Fastball Flirt (The Boys of Summer Series Book 1) Page 10

  “Your ulterior motives are showing.” With a wink, he’s out the door and I fall back onto the fluffy white pillows.

  I’ve said it before, but holy hell, why are there so many games in a baseball season? Things might be different if Hollis played every game, but he only pitches every few games. I may be a Red Sox fan, but I’m not a diehard. I’m sorry, but I don’t need to be at every game. I guess I should’ve done my research before flying around the country as a baseball roadie.

  As a much-needed break, I’m not going to the game today, which is why I was afraid Hollis would be mad. I mean, I’m here to go to the games with him, right? Well, I guess I’m here to be his traveling sex slave. It’s not a bad gig.

  Though, I am starting to wonder if that’s all this is to him. I know I’m the one with the fear of committing to him, but aside from the Sox games, we’ve been locked away in our hotel room bubble. We’ve never even gone on a proper date since we’ve been on the road. It’s hard with his schedule and everything, but he really got the milk for free and damn, is he enjoying it.

  Okay, not totally free. He is putting me up in fancy hotels and buying room service every day.

  Shit. Does he think I’m a gold digger?

  I’ll show him. I’m going to plan a date night he won’t forget and in no way am I going to let him pay. I may be a broke college student, but I have a little bit of money saved up. My parents may not be teddy bears, but they don’t let me starve. Since it’s an early game today, I’ll plan the perfect night. I promised Hollis the perfect summer; now I have to follow through.

  “Shouldn’t you be the one wearing the blindfold?”

  Hollis was able to get back to the hotel soon after the game was over, which worked perfectly for my plans.

  “Kinks go both ways these days, baby. I’d make one hell of a dominatrix.” I guess having sex with him was the key to quell my case of the yips. I’m not an anxious mute with him anymore. Quite the opposite. Half the time, it’s like I have a case of verbal diarrhea. I’m two polar ends of a totem pole wrapped into one hot mess. Hollis is a lucky guy.

  “Where are we going?”

  “If I wanted you to know, you wouldn’t be wearing a blindfold.” It’s not like we’re going anywhere far. Picnics are kind of our thing, so I wanted to stick to tradition. Even if we only did it once so far, traditions have to start somewhere, right?

  I lead him out of our room toward the elevators, pushing the button to lead us up. I discovered the hotel’s rooftop bar and dining area today, which I thought would be perfect for our date night. Yes, the hotel is cooking the food, but I made sure to pay separately and not let them bill it to the room.

  “Wait, is the car going up? Are you going to push me off the roof?” He reaches for the blindfold and I swat at his hand.

  “I might if you keep trying to remove your blindfold.”

  Once the doors open, I lead him through the doors outside. From here, we have a view of the stadium plus we can see all the stars above. The lighting is dim, string lights only illuminate enough for us to be able to see. It’s simple but romantic.

  I untie the bow at the back of his head and give Hollis his vision back. He looks around with a smile. “You planned this?”

  I nod.

  I threw on a simple blue off the shoulder sundress which can pass for slightly fancy when paired with the right shoes. Since I’m wearing wedges, I kept it cute but casual. Hollis looks devilishly handsome in his dark jeans and button up shirt rolled up to his elbows.

  Grabbing his hand, I lead him to our table. We sit in a corner booth where it’s most private. Since it’s almost eight, there aren’t as many people up here, but I still wanted to give us a sense of seclusion. Our basket of food is waiting for us at the table along with a bucket of champagne—nothing too expensive, of course, but it felt like the necessary beverage choice when attempting to woo someone.

  The minute we sit down, the need to explain myself feels overwhelming and the words pour out of my mouth. “Look, here’s the deal. I don’t want you to think I’m nothing but a gold digger mooching off you in these fancy hotels with all the room service and all these perks. You’ve put out far too much money for me already so I wanted to treat you to something special. I really like you, Hollis, and I don’t know what this means because I swore I wouldn’t fall for you this summer, which was totally stupid because how could I not fall for you? So now I’m making this big romantic gesture and probably sending you mixed signals, which I don’t want to do, but I want you to know I like you and appreciate you and all you’ve done for me. So…that’s it.” I take a much needed deep breath and wait for him to react.

