Stealing His Heart (The Kingston Heat Series) (10 page)

When he pressed his head at her entrance she tensed.

“Relax for me, my sweet Sophie.” He lowered his lips to her ear. “I’ll never hurt you.”

She closed her eyes, inhaled, and waited for him to slip inside her. He took it slow, easing his way inside her, shifting his hips every so often to get deeper. “You’re so tight.”

“Sorry.” She exhaled as she gripped his shoulder.

“Don’t apologize.” With a quick thrust they were one. “It’s fantastic.”

He propped himself up with his forearm as he slid his other hand under her backside. As he rocked into her, he pressed against her ass, causing her hips to rotate in time with his thrusts. She’d never experienced so much pleasure. She was still reeling from the first orgasm when another strong wave of desire hit her. She jolted with each pass of his cock. The more he gave, the more she wanted.

“Pax… I’m… Again.”

“That’s my girl.” He sat back on his heels, taking her with him. His strength knew no bounds. “You’re beautiful when you come.”

She draped her arms around his neck as he gripped her hips. Looking down between them, she watched as he disappeared inside her. He slowed their rhythm, taking his time with each upward motion. She let go, climaxing softer than before. This orgasm was more reserved, but no less spectacular.

He tangled his fingers in her hair and kissed her heard on the mouth as he empted into the condom. He continued to move in and out of her until he was finished. “Don’t move.” He held her tight against his chest. “I want to stay with you.”

His heart beat hard, and his breathing was fast and labored. He released the hold of her hair and smoothed it out before kissing her. “That was really hot.”

“You’re really good at it.” She traced her finger over his lips.

“Back at you, babe.” He smirked. “Real good.”

* * * *

“Are you okay?” Pax asked as he made his way back from the bathroom. He crawled into bed, feeling an overwhelming need to hold her. He leaned against the headboard, guiding her between his legs. He wasn’t much of a post-sex talker. Most times he didn’t stick around for any conversation but this time it was different. Of course it would be. He’d never had sex with Sophia before.

“A little cold.” She pulled the comforter up over her as she rested against him.

“That’s not what I meant.” He wrapped his arms around her to help warm her. “I want to make sure you’re okay with what we just did.”

“I’m better than okay.” She placed her hands over his. “Being with you was perfect.”

“I feel the same way.” He kissed the top of her head, breathing in her sweet scent. “I just want to make sure you don’t have any regrets.”

“Does any woman ever regret being with you?”

“I don’t care about just any woman. I care about you.” He hoped she’d realized that by now.

“How do you suppose that happened?” She interlocked their fingers. “Not that I’m complaining, but why me?”

“Are you serious?”

She shrugged as she tensed. She’d told him about that bastard in college who had hurt and humiliated her. With Pax’s reputation, how could she not think he would do the same thing her first boyfriend had?

He tilted her chin so he could look at her face. “I’m not real good at feelings, so I may screw this up.” He took a breath, hoping he could express what he felt for her. “I meant what I said earlier. Being on the road is tough, but knowing you’ll be here when I get home makes things easier.”

“I’m glad you’re on a ten day home stand.”

“I want us to spend as much of it together as we can.” Her work schedule and the demands of his games, workouts, and commitments would be tough but he wanted to get to know her better. “I have a lot going on, but the good news is I’ll be in the same town as you.”

“I’m afraid I could get used to that.”

“Good, because after October, sugar, I’m all yours all the time.”

“You may get tired of me by then.” She rolled over and straddled him. “I know you’re not used to being exclusive.”

She put up the barrier because she was scared. It would be his job to convince her he was serious about the two of them.

“You’re going to have to trust me. I know the last guy left a bad impression but I’m not him.”

“In my heart I know that. My head’s having a harder time catching up.”

“Go with the heart, baby. I already know mine won’t steer me wrong when it comes to us.”

He gazed up at her pert breasts, taking in her flawless skin. Resting his hands on her hips, he moved her over his erection. She slipped her bottom lip between her teeth when his cock brushed along her slit.

“Come here,” he whispered. “Let me show you what I want.”

