Go Big

by Joanna Blake

  "Camille…"

  I wagged my finger at him.

  "Behave yourself."

  He cursed under his breath and ran his hand through his hair, messing it up. I had to admit, I liked him better that way. Tie loosened. Jacket open. Maybe undo a button or two of his clean, white shirt…

  "That guy hurt you? You want me to rough him up?"

  I opened my mouth in surprise. He was serious. He wanted to defend my honor.

  That was… sweet. Chauvinisitic and ill mannered, but sweet.

  A funny feeling settled in the pit of my belly. It was something almost tender. I didn't like it, so I pushed it away.

  "No. But if you could discourage him with your presence that would be… very agreeable."

  He grunted and nodded.

  "Fine. What do I get out of it?"

  I gave him a look of warning as he crossed the room to me. He pressed me up against the banquet I was leaning on. My voice was breathier than I would have liked when I answered him.

  "A gentleman wouldn't ask that."

  He nudged my thighs apart so I could feel his erection.

  "I'm no gentleman."

  I fought for breath. I could not explain the effect that Cade had over me. I wanted him, there was no denying it.

  But I didn't want to want him.

  I pushed him away with my hands.

  "Fine, Cade. What do you want? And don't say sex because I'm not for sale."

  He didn't budge. He stayed right where he was. His body was so hot where it touched me it nearly burned.

  "I won't have to ask you for sex. I'll let you ask me."

  He slid his finger over my bottom lip.

  "In fact, I'm pretty sure you'll be begging for it."

  My mouth opened. I was tempted to slap him. But I needed him with me tonight dammit!

  "You arrogant bastard! You're lucky I'm not in the mood to slap you. You're so thick headed I'm afraid I might hurt my hand."

  He grinned, leaning into me even more. His chest was against mine and his enormous erection… I had to resist rubbing myself all over his hardness. It was extremely disconcerting. I was having an inner battle with myself, struggling to resist his vulgar advances.

  From the smug look on his handsome face, he could tell exactly what I was feeling.

  "Go ahead and slap me dollface. I'm sure I'll deserve it before the night is over."

  I choked back an infuriated laugh. I decided to try a different tactic. I would laugh it off, as if dozens of men had rubbed themselves all over me on a daily basis. Which was… definitely not the case.

  "Cade, enough silliness. If you don't want to help me just say so."

  He stepped back suddenly.

  "Of course I will help you. If you agree to have dinner with me."

  "Dinner? I thought we already tried that."

  He growled at me, reaching for me again. I tilted my head back, certain he would kiss me. But he didn't. He just ran his thumb over my cheek and rested his hand on my shoulder.

  "Dinner. Without your father."

  "Just dinner? You won't make any other demands?"

  I almost hoped he would, but I didn't tell him that. I knew I shouldn't tease the man but I was fascinated, constantly wondering what he would say or do next. I was playing with fire but for some reason I no longer seemed to care.

  He seemed to relax and gave me a charming smile.

  "Dinner and cards. Poker."

  I narrowed my eyes at him. I had a feeling I knew what he was up to. He hadn't tried to hide what he was after. He just wanted a quick lay. As tempting as it was, that would not be conducive to a peaceable working arrangement. Plus, when the fling was over, I'd be forced to see his smug face for the next few years at the stadium. He'd look at me, knowing he'd had me. Knowing he could probably have me again.

  And not just at the stadium either. As long as he was a famous ball player I'd be dealing with the fallout. Knowing how talented he was, that would likely be a very long time. I shook my head. This was getting out of hand.

  It was time to reel it in.

  "Don't expect me to play for the same stakes as last time."

  He lifted my hand and kissed the back of it, sending shivers all over my body. Then he placed my hand on his arm and covered it with his big, meaty paw. He leaned over to whisper in my ear as he led me back to the party.

  "I wouldn't dream of it."

