In the Grasp, page 15
Twenty-Nine
My chest heaves as I lie there, still breathless from the most incredible orgasm I’ve ever had. I look into Jack’s face and see an expression of complete contentment that must mirror my own.
“Wow.”
Jack huffs out a laugh. “You can say that again.” His eyes soften as he slides the hair off my forehead and tucks it behind my ear. “Watching you come is still the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.”
My heart stutters as I remember those words whispered after we had sex for the first time as teens. I cup his face and kiss him softly, all the pain and hurt of our past seemingly being healed with this one kiss.
I love you.
The words shout in my head, but I can’t say them yet. An alert goes off on Jack’s phone and he reaches over.
“That’s the security gate. Looks like our food is here. I’ll be right back.” He kisses me quickly and jumps out of bed, grabs a pair of sweats from his dresser, and then leaves the room. I sit up, wanting to put some clothes on while we eat, and decide to rummage through his closet to borrow one of his shirts.
He has a massive walk-in closet that seems way more organized than I remember him being. Just when I’m about to turn toward the drawers and look for a T-shirt, I notice a familiar- looking sleeve. The leather is still butter soft and I remember all the times I walked down the hallway holding Jack’s hand while he wore this jacket.
I pull it from the hanger and slide my arms through it. The bottom edge of the jacket falls almost indecently high on my thighs. It just barely conceals my most intimate part, but the rest of the jacket is insanely big on me.
I hear Jack come back into the room talking about how he brought me my abandoned wine from earlier and some water to go with our Chinese food. I come out of the closet just as he turns around, and I watch his jaw drop as he scans me from head to toe. I’m standing before him wearing his high school letterman jacket, and only his jacket. My cheeks heat as I watch his pants begin to tent.
He clears his throat. “Fuck. You are every wet dream I ever had come to life.”
His voice is gravelly with desire, and his look of shock has quickly been replaced with a ravenous one. He walks slowly toward me, his hand sliding over his mouth and jaw before he slides it through his hair. His eyes roam across my body from my head to my toes and back again.
“Do you know how many times I imagined this exact picture in my head? I always wondered what you would look like wearing just this jacket.” He strokes his finger down the inside of the lapel and grazes the edge of my breast. “You look better than anything I ever fantasized.”
His lips graze mine in a soft kiss that quickly consumes us both. He breaks away, breathing heavily. “Come on. Let’s go eat before I ravage you again.”
He smirks at me and grabs my hand, walking us to the bed where he’s laid down a towel and placed our Chinese food containers. We eat and talk, sharing more memories from our childhood and teenage years.
When the food is gone, we cuddle and continue talking, sharing our dreams and desires. I wish I could capture this moment and hold it close to my heart forever.
This night is more perfect than any dream.
Our soft touches become more sensual until Jack is kissing every inch of slowly exposed skin. He takes his time removing his letterman jacket from my body and then drives me insane as his tongue makes its way slowly to my clit, while two fingers slide into my already wet core. He uses his other hand to hold down my hips as he takes me over the peak with his fingers and tongue.
My God, the things that man can do with his mouth should be illegal.
He slides back up my body after my tremors have finally ceased and kisses me fiercely. The taste of myself in his kiss is a heady and erotic mix, and it isn’t long before I flip him over and take my time devouring his body.
He grips my hair when I take him in my mouth, not to push me farther down, but just to touch me. He doesn’t take over, but instead just holds on as I take him toward the peak.
He grabs me under my arms and pulls me up his body before rolling us over in the blink of an eye. He slides into me before I even have a chance to ask why he stopped me, and we both moan at the bliss of being connected again.
Jack takes me slowly this time, and I revel in our connection as he makes love to me with everything he has. Our eyes never break their hold on each other, even when we both crash over the peak of our climaxes. It’s the most powerful sexual experience I’ve ever had, and I know without a doubt that after tonight we’ll never be the same.
Thirty
I had a girlfriend once who made me watch 500 Days of Summer with her. As I walk into practice, I can’t help but feel like Joseph Gordon-Levitt in the scene right after he and Zooey Deschanel have sex for the first time. I’m all smiles and on cloud nine as I walk into the locker room to get changed.
Practice is long and grueling, but I’m still feeling really good when we finish. I’m pounding a Gatorade when I see Max walking over.
“Hey man, how’s it going? Any updates I need to know about?” I ask him.
“Nah, not really. There were a few more reporters I had to keep out. Another female reporter hoping she could catch your eye and snag a story.” He looks out at the other players still working out on the field. “You know, I didn’t really make the connection until just recently, but Paige was one of those female reporters I turned away awhile back. It was before that game where you saw her in the stands.”
My gut clenches, and I turn to look at my friend closely. “You’re telling me you think Paige was at the stadium trying to get a story on me?”
“Yeah, I’m sure it was her, man. I have no reason to lie to you. Trust me, I didn’t want to say anything. For what it’s worth, I think what you two have is the real deal, but I also wouldn’t be doing my job or being a good friend if I didn’t tell you.”
