Too Hot to Handle: A Boys of Summer Novel (9 page)

She’d barely unlocked the door of her condo when she was in Jake’s arms. Their need, enhanced by the delay, was overwhelming now, and Nikki met his lips with a sense of urgency as she shrugged out of her dress.

Jake did the same, drinking of her as he tossed his jacket impatiently onto the floor. His shoes and shirt followed, and he scooped her up, one arm bracing her back while the other supported her knees and carried her up the steps.

They continued to tear at their clothes on the way and by the time he made it to her bedroom, Nikki was wearing only her panties and bra. She felt the coolness of her sheets beneath her back and the rough checkered pattern of her cotton blanket as Jake laid her on the bed. His gaze never left her as he unbuckled his pants and chucked them onto a wing chair standing in the corner. Eagerly, his mouth returned to hers, and his hands were everywhere, stroking, caressing.

“Please,” she begged, as she yanked down the straps of her bra and tugged at the clasp. She didn’t think she could wait another minute for skin-to-skin contact. “Oh…please.”

When he unhooked her bra cool air swept across her half-naked body, and she was rewarded when the palm of his warm, rough hand massaged her nipple. Nikki rose, gasping as her whole body responded to his sensual assault.

“I want you so badly,” he whispered as his head lowered and his tongue replaced his hands. “I’m trying to make this good for you. But oh God, Nikki—”

“I know,” she said breathlessly. Feverishly, she reached out and touched his hard-muscled torso. His chest was lightly covered with blond hair, and she touched his nipples, wondering if it had the same effect on him as it did when he touched her.

He sucked in his breath, and she got her answer. But when her hand moved lower, he grabbed her wrist, effectively stopping her.

“Don’t,” he breathed, even as he kicked off his briefs. “I won’t be able to control myself.”

Her gaze moved down, and her eyes widened at the sight of his cock, hard, hot, and ready. He appeared huge to her as he reached for his trousers to get a condom. He saw her expression and smiled reassuringly.

“Don’t worry,” he said softly, obviously sensing her concern. “I will go slow if it kills me.”

“No, please,” Nikki pleaded. “Don’t. I need you now. Just like this.”

She couldn’t help the moan that escaped as he positioned himself between her legs after slipping on the condom. His hands reached for the scrap of lace between her legs and brushed her softly.

She cried out, her legs stiffening as he repeated the motion, teasing her, torturing her as his thumb circled her clitoris. She couldn’t help it; she opened her legs wide and pressed against his hand, wanting, needing everything his body promised. She was so hot, so wet, and her body felt wound as tightly as a knot as his tongue flickered once more over her nipples.

Finally, when she didn’t think she could take another second, he ripped off her panties, and then his mouth was
there,
where she was on fire for him. She cried out, coming off the bed as the orgasm tore through her. She clutched the sheets, completely without inhibition. Her toes curled into the blanket as he entered her suddenly, taking her breath away.

She didn’t think it could get any better, but it did. All of her worries, all of her concerns about his motivation didn’t seem to matter at all. In this moment, all she could feel was the delicious sensation of the orgasm building again as her body expanded to accommodate him. Her skin was slick with his sweat, her pussy wet and welcoming, the pleasure increasing as he withdrew and then thrust into her once more.

Good as his word, he started slowly. She could feel the effort of his restraint, and the realization that she could take him so out of his control was incredibly sexy. Her body quivered, her legs tightened beneath him, and she opened her eyes, panting. Unbelievably, she was on the brink again.

“Oh Jake,” she gasped, pleading. It seemed every cell in her body screamed for release.

He flipped her suddenly, and pulled her up against him. Nikki nearly sobbed in pleasure as he withdrew once more, and then plunged deep inside her. She came almost instantly, crying out when he finally moved more quickly, testing her limits, and then drove repeatedly into her warm, hot wetness. Throwing his head back, he groaned as he penetrated her roughly, his hips driving firmly between her thighs.

“Oh my God,” he said, exhaling in sexual relief as he pumped inside her. “Nikki!” he cried, thrusting one last time before collapsing on top of her.

