There are also two Cougars hats inside the bag, and her hand pulls those out, and she tosses one to Mark. “Are you in?” she asks him.
“Hell yeah. I’d love to go. It’s not like my schedule is packed, but even if it were, I’d clear it for this. Which hotel do I need to get a reservation in?”
“Nah, you can stay at my place. It’s huge. I have two extra bedrooms, so there is more than enough room.”
“Is Riley going?” Gina asks.
“No, she’s playing in a tournament in Hawaii.”
“Wow. Tough life,” Gina says.
“Actually, it is. She’s been traveling like crazy. And her caddy told her after this season ends, he wants out of his contract. So now she’s not only busy as shit with her schedule, she’s on the hunt for a new caddy, which really sucks.”
Gina scrunches up her mouth. “Ouch. That’s fucked.”
“Yeah, so she’s in a bad funk. But Riley is Riley. She’ll make it work. And knowing her, she’ll come out on top.”
“I hope so. So, we can both stay with you then?” Gina wants to know.
“Absolutely. Count on that. Since it’s an afternoon game, we can grab dinner and go out afterward. I don’t have a Sunday game. We’re off, so it’ll be a great night.”
Gina looks at Mark. “You in?”
“Don’t ask me twice.”
Mark gets up and heads to Gina’s bedroom to get dressed. When he emerges, he tells Gina he’ll be in touch so they can finalize their plan for the game. He and I shake hands, and he leaves.
“Jesus, Ryder, I thought we were gonna be taking him to the hospital.”
“Yeah, sorry I lost it like that.” I glance at my hand, knowing I’m going to hear it from Coach. “But let me ask you something. If you showed up at my place and a chick walked out of the bathroom half-naked, what would your reaction be?”
“Okay, I’d want to scratch her eyes out. I’m not sure if I would, but I’d want to.”
Pulling her onto my lap, I run my finger down her cheek. Her hair is a tangled mess and looks like we just had a sexathon. I love her like this. Rubbing my thumb over her lower lip, I say, “You have two passes on guys up here. Mark and Sam. Anybody else is a dead man.”
“What about Fletcher?”
“Fletcher, too. But that’s it.”
Her lower lip doesn’t stand a chance against my mouth. She offers zero resistance. Instead, she leans into me, and I inhale her sigh. Gina is softness wrapped up in a package of sass. She believes herself to be tough and unyielding, but that’s not what she is at all. Underneath that Plexiglas wall she’s created, she’s tenderhearted, kind, caring, and loving. I’m going to destroy that damn barrier and show her exactly who and what she is, even if it destroys me in the process.
She pulls her sexy-as-fuck mouth away from mine and says, “So, does that mean only Fletcher, Mark, and Sam are allowed up here?”
“That’s right.”
She scrambles off my lap and says, “Then I guess I’m going to have to ask you to leave, Cowboy. I don’t want to break any rules.” She wears that sexy smirk I love.
Standing, I pick her up and carry her to the bedroom. “You know damn well what I meant. And just for that, I’m going to punish you.” I slide off her pants and give her ass a good slap. She squeals. “You weren’t supposed to like that, Gina. Guess I didn’t give you a good enough spanking. On your knees.”
She quickly obliges. My hand makes contact with her ass, and it becomes pink. I massage the smooth as silk skin, and feel the warmth beneath my palm. Then I give her another swat. She moans, and my dick hardens. This isn’t working for me. The sight of her ass and bare pussy before me is more than I can stand, so using both hands, I widen her stance on the bed. Then I drop to my knees and bury my face in her sweet cunt. Honey. That’s what they should call this. She tastes exactly like it. My tongue swipes her long and deep, and then it flicks her clit as my fingers sink into her. Hooking them, I hit the spot that sets her off. Gina is a moaner, but she doesn’t do it in an over exaggerated way. Her sounds are soft, sensual, and so arousing that I wouldn’t have to see her to get a hard-on. But add the visual and what a fucking bonus.
