Hail Mary: A Quick Snap Novella

by Loni Ree

  We’re in town for a playoff game this weekend, and I’m unable to spend much time with my girl. While Molly is supportive and understanding, I still hate putting her in this position. “What are your plans for today?” I ask Friday morning as I shave. She’s applying her makeup in the mirror next to me, and the domesticated scene causes my heart to catch. Once the season is over, I plan to make our arrangement permanent.

  “I’m going shopping.” She wiggles her blonde eyebrows in the mirror, and I laugh. “I have gift cards from Christmas to spend and sales to hit.”

  I walk over and wrap my arms around her. “Make sure to save some energy for me.” I look into the mirror and smile at the picture we make. Every day, I find myself having a harder time resisting the urge to propose. Once she confessed her love for me, I knew there was nothing standing in our way, so I went out and bought the perfect ring. Now, I need this fucking season from hell to come to an end so I can make my girl mine forever.

  Chapter 7

  Molly

  When Nana walks through the door for Tuesday night book club, she’s glowing. “Come over here and tell us what’s got you so happy.” Mrs. Smith pats the chair next to her, and Nana smiles and places her book on the table before sitting between Mrs. Smith and Janie.

  Holding out her hands, she shows us the diamond ring shining on her finger. “Georgie proposed last night.” As the ladies jump up to congratulate Nana, I wonder to myself how Barrett is handling his eighty-year-old grandmother getting engaged to her seventy-year-old boyfriend.

  “How is Barrett handling your age difference?” Susan, the nosiest one in the group doesn't hesitate to ask the question that must be on everyone’s mind.

  Nana shrugs before winking at me. “My grandson has his own life to worry about. He’ll have to get over me becoming a leopard.”

  “Leopard? Is that George’s last name?” Janie looks over at me, and I shake my head.

  “No. You know I’m an older woman, and my mating call is ‘meow fsh-fsh.’” She holds up her hands and makes a clawing motion in the air, and I have to cover my mouth to hide my grin. Blinking, I attempt to hold back my laughter at her mistake.

  “Oh, you mean you’re a cougar.” Mrs. Duncan shudders. “And I need something to get the thought of mating calls out of my head.” She turns to Janie. “What book do you recommend?”

  I’m losing control of this meeting. “Ladies.” I stand up and wait for everyone to look at me. “Why don’t we discuss our book?”

  This week’s selection is a mystery, and our debate is boring. At the end of the night, I watch all the ladies leave and then turn to Nana. “Have you told Barrett yet?”

  “Nope. I wanted you to help me butter him up first.” I’d suspected as much.

  Barrett is sitting on the sofa with Barney One curled up on his left side and Barney Two in his lap when I walk through the door. “Hey. How was book club?” He smiles at me, and I grimace internally. I have no idea how he’ll take the news that his grandmother is engaged.

  “Informative,” I answer honestly.

  He raises an eyebrow, and I sigh. “We need to talk.”

  Barrett moves my spoiled cat off his lap and stands. “That phrase usually precedes bad news.”

  I walk over and wrap my arms around his waist and lean up to kiss his lips. “I’m not sure how to take this news.”

  He laces his fingers with mine and leads me to the sofa. After we sit down, he looks into my eyes. “No matter what, I love you.”

  I realize I’m worrying him and blurt out, “Nana is a cougar.”

  “Huh?” He appears adorably perplexed, and I’m unable to stop myself from bursting out laughing.

  “Nana and George are engaged, and he’s ten years younger than her.” He sits back and runs his hand down his face while contemplating what I’ve told him.

  “Wow. I thought you were about to tell me we’re pregnant.” Now, it’s my turn to stare at him in shock.

  “Uh. No. Our birth control is working,” I assure him.

  We look at each other and burst out laughing. “I need to digest this.” He shakes his head. “I can’t imagine my grandmother marrying anyone.” He looks over at me and shrugs. “I knew she was good friends with George, but I had no idea it was romantic.” He kisses my forehead. “Our relationship is the best thing that ever happened to me, and you make me incredibly happy. How can I deny my grandmother the same happiness?”

