Play Maker(33)

But he was right – I was getting older and had no significant relationships under my belt. In the real world, I was pretty sure that was considered a big red flag. And though I knew my fame would still follow me around for a few years – if not longer – after I retired, I needed to really consider the fact that I was going to be participating in the real world again. Not like I was going to get married or procreate or anything so extreme, but a relationship? Someone who was excited to see me at the end of the day? Someone I could share dinners and breakfasts with? Share my bed with? Well, maybe that wouldn’t be so bad.

Of course, I was thinking of one particular person in all of those scenarios. The very person that seemed as uninterested in commitment as I had been. But, damn, waking up to Nicole each morning? Her hair mussed and lips whispering naughty things? My cock immediately sprung to life.

I was quickly reminded of how eager she had been to leave after our last encounter, which was a much needed dash of cold water. Figures. The perfect one night stand shows up just as I’m ready to try the whole dating thing. Just my f*cking luck.

I got off at my floor, ready to pour myself a glass of whiskey and put on the telly. The last thing I expected to see when I turned the corner towards my room was the woman I had just been fantasizing about heading in my direction.

I had never seen her in anything but her uniform before, and while I appreciated the tiny black vest and tight black pants, I was definitely a fan of her well-worn jeans and simple white shirt, the v-neck just low enough to give me an enticing glance at her perfect cleavage. God, I loved her tits.

She spotted me and her cheeks went pink. I could tell she was chewing a piece of gum, like usual. I found that strangely hot. My cock got even harder. She was gorgeous.

“Hi.” I tried to sound casual, but I was incredibly curious about why she was here. Had my luck tonight taken a turn for the better?

“Hi,” She bit her lip. “I was just, uh, well—”

I had never seen her speechless, or even nervous before. It was kind of adorable. I realized I was really glad to see her.

“I wanted to thank you for the cognac,” she finally managed. “And return your key.” She thrust the keycard at me.

Oh. I tried not to let my disappointment show as I took the card, and her hand as well. There was that spark again. I saw in her eyes that she had felt it. She didn’t want to leave. So I didn’t let go. I loved the feel of her small hand in mine. She didn’t pull away. I took that as a sign.

“That’s awfully kind of you,” I told her, my fingers brushing the inside of her wrist. I noticed her pupils dilated. Bingo. “Is there any way I can thank you?”

She blew a bubble, her curious nervousness beginning to melt away. I felt her pulse speed up, and then a slow smile spread across her lips.

“Actually,” she said, removing her gum and tossing it in a hallway trashcan. Instantly the nervous Nicole was gone and the sexy, take-charge Nicole that I knew was standing in her place. I realized I liked both of them. Though, I was pretty eager to see where take-charge Nicole would take us. “Now that you mention it, I could use a drink.”

I grinned at her. “Why don’t you come with me?” I wiggled my eyebrows suggestively at her. “I think I have just the thing to wet your whistle.”

“I bet you do.” She gave me an appreciative look and let me lead her back to the end of the hall where my room was.

We were barely past the threshold before her mouth was on mine, her hands attacking my shirt. I was starting to become addicted to the taste of her, the sharp peppermint of her gum and the sweetness that was all her. I kissed her back, but this time I wanted to go slow. I grabbed her wrists and held them at her sides, slanting my lips against hers, doing my best to take my time, my tongue seeking hers.

At first she seemed resistant, rising up on her toes in an attempt to intensify the kiss, but it didn’t take long for her to follow my lead, sinking into the languid kiss. I released her wrists, my own hands sliding up to cup her face, fingers tangling in her hair.

Her hands were still clutching my shirt, trapped between our bodies as I pulled her flush against me, my cock pressing against her belly. My brain might be hoping to take its time, but the rest of me – especially everything below the waist – was eager to get us naked. And from the way that Nicole moaned and undulated her hips against mine, I could tell she was just as eager.

But I wanted to savor her. The last two times I had been left wanting – never feeling like I could get enough of her. I wasn’t going to let that happen again. Each time I thought it was my last chance, I had gotten lucky. For whatever reason, she came back. And tonight, I had almost missed her. I had to take advantage of what I had. Who knew how long my luck would last with her?

I eased back from the kiss, resting my forehead against hers. Both of us were breathing heavily, the front of my shirt trapped between her fingers.

“How about that drink?” I managed, my voice hoarse.

“I’d rather wet my whistle another way.” Nicole came up on her toes and nipped at my ear.

Fuck. This was not going to be easy. She seemed intent on making this about sex and only sex. I found that I was becoming interested in other parts of her. That I wanted to get to know her.

Reluctantly, I untangled myself from her grasp. “Well, I need a drink,” I turned and headed towards the bar, my entire body humming with desire.