Someone Like You (14 page)

“You've never had sex in the back of a limo?” His eyes twinkled as one hand threaded through her hair and the other slid down to squeeze her ass. “Damn, sweetheart, you're missing out.”

“I know. But I'm not having sex with you tonight,” she said.

“Because we're in a town car instead of a limo? Snob.”

She laughed again but said, “Seriously, Pierce. I'm tempted. I am. But I won't. I just . . .” No way was she going to apologize for not wanting to sleep with him on their second date. But she felt awkward saying the words all the same.

“Hey, Abby. It's fine. You're not comfortable with that, and that's fine.” His smile gentled along with his caresses. His hands, which had roamed feverishly a few minutes before, now moved up and down her arms in softer strokes. “It's weird . . . you make me want to show you things, tell you things . . . I don't know why, but I do.” He dropped a featherlight kiss on her lips. “Maybe it's because you're so nice. Maybe it's because you're a good listener. Maybe it's because you're beautiful. All I know is, I want to . . . unravel you.” Another kiss, lingering longer this time. “I want to loosen up those ties you have wrapped so tight around yourself. Make you laugh, make the light come into your eyes and stay. To make you believe . . . and, yes, make you moan my name.” His hand slipped under her chin to caress her, and she swallowed a gasp at how electric and powerful the contact was. The warmth of his large hand and the look in his eyes—both were scorching. He shook his head and said, “I just met you a few days ago . . . I shouldn't want you this much, right?”

“I have no idea,” she breathed. He seemed so earnest, but she shook her head slowly and said, “I want you, too, I won't deny it. But it's not going to happen tonight.”

“No means no. I'm fine with that. I just . . . I'm rambling a little.” With a growl, he held her tight and kissed her lips once more before pulling back. “Damn, Abby. I could kiss you for hours.” He shot her an easy grin as he shifted, moving her into the crook of his arm against his side. “But I'm not the big bad wolf you think I am.”

“I don't think you're a big wolf,” she said coyly.

Pierce snorted. “Um, hello. You left out the ‘bad.'”

Her return grin was wicked. “I know I did.”

“Ha!” He threw back his head and laughed.

She smiled at him. Her radiant smile was both sweet and alluring. Genuine. It made his heart give a little clench.

“God, you're beautiful,” he said. He reached up to caress her cheek. “I don't want to stop staring at you, much less stop touching you.”

She smiled again, and he thought she was flattered. But she said, “You're smooth, I'll give you that.”

That hit him like a gut punch. He stilled. “Abby, I was serious. I meant it. I'm not trying to be smooth.”

“That's the scary part,” she said. “You just
are
.”

“No. No, I'm not.” Pierce shook his head and stared into her eyes. Sometimes the things she pointed out struck him like physical blows. But with her, it only made him more determined. “I . . . Abby, somehow I'm going to make you see I'm not ‘that guy.' Yes, I used to be. But I'm not anymore. Give me a shot.”

Abby blinked, obviously taken off guard by his open declaration.

“I'm sticking around, you know. I'm going to move back to New York.” Pierce stole a kiss, sucking on her bottom lip for a second before pulling away. “And I'd like to get to know you better. Go on dates. See what happens.” He pulled back enough to look at her, hoping she'd see the truth in his eyes. “I'm not playing a game here. I just like you. Can't you believe that? Believe
me?
”

She looked at him with a mixture of hesitation and desire that made him want to grab her, but he waited for her answer. “I don't know,” she said. “But . . . I want to.”

He kissed her again, this time deep and hot. No mercy. His tongue plundered and tasted, devouring. His fingers ran through her silky hair, cradling her head. She arched to press closer to him, and he didn't stop ravishing her until she quivered and whimpered into his mouth. That was fast becoming his new favorite sound. “Abby . . .” he murmured against her lips. “There's serious chemistry. Combustible attraction. But it's more than that. It is for me, anyway. You're interesting. You're this . . . you're a lot of tangled up contradictions, and it fascinates me.” He watched her eyes widen a little at his words. “Something's going on here. Let's find out what it is.”

