Steal My Heart (Heroes of Seaside Point, Book 3) Page 7

  He gently removed his fingers and then leaned over her and planted a soft peck to her lips. “Beautiful.”

  She released a soft, satisfied sigh, one that reminded him of a purring kitten after lapping up a bowl full of warm milk.

  And then that kitten morphed into a full-blown tigress with claws bared, tail swishing, and eyes narrowed on her prey.

  As he raised himself back to his knees, she sat up, pushed him to his back, and then straddled his hips.

  “My turn.”

  Her eyes glowed from green to gold as she leaned forward, the red highlights in her hair almost burning his skin as the ends swept the surface of his chest. She lifted herself from his hips, nudged his legs apart with one knee, and then knelt between them.

  “Lexi,” he growled. “Go easy.”

  Her infectious giggle traveled his cock, hardening it impossibly harder. She lowered her head, opened her mouth, and suddenly the tortured muscle caught fire. Poised right over the head, she released a long, hot breath as her lips inched toward her target. He thrust his hips upward, desperate to feel her lips wrapped around him.

  “Uh, uh, uh.” She drew back her mouth. “Patience.”

  He released a long, heavy sigh and dropped his hips to the bed, both insanely aroused and frustrated at the same time. If she kept this up much longer, there’s no way anyone would blame him for his actions. With no other logical choice, he buried his fingers in her hair and held on for dear life.

  Her lips nibbled the length of his cock, first up one side, over the top, and then down the other. A firm nip, just enough to taunt the muscle with extreme pleasure. His cock jumped against her lips, demanding she end the torture. And then finally, with one more long swipe of her tongue over the head, she opened her mouth and drew him inside.

  Her lips locked him in a tight suction. Her tongue continued to caress the ultrasensitive skin of his head. His hips lifted of their own accord.

  Driven by the need to end the madness, he braced himself on his elbows and glanced between his legs. “Suck it, baby.”

  He caught a sparkle in the depths of her eyes and watched as she moved one hand to fist the base of his cock and then squeezed. And then her lips slid up and over his head, then down his length until she met her fist.

  He settled into her rhythm, grateful it was one he would be able to tolerate for a while anyway. Sweat droplets danced at his hairline as her lips continued pulling his cock in the tight vacuum, pushing him closer and closer to the point of no return. And although he had managed to maintain control thus far, all his willpower flew out the window when she moved her hand and swallowed him whole.

  “Sonuvabitch!” he growled.

  Her throat muscles squeezed and pulsed as she continued her assault and he knew for sure that if he didn’t put a stop to it now, he would leave her unsatisfied and that was not an option.

  He reached between his legs and fisted his cock. “Stop, Lexi.”

  Very slowly, she loosened the suction and moved her lips up the muscle until she opened her mouth and released him.

  In half a second, he pinned her on her back and braced himself on his hands above her. “Ladies first.”

  She gave him a sexy smile. “You think?”

  “I know.” He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on her forehead. “Do I need something?”

  “Well, I dunno.” She moved her head to one side. “I’ve heard you’re quite the ladies’ man. Should I be worried?”

  “Minx.” He lowered his head and nipped the top of her shoulder. “Companionship is not sex.”

  “I’m not in the least bit worried.” Her soft laugh caused his dick to quiver. “I’ve got everything else covered.”

  Without further encouragement, he positioned his cock at her entrance and pushed inside. “Sweet Jesus,” he muttered. “Heaven.”

  “Heaven,” she sighed.

  He began to stroke with an easy tempo, determined to build her back up to the same frenzied state as he, but his good intentions went straight to hell when she wrapped her legs around him. His dick slid deep inside her swollen passage. Her inner muscles pulsed around him. His balls tightened. He had no choice but to pick up speed.

  “Let go, Lexi,” he demanded.

  She inhaled a deep breath and then squeezed his hips as she moaned and her muscles gave his cock a good hard suck just before contracting around it.

