scars run deep, and when her pain bubbles to the surface she can’t control the memories and the anguish. She thought she was doing the right thing when she walked away. She thought he would wait for her. Didn’t he promise her forever? Right when she thinks things are back on track, the news of Dustin moving on could derail her.
Can love really survive anything?
Pieces of Paisley
Paisley Hull fell in love at sixteen; the forever kind of love: unexpected, passionate, consuming - her first. She never thought she could walk away from that kind of passion. Ignoring her heart, guided by her head, she never looked back.
Blindsided by the beauty of a tiny, hazel-eyed vixen, Jake Grant fell head over heels in love, vowing to keep her protected and not let his past taint her. He may have been overzealous in his attempts to show her how much he cherished her but he never thought she would walk away without a fight.
Nine years later, a now divorced Jake has a chance encounter with an engaged Paisley just a few short weeks before she is set to walk down the aisle. Wondering if they gave up too easily, the two embark on a journey through the jagged edges of their past. Can they overcome the obstacles to finally become one or is it too late for their second chance?
Karma (Endgame Series Book 3) Page 22
