“Your skin is so soft,” he said. “It makes me want to touch all of you.” He pressed his erection against her, and she raised her hips to press back. “Can I touch more of you?”
“Yes.”
He took his time, slowly tracing circles over her stomach as he worked his way down. He lifted her skirt and ran his hand up and down her thigh and then over her panties. She let out a moan, and he slipped a finger under to feel that she was wet.
“You’re so wet,” he breathed. “Do you want me as much as I want you? Can you feel how bad I want you?”
“Yes.” She lifted her hips to his touch. “Yes.”
He went back for more fervent kisses. He was too excited now to slow things down, and she was giving him all the green lights.
His hands went from her breasts to her clit, making her moan as he touched her. When he couldn’t wait anymore, he pulled back to look in her eyes.
“Claire. I want to take you upstairs, but I understand if this is too fast. I feel such a strong connection with you, that this just feels right. I don’t want to rush you, though.”
She pulled her lower lip into her mouth and leaned forward to whisper, “Do you have protection?”
“Upstairs, yes.”
“Then let’s go.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded, and he scooped her into his arms to carry her upstairs. He lay her down on the bed and pulled open the drawer to take a condom out.
He climbed back over her so he could resume kissing and touching her. He took her top off and released her bra to better caress her breasts. When she was moaning regularly and was nice and wet, he paused to pull off his own pants and slide her panties down and off her.
He ran his tongue around her clit a few times, then slid the condom on before he pressed into her. She moaned in response, and he pounded her hard.
It felt so good to be inside her, he sped up his thrusts and banged her as hard as he could. In no time, he was coming. He stopped when he was through, panting as he lay beside her.
“You felt so good,” he said.
She looked over and gave him a thin smile. “Good. I’m glad.”
He put his arm over her and snuggled closer. “Thank you.” He kissed her forehead and let his eyes close.
Sometime later, he awoke. Claire was sleeping beside him, naked. A grin crossed his mouth. He slid out of bed carefully, watching to make sure he didn’t disturb her. He found his jeans and dug out his phone. He snapped a quick photo of her and texted it to Alex and Hayden with the message, “First one! Claire. On my way to beating you two!”
Alex responded first. “Nice pic!”
Then Hayden said, “Guess you’re the first. Congrats. I’m not far behind you.” And he added a winky face.
Dustin set his phone down and got back into bed. His chest felt three times bigger. He’d been the first. So far, that made him the winner, the best. Maybe neither of them would hook up this weekend at all. It’d be nice to keep his lead for a while, to fully enjoy the victory.
Chapter 8
In the morning, Dustin got up first and made coffee. He was sitting at his dining room table, flipping through the paper and drinking coffee when Claire came down.
“Good morning,” she said, rubbing her eyes.
“Morning. There’s coffee if you want some.” He gestured toward the kitchen and she disappeared, then came back with a full mug.
She sat across from him, sipping from her mug. “What are you up to today?” she asked.
“Probably do a light workout, maybe go for a run. Clean up around here. Basic Saturday stuff, I guess.”
“Yeah, me too. I usually do yoga on my days off. Helps me stay limber.”
“Sure.” He flipped the page of the paper. Hopefully, she would want to go home soon so he could get on with his day. He didn’t want to just sit around all morning. “Feel free to take a shower if you want.”
“Oh, I’m okay. I think I’ll just finish my coffee, then can you drive me home?”
“Sure.” He gave her a little smile, hoping it hid his relief. It would be better if somehow the girl could drive to his place next time to avoid the whole awkward drive home thing. She could just get in her car and go.
He finished his coffee and went upstairs to put on jeans and sneakers. When he came down, Claire was setting her mug in the sink. She retrieved her purse and shoes from the living room and followed him to the garage.
He put on some music as he drove, hoping to cover the silence. His brain had been used up. He couldn’t think of a thing to say or ask her. When he pulled up to her door, he got out to walk her up.
“I had a really good time last night,” he said.
“Me too.”
He hugged her and gave her a quick kiss. “Can I call you again?”
“You better.” She winked and turned to unlock the door.
As he drove home, he thought of his next move, how he’d play this. Claire had only really talked about Holly and Lucy as other girls on the squad who she was close to and spent time with. They would probably be difficult to move in on right after Claire. He had to stay away from the closest friends, if he could. He still wasn’t ready to tackle Brooklyn. That Kitty, though, was a good possibility. And there was Annabelle. She seemed nice and feisty, and rebellious enough to not care what Brooklyn or anyone said about him.
Then there was Claire. He had to make it clear that he wasn’t interested without being too mean or cutting her off too soon. Maybe just a text or two to keep her going for a little while, so she didn’t think immediately that he was ditching her. Maybe later today he’d send her a quick little note. Nothing major or engaging in any way. Just a little more than “hi.”
Later that night, before he went to bed, he sent, “Hope you had a good day. ‘Night!”
She responded a few minutes later with, “I did! Thanks. And thanks again for last night.” And a smiley face.
