They watched footage of Robert Carson. A bystander had captured Carson’s search for Emmy and him chasing their van, shouting obscenities.
Emmy shivered as she watched the amateur video. When Carson shot a cop, she jumped. “Holy hell!”
Buddy slipped his arm around her shoulders and eased her into his embrace. She cuddled against his chest.
“Just one night.”
“What?”
“I’m staying just one night.”
“They haven’t caught that asshole, Emmy. You might want to stay longer.”
“I only have nine days before my next concert.”
“Stay. Please? You’ll be safe here.”
“Let’s see how we do after one night.”
Buddy sensed he’d better back off. “Fair enough. One night with you will be heaven.”
“I’m not sleeping in your bed.”
“Oh?” He turned to look at her.
“What’d you think? I’m hopping into bed with you because you saved me from that scumbag? I’m not one of your little groupie whores, Buddy.” She narrowed her eyes.
“You’re not, but I thought…well, maybe because well, we used to be so good together…”
“Spit it out, Buddy.”
“I was hoping you’d want to. Guess I was wrong.”
“Guess you were.” She slid out from under his arm and moved away. “It’s late. Got that shirt for me?”
“Sure.” Buddy pushed to his feet. “You can stay in the guest room.”
He led her up the stairs then right. She pushed the door open and entered. The walls were a soft peach. A double bed had a patchwork quilt in reds, oranges, and yellows. There was a small vanity, a dresser, and a rocking chair.
“Who did this room? Your mother?”
“How’d you guess?” He sensed color filling his cheeks.
“It’s too good, too pretty, too girlish for you. Do you even know what a paint chip is?” She turned a steely eye on him.
“Of course I do.” He placed his hands on his hips.
“Really? Then, what is it?”
“It’s a chip of paint.”
Emmy dissolved in laughter. “Touché.”
“I’m not dumb. I’m busy. I work out, practice, study plays and videos of us and other teams. This is a big job. They’re not paying me a shitload of money to sit around and look at paint chips all day. My mom helps me out. She decorates for me and manages my money.”
Emmy cocked an eyebrow. “Oh? Does she give you an allowance?”
“It’s not like that. She’s a professional. And I pay her a fee. Not a big one. But it’s extra money for her every month. And she’s done real well. All my investments are showing a profit.”
Emmy stopped smiling. “She’s investing for you?”
“Damn right. One bad injury and my football career is over. She’s protecting my money. I don’t have time to read all that financial stuff. But she does. And she’s gotten pretty good too.”
“I’m impressed. That’s pretty smart. Using your mom that way.”
“I’m not using her…”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I meant, teaming up with her to let her help you. And she gets something out of it too.”
“Yeah. I even bought her a small house. She pays me two hundred bucks a month rent. So, I’m making a little money while the property grows in value. She’s got all this nailed.”
“Wow, that’s terrific.”
“She’s helped me out a lot. I’m lucky to have her.”
“You are. My stepmother would find a way to spend every dime I have if she could.”
“Do you see her often?” Buddy retrieved a brand new toothbrush from the medicine cabinet in the guest bathroom.
“I haven’t been back in five years.”
“I knew you didn’t like her, but I figured things’d get better.”
“Once Dad died, there was no reason to be nice anymore. She became the biggest bitch. Tried to stop my career. That’s why I left.”
His voice softened. “I remember. I thought you were very brave.”
“Thanks. I wasn’t alone. I had Stash.”
Buddy snorted. “Stash. What a waste.” He leaned over and kissed her. “Goodnight. I’ve got practice tomorrow.”
A sigh escaped his throat as he entered his room. He closed the door and leaned against it. He’d have a lonely, restless night, knowing she was upstairs. But Emmy was safe. Guess I expected too much. He stripped down, washed up in his private, marble bathroom and slipped between the finest cotton sheets on his queen-sized bed. He’d have Emmy again, in his dreams, as usual.
