“One minute, Mom, then I have to go.”
“Word has spread fast. Our phone is blowing up. The latest is Mary Cobb. She wants to know if you are going to bring Nick with you to the fall festival. Says if so, she wants to have a little parade. Went as far as to ask for a special invite to lunch to meet him and bring her family.”
I want to hurl at the thought. Leave it to my town to make a circus out of this. “First off, I’m not sure Nick could or would come to the festival. Let’s remember he plays professional football for a living, and that usually means every single weekend. Secondly, absolutely no parade. And lastly, you can tell Mary Cobb to keep her meddling, nosy, good for nothing questions to herself. It is none of her business who or what Nick and I are doing. If she gives you lip, you remind her about finding her granddaughter with her skirt around her waist with the last guy I invited to an event.”
“Grace Rae!” Mom tries to sound offended, but her giggle gives her away.
“Mom, you know it’s true, and that’s your way to shut her up. Remind her of Pledge, and she’ll back off.”
Now my mom is outright howling into the phone.
“Can I go now?”
“Yes, darling. I won’t bother you again, and I’ll keep your grandpa from the phone, too. But I had to share with you the gall of Mary. Thought it might add some humor to your night.”
“Love you, Mama.” I disconnect and take a deep breath. Realization hits me. That wasn’t my mom using her powers of guilt; that was her way of knowing exactly what I needed to ease the nervous anxiety of coming to Nick’s for the first time.
I’m not paying attention and give a little shout when I bump into something solid. Immediately, I smell the familiar scent of Nick and know the solid wall is not actually a wall. His arms encircle my waist, and I peek up, praying he didn’t hear any of our conversation.
No such luck. His lips are twitching.
“How much did you hear?”
“Enough to know you’ve ended my dreams of having a parade and that Mary Cobb’s a meddling, nosy, good for nothing with a granddaughter who sounds like a slut. But I should probably thank her for exposing Pledge for the asstool he was.”
“So you heard it all?” I mumble, pounding my head on his chest.
“Not yet.” His hands gently rub my lower back.
“Well, you heard most of it.”
“I didn’t hear you invite me to the festival. I may play professional football every weekend, but if I got an invite to this festival, I’d do my damnedest to get there.”
I snap my head up with my mouth hanging open, and then I check his forehead for signs of a fever. He has no idea what he’s saying. “You want to come to a dinky festival in Thomasville?”
“Are you going to be there?”
“Yes, Logan and I are kinda expected to be there.”
“Well, then yes, I want to come.”
“I’m afraid you’ll be swarmed, and no one will respect your privacy.”
“Why don’t you invite me and let me worry about the rest?”
“And my family is crazy. They have no boundaries.”
He starts to walk backwards, taking me with him. “I know about crazy families with no boundaries. Tomorrow, you get to meet mine.”
“Yes, but this is different. South Georgia and South Florida might as well be two different countries. Crazy down here has its own level of sophistication. Thomasville crazy is a different world.”
“I can’t wait to experience this level of crazy.” He leads us into a door and kicks it shut when I’m cleared.
“You seriously have no idea what you’re in for.”
“You’re killing my ego here, Sweet Peach. Don’t make me invite myself.”
“I’m trying to save you from potential mayhem. These people remember you from your college days. Wanting to throw a parade is the tip of the iceberg. The second you step foot into town, we’ll be bombarded.”
He stops us, sliding his hands low until they are cupping the cheeks of my ass. He squeezes lightly, giving me a sexy grin. “I’m not worried about that, Grace. If you’re there, I want to be there. I want to be anywhere you are, and it seems like a perfect time for me to meet your family. I’m not making any promises, but I’ll try my best to be there. So now, are you going to invite me?”
Like this morning, he calms my nervous thoughts. The idea he wants to be with me regardless of the madness he’s going to face is almost incomprehensible, but the determination on his face says it all.
He doesn’t care. He wants to come home with me.