  Chapter Ten

  Cade

  I rolled my shoulder, lifting the bat into position. My eyes never moved from the ball. My focus was unshakable.

  Well, mostly unshakeable. When I was out on the field, for sure. The rest of the time… not so much.

  Camille had me distracted. But right now it was just me, the bat and the ball. I grinned, eager to break something. My bat, most likely.

  A faint whistle hissed through the air as Juan threw his fastball. It was a perfect pitch. About ninety miles an hour and hard to get the bat around on. But oooeee, it was right in the sweet spot.

  There was a satisfying crack as my bat connected with the ball. I heard the wood splinter as I hit the ball with all I had. All the pent up frustration. All the hunger. All the drive.

  Damn straight, I hit that ball straight to next Tuesday.

  I ran the bases, knowing I had little Miss Priss to thank for my wrecked bat. It wasn't just cracked. It was destroyed. The top half of it ended up several rows back in the beachers behind me.

  I expected they'd start using my nickname here too now. I'd trashed three bats this week already.

  I was fired up. And then some.

  All because of one ornery little filly. I slapped hands with my teammates as I returned to the dugout. By this time tomorrow, I was going to be much more relaxed.

  Tonight, I was finally going to scratch that itch.

  Camille, to be exact.

  Everyone slapped my hands as I came in. We did it for every homer, no matter who'd made the play. Only one guy didn't hold his hand out.

  Fuckin' K-Roll.

  Chuck sat next to me, rubbing his hands over his bat.

  "He hates you man."

  "Yeah, I noticed. I'm real observant like that."

  He grinned at me.

  "I would say don't sweat it, but I know you don't give a rat's ass."

  I laughed, pretending to wipe my brow.

  "Hey, a bunch of us are going out later if you want to come."

  "I got plans tonight. Thanks though."

  "With a lady?"

  I nodded slowly, not willing to say more than that. He rubbed his palms together and whistled.

  "I got plans with about twenty ladies."

  "Strip club?"

  "Oh yeah. They treat you right down South. Even better than the hometown honeys, and that's saying something."

  I shook my head.

  "I don't pay for it."

  Chuck wiggled his eyebrows at me.

  "Neither do I man. Those ladies loovvvve ball players."

  "I'll have to take your word for it. Thanks though."

  "Your loss man."

  I laughed and slapped his back. The next few hours passed in a slow motion blur. I usually relished every second of playing ball, but today I just wanted practice to be over.

  I had big plans for Miss Camille tonight. And I wanted to make sure it went according to plan. I was in the showers soaping up before most of the guys had peeled off their uniforms.

  And I was on the road before any of them had even sudsed up their balls.

  I went back to the hotel where I already had supplies waiting. Flowers. Champagne. Bourbon. Tequila. Candles. And room service at the ready.

  The whole nine yards. The cat's pajamas. The spit shine of a new pair of shoes.

  Damn straight, Camille Rivers was not going to know what hit her.

  Camille

  I leaned back, letting Phillipe run his fingers through my hair. My eyes were halfway closed but I could still see his handsome face in the mirror behind me. He ma
de little circles against my scalp and I nearly moaned out loud.

  Nearly.

  Now, this was bliss.

  "Bonita. Who is this man who would steal you away from me?"

  "I told you, it's nothing. He's a player."

  I opened my eyes to see Phillipe toss his hair.

  "Aren't we all?"

  I laughed, shaking my head.

  "He's a caveman. But he's on our team so I have to keep him happy."

  He used his scissors to snip a few stray hairs and ran some styling creme through the ends. My hair was styled in soft waves that were just a little bit more flattering than what I had been born with. I could almost see golden highlights in the dark curls, but that must be a trick of the eye.

  Phillipe was a magician.

  He was truly an artist. He didn't belong out here in the middle of nowhere. The town was quiet all year, other than spring training. He certainly didn't charge enough, though I always tipped him 50%.

  "I wish I could lure you down to Manhattan. You would make a fortune."

