Page 21 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
“True.” She licks her lips and glances behind me as if searching for a way to change the subject. “You’re missing the sunset.”
Taking that as an invitation, I slide around the blanket, sitting close. I hear her quick inhale while her body stiffens, just like my cock. Readjusting, I lean back on my hands, one behind her. My eyes veer to the sunset, instantly returning to her. “Beautiful.”
She catches me looking at her out of the corner of her eye and attempts to hide it. Her cheeks darken. “Um, yeah, it is.”
Angling towards her, a sweet, citrusy scent wafts through my nose. “I’m pretty sure you know I was talking about you,” I confess, my voice low.
Ignoring my comment, she stammers, “You, um, you need to be careful. Leaning back like that will make your shoulder sore.” Her eyes roam, moving from my eyes to my lips, down my arm and back.
I’m not sure if she’s nervous about giving me advice, checking me out, or wondering about kissing me, but she doesn’t need to be uneasy about any of it as long as she doesn’t want to escape. I like her looking out for me. She’s not afraid to tell me what I’m doing wrong. Sitting up taller, I let my hand fall to her thigh instead, a soft gasp falling from her lips.
“Thanks, Layla,” I tell her, my voice catching unexpectedly. Looking into her eyes, the setting sun glows in her light brown orbs drawing me in.
“Levi,” she whispers, breathily. “I’m just trying to help.”
Nodding, I insist, “And I appreciate it.” Reaching up, my fingers trace her jaw, her skin velvety smooth beneath my touch. Leisurely, my palm cups the back of her head, just beneath her ponytail, her silky hair caressing my skin. Her breathing picks up its pace, racing to catch up to the rapid pounding of my heartbeat. “Layla,” I rasp, my voice rough, needy.
She whimpers, her gaze jumping from my eyes to my mouth. The tip of her pink tongue juts out and disappears much too fast. No longer able to hold back, I gently brush my lips over hers.Pulling back, I swiftly scan her features, searching for her assent and find what I’m looking for in her rapid breaths, flushed cheeks, parted lips, liquid gold gaze, and her body angling towards me. Her head tips up to mine at the perfect angle, asking, begging for my kiss.
Goosebumps cover my flesh as I tilt my head down and seal my mouth over hers. My body instantly ignites. She gasps and take the opportunity to slip inside her hot, wet mouth. She meets me in the middle, tentative at first before her actions begin to mirror her confidence, giving in to the moment.
Her fingers weave into my hair, gently tugging, holding my head to hers as she kisses me harder. The sweet taste of apples and cinnamon fills my mouth, her tongue tangling with mine in a tantalizing, slow dance. A fiery moan leaves her lips, the titillating sound slamming into me. My already hard dick takes notice, and swiftly goes rigid.
I want more.
Sliding my right hand down her neck, and over her shoulder, the back of my knuckles graze the side of her breast. Her breath hitches and my body vibrates with need. I deepen our kiss, forgetting about where we are, Layla my only focus. Gripping her hips, I lift her towards me, setting her in my lap. She arches, grinding over my thick cock, straining behind the zipper of my jeans to break free.
Planting her palms on my chest, she sears my skin, a moment before she pushes me back. With her tanned skin flushed and her eyes full of regret, she scrambles from my lap. The look that crosses her face feels like a complete punch in the gut.
“I’m sorry,” she apologizes. “I’m–”
“Don’t apologize for kissing me,” I interrupt, my chest irrationally tight. “There’s nothing about you or that kiss that I regret and it would kill me to know I’m the only one.” The words erupt before I have achance to think.
Her eyes flicker with doubt, but she keeps her lips sealed tight, glancing away as the last of the sun’s rays disappear behind the horizon.
My heart drops and I clench my jaw. If I push, this woman could eventually have the ability to shatter me, but if I hold back, I may lose the first light I’ve seen in someone in years and I’m not willing to let that go.
Chapter 10
Layla
What was I thinking?
Yeah, I wanted to kiss him, but the way a simple brush of his lips lit me up was nothing like I’ve ever felt. Chloe’s right in saying he’s the kind of man who could likely do things to me that would drive me wild, but with the way I responded to him, it’s also dangerous for my heart. If my body is reacting like that, my heart is sure to follow. And although I said I would give him a chance, that doesn’t have to mean a relationship. I can’t fall for another player.
His words made me falter. He wanted to kiss me as much as I desired to kiss him but was that all it was? I’m sure he’s not planning on sticking around. How could he? Preseason training will come around and by then he should be healed, ready to return to the Lions.
The atmosphere in the car feels stifling, both of us lost in thought as we drive towards my house. He turns into the driveway and parks the car. When he opens his door, I feel myself beginningto panic. My chest tightens, my palms become sweaty, my fingers tremble, my breathing picks up its pace and my eyes blur.
Calm down, Layla. You’re being ridiculous.
“Um, Levi, I ah, I think I ate too much pie and I’m not feeling the best. Maybe we can carve the pumpkins another time?”
He frowns and his eyebrows furrow, giving me a look of both doubt and concern. Without a word he climbs out of the car and strides around to the other side, opening my door. Holding out his hand, he waits.
Hesitantly, I take it, pinpricks rolling up my arm at his touch. I step out of the car on shaky legs, his hand falling to the small of my back, guiding me up the walkway. “I can walk myself to the door. I’ll be okay,” I claim, but he ignores me.
Taking a deep breath, I unlock my door while he waits. Turning back to him, I force myself to lift my gaze, meeting his. “Thank you for today. I had a lot of fun,” I say, attempting to dismiss him.