“Nick, would you like to come home with me for our town’s annual fall festival? My family will be there and would love to meet you. It’s in four weeks.”
He smiles triumphantly and nods. “I’d love to come. I’ll talk to Shaw and work on it. Shaw can make miracles happen.”
I throw my arms around his neck and bury my face in his chest. “The miracle will be if you make it out unscathed and still talking to me,” I mutter into his shirt.
In two moves, he swipes the bags off my shoulder, dropping them at our feet, and picks me up, this time moving forward.
I tilt back to ask him what he’s doing, but the words die on my tongue when I catch sight of the view behind him. My eyes wander everywhere, taking in the grandeur of his condo. Floor to ceiling windows with views of the ocean, high ceilings, and incredible architectural design are the basic layout. An enormous, plush sectional sofa faces an equally enormous television mounted on the wall. There are no separating walls; it’s all one large space, with a hallway off the kitchen, which I assume leads to the bedrooms. This is a showcase.
There are some personal touches scattered throughout the space, but besides a few pictures and knick-knacks, the walls are bare. My artistic mind blows up with the possibilities of prints that would look terrific.
I’m cataloging my current inventory in my brain when he sits us down and starts to kiss along my jawline. My thoughts become fuzzy as his lips travel down and across my collarbone, sucking lightly on the curve of my neck.
“Your place is incredible.” The words come out raspy and low.
“Thanks,” he rumbles against the sensitive skin.
“I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”
“Ummhmm…” His hands start roaming, finding their way under my shirt and up my back. He presses forward until I fall into him and grab onto his shoulders for support. “Can we maybe talk about my place later?”
“I was just commenting on its beauty.”
“There’s something much more beautiful on my mind right now. I’ve been waiting for you all day. The smell of your skin, the taste of your lips, the feeling of having you wrapped around me… that’s what I’m concentrating on.”
I’m stunned speechless as his hands explore my sides until they capture my breasts and start to massage gently. He doesn’t move my bra but skims his thumbs lightly over my hardened nipples, circling them at the same time his mouth trails up my neck. He’s no longer kissing me but teasing me by lazily licking in the same circular rhythm as his thumbs.
Without real skin contact, he’s sending a blazing sensation throughout my body. Each nerve ending comes alive, and I turn off my brain and allow myself to feel.
I tighten my grip on his shoulders and flex my hips down at the same time. His rock hard erection slides between my legs, and I bite my tongue to keep from moaning.
In less than five minutes, and while still fully clothed, he has me hotter than I’ve ever been in my life. I crave his touch and arch my chest into his hands, silently asking for more. He reads me easily and slips his hands under the material of my bra.
Exactly like last night, at first contact, a thrill shoots up my spine, and I can no longer remain quiet, whimpering at the touch. The scruff on his face rubs along my cheeks as he moves his mouth to mine and starts to kiss me, slowly at first, teasing me. The sexual tension grows as the air thickens.
An aching need takes o
ver, and I break away, tearing my shirt over my head and stripping out of my bra, so he has full access. His hands lower to my ribcage, his eyes taking in the sight of me. When his gaze meets mine, he’s fighting for control.
Without taking his eyes from mine, he skims one hand up my ribs until he’s cupping me. His tongue darts out, tracing my nipple, then he sucks it all the way into his mouth. My body responds involuntarily, arching further into him, encouraging more. Our eyes remain locked as he does the same with the other side. The erotic sight becomes too much, and I can’t take it, my head falling back, moaning into the room.
With each swirl, lick, and suck, my insides twist and burn, needing more. Losing patience, I grind my hips roughly and tighten my knees at the same time, making full contact with his cock.
He gives an approving growl and at the same time bites down harshly. Something inside me snaps, and I slide my hands up to grip the back of his neck, holding on for my life. My body rocks against his, my hips never losing contact. A coiling tightens in the pit of my stomach then starts to unravel, traveling everywhere through me.