I look at my friend, whom I trust with my life, and I can’t help the little nugget of doubt about Paige that stirs back up and settles deep in my belly. I start replaying all our interactions and conversations since we first saw each other over a month ago. If she was writing a story, she’d have plenty of personal details. I haven’t held anything back from her—not since our first date—despite that voice in the back of my head that wonders if I can really trust her or not.
Belatedly, I realize Max has been talking to me. “What did you say?”
He looks at me for a moment before repeating himself. “I said, I’ve never gotten the vibe that she was digging around for information on you. Every time I’ve seen you two interact, it seems genuine. She’s never asked me any personal questions about you. Hell, she’s never really asked me ANY questions about you. If she’s writing a story, I would think she’d dig around. That’s what the other reporters have tried to do. I don’t really think you have anything to worry about, but I’ll keep an ear out regardless.”
I think about what he’s just said and then my brain goes back to last night. None of that felt fake. Every incredible moment of last night was real. I’d bet my career on it. Like Max, I’ve never felt like Paige was digging. If anything, the more I think about it, the more I realize that Paige usually hates talking about work.
But what if she doesn’t want to talk about it because I’m her story? That nugget of doubt in my stomach gets a little bigger.
“Let me know if you hear anything. I expect the paparazzi will pick up the news that we’re dating sooner or later, but anything else about us, or about me, specifically from the Chronicle, I want to know about.”
“How ironic is it that the NFL’s most private player would fall for a journalist? Do you think she’d really write a story about you?”
I hesitate before speaking. “I wish I could say I was sure that she wouldn’t, but the truth is I don’t know.”
The guilt that comes with that comment takes me by surprise. I shouldn’t be doubting Paige. She’s never given me a reason to doubt her loyalty.
“You know what? No, I don’t think she’d write a story about me. She’s never been like that, and in the month we’ve been together, she’s been open and honest about her life. She told me she was going to keep our personal lives separate from our work lives, and I trust her.”
He nods his head, like this is the reaction he expected. “I’ll support you no matter what.”
“Thanks, man. I’m gonna head to the locker room to shower and change.” I pat him on the back and head to the showers.
As the water pours over my body, I realize that despite what I told Max, doubt has made itself comfortable in my gut, and now I can’t shake the feeling that maybe Paige is hiding something from me.
Thirty-One
Work drags on at a snail’s pace as I sit at my desk working on my article. There’s been very little press about the philanthropic aspect of Jack’s life. Everyone else has been focused on his romantic ties or if there were more scandalous aspects of his personal life.
I’ve not found any articles discussing how he supports a local high school football team in South Central LA. He even shared with me how he goes there at least once a month to work out with the boys and typically once a week during their season.
My plan is to focus on the school and the football program, maybe even do some player profiles, and share it with Jack when it’s ready so I can get his approval before I submit it to Vince. I don’t want it to be solely about him, but I think it’ll be enough about him that people will be interested in reading it. I know Vince will probably be pissed that it’s not the scandalous article or exposé he was really hoping for, but it’ll be about Jack, and it will bring positive press to the paper and a local high school. He can’t argue with that kind of good press.
At least that’s what I’m hoping.
I’m just finishing the update to my notes when my cell phone rings, and Gina’s name pops up on the caller ID.
I answer immediately. “Hey, Gina, what’s up?”
“Hey, girl, I was wondering what you were up to for the next couple of days and if you’re down for some girl time?”
“Um, yes! I miss you. I’d love to see you. How soon can you be here?”
“Funny you should ask.” She laughs. “I’m only about an hour away. I took a risk that you’d say yes and just got in my car this morning. I’m desperate to get out of San Fran. Collin keeps trying to convince me to give him another chance and won’t leave me alone, so I thought I’d come visit you for a few days and get away from his annoying, cheating ass. Plus my mom has been hounding me to come visit her, and Long Beach isn’t too far from you, so I figure this kills two birds with one stone.”
“Absolutely. You know you’re always welcome. I’m just at the paper finishing up some work, but I could meet you at my place as soon as you get into town.”
“Sounds great. I’ll give you a call when I’m a few minutes away.”
“Okay,” I respond happily. “Talk to you then.”
I hang up quickly, excited to see my best friend after a month apart and anxious to finish my work so I can get out of here. It’s only after another minute of thinking of what we should get for dinner tonight that I remember I already have plans with Jack. I quickly text him.
Me: Hey! Gina just called me to let me know she’s on her way for a surprise visit. I’m so sorry, but I’m going to have to cancel our dinner plans tonight.
He responds almost immediately.
Jack: Cool that she’s coming for a visit, but I hate that I won’t get to see you. Do you think she’d be down for dinner if she wasn’t the third wheel? I’d love to meet her. I could bring Max. Thoughts?
* * *
Me: Let me check with Gina.
I quickly call Gina back and fill her in on Jack’s offer.
“That actually sounds like a fabulous idea since I really want to meet your guy. Also, gives me a chance to make sure he’s got good intentions this time. And if not, I’ve been practicing my kickboxing…”
I laugh at her protectiveness and tell her I’ll let him know and see her later. I text Jack back to let him know we’re a go for dinner.
