Stealing His Heart (The Kingston Heat Series) (12 page)

“The surprise?” She’d thought about it all afternoon. “This restaurant is enough. You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“It’s not something physical.” He waited as the waiter placed another round of drinks in front of them. “I bought the house in Kingston to feel a connection with the community. A lot of guys go back to their hometowns in the off-season, and maybe if I hadn’t signed such a long contract or felt as though I could be traded at anytime I may not have wanted to stay. Actually, I wasn’t sure how often I’d return to Kingston once the season ended. The house was a nice investment.”

“Oh.” She tried to hide her disappointment, but she had hoped that once the season was over they’d get to spend some solid time together.

“Now I know I’ll be returning once the season is over.”

“You will?” A flutter of anticipation flowed through her when she thought about being with him without the travel interruptions.

“Do you really think I could stay away?”

“I hoped not.”

“My agent says it’s good for me to give back to the community. Help out when I can.”

“I read about what you’re doing in Texas. Helping all of those underprivileged kids with a place for them to hang out after school. Teaching them organized sports and helping with homework. It’s an amazing program. You should be proud of yourself.”

“I was very fortunate to be a part of that. A lot of people from all of the professional sports are implementing those programs throughout the country. When they approached me to sponsor one in Houston I couldn’t turn it down.”

“You’re doing so much good for the community there.”

“I was presented with an opportunity to do some good here too.”

“That’s great. What is it?”

“That’s where we get back to your surprise.”

“Now I’m really curious.” The fact that he would be living in Kingston on a permanent basis was more than enough of a surprise.

“I donated to your school. You’re getting that music program.” He grinned. “Now you can do what you love.”

“What?”

“After you told me about it I had my agent look into it. The school is breaking grounds academically. They just received funding for a sports program so you don’t need to worry about the PE department riding you.”

“You’re funding the music department?” She didn’t understand what he was saying. “At my school?”

“Not just me. I asked some of the guys over at the clubhouse to contribute too.”

“I can’t believe it.”

“They’re going to tell you tomorrow morning. I wanted you to hear it from me first. I thought tonight would be an appropriate time. Now you’ll never forget our first date.”

“Pax, I don’t know what to say. I can’t believe you did that. Why?”

“I wanted this for you. Your whole face lights up when you talk about those kids. I see it in your eyes. I can hear the passion in your voice. It’s the same for me and baseball. I wanted to give you a chance to see your dream through. I know you’ll make an amazing music teacher. It’s in your blood.”

“Thank you!” She hopped out of her chair and climbed into his lap. “This is the best surprise anyone has ever given me.”

“You’re happy?” He ran his hand though her hair.

“You have no idea. I know this school has potential. It’s only been around a few years, but even with the limited funding they’ve managed such great things. Now with a music department you’ve opened up so many new and exciting opportunities. The kids can play instruments, we could have a children’s choir and teach music theory as part of the curriculum.”

“It sounds like you’ve given this some thought.” He moved his lips to hers. “It’s your passion, Sophie. I see it. The school sees it. They couldn’t say enough fantastic things about you. The director couldn’t thank me enough. They were afraid if they didn’t secure the funding you’d start looking for other employment opportunities. They want you just as much as you want to stay there.”

“Thank you.” She couldn’t help but repeat herself. “This is the best night of my life.”

“I wanted you to be happy, but I also had an ulterior motive. Perhaps a selfish one.”

“What was it?”

“I needed to find away to prove to you that this isn’t a temporary situation for me. I sense you’re having a hard time accepting some of the things I say when it comes to us.”

“It’s not because you’re not doing a good job of convincing me.” She took a deep breath. It was time she start showing him she reciprocated his feelings. “I’ve been guarded.”

“You’ve had good reason.”

“Not really.” She shook her head. “I can’t compare you to the past. You’re nothing like him. You don’t have to convince me anymore. I already know how committed you are to us. I’m right there with you.”

“Glad to hear it, sugar.”

“Kiss me.” She spoke against his warm lips.

