Showdown (Gridiron Book 2) Read online

  “Chase!”

  “Come for me, Ronnie. Let go.” He sucked her clit into his mouth while pressing his mouth hard against its base, relenting and repeating until her orgasm hit and she broke into a million pieces.

  Bringing her back down slowly, he ran his hand up and down her leg and enjoyed the view of the strongest woman he knew blowing apart with pleasure. Wanting to give it to her again and again, he knew he wouldn’t be satisfied until she was his in every way.

  She rolled her head to the side and gave him a slow, satisfied smile. “A miracle. Chase Bedford, you are a revelation, and I don’t know that I’ll ever be the same.”

  “That’s the plan, honey.” Crawling up her body, he kissed a trail across her hips, up her stomach, and finally to her beautiful breasts. “I’m going to have to spend some time here.”

  “Later,” she replied as she tugged at his arms.

  Rubbing his thumb across her nipple, he rolled it until it peaked. “Now.”

  “No, I want you.”

  Already on edge from watching her come, he nodded and grabbed a condom from the nightstand. “I guess I have the rest of my life, so I won’t be greedy our first night together.”

  “I…”

  “Want me,” he finished as he leaned up and slid the condom on his aching cock. “Well, get ready because you’re going to get me.” Licking his lips, he loved that he had the taste of her on his tongue. He slid himself across her slick folds, testing his control, and heard her sweet moan. He loved the noises she made when he touched her, along with the sighs and cries.

  The urge to drive forward and sink himself in so deep that his balls bounced against her ass was indescribable. “You ready?”

  “I need you, Chase, please…”

  Resisting the urge to beat his chest in triumph as well as the need to fall to his knees and worship her, he held his breath and inched into her tightness. He wanted to remember every second of their first joining but found his mind spinning away when she gripped him with her warm, tight heat.

  Could he take his time without losing his mind?

  Probably not.

  It was too perfect, too right, and too mind-blowing, and he gave in. “Tell me you’re ready.”

  “Don’t you back down, Chase Bedford,” she groaned out. “Show me you can handle me.”

  The words broke something inside him, and he slid himself all the way in. Control became a thing he couldn’t grasp, and he fucked her like he’d wanted to from the first moment.

  Hard, fast, and thorough, he was going to own her and imprint himself on her skin, so no other man could ever touch her. Determined desperation defined the moment, and he plunged in and out as his hands gripped her hips.

  She milked his cock with her slick walls, giving as good as she got. Leaning forward so his body covered hers, he drove himself deeper, giving her every inch of him. Hearing her cry of pleasure, he felt her body clench his as her second orgasm zoomed across her body.

  Taking two more strokes, his balls pulled up tight as his own climax shot through him, making him blind. His entire body shook, and he laid his forehead against hers as he emptied himself. He inhaled her unique scent and knew he wouldn’t be happy until she agreed to take his name.

  Barbaric, old-fashioned notions tripped across his brain, and he did nothing to fight them, knowing it would be pointless. He’d just mated with the woman of his heart, and he wasn’t going to pretend otherwise.

  Not today, tomorrow, or ever. She was his and always would be. Kissing her shoulder, he breathed the perfect moment in and held it in his heart.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Ronnie felt the sun warm her shoulders as she drank her coffee on the steps and watched Chase swim back and forth like a man possessed. Clearly, his dedication to staying in shape hadn’t diminished since he retired, and she didn’t mind the results one bit.

  He was delicious, through and through, and she knew the night they spent together was going to be a memory she savored for a long time to come. Not only was he a creative and accomplished lover, but a man with more kindness than she thought possible. Add to that his wicked sense of humor, and there was no way to resist him.

  Not that she was.

  Crossing her legs, she felt twinges from exactly how true those words were. But should she try? What if she was wrong in the same way she had been about Brian?

  Safe or sorry?

  Not a question she was ready to answer. Hearing footsteps, she glanced over and saw the waiter approaching and was glad she had ordered a proper breakfast. Lifting herself up, she thanked him and decided nothing could be considered until she’d eaten.

  Chase walked up the stairs and slid his hands on his hips. “That smile you’ve got tells me you didn’t order spa breakfasts again.”

  She waved her fork and grinned. “The things you did to me last night require pancakes, waffles, and everything else you see on this table.”

  Letting out a booming laugh, he nodded. “I’m going to do them all again as soon as we’re done eating, so get ready, woman.”

  She waved a piece of bacon at him and shook her head. “You’re taking me paddleboarding before any more naughty shenanigans occur.”

  He leaned over and kissed her head before sitting down. “All right, if that’s the price of admission, then I’m more than happy to pay it.”

  Squinting her eyes, she studied him. “I’m not sure how I feel about that.”

  “Eat your breakfast and then tell me,” he replied as he sat down.

  Picking up an empty plate, she filled it and wondered if she needed to be offended by his admission ticket comment. “I hope you’re competent in the water.”

  “I learned to be more than competent after living in California for more than ten years. I surfed Malibu when I was in college and then did a little in Santa Cruz when I joined the team in San Francisco. What about you, are you a good swimmer?”

