Page 67 of Penalty Zone

My hands are sweaty as I ring Leo’s buzzer. What if he changed his mind? What if I imagined the invitation? What if he realizes I’m not what he wants?

I wipe my hands on my dress pants, then swipe the back of my wrist across my brow. Now I’m sweaty guy. Great. What a turnoff. The urge to run away slams through my muscles like a physical thing. This is insane.

Leo materializes before me with a smile that calms my system, and when he opens the door, I fall into him. “I’m so glad you’re here.” He rubs his stubble against my hair, and his cashmere sweater is the softest I’ve felt.

I’m dazed on the ride up to his apartment.

“Can I get you anything? Food? A drink?” Leo’s hand is warm on the small of my back as he ushers me in.

“Water or a fifth of whiskey?” I answer as a question.

“Relax.” Leo’s laugh rumbles in my ears, and my shoulders fall. “Come here.” He leads me to the couch and pulls me into his lap so I’m straddling him. “How did I get so lucky?” he asks with his lips ghosting over mine.

“I think I won the lottery.” Our lips connect, and I sigh into his mouth.

Leo’s kiss is like no other we’ve shared. This kiss is slow and languid, exploring and cherishing. Usually, we’re frenzied andrushed, but we have time. He holds me like a promise he’s never going to break.

Our mouths make more promises, vows, and by the time he separates us, I’m boneless and all my doubts have faded away. Somehow, he’s maneuvered me under him without me noticing. The weight of him feels natural, as if he’s meant to be on top of me.

“You got here earlier than I expected. How did you get away?” His fingers tangle in my hair.

The heat from my blush creeps up my neck. “I told a few of the guys I was meeting someone.” The words rush out so he’ll understand I didn’t give any hints. “I said I’ve been talking to someone since the break and we’re meeting tonight. I gave them the impression it was a first meeting. Is that okay?”

“Perfect. Now you can stay all night and not need another excuse.” His nose runs along my jaw.

The thought of spending the night in Leo’s bed turns me giddy.

“Are we fucking?” Despite loving Leo’s kisses, I expected him to ravish me as soon as I walked in his door.

He braces himself on one arm so I can see his entire face. “You seemed hesitant when you got here, and this isn’t about sex. Caleb, I’m eager to learn everything about you, inside and out.”

I must be a cat with nine lives because this man just killed me…again.

“Nope, not hesitant, or nervous. Can it be a little bit about sex?” I ask, and Leo barks out a laugh I feel in my bones.

“I will fuck my Baby Doll when I’m ready.” He stares into my eyes as his hands smooth down my back and grip my ass.

Gah. When the team calls me Baby Benz, it feels like a teasing insult for being young. But Baby Doll out of Leo’s mouth is like reverent ownership. As if he adores me and I’m his.

“Did I tell you I’m so happy you came?”

My head bobbles. “Technically, I haven’t come yet.”

“Are you looking for Daddy to punish you?” His fingers pull on my ass cheeks.

I bite my lip, wanting him in charge. “You decide.”

Leo’s amber eyes turn animalistic, predatory. “You bring out a side of me I’ve never explored. I dream of doing things to you that push my limits, but I’m afraid I’ll push you away,” he admits.

“I trust you,” I say, cradling his face. “Being the person who you trust to experiment with turns me on. Ineedto be that person for you.” I pour my emotions into my words.

“You’re sure?” He nips my earlobe.

“Absolutely.” I tingle with anticipation.

He rises to a sitting position. “Get naked.”

I scramble up, tearing at my clothes like they’re burning me while he leans back on the couch with his arms out to the sides, resting along the back. He points to the spot between his spread legs, and I kneel before him.

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