It seemed like she was processing his words; things shifted in her stormy-ocean eyes, he could see it. He trailed a fingertip along her cheek, pushing a lock of her hair back from her face, and looked deeper, searching for clues. He saw desire, yes, but it was still mostly apprehension, and even a hint of fear. Something pinged in his chest, almost protective. He'd never wanted to prove himself to a woman before. Never felt he had to. But Abby was different, and when it came to her . . . he
felt
different. “My life has changed,” he murmured. “I've changed too. I'm not the guy you read about. Give me a chance.”

Abby pulled back. She searched his gaze, intense and locked with hers. He seemed so sincere. Deep down, she sensed that though they were so different on the surface . . . in some ways, they were more alike than she'd thought. That he was as guarded and wounded as she was. That they were both not in control of their lives just then, and they were both struggling with that. That maybe he recognized that too, along with other things in her he respected. That, and he needed something, wanted something more . . .

And maybe he really was simply interested in her. Imagine that.

Looking at him now, as he stayed silent while touching the ends of her hair, she honestly didn't think he was playing her. Then again, she hadn't thought Ewan was either. Her crappy judgment of men had always—

Dammit, Abby, stop that,
her inner voice demanded
. Stop! He's not Ewan. Don't punish him for Ewan's sins. Leave that behind. Fresh starts need STARTS. Just be brave, suck it up, and take a step.

Pierce was waiting for her response. She saw lust in his eyes, yes. But it wasn't just physical desire for her she saw. It was earnestness. It was that, as he'd said, she truly interested him. It was the desire to change her opinion of him.

She could take things slowly. Get to know him. Hey, at least he was local, something Ewan never had been and used to his advantage in deceiving her.

Pierce hadn't proposed marriage. He just wanted to date her. To try.

She took a deep, calming breath. “Okay,” she whispered. “I'll do it. I'll try a few dates, see how things go.”

His smile could have lit up the night. “Fantastic.”

“Kiss me again,” she whispered, touching his cheek. She took her time dragging her fingers across his soft, full lips, looking into his eyes. “Just kiss me all the way home.”

Chapter Twelve

The first week of October didn't bring cooler weather; it was still in the seventies, and the kids were working up a good sweat at practice. Abby watched from the side as Pierce went through a new kind of drill with them. As he ran around a line of orange cones, darting in and out and around them while dribbling the ball effortlessly, she admired him. She loved watching him. He was so talented, so skilled; it was a pleasure to watch indisputable mastery in motion.

They'd seen each other for a few hours on Sunday afternoon, at practice on Monday evening, and now again at practice tonight. He'd sent a Good Morning text every day, and a quick Hello text every night. She had to admit to herself, she liked that; he was showing her he'd thought about her, but wasn't texting or calling constantly and acting like a stalker. It was just the right amount of contact for her, charming and in her comfort level. She felt her shields lowering for him, a little more each day.

All week, Abby had felt . . . brighter. Like a brighter, sunnier version of herself, not letting the little things get to her as much as they usually did, feeling light of heart and . . .
light of heart?
She cringed at her own flowery thoughts. Oh God, yup, she was hooked all right. But she didn't have to let him know that. Not yet, anyway.

He jogged up beside her, sweat running down the sides of his chiseled face, and leaned down to grasp his water bottle. “Hey, Coach.” With a flirty wink, he drank down some water then dropped the bottle to the grass again. “They're getting it. Slowly, but they're getting it.”

“Are you kidding?” She looked out at the boys as they dribbled the ball and passed to each other and fooled around a bit. “This is not the same team I had two weeks ago. This team has improved so much. Because of you, Pierce. You know that, right?”

His pleased smile lit up his whole face. “Dying to kiss you right now.”

She blushed and whispered hotly, “Not in front of the boys!”

He laughed, his eyes twinkling. “I won't, I promise. I really want to, though.”

“Walk me to my car after practice, and I'll let you.”

“I'll take you up on that.”

A short time later, when the sky had grown dark and all the boys had gone off with their parents, Pierce pressed Abby up against her car and laid a deep, searing kiss on her that made her toes curl. She melted into his arms, pressed herself against him, and let him ravage her mouth without mercy. Her arms snaked around his neck, holding him close as she kissed him back. It was like wildfire, hot and fierce and out of control fast, an urgent dance of lips and tongue, burning them both up in a blaze.