* * * *
Emmy fanned herself with her hand. Buddy was better looking, sexier than ever. And when he trained those baby blues on her, she almost burst into flame. A sense of peace had washed over her when she cuddled up with him. His masculine scent was familiar and delicious, even after five years. Safety and protection, the two things uppermost in her mind, were taken care of. Buddy was big and strong. Only five ten, he was well muscled. She knew he could take care of himself in a fight. And that meant he could take care of her.
Robert Carson freaked her out. He came to every concert, and each time, he got a little more ballsy. But this one had been the worst yet. His aggressive behavior frightened her. Once, he’d gotten his hands on her. He’d hugged her so tight, she couldn’t breathe. A security guard had broken it up and run him off, but Emmy had never forgotten the feeling of suffocating and the smell of his alcoholic breath. Simply the thought of him terrified her.
She slipped out of her jeans and T-shirt and pulled Buddy’s shirt over her head. The hem fell to mid-thigh. She washed up, yawned, and slipped into bed. The sheets were cool. The room had a faint, flower fragrance Emmy couldn’t place. She closed her eyes and memories of going to Buddy’s house for Thanksgiving flashed through her mind. Verna had been warm and welcoming.
Of course, Verna and Al had put them in separate rooms. Emmy giggled at the recollection of tiptoeing through the hall and sneaking into Buddy’s room. She remembered the one squeaky floorboard that almost gave them away. The warmth of his embrace and the heat of his kisses flooded back to her. Buddy had been more passionate than any other lover she’d ever had, including the musicians and roadies she’d hooked up with before Stash had taken their place.
Emmy flipped over, bunched the pillow underneath her head, and tried to get comfortable. After tossing for an hour, she fell into a fitful rest. Visions of Robert Carson clouded her dreams. Light faded, and he moved behind her in the shadows.
A loud crack jolted her awake. Emmy sat up straight, a scream pushing to get out. Her eyes wide, she perused the room. Rain poured down her windows, and the curtains fluttered in the breeze. She clutched the blanket to her chest as fear spiked through her.
What if Robert is out there? Can he get in the window? Frozen by fright, she couldn’t bring herself to get near enough to close and lock it. The lightning of a fall storm lit up the sky, followed in a few seconds by a crack of thunder so loud it shook the bed. Pushed beyond scared, Emmy leaped up and ran out of the room. She slid to a halt at Buddy’s door, which was cracked open. She pushed it in. Blitz raced to the door, barking at her.
“Buddy?”
The dog quieted down.
“Huh? What? Huh?” A groggy blond man, lit by the faint light from a distant streetlamp, stirred under the covers.
“Buddy?” Emmy twisted the hem of her shirt as she inched closer.
“Emmy? You all right?” He pushed to an upright position.
“No.”
Buddy swung his legs over the side and grabbed a pair of boxers. He slipped them on then joined her at the door. “Come in, come in. Sorry, I sleep nude.”
“That’s okay. Nothing I haven’t seen before.” She managed a small smile.
Buddy hugged her, his hands rubbing her back. “You smell good.”
“Buddy!” She slapped him lightly on the shoulder.
&nbs
p; “Okay, okay. What’s wrong?”
“I had a nightmare. Can that guy climb up and get in through the window?”
“He doesn’t know you’re here.”
“But if he did. If he did, could he?” She sounded like a little girl to her own ears. He must think I’m some kind of lunatic.
“I don’t think so.”
She bit her lip. “Can I bunk in with you?”
He gave a short laugh. “And expect me not to touch you? I’m only human, Emmy. I can’t promise that.”
She stared into his eyes. The temptation to touch him overwhelmed her. She ran her hands up through the blond hair on his muscled chest and down again. She tried to ignore the fluttering inside, but knew it was the return of a familiar desire. He had been a good lover in college. She licked her lips. Bet he’s amazing now that he’s had so much practice. Emmy nodded.
“So, you want to sleep with me?” His eyebrows rose, and his eyes glistened.
“I want to stop being afraid.”
