Safe Bet (The Rules #4)

by Monica Murphy

  I pull away from her grip, needing the distance for what I’m about to say. Her eyes flash open, full of confusion and she parts her lips, ready to say something. Before she can speak, I rest my index finger over her mouth, silencing her.

  “What we’re about to do…changes everything.” I pause, letting my words sink in. “This was supposed to be fake. What we’re doing. But it doesn’t feel fake right now.”

  Fuck. I can’t believe I just said that.

  She says nothing.

  Her silence is deafening.

  The silence might be my answer.

  I don’t know what to say. Wade’s right—what we’re about to do will change everything between us. Sex will take this so-called fake relationship straight into the next level. From fake to real after the first orgasm, right? And I want that.

  I do.

  But I’m also scared. Terrified of what could happen next. What if I end up really liking him? At one point I thought I could keep this strictly physical. After that first kiss in his truck for the cameras, I liked the idea of hooking up with him. He could scratch my itch, fulfill my needs, help ease the loneliness I’d been dealing with since my parents cut me off.

  A few days later and here we are, wrapped up in each other, practically naked in his bed, about to have sex, and he means more to me than a mere scratch to my itch. This is crazy. Things like this don’t happen that fast, especially for me. I like this guy. I’m attracted to him, but what we’re doing also feels so…serious.

  Why? I don’t get it. I don’t get this—us.

  Wade traces my lips with his index finger, so gentle it’s almost as if he doesn’t touch me at all. He’s waiting for my answer, probably slowly dying inside, and I don’t know what to say.

  I can’t seem to find the right words.

  “Tell me to stop and I’ll stop,” he finally says, his hand dropping away from my mouth. “I’ll take you back home. We can forget this ever happened.”

  That’s the last thing I want to do. I can’t just forget this night. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, every one of them intense. From happiness to worry to anger to humor to frustration to pure, agonizing want.

  That’s how I’m feeling right now. I want him. Why should I deny myself? Or Wade? We both want each other. It’s foolish to put off the inevitable.

  “I don’t want you to stop,” I whisper, reaching up so I can touch his face, trace his jawline with my fingertips. He’s ridiculously good-looking. Like painfully so, with the soulful brown eyes and the lush mouth and that killer jawline that makes me weak every time I look at his face. I rear up and press my mouth to his jaw, circling my arms around his neck, clinging to him.

  He wraps one arm around me, his big hand sprawled across my back. When our mouths finally meet, the kiss is hungry. Urgent. I can feel his erection brush against my belly and I want him. I want him inside me.

  But he takes his time, driving me wild with his mouth and hands. He hovers above me, kissing my neck, my chest, slowly taking off my bra so he can touch and kiss my breasts. He sucks first one nipple into his mouth, then the other, turning me into a writhing, desperate mess, and still he won’t slip inside me.

  Wade shifts lower, kissing my stomach, along the waistband of my panties, his breath fanning across me and making it hard to breathe. He places his hands on the inside of my legs and spreads them wider, his mouth right there, kissing my thighs just before he presses his face against the front of my panties and breathes in deep.

  Oh God, I could probably come just from his breaths on my clit. This is insane. Completely, totally, wonderfully insane.

  I reach for him with desperate hands, my fingers sliding into his hair, tugging on it. He misreads my silent cues, rising up so his face is in mine once more, and he kisses me. That’s okay. I might’ve wanted him to go down on me, but then again maybe I don’t, because this is the first time we’re together and that just feels so intimate. Almost too intimate.

  So I return his kiss, my hands sliding all over him, pushing at his sweats, wanting them off. I shove and push at them until he takes over, kicking them off and leaving him gloriously naked for me to touch and explore. I don’t hold back, stroking his perfect bare butt, his sides, his erection, making him shudder. I circle my fingers around the thick length and start to stroke, but he doesn’t let me do that for very long.

  “Be right back,” he tells me, punctuating the statement with a quick kiss.

  Then he slips out of my grip, slips out of bed and disappears.

