Stealing His Heart (The Kingston Heat Series) (8 page)

“Why hello, sugar.” He’d answered the door in nothing but a pair of dark blue sweatpants that sported the team logo on the thigh. “What brings you here?”

You can do this.

Without saying a word, she stepped into the entryway, placed her palms on his bare chest, and looked up at him. She tilted her head, focusing on his lips. The sight of him sparked a lust she hadn’t known she had possessed.

His breath hitched and his muscles tightened under her touch. Taking her face between his hands, he lowered his lips to hers. “Is this what you’re looking for?”

Before she could respond his hot expert mouth was on hers. Just like that first kiss in the parking lot, he wasted no time taking what he wanted. Need took over. In a fast-paced move, he pulled her into the foyer, shut the door, and had her pressed against the wall before she realized what was happening. He never broke the kiss.

Sucking her bottom lip into his mouth, he bit down. Not hard, but enough to sting. He ran his tongue over the swollen skin. He fisted the cotton material of her sundress in his hands and tugged it up before thrusting his hips forward.

“Feel what you’re doing to me.” Another coarse kiss followed by an even rougher thrust of his hips. “You’re not even through the door two minutes and I’m already hard and ready for you.”

“I want you,” she breathed out.

He lifted her with one arm as she wrapped her legs around his waist. They moved together in perfect unison. His stiff length pressed against the silk of her panties. Each time he shifted his hips, the wetter she became. She twisted her fingers in his hair and kissed him hard. Her head spun as her insides coiled tight with desire.

“More,” she cried out as he held her still against the wall.

“What are you asking me?” His voice husky and raw. “No mixed signals.”

“I-I don’t...” She kissed him again. “I came to check on you, but as soon as I saw you I...”

“I know.” He ran his tongue along her lips. “I want you too.”

He carried her past the stairs and to the family room. She wondered why they weren’t going to his bedroom. He sat on the couch with her in his lap. Taking a deep breath, he slowly exhaled.

“You’re dangerous, you know that?” He took her hand. “You have the power to make me lose all control. That doesn’t happen often.”

She arched a brow at him. He’d admitted himself what a reputation he had.

“I know what you’re thinking, but believe me, I do what I want to do. No one makes me lose focus. You’re different.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“A very good thing.”

“Why did you stop us?” she asked.

“Because I don’t want to push you into anything you don’t want.”

“I came to you tonight.”

“To check on me.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “That was very sweet of you. No one ever just shows up to see how I’m doing.”

“That’s sad.” She traced her fingers over his lips, remembering what it was like to kiss him. Her lip gloss coated his mouth. She’d been daydreaming about his kisses all day. “Why not?”

“I don’t know.” He laughed. “I live far from home. I’m with the guys all week, but we don’t coddle one another. We’re men.”

“And what about all those women you keep company with?”

“You’re a spunky one, aren’t you?” He flipped her on her back and settled on top of her. “No woman has ever had an open invitation to knock on my front door.”

“Oh?” She hadn’t thought about intruding on his evening. How stupid. What if he had been entertaining? “My dad noticed you were struggling in the sixth inning. When they tried to pull you in the seventh, I got worried. I couldn’t sleep, so Mom suggested I come and see if you’re okay.”

“Sugar, you didn’t let me finish. I was about to say no woman has had an open invitation until now. You can come here anytime you want.” He pressed his lips to hers. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

“You’re leaving for Florida on Tuesday.” She’d memorized the schedule. After this round, he had a ten day home stand. That would be the longest stretch he would be home since she’d met him. “Is it hard to travel so much?”

“It’s all part of it.” He kissed her neck.

“You’re probably used to it.”

“Uh-huh.” He slipped the straps of her dress down her arms, revealing her bare breasts to him. “Fuck,” he mumbled. “You’re so hot.”

She closed her eyes when he lowered his head and swirled his tongue along her aroused nipples. The heat of his breath made her tingle with desire. She placed her hand against the back of his head and drew his face closer to her chest as she locked her legs around his hips.

He kissed his way back up to her lips. “I keep saying we’re gonna go slow but I can’t seem to help myself with you.” He gazed down at her breasts. “Do you want me to stop?”

