Penalty: A Bad Boy Sports Romance (Alpha Second Chances Book 3) (4 page)

“Well, I know you really like plants, and I just hoped you still did after all this time. I figured there was an adult way to indulge it somehow.”

“Hold up, back up. Where’d you get that from? I don’t wear vines around my wrist or neck or anything. I don’t wear flowers and leaves in my hair… ”

“You used to be really into gardening. You and your mom sometimes did it together.”

The intoxicating cloud I had been floating on as we walked from place to place, learning and pointing out this tree and that flower, disintegrates, and it feels like there’s a piano poised over my head, hanging by a thread.

I definitely didn’t put anything about my mom and me gardening on Facebook.

I considered putting up a photo of a weird-shaped tomato once, but I decided against it because who cares? Even if the tomato looked like the victim of a nuclear fallout? It’s not that important or interesting.

“Okay, you’re creeping me out, so you better explain yourself.”

He smiles a little, reaching for my hand, and I instinctively pull it away.

He looks a bit hurt by my actions, but what did he expect? I’m seriously weirded out.

He takes a deep breath.

“We used to live near each other at some point. About eight years ago.”

It feels like time stops as my heart pounds loudly while tiny pieces start falling into place.

No way.

“I lived a few doors down, but not far enough that I couldn’t see you guys out there, tending to whatever you were growing. We never met officially, but I recognized you as soon as I saw you that first day of English class.”

I know what he’s saying to me but part of my brain won’t accept it.

“But how can that be? The only guy my age from around that time—his name was Kevin… ”

“My full name is Kevin Abraham Stone. I just go by Abraham now. I dropped my first name not long after I moved out of your neighborhood.”

My mind is reeling, and I realize my chest is heaving pretty obviously, but I don’t care.

You mean to tell me that sitting in front of me is the grown-up version of the boy I crushed on so severely, I dedicated pages and pages of diary space to him?

That boy I regretted never taking the opportunity to introduce myself to is now looking at me with warm green eyes?

The boy who saddened me with his darkness greeted me with pure light as I headed for him and his car for this date?

I don’t even care to acknowledge my last wall crumbling to the ground.

I have so many questions!

I start bombarding him with them before I can stop myself.

His smile is almost blinding as he holds his hands up in mock defense against my verbal missiles, except his smile has less humor than before.

I almost wish we hadn’t brought any of this up because a familiar dark cloud starts to settle over him.

“Okay, to answer a few of those questions—my mom and I moved there after fleeing my childhood home. It was my mom’s attempt to start a new life without my dad. He had been abusive for years, and by that time, she had a restraining order on him and everything, but ultimately neither that piece of paper or moving to a different place saved her from him. He tracked us down and shot her to death while she was out shopping, and once she was… gone, I couldn’t stay there. I went to live with relatives.”

My hand involuntarily reaches for his, covering it, and I only realize I’d made the gesture when relief floods me that he hasn’t pulled his hand away.

I have to shake off the heavy wave of emotion that flooded me during his story to talk again.

“I am so sorry, Abe,” I say.

He shrugs a little.

“Anyway, I was named after my dad, and after he offed my mom, I pretty much didn’t want to have anything to do with him—including answer to the first name we shared.”

My hand squeezes his.

“He’s in jail now—got sentenced to thirty years so he’ll be in there a while.”

I realize he hasn’t met my eyes for some time now.

But then his large hand suddenly squeezes mine back, warm and strong, and then his gorgeous green eyes meet mine again.

“What’s been going on with you?”

It’s almost comical. He says it like we’re friends who got out of touch, like we’re not gripping each other’s hands right now, gazing into each other’s faces.

Like he didn’t just tell me such a horrible thing.

But I indulge him and allow the spotlight shift.

“Well, my mom and I lived there a few more years after you left. She died in my senior year of high school, so I didn’t have to worry about placements or anything—I had planned to head off to college after graduating. I hadn’t decided which offer to accept until she died, actually. Then I knew I had to get out of there—I couldn’t stay around the same place that would remind me too much of her. I had to start anew, somewhere fresh. So I left the state for the first time in my life.”

“Why did you transfer here? It’s still a long way from home.”

“Well, we had an incident at the school I couldn’t quite get over—a small-scale shooting. A disgruntled student opened fire and took out a professor, and a few students got injured. I tried, but after that, I couldn’t really focus like before. Everything felt disrupted, and I just couldn’t stay there anymore.”

