“Okay.” I square my shoulders and straighten my spine. I can do this. I hope.
“All right, when we pull up to the entrance, I’ll get out first. You can follow by grabbing my hand when I offer it to help you out. Just follow me and smile,” he instructs.
Reach for his hand. Follow and smile. I think I can manage that. I smile at him and nod.
Then the chaos ensues.
The instant I step out of the car, people are yelling for our attention.
“Tanner, Ashley, this way,” someone yells.
“Tanner, where’s Melissa?” someone else calls out.
“Ashley, what’s your relationship with Tanner?” another voice asks over the roar of the crowd.
What the hell is going on? How do these people know my name? Oh my God, do they think I’m Tanner’s new mistress? My thoughts swirl like a twister inside my head. Just keep smiling.
Once we’re inside the building, I turn to Tanner to ask all the questions that are running through my head. “How did they know my name?” I whisper, doing my best to make sure my smile stays in place.
“I had to give the venue your name for the guest list. I’m assuming that’s where they got it.”
“You usually bring Melissa to these things, right? Now they probably think that I’m your new side piece,” I reason.
“No, they don’t.”
“How do you know that?”
“Just trust me,” he says just as a couple comes up to us to say hello.
“Tanner, so glad you could make it,” the man says, offering him a hand. He’s much older than Tanner, with gray, thinning hair.
“Thank you, Mr. Simon,” Tanner says, shaking the man’s hand.
“Who is your lovely date?” Mr. Simon asks.
“This is my girlfriend, Ashley Mitchell,” he answers smoothly. I feel my eyes bulge out of my head when I hear Tanner drop the ‘girlfriend’ bomb.
“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Mitchell.”
“You as well, Mr. Simon.”
“This is my wife, Patricia,” he announces, smiling at the woman beside him.
“Nice to meet you,” we both say in unison.
“Mr. Simon is part of the organization’s management department,” Tanner informs me before the two launch into small talk. My mind won’t focus on anything they’re saying. All I hear is Tanner’s voice on a loop in my head, calling me his girlfriend.
After a few minutes, we leave the Simons and make our way toward our table. We’re stopped a few more times, and I’m introduced to more people Tanner already knows, but I’m on autopilot. I smile and nod when necessary, but I lose focus again each time Tanner informs someone else I’m his girlfriend.
“Girlfriend?” I ask when we finally make it to the table and have a minute alone.
“Yes,” he replies, smiling as though he’s won some kind of lottery. “I think it’s time we make that declaration, don’t you?”
“Umm… I… uh… yes?” My mind scrambles for any word in the English dictionary.
“Are you okay with that, baby? I think it’s the perfect time to tell everyone all about you.”
“Is this what you meant when you said that they won’t think of me as your side piece?” I ask. I won’t agree to be his girlfriend just because the tabloids need a story.
“Well, partly yes, but that isn’t the reason I’m saying it.” He must be using his mind-reading skills again, either that or my face is giving all my insecurities away.
“You sure about that?”
“Absolutely. I’ve wanted you to be mine since that stupid interview, even when I wanted to strangle you. I only said we should start off slow because it was only a matter of time until you were mine anyway. And you are mine, Ashley. I can see that you’re getting more and more comfortable with the idea of us every day, so it’s time everyone else knew you’re mine too.” The smile on his face could light the whole room up on its own.
“Don’t you think you should have asked me first?” I ask, trying to sound angry. It’s really hard to act angry when you’re ready to burst at the seams with joy.
“Nothing to discuss. You. Are. Mine.” The look of possessiveness in his eyes is fucking hot!
“You’re smooth, Mr. Garrison, very smooth. I’d be honored to be your girlfriend. I love the way I feel when I’m with you,” I say, giving him my most endearing smile.
“Well, then we’re most definitely on the same page because I love the way that I feel when I’m with you. I think this calls for a dance.”