  "But the weather dahling! The weather!"

  He held his hand to his forehead dramatically. I laughed.

  "Go to Miami at least. I don't know what you do to keep from going mad with boredom."

  Phillipe gave me a flirtatious look.

  "Well, I can tell you. Or maybe your caveman will show you himself."

  I was laughing as the maid came into the room with a freshly pressed dress. I was already wearing my jeweled sandals. I'd had my nails and a pedi done earlier today as well.

  "Is this the dress you'd like for tonight ma'am?"

  "Yes- I'm sorry, what is your name again?"

  "Annie ma'am."

  "Please Annie, call me Camille."

  "Yes ma'am."

  I bit my tongue, ignoring Phillipe's chuckle. I slipped out of my robe and stood in my thong and bralette. Annie stood behind me as I lifted my arms over my head. The silk floated down over my skin, feeling like a caress. It was a dark turquoise that gleamed against my skin. I put on a heavy gold choker and dangling earrings.

  I turned in a circle, surveying the effect. I'd deliberately worn underthings tonight, though normally I would go without in the Florida heat. I needed as much armor as possible between me and Mr. Wandering Hands.

  "Perfecto! You will have this caveman eating out of the palm of your hand."

  "That's what I'm afraid of."

  Chapter Eleven

  Cade

  "Where are we going?"

  I grinned at the beauty standing in the hotel lobby. She knocked my socks off. Just by showing up. Never mind that she looked like an ice cold glass of water on a hot day.

  Though I'd never really had a doubt that she would.

  "We're staying in."

  "What?"

  I took her elbow and guided her towards the elevators. I was a man, dammit. I didn't need to discuss every detail. I told her it was handled. End of story.

  "Don't worry about a thing. It's all been taken care of."

  She waited silently for the elevator but I could tell she was nervous. I probably would never admit it but I was a little nervous too. Being alone with Camille Rivers was always an adventure. I might end up shouting or kissing her. Or fucking. Or getting slapped.

  There was no way to know what might happen.

  I wanted this to go smooth and by the numbers.

  1. get her up to my room

  2. wine and dine her

  3. break the bed

  I pressed the button for my floor and leaned against the wall, watching her. She was staring up at the floor numbers. She looked so sweet and young and pretty standing there. Innocent even. I smirked. I knew that was a stretch.

  Gorgeous rich girls like her were born knowing what they had and how to use it.

  Camille was born to be worshipped.

  By me. Tonight.

  The elevator stopped and I guided her down the hallway. I used the key card to open the door and ushered her into my suite. If it were anyone else I would expect her to comment on the decor. It was a fancy ass hotel after all.

  But in this case, her old man was the one paying for it.

  Just inside the door she hesitated. The raw honesty in her voice nearly threw me off guard. But I was determined.

  "Cade- I'm not sure this is a good idea."

  I leaned over her neck and whispered in her ear. I only felt a tiny bit guilty about lying to her. I did plan on biting.

  "Don't worry. I won't bite."

  She swallowed and I turned her to face me. This time I did tell the truth. I wasn't going to hurt her or scare her. That wasn't my objective.

  I wanted her purring and safe and happy.

  "I'm not going to do anything you don't want Camille."

  Her eyes were serious as she stared into mine. I realized in that moment that she'd been hurt before. I hated knowing that. It made me want to go out and punch every guy who'd hurt her in the face. A wave of fierce protectiveness washed over me.

  At that moment I would have promised her anything.

  Except that I would stay away. That I would keep my hands off her. Tonight or any other night.

  That I would not promise her.

  I could not promise her.

  Because I was more than just lusting after this girl. I was fucking smitten. A heavy feeling settled in my gut. I was a cooked goose and I knew it. My usual confidence was missing, rocked loose at its roots. I didn't just want this girl to be with me.

  I needed her to be with me.

  Better not let the lady know. Not yet. Not until I knew how she felt about me.

  "Champagne? Or something stronger?"