  I look at him with his ever-present smirk. He reaches a hand across the table and I have to untangle my fingers to pass him one hand. The veins in his forearm pop as he rubs a thumb over the back of my hand. I’m mesmerized by the motion and lowkey embarrassed by my speech.

  “I really like you too and I’m glad you came along, even if you’ve regretted your decision every single day since.”

  “Not every day,” I mumble.

  He uses his other hand to push back the floppy pieces of hair falling into his face. “For the record, I don’t think you’re a gold digger. Maybe silver, but—”

  I toss my napkin at him before pulling my hand from his and opening the picnic basket. I pull out two plates, some bread, silverware, and glasses. Next, I retrieve the large salad before putting the basket down on the ground to eat our first course. After the salad, Hollis sits expectantly. I signal the waiter, who comes over with steaks and baked potatoes. My handsome date quirks an eyebrow as he looks at me.

  “Not technically a picnic, but I figured since we were able to have our food served hot, it would be preferred.” Without another word, he digs into the steak. “I didn’t know what you’d want, but I noticed you always eat a big meal after the game, and you can’t go wrong with steak, right?”

  He smiles at me and his brown eyes glimmer with emotion. I shrug it off and cut into my steak, occupying my mouth with the melt-in-my-mouth meal.

  “Got any dessert in there?” he asks with a grin as soon as he puts away the last bite of his baked potato.

  “I had other plans for dessert,” I tell him honestly, knowing we’ll have strawberries and whipped cream in the room when we get back, though I’m sure he’ll forego those items and devour me instead.

  Without waiting a beat, Hollis folds everything up on the table in the white tablecloth and attempts to shove it all into the basket.

  “Hollis! That’s not even my tablecloth.” I laugh at his enthusiasm.

  “Who cares? I’m not stealing it.” He motions to the waiter and pushes the full picnic basket into his chest. “Here, thanks for dinner. It was great.” He digs into his back pocket and produces a bill, placing it on top of the basket, and drags me to the exit. I try to yell at him for tipping when it was supposed to be my night to pay, but he won’t hear of it.

  He pushes the button approximately twenty-seven times, though we’re both perfectly aware it won’t make the car arrive any faster. Once the elevator shows up, we push our way inside and we’re left blissfully alone. Before I have a chance to catch my breath and before the doors are even fully closed, Hollis is on me. His lips find mine like they’re magnets, drawn together. His palm cups the back of my head as his fingers weave into my hair.

  My hands find his waist and pull him as close as I can manage. We’re pressed against the back of the elevator, and if someone else were to walk on right now, I don’t think either of us would stop. We’re in too deep. We’re too hungry, too needy, too desperate. Nothing can stop us now.

  The doors open on our floor and we’re all teeth and clumsy feet as we move down the hallway, not willing to come up for air. I’m half convinced Hollis will push us into the first open room, whether it’s ours or not. Frankly, I’d let him.

  A door clicks open and I take in my surroundings, both surprised and grateful to find us in our c
orrect room. We break apart long enough for him to tug his shirt over his head—opening the buttons would take too long—and for me to push my dress down and over my hips, kicking it into the corner.

  We fumble our way to the bed, crashing into something on the way. A large clash sounds and we’re forced to stop and look at the mess. As expected, the strawberries and whipped cream were in the room and ready for us like I’d asked. The downside is we just bumped into the cart and spilled the food everywhere.

  Luckily, they provided us with the can of whipped cream. This may still come in handy.

  I pick up the can and pop off the top, throwing the red cap on the ground. I eye Hollis’ chest which, currently, looks like the perfect plate for this sweet whipped dessert.

  “Don’t start something you can’t finish,” he threatens me. His eyes are dark with mischief and his smirk is full of sin. I aim and a glob of whipped cream lands square on his chest. I glance up at him from under my lashes. “You’re gonna regret that.”

