No Wrong Moves (Zone Defense Book 3), page 10
She nodded against my stomach, and I gently squeezed her arms before guiding her back into the bedroom she’d claimed as her own. The soft light of her bedside table lit her disordered bedsheets. The poor kid must have really been active in her sleep.
“Are you sore?” I thought to ask. So much movement post-operation couldn’t be good for her, right?
“A bit.” As she climbed onto the bed, I saw her wince. I imagined “a bit” meant that she was in pain. Lottie was so much like her dad, it was scary. He didn’t like people fussing over him, just like he never admitted to feeling unwell or being hurt.
“You going to be okay here a sec while I get your dad and sort some painkillers?”
Indecision warred on her face. I hated seeing it there. This girl was a warrior, and seeing her vulnerable hurt my damn heart.
“It’s okay, I’m here.” Eddie stepped into the room wearing shorts and a tee.
“Daddy.” Lottie’s voice cracked, and I winced, shifting out of the way so Eddie could get to his daughter. “Where were you? I called.”
Fuck.
“I’m so sorry, baby girl. I was fast asleep.”
I looked away, not able to bear seeing Eddie’s wince or the guilt I was sure would be evident in his features. “Uhm… I’ll go get pain meds and some water.” I headed for the door, hearing Eddie’s soft “Thanks” just as I stepped into the hallway.
Once by myself, I shook my head and closed my eyes, barely comprehending how one second I’d been buried so deep into the man I secretly loved and then next I was wracked with guilt. Oh, and supporting a legit bruised ass. That fall had been hard.
With a deep breath, I set about my task, not liking one bit the guilt I felt over the delay in getting to Lottie, or the fact we’d both lied to her. Feeling shitty wasn’t the best thing ever.
Drink and painkillers in hand, I headed to Lottie’s room, peering around the doorway, weirdly nervous. I was never nervous around Eddie or Lottie. Ever. Not even when Eddie had shot me down three years back and we’d met up the next day for a beer. This was new. And not so dissimilar to the guilt churning in my gut. I didn’t like it one bit.
Both Eddie and Lottie were stretched out on the double bed, Eddie stroking her hair and talking too softly for me to hear his words. He flicked his gaze at me, and I held my breath, not sure if I was welcome or not. When a gentle smile lifted his lips, a whoosh of air escaped me.
“How’s it going in here?” I asked, my shoulders relaxing a little. Reaching the side of the bed, I held out the tablets.
“Thanks.” Eddie took them off me and helped Lottie sit and take her pills before they settled back down.
“Thank you, Pearce.”
Affection flooded my chest when I looked down at Lottie’s tired eyes, her skin pale in the soft light. “Anytime, pumpkin. You going to try to get back to sleep now?”
“Yeah.” Her shoulders shuddered a little, and I frowned, concerned that whatever her nightmare had been about had really knocked her around.
“Okay, well if you need anything, just—”
“Will you stay too?”
My eyes widened in surprise at her request. Hesitating and not sure what the right thing to do here was, I sought her dad’s gaze. His smile was tender, and he gave me a small nod, indicating it was okay. And I knew he meant if I felt comfortable doing so.
“Of course I will, Lottie girl. Let me just go throw on a sleep shirt, and I’ll be right back.” I left the room feeling lighter, relieved Eddie was welcoming me in the task of comforting his daughter and touched that Lottie trusted me enough to care for her. Without a doubt I loved this girl fiercely, wanting nothing more than for her to be happy, healthy, and safe.
I threw on one of my old team shirts I used for lounging in and headed back to the bedroom. Lottie’s eyes sprang open when I entered, the sweetest of smiles sent my way a heartbeat later. Since I’d been gone, she’d scooted to the middle of the bed.
Getting into bed without jostling her, I turned on my side and stroked her brow. “You have sweet dreams now, kiddo.”
“I’ll try.” Her words were a soft mumble, her eyes already firmly closed.
