Chapter Eight
Adrienne
My legs are Jell-O and my body’s humming with satisfaction, but I somehow dig deep and find the strength to walk to my bedroom. I’ve had two O’s before, but never three. Never three. I’m not sure it’s possible, but something tells me if anyone can make it happen, it’s Caden. Few men have the stamina he has. That’s already clear. The fact he didn’t come when I did is telling. He promised a night to remember, and I’m certain he’s going to deliver.
We step into my bedroom, me leading him inside by his hand, and the moment we cross the threshold, I spin around and swing my arms around his neck, pressing our bodies together. The kiss starts slow, seductive, but quickly turns ravenous. Despite how easily I could curl up in my bedding and pass out from exhaustion, there’s no way I’m throwing in the towel now.
“I have an idea,” I say, moving us until he’s standing directly in front of my bed.
Then, I push.
He falls, chuckling as he lands. Crawling beside him, I grab his erection and wrap my fist around it, gently stroking. A groan spills from his lips as his arms slip behind his head. He looks casual, relaxed, but I can tell his muscles are taut. He’s on edge, and I brought him there.
Deciding to take the bull by the horns—both figuratively and not—I straddle his hips and line him up with my entrance. I’m sensitive as I slowly lower myself onto his erection, but I ignore the slight discomfort. Placing my hands on Caden’s chest, I start to rock my hips, taking him as deep as I can.
“Fuck,” he grits out with a groan. “You feel so good.”
“Mmm,” I sing, rolling my body and grinding my clit against his pubis. “You feel amazing.”
He moves his hands, gripping my hips. “Take what you need, sugar. Take it all.”
I start to ride him, a steady rhythm at first, and then with a little more force. I can feel a third orgasm starting to build, and I chase it, determined to catch it. My limbs are dog-tired, but I don’t stop. I want this release.
I need it.
Suddenly, I’m moving. He flips us around until I’m on all fours in the middle of my bed. I move to my elbows as he takes his position behind me and slams forward. I cry out as euphoria slides through my veins. Caden grips my ass as he pounds into me, driving me straight toward the edge of annihilation.
“Oh, God,” I groan, my body so tight.
“Touch yourself, Adrienne. Get yourself there.”
Moving my hand between my legs, I slide my fingers across my swollen clit. My nipples pebble hard as my legs shake. Caden runs his finger down the cleft of my ass, and the shock of his touch, combined with the stimulation to my clit and the feel of his cock so deep inside me, sends me flying.
I soar.
I climb higher than ever before and freefall wildly, floating and drifting between dream and reality. Caden finally follows me over, pumping his hips as he comes, my name spilling from his lips. My arms give out, my legs numb, and my breathing labored. He tumbles to my bed beside me, the sound of his heavy breathing filling the room.
Then, he moves. I don’t have the strength to lift my head to see where he’s going, but when he returns a minute later, he has a warm washcloth with him. “Here,” he says softly, running the material over the apex of my legs. He lies beside me once more, pulling me into his chest. I can hear the steady beat of his heart and feel the hypnotic touch of his finger running across my shoulder.
“You okay?” he asks, obvious satisfaction and pride in his voice.
“I will be.” Turning my head to meet his gaze, I add, “That was amazing.”
He grins and places a tender kiss on the tip of my nose. “It was.”
We lie together for several minutes, and I have to admit, it feels pretty good lying in his arms. It’s comfortable and warm, and I can see why so many people love to snuggle as they drift off to sleep. Of course, that could be the triple O’s talking too.
I’m startled awake as Caden slides his arm out from under me. He crouches beside the bed and leans in close. “I’m gonna head out and let you get some sleep.”
“’Kay,” I mumble, exhaustion trying to drag me under.
He stands up and gets dressed, moving to the hallway to retrieve what he dropped out there. When he’s ready, he returns to my bed and places a kiss on my forehead. “I had a great time, Adrienne.”
“Me too,” I tell him cracking open a single eye and taking him in. He looks tired and his hair is a mess, but there’s no missing the very satisfied glint in his eyes.
“I’ll lock up when I leave.”
“Thank you,” I mutter, curling myself into my blanket and closing my eyes once more.
“Sleep tight, sugar,” he murmurs, pulling the blanket around me and tucking me in.
I hear his footfalls as he leaves my room and descends the stairs. I know I should get up, go to the bathroom, and make sure the front door is secured, but I just can’t bring myself to muster the energy to do it. Instead, I lie here, basking in the afterglow of amazing sex.
And fall asleep with a smile on my face.
***
“Well?”
“Well, hello to you too, Stevie.” Sarcasm drips off my words.
“Yeah, yeah, hello. What happened? How was it?”
I slip my legs beneath me on the couch, my muscles protesting the movements, and smile. “It was…wow.”
She sighs. “I knew it. He seems like the type who would know his way around a woman’s body.”
My cheeks heat as the memories replay. “Oh, he does. I had three.”
I’m greeted with silence on the other end of the line. “Three?”
“Mmhmm. I’m pretty sure my soul left my body, and I saw Jesus afterward.”
She giggles through the phone line. “Nice.” After a beat, she asks, “Is that going to be weird? You working for him now?”