“I’m so sorry, Maddy.” His voice is heavy and the genuine regretful tone reaches deep into me, making me uncomfortable.

Again, I feel defenseless against his penetration.

I try to shrug away my emotions as I tear my mind away from the memories and aftermath of that horrible day on campus, and the unstoppable growing desire for the man in front of me—the man who used to be a boy I longed for.

By the time it comes, my smile coasts on short laughter as something else clicks.

“That explains why you’re so… familiar with me,” I say. “From the get-go.”

No doubt he heard my mom calling for me back in those days.

Maddy! Bring the shears.

Maddy, come see this zucchini!

Maddy, come smell this thyme—we’ll use it in the soup tonight.

Kevin, aka Abe the Babe, pretty much only knew me as Maddy—the carefree mama’s girl with a nourishing garden.

Though I only knew him as Kevin back then, I make it a point to never utter that name again.

Poor guy.

I wonder if his dad abused him too?

“What was it?” he suddenly asks. “Your mom, I mean. What… ?”

“Cancer, actually. A particularly sadistic form, it seems. It turned up, then it mysteriously went into remission all by itself, with no treatments or anything. It just started vanishing and was soon gone. Then, despite her change in lifestyle, it returned, and she tried all sorts of alternative methods before succumbing to chemotherapy.” I pause. “I know this will sound silly, but besides the day she died and the day she was buried, the days watching her lose her hair were the worst.”

“It’s not silly at all,” he says gently, his voice deep. “I can imagine being attached to such an extraordinary thing. I remember both of you had really long hair. Exceptionally so.”

“I still do,” I say proudly, momentarily tempted to let it down and show him but I restrain myself.

He smiles, his eyes roving my hidden locks.

“I’d like to see it again someday, in all its glory.”

“Something tells me you will,” I say, grinning.

He stares at me for a few rattling moments before he says, “You know, I had a hell of a crush on you back then. That hasn’t changed, Maddy.”

Did his voice get even deeper?

I feel like I’m burning up as blood surges to the surface of my skin and all sorts of tingles radiate through me.

“I had a hell of a crush on you too,” I say quietly.

The look in his eye changes, and I instinctually know where things are going next.

“How about we get out of here and go somewhere else?” he asks.

I can only nod my agreement.

W
e are holding hands now
, and there has been a definite shift—like something has changed in the universe.

Well, in mine anyway.

How can this be?

In so short a time, Abe and I feel connected, bonded in a way that should take longer to reach, right?

I never really dated before so I don’t know.

As for parental example, my mom never really spoke about my dad—she just said they had a brief relationship, and I popped up.

I’m not even sure if he knows I exist; I suspect I came from a one-night stand.

I’ve read lots of books, but like my mom told me, things are always distorted, right?

Can you really start falling in love with someone so quickly?

Truthfully, it’s our past connection that sealed it—I already opened myself up to him without knowing it a long time ago. And to know he’s that boy I wanted to meet, that boy I wanted to make smile… alarming changes are happening within me, and I welcome them.

I want to make sure Abe stays happy, like he seems now.

I want to be a part of his life.

I shake off my thoughts and concentrate on the moment, except this time, I’m not telling myself he’s probably playing me.

There’s still a chance he is, but considering what he used to be and everything he has gone through, plus everything he told me about our past and the way he is currently gripping my hand… it’s hard to believe now.

I think he’s definitely into me, and I’m definitely into him, whether I want to be or not.

Nothing exists but the two of us floating along the remaining pathways.

As soon as we’re in a more secluded area, Abe pulls me to him and, before I know what’s happening, his mouth is on mine.

If I wasn’t already a goner, I am now as I melt into his kiss.

I don’t really know what I’m doing, but he seems to know, and his tongue explores my mouth in ways that make me squirm and dampens my panties.

Oh, god, what is he doing to me?

I was concerned about eyes on us before, but I could easily see myself letting him take me out here in the open, potential peeping toms be damned.

It doesn’t help that I can feel his hard length against me—a long, stiff organ pressing against me.

I can’t think straight—I only wish to feel his cock inside of me, relieving me of my virginity, moving in and out of my hungry cavern and putting me out of my horny misery.

Gah! What is wrong with me?

When he pulls his lips away, it takes me a few seconds to come back to earth and open my eyes and when I do, his green gaze is still on me, although his eyes seem to have changed color a bit.