Gina arrives not too long after and we both squeal and hug each other like it’s been years instead of a little over a month since we’ve seen each other. I know it’s so cliché for women to do that with their girlfriends, but honestly, I couldn’t stop it even if I tried. Frankly, it’s the one moment where I feel like I can relate to the excitement dogs must feel when their owners come home.
We both change into clothes that are slightly dressier than our business and travel wear. I’m catching her up on everything that’s been going on when I hear the buzzer to my building. We grab our purses and head down to meet Jack. When he comes into view, I’m surprised to see Will Edmonson standing with him instead of Max.
“Good Lord, who is that handsome hunk of a man next to your guy?” Gina asks quietly.
I laughingly reply, “That would be Will. He plays for the Wolves with Jack.”
“My God, it should be illegal for a man to be that attractive.”
I catch Gina’s blush and can’t help smirking. My friend is not one who is easily overwhelmed by a handsome man. She’s usually feisty and confident. Very little causes her to blush or become shy, but here she is, looking almost overwhelmed with bashfulness.
I’m further intrigued when we greet the guys and I notice Will appreciatively check her out. When I catch the slight blush on his cheeks as they shake hands, I decide that I’m going to have to talk to Jack about Will and find out as much as I can about him. He’s always seemed like a good guy, fairly quiet and reserved, but Gina deserves the best. I’m not going to encourage this if Will turns out to be a player like most football guys. She’s had enough of asshole boyfriends.
At dinner, their mutual attraction is even more obvious. Will occasionally becomes more reserved and almost withdrawn before Gina inevitably pulls him back into the fold and he’s blushing like a schoolgirl all over again. Gina seems to have found her footing, although I notice she’s being subtly flirty instead of outrightly so.
I make eyes at Jack—are you seeing this? He gives me a brief nod but seems surprised and a little cautious about it. Why would he be surprised? Gina is amazing. Will would be lucky to have her.
We go out for drinks after dinner and stay out much later than we probably should seeing as how the guys have a game tomorrow. When they drop us off, I ask Jack to call me after he gets home. He kisses me sweetly and then it’s just us girls.
“So…” I start, “Will seems pretty great, huh?”
Gina laughs. “Oh my God, was I too obvious? At first, I thought maybe he’d just be smoking hot and a total dummy, like some athletes. Or a complete bore who’s obsessed with himself. But he was kind and thoughtful. I can’t believe how easy the conversation was all night! And, by the way, Jack is awesome. I’m so glad things are working out with you two. You guys are so clearly meant to be together, it’s almost sickening.”
I laugh and shrug my shoulders at that comment, but I can’t help but feel giddy at the idea that someone else sees how perfect we are together. I was so reluctant at first but having Gina’s approval makes me feel more confident in my decision to give him another chance.
“I’ll get the dirt on Will for you, if you want.”
Gina sighs. “I would love that, but seriously, what’s the point? I live in the Bay Area and he lives here. It’s not like anything could ever happen. I’m just going to soak in the bliss of having an incredible night with my best friend and meeting a guy who makes me believe there are still good ones out there. And on that note, I’m gonna head to bed. I’m exhausted from driving all day. I love ya. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Get some rest. We’ll have a beach day tomorrow before the game since I took the day off.”
“Sounds heavenly. Night.”
I leave her and go into my own room. It’s not long before I hear her snoring softly on the couch. Gina is not typically a snorer. The few times I’ve experienced it, we’d either been shamefully wasted or exhausted beyond belief, so I know she’s down for the count. That’s why I don’t bother whispering when Jack calls.
I cut to the chase. “So tell me about Will.”
He sighs heavily into the phone. “Honestly, I was pretty surprised about tonight. I’ve
never seen him act like that. Babe, I’m not sure you should encourage anything between him and Gina if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“I’m not, but only because Gina said there’s no point in getting too excited since they live so far apart. But why are you saying that? Is he a bad guy?”
“Not even a little bit. He’s one of the best guys I know, but he hasn’t had an easy time for quite a while.”
“What do you mean?”
He sighs heavily again, and I can tell he’s debating on whether he should tell me or not. My journalist curiosity is piqued, so I let the silence fill the line between us. Eventually, my patience is rewarded.
“Okay, I’ll tell you his story, but don’t tell Gina. It’s really not my story to tell, and I barely feel comfortable telling you, but I feel like it’s the only way you’ll understand.”
“Okay.”
“Will was engaged.”
“What happened? Did she cheat on him or something?”
“She died.”
I’m shocked back against my pillow. “What?” I can barely whisper the word, but Jack
hears me.
“Yeah. It was about a year ago. I think the anniversary just passed actually. It was a drunk driver. I don’t know all the details, but I’ve always suspected they had just had a fight, based on some comments he’s made. He was a wreck when she died and has been completely emotionally cut off ever since. He doesn’t date at all. As far as I know, he hasn’t even looked at another woman. I don’t want to see your friend get hurt, and I just don’t think he’s in the right mindset for a relationship yet.”