  “I can swim in pools and lakes but feel a little intimidated by the ocean so I need you to go paddle boarding with me, so you can save me if I fall over.”

  “Honey, I’d love nothing more and will save you whenever and wherever you need it.”

  Laughing, she cut into her fruit. “I handed that one to you like a cup of coffee.”

  “Nothing wrong with making me feel like I’m useful.”

  Tilting her head, she gave him a small smile. “I’ve never really had a boyfriend that I could count on, so it’s going to take a while for me to get used to the idea.”

  He moved his chair closer and covered her hand. “Take whatever time you need.”

  “Oh, believe me, I will.” She pushed his plate closer and nodded. “Eat your breakfast.”

  “Yes, dear.”

  “You keep saying that and good things will come your way.”

  “Planning on it.”

  “Bet you are,” she replied with a laugh.

  Ronnie stood on her paddleboard and smiled. “Did you take the picture?” Seeing Chase give her a big thumbs-up, she relaxed and decided to return her concentration to moving the paddle from side to side.

  The large board started gliding through the water just like it was supposed to, and she really began to enjoy herself.

  “Good job,” Chase yelled out. “You look great out there.”

  Nodding, she looked around and was glad she’d finally talked him into swimming back to the dock. They were on the bay side of the resort, and it was as calm as any lake she’d ever been on, so she knew she could handle it.

  Except her arms were getting tired and she was a mile out from shore. Adjusting her stance, her foot slipped, and before she knew it, she slid ass over tea kettle into the water. Swimming to the surface, her head crested the water, and she looked around for her board and paddle. Spotting them, she swam toward them and noticed Chase cutting across the water in her direction. They both made it to the board at the same time. “Why did you come out?”

  “I saw you go over and swam out to save you.”<
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  “I wasn’t going to drown, Chase. You didn’t have to come out, but I’m glad you did. My arms are getting tired, so you can paddle us back while I relax on the board.” She scrabbled on and waited for him to grab the paddle that was floating away. Resting on her back, she waited for him to return.

  Swimming back with the paddle, he handed it to her and then heaved himself on the back of the board and lay on top of her. “Are you ready to go back or do you want me to take you around the bay?”

  “You are squishing me.” He adjusted himself, and his weight felt like a warm blanket and not a weighty rock. “That’s better.”

  He wiggled his hips and grinned. “Much better, but I better get up, because I’m not going to last if I stay like this.”

  Laughing, she pushed her hips against him. “Did I do that to you?”

  “Always,” he laughed.

  Watching him lift himself up and place his feet on either side of her, she felt a giggle erupt.

  “Ronnie, this is your fault, and you better stop staring at me like a bowl of chocolate ice cream.”

  She turned her head toward the water and nodded as she did her best not to start laughing again. “Take us back to the dock, sir.”

  Moving the paddle through the water, he nodded. “Your wish is my command.”

  “Good because I have several commands I’m going to give you when we get back to the room.”

  “I can hardly wait, honey.”

  “Me either,” she replied as she glanced up and enjoyed his naughty grin. Feeling the warm sun, she let out a contented sigh. “I like doing things with you.”

  He glanced down and grinned. “Are we talking about things in public or things in private?”

  “Both,” she replied. “Definitely both.”

  ***

  Ronnie lay on the chaise lounge of their private veranda and watched Chase close the curtains. “What do you plan on doing that you don’t want other people to see?”

  Closing the last one, he then moved in her direction and flopped down on the chaise. “I’m going to smooch you in privacy.” Lifting the drink out of her hand, he set it on the floor. “It’s Valentine’s Day, and I need to kiss my sweetheart.”

  “Is that what I am to you?”

  “Of course,” he replied running his hand down her leg.

  “Maybe it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.”

  “Not by a long shot.”

  She ran her hand over his face and felt her cautious desire flame into something a little out of control. “I’m salty, sandy, and a little bit sweaty. Let me rinse off, and then we can make out like a couple of teenagers.”

  “I like you just the way you are.”

  Dipping his head, he dragged his mouth along her shoulder, slowly drawing his tongue over her neck, making her shiver. “Feels good,” she murmured as a light wind blew the curtains open, letting a breeze drift over their bodies.

  Sighing contentedly, she moved away from his magic mouth and smiled. “Let’s go inside.”

  “You read my mind.” Picking her up in one motion, he walked into the bedroom and set her on her feet.

  “You look like a man who’s going to eat me alive.”

  “I might,” he replied as he released the bow on her bathing suit and peeled it off. “Now that I know how well we fit and mind-blowingly perfect it is, I’m going to be damn near insatiable.”

  He dropped his mouth to her breasts, grazing his teeth across the sensitive nub. Teasing and tormenting her with a lazy determined ease, she had no idea how long she’d last. “This feels like the first time I took my horse over a fence. I’m scared and excited and hoping I’ll land in one piece on the other side.”

  “Honey, you can land on me.”

  Looking him over, she winked and pushed him against the bed. “Okay, let’s see how you do.” She crawled up his body and traced her hand along his abs, feeling him twitch, and enjoyed the control he was granting her. Smoothing her hand over his enormous shoulder, she kept their gazes locked as she lowered herself down onto to him.

