Stealing His Heart (The Kingston Heat Series) (14 page)

“Not you.” She settled onto his thighs and cuddled against his chest. “You’re very down-to-earth.”

“I don’t come from money either. When my dad died my mother struggled for many years. She worked two jobs and still managed to keep me playing ball.”

“She raised a really great guy. A very generous one. The places you’ve taken me to eat...and let’s not even talk about the donation you made so I could have a job.”

“I won’t lie, I did that for you. It’s a good thing for the community, but you were my main concern. I made the right decision too.”

“How do you know?”

“After seeing you tonight and what you got those kids to do up on that stage, I was in awe. I still am.”

“You’re really sweet.”

“I’m telling you the truth, Sophie.” He cleared his throat before he spoke again. “I’ve fallen hard for you. I’m not afraid to admit that. I do have a lot of money, and that’s not a secret. It’s also not a secret that I take care of the people I care about.”

She knew that was true. His mother and brothers had a good life because of him. His friend Kenny had a cushy life and a dream job because of Pax. He also took care of all of those kids in Texas. He may have said his contribution was a way to give back but she could see how much that after-school program meant to him.

“I care about you,” he whispered as he reached inside her panties.“So much.” His breath tickled her ear as he caressed her mound. “You waxed.”

“Don’t distract me.” She knew he liked her silky and bare.

“We passed distraction five seconds ago.” He continued to explore her. “You’re at my total mercy.”

“Smug much?” She wouldn’t dare tell him he was right. She’d probably agree to anything he asked.

“We’ll see what the mechanic says about your car.” He traced his finger along her slit which was now coated in her arousal. “If it’s more than the battery you get a new car.”

“Stop teasing me.” She shifted and pushed against his hand.

“Do we have a deal?”

“I didn’t agree to anything.”

“That’s not what I want to hear.” He withdrew his finger. “I can make you come many times tonight. We can start now.” Moving his lips across hers, he skimmed her mouth with his tongue. “I’ll use my mouth to do it once we’re inside. I know how you like to come on my tongue.”

“Yes…” There was nothing more sexy or arousing than when he talked filthy to her.

“Do you want to play right here? You’re so wet.” He swirled his finger inside her entrance. “Do you want me to make you mine over and over again?”

“You know I do.” It wouldn’t take much. She was already unraveling. His voice, his words, and his teasing touch had her in overdrive. “Please…”

“I suppose you agreeing to go away with me will have to be enough for now.” He pushed two fingers inside her heat. “Because the thought of you coming all over my hand is far too tempting.”

She spread her legs as far as she could and moved in time with his thrusts. “I’ll go anywhere with you,” she moaned. “Anywhere…”

“I know, sugar.” He curled his fingers inside her as he swiped her clit with his thumb. “I’ll take you places you’ve never seen. I’ll give you everything. Let me.”

She opened her mouth to agree, but all that came out was a breathy pant.

He sought out her lips as he continued to pump his fingers. The faster his pace, the harder he kissed her, biting and sucking on her lips. They’d be swollen and her insides would be sore after the night was over, but that was always a sign their intimacy had been marvelous.

“Pax…” Her leg muscles tensed as she eagerly kissed him back. Rocking her hips into his hand, she cried out his name again and again until finally he suppressed the fire inside her.

“That’s one.” He withdrew his fingers and brought them to his mouth. “Now I want to taste you.”

She placed her hand over his and slowly pressed his fingers into his mouth. “Good?” she asked as he licked his fingers.

“Delicious, but not nearly enough.” He pushed his face against hers, trapping his hand between them. He darted his tongue out, seeking hers. She gave him what he wanted and in the process she tasted herself on his fingers. “Let’s get inside and get you naked.”

“Cowboy.” She licked his lips.

“Yeah, sugar?”

“I’d like to do some tasting of my own in the foyer.” She moved her palm over his cock as she licked her lips. “I want to blow your mind.”

“What are we waiting for?”

Chapter 15

With Pax’s busy schedule and engagements June seemed to fly by. Sophia had come on the road with him for almost the entire month, and he couldn’t have been happier to have her by his side. He’d gotten used to her sitting behind home plate and was proud to have her on his arm at team parties and charity functions.