I realize his erection is already evidence of desire, but his eyes somehow send the message even clearer.

Once my brain starts fully functioning again, it occurs to me he’s actually on the verge of saying something.

I finally figure out he’s battling himself—wanting to take things further, but trying to be considerate of me.

He knows what I think of him—or thought of him; he doesn’t want me to think he truly is only after one thing.

But god, do I want him.

“Can we go somewhere… more private?” I say, almost not recognizing my own voice in its new huskiness.

I try to let him know with my eyes what I want in case my words and voice aren’t enough.

“Are you sure?” he asks, appearing to understand exactly what I’m really saying, his mouth hanging open in a way that makes me want to cover it with mine again.

I nod and reach my arm up to pull his head toward mine so that we can kiss again.

When I pull away, I take in his beautiful masculine form once more.

He is truly striking—way out of my league.

But despite that, he wants me.

He takes my hand as we continue toward his car, and I don’t bother to ask where he’s taking us.

* * *

W
e pull
up to a hotel about fifteen minutes later, and I flush with embarrassment.

It dawns on me how obvious it will be what we’re up to, and though I’m sure the clerks and other workers are used to having the place frequented for rendezvous, this is all new to me, and I feel like I’m going to be judged.

“Second thoughts?” Abe asks, looking at me intently.

I hesitate, but then I shake my head.

No way in hell I’m letting my inner prude stop me.

“Believe me, I thought about right here in the car—before even leaving the gardens—but you deserve better than that. Plus, I want to take my time. I want to see you completely naked before me. I want to taste every part of you.”

Sold!

I hop out of the car so quickly, I’m sure he’ll be delayed by shock for a few seconds.

I keep my eyes averted as we secure a room, sneaking glances at him—his muscular forearms, the bulge in his pants I’m wondering if everyone can see.

I’m scared and excited, and the moment I start to second guess this whole thing again, Abe grabs my hand.

Such a simple gesture, but it calms me, making me want to melt into him.

I feel so secure, so right with him that I forget my usual insecurities and continue with him toward our room.

I soon realize the part about him tasting me distracted me from acknowledging being completely naked before him, but I remember it as soon as we enter the hotel room, the door closing behind us with a firm shove from him.

Abe sets all the locks, then turns to me with lust-filled eyes and says in a deep voice that makes me even wetter, “Take off your clothes.”

Maddy looks scared again.

I know she wants this, but I want her to be reassured.

“Take them off, or I’ll take them off for you,” I say firmly.

I meant for that to come out differently, but I’m having a major battle here.

I don’t want to frighten her off, but my cock needs to be buried in her warmth sooner than later.

I don’t have time for her shyness if I’m going to do what I promised her and take my time to lick and suck her every part.

She quickly pulls her top off, leaving a black bra, but she wriggles out of her jeans next instead of letting my eyes feast on her naked tits.

She is adorable, and so much more fetching than she obviously thinks.

She seems ashamed of her body, and I’m not sure why.

Her skin glows, her complexion is gorgeous, and she has a body type many would die for.

She is slim and toned, compact and neat and I can’t wait to cover her small perky tits with my mouth.

I know she needs to hear it, so I let her know she’s beautiful.

She just stares at me for a moment, then her eyes look away shyly as she continues undressing.

But instead of pulling the rest of her clothes off, she starts fiddling with her hair, and the anticipation of seeing her tresses released helps me calm down a bit so that I can refrain from tearing her panties off and ripping her bra away.

I soon realize I underestimated her, or else, I never figured watching a woman slowly work on releasing her hair could be such a tease.

I’ve never seen this before.

Girls usually have their hair down already or they quickly pull pins or hair bands away and that’s that.

But here’s my beautiful Madison, painstakingly undoing whatever the hell she did to hide that stunning hair of hers away, and I feel like I’m getting a goddamn strip tease with a lap dance!

How is she doing this to me?

I let out an involuntary groan once her hair escapes and tumbles down in waves and it’s probably the most erotic thing I’ve ever seen.

She closes her eyes and shakes it out as it is released, looking as if she just had a tiny orgasm herself from the simple act of literally letting her hair down.

“You’re gonna pay,” I say, finally grabbing her to me and generously helping her out of her remaining clothes, yanking her bra away and ridding her of her panties in record time.

I pick her up and deposit her on the bed, leaning over her to kiss her, before pulling my shirt off.

She gasps a little, her eyes going to my exposed chest, staring at it in wonder.