The room was spinning. As Nikki regained awareness, she felt him turn her over to hold her in his arms. He spooned up against her in what had to be the greatest feeling in the world. Fully sated from their lovemaking, she felt his arm tighten around her waist as they both struggled to catch their breath.

He kissed her neck with a gesture so tender, so different from the frantic need of sex, that she melted completely.

“I have to admit that was incredible,” he said softly, smoothing a lock of hair from her forehead.

Nikki smiled mischievously. “Sorry we didn’t wait?”

Jake chuckled, holding her more closely against him. “Did I seem sorry? In fact,” he glanced down, his hand beginning to explore the soft skin of her belly, “you keep wiggling against me like that and you’re going to get more than you bargained for.”

She felt him beginning to harden again as she turned to face him. “Is that a threat?” she teased, and then caught her breath as his hand captured her breast.

“Nope,” he grinned, making her squirm as he circled her nipple with his thumb. “It’s a promise.”

“Do you keep all of your promises?”

“Yep,” he growled, yanking her beneath him as her startled eyes flew open. “Every last one of them.”

She thought he’d be gone when she woke. After all, Jake was a player, and she knew the rules. So she was stunned when she opened her eyes to a glimpse of morning sunlight and found his arm still wrapped around her waist and one muscular leg intertwined with hers.

A hot blush came to her cheeks as she remembered the sex. They had barely made it in the door before tearing their clothes off, scattering them everywhere. An unwitting smile came to her as she realized how uncharacte
ristic that was, at least for her. She was compulsively neat, preferring to undress in her closet, where she could immediately hang up a suit jacket or toss a shirt into the laundry basket. But not last night.

She had a feeling Jake was the same way, for his clothes were always immaculate, stylish, and devoid of wrinkles. Yet his trousers were on the carpet, his shoes nowhere to be seen, and she vaguely remembered ripping his shirt off just inside the front door.

She was totally charmed.

He was still asleep, so she took the opportunity to run her eyes all over him without scrutiny. He was definitely handsome, not in the almost pretty way that Chase was, but he had a boyish appeal. His blond hair, wrecked from their tussle beneath the sheets, now curled every which way around his face. The disarming blue eyes were closed, and she noticed the thick black lashes that framed them. His nose was elegant, his chin firm and determined, and his mouth…

She couldn’t look at his lips without thinking of all the amazing things he had done to her the night before. He was an expert lover, not surprising given his experience, but the sweetness was something she hadn’t expected. Even now he held her almost possessively, one hand around her waist, the other buried beneath her pillow. She even thought his hands were sexy; roughened and muscular from his sport, they were surprisingly tender as they touched her, aroused her, and brought her to that shattering climax…

His thumb moved and began to caress her, and she realized he was awake. Nikki froze, wondering how long he’d been aware of her perusal. She had her answer when he lifted his head a moment later and gave her a teasing smile.

“Like what you see?” The sheets were wrapped around his waist, covering the lower half of their bodies. But he rose, propped up on an elbow, and began exploring her naked breasts.

“I…We have to get ready.” Nikki felt the embarrassing blush creeping back, and she tried to rise. She hadn’t thought about this part, the morning after. It was one thing last night when crazy passion drove her and she didn’t care about the consequences. It was suddenly very different in the bright morning light to see that million-dollar arm wrapped around her and his hands fondling her nipples.

“Oh no, you don’t.” Without warning, Jake grabbed her and pulled her beneath him. Gasping, Nikki couldn’t move with the weight of his body holding her firmly in place, and Jake lifted her face to his. “Don’t pull away from me now. Talk to me. Tell me what you’re thinking. I know you’re scared.”

“I am not!” Nikki protested, but he was damned close to the truth.

She wasn’t scared. She was terrified.

“Well, okay then.” He gave her a lazy grin and began pressing kisses along her throat.

“Jake, I really think…” But when he circled her nipple with his tongue and then sucked hard, she gasped, sensation rushing through her. Whatever she was about to say was quickly forgotten, and she melted once more into that red-hot haze of sex.