She lowered her face to his, resting her forearms on either side of his shoulders. Her brown eyes widened with anticipation as he twisted his fingers in her hair and pulled her closer to his face.

“I want to be exclusive with you.” He swept his mouth across hers. “I don’t want anyone else to touch you.” He rolled her onto her back and rested on top of her. “I want to be the only one who calls you his.” He roughly claimed her lips. “I want you to be mine and only mine.”

“I want that.” She wrapped her legs around his waist as she gripped his shoulders. “I want to be yours, but you have to be mine.”

Done.

“I’m not real good at this relationship thing.” He stared into her eyes. There had never been a reason for him to make a commitment. No woman had ever interested him enough to settle down. When he looked at Sophia, he knew he’d never be able to tolerate anyone else having her. She belonged to him. Her mind, her body, and her soul were all his. She’d given it willingly. “But that’s because I’ve never tried it. I’ve never wanted to before now.”

“I’m not real successful at it either.” He detected the vulnerability in her voice.

“I’m not going to hurt you.”

“You don’t have to promise things like that.”

“I’ll prove it to you.” He reached for the foil packet on the nightstand. “I need you right now.”

“I’m all yours.”

Maybe it was the other way around. Maybe it was the hold she’d had on him. He’d surrendered that night in the parking lot. There could never be anyone else now.

Chapter 11

Sophia and Pax went for an early morning run. As they ran, she thought about the night before. It had been one of the best of her life. Waking up in his arms made her feel secure and wanted. Her self-imposed hiatus from relationships was over, and she couldn’t have been happier to end the streak with Pax.

“Hey!” Pax chased after her as she ran up his porch steps. “Where’s the fire?”

“Don’t tell me you can’t keep up with me?” She turned and placed her hands on her hips. “I thought I was slowing you down.”

“You’re a distance runner, that’s for sure. I’m a sprinter. I just need to make it from base to base, and in case you haven’t noticed, there’s a reason why most pitchers bat at the bottom of the lineup.”

“Why is that?”

“Because we can’t hit.”

“That’s not always true. Didn’t you have your best hitting streak last season?”

“How did you know that?” He lifted her up and spun her around.

“My dad told me.”

“And he’s probably wondering why I’m not hitting this season.” He rolled his eyes.

“Kind of.” She giggled.

“Let him know I’m working on it with a new hitting coach.” He placed her on the porch. “Your father is a tough old man.”

“Tell me about it.” She took his hand and he opened the front door. “You should have seen his face when I told him I was spending the night here.”

“Uh-oh. Am I in trouble?” He sat down on the foyer bench and kicked off his running shoes. “He’s not going to come after me or anything, is he?”

“Nah.” She sat down next to him. “I’m an adult. He’s just old-school and used to treating me like his baby. My mother always sets him straight.”

“So, she’s on my side?”

“Yes, unless you miss dinner tomorrow night.”

“Dinner?”

“My mother wanted me to invite you for dinner. I told her you might be busy after the game, but she insisted I ask anyway. Don’t feel obligated.”

“I want to come over. I loved your mom’s cooking.”

“She’ll be happy to hear that.” She kissed his cheek, but when she went to pull away, he reached for her and stared into her eyes. “What?”

“I want to do this.” He took her face between his hands and kissed her, slow and tender.

“You can do that anytime you want.”

“I plan to.” He sported a playful grin. “Why don’t we grab some breakfast, and then I need to shower and get ready for the photo shoot. Kenny will be here in about two hours.”

“For the car dealer?”

“I’m their new spokesperson.”

“That’s cool.”

“Endorsements are important.” He let go of her face. “I think the owner is going to be real happy I’m seeing you.”

“Me? He doesn’t even know me.”

“They told my agent they were afraid to sign me because I have a colorful social life. They reluctantly took me on because...well, my record on the field speaks for itself. I’ll sell cars.”

“They’d be stupid not to have signed you.”

“You may be biased.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “My agent had to promise I wouldn’t do anything crazy or get myself into any trouble.”

“You went and found yourself a girlfriend. People may think that’s crazy.”

