Ball Buster

by Kara Sheridan

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Carson stuffed Sadie’s overnight bag in the back of his Jeep and then joined her inside, pulling away from the roundabout in the front of the hotel. “Ready, sweetheart?” he asked, still worried whether she was truly prepared to return home after seven long years.

  “I’m okay, Carson.” She smiled, the warmth reaching her green eyes. “All roads lead home, right?”

  “That’s what they say.”

  “Thought they said run with the big dogs or stay on the porch?”

  “They say that, too.” She reached inside her purse and pulled out her sunglasses. “This is your last free weekend for a while, isn’t it?”

  “Yes. Training camp starts soon.”

  “After watching you on the field at Family Night, Carson, I believe you’ll get that Super Bowl ring this season. I’d love to see it.”

  The high praise gave him hope that she’d be here well into the season, attending the away and home games—cheering for him from the stands where all the players’ wives and girlfriends sat. A very exclusive VIP club that she’d never wanted to be a part of before. “Care to make a bet?” he asked.

  “What kind of bet?”

  “If I throw two touchdowns in the first ten minutes of the preseason opener, one for you, one for the team, you have to attend my first regular season game in Denver.”

  “Isn’t betting against franchise rules?”

  He shrugged. “Who cares?”

  “Okay.” She held up her pinkie. “Pinkie bet.”

  He reached over and wrapped his pinkie around hers.

  “What if you lose?” she asked.

  “I won’t.”

  She smiled. “But if you do?”

  “You can have whatever you want.”

  Carson said gazing at her, then focused on the busy road. She let go and relaxed in the bucket seat, kicking off her flip-flops and resting her feet on the dashboard—a move Carson appreciated because it meant she was comfortable.

  “Any idea on the final roster?” she asked.

  “Kaminski and Jones were cut yesterday. Chelsea was offered a spot on the practice squad. Sparrow might get traded. Otherwise, the lineup is solid, I think.”

  “I hate waiting to find out who made it.”

  “Too bad Patera didn’t get cut.”

  She lowered her sunglasses and narrowed her eyes at him. “You’re jealous of Jag?”

  “Not in the way you think. He’s a dog, Sadie. Always waiting for sloppy seconds. And I’m pretty sure he’s the one who posted that ass shot.”

  “Thanks a lot for the compliment.”

  “Not you!”

  “Mm-hm.”

  “Subject change?” he half begged.

  “Does sloppy seconds have a choice?” She gave him her best pout, and he chuckled.

  “Not really. Mom looks forward to seeing you tonight.”

  “It’s been a long time, Carson.”

  “I know, sweetheart. We’ll stop by the apartment first.”

  Sadie turned on the radio, switched it over to satellite, and turned on the Beatles station, singing the lyrics to “Love Me Do” in unison with Paul McCartney. It started to rain as they passed the WELCOME TO FAIRHOPE sign. He immediately drove downtown to the Fairhope pier, giving Sadie a chance to see how beautiful the water looked. The gardens were in full bloom, Mobile Bay slightly choppy from the breeze. He stopped in the main parking lot and turned in his seat.

  “How do you feel now?”

  She disconnected her seat belt and quietly exited the vehicle. Carson couldn’t imagine what it would feel like coming home again after all this time. Respecting her privacy, he waited patiently as she walked toward the pier. He’d been damn lucky to grow up in a place like this. Loved and adored by everyone. At one time, they’d called him Fairhope’s first son. And when Sadie came into his life, the town opened their hearts to her. She’d been the perfect girlfriend—pretty and shy, smart and respectable, a good girl.

  She’d brought stability to his life and given him a reason to do better. And he had, almost immediately. His grades improved and so did his attitude.

  Everything deteriorated emotionally the moment she decided to break it off with him. Though he’d made it through college, won the Heisman trophy, and was a first-round draft pick, Carson had become mechanical—numb. His storybook career brought renewed interest to his hometown, attracting more tourists and bringing much-needed dollars to the local businesses. Hell, the Warriors had even invested in Fairhope, donating enough money to build a new athletic department for the high school and improve the public parks. But something had been missing, and he knew without a doubt who it was.

