He squeezed her rear then smoothed his hand over the back of her thigh. Jo rose up on tiptoe to keep lip contact with him. Soft strands tickled as she combed her fingers through his thick, brown hair. He kneaded her breast, pinching the nipple gently.
A small gasp escaped her throat. He straightened up then brushed his mouth over the sensitive column. He pushed the dress down and kissed his way to her peak, while he wrapped his fingers around her thigh and slid them up under her skirt.
Jo squirmed against him, desire tearing at her core, lust filling her veins. She wanted him and didn’t give a damn whether it was right or wrong.
“Are you sure?” he asked, a bit breathless, in her ear.
“Sure?”
“You want to make love?”
“Yes!” She leaned her head back to make eye contact with him. His light brown, experienced eyes glowed with passion for her. His cheeks were a bit flushed, and his smile was warm and broad.
Pete’s fingers completed the journey, closing over her moist warmth. “Damn, you’re wet. Hot too.”
“You make me that way,” she whispered.
He thrust his hips forward so she could feel his rock hard erection. “It goes both ways.”
Jo untangled her leg from his and took his hand. Enough foreplay in the living room. She led him to her bedroom, another frilly room with white, eyelet curtains, a candy pink and white striped quilt on the queen-sized bed, and six pillows of various shapes covered in pink prints. A white, wicker throne-type fan-backed chair with a pink cushion fit comfortably in one corner. Two matching wicker dressers lined up against one, light gray wall. A small dressing table with a pink skirt, a jewelry box in the center, and round mirror graced the other.
“I feel like an elephant in this room.”
“You’re not. You’re a graceful athlete. Help me get rid of these pillows.”
“At least the bed is large enough,” he said, looking at her with desire.
They piled the pillows on the chair. Pete ripped the bed clothes down and pulled his shirt over his head. When Jo reached for the hem of her dress, he stopped her.
“Let me.”
She giggled like a ten year old and nodded. He closed his grip on the hem and inched it up slowly, feasting his eyes on each bit of creamy skin revealed.
“You’re incredibly beautiful. Lovely. Your skin, your hair, your smile.” He eased the dress off and tossed it on the chair with the pillows.
Jo covered herself with her arms as the heat of a blush crept up her neck.
“Don’t be shy. Look. My turn.” Pete shed his clothes quickly, standing before her stark naked with a raging hard-on.
Her eyes grew wide as she stared at his erection. Gently, he repositioned her arms to reveal her body. Her embarrassment had disappeared when he’d gotten naked too.
“Look at you,” he whispered. “Like a work of art.”
Jo caught his gaze traveling her length. She flattened one palm against his chest, the way she had wanted to on the first day she had met him. It gave her goosebumps. With her other hand, she curled her fingers around him. He felt like steel covered in velvet. A shiver ran up her arm at the thought of him inside her. He looked large, too large to be comfortable. “Will that fit?”
He burst out laughing. “Hell yes. Why don’t we try it?” He took her elbow and led her to the bed.
He’s in charge. Pete’s no boy. He’s a man. She smiled.
“Are you on the pill?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Would you be more comfortable if I used a condom?”
“Do you have anything contagious?” I can’t believe we’re having this conversation!
“Nope.”
“Fine then.”
“Perfect,” he said quietly, as he folded her into his embrace and lowered them onto the mattress. He kissed her then trailed his mouth down to her peak. A sigh of satisfaction escaped his lips.
What was that about?
He was focused on making love to her breast, or so she thought. Until he skimmed his other hand over her satiny skin, down her hip, to the juncture of her thighs. She opened for him. He moved his fingers into her heat so adeptly. It was obvious he knew what he was doing. She tried to relax, but the need he was creating made her squirm.
He started slow, exploring, waiting for her response before moving on. He circled her sensitive flesh with one finger then slid it down and into her. She gasped as another large digit joined the first one.