He watched as she laughed and chatted with some of the other team members’ wives and girlfriends. In the past few weeks she’d gotten friendly with some of them. Pax was glad to see her form some friendships with women who understood the life of being with a ballplayer. It was good for her to have girls to talk to because this life wasn’t always easy. He enjoyed having her on the road with him. He wasn’t sure how he’d managed to do it without her, but now that he knew what it was like to have her with him he never wanted to go back to the way things were before he had found her.

“She is a beautiful woman,” Nic said as he pulled up the barstool next to Pax. “You’re a lucky man.”

“I won’t argue that.” Pax took a sip from his beer as he continued to stare at her.

Her hair was pulled into a low ponytail that hung halfway down her back. She wore a black tank top and low-fitting jeans that accentuated her hips. A small sliver of skin peeked out, revealing her belly button. Her silky skin reflected a bronze, sun-kissed glow. The longer he stared at her, the harder it was to stay away from her.

He wanted to give her some girl time. Many of the hotels they stayed at accommodated them when they had asked for privacy away from the general public. Pax and Sophia had agreed they hadn’t wanted to stay long. Just enough to mingle for a bit, but then they wanted to get back and spend a quiet night in their suite alone.

“The guys in the clubhouse can’t believe you’ve lasted as long as you have with her. This is some kind of record.”

“Maybe you hens should stay out of my business.”

“Don’t be that way.” Nic swirled his vodka. “Seeing you with Sophia gives me hope.”

“You? Seriously?”

“What? You think you’re the only wild stallion who can be tamed? Maybe I’m looking to have the same girl in my bed on and off the road. I’m growing tired of the game.”

“I hear you. I was feeling the same way, then I met Sophia and it all changed.”

“Are you kidding?” Kenny said as he took the stool on Pax’s other side. “You were looking to get inside her panties. Don’t try and rewrite history.”

“Hey,” Pax said. “Where have you been?”

“Occupied.” He took a long pull from his beer. “The ball girl.”

“From the opposing team?” Nic laughed. “Traitor.”

“You would have done the same if you had your chance. Both of you.”

“Maybe me,” Nic said. “Not Pax. It’s serious with him and the lovely Sophia.”

“Right.” Kenny nodded but he didn’t look convinced. “For now.”

“What the hell is your problem?” Pax had thought Kenny’s disbelief over him settling down with Sophia had ended when he had rejected Carla. “You just got laid. You should be in a good mood. Not focused on my love life.”

“Love life? Is that what we’re calling it these days?” Kenny looked at Nic. “Do you believe this guy? He’s having the best season of his career. He’s starting in the All-Star Game and will probably be a shoo-in for the most prestigious award any pitcher can receive.”

“Ah, yes,” Nic agreed. “The Cy Young Award.”

“That’s just speculation.” Pax didn’t like to think about stuff like that. He had to maintain control and focus and finish out the season. “Anything can happen.”

“My point.” Kenny chugged his beer. “You’re on fire. Now is not the time to blow your career on a piece of—”

“Stop being a dick,” Pax cut him off. “Why don’t you give Sophie a chance?”

“When would I have the time to do that? You two are constantly cooped up in your hotel room when you’re not on the field, and when you’re home you’re at her parents’ house or your place. No one ever sees you.”

“He’s in love,” Nic said. “That’s what new love is all about.”

“What?” Pax practically spit out his beer. If he was in love he’d never said it out loud and he wasn’t prepared to admit it in front of Kenny. Not with his bad attitude. “I’m in a relationship. Let’s not label it.”

“See,” Kenny said. “I knew it wasn’t serious. He isn’t in love. God, man, I thought I’d lost you.”

“Don’t disappoint me.” Nic glanced in Sophia’s direction. “If you aren’t in love with that Greek beauty, you need your head examined. She’s been by your side all summer. She took a chance on you. Given what she probably knew about your past you’re lucky she didn’t run in the opposite direction. She’s here with you. What else do you need? I see the way you look at her.”

“I don’t know...” What he felt for Sophia was strong. He didn’t think he could function without her. She was his air, his reason for smiling, breathing, living…

Well, fuck me. I’m in love.

