Page 31 of The Comeback

“What happens if you get traded, or you don’t get a contract?” Tara isn’t as star-struck by me as her husband, and she knows she’ll have to pick up the pieces if we go down in flames.

“I don’t know. I wish I could say for certain what the future holds. Some team would take me now because they’re in desperate need of a running back, but I’d rather stay here.” I glance down at Charlotte, who’s grown quiet as we discuss my future.

Is she having second thoughts? I wouldn’t blame her, but I don’t want to lose the opportunity to spend time with her. And not just because she’s sexy as hell, and I’ve been fantasizing about fucking her in front of her studio mirror all day. I see a future between us. If I don’t screw it up.

Moments later, she grabs my hand, dragging on my fingers. “Let’s go swim.”

When we’re alone, or as alone as a couple can be in the middle of sixty people, she stops. “I’m sorry Tara was giving you the third degree.”

“Don’t worry about it.” I cup her cheek. “She cares about you, so it’s only natural that she interrogates me over my motives.”

“No, it’s not.” She rolls her eyes.

“Yes.” I encircle her and pull her against my chest. “It is. I understand your reasons for not wanting to date someone like me. You want the stability of sticking in one spot after being dragged all over the place as a kid. I get that. And dating me is the worst decision you could make because I can’t promise I won’t be cut and gone in a few weeks.”

“I know.” Her eyes are downcast. “And I understand why you’re determined to put everything you have into the next few weeks. I respect your career choices and the need to get that contract done to help your family.”

Fear skates along my flesh as the next question weighs heavily on my heart, but I’ve got to ask it. “Should we wait to see what happens before taking this any farther?”

This is not the conversation I wanted to have on our first date, because it already feels like we’re saying goodbye. But I want to be honest, and upfront with her, and I feel like she wants the same thing.

One corner of her mouth raises as she glances up. “I think I’m a lost cause either way.”

My heart skips a beat as the shadows and neon lights dance over her face. She’s so beautiful. I’m the luckiest guy here. “I’m not going to lie. I like hearing that.”

“I feel a pull to be with you that I’ve never experienced before. It’s like Piper said. I feel like fate has put us in the same place together. If I hadn’t gotten injured, I’d be a P.E. teacher instead of helping football players rehab their injuries.”

“And if I wouldn’t have gotten injured, I wouldn’t have ended up moving two times and taking ballet with a stunning woman I can’t stop thinking about. So….” I tug her closer until we’re connected from chest to thigh. “You’re ready to go all-in?”

“Yes.” She stands on her tiptoes. “I’m tossing all my money on the table and betting on a full house.”

“Or a royal flush?” I want it all. I want the highest poker option available, so she can’t get away.

“Perfect.”

Her lips are soft under mine, and she tastes vaguely of fruit and alcohol. The rest of the partygoers blend into the darkness. She’s the only thing I see and feel. I’ve got to push with everything I have to get that last step back. I want to provide her the stability she needs. I want to build her a house and raise a family with her. Right here.

Chapter Sixteen

Charlotte

The second the studio door snaps shut behind us, I’m in his arms. Spending time together at the party was nice, but this is where I want to be. Where I need to be. His hands skate down my back, drawing me closer to him–like I’d resist. I lace my arms around his neck.

“I liked your friends.”

“They liked you, too.” After Tara had given him the third degree, they’d gotten along great. We’d stayed later than I’d intended, not leaving until all the other guests had left.

“Are you ready to meet my mom?” His fingers tug on the string of my bikini, removing the top and exposing me to the dim light of the dance studio.

My heart sputters in my chest. I don’t know whether it’s from the cool air, his hungry eyes travel over me, or the prospect of meeting the woman who gave birth to him. “Do you think she’ll like me?”

He chuckles. “She’ll love you.”

Before I can respond, his tongue flicks over my tight nipple, and I grind my thighs together. After an orgasm this morning, you’d think I’d be good for a few days. Normally, that’s the case. In the past, I could go…. Oh, let’s not get into how long I could go without an orgasm. I might discover I’m an Olympic record holder if I dug too far.

With each swipe of his tongue, my panties flood with desire.

“You’re gorgeous.” He sucks my nipple between his teeth and cups my other breast, testing the weight and squeezing. The sensation shoots straight to my core.

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