Playing Hardball: Part 5

by Sharon Cummin

  “Arms above your head,” I said.

  She looked at me, and I gave her the I dare you to challenge me look.

  “Now,” I demanded with a rumble from my chest.

  Her arms flew above her head and her legs clenched together. I shook my head, and she released her legs. I slowly slid the tie from around my neck as I looked down on her. She moaned at that alone. I leaned down and tied both of her wrists to the headboard with the tie. Then I stepped back and looked over my woman.

  “Perfect, babe,” I said. “You are so fucking perfect.”

  I walked to the end up the bed.

  “Spread those sexy legs,” I said.

  She did a bit. I got down on the bed.

  “More,” I commanded.

  Then I leaned down, grabbed her ass in my hands, and lifted. My tongue licked up every single bit that had already escaped her. She pulled at her wrists and I couldn't help the chuckle that left me. I was not about to be gentle. She'd gone too long without my mouth on her. I needed it just as much as she did. I devoured her like I'd been starved for months. Her hips bucked against my mouth and her arms pulled against the restraint.

  “Fuck,” she called out. “Lance.”

  She was panting, and I was rock hard. It wouldn't be long, I thought to myself.

  My fingers rubbed her clit and my tongue was all over her. I could feel her getting closer. She wanted me to fuck her. I knew it. I could tell she was holding back, and I wasn't having it. I thrust my tongue into her and sped up the pace of my finger on her clit.

  “Oh, Lance,” she cried. “Oh, please.”

  I pulled my tongue from her and slowed my finger.

  “No,” she cried.

  Her hands pulled against the headboard.

  “You taste so much better than I remember, Lucy,” I said. “I can't wait until that sweet pussy sucks my tongue. I'm going to fuck you deep with it. Do you want that?”

  “Yes,” she cried. “Yes, please.”

  I licked up and down her wetness.

  “Fuck,” she cried. “I am begging you, Lance. Now.”

  My girl was barely holding on by a thread. Her hands pulled again, and I smiled.

  “You ready?” I asked.

  “Lance,” she growled out. “I'm not fucking playing. I need your damn tongue in me. Please.”

  I moved my finger around her clit. She thrust her hips forward and ground her clit against my finger. My tongue thrust in deep and fast, and I hit that spot. Her hips flew up from the bed again, and I felt her pulse around my tongue. I wasn't about to stop. My tongue kept moving and my finger rubbed her faster.

  “Oh,” she cried out. “Oh, fuck. So damn good.”

  When her hips stopped moving against me, I licked her clean and got up on my knees. Then I reached over to the nightstand and grabbed the packet from the top.

  “Lance,” she whispered.

  “Covering it, babe,” I said. “Can't risk losing you.”

  I grabbed my shaft in my hand and stroked it until I saw her thighs close together. Then I ripped that packet and covered my cock. I crawled up her body leaving tiny kisses all over her on the way. Then I had one hand on the bed on each side of her head.

  “You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment, and it's perfect. I love seeing you stretched out beneath me.”

  My knee moved her legs apart. I made sure to rub against her pussy, and she moaned. I covered her mouth with mine. Then I rubbed the tip of my cock up and down her wetness. Her hips were already moving against me. She pulled at her arms again, and I smiled against her lips.

  “Lance,” she moaned against my mouth.

  I pushed the tip of my cock in just a bit and stopped. She moved against me, but I didn't move deeper.

  “Ballplayer,” she said. “I need you. I've needed you for so long. Fuck me, Lance. I need you deep. I need to feel you. I want you so damn bad.”

  I pulled back from the kiss and looked down at her. She was looking up at me with need in her eyes. There was something else there too. There was so many emotions running between us. It was unbelievable. We'd been together before, but something was different in that moment.

