Page 107 of Playing Mr. Perfect

“Let me think of other smarty-pants things to say.”

His lips come down over mine in a soul-searing kiss, and like every time we’re together, greediness sparks hot and sharp inside me. I wrap my arms tighter around him, my legs squeezing his waist. He growls into our kisses, intensifying his efforts, and his cock presses against my entrance. Need swells inside me as our kisses turn urgent. Our hands roam as we kiss, bite, and suck our way into a frenzy. “I need you,” I plead. He starts to release me, and I don’t let him. I know he’s thinking about protection. “I’m on birth control.”

The sound he makes is something between a moan and a growl as he reclaims my mouth and I sink onto his cock. Pleasure shoots through me like bullets, making every nerve ending flare to life. We both tear our mouths away, a moan sailing from mine and a curse from his. But in the next breath, we’re devouring each other again, thrusting and grinding with everything we have. I cling to his shoulder as he grabs my waist with both hands, his thick fingers pressing into my skin, and drives me harder and faster along his shaft.

“Don’t stop,” I beg, chasing the scintillating sensations spreading through me like wildfire as the cold air hits my chest and the warm water sloshes around my body.

“Never,” he grits out. “I’ll never fucking stop.” He pounds into me harder, and my vision blurs. “You feel too good. So tight, so fucking perfect.” The raw passion in his voice has me standing on the edge of a cliff. “Come on my cock, baby.” His dirty demand shatters my control, and I cry out as my body spasms around him. He drives into me time and time again, keeping me at the peak. I’m lost in the feel of his thickness possessing me, his growls and curses heightening every sensation. Just when I start to descend from the clouds, he crushes his mouth to mine in a ruthless kiss. I return it just as brutally, craving more, wanting him to possess every inch of me. As if he’s read my mind, his hand slides down my body, and he pushes a finger into my ass as he thrusts mercilessly into me, sending us both spiraling into oblivion.

We thrust and moan, giving and taking with reckless abandon. And then we cling to each other, breathing hard as the real world comes back into focus. His grip eases the slightest bit, and I tighten mine. “Can we just stay like this forever?”

“There’s nothing I’d like more.” He tightens his hold on me, and in that moment I know there’s no amount of embarrassment that could keep me from the only man who makes me reckless, safe, and whole.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Clay

“I set up the meeting with In the Zone for Tuesday. I’ve already sent details to Doogie, and you’d better not flake on me again,” Tiffany says through Bluetooth as I drive toward town to meet Pepper so she can take measurements for the sensory glove.

I woke up with my girl in my arms, the sun shining, and it’s been three days since news of my relationship with Pepper broke, and things are finally settling down. I’m not about to let Tiffany’s irritation ruin my day.

“I’m sorry for canceling the last time, but I didn’t flake on you. You know damn well how social media can ruin relationships. I finally have someone special in my life, and she’s a professional, not someone who gets off on drama. I wasn’t going to let those vultures ruin what we have.” Thankfully, the picture and comment I posted rose above the noise, and the fucking flavor-of-the-week headlines were replaced with headlines like Has Mr. Perfect Met His Perfect Match? On top of that good news, now that the world knows I’m here, I’ve been working out with Ben and his friends, and we’ve accumulated a small group of spectators and fans who cheer us on. I’m excited to meet them later to run more drills.

“That’s very chivalrous of you,” Tiffany says, not unkindly. “Did you know Pepper’s twin is engaged to Dylan’s cousin Kane?”

“Yeah. Small world.”

“Listen, Clay, I’m glad you’ve found someone special, but does your new relationship have anything to do with you needing more time to negotiate your extension?”

“No.” I grit my teeth and stop at a red light.

“Then let’s talk about it. Time is running out, and this doesn’t look good. They expected you to jump on it.”

A call from Dash rings through, giving me an excuse to cut Tiffany short. “I’m sorry, Tiff, but I can’t right now. I’ve got to run. I’ll see you Tuesday.” I switch over to Dash as the light turns green. “Hey, man. Sorry I didn’t call you back the other night. I was doing damage control.”

“I figured as much. Pepper’s family was really worried about her.”

“I know. I was worried about her, too. Still am.” Pepper spoke to her family Tuesday morning and explained the situation. My family has reached out several times. They’re glad I got my girl, but everyone, including my grandfather, worries about how this type of attention will affect Pepper.

“How are you doing with all of this? From what Amber says, it sounds like things between you and Pepper are getting serious.”

“They are.” I turn into the parking lot by Pepper’s office. “You know how long I’ve been into her. When we got together in Paris and she agreed to stay an extra night with me, I felt like I’d won the lottery. Then she tried to end it when she left, and I nearly lost my mind. I finally understand how you fell so fast for Amber. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. That’s why I’m here. I know how important her work is, and I want to be the guy she knows she can count on in good times and bad. I want to be the guy who makes her happy and makes her life easier. Then this shit hits the internet, and her life becomes a fucking spectacle.”

“I get it. For what it’s worth, she told her family she’s not happy about the headlines, but she’s happy with you.”

I park and cut the engine. “I know she is, but you know how social pressures can become too much. Nolan is doing what he can to shut down any negative noise, and Kane’s team is doing the same because of Sable being her twin. I’m just glad we’re in Virginia. It’s not like there are paparazzi hanging around.”

“One of the benefits of being in a small town. Just so you know, I asked Shea to monitor it as well.” Shea Steele is Dash’s PR rep. “I don’t want any of this negatively affecting Amber.”

“I appreciate that, and I’m sorry about all of it. How’d you two skate under the radar when you got together?” I ask as I climb out of the vehicle.

“I was never a playboy like you. Your reputation sells.” There’s a reason Dash was never that guy. After his father abandoned their family, Dash became a father figure to his siblings and helped his mother in every way he could, much like Ben. In our buddy group, Dash was always the voice of reason, like Seth, but with a boisterous personality.

“If I could go back and warn my younger self…” I scoff. “Who am I kidding? Seth, my old man, and my grandfather warned me not to play the field the way I did. I was too arrogant to listen.”

“I remember telling you that, too, but give yourself a break. Most guys who are thrown into fame go that route. You got it in check, and you haven’t been that guy for a long time. This will pass. But you know what’s not in the news?”

“What?”