  She followed me towards the living room.

  "Is it any good?"

  I nodded, holding up a three hundred dollar bottle of champage. She gave me a look and nodded, looking around the suite.

  "You are pulling out all the stops tonight aren't you?"

  I poured her a glass and led her out to the balcony.

  "Nothing but the best for the lady."

  She laughed and leaned over the edge, looking around.

  "Can anyone- see us from here? From the team I mean?"

  I shook my head.

  "I'm the only one on this side of the hotel. Me being a last minute addition and all."

  She sipped her bubbly and glanced at me.

  "You did cause quite a commotion."

  "That's the Dupree way."

  I ran my hand over her hair, brushing it away from her neck. I let it rest on her back for a moment and then moved away. I was going to take this slow.

  As slow as I could handle it.

  "Are you hungry?"

  "I could eat something."

  I went inside and brought out a room service menu and more champagne. I poured for her and held the menu over my forearm like a waiter. She was leaning back on one of the chaises. One on hand, she looked relaxed. On the other, it would be harder to get my hands on her delectable body with her all the way over there.

  "Shall I order for you, Miss?"

  She cocked an eyebrow at me.

  "So formal Cade."

  I grinned at her, ruining the effect.

  "I thought you would approve."

  She leaned back in her chaise and closed her eyes.

  "I do. Yes, please order for me."

  She cracked one eye open.

  "No raw meat please."

  I wrinkled my nose.

  "No worries there. I like mine charred to a crisp."

  She smiled, her eyes still closed.

  "Stay away from the tartar."

  "The what?"

  "Exactly."

  I left her there, sipping her second glass of champagne. I ordered and came back out, bringing the bucket of ice and bottle with me. I sipped my champs, sitting on the chaise next to hers.

  We sat in companionable silence for a while. It was nice. That's a funny thing to say about a heart racing, trying to impress the heck out of
the woman of your dreams first date. But it was true.

  Of course I was a little distracted, doing my best to hide the raging hard on I'd had since I saw her in the lobby.

  Hell, I'd been hard pretty much since I met her. It was like being a damn teenager again. She was natural born boner machine.

  I was almost sorry when the food came, even though dinner got me closer to desert. Desert being the fine ass woman sitting beside me. But a man had to eat, and I needed my reserves if I was going to put on the kind of performance I intended.

  An award-winning performance.

  The fuck of a lifetime. A blue ribbon, apple pie on the Fourth of Fucking July kind of fuck. A lay to end all lays.

  A Biblical, raining toads, knock the lady's socks straight to next Tuesday fuckathon.

  So, yeah, I figured I better eat.

  Camille followed me inside, sitting gracefully in the chair I held out for her. She was relaxed tonight. Chillaxed even.

  I wasn't used to this side of her, but it made me like her even more. I already wanted her. Craved her even. But liking her for her easygoing company hadn't been part of the deal.

  It made me want this on the regs.

  I dealt with the food, grateful for the distraction. I wasn't ready to think about how I felt about Camille too much. I was in dangerous territory with that kind of thinking. I wanted sex. That was uncomplicated. That I could handle.

  Everything else… well, I needed to drain my balls and drink a busload of bourbon and branch before I went down that road.

  I'd start with a lighter load, thank you very much.

  I set the food on the table and lifted the cover from her plate.

  "Lobster salad? Very nice."

  I sat across from her, drinking in the way she looked in the candlelight.

  "I got surf and turf. I figured you might want some of my meat."

  She stared at me, her eyes wide. Then she started to laugh. I had to join in.

  "Cade Dupree, you certainly have a way with words."

  I grinned and started cutting my food.

  "Trust me darlin'. You ain't seen nothing yet."

  Camille

  I leaned back in my chair, pleasantly full. In fact, everything about this evening had been pleasant so far. I sipped the last of my champagne, watching Cade over the candles. He had finished eating and was just smiling in a sort of dreamy way.