  With one more good stroke, he threw back his head and buried himself impossibly deeper inside as the explosion originated low in his belly and drove extreme pleasure out through his cock. For as many as three seconds, he couldn’t breathe. He saw stars behind his eyelids.

  Once the orgasmic haze had begun to clear, he lifted his head and looked down at Lexi. Her hair lay tousled on the sheets and her face held a distinct look of utter contentment. His ego roared.

  He leaned down to place a soft kiss against her lips. “Guess I’m keeping the house.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  The bright Georgia sun lit the field as Lexi stood inside the dugout with Annessa, Vanessa, and Verity, and watched Maverick pitch balls to each of his players. A slight shudder of desire crossed her spine when she witnessed the strength of his muscled arms as he released the ball into the air and then stretched his slim, muscled body to catch it when returned by the batter. One by one, the girls stepped up to the plate and took a turn and each time Maverick repeated the motion, that same shudder wracked her body.

  Annessa cleared her throat, interrupting her lustful observation. “Lexi, Emma’s returning her helmet.”

  “Oh, sorry.” She bit her bottom lip. “I was watching Gracie.”

  “You were watching Maverick,” Annessa mumbled.

  Emma grinned. “You take a turn, Lexi.”

  Maverick chuckled as he entered the dugout. “Emma, I don’t think Lexi has played much ball.”

  Lexi propped one hand on her hip and tilted her head to one side. “What makes you think that, Maverick?”

  “You don’t look like you’ve spent much time on the field.”

  “Looks can be deceiving.” She tapped one French-manicured nail against the metal bat. “Throw me a pitch.”

  He gave her a skeptical stare, as if he didn’t quite know if she were bluffing. And although she wasn’t sure of the outcome herself, she refused to back down.

  He finally gestured at the field with his head. “After you.”

  She glanced at Emma and winked and then left the dugout.

  She stood at home plate, hands squeezed around the rubber grip of the bat and knees pressed together just as she’d heard Maverick tell the girls. The big difference between her and those fifteen little girls – she’d never done this before.

  She took a deep breath for courage and then zeroed in on the ball in Maverick’s glove. He tossed it between hand and glove a couple times, as if giving her a chance to change her mind.

  “Ready?”

  She nodded.

  Her eyes cramped from concentration as she watched the ball sail toward her. With a quick inhale, she swung. A high-pitched ping filled the air. The metal connected with the speeding missile, sending it over Maverick’s head and into the outfield.

  Lexi balanced the bat against the ground with one hand and stared open-mouthed, thankful that Maverick had turned to focus on the ball. As happy as she felt, she had absolutely no intention of ever telling him her success was pure beginner’s luck.

  He finally turned to face her as a chorus of squeals penetrated the silence.

  “Nice,” he said from the mound. “Bet you can’t do it again.”

  “Nuh-huh.” She shook her head. “No more bets, Maverick.”

  Annessa gave her a high-five when she returned to the dugout. “Way to go!”

  “Thanks.”

  Emma hugged her around the waist. “I’m glad you hit it. Did you see the look on Coach’s face?”

  Gracie’s head bobbed. “Yeah. He was shocked!”

  “I think he likes you.” Katie gigg
led. “Maybe it’s because you can hit a ball so far.”

  “You know, you might be right.” Verity joined the group. “Guys love ballgames.”

  “They sure do,” Vanessa agreed. “They think about sports more than anything else.”

  “Come on girls,” Maverick called out. “Let’s play ball.”

  “See? What did I tell you?”

  The three girls laughed and ran onto the field. Travis was the first base coach; Dane, the second base coach; and Casey took third. The four of them worked with the girls for about thirty minutes, took a water break, then did thirty minutes of exercises and ran some laps around the diamond. All four men exercised right alongside, encouraging them to keep going.

  Lexi sat on the bleachers with Verity and the twins, watching the action.

  “I’m so glad you guys don’t get out there.” She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and twisted a scrunchie around it. “Yoga is more my speed.”

  “I hear you.” Verity ran a hand across her forehead. “I know exercise is a good thing but making myself do it is something else.”