Just as her nipple was getting sensitive, he switched his mouth to the other breast. His expertise and take-charge attitude were new to Jo. She’d mostly slept with men much younger than Pete Sebastian, men in their twenties and early thirties. It was like going from potato chips and onion dip to caviar.
She kissed his head and allowed herself to explore his body while he was preoccupied. She ran her hands over his shoulders and back, examining every muscle with her fingertips. He was too tall for her to reach his butt while he was sprawled across her.
“Relax, honey. Let me do the work.”
She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment to enjoy the pure sensation, the feel of Pete Sebastian making love to her. As difficult as it was, Jo let go. He slid down to taste her, making her eyes fly wide open. “Oh my God.”
The expertise he showed with his hands was nothing compared to his tongue. Before she could speak, Jo was lost in an overwhelming orgasm, gasping for air and mumbling his name. When she could focus, a low, deep chuckle drew her attention. She sat up to see handsome Coach Bass staring at her, eyes glowing with such mischief that she had to smile.
“Proud of yourself, aren’t you?” she asked.
“It was easy. You’re, uh, very…responsive?” His cheeks pinked as he searched for the right word.
This time the blush invading her face was so strong it felt like a mid-August day.
He caressed her cheek. “Don’t be embarrassed. That’s a good thing.”
“Is it?”
“Damn right. Turns me on. Was that the first time for you?”
“Having an orgasm? No. That way, yes.” Her flush deepened.
“You’ve been going out with the wrong guys.”
She reached down. What had seemed hard before was even stiffer now. She laughed. “I guess so. Wow.”
Now, it was his turn to blush. He stretched out, covering her body with his. “How do you like it? What’s your favorite position?”
Jo had never been asked that question before. She froze.
“How about starting with missionary?”
“Okay,” she squeaked out.
He parted her legs, raised her knees until one heel was resting on his shoulder, and rubbed himself up and down her heat, spreading her lubrication. “No rush, right?”
“Right,” she confirmed, watching him, awaiting his next move.
He eased into her slowly, hissing as he penetrated her. Halfway in, he stopped. “You okay?”
“Yep.”
“You’re very tight.”
“Is that bad?”
Again, he laughed. “That’s very good!”
As he entered her all the way, she let out a small gasp. She’d never been filled so totally before. Jo sighed, closed eyes, and then curled her fingers around his shoulders. Nothing ever felt like this before.
He thrust in and out slowly at first. Then stopped. “Still okay?”
“You’re amazing. I’m fine. Better than fine.”
His low chuckle made her grin. He resumed pumping into her, but increased his speed. Soon, he was pounding into her, raising her temperature. Tension spiraled up inside her as he kept up a steady rhythm. Then, without warning, it broke into a white hot release. Her hips bucked up then undulated with his. She clamped her mouth down on his shoulder, but couldn’t completely muffle her cry.
Her fingers gripped his back, which was coated with a fine sheen of sweat, as he continued to move. But it wasn’t long before his head dropped to her neck, and she
felt the vibrations, more than heard his groan of her name.
They lay there in silence. Jo’s breasts softened against his chest. He cupped her thigh with his big hand and ran it up and down while he whispered words of endearment. He kissed beneath her earlobe then pushed up on his forearms.
“That was amazing,” he breathed.
Her gaze searched his, finding satisfaction mixed with longing in his eyes. She hoped he wasn’t finished with her. In her heart, she didn’t believe he was a fuck-then-run guy. She slid her index finger down his rough cheek and tilted her head up to plant a tender kiss.
“You’re amazing,” she replied.
He pushed her hair off her face. “You’re the most beautiful woman in Monroe.”
“Really?”
He nodded.
“And the population here is?”
“It’s a compliment. We have some nice looking women. But none that look like you. And none that know football.”
She sucked in her lower lip for a moment then sank back. “Aha! That’s the attraction? Figures.”
“Everything about you. Your looks, your brains, your sense of humor, your…your sexiness. Everything.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he cringed. “I guess I’m not supposed to say that.”