The gentle caress of fingers on my head startled me, then I relaxed into the touch, my gaze connecting with Eddie’s. My heart squeezed as I took him in. He was also on his side, his one arm holding his daughter while the other continued to stroke my hair. It was his eyes, though, that threatened to unravel me, and the affection boldly on display in their depths.
I reached out and wrapped my arm over Lottie, hand settling on Eddie’s arm. While this was far from the celebration I’d hoped for, being close to the man I loved and the girl I doted on, it didn’t even feel like a close second. Screw that. This here was the perfect way to end the night.
CHAPTER 13
EDDIE
I woke with an elbow in my face and to the sound of light snoring. Typically these weren’t the most pleasant things to wake up to, but that didn’t stop my content smile from forming or the uptick of my pulse.
Yesterday I’d been out of my mind with lust for Pearce, putting myself out there, emotionally and physically, in a way I never had before. For an all too brief few minutes, it had been perfect. How we’d connected. How I knew he’d be wringing out an orgasm from me to eclipse all previous orgasms.
Sure, that had all ended pretty dismally with Lottie’s nightmare, but I couldn’t regret cuddling up with my two favorite people in the world. Peace was a funny thing, something I’d been certain I’d previously felt. Last night, though, after tasting Pearce’s kisses for the first time, then falling asleep the way we had, peace took on a whole new meaning. And holy shit, I was totally on board with the buzz of contentment running through my veins.
It was early, too early to be awake after a late night. With dawn breaking and soft light filtering through the curtains, any chance for falling back asleep was gone. Usually I’d get up, enjoy the quiet dawn afforded, but the soft snore coming from Pearce and Lottie’s breathing provided the best type of calm.
That was until Lottie shifted and kneed me in the nuts.
I grunted at the contact, my mind whiting out for a moment as my eyes watered. Clamping down on my lips and dragging them between my teeth to stop from crying out and waking everyone up, I cupped myself, turned, and focused on breathing.
Jesus, my kid was trying to kill me. Either that or she was determined to remain an only child.
Once my mind calmed and my vision cleared, I realized the snores had stopped. The mattress moved and dipped. I angled around to see Pearce sitting up, bleary-eyed and frowning.
I huffed out a pained breath and pressed my face into the pillow, not quite ready to do anything beyond cradle my crotch and consider what I’d done to deserve a wake-up call like this.
Pearce’s hand touching my shoulder jolted me into awareness. Having not heard him move, I wondered if for a moment I’d blacked out there.
“You okay?” With his mouth close to my ear, I figured he’d got out of bed and was beside me.
I managed a nod and pried my eyes open, turning to face him. Once our gazes met, he smiled that brilliant damn smile of his that was far too cheery and perfect. There wasn’t a chance my bruised balls could handle him looking so irresistible.
When I indicated I wanted to get up, he backed away, giving me room. The moment he figured out my predicament was obvious. The asshole’s shoulders shook, lips twitching, but at least he reached out to help me up. We maneuvered out of the room, and without discussion, headed to Pearce’s bedroom. The second the door shut, I grunted. “Holy shit.”
“She got you good, huh?”
At my nod, he winced. “You need me to check them over? Maybe kiss them better?”
I huffed out a laugh and cringed. “Stop, you fucker. I can’t handle a stiffy or laughter while I’m cross-eyed and still debating throwing up.”
He snorted and ushered me to his bed. “You need ice or something?”
“Nuh-uh.” I shook my head. “Just need to curl up and feel sorry for myself for five minutes.”
Needing the comfort of his soft mattress, and maybe the scent of his sheets that had wisps of our combined lovemaking from last night, I scooted up to rest my head on the pillow.
“Room for me there?”
My gaze snapped to his, kinda surprised he asked and didn’t just join me. While he smiled, an unfamiliar hesitation was evident in the slight frown between his brows. But what I didn’t see a lick of was regret. It was enough to have me reaching out for him.
Taking my hand, he curled around me before I could take a new breath. When my back connected with his front, I relaxed in his hold.
From the moment we’d landed in Minneapolis, my life had spiraled. Everything had flipped upside down, barely giving me the chance to take stock and breathe. Hell, less than a week ago I’d been in a failing relationship, or at least a version of one. Then there was Lottie, and now this.