  “Maverick’s having a pool party for the girls this afternoon. Are you guys coming?”

  “Of course.” Vanessa grinned. “I’ve made chocolate brownies.”

  Annessa nodded. “Casey and I will be there.”

  “Us too,” Verity added. “I’ve got to make a few short rounds at the hospital first, but we’ll be there shortly after.”

  “I have to stop by the office and wrap up a few things too.” Lexi stood and headed down the bleachers. “I’ll see you all in a little while.”

  Fifteen minutes later, still dressed in her shorts and t-shirt, Lexi sat down at her desk, picked up her phone, and then put it back down. She wasn’t looking forward to making this particular call. She glanced at the contract in front of her and shook her head. No way would she ever agree to the terms.

  She drummed her fingernails against the top of the desk, summoning courage to make the call. After all, the sooner she called Dimitri, the sooner she could be done with the whole discussion and the sooner she could be with Maverick.

  She finally took a deep breath and dialed his number.

  He answered on the second ring. “Alexa. I was just about to call you.”

  “I told you I would call.”

  “Yes, I know, but I was getting anxious. Do you have any changes or additions to the contract?”

  “Dimitri, I can’t approve this contract.”

  “You think the offer is too low? My investor is willing to negotiate.”

  “There’s no need. That property must remain a ball field. It’s too important to Maverick and the people of Seaside Point. I won’t be a part of hurting them.”

  “You told me you wouldn’t let your personal feelings make the decision for you.”

  “I’ll admit that my personal feelings have changed, but my decision is the same.”

  His voice hardened. “There are millions of dollars at stake here.”

  “I’m sorry, Dimitri. Some things are more important than money.”

  After several seconds of silence, he finally spoke. “I’m disappointed in your decision. You’re going to be sorry, Alexa.”

  Lexi was shocked when silence crossed the line. In all the years she had known him, Dimitri had never been rude or lost his temper with her. She released a long breath, relieved that the whole thing was over. Even if she had upset him, she couldn’t change the way she felt.

  She swept the contract into the trashcan beside her desk and stood, clearing her mind. She had several stops to make before the pool party and needed to get going.

  When she arrived at Maverick’s house, she was surprised to see there were no other cars in the driveway. Maybe, just maybe, they could steal a few minutes alone before the girls arrived. Cookies in hand, she knocked on his front door. She was met by that killer smile that melted her bones.

  “Glad you’re early. None of the girls are here yet.” He pulled her inside, shut the door, and took her into his arms. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too.”

  She pulled his head down for what she intended to be a brief kiss. Except, Maverick had other ideas. He moved his hands to her hips and pulled her flush against him as his tongue traced her lips and then slipped inside her mouth.

  She wound her arms around his neck and pressed her hips against him, pleased to feel the erection beneath his swim trunks. Drunk on the taste of his kiss, she jumped when the doorbell rang.

  “Time’s up,” she whispered as she stepped out of his embrace.

  Maverick growled. “As soon as they leave, we’ll pick up where we left off.”

  “Hmmm. You think so?”

  “Baby, I know so.”

  “Go answer the door. I’ll put the cookies in the kitchen and change into my bathing suit.”

  “The bikini?”

  “No. I brought a one-piece. Have to set a good example, remember?”

  Lexi could have sworn she heard him growl again as she dropped off the cookies in the kitchen and went to the master bedroom to change.

  When she got out to the pool, there were already eight little girls there, waiting for her.

  Emma stuck her hands on her hips. “Coach said we couldn’t get into the pool until you came out.”

  “Yeah, we thought you’d never get out here!” Katie added.

  Gracie ran and jumped in the pool. “Woo hoo!”

  Lexi looked at Maverick, standing by the grill. “Need some help?”

  “Nah.” He grinned. “You go ahead.”

  Lexi jumped in and joined the rest of the girls.

  “Let’s have pool races!” Emma jumped up and down.

  Lexi loved their enthusiasm about everything. “What can we use for prizes?”