She comes in all her glory, and I roll on a condom as fast as I can because I want to feel those little muscles squeezing my dick. I know I can make her come again, but to sink into her, as she’s orgasming is the most phenomenal sensation my dick has ever experienced. Too bad he can’t speak for himself. My holding power is minimal. I try, but at least I wait until she’s had climax number two. And then I empty myself into her. Or the condom as it is.
When I’m milked dry, I pull out and get rid of the necessary evil. Then I flop back in bed and pull her on top of me. “Do you know how many times I jack off thinking about you? Do you know how often my dick is like a damn piece of wood because I’m thinking about you?”
She doesn’t answer. All she does is nuzzle my neck.
“Gina, do you ever masturbate when you think of me?”
Still not looking at me, she mumbles her throaty response into my neck, “Yeah.”
“Do you use your hand? Or one of your little toys?” I’m grinning, but she can’t see me.
“Both.”
“Do you do it a lot or only once in a while?”
“A lot.”
“How often, Gina. Every day?”
“Maybe.” Her tone is squeaky, which is surprising for the usually bold Gina. I pull her up to face me.
“Why so shy? I think it’s fucking hot that you get yourself off thinking of me. A lot. And I don’t care how you do it.”
“I don’t know. It’s personal, maybe?”
Brushing her hair away from her face, I say, “Yeah, like me telling you I jack off constantly when I think of you?”
“That’s totally hot.”
“See? Don’t ever shy away from me.”
The Gina I know comes back to life. “I’m not shy.” And with that, she punches me in the arm. Gratefully, not my right one.
“Ow. That hurt.”
She laughs. “It did not.”
“Kiss it and make it better.”
She puckers up her lips and kisses my arm. I’m a bit surprised she did it. “I have someplace else that needs a kiss because it’s a little sore, too.”
Her shoulders shake as she tries to hide her laughter. But without speaking, she wriggles down the bed, and before I know it, I’m the recipient of the best blow job ever. My fingers furrow into her hair as she takes me deep and sucks me off to the point of me coming. When I give her the little head tap, she never breaks stride. Or should I say suck. I’m blowing it into her throat and pumping into her like a piston. Fuck. Me. Senseless.
I know one thing. I think I’m in love.
GINA
Staring at the door like a lovesick puppy, I feel deliciously used. The man can fuck like a bull but last way longer than eight seconds. Is that why I was so attracted to him?
Later that day, I meet Riley at the spa. We’re sitting in the massaging chairs getting pedicures when Riley changes topics.
“Look, I’m just going to be straight up.”
Shit. I say nothing for a second, trying to figure out why she’s pissed. “Riley—”
“My brother is into you. And I get it, even though you’re not his usual type.”
“Hold up—”
“I’m not saying you aren’t pretty enough, but he usually dates clueless groupies. Actually, I wouldn’t call it dating. The last girl who had a brain was way too into his status.”
“You should know—”
But the girl is on a roll. “He told me the other day he’s practicing like shit lately, and that the coaches have noticed. And I can’t have you ruining his chances of becoming the starting pitcher. That’s been his dream for as long as I can remember.”
“I think you have this all wrong.”
But she’s not hearing me.
“What I had wrong was you. Just tell my brother y
ou’re not interested so he can move on.”
I like Riley, but I’m not going to put up with this. “You know what?”
“What?” she answers, finally giving me a chance to speak.
Meanwhile, everyone in hearing distance watches us with Ping-Pong glances.
“You’re like a Rottweiler with a bone. Your brother and I are a thing.”
“A thing?”
I let out a half-laugh.
“He calls himself my boyfriend.” Her shoulders relax, and for once she has nothing to say. So I fill the space between us. “Look, I get you want to protect him, but if anyone needs protecting it’s me. Further, you’re the one with the rules about not being in the middle of his and my thing. Trust me, he can handle himself. Otherwise, I couldn’t be with him.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m under a lot of pressure.”
“Wow,” I say.
