Striker's Waltz (Seattle Sound Series Book 6)

by Alexa Padgett

  My lips parted. I lifted a brow to question her.

  “At your desk. Me bent over it and you behind—”

  I groaned, drowning out her next words.

  “I’m not going to survive your passion, but your imagination is a bonus. If you want desk sex, I’m glad to offer my assistance.”

  My fingers were in her hair, my mouth on hers. I shifted, trying to find relief. She rubbed against me, and I thrust up in between her thighs. Her fingers fumbled with the waistband of the boxer briefs I’d slid back on after she’d fallen asleep.

  I cupped her cheeks and gazed into her eyes, searching. “I want to give you my sole focus, as you deserve, but I’m not sure I can right now. The trade is still up in the air and Noah suggested—”

  “Stop talking.” She rubbed over me again. “Just focus on making us both feel good.

  I hated the panic building in her eyes, but I wouldn’t take this step without her complete acceptance of what we were doing. I couldn’t let her think it was more…or less. Being with Preslee complicated my life, and yet here we were, tangled limbs and desire so strong I smelled it.

  She nipped my lower lip. I crushed her to my chest, the moan ripped from deep within my chest.

  I hooked my leg behind her knee and twisted so that I rose above her.

  My lips found hers in a scorching kiss. I let myself slide deep into it, deeper this time than I had before. Still, my passion flared hot, consuming me, and I reveled in it.

  She slid her hand back to my underwear, sliding it down in a slow, sinuous caress. Her soft touch excited me. Other women had undressed me, sure, but this was Preslee, and she wanted me naked and inside her warm, giving body.

  I groaned into her mouth. Preslee smoothed her hands over my butt and down my thighs, the heat from her skin searing me.

  My lips trailed over her ribs as she arched into me, fitting my thick erection against her hot center. She pressed her lips into my shoulder, licking and sucking the muscle there as she ran her hands over my abdomen. I loved her hands on me. I wanted more. So much more. I didn’t want this to end. I nuzzled the underside of her breasts, chuckling when she squirmed against me.

  Her hands roamed across my back, her fingers tracing the ridges and smoothing over the hollows. I moaned when she cupped my aching balls. I moved up to take her nipple into my mouth, swirling my tongue over the soft, pliant flesh. Her breathing escalated, and I slid my mouth to her other breast, my thumb and forefinger continuing to work her pebble-hard nipple.

  She slid both palms to capture my erection. I pressed more firmly into her hands, sure I’d just found heaven. She explored my shaft to the smooth, soft tip, flicking her thumb over the bead of moisture there. I took her mouth in another kiss, this one pure carnality. Need streamed through my veins, screaming for release. The pleasure I received from her hands intensified.

  She started when I pressed my thumb against the bundle of nerves at the front of her sex. I rubbed in deep circles as she slid her hands up and down my shaft.

  “You’re big,” she whispered.

  “You excite me.” I groaned as she slid her fist down to my balls. Months since anyone but my own hand touched me. I was a poor substitute for Preslee. Pleasure crackled over my skin, and my balls tightened. “I’m not sure I can wait.”

  “Then don’t.”

  “When you’re ready,” I growled.

  “I’m ready now.”

  I slid a finger between her warm lips, and she arched into me, making some inarticulate sound of pleasure.

  “You’re beautiful all flushed and ready for me to love you.”

  “Please.”

  I pulled away to grab a condom, and my skin cooled. I bit my lip as the desire slid in big shivers up and down my thighs. I nudged at her entrance and she shifted upward, eager to accept me into her body.

  I hissed as I pressed slowly into her tight warmth.

  She cupped my cheeks, her fingers scraping over the stubble there. She rubbed her palm against the growth, mewling at the rough texture against her sensitized palms.

  I leaned down, pressing my lips to hers. The perfection of our joining slid from my lips into my chest, burying in my heart. I pressed in further, and she adjusted, taking more of me into her hot clench. I pulled out, needing a moment to calm my racing heart and rock-hard balls.

