“Okay,” she breathed.
He released his hold then took her hand. “Come on.”
She followed along behind him. They stripped off their clothes and washed up. Buddy sat down then sank back into his comfortable bed and patted the sheet next to him. Emmy slipped under the covers and cuddled closer. He snaked his arm around her shoulders and pulled her up against him.
“Oh, baby.”
“What?”
“I love to look at you.” He tucked her under his arm and slid his hand down her chest, stopping at her breast. He closed his fingers around her flesh and squeezed gently. His fingertips pinched her nipple, making it hard. “Am I turning you on?” he asked.
“What difference does it make?”
“I can do something about it.”
“Buddy! No sex means no sex.”
“There’s lots of ways to have sex, honey.”
Not with Stash. Only one way. His way. Her lips tightened, and her body tensed.
Buddy opened his fingers and smoothed his hand down her abs, resting it on her stomach. “What’s wrong, babe?”
“Nothing,” she choked out, staring at the ceiling.
“Don’t lie to me. I can feel it. Your body went all batshit on me. You’re tight. What’s the matter?”
“What do you mean there are lots of ways to have sex?” She rolled over on her stomach.
Buddy removed his hand before she crushed it. He boosted himself up on an elbow. “I mean, we don’t have to do what we always do. I could just do you. Hey, I can’t do anything strenuous, but no reason you have to suffer. It’s not a lot of work to get you off.”
“What?”
“You heard me.”
“You’d do that?”
“Of course, honey. Be my pleasure.”
She turned her head, and their gazes met.
“You’re horny. I can tell.”
She laughed. “How do you know?”
“I just know. I always know.”
She sensed the blush start in her neck and rush north. Am I that easy to read?
“Come on, Emmy. Relax. Lie back, baby.” He eased his hand down her thigh, slipping his fingers inside at her knee then gliding them up an inch or two.
Her legs were clamped together. She took a deep breath and spread them a little.
Buddy leaned over and kissed her neck. “Open for me, honey.”
Stash had never worried about her response. He said he knew she’d come when they were done. But it wasn’t always true. The longer they had been lovers, the less foreplay they’d had, and the less satisfying the sex. She’d tried to talk to him, but he’d get defensive, yelling at her that it was her fault. They didn’t have sex again for three weeks. After that, she’d kept quiet and hoped for the best.
Another deep breath. Now, she’d be exposed. Buddy would know if she came or not. She couldn’t hide. In college, they were like two dogs in heat, not able to get enough of each other. They never had any discussion about technique or foreplay or orgasms. They were natural together. But now, baggage with Stash stood in the way.
“Please, Emmy. What’s happened? You were never shy with me before.”
“It’s been a long time.”
“Bullshit.”
“Nothing. Nothing’s wrong.”
“Is it Stash? Did he do something to you?”
“Not really.”
“Did he hurt you?”
The edge in his voice made her put her hand on his arm. “Nothing like that. He wouldn’t.”
“Then, what is it?” Buddy lifted his head. His eyes and lips were a breath away from hers. His loving gaze warmed her. Words stuck in her throat for a moment. “Talk to me. I love you, honey. You know that, right? There’s nothing we can’t say to each other.” His words embraced her. His mouth brushed hers, and he pushed a few strands of hair back off her face. “Let me do you. Please?”
Emmy stretched her legs then opened them slowly. Buddy inched his hand up, not rushing her.
“Kiss me,” he whispered.
She rolled onto her side, folded her fingers around his neck, and locked her lips with his. Buddy took her mouth slowly, sensuously. His tongue caressed hers as he stroked her flesh.
It was obvious to her that Buddy knew his way around the female anatomy. Emmy relaxed as his touch excited her. Desire spiked then flew through her body. He pulled back and moved his lips down her throat. He kissed his way to her breasts, taking one nipple in his mouth as he continued to work his magic on her sex. He bit gently then laid his tongue flat on her and circled it around the hard nub.