Tanner leads me onto the dance floor, where we dance until the emcee announces that dinner is about to be served. On our way back to the table, Tanner informs me that Mr. and Mrs. Simon are the only guests he knows at our table. I’m not sure why it’s important. It’s not as if I’ll be able to help him figure out who anyone is.
Everyone at the table introduces themselves, but I couldn’t tell who was who if asked. All the faces blend to together over the casual conversation. I sit listening intently to Tanner chatting it up when Mrs. Simon asks me how Tanner and I met.
“I interviewed him for The City Press earlier in the season.”
“So you’re a reporter?” she asks.
“Not a reporter per se. I am more of a journalist. I was covering the interview for a colleague. I write lifestyle pieces on places, events, and trends— anything of interest in the city.”
“How nice. And the two of you fell for each other during this interview?”
I fight to stifle a laugh as I answer. “No, I honestly thought he was a jerk going into that interview, and I’m pretty sure that he wanted to kill me during it.”
“Then how did the two of you become an item?”
From the corner of my eye, I notice Tanner watching me in rapt attention, awaiting my answer. I smile at him and then direct my attention back to Mrs. Simon. “I saw through the lies the press was printing and met the real Tanner.”
He must like my answer because it earns me a warm smile. He leans over to kiss me on the temple.
The rest of the night is wonderful, and the event raises almost two hundred thousand for the children. I doze off on the ride home though, and am shaken awake by Tanner when we get back to my building.
“Baby, you’re home,” he says, kissing the top of my head.
I’d nestled myself into his chest while sleeping. Even unconscious, I’m still drawn to him.
“Already? Are you coming up?”
“As much as I would love to, I can’t. I have game prep tomorrow,” he says with a frown.
“That’s okay. Thank you for bringing me tonight. I had a great time, boyfriend.” I smile up at him.
“You’re very welcome, girlfriend. Now get your ass upstairs before I change my mind and end up playing like shit this weekend because of it.”
“We can’t have that, now can we?” I kiss the hell out of my new boyfriend, testing his resolve to leave.
“Out! Now, baby. I only have so much willpower on a regular day. If I throw you looking this gorgeous into the mix, there’s no telling what I’ll do.”
Chapter 21
ASHLEY
I finally understand why Tanner hates moochers, as he calls them, so much. My phone has been ringing off the hook all week. Practically everyone who has my number has called me this week to ask why they didn’t know I was dating the hottest quarterback around. I hadn’t realized I was supposed to send out a newsletter announcing Tanner and me as a couple. People I haven’t talked to in years have called and emailed me. An old guy friend from college messaged me on Facebook asking if I could hook him up with tickets. When my mother calls me up though, I’m sure her reaction is going to be the greatest.
“Ashley, I can’t believe I had to find out in the paper that my daughter is dating some hotshot football player,” she says. “Do you know what a terrible mother I looked like when a woman from worked asked if my daughter was dating Tanner Garrison and I said no? Then she showed me your picture in the paper
.”
Clearly, she doesn’t care whether or not I’m dating Tanner. She just cares that not knowing made her look like the disinterested mother she is.
“Why would I bother telling you, Mom?” I huff. “So you could tell me how I’m just going to wind up disappointing him one way or another?”
“Ashley Marie Mitchell, don’t you take that tone with me! When have I ever told you that you were a disappointment?” I can’t believe my mother is this delusional.
“Gee, Mom, I don’t know, every chance you get? You tell me all the time how every single thing I do is wrong or how I can do it better.” I know the conversation is pointless, but I let it happen anyway.
“Please, Ashley, you’re so dramatic. You know that’s not true.” Totally pointless.
“Yup, sure, Mom. Oh, by the way, I’m dating Tanner Garrison, the quarterback for the Jets. Just so you know. Gotta run. Bye.” I hang up before she can think of something else to yell at me about.
And so went my life for my first official week as Tanner’s girlfriend. All the news outlets that had covered the children’s benefit ran endless pictures of me and Tanner, complete with fantastic headlines.
