by S. J. Smith
There was nothing.
Still, Trevor couldn’t leave, a nagging at the back of his mind telling him to turn around and go back.
He was horny, there was no question of that, but this wasn’t the same. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but it wasn’t about the tension they’d spent the night building, or the fact that he longed to hold Abby in his arms all night and never let her go.
Something was wrong.
Trevor flipped the car around, pulling back into guest parking and getting out of his car. Maybe he would look like a fool, but he wanted to make sure Abby was okay. Even if she laughed at him.
He jogged over to her door and a raised his hand to knock. The door was slightly ajar, pushing open slowly when his knuckles made contact.
A door slammed on the other side of the apartment and a large thud that sounded like a body hitting the outside of a locked door echoed through the apartment.
He was stepping into the dark apartment when Abby’s scream made his blood run cold.
Trevor raced into the hallway and saw the man almost immediately. He was shorter than Trevor, he had graying hair at his temples and was soft around the middle. He swayed unsteadily on his feet, obviously very drunk.
Trevor’s eyes locked on the knife in the man’s hand and his rage bubbled. Not only was this man in Abby’s home, but he had a knife and he’d chased her into the bathroom.
He pounded on the door, screaming for Abby to let him in. Quietly, Trevor moved down the hallway, shocked that the drunk man hadn’t seen him yet.
Trevor was a few feet away when the man finally noticed him.
“Who the hell are you?” he asked, slurred speech nearly unintelligible.
“Put the knife down now!”
The man looked down at his hand, shocked to see the knife in his hand.
“I wasn’t going to hurt her, but she has to learn. Wait,” the man squinted. “Are you the jerk that sent her flowers?”
“Yes I am.”
Jim roared and lunged at Trevor. Trevor took him down to the ground effortlessly, pinning the man to the ground face down and twisting his arm behind his back. Trevor used one hand to throw the knife across the hall then held the man firmly pinned beneath him.
“Abby, stay in there and call the police.”
“I already did,” she called through the door.
The police came in record time, spilling into the tiny apartment and yanking Trevor off Jim before they realized their mistake.
Jim screamed and cursed as they carried him out, cuffed and shackled.
“She’ll need to come to the station and file a report,” one cop told Trevor, looking at the locked bathroom door, “she is lucky you got here when you did. This man is wanted out in Nevada for stabbing a girlfriend multiple times. He’s bad news.”
Trevor shook the cop’s hand, thanking him for his service and closing the door behind him. He returned to the hallway just as Abby unlocked the door. She flung herself into his arms and buried her face in his chest.
“Thank God you came back. You saved my life!”
Trevor held her in his arms, anger filling him as her tiny body trembled against him. She’d been terrified and alone, and he’d only gotten there just in time. What if he’d been too late?
He didn’t want to think about what would have happened to her.
*****
It was almost two in the morning when Abby finally let herself into the apartment, Trevor right beside her.
“Do you want me to check everything out before you walk back in?”
“I know it’s silly. Jim is in jail and will be until Monday. But yes, please. I won’t be able to sleep wondering if someone is going to jump out of the shadows at me.”
“It’s not silly. You’ve had a rough night and you’re shaken. That’s human. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling a little shaken myself.”
“Are you?”
She followed behind him as he turned on the lights, keeping a few steps behind him. Just in case.
“Of course. You have no idea what it’s like to see the woman you love in danger like that.”
“The woman you love? Don’t you think that’s a little fast?”
“I don’t think so. When you know, you just know.”
“Is this another effort to get into my pants?”
“Not hardly. Unless it’s working.”
He checked the last closet, finding it empty and satisfied that no one was hiding in the apartment.
“Is it working?” he pressed.
“Possibly. Right now, I’m not sure how I feel. Mostly just relieved that he’s going to be in jail until he sees the judge Monday.”
“What are you going to do after that?”
“I don’t know. I already filled out the paperwork for a restraining order. I’ll file that first thing Monday morning, hopefully before the judge hears Jim’s plea. Then I’ll show up to the hearing and hope that the judge calls on me.”
“What if he doesn’t?”
“I don’t know. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. There’s no use worrying about things I can’t control that haven’t even happened yet.”
“Ain’t that the truth?”
Abby walked back through the kitchen and grabbed a pair of beers out of the fridge. She handed one to Trevor and led the way into the dining room.
Trevor sat down, watching Abby as she lowered herself into the chair. Even terrified, she was beautiful. She drained the beer quickly, setting it down on the table and staring at the empty bottle forlornly.
She was obviously still unsettled, and one beer wasn’t going to take the edge off. Trevor sipped his beer, watching her from where he sat. She was quiet and she looked so lost. Trevor was angry, but he wasn’t about to let on. It wasn’t her fault, but he was pretty sure that if he ever saw Jim again the man would leave with more than just a black eye.
Abby sat at the table across from Trevor, staring at her hands.
“What’s wrong?”
“There’s no way I’m going to be able to sleep.”
“Do you want me to stay?”