  The little minx arched up hard and fast, trying to get me to bury mi pene deep inside her. But that would end the pleasure too soon.

  “Slow, Pres. Santa Maria, let’s slow this down.”

  “Deeper. More.”

  “You’re getting me,” I growled as I kissed the edge of her jaw—that spot that lit her up every time. She arched up into me, crushing her breasts against my chest, her nipples hard points boring through my skin.

  I trailed my lips across her jaw to her earlobe. I slid out of her body, sucking gently at the soft skin on her ear. She whimpered, her fingernails clawing at my arms. I bit her earlobe as I swiveled my hips, pressing my erection deep inside her body.

  She bowed under me and moaned my name.

  Damn right she did.

  I pulled back and waited for her to open her eyes. Her lashes caught together before parting to reveal the green of a mature leaf. I loved her ever-changing eyes.

  “Ah. Do that again,” she whispered.

  My breathing escalated as hers did. I shifted to ensure my pelvis rubbing across her sensitive flesh. She moaned again. I smiled as I bent my head, dropping a kiss on her nose and the arch of her throat. Sweat bloomed across our skin. Her legs thrashed as I pinned her under me, holding her still with my hips.

  “I need...” She tilted her head back and tried to thrust her hips upward. She couldn’t, and I loved watching her come apart like this. She trusted me enough to lose herself in her passion.

  “What do you need?”

  “You. More.”

  I complied. She pulled her knees up to take me even deeper. My next thrust was harder, less controlled, deeper.

  “Like that,” she whispered. My balls tightened further and my cock twitched.

  I wrapped an arm around her waist when she bucked under me. I picked up the tempo, hammering into her willing body, my spine tingling. I slid my hands from Preslee’s waist and placed them on her thighs, opening her to my pounding.

  Her hands fell to the sheets, gripping and twisting, her knuckles white. She screamed as the orgasm ripped through her. This wasn’t soft and sweet—this lasted longer than the last two. I slammed my mouth to hers with a ferocity I didn’t know I possessed, and ravaged her mouth, plundering with my tongue as I sped up even faster. My movements weren’t smooth now. I couldn’t help it. I needed her, felt the orgasm building up my spine. I drew back and pressed deep, trying to breathe through the pulsing of my body.

  I collapsed onto her, kissing her sweat-dampened temple. It took most of my energy, but I rolled, gathering Preslee in my arms so we stayed joined. She settled her head on my shoulder. I reveled in the contentment of the moment.

  “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.”

  She lifted her face enough to meet my eyes. Hers were back to a pale green, dazed. “Mine, too.” She grinned.

  I didn’t try to resist the call of her lips into a soft and perfect kiss. She snuggled in closer, pressing another kiss to my chest as I smiled.

  16

  Preslee

  Teo leaned on his elbow, sprawled across the mattress as he stared down at me. I blinked at the sunshine streaming through the windows. My cheeks flushed. We’d made love many more times, and even fulfilled my fantasy of taking him as I leaned over his desk. I smiled, enjoying the rehash nearly as much as the experience.

  Teo was more inventive than my previous lover, and he took the time to be interested in my reactions.

  “Hi.” I shifted, unsurprised by the soreness between my thighs. Just the thought of some of our exploits the previous night made me shift again, this time with growing excitement.

  “B
uenos dias.” Teo leaned in and kissed me. I turned, trying to pull him on top of me. He held back, and I whimpered. He pressed another kiss to the corner of my mouth and leaned on his elbow, brushing the hair from my eyes.

  “I love waking up next to you. So soft, warm, willing.” He brushed a finger over the top swell of my breast. “But you’re also a very bad influence.”

  Confusion turned into embarrassment. “I didn’t mean to make you do anything you didn’t want to do.”

  Teo threw his head back and guffawed. “I wasn’t talking about our lovemaking, Pres. It’s six thirty, and I must be at practice by seven.”

  “It is? Holy crap!”

  I sprang out of bed, looking, wild-eyed, for my clothes. Teo’s hand drifted up my back, curving around my shoulder so my back pressed against his chest once more.