He didn’t respond to that one. The next day, he didn’t send a text. He’d see her on the field Monday, so he could give her a head nod or wave or something, and that would be good.
Chapter 9
Monday morning, after his initial meetings, he checked his phone before getting ready to work out.
“Wanna have lunch together today?” Claire asked.
He groaned and tucked his phone into his locker. He went to work out, hoping she would let it go and not send him any more messages. After lunch, he responded. “Oh, sorry. Couldn’t. Had a team thing.”
She answered, “No problem.”
He held his breath waiting, but when she didn’t text again asking him to do lunch later that week or dinner or something, relief washed over him. At least it was easier to play up the training factor during the week—can’t go out on training night, need to get a full night’s sleep. She was probably in a similar position.
Not until after the last practice did he have a chance to really talk to Hayden and Alex. They were getting changed, and he paused by them, putting his foot up on the bench to untie his laces.
“So. Am I still the unchallenged champion?” Dustin asked.
Alex smirked. “I guess… technically. I mean, I saw plenty of action this weekend. It just didn’t happen to be with a Polar Princess.”
“Then it doesn’t count,” Dustin said. “You get any pics?”
“Nah,” Alex said.
Hayden didn’t say anything but just kept putting away his pads like he wasn’t part of the conversation.
“Okay, Hay,” Dustin said. “Spill. Holly?”
“We went out.”
“And?”
“And, she’s really cool. We’re having lunch tomorrow.”
“How far’d you get?” Alex asked.
“Not far. But it’s okay. Probably this weekend,” Hayden said.
“She a prude or what?” Dustin asked.
Hayden shot him a glare. “Not at all, man. I didn’t make the move. I wanted to take my time. Slow and steady wins the ra
ce.”
Dustin nodded. “Okay, if that’s how you want to play it.”
“Just keep it fast and steady on the field,” Alex said.
“You guys, too,” Hayden said. “We looked good today. Offense is coming together.”
“I better jump up in ranking this week,” Dustin said. “I’ve working my butt off.”
“Eh, those rankings are just there to mess with your head. Do your best,” Alex said.
“Easy for you to blow it off when you’re at the top,” Dustin said.
“You’ll get there,” Hayden said. “You looked better today than you have since we started. You just need to stick to the play and not do your own thing. We’re a team, you know?”
“Of course.” Dustin ground his teeth together. They might be a team, but he wanted to be standing out as much as they were. Couldn’t blame him for trying to tweak a play here and there to make himself look good, to make it seem like he had a better grasp of things than Hayden. If he could manage to complete a pass and do it in a way that made it seem like Hayden’s play was no good, then it would make him shine that much more. He wouldn’t mess up his teammates or anything, but there were always ways to stand out.
He walked away and finished taking off his pads. It still stung that Hayden had talked to him like that—like he had a right to say how Dustin should play and what should happen on the field. He might be the quarterback, but that didn’t mean he could just order everyone around. At least he’d beat him off the field. Whatever had happened with Holly, he hadn’t scored, and Dustin had.
Chapter 10
By Wednesday, he thought maybe Claire was starting to get the hint. She’d texted him a few times, and he hadn’t responded. Enough time had probably passed that he could move on and it wouldn’t be too bad. He’d finally settled on Annabelle. After glancing over at the cheerleaders’ practice a few times, he hadn’t once seen Claire talking to her.
When they were done for the day, Dustin got outside early and waited in his car. He watched every person leaving the training facility. When he saw Claire, he ducked down in his seat until she pulled out. That was good. He wouldn’t have to worry about her walking out while he was talking to Annabelle.
When he finally saw her, dark hair shining in the light of the parking lot lamps, he jumped out of his car.
He called out to her. “Hey, Annabelle.”
She stopped and crossed her arms, watching him approach.
“Yeah?” she said when he was closer.
“Got a minute?”
“Maybe.” She looked him up and down and shifted her stance slightly.
There was something about this chick that already had him excited—her attitude, her smooth skin and Asian eyes. She was gorgeous, but she was also fiery, and he liked the challenge. She wasn’t on a Brooklyn level of challenge that was impossible, but she probably didn’t play games or mess around. She might not be too easy to sleep with, but he hoped he’d figure out what made her tick quick enough to check off another notch. If he could manage to sleep with two before Alex or Hayden slept with one, he’d secure his lead.
“I heard something about you and wanted to know if it was true,” he said.
“What’d you hear?”
He leaned in closer, and said quietly, “That you’re the best one on the squad, and Brooklyn is trying to give you all the crappy spots to keep you hidden.”
She narrowed her eyes slightly and glanced around. “Who told you that?”
He shrugged. “Just a little birdy.”
“Well, I wouldn’t expect birds to know much about cheering.”
“It’s true that you’re the best on the squad, though.” He said it as a fact so she would know that he didn’t question it.
“Maybe.”
“Well, I like the best of things. I drive the best car, drink the best beer, listen to the best music.”