  Just as he focused on Sadie again, her hair lifted in the breeze, showing off her slender neck and shoulders. Two of his favorite spots to lick and nip her delicate skin. God, he wanted her in every way. Wanted to marry her and move back to Fairhope and start a family. Somehow, he needed to figure out how to balance his career and hers without asking her to make any big sacrifices. Sadie’s independence was very important to her. She wouldn’t be satisfied living a small-town life. At least he didn’t think so.

  Sure he’d given her ample time to be alone, he joined her outside, slipping his arm around her waist and tugging her close. “Like it here?” he asked.

  She gazed up at him and smiled. “It’s strange to be standing here again. This park was an integral part of all of our lives—so beautiful.”

  “You made Fairhope a better place, sweetheart.”

  She clicked her tongue in disbelief. “That’s a ridiculous statement.”

  “Is it?”

  “Um, yeah.”

  “Did you know your scholarship was announced in the newspaper? That you’re the only student from Fairhope to ever receive a full scholarship to an Ivy League school? Do you know how many people asked about you, wanted to celebrate your accomplishment? You didn’t stick around long enough to experience it, but you were missed. I know you didn’t always see that side of the town, but it’s true.”

  “My mother sent me a copy of the announcement.”

  “I saved a copy, too.”

  She kissed Carson’s cheek. “That’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever told me.”

  “It is?”

  She nodded. “The more time we spend together, the more I realize how alike we truly are. I have scrapbooks full of newspaper clippings, photographs, and social media posts I printed about you. When I say I followed your collegiate and professional careers, Carson, I wasn’t exaggerating.”

  What could he say to that? He tugged her closer, wishing he could actually pull her inside him, where he’d shelter her from any fear and pain. They stood in companionable silence for a bit, enjoying the sights and sounds around them, the rolling waves and gulls screeching overhead.

  Half an hour later, he checked the time on his Rolex. “We should go.”

  When they reached his apartment, Carson took their bags upstairs.

  The studio consisted of a main room with a king-sized bed, dresser, plush area carpet, a leather loveseat and ottoman, and a flat screen TV mounted on the wall. An arched window provided generous light, and the kitchen and bathroom were on the far side of the space. Sadie immediately threw herself on the bed, testing the mattress.

  “How long have you been renting this place?”

  “Three years.”

  “And you furnished it?”

  “I paid someone to pick up everything. Why?”

  “The décor is so masculine. And this bed…” She laid back and spread her legs wide, stretching her arms above her head. “Luxurious.”

  Carson couldn’t take his eyes off Sadie. All he wanted to do was climb on top of her, thrust inside her, and make love to her over and over again. His balls tightened, begging for release. He checked the time again—three o’clock. They were due at his mother’s house at six. Plenty of time to remind his girl how much he cared about her.

  Without another though
t, he kicked off his tennis shoes, unbuttoned his jeans, and stripped off his shirt. He threw his clothes in a neat pile on the floor, arriving at the bedside in his boxer briefs.

  Sadie hadn’t said a word, only watched as he undressed, as fascinated with his body as he was with hers. He straddled her hips, running his fingers through the soft length of her hair. Dipping down, he captured her mouth with his, his tongue easing between her lips. As the kiss intensified, he cupped her breasts—circling her erect nipples with his thumbs. She cupped the nape of his neck, locking him in place, her other hand slid up his back.

  He flinched at the slight sting of her fingernails digging into him, more than ready to get skin-to-skin. “Sadie…”

  She dropped her hands to her sides, and Carson lifted himself off of her enough to help unzip her shorts and slide them down her legs. Next came her white lace panties.

  “Touch yourself, sweetheart,” he said, gripping his cock.

  Sadie smiled and licked her fingers before she reached between her legs. Carson loved watching her caress herself, the way her fingers looked sliding in and out so slowly. His cock throbbed with excitement and Carson pumped himself again, never taking his eyes off Sadie.

