Penalty Kicks

by D. S. Dehel

  Though she thrilled to the idea that she made him happy, the suddenness of their relationship concerned her. “I don’t know that I’m the reason. We’ve only known each other a few days. Perhaps it’s because the season is starting, and he’ll finally have a chance to play now that Manho is gone.”

  On the lane, Matt’s ball curved sharply away from the remaining pins towards the gaping black maw at the end, and he tried to wave it back on course, making him look like a manic orchestra conductor.

  Salé huffed a noise of derision. She wasn’t sure if it was at Matt’s bowling skills or her comment, though she suspected the latter. “Matt has taken very few women to bed in the past year. Maybe two that I can recall, and he’s never called them afterward. You, however, are different. I know him. He sees something in you.”

  “That’s scary.”

  Salé chuckled, low and rumbling. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I just wanted you to know he is not pretending with you, and I’m glad to see him back to the old Matt.”

  None of the responses she could think of were appropriate, and they were half-formed gibberish anyway. “Thank you.”

  “Good luck with him.” He grinned and went to play his own game.

  Chapter Seven

  The temperature had dropped while they were inside, so they hurried through the frosty air. Matt slung his arm around her shoulders, and she was grateful for the warmth that radiated off of him. She was all too aware of the choice ahead, and not just for her. After all, Matt could bow out gracefully, but she didn’t think he would because there was a wonderful tension beneath their inconsequential chatter about the changeable weather.

  They stopped just outside her apartment door, and she took her time digging her keys out of her purse. Well, what am I going to do? I want him. Are we moving too fast? Are we just about sex? Do I even want anything more than that? The answers to these questions were formless and complicated. Just go with it.

  “It’s early. Do you want to come in for a while?” She held up her keys.

  He looked at her mouth, as if he would kiss her, and she feared he would, then leave, but he raised his gaze to hers and the enticing heat from the other night was back. “Yes.”

  No response was necessary, so she unlocked the door and led him inside. This time, while he took off his coat and hung it on the pegs by the door, she locked all three locks and set the chain.

  “I’ll take your coat.” He held out his hands.

  She watched as he put her coat next to his. Now what? “We could watch a movie. I mean, I have another chair.” She pointed at the stiff wooden chair at the drafting table. “Or we could move the television into the bedroom. I have cable in there.”

  “Or we could just skip all of that and cut to the chase?” He grabbed her waist and pulled her to him.

  I wonder if he gets away with manhandling on the pitch as well? The thought made her smile.

  “What?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “Nothing bad.” She looped her arms around his waist. “When do you have to leave?” She looked up at him through her lashes. “Or can you stay?”

  “I can stay until you kick me out.” The tilt of his smile made her heart pound.

  “Well, I do have to work tomorrow, and so do you.”

  “I know.” He stuck out his bottom lip.

  “Let’s talk about practicalities. How late can you stay in the morning? Don’t you practice out by the stadium?” He nodded. “But you’ll have to go home first.”

  He shook his head, a sly grin emerged. “Nope.”

  “No? Do you keep clothes at the training center?”

  “Nope.” He looked at her collarbone, or her breasts, she wasn’t sure which. “I threw some things together, just in case. My bag is in the car.”

  “Am I so easy?”

  His eyes widened. “No, no, no. Don’t think that. Please. I just hoped that maybe you’d say I could stay, and I had a really clever plan to try to charm you, if necessary.” He sounded so sincere and desperate that she believed him.

  “Charm me? How?” His speech had gone a long way toward mollifying her discomfort at being a slut. “Show me.”

  “Hmm. My plan went like this. First, I would bring you a plant, though I didn’t realize it was a death sentence for the poor thing.” He shifted into a very posh version of his accent, which made her giggle. “Then I would wine and dine you at an extremely elegant place. Then I would… Actually, I’m not sure what I do now. Look, just go in there and get into bed, and I’ll make it up as I go along.”