  I covered her mouth again with mine and thrust into her. She bit down on my lip, and I moaned so damn loud. I pulled back and thrust back into her. She pulled at her arms again. Then she moved her hips against me. I began moving out and back in at a constant pace. She met me thrust for thrust. I wanted to stay like that forever. Her moans began getting louder, and I knew she needed to come. I pulled away from the kiss again, leaned up on my arms, and looked down at her as I moved into her deep and fast. She cried out my name. Her head fell back, and her eyes closed. Both of her hands curled around the rung on the headboard, and she thrust her hips hard against me.

  “Harder,” she cried. “I need you hard and deep. I need to feel you so deep, Lance.”

  I leaned back, grabbed her hips, and pounded into her. She cried out, as she bit down on her lip. I'd never get sick of the sight of her, as I pounded into her, with her wrists tied to the bed, her back arched, her nipples hard, and my fingers tight on her hips.

  “Deeper,” she cried. “I need you even deeper.”

  I pulled out of her, grabbed her hips, and flipped her onto her stomach. She lifted onto her knees, and I almost lost it. Her hands were gripping the rail, her back was arched, and her ass was in the air.

  “Hold on,” I said, as I took her hips in my hands, lined myself up, and thrust in as deep as I could in one move.

  “Oh, fuck,” she cried out. “Don't stop, Lance. Fuck me. I need you.”

  I pounded into her hard and deep. There was no doubt she was going to feel me in the morning.

  “So good,” I snapped. “You have no idea how good it feels being inside of you, Lucy. Nothing like it.”

  She was crying out. Our moans were mixing together. Both of us were panting. Sweat was dripping onto her back from my chest. I leaned forward, grabbed the headboard, and fucked my woman hard. She was screaming my name loud. It was the best sound ever. I felt her tighten around me as she cried out. I grabbed her shoulders, thrust in deep, and let out a growl that surrounded us as I came so damn hard.

  Neither of us could speak. I quickly untied her wrists and rubbed them. Her body fell onto the bed, and mine fell on top of hers. My heart was beating so damn hard. I finally caught my breath, rolled off of her, and pulled her back against me. I felt my eyes closing but knew I had to get up and take care of the condom. Couldn't fucking wait until that wasn't an issue. She held my arm tight against her chest. I could feel her heart pounding.

  “I love you, Lucy,” I said. “So damn much.”

  “Love you too,” she said. “You're perfect. Thank you.”

  “Walking in to see your fingers on your pussy,” I said. “Hottest thing ever.”

  “Seeing you in that suit wasn't so bad either,” she said.

  “Better than my uniform?” I asked.

  Her back shook against my chest.

  “I love you, Ballplayer,” she said. “Never a dull moment with you.”

  “Thank you,” I said.

  “For what?” she asked.

  “I know you putting your hands behind your back and giving me control meant something today. Thank you for that. I will always take care of you, babe. You're it for me. I will never let you down.”

  She kissed my arm she was holding over and over. I felt her kisses slow. Then I heard it, the cry from across the hall. She moved to push out of my arms, but I stopped her.

  “I'll get her,” I said. “Tonight you get a restful sleep.”

  I stood up and covered her with the covers. Then I hurried to the bathroom to take care of things. On the way out, I flipped the light off.

  “Thank you! I'm not sure I could even get out of the bed,” she said.

  I let out a laugh and closed the door. Then I headed over to take care of the only other person that mattered in my life. I couldn't wait to hold my little girl.
It didn't matter what her momma said. I was going to hold Sammie all night long. That wasn't a battle Lucy would be winning. I scooped my baby girl up in my arms, kissed her forehead, and whispered.

  “Daddy loves you, baby girl. I missed you so much. I can't wait until I don't have to leave you anymore.”

  Chapter 16

  Lucy

  Two Weeks Later

  The last two weeks with no work flew by. Lance was home and gone. It was something I knew I needed to get used to. I missed his ass so much when he wasn't there. I was just happy we were living together. There was no more going to the apartment for him. When he was in town, he was where he belonged. I soaked up every second in his arms and being under him. By the time he left, I was exhausted and satisfied. The baby was already growing so fast, and I knew that bothered him. Not the part that she was growing, just the part of him missing it. I took a million pictures. She would probably end up running from cameras when she was older.