He swivels his hips twice, and I can no longer hold back. I give a panted whimper as I come apart, pleasure igniting everywhere. I barely hear his voice but feel a rumble vibrate against my chest as he goes still.
Neither of us moves, his hands still clutching my breasts, as we regain our breath. My heart thunders in my chest to the point I know he can not only feel it, but probably hear it, too.
The fog starts to clear, and I realize what has happened. No longer clouded with lust, I let go of his neck and bring my hands to cover my face.
“No way, Sweet Peach.” He quickly turns, twisting us so I’m pinned beneath him on the couch. I have no strength to resist when he lowers my elbows down and traps my palms to his chest. “No hiding from me.”
“I can’t believe that happened,” I admit, knowing my cheeks and face are flushed from more than the orgasm.
“Why the hell not?”
“I just dry humped you on your couch!”
“You weren’t alone. I was with you every second.”
“You were being sweet and sexy. We were starting to make out, then I practically… practically…”
“Turned sexy into fucking hot? Gave me the first taste of your perfect tits? Not to mention, I came in my shorts the second you did?”
Our eyes lock, and the heat from his gaze awakens something inside me. All embarrassment fades, and I wrangle my hands free and frame his face. “We have a thing for sofas, huh?”
“Fuck yeah, we do, and if you won’t pitch a mammoth-size hissy fit, I’m buying you a new one as soon as possible.”
“Why? I love my sofa.”
“I didn’t say we were getting rid of it, because it holds pretty fond memories, but I’m six-foot-four. Your sofa is built for much smaller people. I can’t even lay fully out with you, much less other things.”
At the mention of other things, my stomach does a full flip. I move my thumbs to rub over his lips. “We could always go to the bed.” I love the flame in his eyes as he understands what I’m suggesting.
“Oh, babe, we’re going to go to the bed, the kitchen, the dining table, everywhere and anywhere… You can bet on that.” He flexes his hips into my thigh, proving he’s still hard. “But for now, I need to get cleaned up and take my girlfriend to a proper dinner. Then we have to come back here and get ready for game day. I have a very specific regimen I follow.”
“Regimen, huh?”
“Yeah, and tonight, it includes round two. Maybe this time I won’t mark you.”
I peer down to see his bite mark surrounding my nipple, his teeth marks indented into my skin. “I think I like it,” I admit. “It’s pretty hot.”
“Jesus Christ, I’m going to come again if you don’t stop.”
He turns serious as he pushes up and stands, offering his hand. My eyes go immediately to the spot on his shorts, and I burst into laughter, unable to help myself. He looks down, adjusts himself, and scoops me into his arms.
“You think it’s funny that you’ve reduced me to a fifteen-year-old boy with no self-control?” He starts walking toward the hallway I noticed earlier.
“I wouldn’t classify you as a boy, but it is hilarious.”
He stops at the door of what I assume is his bedroom and lowers his mouth to my ear, nipping on my earlobe before he speaks. “Laugh all you want, Grace, but I promise you soon, you’ll see exactly what happens when I have no self-control.”
Chapter 14
Grace
“Ready for this, Gracey Pacey?” Logan jokes, elbowing me gently. “Big step today.”
“Shut up, Logan. I’m already frazzled. Can’t you be supportive?”
“I’m here, aren’t I?”
I slide my eyes to him and roll them in a huff. “Please, you would have killed me if I came without you.”
“Someone had to be here to witness the legendary Peach Princess of Thomasville meeting Sexy Six’s parents. This will go down in history. It’s my job to report the specifics.”
“If you don’t stop antagonizing me, I’ll throw you over this railing!” I point to the banister behind us.
“But it’s so fun.”
“I’m never, ever—” I don’t get to finish my sentence before my name is called.
Bizzy is standing in a doorway, waving rapidly with a welcoming smile. Shaw is behind her, his hands on her shoulders possessively, but his eyes are locked on me.
“Bizzy and Shaw,” I murmur to remind Logan, quickening my steps.