“I’m not too proud to admit when I’m wrong. And frankly, I’m happy because I think you and I can be good friends.” Her voice changes. “Does this mean you’re not going to take me to a sex club?”
A bubble of laugher chokes me. “Absolutely we’re going to a sex club. I’ll be in Charlotte in a few days to go to Ryder’s next home game.”
“Damn, I have a tourney. We may have to find time to go when the season is over.”
We bump fists. I really like her.
“So, if we’re going to be friends, you have to tell me. Are you dating anyone?”
Her eyes sparkle. She leans over and whispers, “I wouldn’t call it formal or anything, but there is this guy on the circuit I’ve been messing around with off and on.”
Time flies when we’re having fun. And too soon, we are trading hugs. It’s when I’m alone I’m reminded what it’s been like not having Cassie around.
Not having heard from her, I head over to her office, hoping to catch her. But I find out she’s not there. I’m told she’s in town, but had to call out sick. That’s not like her at all. And no fucking phone call.
Her car is out in front of their house. When I knock on the door, I get no answer. That freaks me the fuck out. Luckily, I have a key. I use it and go inside. Only, calling out her name gets no response.
Two at a time, I climb the stairs. I find her passed out on the bathroom floor. My heart races as I call her name.
“Cassie!”
Her eyes blink and focus on me. “What happened?”
Crouching down, I brush back her hair. “I don’t know. You tell me.”
She presses her fingertips to her forehead. “I haven’t felt well. I’ve just been so damn tired. I couldn’t keep anything down, and I felt dizzy.”
Pressing the back of my hand to her head, she doesn’t feel warm, but I don’t know shit about this type of thing.
“I should call 911 or Fletcher.”
With sudden strength, she sits up. “No. Don’t. I’m fine. And Fletcher’s on a plane and he’ll just worry. I feel better. Just a little hungry.”
I help her stand, but she’s not exactly steady. She ends up only making it as far as her bed.
“Cassie, don’t be stubborn. You should see a doctor.”
Biting her lip, she says, “It’s like one of two things.”
“What’s that?”
There is a long pause. “It’s either some stomach bug or… I’m pregnant.”
My eyes grow wide. “You’re pregnant.”
It’s not even a question. She nods. “I think so. That’s why I went into the bathroom to take a test, but I got dizzy before I could take it.”
“Stay here.”
In there, I find the unopened box. Back in her room, I plop down next to her.
Maybe you should eat and drink something first. Let me fix you something to eat. Her eyes grow in alarm.
“Oh my God. I’m not that bad of a cook.”
Pursing her lips together, she almost turns green.
“I can make you some soup and bring you crackers.”
She nods. I venture downstairs and find a can of classic Campbell’s Chicken Noodle soup in her cabinet. The directions are easy to follow and require very little in the way of culinary skills. And soon, I’m bringing her a steaming bowl of soup and crackers.
Her appetite isn’t there yet. She stirs the soup, but hasn’t committed to eating anything yet. Part of me wants to call Fletcher because he’s going to be pissed if anything happens to her. But loyalty wins out.
“I won’t call him if you eat something.”
Her eyes narrow, but she knows defeat. “Fine, but tell me. What’s going on with you? I feel like a dick I haven’t called you back, but I can barely keep my eyes open these days.”
“You mean, when your eyes are open, they are busy giving Fletcher those come hither looks. That’s how you got knocked up.”
I miss my friend like crazy, but I can’t be mad at her for living the life she’s always dreamed. She has the career and guy she’s always wanted. And she’s always taken care of everyone, including her ex and me until he crossed over into crazy town.
“I found out who my mom is,” I announce.
The spoon that had been halfway to her lips slips from her hand and causes soup to splatter all over the tray.
“What? Why didn’t you call me?”
I don’t have to answer as she realizes that I had called her. “Damn, Gina. I’m so sorry.”
Shaking my head, I say, “It’s okay. You were busy.”
