Chapter 12 #2
She gives me a tight smile, but all worries get thrown out the window when I sit down and pull her onto my lap, with her arms looping around my neck.
“Hudson fix? Is that what I’m calling it?” She has a cute-as-fuck curious look on her face.
“I don’t care what you call it, just kiss me, because I’ve been starving for you for days.” I lean in to capture her willing mouth.
Kissing her again brings back the feeling of being with her. Instinct has me believing that her in my arms is where she is supposed to be, because despite every angle that I’ve tried to look at it, with her I feel grounded.
She murmurs a sound of satisfaction before dragging her lips along mine. “The entire drive here I couldn’t stop smiling,” she admits.
I retreat a little to allow myself to look at her face, and I run my fingers through her silky hair. “That’s promising. I was worried we might need a pinecone to hit you on the head again to knock sense into you.”
She nearly snorts out a laugh. “That was such a ridiculous moment.”
“You’re in luck that it didn’t happen when I met you. Otherwise, I would have to include that detail in the how-we-met story.”
She nuzzles into my neck, and I pick up on the fact she inhales deeply, as if she’s taking in my scent. I don’t call her out on it, instead relishing the thought that she is taking in this minute.
“Was there traffic?”
“A little. I mean, this weather is fantastic, so people seem to be escaping the city. It’ll be nice to just sit out here all weekend, preferably while I watch you cook.”
“You’re just using me for my view,” I joke and tickle her side.
She begins to wiggle, and in retrospect this move was a bad call because it’s causing friction against my dick, and I wanted to romance her a little before I have my way with her.
Piper giggles until I stop, wrapping her tighter in my arms before we kiss to calm us down. A soothing kiss that feels as natural as the air I breathe.
She dips her tongue into my mouth, and I welcome her. I’ll give her anything she asks for.
I cradle her cheek and swipe my thumb across her skin. “What am I going to do with you?”
“I don’t know. I gave you a week to think about it, remember?” she reminds me with knowing eyes.
“Oh, don’t you worry, that part I know. I mean, should I wine and dine you first or throw you over my shoulder and take you upstairs?” I ask her seriously.
Piper hops off my lap to stand and holds out her hand. “That’s an easy decision.”
I join her in standing, with the corners of my mouth twisting, as I want to smirk. “Oh yeah?”
“Uh-huh.” Her voice turns sultry, and she grabs the fabric of my shirt to pull me to her. She steps closer and her lips come back to my ear to whisper, “To the kitchen, I’m starving.”
Looking at her, I realize that she is dead serious, and as much as I hate that answer, I equally love it because I want to hear about her week and talk. Besides, when we go to my room today, then we sure as hell aren’t leaving it until breakfast.
For dinner, I kept it simple, with Halloumi with grilled red onion, asparagus, and a vinaigrette pasta, for which Piper fawned over me in amazement that I cook.
We ate casually at the counter before grabbing a bottle of wine and headed out to the dock to catch the last of the evening sun before it sets.
I even turned on the decorative lightbulbs that hang along the dock.
We sit opposite each other on a blanket with wine glasses. There is a very gentle breeze on this warm June evening. I hope we survive, as the mosquitos may get us, but the sound of the water lapping gently is a soothing backdrop.
“I know I need a boat here but maybe next season,” I explain.
“I guess it would be nice.” Piper’s lips tilt into a smirk. “So, the other day I was with April at a bar…”
I’m not sure why I’m scared. It isn’t because she mentions April, but I’m fairly confident that it’s the thought of some guy Piper’s age probably trying to pick her up that has me on edge.
I adjust my neck in discomfort but patiently wait for her to finish her sentence.
“You were on the TV in some documentary.”
I chuckle in relief before taking a sip of my wine. “Oh yeah?”
“About your football career.”
I recall a documentary I did two years ago when I signed with the Winds. “They still show that thing?” I look into my glass, but I feel Piper’s eyes on me.
“Yep. Can’t lie, I was intrigued. Anyway, April mentioned that there is a rumor that you might get traded or something.”
I peer up, wondering if it’s concern that is laced in her tone.
I swear that I sense it. “Only rumor. My contract with the team is for two more seasons, and they’re already negotiating with my agent for a renewal, but I said I won’t give an answer until mid-season.
Otherwise, the option of another team somewhere else is on the table. ”
“Oh.” She quickly occupies herself with her wine.
I set my glass to the side and take her free hand in mine, interlinking our fingers and staring at our dancing hands. “You can’t get rid of me that easily. I’m staying around. If it’s another team, I’m thinking of leaving pro-ball and moving to college ball in Hollows which isn’t far from here.”
Her lips twitch, and I have my answer; somewhere inside her, she was worried.
“Wouldn’t that be a step down?”
“Don’t particularly care,” I say honestly and let her hand go to lean back on my propped elbows.
“In the coming years, I expect a change in rhythm. It’s been a grind since I was eighteen.
First in college ball, then pro, then coaching.
A break or slower pace is just what I’m after.
Fuck, my son will probably make me a grandfather soon. ”
“I hope you get what you want.”
“I always do, Piper.”
“I could use your confidence in career direction. With my lease ending on my office space, I need to hurry to outsource a few things and really make operations run smooth for my online store.” All week we sent little messages to ask how each other was, and she mentioned her talk with the landlord.
“I began to look into a few options, and now I know why my grandmother always recommends that I sign a contract with department stores, as they do the hard work. But I still think this is right for me, keeping it small-scale.”
“It’s only complicated if you make it that way.”
She smiles at me. “Your philosophy, how can I forget.”
“Take time and assess your risks, and maybe they’re not risks at all.” I’m referring to her business, but I think it’s a front for really meaning me.
Piper contemplates for a few seconds. “You’re right. I’m sure fresh lake air will give me some perspective, and possibly a trip to Jolly Joe’s if we can swing it. I mean, town seems pretty packed which doesn’t equate to staying under the radar.”
I tilt my head and study her which only entertains me. “You mean for you and me? Are you worried someone might plaster us online? The good-looking coach and the hot-as-fuck lingerie designer?”
She looks away from me. “Something like that.”
“Piper, if that happens, then I would be honored to be linked to you, if that’s what the millennials are calling it these days.” I take another sip of my wine.
She points a finger at me. “That’s because you, Hudson, don’t care what people think.”
“Nope. I don’t.” I survey her facial expression, and then it dawns on me that something about this runs deeper. “But you do care.”
“I don’t know what I think about people’s opinions, to be honest.”
I invite her to come into my arms. “Why is that?”
She crawls on her hands and knees before nestling into my chest. So innocent, but I’m already imagining what she’s got on underneath her skirt. Piper is about to speak but hesitates. “The sun is about to set.”
Clearly, she doesn’t want to talk about the root of her thoughts, and I don’t push. But I can’t say that I’ll do the same tomorrow.
Instead, I bring her with me as my back rests against the blanket.
“For someone who may or may not care what people think, you know you’re in my arms on a lake, and anyone could sail on by while I make you come.”
Her eyes shoot up to look at my face. “What?”
“All afternoon and evening you’ve kept me waiting to touch your soaking panties, but that ends right now.”