If he stopped, she thought she might combust. Enough was enough. What was she waiting for?

“Not yet,” she whispered.

“You don’t sound as sure as I’d like.” He rolled off her and settled on the couch. She turned so they faced one another. “How about we take it step by step?” He trailed his fingers down her neck and over her breasts.

“What do you mean?” She bit her lip to stifle a moan when he twirled his finger over her nipple and then caressed the underside of her breasts.

“You like when I touch you?”

“Very much.” She inched closer to him. “You’re really good at it.”

“Let me explore your body tonight. Let me show you how good I can make you feel.” He moved his hand over the top of her dress that had now gathered around her waist. “Let’s get you out of this.” He eased the cotton sundress down her legs and tossed it on the floor, leaving her in nothing but a tiny pair of light blue panties. “That’s better.”

Being undressed in front of him didn’t embarrass her. Instead, her heated skin quivered for his attention. Her taut nipples pulsed with need. She edged closer, closing any space between them and pressing her flesh against his bare chest. She liked the way his skin brushed against hers. She wondered what it would be like to be completely naked with him. She wanted to feel his cock move deep inside her. The rush of warmth that flooded her panties told her she was ready to experience that.

As she thought about what it would be like to become one with him, he hitched her leg over his hip and kissed her neck. “You are one gorgeous woman.” While he kept his lips busy kissing every inch of her throat, jaw, and neck, he slipped his hand inside her panties. “I’m going to finger you now.”

She nodded even thought he wasn’t seeking her consent.

“Nice and slow, just like I promised.” He pushed two fingers inside her heat. “You’re so wet.”

“Pax…” she exhaled his name.

“I can get real dirty, sugar. I hope that’s okay.”

“Don’t hold back.” She nipped at his bottom lip, hoping he’d unleash his dirty side. “I want you to show me… Oh…” He swirled his fingers, delving deep before pulling out and doing it all over again.

“Move your hips with me. Pretend I’m fuckin’ you. Let me see how wild you can get.”

“I want you to fuck me,” she cried out. She’d never used those words before but all common sense seemed to fade into the background. All she could concentrate on was Pax. She kept her eyes open and listened to his rough voice.

“Soon, baby, real soon.” He kissed her as she rocked into his fingers. “I feel how tight you are. I can’t wait to get my cock inside this sweet pussy.”

His cock.

She wanted to touch him too.

“Pax, I want…” How could she ask him?

“Anything, I’ll give you anything.” He spoke against her lips. “Tell me what you want.”

“To touch you.” She moved her hand between them, down his rock hard abs and over his erection.

“Hell.” He thrust his hips into her.

Encouraged, she rubbed him through his sweatpants. He was huge. The more she explored him, the faster he worked her. The muscles in her stomach tightened as a cool layer of sweat covered her flesh. She shivered despite the fire that claimed her from the inside. Brushing her palm over his cock, she found the waistband of his pants. She wanted to feel him like he had her. Slipping her hand inside his sweats, she wrapped her fingers around his massive shaft. She’d only had experience with one other guy and he was nowhere near as magnificent as Pax.

“Baby,” he moaned. “If you do that, I’m gonna come all over your hand.”

“Then we’ll be even,” she whispered as she pumped him. “Don’t stop. I’m so close.”

“Hmm, I like when you’re vocal.” He trailed his thumb along her clit as he kept up a steady rhythm with his fingers. “Let go.”

She tightened her grip around his length, feeling him swell in her hand. The harder she pumped, the faster his fingers moved. “Oh… I…now…” She stretched out her legs, tensed her body, and climaxed, but all the while she managed to keep pleasing him. “Paxton…that was…”

“I’m with you, baby.” He slipped his hand between them and placed it over top of hers. “Sophie, sweetheart, I’m…” He covered the tip of his cock with his hand, but the warm spray of his release trickled down her wrist. His breath came out hard and ragged as he closed his eyes. “Damn,” he muttered.

She’d just made Paxton Hughes, the starting pitcher of the Crusher, lose control. Maggie was never going to believe what she had done with such a hunk. The prudish music teacher had finally come into her own. Their little couch romp had her feeling bold.