“You seem to be thinking really hard.” Pearce gave a light squeeze. “I would offer to blow you so you’ll stop, but I’m not sure your dick could handle it right now.”
I huffed out a laugh and hoisted my elbow back a little to nudge him. “Shut up.” Rather than voicing the thoughts flying about my brain, I focused on Pearce’s steady breaths, on the heat radiating from his body as he spooned me. Just the thought of being a little spoon to Pearce pulled a giggle out of me, which I was sure startled us both.
“The fuck was that?”
“Fuck off,” I said with a laugh. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Now shh. I need my five minutes.”
I closed my eyes, trying to calm my weird reaction. A legit giggle. When the hell had I turned into a pubescent kid? The desire to roll my eyes at myself was strong, but I could also be remarkably stubborn, so my eyes remained shut.
Five minutes to stop my nuts from throbbing and to let my brain settle. It was all I needed.
“You’re thinking, aren’t you?”
I lowered my head, chin to chest, and sighed in defeat. “Yeah,” I admitted. “When did you get to know me so well?”
A soft kiss pressed against my neck, and I thought I felt his smile as he did so. Pearce shifted, easing up, and peered down at me. “You want the honest answer to that?”
The way my heart bounced around in my chest, you’d think I’d never been looked at the way Pearce was doing now. But I supposed that was the thing. Pearce’s intent, his emotion had never been as open as it was right this second. Vulnerability I rarely saw from him pierced his gaze.
“Always.” And I meant it. Pearce was the most important man in my life. The only way we’d be sure to navigate our way through what was happening was to communicate. Fuck, I hated this adulting shit at times, but since being a dad, it was my life.
“Since the day we met, I like to think I could read you pretty damn well.” He raked his gaze over my face as he continued, “Most of the time I get it right, understand where your head or heart’s at. Just the once I got it wrong.”
Not willing to have this conversation without seeing him fully, I turned over. When I did, Pearce settled his head back on the pillow so we lay face-to-face.
“When you asked me out.”
“On a date. Yeah.”
I brushed my fingertips over his forehead. “I didn’t want to say no.”
“You’re fucking with me?” Indignation, quite possibly surprise, and a little self-satisfied amusement flooded his features. Then he frowned. “Why’d you say no? Turn me down?”
Jesus, even thinking about how to respond made me feel like a prize prick. Pretty sure my hesitation and reluctance were clear to read on my face, too, so I wasn’t surprised when he arched his brow at me. “Honesty, right?”
I wrinkled my nose. “Yeah, I know. I’m going to sound like a dickhead.” At least my words had him grinning. “You were twenty-six, just a few years in the League. Plus, I already valued your friendship.” I tried to hold back my grimace, but I still winced. “My old ass came with a kid and a stable home. We didn’t even live in the same state.”
“We still don’t.” His brow quirked high, and I huffed out a breath.
“Yeah. I don’t need reminding.”
“Plus there’s still, what, ten, eleven years between us. That hasn’t changed.” The fucker’s smile grew. “And then there’s Lottie, who you now have full-time. That’s the only thing that’s changed.”
Refusing to look away at him calling bullshit without saying the words, I nodded. “All true. But you’re now twenty-nine, and are…” I searched for the word. “…seasoned.”
Loud laughter burst out of him, his eyes crinkling with amusement.
“Yeah, yeah.” I nudged at him and rolled my eyes. “Laugh it up.”
After a few false starts of him half-assed controlling his amusement, he said, “Really, you’re saying I was an immature asshole.”
“Well, not an asshole necessarily.”
He snorted. “I think we know that’s bullshit, as almost everyone on my team has called me out for my assholish ways a time or fifty.” Pearce reached out and stroked my arm, leaving goose bumps in its wake. “You know my maturity levels are still questionable, right?” Even though amusement lit his words, a glimmer of uncertainty rippled underneath.
Pearce wasn’t the only one good at reading people, and I could read him pretty damn accurately.