She was aware that he had somehow produced a condom and slipped it on. But he didn’t stop his seduction. This time, he went agonizingly slow, as if memorizing every inch of her body. Surrendering, Nikki closed her eyes, shutting off her thoughts. She was stunned to discover all of the ways he could arouse her: the brush of his fingers in the crease of her thigh, the surprising sensation as he kissed her wrist, the contractions of her muscles deep inside when he stroked her teasingly where she burned.

“You have the most beautiful skin,” he breathed softly, caressing her as if she was something precious. “I could touch you forever.”

Something inside her ached at his words, and she reminded herself not to take him too seriously. He was seducing her; that was all. Where Jake was concerned, there was no forever. She needed to remind herself of that, and as her sister had warned, protect her heart. All he could offer her was what he was doing right now.

It was enough. More than enough.

When he slipped his fingers inside her, she splintered into a thousand pieces. It was so hot, so intense, that it took her a full minute to recover. She was still swimming in that dizzying vortex of sensation when he flipped her onto her side and entered her, surprising her with the position.

Nikki sighed and relaxed back into his arms as he continued to stroke her. This was new for her and utterly enjoyable, for it allowed him access to her body even while he was inside her. To her surprise, he didn’t move, just penetrated her as his hands continue to arouse her. The tension quickly began to build, and when he touched her clitoris, circling it with his clever fingers, she jumped at the unexpected, exquisite pleasure.

“Don’t move,” he breathed softly, kissing the back of her neck. Nikki settled into his embrace, allowing him to do with her whatever he wanted. She was rewarded when he began to stroke her thigh, returning to that sensitive part of her with him still inside her. She could feel the heat of him beneath her buttocks as she writhed, and the strength of him as he held her tightly. This time when she came, she could feel the contractions around his hard cock as she fell apart deliciously beneath him.

“Oh God,” he said as he pumped deep into her, unable to hold back at the sound of her release, and groaned loudly as he climaxed.

Her body was still throbbing when he gently withdrew, and then glanced over her head at the clock.

“Now we really do have to get going,” he grinned, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. “Somehow I don’t think I can tell Pete I was late because I couldn’t tear myself away from you in bed.”

Nikki laughed, admiring his firm body. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

“Do you mind if I shower first?” The little-boy smile was back. As if he hadn’t just driven her out of her mind with one of the greatest orgasms of all time. “I can get out of your hair and give you a little more time.”

“Not at all.” Nikki smiled, sinking back into the covers. “Not at all.”

It seemed so normal to have a man using her bathroom. All of her doubts and fears were hard to remember now in her present state of bliss. As she heard the water run, she climbed out of bed and reached for her robe, which was still hanging neatly in the closet.

Venturing downstairs, she picked up the articles of clothing that decorated her steps and her hallway, nearly giggling at the mess. Instead of her pristine-perfect townhouse, the trail of clothing told the tale of the night that had passed. She’d done it. She’d had a hot date with a dream man, and it was everything she had hoped. Heading back up the stairs, she left his shirt on the bed where he could find it, along with his socks and shoes. Tossing her own clothes on top of the hamper, she made her way back down to the kitchen.

As she retrieved her coffeepot and filled it with water, a sense of utter contentment settled over her.

She had a lover.
And not just any man, but one voted New Jersey’s sexiest bachelor by the local
Tattler.
And instead of preparing coffee for one, she was sharing her morning with an All-Star.

Life didn’t get any better than this.

He appeared a few minutes later dressed in an uncharacte
ristically wrinkled shirt, and grinned as she handed him the steaming mug.

“I didn’t know if you took cream or sugar, so I took out both,” Nikki explained nervously. She wasn’t used to entertaining a man the morning after, especially a man like Jake.

“Of course you did,” he teased, giving her that smile designed to make any red-blooded female melt. “You think of everything. For the record, I’m cream, no sugar.” He gave her a speculative look and fingered a lock of black hair that tumbled against her robe. “You know, I kind of like this. Great coffee. Great girl. You in a robe, all tousled from a night of great sex.”

She felt the blush staining her cheeks and self-consciously smoothed her hair. But he caught her hand and to her surprise, pressed a sweet kiss to her palm.

“Don’t. You look adorable. I see you all buttoned up every day. Now I won’t be able to think of anything but the real you, like this.”