  I lay there, blinking up at the ceiling. What was that about? Where is he going? Without thought I shed my panties, tossing them on the floor, wanting to be as naked as Wade is. He needs to hurry. I’m all anxious and twitchy, dying for his hands on me, his mouth on me, needing him inside me…

  “Condoms,” he says as he practically runs back into the bedroom. He tosses an entire box on the floor, one wrapped condom still clutched in his hand, and I laugh in relief.

  “I thought you bailed on me,” I tell him as he crawls into bed with me.

  “Hell no. I’m not stupid.” But he is warm and big and that skilled mouth of his lands on mine, drugging me, sending me straight out of my mind with every press of his lips, every swipe of his tongue. I lose myself in his kiss, the touch of his hands, the sensation of his big, muscular body wrapped all around mine. He’s big and hot, his hands busily roaming all over my body, as if he’s trying to memorize my skin with his fingertips.

  I moan in desperation when he only pulls away to slip the condom on and then he’s back, kissing me again, rolling me over so I’m flat on my back and he’s above me, his cock probing at my entrance, eager to get in.

  I’m eager to welcome him in.

  Wade stops, poised above me, and I can feel his gaze on me. I open my eyes to find him watching me, sweat dotting his forehead, his hair hanging in his face, his dark eyes filled with unmistakable want. My heart is racing and I’m trying to control my breathing when he finally speaks.

  “You sure about this?”

  I love that he’s still asking, even though we’ve already taken it this far. “I’m sure,” I whisper.

  “Once this happens, there’s no going back.” He touches my hair, threads his fingers through it and I close my eyes. His fingers stroking my hair feels so good. Everything about this moment is good. Perfect. Right. “We won’t be able to change it. And I don’t want you to call this a mistake after it’s over.”’

  Like I would. My eyes pop open to find him still watching me carefully. “I don’t want you to say that either,” I admit. A trembling breath leaves me when he presses his mouth to my forehead, and I close my eyes again. The onslaught of emotions I’m experiencing in this moment is overwhelming, but in the best possible way.

  “You want me?”

  I nod.

  “Then you have me.” He slowly slips inside, filling me completely, and I wrap my arms around him, holding him close, not wanting to let him go. We remain still for a moment, I can feel him pulse deep inside my body, and it hits me that I’ve never felt more complete.

  “I’m yours,” I whisper against his neck, just before he starts to move.

  “Mine,” he whispers back, his deep voice possessive.

  He claims me with every thrust, filling me more and more, deeper and deeper. I squirm beneath him, wrap my legs around his hips and anchor my body to his but ne never stops moving. He picks up the pace, pushing faster, rocking against me, his breathing ragged as he pants against my ear. I pull away so our mouths can meet and he devours me, our tongues tangling.

  The tingling starts low in my belly, telling me I’m close. My breath starts to catch when he hits a particular spot and I whimper. Oh God, it feels so good. He feels so good. I don’t ever want him to stop. I want him to keep on making me his, over and over and over…

  “Oh God,” I cry just as my orgasm hits me. Tremors race over my body, making me shudder again and again. He comes right after me, a harsh moan rumbling
in his chest as he goes completely still for a single, hanging moment. Just before he shudders and shakes, my name falling from his lips.

  Hearing him say my name makes my eyes pop open and he lifts his head, his gaze meeting mine, a satisfied smile curling his lips. He kisses me like he can’t resist my lips and I return the kiss with equal enthusiasm.

  Sex has never felt so right before. Or so perfect. This man is somehow becoming everything to me. And while that’s a pretty serious thought, for once, I’m not afraid.

  “Let’s do that again,” he murmurs against my mouth, making me laugh.

  I’m not about to protest.

  I bring Sydney back to Drew and Fable’s house the next morning, just before noon. We stayed up most of the night before talking, kissing, laughing, fucking…

  Yeah. Lots of that, particularly the last one. We couldn’t seem to keep our hands off each other. When we finally woke up and Sydney said she wanted to wash up, I followed her into the bathroom. Where I proceeded to join her in the shower so I could wash her hair, wash her body, then fuck her up against the cool tile wall. She loved every minute of it.