  As she cried out, Carson knew she was close to orgasm, and instinct took over. In an instant, he was on top of her, using his knee to open her legs. He positioned himself between her thighs, circling his hips, saturating his cock with her wetness.

  Sadie locked her hands behind his neck, lifting her ass of the bed. “I want to feel your hot mouth all over my body, Carson. Please.”

  Carson groaned—shifting downward, his tongue swirling across her stomach, then kissing her silky skin. He nipped and kissed his way down her left leg, his free hand skimming over her sex, gently pinching her clit. Switching to her right leg, he worked his way from her ankle to her core, sinking two fingers inside her, kissing the tender spot right above her sex, before he buried his face between her legs—sucking her clit mercilessly.

  She was naturally squirmy, and Carson gripped her calves, holding her in place while he drove her crazy with more licks and kisses—unwilling to stop until she came in his mouth.

  Their chemistry sizzled, and Carson remembered the secret places that made her hot and wild. Like the ticklish spot behind her left knee, where if he kissed or licked, she’d practically come on demand. Or the tender places on the insides of her wrists…Carson snatched up one of her hands, turned it over, and nibbled the skin.

  Sadie cried out, her legs quivering.

  “Fuck,” he whispered, doing it again. Just the sound of her pleasure-soaked voice brought him close to losing it. “Say my name, sweetheart.”

  “Carson.”

  “Tell me what you want, baby.”

  “Fuck me, Carson. Now.”

  Her dirty talk set him on fire, and he grunted as he shifted into a more comfortable position on top of her. He rested his forehead against hers, staring into her green eyes. She blinked up at him, massaging the small of his back.

  “Carson…I-I…”

  “I know, Kitty Kat. You love my ass.”

  She laughed so hard she had tears in her eyes.

  He grinned at her reaction. The fear of losing her again, of all of this ending before it had a real chance to take root, scared him. Carson didn’t like feeling helpless and out of control, though he knew Sadie would never intentionally hurt him. Her natural defensive mechanism was to run away when she felt threatened. The only solution was to keep gently reminding her how much he cared. “You know I want you, Sadie, right?”

  She nodded.

  “I love you.”

  Reaching up, Sadie cradled his face between her hands, her eyes focused on his. “Carson—I never stopped loving you.”

  His heart stopped. The past collided with the present, her words conjuring a sacred memory. The first time they’d made love in high school. The first time she’d ever spoken the three words that had changed his life forever. I love you. Something primitive took over, and he sealed his lips over hers, thrusting hard and deep inside her, claiming her body and soul.

  Whether she knew or not, in that moment, Sadie had finally come home.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Carson pulled up in front of his childhood home, and Sadie climbed out of the Jeep. Rushing to the trees, she quickly found the one where Carson had carved their names in the trunk when she was sixteen. Tracing the lines of the heart first, then his name and hers, she smiled.

  Carson came up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist. “Did you ever think you’d be back here?”

  She shook her head. “When I left Fairhope, I swore I’d never step foot in this town again. Seems I was wrong. Very wrong.”

  “Glad you were.” He kissed the top of her head. “Ready to see Mama and the girls?”

  She turned in his arms, gazing up at him, liking the way his smile touched his eyes. “Absolutely.”

  Taking her hand in his, Carson led her to the front door. He used a key from his pocket to let them in, and before the door closed, the heavenly scent of freshly baked bread hit Sadie’s nose. She’d never get tired of that smell.

  “Carson? Sadie?” Betty called from the kitchen.

  “Hello, Mama,” Carson said.

  “You’re early!” As soon as Betty appeared in the short hallway that connected the foyer with the kitchen, Sadie dropped her clutch on the floor and rushed into Betty’s arms.

  “Sadie.” Betty gave her a squeeze and kissed her cheek, then held her away from herself so she could get a better look at her. “Carson didn’t exaggerate, child. You are lovely.”

