He lifted his head. “I haven’t heard you scream my name yet.”
“You’re gonna have to do a lot more if you want to hear me cry out your name.” She tried to drag his shirt up, but his arms were in the way.
“When you do, just make sure you call me Big Papa,” he teased.
He was so damn gorgeous. His hands left her breasts and slid lower to the waist of her panties. He dragged them down over her hips and his thumb brushed through the patch of hair covering the apex between her thighs, making her flinch.
“What kinda game you playing?” she whispered as she kicked her panties away.
Rance looked up at her and grinned. “I already told you. Tonight we’re playing scream.” And then he slid his hand between her thighs.
She was so unprepared she almost stumbled onto his lap. It had been a long time since a man had touched her down there. And even longer since a man knew what he was doing. Rance’s strokes were both long and confident.
God, he knew his way around a woman’s body. His fingers were long and calloused as they opened her right up. He stroked, penetrated, generating a fever that continued to build in her blood.
“Open your legs,” he commanded and she parted slightly, reaching over and using the table for leverage.
And then Rance began to lick her. She hadn’t even noticed that he had shifted until he was practically lying across the couch,. Oh, but she felt him. Each and every warm, wet stroke of his tongue. She moaned and rocked her pelvis back and forth. She thought his finger were magical, but his tongue! Oh, my, it was seconds away from sending her over the—
“Yes!” she cried as her body contracted, then shivered in pleasure. The orgasm was amazing, the ride on the wave delightful. As she regained her breath, she looked down at his smiling face.
“Satisfied?” he asked.
“Yup,” she said, her voice coming out more breathless than she intended. “But I didn’t scream your name.”
He winked. “The night isn’t over yet.”
She grabbed onto his forearms to pull him up, but he was too big for her to do that easily. Unfortunately, when he moved and rose to his feet, she collapsed backward onto the bed.
“If you want me screaming your name, you’re gonna have to use the big gun.” She slid her hand right over his impressive erection.
Oh, my! Even through his slacks, she could tell there was some truth to the basketball players’ shoe size.
He gasped when she gripped him. “You have any condoms?” she asked.
He leaned over and pulled out a brand new box from the side drawer.
She arched her brow. “You came prepared.”
“Sweetheart, I never leave home with them. Been there. Done that.”
“Hmmm. Sounds like you have a story to tell.”
“Maybe later,” he said as he ripped open the box.
“Later sounds good.”
He kissed her before he stood up, then yanked off his shirt. He unbuckled his pants and they dropped to his feet, followed by his boxers. Her breath caught in her throat. It was like she was a child again, standing in front of a bakery window display of her favorite gourmet cupcakes. Her tongue slipped out from between her lips and swiped her lips. She might have even drooled.
His broad shoulders tapered in a golden line down to his waist. With her eyes focused at his crotch, his dick jutted proudly between thick, muscular thighs. This was one sight she’d never forget.
Her aroused clit throbbed with anticipation.
He ripped the wrapper open and she sat there on the edge of the bed with a smile on her lips while she watched him roll it over his length.
“Ready to scream my name?” he said, slanting her a wicked look.
Debra laughed. “Bring—”
She gasped as he spread her legs and settled onto the bed, his knees between her. She watched as he slid his hands right under her ass, lifted her up, and positioned himself.
Debra raised her gaze, sliding over washboard abs, then up to his face as he watched her.
“Deb?”
“Rance, I can’t believe—”
He thrust into her. One deep push, and he was inside her. Thick. Huge. And so startling, she screamed. “Rance!”
He froze, deep inside of her. “You okay?”
She caught her breath, reveling in the feel of him inside her. “Yes,” she gasped. “That was a good scream.”
She grabbed onto his biceps and wrapped her thighs around his tight butt. “Now quit stalling.”
He thrust slowly, withdrawing inch by very long inch. He slipped in and out, again and again, landing deeply every time. He was moving so slow she could count the heartbeats between thrusts.
“Say it again,” he said.
“Quit playing and just give it to me!” she cried as she spiraled higher.
“Say my name again and I’ll grant you your wish.”
She opened her eyes, meeting his dark brown gaze. “Rance. Yes, Rance. Now harder… please!”
He did as she asked and she cried out at the impact.
“My name,” he said as he pulled out again.
“Rance,” she called as her bare feet slid up the back of his thighs.
Another thrust. Powerful and deep. Oh, good. She was close.
Their eyes locked as his body rose over hers. “Again!”
“Rance!”
She was gripping him with her legs.
“Deb.”
“Rance!” Stars burst before her eyes and delicious heat exploded through her body. Rance was still inside her, still moving and teasing her with his control. His speed was like lightning as he pounded into her with a low growl. Her body was still shivering with mini orgasms until he finally stiffened and the rhythm of his strokes shifted to jerks.
“Deb,” he groaned, shivering, and finally collapsed.
Chapter 8
Debra spooned back against Rance with a murmur of appreciation. He was wrapped around her, their legs entwined.
“What time is it?” he murmured as he drew her closer.
“Too early,” she answered, sounding half asleep.