Heat shot through her, and her hips arched slightly off the bed as tension gathered in her loins. She gripped his shoulders, burying her face in his neck. He kept running his tongue around one areole then the other as his fingers circled her faster and faster, pressing harder. The orgasm began to build. She opened her mouth to breathe, panting into his skin. She bit down on his shoulder, but didn’t break the skin. He gasped, and she loosened her teeth.
Buddy didn’t stop. She tightened her grip on him, grunting and closing her eyes, moving with his rhythm. He shifted his movements as the tension inside her spiraled up and up to the breaking point. She cried out his name as the passion inside her burst into release. He slipped two digits into her, pumping hard as her hips undulated.
He didn’t stop until she put her hand on his. “Enough,” she gasped.
When she heard his soft chuckle, she opened her eyes. His knowing look embarrassed her. Buddy had seen her at her most primitive, lost in lust, controlled by him. He kissed her nose.
“You’re beautiful when you’re coming.”
Emmy hid her face, feeling with her palms the warmth of her blush. “Buddy…I…”
“You were amazing. Fantastic. You’re so sexy.”
“I’m so…so embarrassed,” she whispered.
He cupped her cheek. “Why? It’s me. It’s not like this is our first time making love.”
“I know. Still. I don’t really know you that well anymore. It’s been five years.”
He tipped her chin up. “Maybe. But I feel the same. I still love you, maybe even more than I did in college.”
“But to see me like that. It’s so, so…kinda primal.”
“I love it. I love touching you.”
“But, you didn’t get anything.”
He laughed. “Oh, yes I did. Giving you…pleasure makes me happy.”
Tears pushed through. “Oh, Buddy. That’s…that’s beautiful.” She wiped her eyes.
“Don’t cry. Please. Don’t be sad.”
“These are happy tears.” She pulled the covers up to his shoulders and snuggled underneath, against him. He spooned her, resting his chin on her head, his arm on the bed tucked into her chest.
If I slept like this every night, wow. “I love you, Buddy,” she said quietly, shutting her eyes, enjoying his fresh scent and the tickle of his chest hair on her back. Her hips nestled into his. She heard him yawn. “Sleepy, babe?” she asked.
“Making love always makes me tired.”
She giggled. He reached over and pulled the chain on the nightstand lamp. She sighed, and he did too.
“’Night, baby.”
“’Night. Sweet dreams,” she replied.
Chapter Ten
Each day Buddy grew stronger. His memory put the pieces of his life back together. His instincts for the game he loved so much returned. By Tuesday, he was allowed to get some mild exercise. He, Emmy, and Blitz took a long walk on his favorite trail in the woods. By Wednesday, he was ready to start running short distances and pick up things weighing twenty pounds. He was approved to play fetch with the pug.
Emmy and Gert cooked for him. He and his girl snuggled up together in front of television, which had been approved by the team doctor. They played cards, and she read to him and sang her new song. At night they slept huddled together. Once Buddy started to get to normal, he calmed down. He reveled in the joy having Emmy with him bro
ught to his life. Each morning, he woke up happy to spend his day with her.
On Thursday afternoon, she reminded him that their fantasy was coming to an end.
“I’m leaving tomorrow morning,” she said, as they ate tuna sandwiches in the kitchen.
“What?” Buddy put down his glass of milk.
“On a ten o’clock plane.” She took the last bite.
“Where are you going? Why?”
“Chicago. I guess your memory hasn’t returned completely yet. I’m a singer. I have a concert on Saturday.”
“Don’t go. Stay with me. Skip the concert.” He motioned her to join him.
She eased down into his lap as he ate the last of his food. “I have a contract. I can’t do that. Stash would hunt me down and kill me.”
“Don’t you want to stay?” He closed his arms around her.
“You’re not listening. Of course I want to stay. But I have a life too.”
“Sure, sure. Of course. I’m grateful you stayed as long as you did.”