  The woman Lance had given the baby stuff to called me. We talked for hours. I cried right along with her and let her know I would be there for anything she needed. I had a feeling we were going to be very good friends.

  Lance had talked to me several times about quitting my job. I told him I loved it and needed to do it. He didn't understand that he wasn't home and I needed a bit of adult conversation every now and then. I also had grown close to my boss and the company. I couldn't just leave. We'd had a bit of a heated discussion just before he left the day before and I felt horrible for it. I didn't want either of us to walk away that day with negative feelings. As soon as I woke that next morning I sent him a text.

  Me: I'm sorry for arguing when you needed to leave. Please try and understand my feelings on the subject. I can't count on you like that. I need to do for me. I need to contribute. You bought this house. I can't let you take care of everything, Lance. I just can't.

  It was a few hours before I heard back.

  Lance: Yes, you can count on me. You can let me take care of everything. I don't know why you won't. I can't help it. I'm gone so much. That is bad enough. You know that. I don't want our daughter in day care when she can be with her mom. If we had to do it, that would be different. It is horrible that a man who makes what I do has his daughter in day care. I just don't want that, Firecracker.

  Me: I'll be working from home for six weeks. She won't be in day care. Can we just see how that goes? I don't want you controlling me, Lance. I have to be able to take care of us if I need to.

  Lance: I'm not fucking going anywhere. Fine, six weeks. I'll shut my mouth for six weeks. Be ready when that time is up. I'm not giving in. This is one battle I'm prepared to win. I don't want to control you, woman. I think we both know that's not possible. Six weeks!

  I let out a huff and put my phone down before something was typed I wouldn't be able to take back. I knew I had to pick my battles. I would give him the six weeks. That was all he was getting. That was my thought at the time anyway.

  I got the baby ready and pulled on some jeans and a t-shirt. Then I headed to the office to talk to the team and get what I needed to begin working from home. Of course the ladies in the office passed my baby around while I talked to my boss. He seemed so happy to have me back. I'd gotten everything I needed and took it to my car before going back in to get Sammie. By the time we got home, I was already tired. How ridiculous, I thought. When the baby fell asleep, I got everything out and set it all up on the dining room table and got to work. I got through some emails and even a call before she got up. We played and sang while she ate. I had her in her bouncer while I got a bit more work done. When she'd gone to bed for the night, I'd jumped right back in. By the time I went to sleep, I could barely keep my eyes open. It was the first day. That was why it was so hard, I told myself.

  The next few days were more of the same. I had to figure out what I was doing wrong. I wasn't getting my work finished or spending enough time with Sammie. It seemed like I fed her, changed her, and put her in bed over and over. I wasn't able to hold her or play as much, and I didn't like it. When Lance came home, I felt a bit of relief. I knew he'd have her in his arms constantly. It didn't get easier though. Then I'd see them spending time together while I was working. Before I knew it, he'd had to leave again. I felt like I hadn't even seen him at all. I definitely hadn't cooked for him like I wanted to. That meant a lot to me. I didn't want him eating bad at home. He needed meals I made. Where the fuck had time gone, I wondered? I hadn't even felt like I'd gotten enough work done. I considered just going in to work instead, but then I'd have seen them both even less.

  By the end of the second week, I was done. I couldn't do it. Would it be better once I was back to work? I was throwing it all around in my head instead of sleeping. That wasn't going to help. I thought about what he'd said. I would be at work all day while my little girl was with strangers. Strangers she'd spend more time awake with each day than she would with me. Was I willing to give up all of that time with my daughter? When Lance was home, I'd be at work most of the time. Did I want to lose that time with him? She was growing fast. He was right about that. I could see a difference in just that little time I was working. Was being able to pay my own way just in case worth what I was giving up? He didn't want me working. It was all my own insecurities. He was home, and I felt like I hadn't even seen him yet again. I thought about Brad and the woman who had lost her husband. Then I thought about how much time with my family I would be giving up when I didn't have to. What if that time was gone, would I regret not being there?