“You’re supposed to say whatever you want, handsome.” She combed his hair back from his forehead with her fingers. A warm sensation from his words spread to her chest.
He pushed up farther, giving Jo a great view of his body. He pulled out of her and reached for a tissue. She rolled onto her side. Pete rested against the pillows.
“Men aren’t supposed to admit when they like a woman. Never give away too much. The guys’d laugh at me.”
“What you said was just right.”
“I’ve never been good at games. I am who I am and say what I feel. I can’t help it if I’m crazy about you.” He switched from his back to his side, his gaze searching hers.
“You don’t know much about me.”
“I know you haven’t had it easy, either at home or in the NFL. But look at you. A success. And still feminine, still nice. It can’t have been a walk in the park to do what you’ve done.”
Tears pricked at the back of her eyes. He was the first man to understand how hard her life had been. Succeeding in the man’s world of the NFL had been like swimming upstream. She had taken plenty of knocks, but kept focused on getting what she wanted. She turned to the side.
“Don’t run away from me.”
She looked back and rolled over to face him again. Her eyes filled and blinking didn’t stop the flow.
Pete pulled her to him, stroking her back and holding her close. “It’s okay. Let go. Just you and me here. No one else’ll know. I’ll never tell.”
Unable to hold back any longer, she cried into this chest. “You don’t know. It’s been so hard. And so lonely.”
He held Jo in his strong arms, her head on his pecs. They lay in silence except for her soft, sporadic sobs. The beating of his heart soothed and calmed her.
Pete leaned over to look at the clock. “The contest doesn’t start ’til eight. How about a nap?”
She nodded then reached for a tissue. They laughed when Daisy jumped up on the bed. The pug walked around, looking for a spot to curl up. He leaned back, and Jo joined him. He tucked her into his shoulder, snaking his arm around her, and pulled up the covers. She rested one hand on him and sighed.
“Better?”
“Uh huh,” she murmured. Jo drifted off, nestled in the arms of her new lover.
Chapter Five
Pete Sebastian had known what he wanted since he was ten. A career in football, a loving wife, and a couple of kids. Two out of three might be enough for other men, but not Coach Bass. He was used to winning, and the search for the right woman had been frustrating—up until now.
With his two daughters in college, Pete was finally free to put himself first most of the time. He’d stepped up his quest for a mate, but to no avail. He could compromise on looks, but never on interest in football. In all of Monroe, there wasn’t a woman around his age who understood the game.
At forty-two, Pete finally got the fact that you couldn’t spend all your time in the bedroom or the kitchen, a fact he hadn’t known with his first wife. At some point, you had to be able to talk to a woman, share your lives. He continued to search for that missing element. It appeared he’d finally found it—in Jo Parker.
He’d realized she’d be a tough nut to crack. Walls a foot thick around her wouldn’t come down easily. But Pete had never shrunk from a challenge or been afraid to take a risk. What coach worth his salt was afraid of risks? They had to take them every day.
Jo Parker might be the biggest risk he’d ever taken, the biggest test he’d ever faced. Yet, he’d scored his first touchdown with her. He was prepared to drive downfield until the game was won, until she gave him her heart. Nothing less would do.
He awoke before Jo. As he lay there thinking about their tryst, he gazed at the woman sleeping next to him, her head on a pillow, but her hand still on his chest. She looked so innocent, vulnerable, and sweet asleep. He smiled to think what a tigress lay underneath. He wondered what had happened to make her so afraid.
Whether she knew it or not, she needed him. He’d be there for her. That was easy for Pete. It’s what he did for his daughters and his team. Being there, taking care, was Pete Sebastian all over. He could do it in his sleep. Maybe not with Jo Parker. He frowned. She didn’t seem to know she needed him, or anyone, for that matter. That would be the toughest part, convincing her she needed someone, and then selling her on the fact that he was the someone she needed.