“How do you do that?” She shook her head, but her eyes twinkled in admiration as she sipped her coffee. “How do you always say the perfect thing?”

“That’s easy when it comes to you,” he said, but then he glanced at the clock and sighed. “I really do have to run. You see, we have this new PR rep, and she’s trying to whip us all into shape. I don’t want to create a problem for her by showing up late.”

“Better get going.” She grinned. “I hear she’s a real hard-ass.”

He laughed, and then tipped her face up to his. “So when do we get to go on a real date? You know, other than me crashing in on you when you least expect it?”

That made her laugh. She had to give him credit; the man was persistent. “How about Saturday? The weather is supposed to be gorgeous. We could meet up in Princeton.”

“Saturday…” He seemed evasive. “Does Sunday evening work?”

“Sounds good.” Something rustled inside her, but she ignored it.

“You’re on.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. When the world stopped spinning, he was out the door and gone.

Nikki collapsed against the stove, finally able to draw a breath. This wasn’t a one-night stand; she really and truly did have a lover. She thought of the age-old wisdom, that the first time usually wasn’t the greatest, and then her mind played out the night before like an erotic movie.

One thing she knew for sure: like Prince, she wouldn’t change a thing, not a touch, not a kiss. It had been simply perfect.

She was singing as she took her coffee upstairs. There she saw her delightfully rumpled bed, felt the achy tenderness of her breasts against the cotton terry cloth of her robe. As she ventured into the bathroom to start the shower, she glanced into the mirror and realized she looked like a woman who had been well loved.

Nikki smiled. It was true.

She was still smiling when she got to the executive offices at the ballpark. For some reason, she’d felt compelled to leave her starched white shirt and pearls in the closet. Instead, she had opted for a light blue silk shell under her jacket and a statement necklace. As she saw her reflection in the glass window, she realized she still looked professional, just not as formal.

And more like a woman who’d spent the night tussling under the sheets with a hot guy instead of reading the latest romance novel.

Beneath the suit, she had on a matching set of pale blue French lace lingerie. She could feel the underwire structure of the bra supporting her breasts and the scant scrap of fabric beneath her skirt. She felt pretty and sexy, and almost wished that her date with Jake were tonight instead of Sunday.

Her good mood continued throughout the day. She wrote several new press releases, contacted the local papers, and read up on all the sports sections to see how the media was covering not only the Sonics, but other teams as well. As she expected, the Yankees got much more favorable press than New Jersey. The difference was subtle, such as the choice of adjective when describing a player. Instead of “aggressive,” Ryan Wakeman was “rough.” Cody Jones was mentioned repeatedly as one of the “older” players, whereas members of other teams were called “veterans.” Frowning in thought, she walked to the ladies’ room. While the wigs and the prank story had helped, she needed that subtle shift in consciousness on the part of the reporters.

When she returned to her office, she was surprised to see a young woman sitting there waiting for her. She immediately stood, extending her hand when Nikki entered.

“Hi. I’m Darcy Hamilton. I’m head of Community Outreach.”

“I’m Nikki.” She accepted the gesture, and returned a smile. The name sounded familiar, and she thought someone had mentioned that Darcy was Chase’s girlfriend. The woman before her was young, with light blond hair, blue eyes, and pleasing features. She was dressed casually in a Sonics tee shirt and jeans and when she glanced at Nikki’s suit, she tugged self-consciously at her own garments.

“Sorry. I was working from home and popped by to pick up a few files. I thought we could join forces to coordinate the upcoming charity event. I hope you don’t mind that I waited in your office.”

“Not at all. I was just thinking this morning that we need to change the mindset of the reporters about the Sonics. Something like this goes a long way.”

“I agree.” Darcy nodded. “I noticed that the newspaper stories are much better since you joined us. The team never did much charity work in the past, but some of the players, including Chase, are very interested in giving back to the community.”

“Good news. I was just going to get some coffee. Want some?”

“Sure. I’ll go with you.” Darcy put aside her folders and joined Nikki as they made their way to the cafeteria.

“Who’s that?” Nikki indicated an elderly man who stood outside watching the players. He seemed especially focused on Jake as he stood in the cage for batting practice.