Hearts across NYC break as hotshot QB Tanner Garrison steps out with new girlfriend.
Jets Quarterback ditches girlfriend Melissa Finnegan for a new hottie.
Tanner Garrison stolen off the market by hot brunette.
Some headlines are more ridiculous than others. I’ve never been happier that my name isn’t on the lease to mine and Quinn’s condo. I’m sure there would be reporters camping out outside the building if it were.
“It will all die down soon. I promise,” Tanner reassured me.
“It’s fine, really. No big deal. I’m sure by next week I’ll be old news.”
And I am. Things quiet down quickly when a big domestic violence scandal breaks out at the start of the week. People forget all about Tanner Garrison’s new girlfriend when the league’s commissioner is forced to hand out suspensions to a handful of players surrounded by unsavory accusations.
In an attempt to be a good girlfriend, I’m studying the rules of football. Since I’m having a hard time understanding them, Tanner suggests we play video game football to go over the basic concepts.
“Ooh, can I be video game Tanner?” I request, laughing at the realization that my boyfriend has a video game version of himself.
“It’s not as good as being the real Tanner, but sure, if you want to.”
“Full of yourself much, Superstar?”
“Ugh, are you and Quinn serious with that nickname?” He rolls his eyes.
“I’d have thought that you’d like it with that ego of yours.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. So let’s go over the basics. You have four downs to try and get ten yards. You have to pick a play and then push this button to throw the ball to the right receiver or to hand the ball off to the running back. Got it?”
“This is like teaching the alphabet to a ten year old for you isn’t it?” I ask, still a little confused.
“Kind of.” He laughs. “Do you get that part?”
“As much as I’m going to, I guess. Let’s just play and see if I can pick it up.”
I don’t pick it up, and video game Tanner gets his ass beat in Madden football by real-life Tanner.
“It’s okay, baby,” Tanner says, trying to soothing me. “It’s not your fault ten-year old boys can play this in their sleep and you can’t figure it out.”
That earns him an elbow to the ribs. “Keep it up and your dick will be seeing about as much action as a ten-year-old boy’s.”
“Oh really? Please! Like you could resist this.” He gestures up and down his body to showcase it.
“I’ve seen better.” I say, pretending that he doesn’t have the most deliciously-sculpted body I’ve seen outside the pages of a magazine.
“Oh yeah?” He reaches for the hem of his shirt and pulls it up slowly, exposing his abs two at a time. I have a hard time not licking my lips in appreciation.
“Still think it’s easy to resist?”
“Yup,” I say casually.
I regret saying it the second he reaches for the button on his jeans and pops it. He folds the flap down to expose his boxer briefs, which cling to him like a second skin. He slowly pushes the jeans down his thighs, uncovering the muscular masterpieces inch by perfect inch. I’ve never found thighs more attractive. Tanner bends down to remove his jeans, which brings my attention to his bare feet. Even the man’s fucking feet are hot, and I hate feet. After ridding himself of his jeans, Tanner stands back up, showing me that I’m not the only who’s been turned on by his little striptease.
“Looks like your plan is back firing on you there, Superstar,” I say smugly, nodding toward his hardening cock.
“Is it? The look in your eye says you want nothing more than to get on your knees and see just how hard I am for yourself.”
“Is that right?” I ask, even though I know it is. The bits and pieces I do remember from our first night together all center on his cock. I know I made him lose it, but my memories are fuzzy. I sure as hell wouldn’t mind another chance to have this man at the mercy of my mouth.
“Mmmhmm, baby. I bet if I reached my hand down your pants right now, I’d find your hot little pussy wet just from the thought of having my cock in some part of you.”
I fight to hold back the whimper of anticipation forming in my throat, but I lose the battle.
“Sounds like someone isn’t having as easy a time resisting as she thought she would,” he whispers in my ear after he sidles up to me and presses his hard, nearly naked body against me.