“With pleasure.” Twisting his fingers in her hair, he held her close to his face. “This is only the beginning for you.”

“For us,” she whispered.

He nodded just before claiming her lips.

Chapter 13

Sophia heard the pelting against her window as soon as she came into her bedroom. She waited for it to happen again. A few seconds later the tapping sound was obvious. Someone was trying to get her attention. She pulled the curtain back and laughed when she saw him. They weren’t supposed to see one another tonight. He had a game and she’d met with some of the staff for her monthly faculty dinner.

“What are you doing here?” she whispered.

Pax leaned by a huge oak tree and smiled up at her. He curled his finger and summoned for her to join him. She held a finger up, indicating she’d be down in a few seconds. Checking herself in the mirror, she fluffed her hair and applied some lip gloss. She quietly walked down the stairs and through the small kitchen, trying not to wake her parents. They were sound sleepers and on most nights turned in early so she was certain they were out.

When she opened the back door, she found Pax sitting on the wicker loveseat, appearing casual and carefree. He hadn’t pitched tonight. He requested she be in the stands when he did, and she gladly agreed.

“Hey.” She gently closed the door behind her and walked over to him. “Miss me?”

“Maybe.” He reached for her, tossing her into his lap. “The guys dropped me off after we went for some food. I couldn’t unwind so I came over here.”

“Why so restless?” She traced her fingers down his cheek before pressing her lips to him.

“I’m always restless without you.” He ran his hand through her hair. “What am I going to do when I’m in New York?”

“I’ll call you.” She hated to think about him having to leave again. They were just getting into a routine. They felt like a real couple.

“That’s not the same as touching you. I need you in my bed.” He kissed her jaw, working his way down her neck, lingering at her collarbone. “I want you with me.”

“I still have another month of school,” she reminded him. They’d discussed her traveling with him throughout the summer but they hadn’t made any solid plans.

“Have you thought about coming with me on the road?” He slipped the strap of her sundress over her shoulder and placed a soft kiss there. “Some of the guys’ girlfriends come with them.”

“Are you sure you want me around all the time?” She shifted to straddle him. “I might cramp your style.”

“Did you go out like this?” His gaze traveled down her body, totally abandoning their conversation.

“Like what?”

“In this skimpy little dress?” He focused on her breasts as he rested his hands on her thighs. “Don’t you know how tempting you are?”

“Show me.” She nipped at his earlobe. “Do I tempt you?”

“What do you think?” He moved her hand over his erection. “Let’s go back to my house.”

“I can’t wait that long.” She reached for his belt buckle. “I have an early morning meeting and my parents aren’t expecting me to sleep out. I don’t want them to worry.”

“Leave them a note.” He watched as she lowered the zipper on his jeans. “What are you doing?”

“Showing you how tempting you are.” She slide her hand inside his boxer as she slithered down, kneeling in front of him. “Maybe I can help you settle down. Help you get a good night’s sleep,”

“Here?” He looked around. “What about your parents?”

“You don’t strike me as a conservative guy.” She leaned forward and swirled her tongue around the head of his cock. “You seem like the adventurous type.”

“You keep that up and you’ll see how daring I can be.” He slunk back and closed his eyes as she took him into her mouth. “Hell...” he hissed when she grazed his shaft with her teeth.

The few times they’d been together, she learned what he liked. She may not have been experienced in the sex department but Pax proved to be a good teacher.

“Stop,” he moaned.

“Why?” She glanced at him. “My parents won’t come out here.”

“As much as I adore that hot, skilled mouth of yours, I want something else.” He gripped her hips and pulled her into a standing position.

“Anything.” She bit her lip as she waited for him to tell her.

“Let’s take these off.” He reached under her skirt and pulled her panties down her legs. She stepped out of them and kicked them out of the way. “These cowboy boots are what did me in, sugar. We’re leaving them on when we fuck.”

“You’re so dirty.”

“I know my good girl likes a bad boy.” He lifted her skirt, glancing at her bare, exposed pussy. “I’m as bad as they come.”