  “You’re my happiness, too,” I tell him. “At least you didn’t have to hear Nana’s mating call.” His eyes widen, and I spare him the explanation.

  Later that night, I listen to Barrett’s deep, even breathing and stare off into the darkness. Our conversation earlier isn’t easy to forget. My mind is suddenly filled with thoughts of babies.

  The Seahawks are one win away from the championship game. Barrett is stressed and crabby, and I’ll be happy when this football season is over. I don’t remember the last time I spent the night at my house, and I’m ready to discuss our future. The main thing holding me back is the amount of work stress he’s dealing with during the playoffs. He’s leaving this afternoon for New Orleans, and I plan to fly out to meet him the day before the game.

  Two days later, I’m pacing the floor in Barrett’s bedroom. It’s after midnight, and he hasn’t replied to any of the messages I’ve left throughout the day. I bite my lip and tell myself he’s probably insanely busy but worry still courses through me. Exhaustion is weighing down on me, but I can’t close my eyes. I’m about to call one of the other coaches when I decide to try one more time.

  I dial his number and wait as it rings. When a woman answers, I blink and look down to make sure I dialed the right number. His face is showing in the little bubble at the top of my phone screen, and my heart drops. Taking a deep breath, I tell myself not to jump to conclusions. “May I speak to Barrett?”

  “He’s busy.” She hangs up before I’m able to ask any questions. I stare at the phone in my hand as memories from the last several months with Barrett run through my mind. I remember him holding me tight the night before he left for this trip and telling me how much he hated to leave me. My heart begs me to trust him, and I’m going to listen to it.

  Sleeping is impossible. I sit up and stare at the wall until the early morning sun begins to shine through the blinds. I throw back the covers and watch Barney Two flounce from the bed. I’m about to drag myself into the bathroom to shower when my phone rings. As Barrett’s face flashes across the screen, I take a deep breath and answer, “Hello.”

  “Thank God!” he barks. “I’m so sorry about yesterday.” I sit up and lean against the headboard.

  “Why did some woman answer your phone at twelve forty-five this morning?” My voice quivers, and I wait impatiently for his answer.

  “God, Baby. Yesterday was a clusterfuck.” He sighs, and I can picture him running his hand down his handsome face. “One of our players got into a fight with his wife and put his fist through a stadium window. In all the pandemonium, I left my phone on the locker room table, and one of the assistants picked it up.”

  “Why didn’t she just return the phone to you?” I rub my forehead, trying to understand this crazy story.

  “I was stuck at the hospital with dipshit until late last night and had no idea where my phone was,” he grumbles, and I can hear how tired he sounds. “Melody said she planned to give it to me in the team meeting this morning. She answered your call because she was half-asleep and thought it was her phone ringing.” His story is too insane to be anything but the truth.

  “Oh.”

  “I love you, baby,” he groans. “Please tell me you believe me.”

  “Of course, I believe you,” I assure him. “I was worried when I couldn’t reach you all day long.”

  I wrap my arm around my knees and listen while he explains the situation. “Sorry, Baby. I promise nothing like this will happen again.” He tells me about the player. The glass severed an artery in his hand, and he’
ll have to undergo at least one surgery before he’s able to return to football. Barrett sounds as exhausted as I feel. After we hang up, I call Chase and let him know I won’t be in today. Then I lie down and tell myself the crisis is over and it’s time to get some rest. While I’m proud of myself for trusting Barrett and not jumping to the wrong conclusion, the whole situation has left me mentally and physically drained.

  I sleep for fourteen hours straight and wake up feeling slightly better. Barney Two sits on the bed and glares at me as I lay clothes out, trying to decide what I’m bringing to New Orleans. After an hour of back and forth, I grab several outfits and start folding them into my suitcase. After sitting on the edge of the bed, I run my hand softly down Two’s back and sigh. “I’m terrified.”