Buddy stepped back as if she’d hit him. His face became a mask. “By all means. Join me. I promise not to touch you.”
The desire in his eyes melted into pain, and his words chilled the air. She regretted her blunt statement and touched his shoulder, but he jerked away. I’ve hurt him. Bad girl, Emmy. They went to opposite sides of the bed and got in. Thunder clapped again, and she jumped.
Buddy rolled onto his side. “You really are scared, aren’t you?” He propped himself up on his elbow.
“Never liked storms and with that lunatic running around…makes it worse.” She stared at the ceiling.
He cupped her cheek and pushed her hair aside. Emmy lowered her gaze to his. Genuine concern glowed from his eyes. The man lying next to her wasn’t the one she’d read about in the gossip columns. He wasn’t sporting that shit-eating grin he wore when photographed with some hot model or actress. Nope. This was the real Buddy Carruthers, her Buddy, worried about the woman he loved.
Emmy’s heart softened.
“I’m here. You have nothing to be afraid of. If that jerk manages to find you, I’ll kill him with my bare hands,” he whispered.
Pushing up on her side, she closed her fingers around his biceps. She didn’t doubt he could do it. “God, I’ve missed you.” She studied his face, her fingers combing through his short hair.
Chapter Four
Trust, missing from her life for so long, seeped back into her heart. Buddy had always been her protector in college. Not that she’d needed it. But every once in a while, his presence had proven handy. No one had dared give her a hard time or come on to her when Buddy was around.
He wrapped his fingers around her shoulders and lowered his mouth for a sweet kiss. “Baby, I want you, but I won’t do anything unless you give me the okay.”
His soft words and gentle caress seduced her. The fluttering inside morphed into full-fledged flames. She craved his touch. Raising her leg to hook it over his hip, she slid closer. “I know you’re a bad boy, but I want you anyway.” Emmy ran one long fingernail down his rough cheek.
Buddy kissed her palm. “Are you sure?”
She nodded. If he didn’t make love to her soon, she was going to lose it.
“Really?”
“What the hell? Do I have to spell it out for you? You were never this dense before.”
She ripped the shirt over her head and tossed it aside. That’s all he needed. Buddy rolled her on her back and, supporting himself on his elbows, lowered his mouth to hers. He devoured her with hungry kisses while his fingers played with her hair. Emmy wound her arms around him, pulling his chest closer, until it was touching hers. His chest hair tickled her, making her nipples hard. Buddy slid his hand up her ribcage until he covered her breast.
“Oh, God. You feel so damn good,” he murmured.
She opened her legs, and he naturally rose up on his knees between them. Whereas he was a little shy in college, he wasn’t now. His fingertips rolled her nipples while he kissed his way down her chest. His other palm glided over her smooth skin to her back. He lowered it to grip her rear. His big hands, perfect for catching a football, closed over her buttocks, squeezing as he moved to her center.
When he made contact, she gasped, and he snickered. “Someone’s wet as hell,” he whispered, slipping the tip of his finger inside her.
Emmy shuddered as a spike of desire flew up her spine. “Don’t play with me,” she responded, closing her eyes as he probed deeper.
“Oh, honey, it’s been so long, I don’t want to rush now.”
“But I do. I want you. Inside me. Now.” She stared at his impressive erection.
He chuckled. “Want it?”
“You know I do.”
He pushed up on his hands and made eye contact.
Emmy traced his jaw with her finger. “You’re still the best looking guy in the world.”
“And you’re more beautiful than you were, even in college.”
“Take me. I’m sooo horny.”
Buddy shoved his finger in all the way.
Her eyes widened, and her hips undulated with the rhythm of his hand. “Christ, Buddy, I’m gonna come.”
“Go ahead.”
He added another finger, and an orgasm grew strong inside her. He pumped, and she moaned, still moving in sync with him. Emmy loosened her control. She gripped his shoulders and opened her mouth to groan out his name as her climax stole her breath and took over her body. Her muscles clenched around him, and her hips bucked up off the bed.