Taking a step back, Tanner removes his boxer briefs to reveal his magnificent cock. I lick my lips at that sight. I was stupid to think I’d be able to fight my attraction to him.
“Ready to admit that you can’t deny me?” he asks with a self-assured smirk on his face as he steps back into my personal space.
I reach for his cock, but he knocks my hand away and shakes his head.
“No, no, no. Baby?”
“What?” I ask, irritation in my voice at being denied my prize. I’m done with games. I just want to play with the beautiful cock in front of me.
“Words, baby. I want to hear the words.”
“Fine. You win. I can’t resist you, especially on display like this.” I reach for his cock again, only to be batted away once more.
“Seriously, Tanner?” Now I’m infuriated. He has wound me all up and won’t let me have my way.
“Tell me what you want,” he demands. “In detail.”
Hmm, okay, two can play this game. He got me all hot and bothered with his striptease, and now it’s my turn to get him just as riled up.
I reach my hand out and wrap it around his cock, “I want to put this huge cock, that doesn’t compare to anything that I’ve ever seen before, in my mouth. I want to lick it up and down and swirl my tongue around this broad head,” I say, mimicking my words with my hands.
“I want to swallow it down my throat and make you groan in pleasure. I want to lap up your essence as it starts to leak out when you can’t control yourself. I want to cradle your balls in my hand and massage them as you throw your head back in pleasure. I want to choke on your cum as it pours down my throat, spurt after spurt.”
His cock has grown larger and harder in my hand, and I’m almost positive I could make him come like this, but that isn’t what I want. I drop down to my knees and act out my words precisely. I take him into the back of my mouth and back out as I lick his head. I keep it up, adding a hand to the mix and massaging his balls until I feel them tighten up.
“Oh God, Ashley. Just like that, baby. Fuck! So good.” His hips start to pump, and he fucks my mouth with wild abandon. It doesn’t take long before I feel jets of hot cum hitting the back of my throat, and Tanner growls out an indecipherable moan. “Fuck baby, you are way too good at that,” he says after he comes down from his orgasm.
/> I give him an impish grin as I lick my lips, catching any residue he may have left behind with my tongue. I add an “Mmmm” for good measure.
“I need to fuck you, Ashley. Please tell me that you want me to fuck you,” he says, pulling me to standing and nipping my ear lobe. His fingers push past my jeans and panties to delve into my pussy. They stroked up and down along the seam until he thrusts them deep inside me, causing me to cry out in pleasure.
“So wet. Is this all for me? Does my cock down your throat make you this wet?” he goads me while his fingers probe and explore.
I nod, knowing he’ll stop if I don’t answer.
“Do you want me to bend you over this couch and ride you?” he asks.
I shake my head.
“No?” he asks, sounding surprised.
“No, I want to ride you.”
“Well, by all means, baby.”
I don’t waste anytime pushing him back on to the couch and straddling him as I tear my clothes off as fast as I can. I can’t get him inside me quick enough. As soon as my panties are gone, I slide right down onto him, my body inviting him in as though he’s an extension of it.
I moan in pleasure as he hits my sweet spot immediately. I lift myself up and slide back down over and over, watching his eyes roll back into his head each time. Tanner grips my hips hard, the added pressure adding to my high as he helps lift me up and slam me back down onto his length, the force making me cry out.
“Let me hear you,” he growls. He moves one hand from my hip to my clit. I feel him adjusting himself, planting his feet on the floor for leverage. Then he thrusts his pelvis upward, bouncing me up and down, all the while still pulling me down onto his cock with one hand and working my clit with the other. He has me flying toward climax at high speed.
“Oh my God! Oh my God! Yes! Yes!” I scream over and over, until the waves of pleasure subside, and I finally come to back to Earth.
“Fuck! I love when your pussy clamps down on my cock like that. You squeeze me just right, baby,” he says me as he reaches his own release.
Inhibitions Page 18