  And so did I.

  What I especially love is how it’s so easy, being with her. She makes me smile. I like her laugh. She’s smart. She’s interesting. And she drives me out of my mind with lust. One secretive look from her—even when she’s not trying to be purposely seductive, I’m a goner—and I’m ready to jump her.

  Like right now. She’s giving me that one particular secretive look, with the little closed-mouth smile that drives me wild, and I’m contemplating taking her somewhere else, anywhere else. Just so I can be alone with her for a little while longer.

  Shit.

  I’m getting way too into this fake relationship. Getting way into this too real girl.

  We pull into the Callahan driveway, my mood gone to shit when the front door of the house flies open and Fable’s running out onto the porch, waving her hand in the air. I roll down the window and hear her shout, “Wade! You need to come inside!”

  Shooting Sydney a curious look, I park the car and shut off the engine. “What’s going on?”

  Sydney shrugs, her gaze skittering away from mine. “I don’t know.” But she looks suspicious. Like she’s in on something.

  Huh.

  We get out of the car and I follow Sydney to the front door, where Fable is still waiting. She acts like she can barely contain herself, and when the two women share a mysterious look, I know without a doubt they’re up to something.

  I just wish I knew what.

  “Someone’s here who wants to see you, Wade,” Fable murmurs, taking my hand so she can lead me into the house. After she shuts the door, Sydney follows behind us, and my mind is busy trying to figure out who could possibly be here, wanting to see me.

  “Who is it?” I ask, knowing my question is futile. They’re going to drag this out.

  “You’ll see,” Fable singsongs, looking mighty pleased with herself. She leads me toward the living room and I glance over my shoulder, sending Sydney a questioning look.

  But she just shrugs and offers me an apologetic smile in return.

  “What the fuck, dude? I thought you’d show up first thing when you found out I was here,” says a familiar voice from behind me.

  I turn to find Owen standing in the Callahan living room, a shit-eating grin on his face. Happiness bursts through me and without thought, I throw myself at him, enveloping him in a big hug and squeezing him tight, like I’ve just been reunited with my long lost lover.

  “I didn’t even know you were here,” I mutter as I pull away from him to stare at his familiar face. He looks good. Older. It’s only been a few months since we’ve locked eyes, but still. “Guess they were surprising me.” I send Fable and Sydney an accusatory glare, but they both just smile at me in return.

  “Naw, that’s my fault. I was just giving you shit. I wanted to surprise you, too. I showed up at their doorstep a couple of hours ago. Fable had no idea this was happening, though I warned Drew me and Chels were coming today.”

  “Wait a minute. Chelsea’s here too?” I glance around the living room, but I don’t see her.

  “Yeah, she’s upstairs with the kids. Autumn was showing her something in her bedroom.” Owen shakes his head. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, man. Looking good. Looking tough. How are those Niners treating you?”

  “Pretty damn good. How’s Denver?” I ask him, eager to learn everything that he’s been doing since he left for Colorado.

  “Hey, you two. Come over to the couch and sit down,” Fable says, sounding like a meddling mother. But I can forgive her since she put this together just for me. She loves her brother so damn much that she’s willing to give up time with him so we can see each other. “Sydney and I will go get Chelsea and us girls will hang out for a bit with the kids. Give you two some alone time to catch up.”

  “Thanks, Fabes.” Owen kisses his sister on the cheek and she gives him a quick hug.

  We go to the couch and sit on the opposite ends, the two of us grinning at each other. It’s so good to see him in the flesh. I’ve missed him. After spending so much time together all those years, it’s hard to adapt without Owen around. I know he feels the same way.

  “Denver’s going good. I like it there. Chelsea and I are learning the city and I’m learning the plays, and they’re a good team. Solid. I think we’re going to kick your ass this season.” Owen laughs. “In fact, I can guarantee it.”

  “Asshole,” I mutter, making him laugh harder. “We should bet on that.”