“Christ, Abby . . .” he whispered gruffly against her mouth. “You don't know what you do to me. I want you so bad right now. I'm ready to take you on the hood of your car.”

A shudder went through her whole body. The desire that rushed through her, and the dampness between her legs, were overwhelming. God, when he talked like that . . . “Have you ever done that?” she whispered curiously.

He pulled back enough to look into her eyes. “What? Had sex on the hood of a car? No.” He grinned, kissed her again, then bit down very gently on her bottom lip, making her shiver in his arms. “But I've had sex
in
a car. And outside. Have you?”

“In a car? Or outside?” she repeated, flabbergasted. “No! No way!”

“You're such a good girl. . . .” His grin turned wolfish as he purred, “Just added car sex and outdoors sex to my list of things I want to do with you.” His mouth crushed hers in another passionate kiss, his tongue tangling with hers. Battered with sensations, she felt reckless, wild. He made her wild with desire, and she didn't recognize herself when she was in his arms.

His hands slid down her sides as he pulled her closer, pressing her hips into him. She could feel his erection through his track pants as he leaned into her, hard and big. Oh damn, he was big. She gasped at the feel of him, and it occurred to her that between how big he was, and how long it had been since she'd had sex, she might be in a bit of trouble. A shocked giggle bubbled out of her at her own thoughts.

“That was a naughty sound,” he said, looking at her quizzically. “What are you giggling about?”

“Nothing,” she said, even as a telltale blush crept into her face.

“Oh, look at you. I call bullshit.” His voice was tinged with laughter. “Tell me!”

“Nope. Nuh-uh. They were dirty, inappropriate thoughts.”

“But those are my favorite kind!”

She snorted out a laugh. “Shut up and kiss me some more.”

They stood there for a few minutes, making out up against her car like desperate teenagers. Soft breezes caressed them, the chirping of the last crickets of the season made music around them, and Abby relished how it felt to be in the arms of a strong, deliciously desirable man who obviously wanted her. She'd forgotten how that felt. The sweetness of it, the heady excitement, the tingles and pulses and heat. It was dizzying.

His hands slipped underneath her zippered hoodie and T-shirt to find skin. As he continued to kiss her, his palms slid up her sides then brushed her breasts, bringing a soft moan from her before he took her breasts in his hands. He fondled them, easing his way beneath the lace to stroke her nipples, making her breath catch. She felt weak against him, her head swirling with desire, and glad the car was at her back to hold her up. His touch drove her insane, with hot need that flared from deep inside.

She needed more. She wanted to touch him too, to really feel that body that had been tempting her from the first day. Her greedy hands slipped under his T-shirt, and finally she got to feel her way up his firm, sinewy torso. Jesus, he had rippled abs, like guys in magazines. She couldn't help but run her hands over them before sliding up to the planes of his smooth, muscular chest. When her fingers brushed over his nipples, he groaned from deep in his throat and pressed his erection harder against her hips, rocking against her with carnal need.

“This is getting dangerous,” he whispered roughly. “I want you too much. I want you right here, right now.”

“No, we can't,” she breathed, even as her hands roamed and her body throbbed and pulsed with need. “Not here.”

“I know.” He rocked against her again, rubbing his hard length against her, making her so wet she was almost embarrassed by it. “I know. We won't. But damn . . .” His hot mouth trailed along her neck, then back to her ear, his hands never ceasing their exploration of her body. She could feel herself trembling beneath his fingers. His breath warm, his mouth nibbling, his voice sensual, he whispered in her ear, “Tell me you want me, too.”

Her legs wobbled and she clutched at his shoulders. The motion lifted his shirt up much farther, exposing his flesh to the night air. “You know I do.”

“Say it,” he demanded in that husky whisper, licking at her neck, stroking her pebbled nipples as he held her up. “Say the words, Abby. I want to hear you tell me you want me, too.”

“Oh God,” she whimpered, overcome. Her head was spinning and she could barely breathe. “I do, I want you, too. So much.”