  Warmth filled Sadie’s heart. “You haven’t changed a bit, Mama.” The name of endearment slipped out as if she’d been around the last seven years. “How are you? Where are the girls?”

  “A little older and wiser, but the Lord has been good to us. And thank you for saying I haven’t changed—but there’s plenty of gray hairs on my head to remind me about the years slipping away. The girls walked to the market to get some ice cream for dessert.”

  Betty guided Sadie to the kitchen, leaving Carson by the front door.

  “Mama?” he called.

  “You know your way around, Carson.”

  Sadie laughed and sat down at the table situated in front of a picture window that overlooked a deck and the backyard. Hanging flower pots with an array of colorful blooms decorated the handrails on the deck. The backyard was spacious, with a swimming pool and swing set.

  Betty joined Sadie at the table, setting a cup of coffee in front of her. “Congratulations on the job, Sadie. You must be thrilled having a chance to work with the Warriors.”

  “Sadie. Mama. I’m going to find the girls while the two of you catch up.” Carson stuck his head in the room.

  “They went to Maverick’s,” Betty said.

  “OK. Be back soon.”

  Sadie liked the way Betty’s gaze lingered where Carson had been standing. “He’s a wonderful man.”

  “Yes,” Betty agreed. “I’m proud of him. The whole town is proud of him. He deserves to be happy. So do you.”

  Sadie swallowed the small lump in her throat—feeling unusually sentimental. She’d expected some awkwardness with Betty after not seeing her all these years. But honestly, it didn’t feel strange to be back. “Until Carson and I started talking again, I was focused on my career.”

  “And has it given you everything you hoped for?”

  Sadie nodded. “Yes. The chance to do what I love and financial independence, and I enjoy living in South Carolina. How have you and the girls been?”

  “We’ve been fortunate here, Sadie. Carson is a blessing, so much like his father…” Betty sniffled, and Sadie squeezed her hand.

  “You miss him,” Sadie observed gently.

  “Every day.”

  Sadie understood that pain. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t make the same mistakes I did,” Betty warned. “If you want to be with my son, and he m
akes you happy, find a way to make the relationship work, okay?”

  “I-I…”

  “It’s okay, Sadie. I’m not going to stick my nose where it doesn’t belong. I just wanted you to know I’ve always loved you like a daughter. And if you and Carson are meant to be together—the Lord will show you the path. I put off marrying Carson’s father for four years. Four good years I could have spent with him.”

  “I never knew.”

  “Yes. It’s not something I’m too proud of. Before I became Betty Savage, I wanted to be an actress.”

  “As in Hollywood?”

  “Exactly.”

  “What happened?”

  “My father reluctantly paid for acting school and set me up in an apartment in a nice area of Los Angeles. For the first couple of years, I showed some promise—did some modeling and starred in several commercials. I even did a couple walk-on roles on a soap opera.”

  Sadie smiled. “Why’d you come home?”

  Betty stared out the window, shifting on her chair. She sighed, and then looked at Sadie again. “About the third year I lived in LA, Carson’s father came for a visit.”

  “You fell in love?”

  “I already loved him. And he knew it. He just needed to remind me where I truly belonged. We spent a week together. Three months later, I found out I was pregnant.”

  Sadie leaned forward, surprised Betty was opening up to her.

  “I returned to Fairhope, too afraid to tell anyone the reason why. To make a long story short, I miscarried and spent the next year locked in my bedroom, suffering from depression. Carson’s father did everything he could, but I didn’t have the strength or heart to tell him the truth. Even my parents didn’t know. Once Carson’s father joined the military, I had to make a choice. Risk losing him once he deployed or marry him so we could be together.”

  Sadie shook her head and grabbed Betty’s hand.

  “I had Carson two years later.”

  Betty’s story resonated with Sadie.

  “Are you all right, Sadie?”

  “Yes—just thinking about everything you shared. I’m grateful your life turned out so happy. You had a fairy tale romance. Five children. A beautiful home. Friends who adore you.”