“But you’re not the best on your team.” She cocked her head slightly to the side.
“What makes you think that?”
“I’ve seen you play. That Kenny guy is the best. The ex-pro. He needs to be back in the pros the way he plays.”
“Maybe he will be.”
“But you won’t,” she said.
“What makes you so sure?”
“I don’t think you have what it takes.”
He felt his face and neck start to get hot. What was the deal with this chick putting him down like this? “Why’s that?”
“You get distracted too easily.”
“Can you blame me? I look across the field and see you in your tight little outfit dancing around. How could I possibly look away to some guy in football pads? Hardly compares.” He gave her a half smile.
She rolled her eyes. “I’ve heard about you, you know.”
“I swear it’s not true.”
“Really?”
He nodded once.
“So, you didn’t try to hit on Brooklyn?”
“Well, that’s true.”
“And you haven’t been hitting on every lady on the squad?”
“Not everyone. Only the ones worth hitting on. Like you.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Is that supposed to be some sort of compliment?”
“You’re the hottest one on the squad, and you’re the best. That’s the truest compliment I can give. I’d like to find out what else you’re the best at.”
“I am not going to sleep with you.”
“Whoa, whoa.” He held up his hands and took a step back. “Who said anything like that? I’m not interested in sleeping around or one-night stands. But I would like to find a woman who’s fit like I am, who gets the world of football, who won’t be bothered by my crazy training schedule, and who I can spend time with getting to know. I spend a lot of time with men, and it gets old real fast.”
She recrossed her arms. “So, you’re telling me you’re looking for love?”
“Well, it takes time for real love to form, but you have to start somewhere. You have to get to know someone and see if love grows. I don’t believe in that instant love crap or anything, but yes. I guess you could say I want to settle down. I’m not getting any younger, you know. I want a girl to be by my side when I win and there to comfort me when I lose. Someone to come home to. To share a life with. And how else am I going to find her if I don’t get to know a bunch of people? She’s out there somewhere. You might be her. You might not be. But we won’t know unless we get to know each other and find out. That’s all I’m suggesting. That we maybe go out, have a nice meal, talk some, and see what happens, see if there’s a connection. If not, I’ll leave you alone. But you never know when your dream partner will happen across your path.”
“Dinner? That’s it?” she asked.
“What else do you want?”
“Just dinner. I don’t want you to even try anything else. No slick little move to get me back to your place.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” he said. “I don’t make a habit of sleeping around, and like I said, I’m not looking for one-night stands.”
“Okay, then. Dinner. When?”
“Friday night after practice?”
“I’ll meet you there,” she said firmly. “Where?”
“Wherever you want. You pick.”
“I’ll text you the address. 8?”
“Perfect.”
“Okay, then.” She narrowed her eyes at him again. “Dinner. That’s it.”
“That’s it.”
She spun on her heel and got into her car.
Dustin thought about their conversation as he drove home. She was going to be tough for sure. He couldn’t make it seem like he was trying to sleep with her. She’d pick up on that instantly. He had to be slick about it, make her feel like it was her idea. If he could do that, he’d get her.
Chapter 11
Dustin arrived at the restaurant at 8:05. He didn’t want to come off as desperate for her approval by being right on time, nor did he want to piss her off by being too late. A few
minutes was just fine.
He walked to the front of the restaurant where they had planned to meet. She wasn’t there yet. Crap. She’d timed it better than he had. Now it’d look like he’d been standing here waiting for her for a while. He only waited for a few minutes, but he was aggravated that his plan hadn’t worked.
She stalked right up to him and gave him a quick hug. “What, no flowers?”
He gulped. Was she the type that wanted that sort of thing? “You said just dinner. Just dinner doesn’t include flowers.”
She chuckled. “I guess not.”
Good recovery, he thought. They were seated and looked over the menus.
“Does ‘just dinner’ include drinks?” she asked.
“Sure.” If he was going to have any sort of chance with her, he’d need her to be drinking.
They ordered their food and drinks. Then, he started in with his usual line of questions, the one he’d designed to get them talking about themselves.
“So, what got you into cheerleading?”
“Oh, you know. I do it all for the fame.”
He raised an eyebrow. He didn’t think cheerleaders were all that famous. “What sort of fame are you after?”
“It was a joke. We’re not famous. That privilege only goes to the men on the field.”
“Well, if you all found a way to score points and have some sort of championship, you’d get more attention.”
“Are you serious?” she asked.
“People like to see their team win something. You do an awesome job of dancing, but there’s nothing to win.”
“Do you actually know anything about the world of cheerleading?”
“Of course,” he said, but he realized he really didn’t.
“Then you do realize we have championship competitions all the time—local, state, regional, national. We have our own type of Super Bowl. We just don’t win it by tossing a ball back and forth and running around. We toss each other and do complicated moves to win.”
“You have championships?”
“Several throughout the season.”
Dustin (Shifter Football League Book 3) Page 5