Abby thought about it a moment. She was tempted to say no. She was the strong one. A rough and tumble kid from a tough neighborhood in Chicago, nothing had ever frightened her like this before. Being in Washington had softened her up, apparently. She should say no, should stand up and be tough, but she couldn’t. She had to be honest.
“I need you to stay with me. Just tonight, I just don’t feel safe.”
“I understand. And don’t worry. I might have come off a little pushy in the hospital, but I’ll be on my best behavior.”
Abby smiled.
“I appreciate it.”
“I can even sleep on the couch if you want.”
“But what if I don’t want that?”
Something in her voice had changed. Trevor looked up, startled.
“What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean. I sent you home tonight because I didn’t want to fall into bed with you too fast. I can’t keep my head on straight. But what if I don’t want to?”
“So you want me to sleep in your room?”
“I do. But that’s not all I want.”
“Abby. You don’t have to. I’m willing to wait for you. You’re sexy, you’re feisty and you’re amazing. But I can’t go to bed with you thinking that you’re only doing it because I saved your life.”
“I’m not.”
“How can I be sure?”
“Because we’re even. First I saved your life and now you saved mine. We’re one for one. Besides, the fact that I want to sleep with you has nothing to do with saving my life.”
“Then what is it?”
“Seriously? I would think a man with your experience would have noticed I’ve been trying to keep my hands off you all night.”
“No, I hadn’t noticed.”
He was being honest.
“Maybe you need your head examined. It was prett
y obvious to me.”
“Maybe I do,” his voice grew husky. “You wouldn’t happen to know where I could find a gorgeous doctor to help me out with that, would you?”
He leaned across the table and kissed her softly, his lips lingering on hers.
“I might know someone.”
She winked, standing up from the table and walking out of the room slowly. Trevor watched the way her full hips swayed as she walked, licking his lips and trying to resist the urge to take her right there in the dining room.
She turned and flashed him a sweet smile that held a bit of wickedness.
“Are you coming, Trevor?”
She didn’t need to ask him twice.
*****
Trevor caught her before she made it to the bed. He pulled her roughly into his arms, his mouth crushing hers in a passionate kiss. He threaded his fingers through her hair and pulled her ever closer.
Their kisses were frantic as they moved towards the bed. Abby pulled Trevor’s shirt up over his head. He returned the favor, grabbing the hem of her soft, clingy dress and pulling it over her head in one smooth motion.
Trevor’s hand snaked around her rib cage and unclasped her lacy pink bra expertly, releasing her full breasts against his bare chest. He unbuttoned his own pants and shoved them down, kicking the last of his clothes off with little care. He would find everything later. Right now, he was on a mission.
Abby moved to slip her lacy thong off, but Trevor stayed her hand.
“I want to look at you when I take them off,” he said.
The room was dark, but the hallway light flooded the small room with enough light for him to see her clearly. Abby blushed, unaccustomed to being put on display.
She felt suddenly shy, but Trevor’s smile reassured her. She was petite and fit, but her curves had always caused her to feel a little self-conscious. Rail-thin wasn’t a word that would ever be used to describe her body type.
Trevor stepped back, drinking in the sight of her with a huge grin on his face.
“You’re perfect,” he said.
Abby struggled to take her eyes off him, but she couldn’t. He was unashamed, standing in the wash of the hall light bare naked and completely exposed. His erection stood boldly away from his body.
It was suddenly obvious why Trevor was so confident. He was gorgeous naked. Every inch of him.
Abby stood, skin afire beneath his gaze as his eyes raked over every inch of her. He knelt before her, and slid his hands over her belly. Strong fingers slipped into the waistband of her thong, giving a gentle tug.
Slowly, he slid the lacy panties down, watching as they revealed her sweetness. His breathing was ragged, hands trembling almost imperceptibly. When he revealed her essence, he pulled in a quick breath.
“You’re beautiful, Abby.”
He leaned forward, warm lips pressing against the mound of her sex. Abby closed her eyes, letting her hands work through his sandy blond hair. Trevor’s tongue darted between her folds, threatening to buckle her legs beneath her where she stood. She moaned, letting her head roll back and her eyes open slowly. She was finding it hard to breathe.
“You like that?” Trevor asked without moving his mouth away from her.
The resulting vibration felt nearly as good as his tongue, but she wanted more.
“It feels wonderful, but I want to feel you inside of me.”
“Are you ready?”
One eyebrow arched in disbelief.
“We can worry about foreplay next time. I’m ready now.”
“Next time?”
“Yes,” she was exasperated. “Aren’t you spending the night?”
“Yes.”
“Okay then.”
She didn’t say another word, just pulled him up, kissing him on the mouth and turning with him while they walked. When the back of his knees made contact with the bed, she shoved him down and straddled his hips.
“Hmm. I like your style. Short and sweet and on point.”
She covered his mouth with hers, quieting him as she hovered over his throbbing desire. She lowered herself onto him, taking her time and enjoying the feel of him as her body stretched around him.
