Page 52 of Lucky Baller
“Change your mind?” I ask her. I can’t see her face, but I know she’s close.
“No.” She lifts my arm and slides under, resting her head on my chest. “I just want to be where you are. We can share a side.”
I’m not sure how to explain it, but it feels a lot like my heart’s tripping over itself in my chest at her words. This gorgeous, kind, sexy, thoughtful woman has managed to turn me into a romantic fool when it comes to her. In no other situation, with any other woman, could I ever imagine myself having this kind of reaction to those words. In fact, I would be running for the hills. Not with Tessa.
“I like this plan.”
“Me, too.”
We lie in total darkness for what seems like hours when in reality it’s a matter of minutes. “Landon,” she whispers.
“Hmm,” I ask as I run my fingers through her thick locks.
“I really want to kiss you.”
“Are you asking for permission?”
“Maybe? I’m not sure what this is or how this works.”
“This is us in a relationship. This is whatever you want it to be. You don’t have to ask for permission to kiss me or touch me. You’re welcome in my home and on any side of this bed that you want. This isn’t just something to pass the time, Tessa. I want to see where things lead with us. You are the first woman I’ve ever felt this way about. I’m not letting you go anytime soon.”If ever.I keep that thought to myself.
“Just us, right? I mean, we’re exclusive? I know that sounds crazy, and I feel stupid even asking, but I want us on the same page. I won’t do this if I don’t have all of you.”
“We’re exclusive, and you already have all of me.”
“In that case…” I feel her weight lift off my chest, and her hands roam from my chest, up my neck, until their softness cups my cheek. “Kiss me.”
Not needing to be told twice, I flip her over on her back, causing her to squeal. Even in the dark of the room, my lips find hers easily. I devour her. Her taste is so new yet familiar as I explore her mouth.
Rolling to my side, I continue to kiss her. My hands roam over her body, but I don’t take it any further than that. There’s something to be said about making out like teenagers as an adult with a woman who consumes your thoughts. It’s exciting and innocent, and we need this. This time to just be together. I’m showing her that this is more, thatshe’smore.
I don’t know how much time passes us by, minutes, hours, even; we have no concept of time as we get lost in one another’s kiss. I never knew a night like this would be so… rewarding. Tessa’s here, in my bed, in my arms, her kisses branding me and mine her. This is definitely a night for the history books as one I will never forget.
Chapter Fifteen
Tessa
I’ve been staring at the wall for over an hour. My body’s in the same position as I think about where I am and last night. Landon was a complete gentleman, and while my body screamed for him to take me, it was perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing about our time together. Hence the reason I’m lying as still as I can, not wanting to leave this bed or his embrace. His body is aligned with mine, his arms wrapped around me, and it’s a comfort like I’ve never known.
“I can hear you thinking,” his deep, sexy voice says from behind me. I can’t hold the giggle from escaping. “That is a sound a man can get used to waking up to.”
I roll over so that we’re face-to-face. “Good morning.”
“Morning. How long have you been up?” He leans in for a kiss, and I turn my head. “What’s up with that?”
“Morning breath.”
“Fuck morning breath. Waking up with you in my arms deserves to be celebrated with a kiss, morning breath be damned.” He leans in again, and this time, I let him kiss me,keeping my mouth closed. “Tessa,” he growls, making me laugh. As soon as my mouth is open, he takes full advantage and slips his tongue past my lips. Suddenly, I couldn’t care less about morning breath either.
“What are we doing today?” he asks when he finally pulls away.
“I’m not sure what you’re doing, but I have to work. Speaking of, I should get up and get moving. I still need to go home and change. Can you take me home?”
“No, no, no. Call in sick. Tell Autumn that your lips are sore from kissing. Tell her that you’re stuck in a warm bed for the day and that I forbid you to leave it.”
“I’d love to, but I can’t. Autumn depends on me, and the animals, too. Besides, don’t you have practice today?”
“No. We get the day after a game off.”