“Come on. Get dressed. Time for your appointment.”
Buddy released her and headed for the bedroom. Emmy leashed Blitz and took him outside. By the time they headed back inside, Buddy was dressed.
Emmy slid behind the wheel of his car and drove him to the stadium. She waited outside while he met with the team doctor. The medic examined the wide receiver, asked him some questions, and gave him new instructions.
“How about sex?” was Buddy’s first question.
“Go ahead. But be reasonable. Not too often, and not too vigorously. No marathons, okay?”
“Got it.” Excitement filled Buddy’s veins. He’d be making love to Emmy before she left.
Looking at her small frame propped against the hood of his car made him smile. I’m the luckiest guy on Earth. She turned a moment before he reached her. He put his hands on her hips, pulling her to him. He kissed her then whispered in her ear, “Doc said I can have sex.”
She laughed. “Well, then. What are we waiting for?”
Buddy held the door for her then slipped into the passenger seat. He opened the window, resting his arm there and whistling Emmy’s new tune as she drove home.
She barely closed the front door before he was on her, kissing her, pushing her T-shirt up, pulling at the button on her jeans. Emmy responded with passion, pulling at his shirt and running her hands up and down his chest.
The lovers undressed on the way to the bedroom dropping articles of clothing where they came off. Emmy ran and threw herself across the bed. He followed. Already erect, he didn’t waste time. He touched her to find that she wasn’t wet enough, so he swiped his tongue over her pink flesh until she moaned. A grab for a condom in the nightstand, a push up on his knees, and he was inside her quickly.
Buddy closed his eyes and groaned. He’d been hoping to get the green light to make love to her before she left. Now, there wasn’t much time. As her muscles tightened around him, he pumped into her slowly then increased his speed. He clamped his mouth down on hers, working it with his tongue, increasing their pleasure. She arched up into him, meeting his every thrust.
A small moan escaped her throat. He raised his head and read the lust in her eyes.
“Buddy, I…” But her words were cut off as she stiffened around him, squeezing him tighter and yelling his name as her head pushed back into the mattress.
He felt his balls tighten. His release was moments away. He blew out a breath as she climaxed, knowing he wouldn’t be able to slow his down. He exploded, stars flashing in his brain. He closed his eyes as every nerve in his body sizzled. He increased his grip on her shoulders and buried his face between her breasts, calling her name. Sweat trickled down his back and gathered on his forehead.
The silence in the room was broken only by heavy breathing. Buddy let out a breath then fell back on the bed. He stared at the ceiling for a moment. “Doc said nothing too strenuous. Oops.” He chuckled.
Emmy’s laugh echoed his own. “So, I’m responsible for breaking protocol?”
“No, I am. Loved every minute.”
He rolled onto his side. “I’m gonna miss you,” he whispered, emotion gathering in his chest. He stroked her belly.
“Me, too. You’ve got to get back to normal, so you can play.”
He kissed her and ran his finger down her cheek. “So soft.”
“Come on. I’m starved.” She threw off the covers and swung her legs over the side.
“Let’s go out.”
“Doc say you could?”
“Didn’t say I couldn’t.”
“You’ve never been out with me. Might change your mind.”
Buddy pushed to his feet and stopped. “Oh, yeah. Didn’t think about that.” He continued on to the bathroom. “Falling for a celebrity is a pain in the butt,” he said, joining her in the bedroom again.
“You think so? Try being the celebrity!” Emmy slipped on her jeans and pulled her T-shirt over her head.
“I’m sort of famous in Monroe. But no one bothers me. They treat me like just a person.”
“That’s not going to happen with me. The minute I step into a restaurant, bam! I’m surrounded by people. I hate it, but it’s the price for my success.”
“I guess. Let’s try. We can go to the Savage Beast. It’s a bar and restaurant. I go there all the time.”
“I’ll wear a hat. Covering up the green streak buys me a whole lotta time.” She chuckled.