  “Sounds thrilling.” She kept her tone desert dry, but she gave him a sly grin of her own.

  “I’m good with my hands.” He slid them up her waist and around her back, moving her even closer, then he whispered in her ear. “I’m even better with my mouth.”

  His words resulted in a shuddery wetness and her knees threatened to give way. Oh my. It’s been forever since that has happened. She cleared her throat. “You talk a good game.”

  “I don’t play when it comes to you.” He nuzzled her neck, and she feared she’d end up in a heap on the floor if he let go.

  “Why don’t you go get your bag?” She stepped back and reached for her keys. “I’ll entertain myself somehow.” She held them up. “Green band outer door. Pink band door to the apartment.”

  “Don’t start the party without me.” He pointed at her, but the grin held.

  She opened her eyes wide and moved the keys out of his reach. “What are you implying?”

  “That you are a woman with a healthy sexual appetite.” He put his lips close enough so they brushed hers as he spoke. “But you have to share your toys. It’s no fun to play alone.” He took the keys from her. “Be right back.”

  Oh my oh my oh my. “I’ll be right here.” She watched as he let himself out the door. Nice ass. Once the door shut, she looked around. What now?

  So she did what she usually would do this time of night. She made tea. After putting the kettle on to boil, she dashed to the bathroom and brushed her teeth. Ranch dressing might have been a mistake. To be certain, she rooted around in the odds and end box she’d stashed in the linen closet and found the mouthwash. That would take care of it.

  That done, she surveyed her bedroom. Everything was in its place, mostly. Just do it. You’ll have to discuss it with him before too long. She pulled the box of condoms out of the dresser drawer where she’d put it for safekeeping. Where do I put this? The nightstand doesn’t have a drawer. I guess I could -- ugh. Whatever. She set it on the table.

  As she walked into the living room, the door rattled and Matt entered, a large black duffel bag over his shoulder. He took his time resetting the locks and putting the keys on the table next to her purse. He looks so comfortable, so right, walking in here. That idea made her feel confused.

  “Hey, I didn’t see you standing there.” The kettle started to whistle. A strange look crossed his face. “Tea? You’ve started tea?” His tone was inscrutable.

  “I usually have tea before bed, and I went to find something sexy to wear, but I realized I don’t own anything anymore.” She realized she was twisting the hem of her shirt, so she dropped it. “So tea it is.”

  A gentle smile appeared. “Well, lingerie is nice, but pointless. If it does its job, it’s on the floor in minutes. Besides, I prefer you in nothing.”

  Damn. He’s good. An even higher pitched whistle intruded on the moment. “You go put your things in the room. Would you like tea?” She rushed to the kitchen because soon there wouldn’t be any water left in the kettle. “It’s herbal. Fruits mostly.”

  “Sure.” His voice came from the bedroom. “Whatever you’re having.”

  A few minutes later she walked into her room with a mug in each hand. “I didn’t put anything in your --” Matt sat on the bed holding the box of condoms. “Um.”

  “I don’t take anything in herbal tea, not usually.” He shook the box at her. “I really like the way you think.”

  “
Thanks, I think.” The only place to put both mugs was on the side table, so she walked around and set them down. “I bought them just in case.”

  “I’m glad you did.” He took the opportunity to run his hand up the outside of her thigh. “I came prepared, too, but these are much nicer.”

  “To be honest, I was way out of my depth, but the guy at the store was very helpful.” She sat on the bed beside him.

  “Guy?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “He would love you, but had zero interest in me.”

  “Ah. I was just curious.”

  “Anyway, he recommended these.” Am I really holding a casual discussion about prophylactics? Wonders will never cease.

  “There are a lot of good things here. Ooh, even a vibrating one.” He flipped the box over. “Not sure about the mango one, though. I guess that’s up to you.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.

  “I don’t like mango, but that was the only option for the multi-box.” She picked up her mug and took a sip.

  “There are other flavors.” He feigned a pout.

  “I know.” She leaned over and kissed him. “And ones that glow in the dark, too.”