“The press will just move on and leave me alone. They’ll look for the next wild, bachelor rookie.”

“Are you sad to give up that title?” She laughed. “You were pretty good at it.”

“Sad?” He stood and pulled her up off the bench. “Sugar, I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.”

“Me either.” She hugged him. “I know I’ve been insecure with you, but it just took me a bit to catch up. You’ve done everything right. “

“Good.” He kissed her before leading her to the kitchen. “I have a game tonight and tomorrow afternoon but tell your mama I’d love to join you for dinner.”

“She’ll be thrilled.”

Sophia watched as Pax unloaded the refrigerator.

“Who does your grocery shopping?”

“What? You don’t think I do it?”

“I know you don’t.”

“You’d be right.” He placed fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, milk, orange juice, and yogurt on the center island of the kitchen. “I have a cleaning service. They come once a week, and they stock my fridge too.”

“Who is going to eat all of that?” She pointed to the food he had retrieved.

“I’m starving.” He pulled a pan out from one of the cabinets. “Between this morning’s run and all of that sex we had last night, I need some protein. It’s a real good thing I’m not pitching for a few days. I don’t think I’d have the energy.”

“You’re the one who woke me at five, remember?”

“I can’t be blamed for that. Do you know how hot you are when you’re naked and cuddled against me? You make these adorable little noises when I touch you.”

She blushed when she remembered how he woke her up. “I’m not used to waking up with a man between my legs.”

“Fuck.” He tugged her toward the back staircase. “Come on.”

“Wait!”

“No.” He picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder “I can’t wait.”

“I thought you were hungry.” Her insides clenched with desire when she realized they were heading to his room. Sex with him should be enjoyed multiple times a day.

“I am, but not for food.”

“What about the photo shoot?” She smacked the back of his thigh as he ran up the steps with her dangling from him. “You’ll be late.”

“I can manage my time.” He tossed her onto his bed. “Let’s get naked.” He tugged his shirt over his head. “Now.”

“Whatever you say, cowboy.”

* * * *

“Will you hurry the hell up,” Kenny shouted from the bottom of the staircase. “What’s taking you so long?”

“I’m coming.” Pax hurried down the steps.

“Why are you running so late?”

“My morning run went longer than expected.” Pax smirked when he thought about what he’d been doing the last few hours. He found it difficult to leave Sophia. “If we leave now, we’ll make it. No worries.”

“What’s gotten in to you? Or should I say who have you gotten into?”

“Don’t go there.” Pax checked himself in the mirror before pushing the alarm code on the key pad. “Let’s go.”

Kenny followed him out and down the steps. “I want to hear about the school teacher.”

Pax stopped before opening the door to Kenny’s new BMW. Pax paid his friend well. Kenny always had a new car to flaunt every two years whether he needed one or not. “How did you know Sophia was a teacher? I never told you anything about her.”

“No, you didn’t.”

Pax wasn’t sure where Kenny’s confrontational attitude came from. They never discussed those kinds of things with each other because they never had serious relationships to talk about.

“Don’t you trust me with your finances?” he asked as he slipped into his car.

“Yeah.” Pax got in and buckled his seat belt. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“I saw the check you wrote for the private school. I wanted to make sure it was all on the up-and-up, so I did some investigating and figured out you made a donation to help fund a new music department. You even got some of your teammates to contribute.”

“You could have just asked me. You didn’t have to investigate anything.”

“When?” He started the engine. “You’re never around.”

“What the hell are you talking about? I’m always with you.”

“Right.” He kept his eyes on the road as he pulled out of the driveway. “They were some pretty expensive panties to get into, weren’t they?”

“Shut up.” Pax hadn’t told Sophia about the donation yet because the owner of the Crushers had promised he’d make sure that was what the school was going to do with the money. He was going to surprise her as soon as he found out if the music department was a go. “I wanted to give back to the community.”

“Yeah, and the jersey you gave her? What was that for?”

“Why is that such a big deal?” Kenny hadn’t liked that Pax had given Soph that jersey, but he didn’t understand why.

“Only the wives and girlfriends of the players wear those jerseys.”