When Buddy was dressed, Emmy snatched the car keys from his grip. “Did you get the okay to drive?”
“Didn’t ask.”
“Then I’m still behind the wheel, Mr. Jock.”
He shook his head, smiled, and followed her to the vehicle.
* * * *
“Well, well, haven’t seen you here in quite a while, Buddy. Was it something I said?” Carla, the waitress and bartender, slapped two menus down on the table.
He laughed. “Been traveling.”
“Oh?” She arched an eyebrow. “Visiting the ladies, too, I’ll bet. This one is new.” She narrowed her eyes as she stared at Emmy. The singer opened the menu and held it in front of her face.
“Carla’s known for making the best blue cheese burger this side of the Rockies.” Buddy told her and handed the page listing food choices back to the waitress.
“Beer with that, Buddy?”
He shook his head. “Can’t. How about a milkshake?”
“A milkshake?” Carla burst out laughing.
“I don’t think a concussion is a laughing matter,” Emmy piped up. “Don’t you watch the home team games?”
Carla stiffened. “A concussion? Really? Sorry, Buddy. I didn’t know. And no, miss high-and-mighty, I don’t watch the games. I work for a living. What do you do that you’re watching all the football games?”
When he saw the gleam in Emmy’s eye as she reached for her hat, Buddy started to sweat.
“I sing,” she said, pulling the cap from her head. “I do that at night. So, I watch Buddy play during the day.”
Carla gasped quietly. “You’re Emerald?”
“Yep. Got a problem with that?” Emmy replaced her hat.
“Nope. What’ll you have?” Carla whipped out a small pencil and an order book.
“I’ll have what Buddy’s having.”
Carla turned to him. “What kind of shake, Buddy?”
“Vanilla. Okay with you, Emmy?”
“Yep. Vanilla for me, too.”
Carla scribbled it down, nodded, her eyes wide, and then walked back to the kitchen.
“So much for hiding your identity,” Buddy said, leaning back in his chair.
“I couldn’t help it. She pissed me off.”
“Why?”
“Because she thought I was one of your one-night-stands.”
“Naw, she didn’t.”
“She did. Ask her.”
Buddy took her hand. “You’re not. You’re special. I wish…I wish…” He cast his gaze down at his fin
gers and stopped speaking.
She touched his chin. “You wish what?”
“I wish you’d stop performing and marry me.”
Emmy sputtered as Carla returned with two glasses of water. The singer grabbed one and took a gulp.
“She okay?” the waitress asked.
“Fine,” Buddy responded.
“Food’ll be ready in a jiff.”
He nodded while Emmy took another gulp of water then a deep breath.
“Marriage?”
“Isn’t that what two people do when they’re in love?” He squeezed her hand.
Her deep green eyes connected with his. “You want to marry me?”
“I do. You’re perfect for me. Always have been.”
“I thought you were a player.”
“Not really. Just marking time until I got you back.”
“Oh my God, Buddy. I love you too. But I can’t just walk away from this.”
“Yes, you can.”
“I don’t want to. I love performing.”
“More than you love me?”
“We haven’t seen each other for five years. And most of that time, I’ve spent hating you. You can’t expect me to do a one-eighty in two seconds.”
“No, I don’t. Just thought I’d ask.”
“I’m flattered.”
“I’m serious. I’d settle down in a second with you, honey. You’re the best.” He watched a lovely blush steal into her cheeks.
Carla returned with two plates. “I don’t know what you said to her, but you made her blush.”
“Isn’t she pretty?”
“Yep. Here you go.” She set the food down in front of them then reached into her pocket. “I hope you don’t mind. Would you give me your autograph?”
“You’ve never asked for mine,” Buddy sniffed.
“You come in here all the time. I’ll ask when you retire.”
“Sure. No problem.” Emmy took the paper and signed her name. She smiled up at the waitress.
Buddy Carruthers, Wide Receiver Page 13