He grasped her face and kissed her mouth hard, an explosion of lust that sent powerful new waves of sensation through her. Her nails dug into the warm, solid flesh of his shoulders as they kissed, their mouths urgent and demanding as their hands groped feverishly at each other . . . suddenly there were bright lights shining on them, making them jump apart. Someone had turned their car's lights on in the parking lot, and they were exposed as could be.

“Oh my God,” Abby gasped in horror, pulling her shirt down before hiding her face in Pierce's shoulder. He put his arms around her and buried his face in her hair, but he was shaking. Trembling from lust only seconds before, it took Abby a few more seconds to realize he was shaking with laughter. As the car pulled out of the lot, leaving them in darkness again, they laughed together.

“Jesus, what timing . . .” Pierce cupped her face in his hands and kissed her softly.

She grinned and shrugged. The passion had cooled; the lights on them had had the effect of a bucket of cold water. “Maybe it's for the best. I should get going,” she said, regretting it even as she said it. “I have school in the morning.”

“That's not 'til morning. . . .” He kissed her again, long and hungry. His fingers dug into her hips and pulled her close again.

Abby moaned and swayed against him. Every fiber in her body wanted to throw her schedule to the wind and go with him. Go somewhere, anywhere, with him and have wild jungle sex all night long. But that just wasn't how she did things. With a soft push against his chest, she moved back. “I can't. Not tonight. I just can't.”

He nodded as he sighed, letting his forehead drop against hers. Then he smiled and brushed his lips against hers, tender and soft. “Tomorrow's Friday,” he said. “Go out with me? Dinner? And then . . . maybe more?” He kissed her again and whispered, “I just want to go somewhere and be alone with you. I'm not trying to pressure you. I'm just laying it out openly. I want you, Abby.”

She shivered, knowing damn well she wanted him, too. “I can't. I'm watching Dylan. I promised him I'd take him to the movies. I mean, you can come with us if you want, but I can't go out with you. Sorry.”

“I understand. Thanks, but I'll take a rain check on the movies. So . . . how about after the game on Saturday? Are you free Saturday night?”

“Yes, I am. Fiona's only working the day shift. I'll be free . . . all night.”

He whispered into her ear, “Plenty of time for me to make love to you all night, then bring you home on Sunday, don't you think?”

God, when he talked like that! “You're killing me,” she whispered back.

“I'm trying . . .” He kissed her again and peered into her eyes. “Tomorrow night, you be the kick-ass auntie that you are. But Saturday night, I want to be with you, Abby. If that's what you want too.” His hands rubbed up and down her arms. “I'm telling you that flat-out so you can think about what you want. And, you know, write it into your planner. Or onto your clipboard. Whichever makes you feel better.”

She pinched his arm as hard as she could, and he yelped, but they laughed together. “You goddamn smart-ass,” she sputtered.

“Hey, I know you don't like to fly without a net.” His voice was soft, earnest, making her go still. He smoothed back her hair from her face. “I'm just thinking if I tell you what I'm hoping will happen, giving you prep time to think it over, maybe you'd be more relaxed about it, right?”

She gaped at him. He wasn't mocking her; he was trying make her feel comfortable with him, doing things her way, letting her make the choice and do some planning. Out of respect for who she was. And, she realized as she looked into his eyes, out of something . . . tender. He didn't just want to bed her, he really liked her. Her heart squeezed as she moved in to kiss his lips, and whispered against them, “You're pretty great, you know that?”

“Sometimes. But it's nice to hear you think so. I wasn't totally sure.”

“I definitely think so.” She looked into his eyes and let her fingertips play along his cheekbones, his scruffy jaw. “If I decide yes, that I'm . . . staying . . . I'll bring a toothbrush, and a bag. So either way, I'm leaving you in charge of buying condoms. Okay?”

He grinned, a steamy mixture of reverence and heat in his eyes. “I love when you call the shots. And even when you plan like that.” He nuzzled her neck. “I think it turns me on even more.” With a kiss behind her ear, he whispered, “Does that mean you'll write me into the planner in red ink? Your red ink drives me wild. . . .”

“Shut up before I change my mind.”

“Shutting up, ma'am.”