She reaches for me, and I let her feel me up a bit before pinning her wrists near her ears and bringing my mouth to her neck.

She moans as I lick and taste her there, arching in a way that makes her nipples graze my chest, sending a zap straight to my dick.

I’m trying to stay in control but it’s getting harder by the second.

I continue nibbling her neck while she lets out exquisite feminine sounds, then I graze her shoulders with my lips before making my way down her chest to her breasts.

I take one in my mouth, sucking and flickering my tongue over her nipple, teasing it a few times with swipes of my tongue before moving to the other to do the same, eliciting more beautiful moans from her.

Then I slowly kiss my way down her abdomen, her body jumping in parts at my slow caresses.

She wants to be a tease? I’ll show her tease.

She’s the one who’s completely naked and vulnerable, and I’ll make sure she knows who’s boss.

I finally reach her pussy and give it a kiss, making her buck, and if that’s how she’s reacting now…

I dart my tongue out to tease her clit, and her moans get more and more desperate as she writhes helplessly on the bed beneath me.

Jesus, she’s so wet, I almost feel bad for continuing to tease her, but I go for it harder and take her pussy lips in my mouth, pulling her petals between my lips, flickering my tongue over her most sensitive parts.

She’s practically crying now, saying “Please” over and over, begging me to put her out of her misery and feed her my hard cock, and I’ve just about reached my own limit.

I take one final moment to slip my finger inside her, and the way she reacts to it forms a question in my mind, but my brain is too fogged with need to really make it out.

She is tight and wet and more than ready for my throbbing meat to fill her.

I start unbuckling and unzipping, and the sound seems to make her eyes pop open as she watches me.

I drop my jeans and underwear, and as I climb back over her, my cock poised just over her slick, welcoming cavern, it strikes me that I’m actually unprepared.

“Oh god, please,” she cries. “Please just do it!”

It takes superhuman strength for me to form one final coherent sentence to reflect my last sensible thought.

“I don’t have… ”

“I’m a virgin!” she practically screams at me, pulling me to her, and it’s enough for me to continue, whether it actually addresses the issue or not.

All I know is my circuits have shorted; my brain no longer works, and I can restrain myself no longer.

Her virginity is the last thing I can take into consideration as I rub my smooth tip on her slick pussy lips, then on her soaked hole, picking up some of her wetness.

She is warm and slick and irresistible, and I place the head of my cock at her entrance, then look into her eyes as I start to push myself inside her, becoming one with her.

The way she grabs onto me dooms me, and I pause midway as she gets used to me and to gather myself.

I really don’t want to hurt her, and I also want to draw this out as long as possible, but the way her extra-tight, wet pussy grips my dick, I’ll have to show her what I’m capable of another time.

I start moving inside her again, sliding my throbbing cock in and out of her as she twists and moans against me, making things even harder to contain.

She is so beautiful and sweet, and so amazing-looking with that extra-long hair of hers fanned out around her, her eyes pleading, her mouth hanging open as it releases soft feminine cries.

I feel like I’m fucking a goddess, and it makes me shove my cock in deeper and ride her a little harder.

The deeper penetration seems to take her by surprise, and her eyes pop a little, her mouth dropping open a little more and making me smile a bit.

I guess she thought I’d already pushed it all the way in.

I rock into her contentedly, massaging her tight insides with my stiff, long cock.

She eventually relaxes again, leaning back and taking my hard thrusts, her pussy flooding more as I drive into it over and over.

“Oh, god, I… ” she begins.

I can feel a tightening in her, and I know what she tried to say; she’s going to come soon.

“I think I… ” she tries again, then she thrusts her pelvis hard while grabbing onto me, and the growing tension inside her body spurs my own orgasm, and I find myself fucking her harder and faster as it sneaks up on me.

Maddy lets out a loud orgasmic cry as her cunt almost snaps my dick off, her body tightening as she comes all over my engorged dick, pulsing and pulsing and pulsing.

I smash into her pussy hard as I come inside her with a deep groan, drawing out my orgasm with a few more strokes before collapsing on top of her, both of us pulsating against each other, throbbing, beating, gasping for breath.

“Maddy, I…”

Don’t you dare, Abe. Way too soon.

“That was amazing,” I finish. “You’re amazing.”

Her slender arms encircle my torso deliciously, my hard chest pressed against her soft breasts, my throbbing cock still buried deep inside her.