  “I’ll make us breakfast.”

  He smeared a kiss across my lips before he slid into his boxers. I sighed, wishing I was Hugo Boss. Teo’s butt put Greek sculptures to shame. And his back…all toned and muscular. I gulped. I slept with him.

  “Dress, Pres. Now. Or we’re skipping the day, and I’m tying you to my bed. Screw the fine.”

  My body warmed past the point of caution. “That’s more an incentive than a threat,” I said, breathless, as I stepped nearer. Teo’s hand caressed my bottom as he walked past.

  He groaned. “You are full of surprises. We’ll make up for it later.”

  “Promise?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.

  “I’ll pick you up as soon as I finish. From the symphony?”

  I nodded, not trying to fight the grin spreading over my lips.

  My morning attire turned out to be a problem. I didn’t wear a bra last night, and I refused to put on day-old panties. For the first time in my life, I went commando, and I squirmed, feeling naughty.

  Teo lent me a pair of his soccer shorts, which I folded over twice to keep snug at my waist, and a too-large faded T-shirt. I tied the extra foot of material to the side, going for an intentionally causal look.

  The amused looks from one of the residents who entered the elevator a couple of floors below Teo’s told me I hadn’t quite pulled it off. Walking me to the door, Teo kissed me long and slow. He leaned down and whispered, “I’ll be back in a few hours.”

  “And then?” I whispered.

  The look he gave me from under his lashes made me suck in my breath.

  Whatever we’d started proved more exciting than I’d anticipated. I slid into the dark condo and tiptoed to my room. I padded straight to the bathroom and turned on the light, blinking at the glare.

  My skin was rosy, in a near-constant flush, thanks to Teo’s sensual words and sexual prowess.

  I settled on the edge of my vanity. I still didn’t understand why he’d decided to date me. He was attentive, charming—the best lover I’d ever experienced. On the surface, there was no reason for me to worry.

  But underlying the perfection of last night was the reality that he’d changed his mind once. And if he could do that so thoroughly, he could do it again.

  17

  Teo

  I slid through the side door Preslee told me the symphony members used, waved in by a security guard, who grinned broadly.

  “She said you were coming by, but I still can’t believe it. Matteo Cruz here in our building.” He shook his graying head. “Can I get your autograph?”

  I smiled and nodded, though I wanted nothing more than to stand there in the quiet for a moment and close my eyes.

  “Any word on your trade? I mean, how will that work with Preslee?”

  I suppressed the urge to squirm, not liking the uncomfortable feeling building in my chest. “No word. My agent is working with the Timber and Milan.”

  The team management perked up at the idea of paying me less—and shortening the contract to three years. I’d told Roberto to make it happen, and he was, but the entire process left me disappointed, almost dismal.

  After signing his symphony program, I moved along the passage and massaged my hamstring, trying to ease the tension there. I needed another round of massage therapy. Our team trainer was good, but not as good as Mariana—which is why I’d paid her a large sum of money to treat me.

  Maybe I could talk Pres into rubbing my leg for me. I already knew her fingers were magic.

  I grinned and shook my head. I was worse than a teenager when it came to Pres. I wanted to spend all my time with her. Not even with Vivi was I ever so focused, so interested, in a woman. Was this normal? Not as though I could speak with my father about the matter and any of my current teammates. My former teammates from Real Madrid weren’t speaking to me because they felt I should have kept my mouth shut—to stay on the roster.

  Which meant I didn’t know what to do with the myriad feelings bubbling up—euphoria and fear. Fear won out.

  I glanced up and caught Brenna’s scowl.

  “Hello. I didn’t expect to see you today.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m sure you didn’t. I was just leaving now that I asked her the question I needed answered.” Her brows tumbled lower. “Because it seems like you’ll be keeping her occupied for a while.”

  I laughed, an uncomfortable emotion bubbling up because I’d started something with just the type of woman I’d always feared—the long-term woman. I cleared my throat, trying to regain my equilibrium. “I care about her, very much. And plan to spend what time we can together.”