“Never too busy for you. I swear, it’s been crazy traveling back and forth, taking care of patients and trying to keep an eye on my dad.”
“Exactly. And I love you for that. I’m good—really.”
She sighs with pain and regret so obvious in her face. She leans over and wraps me in a hug. And that’s when I finally loose my shit. I’d been holding it in all this time, but my birth mom had contacted me, and that was a big fucking deal.
I’m a torrent of emotions. “She wants to meet me,” I begin before I tell her the rest of it.
Before I leave, she’s tucked in bed. We both have answers about what to do next. I promise to spend the night at her house, not wanting to leave her alone. I talk to Sam about getting the day off when I go into the bar that night and get the green light.
All my plans change a few days later when I get the call. I hadn’t had much communication with Ryder because he had games and practice. We’d traded sexy texts, but I hadn’t seen him. Tonight, I’m supposed to show up at his game wearing his jersey, and that’s not going to happen.
“I’ll go with you,” Mark says.
He’s at my house because we were planning to ride to the game together. I nod and send off a text to Ryder he probably won’t see until after the game.
Me: I’m sorry I couldn’t make it tonight. I’ll explain when I see you.
There is so much I want to tell him, but I want to do it in person.
On the private plane that has been arranged, Mark looks as lost as I feel.
“Tell me what you’re thinking?” I ask.
The setting sunlight shoots through the window and highlights just how handsome Mark is. The woman who snags him will be the lucky one.
“Are you sure about this?”
I shrug. “Do I have a choice?”
“Have you told your boyfriend?”
“He has a name.”
“He does, but can you call him your boyfriend?”
I shift to look anywhere, but at him.
“Gina, you know I love you. I’ve loved you since third grade probably. And Ryder’s a good guy. Don’t let your fear ruin things.”
Bluster and deflection, my main go-tos shape my tongue.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
There is a long moment.
“It means when anyone gets too close, you shut them out unless they are checked safely in your friend box.”
As he said it, he held my gaze. But as soon as the words leave his mouth, he can’t look at me. And I hate I’
d hurt him so long ago. But he’s right. It’s easier to let someone go first before they have a chance to hurt you.
“I love you, Mark.”
Sad eyes briefly glance at me. “I know you do, and you deserve someone who is going to make you his fairy princess.”
His use of Ryder’s term for me causes a lump to form in my throat.
Whispering, I say, “What if—”
He cuts me off, “You’ll never know unless you try.”
“What about you? That girl you wouldn’t tell me about before.”
“Apparently, she’s not interested in dating jobless guys.” He shrugs and then he squares his shoulders with a twinkle in his eye. “Who knows, maybe I’ll get another shot with Riley.”
My jaw drops and finally his face fills with mirth.
“Spill,” I say, remembering when his name was mentioned before I thought I caught a sign of recognition she hadn’t copped to.
RYDER
Every chance I get, I find myself scanning the stands, searching for Gina. But no success. My stupid imagination is filled with images of her wearing my jersey, along with the Cougars hat, cheering me on. Disappointment ends up being the name of my game as far as that goes. The pitching coach has me step in as a reliever in the bottom of the fifth. Forcing every thought of that black-haired sex engine out of my mind, by some miracle, I end up pitching the game of my life. The manager leaves me in until the ninth inning when I’m replaced by the closer. I’ve given up zero runs and only one batter gets a hit off me. Maybe it was anger that fueled my arm, but whatever. The congratulatory pats on my back feel good, but do little to replace what I would’ve felt if Gina had lived up to her agreement to be here.
We end up with a solid win, which puts us one step closer to the playoffs. When I get to the locker room, I grab my phone and see Gina’s text. If that’s supposed to make me feel better, it’s an epic fail. In fact, it pisses me off even more. She waited until the last possible minute to send it, knowing I wouldn’t get it until after the game. What the fuck is that all about? Does she have such little respect for me that she can’t even give me an explanation of any kind?
Fastball (Wilde Players Dirty Romance) Page 10