  His hands clamped onto her hips, and he held her against him, and she knew he was on the edge of losing it. “Are you running stats in your head?”

  “Fucking right, I am.” He took one hand off her hip and wrapped her long hair around his fist, giving her a light tug. “You fit me like a tight glove, and I’m not sure how close to death I am.”

  She planted her palms on his chest and began to move. “Well, let’s test that theory and find out.” Riding him slowly at first, she ground her clit against his pelvic bone on each downward stroke and moaned at the exquisite pleasure and felt his hips move against her. She picked up the pace, arching her back, and felt his finger circling her clit with his thumb.

  Tightening around him, she dug her nails into his chest and rocked harder. Shifting his hips, he gave her two hard strokes, and she couldn’t hold back anymore. Every muscle she possessed went into lock-down as her orgasm approached like a summer storm. Breathing stopped as her eyes closed, and she groaned. “Chase…”

  “Let it go, Ronnie, and come for me.”

  Body quivering, she tightened around him as her legs and arms clung to him, trying to draw him as close as possible. Letting a breath out in a low, ragged moan, she shuddered as they detonated together.

  One last wave of exquisite pleasure rolled through her as the last of her orgasm moved through her body. Releasing her hold on his shoulders, she melted against him and collapsed. “Ruined.”

  Gathering her in his arms, he held her tightly. “That was just the beginning, and I have a whole lot more planned.”

  She closed her eyes and nodded. “Whatever you say, sweetie.”

  Ronnie lay in the tub and stared out at their little slice of paradise, watching the sun lower in the sky and the breeze moving the branches of the palms. Hearing footsteps, she twisted in time to see naked Chase approaching with two glasses of champagne.

  “I sure like the smile you’re giving me,” he said as he handed her a glass and then stepped into the tub. “Happy Valentine’s day, sweetheart. I look forward to the next fifty.” He tipped his glass against hers and then leaned forward. “How are you doing?”

  Rubbing her foot along his leg, she grinned. “Better than words can describe.”

  He gave her a quick kiss and then sat back. “You are making me feel like a king.”

  “Right now, you are, and I’m doing my best not to freak out.”

  “Are you worried that you’ll never be able to have a happy life without me in it?”

  Seeing his cocky grin, she pushed at his chest and laughed. “What we’ve done with each other over the last twenty-four hours is more than sex, and I don’t know what to think about it.”

  “Maybe thank God for the blessing we’ve been given.”

  “Certainly an option but…”

  “No buts, Ronnie.”

  “I don’t have a box for something like that.”

  “Then don’t try and put it in one.” He took her hand and held it against his heart. “I was inside of you with more than my body and this thing between us is real, and we’re going to treat it as such.”

  “You sure?”

  “More than a little.”

  Running her fingers over his face, she smiled. “Maybe you’re my reward for years of bad dates, missed opportunities, and good behavior, and I should just be gracious and accept the blessing the universe has seen fit to give me.”

  “Not a bad idea, honey, because I know you’re my reward.”

  Moving her mouth to his, she kissed him. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

  “Best day of the year, so far.”

  “Seems so,” she replied before kissing him again.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Walking along the path to the restaurant, Chase searched for Ronnie and wondered where she’d gotten off to. When he’d finished his run, he expected to see her with a cup of coffee and the phone glued to her ear, but all he’d fou
nd was an empty bungalow.

  He felt a small trickle of panic run down his spine and wondered if the woman who’d been threatening her had tracked them down. Knowing it was ridiculous, he let go of the thought and decided to be reasonable.

  Walking into the restaurant, he spotted her immediately, and a whoosh of breath left him when he saw that she was unharmed. Though the look on her face had him wondering if everything was okay. Her agitated voice suggested it was more than a problem with her business as he watched her end the call. “What can I do to help?”

  She pulled his hand and held it as he sat next to her. “The woman who’s been threatening me showed up at the office this morning and pulled a knife on Amanda. Thank God, the cleaning people were still there because they intervened and scared the woman off.” Tipping her head against his chest, she let out a shuddering breath. “I should’ve taken this more seriously and not assumed she was just a money-grubbing slut.”

  Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her as his heart beat noisily against his chest. The idea of Ronnie being in danger terrified him, and he knew he wasn’t going to rest until he had security in place. “You’re not responsible for what a crazy woman does.”

  “Oh, yes, I am. I didn’t have the proper alarm system installed, and now my employee was terrorized. I’m responsible.”

  “Where was Nelson?”

  “He was helping one of our clients with a…sticky situation.”

  “Is he your fixer now?”

  “Not in a formal sense.”

  “Well, if he’s not in your office regularly, then that makes the security system doubly important.” Looking around, he shook his head. “I should’ve done this before we left. Gerald told me about the threats, and I ought to have been more proactive.”

  “It’s not up to you, Chase. It’s up to me.”

  “It’s up to us. Those flimsy locks on your office doors are a joke, and the parking situation is completely unsafe.” Feeling her pull away, he relaxed his hold and studied her face. “I think I met the woman who has been threatening you on the day I stopped by with the cookies. She mentioned your name, and I should’ve done something about it.”