Darcy frowned. “That’s Larry Logan. He has a financial interest in the Yankees and made an offer to Chase last year. I’m not surprised he’s checking out Jake.”

Nikki considered that. “Do you think Jake would want to leave the team?”

“His contract is up this year, and he is an exceptional player.” Darcy shrugged in resignation. “I know the Logans pretty well. I used to house-sit for Lydia Logan, his granddaughter. Larry’s passion is baseball, and he spends most of his free time at the Yankees. He shows up for some of the Sonics games because geographically it’s close, and this team is known for bringing up young talent.”

“I’m surprised Chase didn’t accept,” Nikki mused, handing Darcy the sugar after pouring the coffee.

“He was tempted,” Darcy admitted, and her eyes went to Nikki’s. “I don’t know if you are aware that Chase and I…”

“It’s none of my business,” Nikki said quickly. “I don’t mean to put you on the spot. I was just wondering how he felt about it.”

Darcy smiled. “It’s not like it’s any big secret. Everyone knows Chase introduced me to the management team. John Palmer objected, but Jeffrey hired me because of my organizational skills and connections. Thankfully, I think I’ve proven myself.”

“Yes, I’ve heard you’ve done a great job.” Nikki grinned, sensing a kindred spirit. Apparently, she wasn’t the only one to have a problem with John. In addition, there was a warmth about Darcy that was very appealing, and it would be nice to work with someone who wasn’t fighting her every minute. Maybe she’d even found a friend. “Did you put together that spring training event for the hospital? I heard it was very successful.”

“Thanks.” Darcy blew on the coffee, and then took a cautious sip. “It did do well. We were able to give the hospital a very generous check.”

As they returned to the offices, Nikki saw the older man taking notes and watching Jake carefully. The shortstop was the heart of the team. Nikki wasn’t certain what would happen to the team if Jake left.

Or to her.

It left her more than a little uneasy, to say the least.

Jake strode into her office about an hour before the game. “I miss you already,” he said, his eyes meeting hers as Nikki hung up the phone. They smoldered. “You look gorgeous.”

She melted. The chemistry between them was inescapable; the slightest look, the softest touch, was like tossing a match into a puddle of gasoline. Nikki didn’t understand it, but then she was in his arms and she couldn’t think at all.

“Jake, don’t,” she breathed, but somehow her hands were around his waist. She could feel the hard muscles of his torso as he kissed her, and every sexy thought she’d tried to repress all day rushed to the surface.

“I can’t believe I have to wait until Sunday night to see you,” he growled, his voice rough.

A sense of mischief rose in her and she pulled back, undoing the top button of her blouse, allowing him to see the fringe of lace inside.

“I wore this with you in mind,” she whispered.

If she wanted to set him on fire, she got her wish. His blue eyes flared in response and he yanked her up against him. Nikki knew she should stop him: the mind was willing, but her body hadn’t caught up. Instead, she moved deeper into his embrace, silently encouraging him. His number 11 jersey rubbed her blouse, and she could feel her nipples harden in the lace bra. They still felt deliciously tender from his attention the previous night, and she was chagrined to find she wanted him all over again.

When his erection pressed firmly against her, she realized he was experiencing much the same thing. Like a man tortured, he groaned as his tongue penetrated her mouth in a blatant imitation of what he wanted to do to her body. It made her blood sing, her cells do a little happy dance, and goose bumps jump up on her skin. Desire was beginning to pound, growing more insistent by the moment…

“My God, you are so hot,” Jake said when he finally eased his mouth from hers. “It’s a good thing we don’t work too closely together—I’d have you up on that desk in no time.”

Her blood heated at his naughty suggestion.

“The door locks,” she whispered teasingly.

Apparently, that was all he needed to hear. In two long strides, he was there, sliding the bolt closed. He tested the knob and found that it was secure. Turning back to her, he grabbed the remote for her music system and cranked it up to cover any possible sound.

“I was only kidding,” Nikki tried, but Jake was already lifting her onto her desk. With a sudden gesture, he swept her papers to the side, and then he was between her legs.

“I wasn’t.” He gave her that deadly smile as he undid her hair.