  He scratched behind his ear. “Not a fan. I’m going to go brush my teeth. Don’t go anywhere.” He set the box on the table, picked up his bag, and disappeared into the bathroom.

  I wish I had something sexy to wear. Even her best bra and underwear were more practical than pretty. Maybe I’ll go shopping this week. Or is that putting the cart before the horse? But the sound of Matt splashing about in her bathroom made her think it wouldn’t be wasted money.

  His words echoed in her head, “I prefer you in nothing.” That I can do. She jumped up, stripped off her clothes, shoved them in the closet, and slid under the covers after tossing most of the useless pillows out of the way. It felt like she was hiding under the covers, so she sat up, keeping the comforter covering her chest.

  I can’t just sit here. Tea. I need my tea. She grabbed her mug.

  The bathroom door scraped across the floor, then Matt sauntered through. He halted when he saw her. His hair was damp where he must have run his hands through it, making the curls stand out, and a few stand up. He shook his head. “Naked in bed with a cup of tea. You sure know the way to an Englishman’s heart.”

  Caught off guard, she almost did a spit take, but managed to choke down the sip. “Don’t make jokes when I’m drinking.”

  “Who said I’m joking? You’re the sexiest thing I’ve seen in a donkey’s years.” He sat on the end of the bed and untied his shoes.

  “If that’s the case, I feel very sorry for you.” She set her mug aside. “My alarm is set for seven. Is that okay?”

  He considered as he tucked his socks into his shoes. “It should be. I’m going opposite the traffic, and I’m even closer to the TC here.” He bent and placed his shoes over near the dresser.

  This is so normal. So weirdly normal. How did we get here? Shouldn’t we still be in the tear the clothes off of each other stage?

  He straightened, and she could see hesitation in his body language. He gave a half-laugh. “This is…”

  She recalled his rescuing her the other night when she felt awkward. “Come to bed. Your tea is getting cold.”

  “We can’t have that.” He pulled off his shirt and shrugged off his jeans.

  “Ah, that’s the elusive answer from the other night.” She tapped her chin. “Boxer briefs.”

  “Yes, and you are sworn to secrecy.” He looked like he was teasing, but he didn’t entirely sound that way.

  “I’ll take the knowledge to my grave.” She mimed zipping her lips shut.

  The green briefs hit the carpet, and the sight still took her breath away. “You had best unzip that mouth. I need those lips.” His subtle emphasis on the words need made her toes curl.

  “Tea?” She gestured to the cup.

  “Nope.” He lifted the comforter and joined her under the sheets, reaching for her and pulling her towards him.

  “Do you have a plan yet?” She settled into his arms.

  “Yes.” He raked his gaze over her face. “I’m going to start here.” He ran his fingertip in a small circle just under her right ear. “Because I like the little noise you make when I kiss you there.”

  Just the thought of his kissing here there made her sigh.

  “That’s close, but it’s actually little higher.” His mischievous smile was back. He ran this finger down her neck and along her collarbone. “And then I’m kissing you all the way to here.”

  “Before you outline this plan any further, you better make some choices.” She reached behind her for the box.

  He stretched over and picked it up, leaning his weight into the pillow. “We need to make some choices. Let’s see, there’s a super lubed one, one with ribs and dots, one --”

  “I know what’s there.” She peeped at him around the edge of the box. “I vote for the super thin one. I want to feel you.”

  He leaned back against the headboard, bit his lip and closed his eyes. “Naked, tea, and she wants to feel me. What have I done to deserve this?”

  “And I get to be on top.”

  He waved a hand, eyes still closed. “Well, whatever works for you.” She could tell his dismissive tone was a tease.

  “You work for me.” She kissed just under his jaw.

  “Hmm. I don’t know about that.” He peeked at her through slitted eyes. “Close perhaps, but not quite.”