He sighed. Jo stirred, stretching then lying still. He figured he’d not have much longer with her like this. So, he pushed thoughts about their future out of his mind and simply enjoyed looking at her. The curve of her shoulder, the way her hair flopped over the pillow, her small hand resting on him—all were parts of her beauty.
He reached over carefully and slid the sheet down a tiny bit at a time, until the swell of her breast was revealed. How beautiful they were! Best rack of anyone I’ve dated in years. Maybe since my ex. Desire began to stir between his legs. He checked the clock. Three. Time for a quickie. He frowned. He didn’t want a quickie with Jo. He wanted to make love to her all night for hours.
He caressed her cheek, and her eyelids fluttered then opened. She sprang up into a sitting position. “Where am I? What time is it? What are you doing here?” She clutched the sheet to her chest.
“Easy, Josie, honey. Easy.” He cupped her cheek.
“Josie? My aunt used to call me that.”
“A favorite aunt?”
She nodded.
“Is it okay if I call you that?”
“Sure.”
He sniffed the air. “What do I smell?”
“Chili in the crock pot.”
“Smells great.” His stomach rumbled as two appetites warred within him.
“It should be ready in an hour.”
“Hmm, ravage you or shower, dress, and ravage the chili?”
She laughed. “Maybe ravage the chili.” She slid off the bed, pushed to her feet, and scampered to the closet. She reappeared wearing a turquoise, seersucker robe.
“I wouldn’t have taken you as the shy type.”
“Then you’d be wrong. I’ve always been shy.”
“Not me.” He threw down the covers and stood up in all his naked glory.
Her stare pleased him. “Guess you’re not.” She chuckled.
“Like anything you see?” He approached her.
She snaked her arms around his middle. “I like everything I see.”
“It’s all yours, any time, any place.” He nuzzled her neck.
“Any place? Really?”
“Yep.”
“Even the beach?”
“Why not? Should be a little warmer, though. Gotta be careful of the sand.”
“Ooooo,” she shuddere
d. “Don’t want to make love to an emery board.”
Pete burst out laughing. “You’ve never made love on the beach?”
“Nope. Always been too busy working to do the really wild stuff.”
“Making love on the beach is wild?”
She lowered her lashes and blushed in the most becoming way. “It is to me.”
He hugged her to him. “Guess we’ll have to fix that.”
“But you’re the coach. A public figure. And a father of two.”
“But I’m not dead. I like some adventure in my life. I’m careful, that’s all.”
“Oh, speaking of careful. No fooling around in the office.”
He held her at arm’s length. “Hell no. At work, we’re colleagues and only colleagues.”
She stuck her hand out. “Agreed. Whew. I thought you might argue that.”
“I gotta keep my private life private. The guys won’t leave me alone if they know about you.”
“It’s unprofessional to sleep with people at work.”
“Agreed.”
The discussion chilled the atmosphere.
Jo headed for the bathroom. “Would you like to shower first?”
“I thought we might do it together.”
“If we do, we’ll never get to the dancing.” She chuckled.
“You’re probably right.”
“Guests first. Here you go.” She handed him a purple towel and backed out of his way.
Her bathroom was as girly as her bedroom. He picked up a tiny jar on a shelf and opened it. A delightful fragrance floated out. He leaned over and took a whiff. Then, he reached in with his large finger and touched the emollient inside. It felt silky. He imagined her rubbing it on her body, and his dick responded.
Pete quickly replaced the jar and turned on the spray. He sang “Can’t Smile Without You” as he scrubbed his hair. Locker room experience made Coach Bass a fast man in the shower, so he was out in five minutes. He didn’t see Jo in the bedroom, so he tucked the towel around his waist and padded down to the kitchen.
Next to the stove, wearing her robe and nothing else, Jo stood and stirred the chili. She was a vision, with her dark pink toenails and fingernails to match. Seeing her here, raw, no makeup, no people, just peace, her quirky pug, and Pete, she appeared relaxed and happy. She threw him a broad smile that lit up her face. He’d never seen a woman look lovelier.
Pete Sebastian, Coach Page 7