“Remember when you asked me if I was planning on leaving with just any guy that night in the bar?”

“Yeah.” He opened one eye and waited for her to respond.

“It wasn’t any guy I was there for.” She pressed her lips to his. “It was you.”

“Good,” he answered, with another kiss. “For the record, there was no way I was letting you leave with anyone other than me.”

Chapter 9

Sophia came home from a long but rewarding day of teaching. The more time she spent at the school the more she hoped they would be able to fund a music program. She enjoyed going to work every day with Maggie and her other colleagues, but she wanted to teach music on a full-time basis. She hoped it would be at Hemingway Academy.

When she placed her keys on the hook by the front door she noticed a package addressed to her. She picked it up and walked over to the couch with it. Slipping off her shoes, she plopped down and opened the box. There was a note on top of some flat tissue paper.

Sophie,

No one had called her that in years, but she liked when he did.

I’m hoping I’ll see you and your dad in the stands tomorrow night.

Pax

She separated the tissue paper and found two tickets for tomorrow night’s game. The seats were awesome. Right behind home plate. The perfect place to watch the pitcher. Under the tickets was a team jersey. When she pulled it from the package, it looked as if it was the right fit for her. She turned it over and saw Pax’s last name and number on the back. She’d wear it with pride. She missed him too.

* * * *

The game had started out strong. How could it not? Pax was pitching.

Soph giggled to herself when he took the mound and tipped his hat to her. It was exciting that he could see her too.

“Don’t you make him lose focus,” her father said. “He has a job to do.”

“I’m not doing anything.” She shrugged. “He’s doing great.”

“He only has a few more pitches left in him. Don’t wave to him. You’ll make him lose the lead.”

“Papa, can you be quiet and enjoy these really cool seats?” In all the years they had been coming to the games, they never imagined they would sit so close to the plate.

“Want a cotton candy?” Her father was a traditionalist. Every time they went to a game, he bought her cotton candy.

“Sure. Pink, please.”

“What else would I get you?” He waved over the man selling the sugary candy. “One pink one, please.”

“Thanks for coming with me tonight.” She hugged him because she was glad to be sharing this experience with him. “Can you believe we’re sitting this close to the field?”

“I never thought I’d see the game up close and personal. I guess you dating the pitcher has its advantages.” He shook his head. “He treats you right?”

“Papa?”

Her father had always been on the protective side. Being so shy in high school, she’d never given him much reason to worry. Most of the guys she brought home were friends. She never stayed out past curfew, and even in college she didn’t go wild and drink and party. It wasn’t in her personality. She’d always been straight-laced, a good kid who did what she was supposed to do.

“I want to know.”

“We haven’t seen one another that often. He’s not around much if you haven’t noticed.”

“You like him.”

“I do.” Her cheeks burned when she thought about that night on his couch. She hoped there would be more of that.

“As long as you’re having a good time then that’s all that matters.”

“What? No lecture on how deceptive and manipulative men can be when they want something?”

“You’re an adult now. I can’t tell you who you can and can’t see. I still want you to be careful, but you deserve to be happy and have fun.” He pulled a piece of candy from her and popped it into his mouth. “This is all sugar!”

“You’ve been saying that my whole life, but you still manage to eat almost all of it.” She laughed. “Here.” She handed it to him. “Have at it.”

After the game, she and her dad were ushered into a holding room with some members of the press, players’ wives, and staff members. She felt out of place but Pax had invited them.

“Tough loss,” her father said to a local reporter.

“Their bullpen needs help,” the tall, thin man responded. “Hughes may be their ace but he can’t do it all on his own.”

“I don’t know.” Her dad winked at her before turning his attention back to the reporter. “Did you see that back-handed catch he made in the third inning? Not many pitchers could have done that.”

She roamed the room, taking in the new faces that surrounded her. She watched as her father worked the place with his modest charm. The man could hold a conversation with anyone and usually did. He’d always been social, not at all shy and awkward like she was. She sometimes wished she had inherited his confidence when it came to social settings.