“You’re finally here.” Bizzy shifts from Shaw and embraces me tightly. “I’ve been watching for you. Everyone is so excited you’re here,” she whispers and gives me an extra squeeze before stepping back into Shaw.
Logan introduces himself to Shaw; then it’s my turn. I swallow hard and extend my hand, hoping he can’t see through my nervous smile. “Hi, I’m Grace. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
He drops his eyes to my hand then raises them to mine. A bead of sweat slides down my back as seconds pass. He completely shocks me by sidestepping Bizzy and getting into my personal space. His arms wrap around me as his lips brush my cheek. “You have no idea how nice it is to meet you, Grace.”
His voice is smooth and deep, sending a different kind of chill up my spine. I hug him back, having to balance on my toes not to face-plant into his chest. Just like Nick, Shaw is much taller than me.
The moment is interrupted when a loud screeching comes from inside the room. “We’re waiting! Let her go! Damn, Shaw, you’re as bad as Biz.” I recognize Claire’s voice and feel Shaw tense before moving away.
“She’s very mouthy,” he starts to explain, causing me to laugh at the same term Nick used.
“I already met her and really like her.”
“God help us all.”
Logan steps to my side and bends to my ear. “You got this.” His words fuel my confidence, and I square my shoulders, turning to the room. The instant I step inside, I’m swooped into a hug from Claire then introduced around.
When I meet Maria and Seth Bennett, there’s no denying the Bennett brothers got their looks from their parents. They immediately make me feel comfortable, reminding me a lot of my own parents.
The conversation is easy as they ask Logan and me about the gallery and comment on the local write-up in today’s Arts Section. Logan tries to play off their praise, but I know he’s beaming inside.
Mathis joins us and stands close, swinging an arm over my shoulder. “You ever been to an NFL game before, Grace?”
“Actually, no. This is my first.”
He clutches his chest and gasps. “You’re kidding!”
Shaw comes to my other side, looking at his brother as something passes between them. I’d swear Shaw’s lips twitch as he jerks his chin.
“Well, since it’s your inaugural game, I think we need to give you a special present. Make this day memorable…” Mathis goes on and glances at Claire
.
She smiles big, walking over with her arms behind her back. When she gets to us, she hands me a bag. “This is for you.”
All eyes are on me as I accept the gift. Bizzy’s face is a slight shade of pink, and her lips are pursed together. I can’t tell if she’s upset or about to laugh.
I dig in and pull out an official Miami team jersey and squeal. “Oh, wow! This is so great!” I hold it up to show everyone then toss it on over my tank top. It swallows me, but I don’t care.
“Don’t get any ideas, Logan. This belongs to me,” I tease, knowing he’s got to be biting back jealousy. But when I catch his eye, his face is dancing with humor.
I glance down, smoothing it out. There’s no chance to ask what he’s smirking about because there’s a loud rumbling noise behind me.
“What the hell are you wearing?” Nick’s voice booms, and I jump to find him standing in the doorway looking disgusted. He’s partially suited up in his football pants, but waist up, he’s wearing a tight tank top, outlining every ridge and muscle.
“Hey! It’s my new jersey. Isn’t it awesome? Your brothers gave it to me.”
His eyes dart between Shaw and Mathis, and a muscle in his jaw starts to tick.
“Sweet Peach, take that shit off.” This is not a request but a demand.
I’m stunned by his rude behavior.
“Nick, what’s gotten into you?”
“Grace, get that shit off of you,” he repeats.
“Absolutely not!” I snap back.
There’s a split second of silence then an eruption of laughter from everyone in the room except Nick and me. A large black man steps from behind Nick and comes into the room with an enormous smile spread across his face.
“I personally think that shit looks great on you,” he tells me then hustles to the side as Nick’s arm comes out to punch him.
He’s very familiar, but there’s no time to think of his name before Nick stalks to me and raises my arms. In one swoop, he’s torn the jersey over my head and tossed it. Logan gets a fast catch before it hits the floor.
Sexy Six Page 14