Her question makes me pause. “I haven’t really thought about it much. I mean, maybe, but I don’t think so. It’s not like we’re thinking of getting serious or anything. We both knew exactly what last night—or, this morning—was.”
Again, I’m met with silence. “I envy you a little. I couldn’t do the whole casual sex thing. My feelings would totally get in the way.”
I snort. “Helps if you don’t have feelings,” I state, only partially kidding. I keep mine buried beneath six feet of concrete, locked up without a key.
“You have feelings, you just don’t want to feel them.”
“Yeah, well, I may never want to feel them again. Until then, I’m going to keep having good sex with guys who don’t want to get attached. It’s a pretty good deal, if you ask me.”
“If you say so,” she grumbles.
“So, what are your plans for today?” I ask, redirecting the conversation.
“Christian just left to go to some basketball games at the high school with Caden, and Gianna is upstairs in her room. We’re heading to the grocery store shortly.”
“Yuck. Shopping.”
She laughs. “I hear ya, but we need to get some meals for this week. Wanna come?”
“Grocery shopping? Not on your life,” I counter, mentally running through the contents of my fridge and pantry.
“Figures. You can come to the basketball games with us if you want. We’ll probably go and watch one of the games. Caden’s nephew plays summer ball, and he’s really good. I don’t know much about it, so you can keep me company while the guys get all into it.”
I shouldn’t even be considering this, especially after the night I just spent with Caden, but I love basketball. It’s my favorite sport to watch, and I used to play in high school. When I lived in Cleveland, I went to a handful of collegiate and professional games, and if I could, supported my former alma mater, Crestview High’s team.
So, why not? Just because it’s Caden’s nephew who’s playing, and he’ll be in attendance shouldn’t matter. We’re friends.
Just friends who have slept together.
We aren’t the first and won’t be the last.
Plus, popcorn is the best concession stand snack there is, and there’s a good chance I’ll get to gorge myself on the buttery goodness until I’m ready to explode.
“All right, I’ll go.”
“Excellent,” she cheers. “Want us to pick you up on our way?”
“No, I’ll meet you there.”
“Okay. I’ll text when we’re finished and heading over,” she says.
“Sounds good. Talk to you soon.”
“Bye.”
I hang up my cell phone and turn my attention to my laundry. I don’t have too much to do, but I need to wash a load of towels and some of my gym clothes. Once the washing machine is loaded, I grab some cheese cubes, salami slices, and green grapes, then head into the living room. I consider finding something on TV to watch but end up starting the e-reader sitting on my end table.
Before I realize it, almost two hours have passed. My plate is empty, the second load of laundry is complete, and I’m neck-deep into a murder mystery that has me second-guessing my thoughts on the killer at every turn. I get up and throw away my paper plate and grab my phone off the counter when it chimes.
Stevie: Heading to the high school gym.
Me: OK. Meet you there.
I run upstairs and slip a large comb through my hair, along with my favorite curl control product. I leave them hanging free, remembering how it felt to have Caden’s fingers tangled in them. A light blush creeps up my neck as memories from very early this morning replay once more. I’m certain I’ll carry them with me for the rest of my life, unable to escape them. His touch has branded my skin. I’ll always feel it, see the scars.
Once I’ve made sure I’m presentable, I grab my backpack and car keys and head for the door. It’s hot outside, with less humidity, and is a welcome reprieve. I fire up the air in my car and back out of my parking spot before it has a chance to cool off. With the windows down, I drive to the high school, anxious.
Is it to hang out with Stevie?
Watch basketball?
See Caden?
Probably all of the above.
I find a parking spot in the very back of the lot and make my way toward the entrance. The sound of balls bouncing on the hardwood makes me smile, and as I pay the five-dollar admission price, I feel myself calming. Basketball was always a release for me, and even though I don’t play anymore, I still feel the love for the game running deep through my veins.
“Hey.”
I turn and find Stevie approaching, a bag of popcorn in her hands. “That’s my next stop,” I tell her, jumping into the line to purchase snacks. Once I’ve secured a bag of popcorn, M&M’s, and a bottle of water, I make my way into the gym with Stevie.
“We’re down here,” she says, pointing to a section of bleachers near the court. We walk along the hardwood, my eyes subtly scanning the crowd. “Caden has to sit in the same seat or it’s bad luck,” Stevie adds with a chuckle.
Everyone has their own superstitions.
I feel his eyes on me way before I meet his gaze. Awareness prickles my spine and spreads tingles up and down my arms, but I keep my eyes locked forward until we’re climbing the steps and sliding into the bleachers. I’m sitting beside Stevie, directly behind Christian, who is parked beside Caden.
“Adrienne!” Christian hollers, holding up his popcorn bag and grinning with chocolate covered lips.
“What’s up, little buddy?”
“We’re watching Joshua play ball. He’s my favoritest player, besides Ayo. He’s on the Bulls. Dad says we can go to a Bulls game when I get bigger, but Uncle Caden says I’m big now. He’s gonna takedid me. Right, Uncle Caden?”