  “Cookies,” Katie answered. “We all love cookies.”

  “Okay, three swimmers at a time,” Lexi told them. “Start at the deep end and go all the way to the stairs. First one to touch the stairs wins.”

  While he waited for the hamburgers and hot dogs to cook on the grill, Maverick watched the action taking place in his pool. He loved watching Lexi with his team. Hell, he loved watching Lexi period. And even though she wasn’t wearing her bikini, she still looked really hot in that one-piece. He could hardly wait to peel it off of her. His cock stirred in his trunks and for once he didn’t mind that they were baggy and dry.

  Dane and Vanessa came through the side gate, followed by Travis and Verity, each woman carrying a bowl or platter covered with plastic wrap.

  “Hey,” Dane grumbled at the girls in the pool. “You guys got in the pool without me!”

  “You should have come early,” Emma called from the side of the pool where she waited her turn to race.

  Dane stripped off his t-shirt and then cannon-balled into the pool.

  Travis grabbed a spatula. “I’ll give you a hand, since I’m the Grillmaster.”

  Maverick blocked him. “My house, my grill.”

  Verity pried the cooking utensil out of Travis’ hands and gave it back to Maverick. “Where are Casey and Annessa?”

  “Late as usual.” Maverick gestured toward the gate. “Here they come.”

  “About time,” Travis said as they approached.

  “Hey, man. It’s your sister’s fault,” Casey joined them at the grill.

  “Not.” Annessa stuck out her tongue at Casey. “You’re the one who said, It’s okay, honey we have plenty of time …”

  Travis pinched the bridge of his nose. “TMI!”

  “The buffet tables are set up over there.” Maverick gestured to a set of tables not too far away. “You can set your dishes over there.”

  “C’mon, girls.” Vanessa headed that direction. “Let’s set up the tables.”

  Maverick continued to watch the action in the pool until smoke began to seep from under the hood of the grill.

  He lifted the lid. “Food’s ready!”

  The girls lined up around the t
able set up for the buffet where the women had loaded plates with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles. Mustard, ketchup, mayo and salsa rounded out the burger and hot dog station. Five different flavors of potato chips, baked beans, potato salad, and dessert occupied the other end.

  Another table was designated for eating. The girls filled up their plates and gathered around the table. Maverick made sure he saved a seat for himself next to Lexi.

  “Are you having fun?” He glanced at the girls, all of whom appeared to be occupied eating, and then gave Lexi a quick peck on the lips.

  “Yes. I had no idea that I would get so attached so quickly to these girls.”

  “Just them? What about me?”

  “Okay, you too.”

  Desperate to touch her, he reached under the table and braided their fingers.

  “Are you going to feed me?”

  He chuckled. “That would be a little obvious, don’t you think?” He stole another glance at his team. “How about another kiss?”

  Before she could answer, he planted another one on her.

  A fit of giggles filled the air. “Ewww, that’s gross.”

  He shook his head. Why did kids have to be so observant? Lexi raised her eyebrow at him, but didn’t say a word. Apparently, he wasn’t going to get any help from her but he wasn’t about to let them see him sweat.

  Emma narrowed her eyes at him. “Is Lexi your girlfriend now?”

  “I hope so.” Maverick looked straight into her eyes, willing her to admit it.

  A mischievous grin split her lips and for a moment his heart stopped.

  Annessa snorted. “Give the poor man a break. Go ahead and say it, Lexi.”

  “Yes. I am Maverick’s girlfriend now.”

  His heart started beating again, this time in overdrive. He really liked the sound of that, especially coming from her.

  He smirked. “She couldn’t resist me.”

  Fits of giggles went all around the table. Lexi extracted her hand and picked up her burger.

  “Just for that, no more hand holding. I’m eating.”

  Maverick had no idea that little girls could eat so much. All the burgers and hot dogs were gone as well as the beans and most of the potato salad, leaving very little to clean up. Between fifteen girls and eight adults, clean-up went quickly. They had just dried the last bowl and put it away as the parents started arriving.