  It was late, I knew that, but I picked up the phone and called Carrie's mom. After two hours, I'd hung up the phone with a new look at things. I loved that woman. She was so damn amazing. I'd made a decision and was looking forward to the future.

  That Monday morning, I packed up everything I had brought home and took it out to the car. Then I got Sammie ready and was on my way. As soon as I walked through the doors, Scott came out of his office, passed by all of the ladies that already had their hands out, and snatched Sammie right out of my arms.

  “Uncle Scott trumps all of you,” he said. “Sorry about that ladies.”

  Then he walked away with my daughter in his arms. I shook my head and walked back out to my car. I knew he was there. Carrie's mom told me he was going to be. She even sent me a good luck text that morning. I grabbed everything out of the car and walked it in. As soon as I stepped into his office with my arms full, he smiled.

  “What's all that?” he asked. “Don't you still have four more weeks at home? Do you miss us that much already?”

  I felt my hands shake as I sat down in the chair across from his desk.

  “Not exactly,” I said.

  He narrowed his eyes.

  “What does that mean exactly?” he asked sternly.

  “Shit!” I whispered.

  “Lucy,” he said sternly.

  “Please don't be mad,” I said.

  I felt the tears welling up in my eyes and let out a tiny sniffle. He was out of his chair and around the desk in seconds.

  “I'm just messing with you, Momma,” he said. “I had a feeling this was coming.”

  “What?” I whispered.

  “Hey,” he said. “Look at me.”

  I looked up at him with a few tears fighting to break free from my eyes.

  “I didn't think you'd even end up working from home. I couldn't believe Lance let you pull that shit.”

  I was on my feet instantly.

  “Let me,” I snapped. “What do you mean let me? He doesn't let me do anything.”

  “Settle down,” he said. “How does the man do it?”

  “Do what?” I growled.

  “Put up with your cocky ass?” he asked. “I'm so glad that shit didn't rub off on Carrie.”

  “Listen,” I said, ready for a fight.

  “No, you listen,” he growled.

  I wasn't used to Scott being that way. I'd always seen the sweet side of him. He was definitely Lance's
friend after that little growl.

  “I didn't mean it that way. I just know how the man feels about you and this little one. I knew he didn't want you to come back, but he said he wouldn't stand in the way of your decision. He did say that you needed to see it his way. I think stubborn, cocky, smart ass was in there somewhere. I'd even offered to fire you, but he said no. Don't get me wrong, you are a rock star at what you do. I don't want to lose you. If you weren't family, I'd fight to keep you here. I know my friend though. He hates being away from Sammie. He doesn't want both of her parents gone all the time. You have to think about his feelings too. He has the ability for you to be home with her. That's something he can't do himself, be home with her all day I mean. He doesn't understand why you don't want that.”

  I dropped my ass back into the chair.

  “I'm used to paying my own way. I'm not used to depending on anyone else. It's hard for me.”

  “Better get used to it. That man wants to take care of you,” he said.

  “I know,” I said.

  Then I let out a long breath.

  “He's about to win this one,” I said. “I'm leaving the company. I can work two more weeks if you want. That's up to you, Scott. I love my job and this company. I just love my daughter and her daddy more. He was home, and I felt like I didn't even see him. He didn't even get a good meal while he was home. I also felt like I didn't spend time with my girl. She's going to grow up so fast, and I'm not sure I'll ever have another baby. That doesn't matter though. I don't want to sacrifice giving her the best life I can just because I have insecurities.”

  “Do you honestly think I'm stupid enough to have you work two more weeks?” he asked.

  “What?” I asked.

  “Your man would kill me. I've been away from the gym a lot lately. His ass just might win that battle. I can't give you the chance to change your mind. Go home and be with your girl. Your man will be home today. I already know that.”

  “Don't say anything to him,” I said. “Please.”

  “I won't,” he said. “You can have the honors of making him that damn happy. He's been thinking about it since the day Sammie was born. I'm not kidding you. I was kind of ready to fire you just so I wouldn't have to hear his mouth every day.”