“I’m not going to fight you on that statement,” I said with a small smile. When he raised his brows, I continued, “But you’re so much more than your age. You’re one of the most caring and considerate people I know.” Pink touched his cheeks as I spoke. “Your ability to play the fool, play pranks,” I said with a pointed look, “is part of what makes you ridiculously, brilliantly you.”
When I stopped speaking, we stared at each other in silence. Behind his brown eyes, I could see my words hit their mark. He all but sank deeper into the mattress and edged closer into my space.
“And why now… apart from the obvious?” The whispered question puffed warm air against my cheek.
Moving my hand to his waist, I looked him directly in the eye. I wouldn’t mention Wayne, as we both knew my ex was the “obvious.” “When Lottie fell ill, there was a moment there that I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think.” Just the thought of it tugged at something lodged in my heart. “But I didn’t need to. You were doing it for the both of us. You were there. You always are.” I swallowed hard before huffing out a light laugh, one that didn’t scratch the surface of how surreal my realization had been. “You wrenched my eyes wide damn open, Pearce. And now that they’re open and I see what we could be…” I shook my head and brushed my lips against his before saying, “I want it. I want you. I want everything. I have no idea ho—”
He swallowed my words with his mouth, cutting me off, and I’d never been more grateful for him shutting me up.
He skimmed his tongue over my bottom lip, and I opened for him immediately. We kissed until I couldn’t imagine another’s mouth on mine ever again. We kissed until I didn’t need to worry about air, since he was breathing for me. We kissed until I didn’t even pretend to resist as he pushed against me and his heavy, perfect weight settled on me.
Wrapping my legs around him was as smooth as the way our lips worked in synch, and as I bucked my hips, searching for friction, he pressed and moved against me, giving me exactly what I wordlessly asked for.
We bucked and groaned and rubbed, the whole time our mouths never disconnecting. I held on tight, my palms on his ass, dragging him against me, harder and faster. We rocked and moaned, and fuck if the tingling in my spine and the tightening of my balls didn’t make my head spin.
“Nngh….” The nonsensical word tore out of me, breaking our connection as my lips parted. Our gazes connected. So close, the tiny flecks of hazel seemed brighter, but I didn’t have time to memorize the variation in color, not when I was captured by the heat and intensity in his gaze. “Fuck.” I bucked again, squeezing his ass, not sure if I was holding on for dear life or was urging him on.
Pearce’s gaze dipped to my mouth as he ground harder, his dick rubbing against mine. “Fuck, Eddie.” He punctuated my name with a fierce kiss. It was hard and messy and my complete undoing.
Light exploded behind my closed lids, my balls drawing up so high, I had no idea if I’d ever see them again, and I was coming. Coming so hard my mind blanked as pleasure crashed into me. Pearce stiffening above me had my eyes springing open. Mesmerized, I watched as he spiraled. And fuck, Pearce orgasming… best thing ever.
Collapsing in my arms, Pearce was a welcome dead weight. I kissed his neck, his cheek, his temple. With a soft sigh, he turned his face my way so I could reach his lips. Just a gentle, exhausted press of mouths, and it was perfect.
We were sticky and tired, and I expected my dick was raw from friction, but still… “I haven’t come from dry-humping since I was a teenager.”
Burying his face against my neck, Pearce snorted. “I’m not sure my dick survived.”
A content grin settled on my lips. “Totally worth it.”
Warm breath danced across my skin when he chuckled. “Definitely.” He eased up onto his forearms, taking some of his weight. His gaze searched mine, and I kept my smile in place, reaching up and stroking his back.
“You good?”
“Yeah.” He flicked his gaze to the side where I knew his phone sat. “You think we have enough time to shower before Lottie wakes?”
Unable to give a straight-up yes, I hesitated, earning me a frown. Without him saying a word, I knew what he was thinking. The flash of disappointment in his gaze was too obvious to ignore. I hated seeing it there.
“It’s not that I don’t want to tell her,” I said slowly, calmly, for me as much as for him, “but we have to do the adult shit and work out what this is first, right?”