  SIXTEEN

  Lila

  Unbeknownst to me until I see Hollis snag it, there is a second can of whipped cream on the tray. I dart across the room to protect myself, and like an idiot, back myself into a corner, up against the windows with nowhere to run. The dollop of whipped cream hangs precariously on his chest, ready to fall to the floor. He stalks toward me, arm at the ready, finger on the trigger, and poised to mark me. In two steps, he’ll be in my space and I’ll have nowhere to go.

  “You know, I really like whipped cream,” I tell him, making my voice as alluring as possible. He quirks an eyebrow, not seeing where I’m going with this. I make a point to set my can down on the floor, making a big show of it. He doesn’t lower his.

  I nod as I take a hesitant step toward him. “Let me clean you up.” He drops his arm and I step toward him once more. I bend my head to clean up his chest using only my tongue.

  Using my forefinger and thumb, I wipe the sides of my mouth and lick the remaining dessert off my fingertips. “Delicious.”

  Now he gets it.

  I kneel down and unbutton his jeans. He helps me pull them down and his boxers follow a second later. “I think you missed a spot here.” He points with the tip of the can to his now-erect cock. A dab of cream lands on the head of his dick and I’m enthusiastic when I lick it clean.

  I reach back and grab the can I abandoned and have a little fun with it. I spray some along the length of his cock, which twitches in response to my touch. Teasing him, I lick up the bottom and sides, my tongue only grazing the dessert I put on top. I envelop the head with my mouth, moaning as the taste of him combined with the cream lathers my tongue. I’m addicted. Now I know what the Black Eyed Peas meant when they sang they’re addicted and just can’t get enough.

  I hollow my cheeks and relax my throat, working him all the way into my mouth. I’m making a complete mess, but I don’t care. Whipped cream gets on my nose and cheeks. I pull back, unable to breathe. I wipe around my nose and mouth in the sexiest way I can manage before licking the rest of the dessert off his cock and sucking him back into my mouth. His cock tastes sweet and I moan. I take him as far as I can, until he’s at the back of my throat and I gag. Hollis grips my head and takes control. He fucks my mouth until tears fall from the corners of my eyes. He’s wild, feral. I love being the person to make him this crazy.

  He takes a step back and his cock falls from my mouth with a pop. “I think it’s my turn to enjoy some dessert.” He grabs my biceps and hoists me up, dragging me to the bed. I lie back on the mattress, a canvas ready for Hollis’ paint.

  He pulls my panties down my legs and is quick to unhook my bra. His eyes ravage me from top to bottom. He shakes the can of whipped cream before placing a dollop on each nipple and a line down my stomach, almost like an arrow aiming for places he can’t place the dessert.

  Hovering over me, he pulls one nipple into his mouth, cleaning it from the sticky cream. He didn’t anticipate my reaction. The minute his mouth surrounds my nipple, my back bows, and I get whipped cream all over him again.

  His face is hilarious as he looks up at me, his mouth still poised over my nipple. I bust out laughing when I see the damage I’ve done. His chin, neck, and chest are smeared white. He chuckles and shakes his head. “I should’ve seen that coming.”

  In the next instant, I’m lifted up. I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me to the bathroom. He walks into the large glass shower and turns the water on, spraying us both with a splash of cold. I hiss against his shoulder and he pushes me up against the wall. The tile, however, is also cold, and my back arches to get away from the chill.

  Once I adjust, I relax in his arms. I’m still pressed against the wall of the shower, but my head is no longer buried in his neck. I look into his eyes and they’re full of…hope. Admiration. Raw, real, emotion. I swallow thickly as we stare at one another.

  “I lied to you earlier,” he tells me. He’s panting, full of adrenaline. I can’t speak. I’m frozen in his gaze. “When I said I really liked you. I don’t.” His head finds the crook of my neck and he places a gentle kiss there. He whispers against my skin, “I’m in love with you, Lila. I think I’ve been in love with you from the moment I first saw you.”