He pushed up against her backside and nuzzled at her neck. “Are you sure?” His hands were tight around her middle. God, yes, she was perfect.
She glanced down at the watch on her hand and groaned. “Six o’clock. Way too early.”
He nuzzled at her neck some more. “I guess so after that workout you had last night.”
“Oh, boy. There goes that ego again,” she said with a playful groan, causing him to chuckle and squeeze her tight.
“Actually, sweetheart I can’t remember the last time I was with a woman who made me want to work so hard to please her.”
She moaned and rolled onto her back. “I’ve never had a man make me feel so beautiful.”
“Babe, that’s because you are beautiful,” he said, lifting her chin for a kiss. He wanted to say more. To find words to express how incredible he felt with her.
Last night they had made love so many times he had lost count. The last round had been out on the balcony with the stars sparkling down on them and Debra straddling his lap.
He kissed her again. Debra moaned and curled deeper into his body, causing him to suck air between his teeth. Passion was still raging through his body and he needed to be buried inside her again. She was becoming addictive. Her skin was so soft and warm, and he couldn’t get enough of touching her. It scared the hell outta him.
Within minutes she was asleep, and he decided he needed to go up, get some air, and get his head on straight.
Rance ran around the jogging trail on the upper deck. The breeze off the ocean offered a cool ruffle against his face. He’d been running for almost an hour, yet the rush of blood through his ears, the burning at his chest, couldn’t get Debra out of his head.
You’re just caught up in the aura of the ship.
The trail led down to the bow of the ship where it was a bit more of a challenge due to passengers leanin
g against the railing, taking pictures. Rance moved over slightly and barely missed a man who suddenly stepped out in his way. He bit a curse under his breath and jumped out of the way, then continued, barely missing a beat. He rounded the area twice more, trying to resist the urge to go back downstairs with Debra. It was supposed to just be a weekend fling, so why did she have him thinking about something more? He scowled and picked up speed. The last thing he needed was another woman in his life. The last time he’d followed his heart he’d gotten burned by a woman who had ulterior motives. To get pregnant by an NBA player. He had been Carla Phillips’ ticket to the good life. Or so she thought.
She had been three months pregnant when, after spending an evening partying with her gold-digging girlfriends, they were run off the road by a street sweeper. The other two women walked away with a few minor bumps and bruises, but Carla miscarried, losing his baby.
After that he never allowed another woman to get that close again.
He spent weekends with women all the time, so why was Debra any different? He wined, dined and treated them like a queen, but he never made any promises. He’d call if he wanted to call. When it was over it was over, and nobody got hurt.
But Debra, there was just something about her that made him smile, that made her special. Was he attracted to her because she was different from the others? Because she wasn’t the least bit impressed by his fame? He’d have to think about it later, although he doubted anything would make any sense until the cruise was over and he was hundreds of miles away from her.
Rance was halfway through his three-mile plan when he spotted Debra coming his way. She was wearing a t-shirt and a pair of spandex shorts that caused him to perspire. Every male on the deck had noticed her, and he felt a streak of jealousy that was unusual for him. He slowed to a trot, then to a walk.
“Hey, sleepyhead. I thought you were going to spend the morning resting.”
“I was, but then I figured you were working out and I felt guilty, so I thought I’d come join you.”
He smiled as the sun shone down on her. “I was just getting in a little cardio.”
“Well, that’s what I need, so I might as well get this party started.” Leaning on the rail, she started stretching her muscles.
“You know you can’t be bending over like that in front of me.”
She looked up from touching her toes and playfully rolled her eyes. “Behave.”
Rance chuckled. “Okay, okay, I’ll be serious.”
She rose. “Good. Now, let’s jog.”
He started off with a slow trot and she fell into step beside him. “That’s it. Just slow your breathing. Try breathing in through your nose and out your mouth. Good job.”
“How many times around?” she asked in a rush of air.
He waited until they’d jogged around a couple holding hands before saying, “Let’s shoot for five.”
Tilting her head to glare at him, Debra breathed, “If you’ll settle for three then you got yourself a deal.”
He laughed. “Then three it is.” With that he picked up speed.
*
“I’m going to get some more coffee. You want something?” Rance asked as he rose.
Tilting her head, Debra grinned up at him and said, “I’d love some orange juice.”
“Coming right up.”
Debra’s eyes followed him, admiring his long strides as he moved over to the food. He looked comfortable in workout gear. Her heart pounded. She liked him way more than was sensible. As she watched the movement of his powerful thighs with each step, Debra thought about them between her trembling legs. Last night was one of a kind, the kind of night women wrote about in their diaries.
Rance made an entrance. He moved across the room, and every woman took noticed. She didn’t miss the looks of envy and the women waving, trying to get his attention. He was a celebrity, and with that status came attention. A lot of attention. She watched as he reached for a cup, and two young women already in bikinis scurried over to him. The second he flashed his dazzling smile, they were swaying on their feet.
