Page 9 of Deck His Balls

Her eyes darken to midnight. “Don’t you dare stop.”

I close the distance between us, and the first brush of her lips against mine ignites every nerve ending in my body. Tricia makes a soft sound in the back of her throat, her fingers tangling in my hair as she pulls me closer. Her lips are impossibly soft, tasting of coffee and promises.

She breaks away, breath coming fast. “Joel, wait. This could complicate everything.”

“It could,” I agree, sliding one hand to the nape of her neck to draw her back to me. “Should I stop?”

Her response was her lips closing over mine, there’s nothing gentle about it. Tricia parts her lips with a gasp, and I take full advantage, deepening the kiss until she melts against me.

A groan rumbles up from my chest as her tongue slides against mine. My free hand finds her hip, pulling her closer until she’s straddling my lap. Her thighs bracket my hips as her fingers trail fire down my chest.

“God, Tricia,” I breathe against her mouth. Her shirt rides up as my hands explore the smooth skin of her back, mapping every inch I can reach. She arches into my touch, rolling her hips in a way that makes me see stars.

The kiss turns desperate, months of suppressed attraction exploding into this one perfect moment. My hands span her waist as she rocks against me, her fingers digging into my shoulders. Every brush of her body against mine sends electricity racing through my veins. Her skin burns hot under my palms, and the little sounds she makes drive me wild.

A shrill ring shatters the moment.

“Fuck,” Tricia mutters, pulling back. Her lips are swollen, her eyes glazed. “It’s my agent. I have to take this.”

I nod, trying to catch my breath. “Go ahead.”

While she takes the call, I attempt to get my racing heart under control. Watching her pace, all flushed and disheveled from our kisses, I know I’m in dangerous territory. This thing between us could destroy our friendship, our professional relationships, maybe even her career.

But God help me, I don’t care.

Tricia ends the call with an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. That was about the camp’s charity event next week. I need to—”

“Hey.” I stand, pulling her close again. “No explanations needed. We’ve got time.”

Her answering smile is pure sin. “Eight o’ clock tonight, right? Unless you’d rather, I actually kick your butt in that rematch.”

“In your dreams.” I steal one more quick kiss. “Though apparently, I’m already starring in those.”

Tricia shoves my shoulder, laughing. “Get out of here before I change my mind about dinner tonight.”

At her door, I can’t resist pulling her in for one last kiss. “See you tonight.”

She nods, her eyes promising things that make my blood run hot. “This is gonna be one hell of a date. I can feel it.”

Chapter Six

Tricia

The soft click of my heels echoes through the hospital corridor as I approach Jasmine’s room, a bouquet of sunflowers in hand. My heartbeat quickens, and I take a deep breath, trying to steel my nerves. Caress rounds the corner, her face lighting up when she spots me.

“Hey, girl!” She pulls me into a warm hug. “Ready to see our little princess?”

I force a smile, giving a slight nod. “Absolutely. Lead the way.”

Caress loops her arm through mine as we continue down the hall. “You look like you’re about to take the court for the finals. What’s going on?”

Heat rushes to my cheeks. Should I tell her about Joel’s coffee visit this morning or how our almost kiss at the hospital fueled my fantasies last night? The memory of his passionate kiss still burns my lips. “I, uh…I have something to share. But let’s see Jasmine first.”

Stepping into the room, I’m immediately enveloped by the joyful atmosphere. Jasmine beams at us from the hospital bed, cradling her newborn daughter with a radiant glow. “There are my girls!”

I lean down to embrace her, breathing in the sweet scent of baby powder. “She’s perfect, Jas. Absolutely beautiful.”

“I know, right?” Jasmine’s eyes sparkle with happy tears. “I still can’t believe she’s really here.”

---