Her eyes locked with his and she smiled, biting her lips as she started moving. Her movements were slow at first, picking up speed as she went. Nails dug into his shoulders, leaning back to give herself some leverage.
Trevor cupped her round ass in his hands, squeezing roughly and moving her faster. Her climax built quickly. She buried her head against his neck and bit down, moaning low as she drew closer to orgasm.
Trevor watched her body move, enjoying the sounds of her pleasure as she chased euphoria. Without warning, passion overcame him, causing him to cry out and thrust ever faster. It was all she needed to send her over the edge.
She rode wave after wave with him, calling out his name and convulsing around him. He held her close, strong hands splayed over her backside and thighs.
She collapsed on top of him, still holding him inside of her.
“That was amazing,” she gasped.
“You are amazing,” Trevor countered.
They fell back onto the bed, both trying desperately to catch their breaths. A tangle of arms and legs, Trevor squeezed her tight while her body trembled with the final waves of her climax.
She pushed back, sitting up so she could look at him. Her face was positively naughty when she caught his eye.
“What?” he asked.
“Are you ready for round two?”
He growled, lunging for her and toppling onto bed with her. His still hard member slid into her and he moved quickly, drawing her pleasure to the surface again.
“I could do this all night,” Trevor ground out between thrusts as he hovered over the edge once more.
“Good. I’m going to hold you to that.”
No sooner had the words passed her lips than her head fell back and she writhed and quaked with a second orgasm. Trevor let go at the same time, burying his face in her neck and trailing kisses up and down her shoulder while she moaned and bucked beneath him.
Abby smiled and giggled, eyes twinkling with want.
Trevor met her gaze, wondering if she was serious.
“Again?” he asked.
“Again,” she replied.
“With pleasure.”
*****
Abby woke that afternoon, feeling lazy and quite satisfied. Her body ached in some places, but it was the good ache that you only get from a long night, and morning, of love making.
Trevor moved around the room in the fading afternoon light, completely oblivious to Abby. She watched him, unashamed. He was gorgeous naked, the picture of chiseled perfection.
He turned to pick up a piece of discarded clothing from the floor and caught her watching him.
“Want to go again?” he asked, a twinkle in his eye.
“No. I’m all set for the today. I have to work tomorrow and I’d like to be able to walk straight.”
“Suit yourself.”
“I like what I see, though. You look good naked. Have you ever thought of modeling?”
“I don’t think that the photographer would appreciate me constantly sporting a bruise.”
“I thought you were done with hockey. So the issue with bruises wouldn’t come up.”
“I never said I was giving up hockey. I said I would think about it.”
“So you thought about it and decided that your life was worth the risk?”
“I never said that either. I just said I wasn’t giving up yet.”
“What does that even mean?”
“I don’t know, Abby. It means nothing right now. Or maybe it means everything. I’m thinking about it.”
He pulled on his boxer briefs and his jeans and began digging through his overnight bag. Her heart sank when he pulled out his jersey.
“So that’s it, you thought about it, and you’re just going to keep going with your head in the sand? Don’t be foolish, Trevor. It won’t
take much to end your life.”
“Jeez Abby, please. I have something I have to do. I don’t know how it’s going to turn out, but I’m not willing to give up on my dreams just yet. No matter what the cost. Can’t you just trust me? I love you, and I’m taking what you said into account.”
He stopped, going to her and kissing her quickly.
“I love you. And if you love me, you’ll trust me. I’ve got this figured out, but I have to talk to Coach first and see what he says.”
“How is your coach going to make a decision without putting your life at risk? I don’t want to watch you die when you could have prevented it.”
“Abby stop. Just trust me, please.”
“How can I? You’re going to the game and nothing is going to change your mind. How is that any sort of compromise?”
“Come with me, Abby. Please. I need you there.”
Abby looked into his eyes, pleading with her to let go of the facts and let him live his dream. But she couldn’t. She couldn’t stand the thought of losing him.
“No,” she said finally. “You’re a grown man. If you choose this, then we’re through.”
“Just like that? You’re going to throw everything away because I won’t walk away from hockey? Who’s pig-headed now, Abby?”
“I care about you. Can’t you see that? I can’t just let you die.”
“I’m not going to die. Dammit, Abby. You’re not hearing me. I have a plan.”
“Your plan can’t compete with reality.”
“You know what? I can’t do this right now, Abby. I have to go. We’ll talk tomorrow. I love you.”
He leaned down to kiss her again, but she turned away.
“Fine, Abby. Be that way. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
“If you’re still alive tomorrow,” Abby countered.
“Don’t be dramatic.”
“Why not? If you can be a complete idiot, I’m entitled to my drama.”
“Whatever, I’m out.”
“Leave. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!”
Trevor opened his mouth to say something, thought better of it and grabbed his bag. He stormed out of her apartment and slammed the door. The apartment shook and the sound echoed long after he was gone.
Abby’s face crumpled. Just like that it was over. She couldn’t be with a man that would take such careless risks with his life. She couldn’t watch him destroy himself for a game.