I smile at the kindergartener before my line of sight finally shifts to the man sitting beside the boy. His blue eyes dance with mischief and perhaps a bit of naughty intent.
“That’s right, my man. Shake and bake,” he says to the boy, holding out a fist for him to tap. The moment they touch, their fists explode, making me chuckle.
“Adrienne came to keep me company,” Stevie announces, taking a bite of her popcorn. She looks back up in the stands on the second level. “Gianna is up there with a few friends.”
I rip open my bag of M&M’s and drop them into my own popcorn, gently shaking it up. “You eat chocolate in your popcorn too?” Christian asks, his eyes wide.
“Sure do. It’s the only way to eat it,” I assure him, popping a handful of the salty and sweet treat into my mouth.
“Uncle Caden says that too!” he proclaims before returning his attention to the court for tip-off.
“Joshua is the tall one who looks just like Caden,” Stevie announces quietly, pointing to the lean boy getting himself into position for a pass.
I watch, mesmerized by how easily he moves around the court, as the ball is passed to him, and he fires off his shot. The crowd cheers as the first three points go on the board. The opposing team fires a shot, but it hits the rim and bounces against the backboard. One of Joshua’s teammates is there to rebound, but doesn’t get in there the way I think he should.
“Box out!” I call as the opposing team gets the rebound and shoots a quick two pointer.
“Yeah, box out!” Christian hollers.
Stevie groans. “Really? I thought I was bringing you to gossip with me.”
Caden turns around and grins. “Atta girl.”
At the end of the first quarter, I notice everyone’s attention turns to a little old lady, as well as a man and woman, making their way to where we sit. Caden immediately jumps up and meets her at the bottom of the steps and helps her climb up to where we’re sitting. The little old lady slides in beside Christian, while the woman who resembles Caden takes the empty seat beside me. The man, a sour look on his face, ends up moving down the bleachers one row behind us.
“Hello, everyone,” the old woman says, turning to Christian. “Did you save some popcorn for me?”
He nods and holds up his bag.
“I was just kidding. You enjoy it, Christian.”
“I didn’t know you were coming, Gram,” Caden says, glancing back at the woman sitting beside me and scowling.
“Well, your sister called me and asked if I wanted to come see my great-grandson play for a bit. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.”
There’s a wave of tension in the air. It surrounds me like a dark cloud and makes me a little uncomfortable.
“Hi, I’m Scarlet,” the woman beside me introduces.
“Adrienne.”
Caden turns around. “That’s my sister, and this beautiful woman is my gram.”
I turn to the man who is sitting behind Jack, assuming he’s part of the group too.
“That’s the asshole.”
Caden’s words surprise me. They’re not quiet and hold plenty of venom. The man clearly hears him, his eyes narrowing down at Caden, who seems to give no fucks about what he said.
Scarlet sighs beside me. “That’s Warner, my husband. Or, soon to be ex-husband. He’s Joshua’s father.”
Gram turns around and sets her wrinkled hand on my leg. “My grandson has no filter, so I’ll apologize on his behalf. He sometimes forgets how to behave in public.”
Caden glances her way, his eyes in little slits. “I know exactly how to behave in public. That’s why I haven’t knocked him the fuck out,” he practically says through a growl.
Christian gasps. “You said fuck!”
Stevie and Jack now jump in. “Christian, you can’t say that,” Stevie announces at the same time Jack whacks his best friend on the back of the head. “Thanks, man.”
“Uncle Caden said it,” the little boy proclaims with a shrug.
“And Uncle Caden shouldn’t have. That’s a bad word,” Stevie says.
Gram reaches for the little boy’s hand. “Let’s watch the game, Christian. How many touchdowns has Joshua made?”
Christian barks out a laugh. “Gram, touchdowns are in football!” he proclaims.
The old woman winks at Caden and turns her attention to the court as the second quarter begins. I do the same, and despite feeling the tension surrounding us, I get into the game. Joshua is a great player and teammate, always encouraging those on the court and celebrating each point.
“He plays just like my brother.”
I glance at Scarlet, who has her eyes on her son. “Caden played?”
She nods. “He was good. His team went to state his junior year.” We’re both quiet for a few seconds before she adds, “But Caden was more aggressive. Played like a bull in a china shop most of the time, but had the speed and natural ability to go with his aggressive nature. The refs hated him.”
I swallow hard, trying to keep the focus on Joshua. “Your son is very talented.”
She nods. “He is. He used to play in the driveway all the time with Caden. Hell, he still does. He earned a starting varsity position his freshman year.”
“Impressive,” I reply, taking a bite of my popcorn mixture.
“Anyone need anything?” Caden asks, standing up and stretching his legs. “I’m gonna hit the concession stand.”
My throat goes dry as I watch him. I can sense his irritation, and even though I don’t know the particulars, I’m certain it involves Warner.
“I’ll go with you,” Jack announces, turning to his son. “Wanna go too, Christian?”
“Yep!” he bellows, reaching for Caden’s hand as they head for the steps, leaving me in the bleachers with Stevie, Scarlet, Warner, and Gram. The women all turn their attention my way.
Something tells me I’ve just stepped into an interrogation.