  She turns her feline head to the side, contemplating me. Barney One barks somewhere in the house, and she jumps off the bed and races down the hall. “Nice talk!” I yell to my cat’s retreating back.

  My phone rings for the third time in an hour and I groan. Barrett has called and texted me every twenty minutes this morning, and it’s starting to get on my nerves. “I can’t get ready because I’m answering your calls,” I growl into the phone.

  “Ha-Ha.” He still sounds exhausted, and I realize the whole situation is taking its toll on him, too. “I have a reason for calling this time,” he grumbles. “Could you bring my extra white dress shirt? The hotel laundry fucking lost my light blue one, and I don’t have time to go shopping.”

  “Of course.” I laugh. “I’m packing now, so I’ll add it to my suitcase.” I walk into the closet and grab his shirt off the hanger. It hits me as I’m standing in the room that’s bigger than most people’s bedrooms that I’m living with Barrett. On one side of the closet, his clothes hang in nice, tidy rows. Actually, he pretty much color coordinates his stuff. My clothes take up residence on the other side of the closet, but I’m not as neat as Barrett and my things tend to get a little messy.

  We talk for a few more minutes while I finish packing. I hear Barrett talking to someone in the background and realize his job is calling him away. “It sounds like you’re busy,” I tell him. “I’ll text you when I get to my gate at the airport.”

  After taking a taxi from the airport, I wait in line at the hotel desk and watch the unique group of people all around me. My friends warned about the craziness I’d experience in New Orleans, and so far, I haven't been disappointed. “What brings you to town?” the sweet desk clerk asks, and I smile at her.

  “I’m here for the playoff game.” I guess she’s heard that answer a lot lately because she doesn't even blink as she looks up my name on the computer. Barrett added me to his room, and I’m in the elevator headed for the twelfth floor within a few minutes.

  I drop my bag at the foot of the bed and open the drapes to look out. Barrett warned me he’ll be busy until late this evening, so I have a few hours to kill. I’m changing out of my travel outfit into something comfortable to wear for exploring when my phone dings with an incoming text. I smile and look at the message from my honey.

  This day will never end. Let me know you made it okay. Love u.

  I send a return text telling him everything is okay and I’m about to head out into the French Quarter to explore. My phone dings almost immediately.

  Be careful. Don’t talk to strangers and stay with the crowds.

  I laugh as I read his text then hastily type out a reply.

  Yes, Daddy.

  Three little dots appear on my screen and laugh, and I laugh at his response.

  You can call me that later while my hand is firmly attached to your perfect ass.

  I can’t resist sending one more reply.

  Promises, promises.

  After a few moments, there are no more dings, and I toss my phone in my purse and grab my jacket. The French Quarter is calling my name.

  Chapter 8

  Barrett

  This day has been endless. Knowing my girl is here in New Orleans while I deal with bullshit is killing me. As I glance down at my phone and read her last message for the thousandth time, a smile breaks out across my face. Wait until tonight, little Ms. Smartass.

  Throughout the evening, she sends me pictures of her French Quarter adventures. It kills me to miss this time with her, and my mood darkens with every hour I’m away from her. I rush though my last-minute meeting with Will and hurry out the door. After stepping out, I dial her number. “Hey.” Molly’s voice soothes me and I smile.

  “Hey, yourself. How’s the exploring going?” I walk out into the chilly January weather and look around for a taxi.

  “Great. I think I ate my weight in fried shrimp. You might have to roll me into bed tonight.” As she laughs, I can’t help but smile at her. “How’s your night going?”

  “I’m done for the night and want to meet my girl.” I signal for the cab driver to wait for one minute. “You wouldn’t happen to know where I could find her, would you?”

  Molly laughs. “I bet if you go to Pat O’Brien's, you might get lucky.”

  I lean over and instruct the driver before telling my girl, “Oh, I plan on getting lucky, alright. See you in a few minutes.”