Realizing she was staring, Debra dropped her head and reached for a slice of bacon. Rance was so out of her league. The worst thing she could do was make more of what was happening than it really was. They were having a weekend fling, nothing more, and the sooner she remembered that the better off she’d be. The last thing he needed was another woman falling all over herself to be with him.
Her gaze swept across the dining room again. Rance was chatting and giving autographs. It was going to be a while before she got her orange juice.
“Oh, my God! There’s Rance Beaumont!” she heard some chick screech, and realized it was the woman to whom he had giving his autograph outside near the bus. Debra watched her and her skinny friend hurry over, immediately bidding for his attention.
Debra shook her head and focused on the magnificent view outside the window. Beautiful blue ocean for miles. What she wouldn’t give to wake up to something like that every morning.
She wasn’t sure how long she had been gazing out the window when Rance returned and gently set a tall glass of juice in front of her.
“Sorry about that,” he said apologetically.
“No problem.” She shrugged like she hadn’t even noticed. The last thing she wanted him to think was that it mattered. It’s only a weekend affair, she reminded herself. “You’re an NBA star.”
“Yeah, it has its perks, but sometimes I just want to leave my job behind and enjoy my vacation like anyone else.”
She heard a camera flash and looked over her shoulder to see an older couple snapping photographs of the two of them. “I guess I need to make sure I comb my hair before I walk out the cabin,” she mumbled while smoothing her hair back away from her face. She’d tucked her hair into a ponytail that morning.
He leaned in close. “You look beautiful.”
Debra met his gaze and blushed uncomfortably.
The man with thick salt and pepper hair walked up to their table wearing a gentle smile. “Excuse me, do you mind taking a photo with us?” she asked.
Rance looked down at Debra, then up at the couple. “Sure.” He wiped his mouth, then rose and positioned himself between the two.
“Here, I’ll take the photo,” Debra offered, and the gentleman eagerly handed her the camera. She took several shots. “There you are,” she said and handed back his camera.
“Thank you so much. Can we get a picture of you and your darling girlfriend?” asked the short woman standing beside him.
Debra opened her mouth to correct him when Rance reached out and draped an arm across her shoulders. “Sure, we’d love too.”
Heat snaked up her arms and she tried to ignore it as she smiled for the photograph.
The woman’s soft eyes crinkled as she smiled. “Thank you. Sorry for disturbing your breakfast.”
“No problem.” Rance waited until Debra was seated before he returned to his chair.
“Is it always like that?”
He shrugged. “Not always,” he said with an irresistible grin.
“Do you ever get used to all that attention?”
“Not really.” He shrugged. “At times it’s great, but at other times it’s hard to have privacy and just enjoy yourself.”
“I don’t know if I could have cameras flashing in my face all the time. I guess I’m just too much of a private person for all that.”
“Well, if you’re going to be my darling girlfriend this weekend, I guess you better get used to the attention.”
She laughed at the comment and glanced to her right. Her eyes collided with those chicks. The tall, light-skinned one in the skimpy mini dress glared with intense animosity, her brow raised. Looks of envy were now turning to something else. Women. She turned her gaze back to Rance.
“You got admirers. They look ready to bite my head off.”
He glanced briefly over at the two, then gave a soft chuckle. “I’m not worried about them.”
&nb
sp; Smiling, she reached for her toast and wondered what it would be like if they were really dating. Probably a lot of the same, with women throwing themselves at him every chance they got. That was way too much drama.
“Have you thought about what you’ll do after basketball?”
Rance stopped chewing on a muffin, paused, then swallowed before speaking. “I’ve been thinking about it, but I’m just not sure.” She nodded like it was okay, but he didn’t agree. “All I ever wanted to do was play ball. My parents pitched a bitch when I decided to skip college and got drafted as a third round pick. I’ve now been in the NBA almost fifteen years. I sleep, eat and dream basketball. I don’t know how to do anything else.”
Debra frowned. “That isn’t true. You were amazing with me out on the track.”
He paused, meeting her gaze. “That’s because you’re an easy student.”
“I’m not that easy,” she said with a smile. “What about being a personal trainer? Women would line up around the corner to spend an hour with you.”
He looked uncomfortable, but didn’t deny it. “I’ve heard that before.”
She waved her hand in the air. “See, then I’m not the only one. You can open a twenty-four hour gym. People love the flexibility of working out when it’s convenient for them, not within the restraints of a limited schedule.”
He took a sip of his juice and smiled.
“What?”
“You sure know a lot about working out for someone who never does it.”
Grinning, she reached for her coffee cup and replied, “I didn’t say I never did it. Working out hasn’t been a priority in my life these last few years. But now that my doctor is having me watch my cholesterol, I know it’s time for me to start taking my health more seriously.”
He simply nodded in agreement.
She bit into a strip of bacon and tipped her head toward the sky. It was a beautiful morning. A gentle warm breeze tickled her cheek while the smell of the ocean ruffled her nose.
“Who’s running your bakery while you’re gone?”
She swallowed and replied, “Nobody. For the first time since I opened, I decided to close for the weekend.”
Do Me Baby (The Beaumont Series) Page 8