He withdrew and opened a drawer in the nightstand. Before she could blink, he had covered himself and was rubbing his shaft up and down her hot flesh. “Here it comes, baby. Ready?”
“Yeah,” she breathed.
Buddy thrust forward and was in her quickly. He raised her leg, hooking it over his shoulder. He filled her completely, moaning her name, his eyes bright with lust in the dim light from the street. “Emmy, baby. You feel so good.”
Emotion coupled with passion stole her words. He was much more adept and had more control than he had in college. Wrapping his large hands around her, he lifted her while he pushed to his knees and began to move. He started slowly then picked up speed, pounding into her. Emmy lost it in another mind-blowing orgasm.
He was quiet until she finished then he gave one yell of her name, pushed in with all he had and stopped, gripping her hips hard. Sweat broke out on his forehead, and his eyes closed as his release took over.
Buddy collapsed on her, supporting some of his weight so as not to crush her. He kissed her deeply, angling his head. She lowered her legs and closed them, trapping him. Her nails raked his back until she slipped her fingers down to his butt and squeezed the tight muscles.
He moved her hair back from her face and kissed her nose. “I love you. Still.” He grinned.
“Do you?”
“I never stopped.”
“Is that why you’re still single?”
“Never found another woman like you, honey.”
Buddy pushed up and headed for the bathroom. Emmy stretched her arms up and legs down. A broad smile broke out on her face. No one makes love like Buddy. Her release had calmed her. She turned on her side, facing the window, and waited. He re-joined her within minutes, spooning behind her, his arm draped over her waist. The pug jumped up and discreetly curled at the bottom of the bed and was snoring in seconds.
“This is our first night alone together,” Buddy observed.
“Is it?”
“We never got to be alone and sleep together all night.”
“I think you’re right.”
“I’ve been looking forward to this for years.”
“And now, you’re going to go to sleep and miss it.” She giggled.
“You got a point.”
He snuggled up closer to her, rubbing his sandpaper chin over her shoulder. Emmy shut her eyes, feeling his bulk, like a huge stuffed animal against her back, smelling his aftershave mixed with his scent and the frag
rance of newly laundered sheets. Her muscles relaxed, peace washed over her, and sleep came quickly.
During the night, Emmy rolled over several times, colliding with Buddy. His warm hand would come to rest on her rump or shoulder. His touch reminded her he was close by, making her smile. But one time, he closed his fingers around her breast and followed with his lips. She glanced at the clock. Three.
“Are you awake?” he whispered.
“Am now.”
“Wanna make love?”
“I thought you had an early practice?” She rolled over to face him.
“Not until eight. Just lie back. I’ll do the work.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Buddy eased the sheet down and smoothed his hands over her chest and stomach. Moving up on his knees, he settled between her legs and lowered his head. “Just relax, honey.”
“Hell, yeah.” Emmy closed her eyes and let Buddy take her to Nirvana.
* * * *
Brilliant sunshine caressed her face. Emmy stretched then snuggled against Buddy’s body. He hugged her to him, nestling her under his chin and against his chest. Happiness washed over her. Blitz stood, stretched, circled then lay down again.
“Good morning.” Buddy sat up, rubbed his face, and then combed his hair back with his fingers.
Emmy gazed at him. He looks great. “Hey, handsome. Morning to you too.”
“Six. Time to get up.” Buddy brushed her lips with his before he rolled out of bed.
She watched him walk, naked, to the bathroom. Studying his body, she noticed that he’d filled out, was a bit more muscular than he had been in college. His butt, a bit bigger than she remembered, was still cute. She yawned. Sure knows how to use what he’s got.
The sound of water running drew her attention. She tiptoed into the bathroom and threw open the curtain. Buddy jumped, and the soap slipped out of his hand, flew up in the air, and landed with a thud on the tub floor. He hollered.
“Christ, woman! Scared me to death.”
“Room in there for two?”
Buddy Carruthers, Wide Receiver Page 5