  As I walk into the dimly lit bar, I glance around searching for my girl’s striking blonde hair. I finally spot her sitting at a small round table toward the back of the room. A growl erupts from my chest when I see an asshole trying to talk to her. Storming over, I wrap my arms around Molly and lean down to cover her lips with mine. As her tongue runs along the inside of my mouth, I forget all about the other man and pull my girl closer. Her soft hands run up my back, and I groan. My cock is steadily hardening behind my zipper, and I end the kiss before things get indecent.

  “God, I missed you,” I breathe against her neck, then pull a barstool over close to hers and sit down. At some point, the loser disappeared, and I forget about him as I take her hand and lace our fingers together. She’s disappointed when I order ice water, but I explain my situation. “Baby, I have to keep a clear mind.”

  Molly pouts for a second but then leans over to kiss my chin. “That’s fine. I’ll drink enough for both of us.”

  “I’m sorry we had to cut the night short.” I kiss the back of her hand as we ride the elevator up to the twelfth floor. Fucking elevators. My day starts at four am tomorrow morning, so I had to call an end to our night at nine o’clock.

  “I’m happy to be here with you,” she slurs slightly and leans her head on my shoulder.

  I lead her into the hotel room and slam the door shut with my foot. “I seem to remember you made promises to me earlier.” She turns to me and begins to unbutton her blouse. “I’ll race you.”

  She wiggles her eyebrows, and I grab my shirt and tear at the buttons. “What do I get if I win?” She never answers as we both work at removing our clothes.

  Molly actually beats me. She’s standing across the room naked, and when I kick off my shoes and push my pants and boxers down over my hips, I watch her fall to her knees in front of me. “Let me show you.”

  She looks up into my eyes and bites her lip. “Tell me if I get this right.”

  I’m not sure I could find words at this point, but I nod my head as she wraps her soft hand around my cock and leans forward to tease it with the tip of her tongue. “No complaints so far,” I manage to mumble past my dry throat.

  “I want to earn praise.” She uses her other hand to gently cradle my balls while closing her juicy lips around my cock and sucking.

  “Good start.” I lock my knees and run my hand through her thick hair. When she draws me to the back of her throat and groans, I tighten my hold on her scalp as pleasure shoots through every nerve ending in my body. This is going to be the shortest blow job in history. I’m too desperate to feel my girl’s pussy stretched around my cock. I use my grip on her hair to pull her head back.

  “Hey,” she complains.

  I pick her up and kiss the side of her neck. “I need to make love to you.” I lay her on the bed
and pull her curvy body to the edge. As I kneel on the floor, I look at her stunning curves and squeeze my cock to stop myself from coming. Once I’m under control, I kiss the soft skin along the side of her knee then spread her pussy lips with my thumbs to taste her. Molly squirms as I run my tongue just inside her opening. Her hands fist my hair tightly, and the slight pain causes me to groan. After getting a taste of her, I nip at her clit and begin kissing and nibbling my way up her luscious body. “I love you.” My cock thumps against the soft skin of her stomach, and I have to pause and take several deep breaths before I come from the sensation.

  Her bountiful breasts call to me, and I lick the underside of one while rolling the nipple between my fingers. Molly arches her back and wraps a leg around my waist, pulling me closer. I growl against her sweet-smelling skin. “Fuck, I missed you.” As I run my tongue around her tight bud, she cries and begs me to take her. I look into her passion-filled eyes and beg, “I want you with nothing between us.” It’s a dick move. I know she’d agree to anything right now.

  Molly doesn’t hesitate. “I’m on the pill.”

  A part of me is disappointed. I’ve seen her pill packets, but a part of me wishes our love would have consequences. I slip my tongue into her mouth to taste her sweetness. Our tongues tangle, and she digs her nails into my skin. “I love you.”

  She slides her soft hand between us and wraps it tightly around my erection. As she runs her thumb over the crown, I reach the end of my control. I’ve been without her too long. After coating my cock in her wetness, I thrust into her silky pussy, and we both groan.