A chill swept over her when she realized they were going to have sex outside, on her back porch. She’d never done anything like this before. With Pax she wanted to do everything. Pulling out his wallet, he retrieved the purple foil packet. He tossed the brown leather wallet on the ground by her feet before lifting his hips and pushing his jeans and boxers over them.

“Come here.”

She loved when he summoned for her just before they were going to have sex. He had no trouble hiding his raw need for her. There was urgency in his actions. It made her want to do anything he asked.

He took her hand and guided her onto his lap. She looked down between them, admiring his long, thick, and fully erect cock. Soon he’d be inside her. The anticipation was almost painful as she watched him sheath himself in the thin latex.

“Lift up.” He took his length in his hand, holding it at the base as he eased his way inside her.

“Oh...” She tried to bear down on him, but he held her still.

“Slow, baby.” He licked the shell of her ear before whispering, “You need to ease into this. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Like this?” She inched her way down, feeling him as she went. “Slower?” She stopped and waited for his direction. “Tell me how you want it.”

“As long as it’s with you I don’t care.” He pushed the straps of her dress down her arms. “Ride me.”

He lowered his lips to her breasts, licking, sucking, and blowing on them until her nipples were painfully hard. The cool spring air washed over them, causing her to shiver, but not because she was cold. Lust traveled through, hitting her over and over. More, she needed more. Her body screamed for him to free her from her current state of arousal.

Gripping his shoulders for support, she moved up and down in his lap. Each time she thrust downward he met her with a forceful, upward motion. The push-and-pull action brought her closer to her release. Warmth coursed through her, making her flesh hot as her pussy ached for him to fill her.

“Damn,” he moaned against her breasts. “Come for me.” He slipped his hand between them, rubbing his thumb against her clit.

“Whoa.” Her muscles tensed just before she exploded with desire. She wanted to shout out her pleasure but she couldn’t risk being heard. “Pax.” Her voice came out strained and coarse.

“I know, baby.” He kissed her hard and long, and as he grasped her hips tightly, a warm rush of fluid filled the condom. “Don’t move.” He held her close to him. “I need to feel you.”

“Okay.” She managed to breathe out because she didn’t have any intensions of moving anyway.

“I like the cowboy boots, by the way.” He smirked. “But the dress...” He shook his head. “You should only wear that when you’re with me.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so.”

“You’re going to have to do a little better than that, cowboy.”

“I can guarantee that every guy you crossed paths with tonight wanted what I just got.”

She bit her lip and looked down. She’d never considered herself the type of girl guys wanted.

“They fact that you look so freakin’ innocent makes it all the sexier.”

“Maybe I don’t want to be so innocent.”

“I’m sure I’ll find lots of ways to corrupt you, darlin’.” He lifted her off his lap, putting the straps of her dress back over her shoulders. He placed a soft kiss on her lips. “You have no idea just how perfect you are.”

“Stop it.”

“I’m telling the truth. There isn’t a guy out there who wouldn’t be captivated by you. I see it when we’re out. Every single guy on the team wants you. They got early on that I would rip anyone apart who made you locker room fodder.” He removed the condom, tying it off at the end and dropping it down in the grass. “I’ll take that with me.” He pulled up his jeans and buckled his belt. When he was finished putting himself back together, he draped his arm around her. “I wanted you before I knew you.”

“That’s not true.” She giggled as she rested her head on his shoulder. “You found me because I’m clumsy.”

“Yeah, about that...” He looked down at her, stroking her hair. “I guess it’s time to fess up.”

“About what?”

“I sort of staged that.”

“What do you mean?” She turned to face him. “I bumped into you.”

“I made you think that.”

“How?”

“I stepped out just in time for you to collide with me.” He laughed. “I wanted to get close to you.”

“You set me up?” Her eyes widened when she thought back to how awkward she had felt when she thought she had stumbled into him.

He nodded but the amusement over his confession was plastered all over his face.

“Why?”

“You’re pretty hot, and I wanted to talk to you. I thought we’d get together that night but you distracted me. You ran off before I could even get your name. You threw me off my game, babe.”