  She could feel the heat rise in her cheeks. “Don’t --”

  “No, I’m not going to ask.” Fortunately, he opened his eyes fully and turned his attention to the package. “I am, however, going to get it right, even if it means no sleep for either of us.”

  Having no response to that, she changed the subject. “I’m afraid the lighting won’t be as romantic tonight.”

  He struggled with the celluloid package wrapping, so she helped him and handed the box back. “Thanks. You must be the only female on the planet who doesn’t have a million of those stinky fragranced candles.”

  “I can’t stand them.”

  “I swear, you are perfection.” He held up a square black package. “This one, right?”

  “To start with.”

  “Perfection. I mean it.” He looked around, probably for a place to put the condom.

  “Give that to me.” She held out her hand.

  He put it on her palm. “Don’t go thinking you’re in charge tonight, just because I let you be on top.” A smile curved his lips.

  “Let me be on top.” She snorted. “You’ve been dreaming of that position for… hours.” She put the package within reach on the table.

  “Longer than that, I think. Come here.” He met her with a kiss that eased her into the pillows. Then he pulled back, and his eyes fairly glowed. “I’ve been thinking of you since you left yesterday morning, imagining what we could do.”

  “Thus, your plan.” Her voice sounded calm, belying the raging blood inside.

  “Precisely. Now, I start here.” He kissed just below her ear, gently at first, then with enough of a nibble that she hoped it wouldn’t leave a mark.

  Actually, it might be fun to go to work with a hickey. She urged him on with a gasp that wasn’t at all forced.

  “Then here.” He kissed his way to her collarbone using little nips, then he pulled back the covers. “Then there’s the rest to explore. Hands will have to be utilized for maximum effect.”

  She cupped his head in her hands and pulled him into a deep kiss, refusing to let go until she felt his fingers dig into her skin. When she pulled away, he was breathless as she was. “Enough talk. Show me.”

  He raised an eyebrow and gave a small nod.

  In the end, she had to admit his plan was a good one, even if he was playing it by ear. Just as he had on Friday, he took his time exploring her body, but with more intensity than before, and he’d take her closer, then back away, kissing her so deeply that he had to know every millimeter of he
r molars.

  And she gave as good as she got.

  Probably.

  The truth was that he was so deft with his hands, she focused mostly on the sensation, but that seemed to be enough for him. When she ran her hands down his body, she found that he was rock hard. I am a lucky, lucky woman.

  That soft stroke made him moan.

  “Enough.” She pushed him back into the pillows.

  “But you…” He sounded ready to tell her no. “You…”

  Dear lord, the man knows me so well already. They’ll be no fooling him. “Can we try for together?” She bit her lip. “I mean, it’s worth a shot.”

  He tucked his hands behind his head. “You really are perfect.” His pose was relaxed, but his voice held that growl that let her know he was more than ready.

  She reached for the package, which opened easily. Tonight, she was ready for the slipperiness, but it was so thin she feared it would tear, despite the guarantees on the box. She bit her lip.

  “You got this?” He held out a hand.

  “I got it.” She shifted so she sat astride his thighs because she wanted to see his face. “Ready? It’s cool.”

  A smile was his reply.

  Slowly she rolled the condom into place, enjoying the way the temperature went from cool to warm quickly, and the barely there latex let her feel every nuance the whole way down.

  His reaction was pretty great, too. A hissing intake of breath, eyes closed, a flush building on his cheeks.

  “Now.” She shifted forward to kiss him, sliding him inside. “You’re going to have to help. I can’t do this alone.”

  He laughed. “Oh, you could.” But he moved his hands to her hips.

  Speech after that would have been impossible. He filled her to the point she could feel every twitch and throb -- of him or her she couldn’t say, maybe both. Slowly she loved up his shaft, taking her time and drawing out the sensation until he moaned.

  Equally slowly she lowered herself to his base, driving him as deep as she could. This time her moan echoed his.

  Together they found a rhythm that increased in a cadence that made the headboard bang against the wall in a tattoo. He reached up and held it with one hand.