“I’ll take the goddess if you don’t want her,” Nic said. “A woman like that should not be tossed to the side. She’s a keeper.”

“She’s mine,” Pax growled.

“Does she have any cousins?” Nic laughed.

“Go find your own woman.”

“I’m trying.”

“If you’ll excuse me. I’m gonna go dance with
my
woman.”

Kenny mumbled something but Pax ignored him. He tried to dismiss it as some weird jealousy thing. He and Kenny had done everything together for years. It had always been the two of them but the ‘Bros before Hoes’ attitude was getting old. His friend would have to realize sooner or later that Pax’s relationship with Sophia was the real deal.

“Hello, ladies.” Pax smiled at the group of women surrounding the only girl he’d ever have eyes for. “Having fun?”

“Hey there,” one of them responded. “Did you come to retrieve your lady?”

“I did indeed.” Pax winked at Sophia. “May I have this dance, sugar?”

“Of course.” She smiled as she took his hand and he assisted her off the high-back barstool.

The women in the small crowd ohh’d and ahh’d as they made their way onto the dance floor.

“What’s that about?” Pax took her hand in his as he wrapped the other around her waist. “They act like they’ve never seen a man ask a woman to dance before.”

“I think it’s the man who’s doing the asking that has them giddy.” She giggled. “They’re all impressed that I’ve managed to keep you interested this long.”

“You’ve got me under some spell, that’s for sure.” When he spun her around she laughed. He could taste the pomegranate martini on her breath when he kissed her. “How many did you have?”

“I’m not drunk.”

“I’m not saying you are.” He pulled her to him, grinning when he thought about those nights when she had one too many. “I just want to know what kind of night I’m gonna have.”

“I’d say a real good one.” She licked her lips.

“Hmm...” He tilted her chin up. “I’m glad you’re having fun. The girls really like you.”

“I like them.” She smiled. “They’re a nice group, and they have lots of advice for me.”

“Uh-oh.” He rolled his eyes. “Maybe you shouldn’t listen to everything they say.”

“Don’t worry,” she said. “They’re very helpful. Dating a professional athlete isn’t easy. It’s nice to be able to talk to women who have been doing this for a while. I like seeing that it can work.”

“I hope I’ve convinced you it can work.”

“You have.” She tightened her hold on him. “This has been the best summer of my life. I’ve seen so many new places. I’ve been to more baseball stadiums than I can count. My dad loves the play-by-plays.”

“I’ll bet.” He spun her around before holding her close and swaying in place. “Is he ready to come to the All-Star Game?” Pax had gotten her parents tickets and a hotel room in New York City.

“The whole town knows he’s going. You’re his new hero.”

“Glad to hear it. I worked hard to gain his respect. If I had known a couple of tickets to the All-Star Game was all it would take...” He winked. “I would have done it sooner.”

“You’ve made him really happy. You’re my hero too.”

“I’ll give you the world. All you have to do is let me.”

“You’ve shown me more than I ever dreamed.” She looked down, stopping her thought process. “Maybe I did have too much to drink. I’m talking too much.”

“Keep going. I like it.” He wanted to hear everything she had to say.

“I’ve been having a great time.” She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him. “Thank you. You’re the best.”

Her gesture warmed his heart.

“I should be thanking you.”

“For what?”

“Taming my heart.” He hugged her as he whispered, “It belongs to you now.”

“That’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.” She looked back up at him. “I’ll keep it safe. I promise.”

“I know you will, darlin’.”

Chapter 16

The summer months always took their toll on Pax. It had been a long season. The heat, the road, and the schedules were getting to him. At least this season he had Sophia with him. She made the demands of his job easier. He looked forward to the time they spent together both at home and on the road. He couldn’t wait until October when things would settle down and they could spend a few months without all of his commitments and grueling schedule. He wouldn’t have to report for spring training until February. He planned on taking her away and getting some much needed rest.

Boston had proven to be a tough competitor. They were down this series and needed to pull off a win tomorrow night if the Crushers wanted to hang on to the first place spot. Things were getting serious now. August would be a crucial month. Many teams were vying for the coveted play-off spot. His team couldn’t get lazy now. There were too many variables, too many wildcards to consider. As long as they kept up the momentum they should be fine, but October was still a long way off.