Like the teenagers I teach, a giddy, excited feeling swirls in my gut as I open the door to find Carter smiling back at me. He leans over, plants a lingering kiss on me, then moves past me into my place.
“I didn’t think the game was ever going to end.” He drops his phone and keys in the same spot as last night.
“I know. Nineteen innings are way too many to sit through,” I tease as he grins.
“For sure.” He pulls me to him, kissing me thoroughly before leaning back. “Gunner said to tell you hi and that he’s glad you’ve finally given my sorry ass a chance because I’m more fun to be around now.”
“Gunner?” The name sounds familiar, but I can’t quite place it.
“You really don’t follow the team.” His smile reaches his eyes. “Gunner is the shortstop and always the loudest one in the room. One of the most well-known players around here too.”
“I’ve only watched a few games, but I thought I recognized the name.” They’re all new to me, but I do recall the broadcaster talking about him now.
“I have to tell him that you didn’t know who he is. Hopefully it’ll knock Gunner down a few notches because he’s still giving me shit about you reading during my Coyote debut.”
“Yeah. Sorry not sorry.” I sit on the couch and Carter joins me, the movie still playing.
“Eh. It’s all in good fun. The guys really have given me a warmer welcome than I imagined.”
“Bodie said you’re starting next week against your old team.”
He gives me a puzzled look before nodding. “Yep. It’s not something I’m looking forward to. But it is what it is. Their decision to cut me after my injury was a business decision, so I get it.” He lets out an exaggerated breath before finishing. “It was more the uncertainty of not knowing for sure if I’d play again that sent me reeling. Until the Coyotes called.” He chuckles, “Out of all the teams, it was them. At the time, I thought it was the worst thing ever. Now, I realize I was one lucky bastard to be brought back here.”
I don’t want to read between the lines, but I secretly thank whoever within the organization decided bringing Carter here was a good idea. For his sake and mine.
We settle into what is becoming our comfy position on the couch together as I half-watch the movie. There won’t be an ideal time, so I just go for it. “Bodie wanted me to ask you something. You can say no, though. Of course, you can always say no.”
He reaches up, rubbing his thumb over my lips as he halts my rambling. “Just ask.”
“He wanted to see if you’d be a guest on the podcast he does with his brothers. It’s all about baseball and it was the reason he wanted to go to the game that day. Something to do with atmosphere or something.”
“Yes.” His word halts my second rambling session as I look to him.
“You don’t have to.”
“I know. I want to. He’s important to you. And it’s the least I can do after he talked you into attending that game.”
“Yeah. Apparently, it was like a big deal or something.” I roll my eyes, attempting to brush off how much him doing this for Bodie means to me.
“Best game ever. For more than one reason.” His meaning is clear as he shifts forward, pressing his lips to mine. The kiss starts out soft, patient, but soon becomes intense as I let him guide me back, and we settle against the seat of the sofa. Like it’s the most natural thing in the world, he moves his body over mine. As his hand runs up my thigh, his mouth drops to my neck, his lips vibrating against my skin. “Tell me to stop, Avery.”
“I don’t want you to stop,” I admit. Why this truth frightens me, I’m not sure, but damn, I might cry if he stops. He cannot stop. Not an option.
Spurred on by my response, he presses against me, allowing me to feel exactly how much he’s enjoying this, and it only drives my desire to have more of him. His mouth is everywhere, feverishly devouring my lips, tasting my neck, nipping at my earlobe. When he leans slightly back, we’re of the same mind. Together, we both grip the hem of his T-shirt, lifting it up and over his head before he slings it to the floor. There’s a hungry, determined need in his eyes that lights me up inside. I want nothing more than for him to fulfil whatever it is he’s thinking.
His hand moves under my shirt, and I arch off the couch to allow for him to push the fabric up over my head before tossing it aside to join his on the floor. Carter’s sultry lips travel to my chest, exploring thoroughly as he reaches behind my back. His skillful fingers expertly unclasp my bra in what could be the swiftest, smoothest removal ever. I feel the fabric give way and fall from my chest, immediately replaced by his mouth. His tongue teases my nipple as I lift to him. Damn, is this how it’s really supposed to feel? Because no one has ever touched me like this or made me feel so much. Carter pulls at my desire and makes me crave more. I want his hands and mouth on me everywhere. All at once. The passion he’s ignited is intense.