  I inhale sharply. “Fuck, that sounds corny,” he says when I don’t respond.

  My back is pressed against the wall, mist from the shower spray is hitting me in the face, his slight scruff is scratching at my neck, and yet, I’m in heaven. If I could live here for the rest of my life I’d die a happy girl.

  I shake my head no. “I love you too, Hollis.”

  He pulls back to look me in the eyes once more. His smile is broad; he’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him.

  He kisses me and we’re no longer urgent. We take our time and I memorize how his lips feel against mine. They’re both soft and firm. Commanding but not overbearing. Cocky, like they know what they’re doing, but sweet. He’s perfect. He’s mine.

  Our lovemaking follows in a similar fashion. He takes me against the shower wall, never putting me down, never letting me go. We’re all sticky and wet, but it’s perfect.

  We manage to get clean and dry off before climbing into bed. I fall asleep, curled under his arm, like it’s where I’ve belonged all along.

  SEVENTEEN

  Hollis

  Life on the road with Lila has exceeded all of my expectations. I knew the beginning would be rocky, but from the moment I first saw her, I knew she was someone I needed to have in my life. I never expected the end of the two weeks to bring us here.

  Now she’s my everything and fuck, I love her. I. Love. Her.

  The best part is…she loves me back. Talk about a fucking whirlwind.

  We step off the plane and I have to thank the universe for letting everything fall into place. Things could not have worked out more perfectly. With her roommates gone, all of her stuff is split between her future apartment in Philly and my place.

  Our place? Is it too soon to start calling it that? Probably, but I don’t care.

  I was apprehensive about her going off to school when we first got together. All she could talk about was not wanting commitment and only being able to give me a ‘fun, carefree summer with no strings.’ I’m glad I called her bluff from day one.

  Now? There’s no way she’ll break up with me before heading off to school. It’s only going on June. We have two whole months left together where she’ll fall deeper in love with me and agree to try this out long distance. I have no fear and no worries; we can make this work as long as she’s willing to try.

  I unlock the door to my apartment and make a mental note to get a key made for her. I want to laugh at her hesitance to enter my place. She looks around, unsure of what to do or where to go.

  “Make yourself at home, baby.” I kiss her cheek and take our bags to the bedroom before changing so I can head to the stadium to get ready for the game tonight.

  “You coming to the game tonight?” I call from dow
n the hall.

  “I think I’ll skip tonight. You’re not pitching, are you?” I don’t blame her for not wanting to come to every game. Sometimes I even wish I didn’t have to go. Still, she’s made sure to come to every game I’ve pitched at.

  “Nope, not ‘til tomorrow night,” I tell her as I re-enter the living room. “Everything okay?” She’s standing in the exact same spot I left her in, her left arm holding her purse and her right arm bent, holding her left elbow. She’s the picture of discomfort.

  “I didn’t think it would feel so weird, being at your place.” I want to tell her to think of it as our place, but I’m sure that would freak her out.

  “Well, I have to run, so do what you need to do. Don’t feel weird about it. Think of it as…another hotel.” I shrug, chickening out on what I really want to tell her. I plant a kiss on her lips and head out the door, letting her sort out her feelings.

  I scan my brain. At least there’s nothing embarrassing for her to find if she goes snooping.

  Letting Lila slip from my mind, I spend the next several hours in the world of baseball. The team is steadfast this year. We’re on a winning streak and I have no doubt we’ll make the playoffs this year, even if it is too early in the season to call it.

  After the game, I hang out with some of the guys, not in a rush to get home. While I want to be with Lila, I want to give her the space she obviously needs to adjust. The last thing I want to do is scare her away when we’re finally on stable ground.

  Unfortunately, that means tonight I’m dealing with Owen. He’s not a bad dude, per se, he’s just kind of douchey and I’d much rather be with my girl.

  He’s the first to point it out, of course.

  “Your girl get sick of you now that we’re home? Did she bounce?”

  I fill my plate up with a mountain of food before reclaiming my seat on the couch in our stadium suite.