  Brenna sighed in defeat “You’ll take care of her?”

  I met her light brown eyes. This answer was simple. “Yes. She deserves the best.”

  Brenna’s lips twitched up. “We agree on that.”

  “Is she finished?” I asked, needing to change the subject.

  “Not quite. The conductor is yelling at them. You know, the opposite of a pep talk.”

  “Why does Pres work for the symphony? She likes to play the electric viola.”

  Brenna studied her nails. “It’s relatively unique, and she’s a hell of a player.” She glanced up at me from under her brow. “She’s racked up quite a few inquiries to play. Big name bands. Offers for studio time.”

  I glanced down the hall, confusion warring with pride. “Why doesn’t she do any of those?”

  Brenna smoothed her hands down the lapels of her suede blazer. “Oren.”

  “Have you met him?” I didn’t bother to hide my disgust.

  “Yes.”

  “Pres is afraid enough of him to hide in a group of musicians?”

  “Clearly,” Brenna’s voice turned curt. “And with good reason.”

  I didn’t get a chance to say anything further because a mass of voices, mostly grumbling, approached, then flowed around us.

  I spotted Preslee talking to another musician about halfway back in the crowd. She smiled, her eyes alight at the sight of me, and my chest ached with the need to pull her close and kiss that smile.

  “Can I get your autograph?”

  I turned toward a matronly woman in jeans and an oversized T-shirt. I smiled. “Of course.”

  “For my son. He’s a huge Timber fan.”

  I nodded, mainly zoning out on all the comments as I waited for Preslee. My hand cramped before she materialized next to me. I handed back the latest paper and pen before turning toward her. I cupped her cheeks and captured her lips in a soft kiss.

  “Fabulous to see you,” she grinned, her eyes a sparkling mint green. “How was practice?”

  I shrugged, annoyed by my aching leg and lack of clarity on the trade talks. “You ready to go?”

  She glanced around at her colleagues, all of whom stepped back, giving us a modicum of privacy.

  “Yes.” She leaned in, and I caught my breath as her chest brushed against mine. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m better now that I’m with you,” I murmured back, kissing her cheek near her ear.

  She pulled back slowly. “Will you take me back to your place?”

 
I brushed her bangs back. “I’d like nothing more,” I said, face and voice solemn.

  “Let’s go.”

  I took her viola from her and knitted the fingers of my free hand through hers. We said our goodbyes and walked quietly from the building.

  “I wanted to hear you play, but Brenna ambushed me at the door.”

  Preslee’s eyebrows rose and she glanced around. “Brenna was there?”

  “She said she needed an answer to a question.”

  Preslee shook her head. “She never spoke to me.”

  “You know, I didn’t see her when we were leaving. I was too caught up in you to notice.”

  She sighed, snuggling in closer. “I like the sound of that.”

  I dipped my head so I could whisper in her ear. “I like all the sounds you make.”

  Preslee’s lips trembled before she failed to contain her mirth. Her laugh caused many to turn their heads to see who made such a gorgeous sound. I pulled her still closer and kissed the top of her head.

  “Especially that one,” I breathed into her ear.

  “Let’s just stay in tonight,” she suggested.

  I escorted her into an empty elevator car in our building. I pressed her back against the wall and kissed my way up her neck.

  “Mm. That’s nice.”

  “I care about you, Preslee.” I brought her knuckled to my lips.

  “That’s sweet,” she said with a flirty smile that did nothing to hide the building panic in her eyes.

  I cleared my throat, as uncomfortable with the turn in our conversation as she was. “I owe you a real meal. The piece of toast I handed you on the way out the door doesn’t cut it.”

  “You don’t have to feed me.”

  I tipped her head up and pressed a kiss to her lips. “I want to. I like spending time with you.”

  This time, her smile was broader, more genuine. The grip on my chest that ballooned when I saw Brenna earlier eased. Preslee wanted me—to spend time with me—as much as I did with her. If we focused on that, on the present, we’d be good.