  “You’re on.”

  We share stories about our respective teams, the players, the coaches. Owen tells me about the new house he and Chelsea bought, how they want to get married soon, probably after the season ends. Then maybe they’ll try and start a family, they’re not sure yet. His face gets this certain expression, sort of hazy-eyed and dazed, and I know he’s still madly in love with her, which is great. It is.

  But it’s also crazy, seeing him like this. Hearing him talk like this. I’m sort of blown away by his plans for a house and marriage and a future that includes children, but I know Owen and Chelsea have been on that track for a while now. I shouldn’t be shocked.

  But maybe it’s hitting me harder after what happened with Sydney and I last night—and over these last few days since we started this charade. Being with her like this, seeing her all the time, getting to know her, being inside her, has me thinking future thoughts too. Not as serious as what Owen’s going through, but it’s still overwhelming. I’ve never contemplated my future with a girl before.

  Ever.

  “Who’s the chick? Well, I know she’s Fable’s nanny. And that you two are faking a relationship to take the media attention off Drew and the nanny doing the nasty story.” Owen shakes his head and I’m in shock. Guess Fable’s told him everything. “You two looked pretty serious, though, when you pulled up in your truck.”

  “What, you were spying on me?” I ask incredulously.

  “Maybe. Not on purpose.” Owen shrugs. “So what’s going on with you and the nanny?”

  “We’re in a fake relationship, just like you said.”

  “Right.” The skeptical look on Owen’s face is obvious. “It didn’t look fake, what I just witnessed. You didn’t even have an audience.”

  “I like her,” I say simply, not willing to go into more detail. Not yet. “Yeah, it’s fake, but I enjoy spending time with her. She’s fun. She’s sweet. She’s beautiful.” Just looking into her eyes makes my dick hard and when we kiss? Forget it. All I can think about is taking her clothes off.

  Owen is shaking his head. “I can’t believe it. Seriously.”

  “Why? What’s the big deal?” I’m getting pissed, which is stupid. But seriously, he can’t imagine me in a relationship? What’s the problem?

  “It’s just weird, man, the fake relationship thing. It’s exactly how Drew and Fable met, you know? Don’t you remember?”

&
nbsp; I frown. “Remember what?”

  “Those two started out in a fake relationship. One week. He paid her to be his girlfriend for one week over Thanksgiving break when he had to go home to the fam. What a shit show that was. Fable told me all about it. But there was a good thing that came out of it, and it was Fable and Drew falling in love. Only took them a week, and bam—they knew. Now look at them.”

  I had no freaking idea. “Are you serious right now?”

  “Yeah, I’m serious. Come on, I know I told you. I told you everything back then. I still do.” He studies me closely. “You don’t remember that story?”

  Not really. But when you’re thirteen, fourteen years old, you’re not worried about your best friend’s older sister doing crazy shit like that. You’d rather focus on weed and girls and sports. Back then I was completely self-absorbed. “So all it took was a week and they fell in love.”

  “Yep, that’s it. Fable always told me when you know, you know. I never believed it then. I thought those two were a fluke. But then, that’s exactly how I felt about Chelsea too. The first time I saw her, it was weird. I just knew that girl would become a big part of my life. And the more time we spent together, the more right it felt.”

  Damn. Like with me and Sydney. The more time I spend with her, the more I want to be with her always.

  It’s downright scary.

  “So a few days in and you’re already feeling it, huh?” Owen grins. “Think the fake relationship is working with the media? Fable says it is.”

  “Well, I don’t know. Sydney had a reporter come up to her yesterday after our last preseason game calling her out on it,” I tell him.

  “No shit? What did he say?”

  “Said something about how he knew we were faking it and our new relationship was a great distraction, but they couldn’t be fooled.”

  “What an asshole,” Owen says, shaking his head. “Did you kick his ass?”

  “He didn’t say that to me, he said it to her. Then he took off. I never even talked to the guy.”

  “Yeah, because he knew you’d flatten his ass if he said that to you. He’s not stupid.”