Page 110 of Passed Ball

"Is it? Or is it telling you things that scare you, like maybe you need to stop pretending that you don't really like this guy?"

"I do really like him. And it's giving me the scaries because I didn't expect this when we agreed to our rules. So I need you to help me finish packing because I want to head over to see him before I leave." I riffle through the pile until I find the lingerie set I bought for tonight. "Can we save the blatant honesty until after I've talked to him and tell me how hot I'm going to look in this?"

"Holy shit." She blinks dramatically. "He's going to lose his ever-loving mind."

"There's one thing left on the list from early on that he's been dying to cross off. That felt like it deserved a little something special."

"And what happens after the list is done," she asks carefully.

The words choke me, forcing me to reach for my water before I can get them out. "I don't know, but I think that's why coming home this year is so hard. I want good things, and he is the very best."

"It sounds like you already have good things. All you have to do is hold on to them."

Is it really that simple? Do I get to just keep him after all? If I can get through this week at home couldtheybe mine for real. I'm suddenly overwhelmed by that possibility because I've told myself I couldn't have this for so long, that being on my own was protecting myself. But I know now that wasn't true.

"I love you," I say, tears clawing at my throat.

"I love you too, babe."

Chapter 47

Xavier

There's an immediate sense of relief when I don't get picked for postgame interviews and all that stands between me and my girls is a shower and my drive.

Almost an entire month of only video calls, texts, and one rushed quickie with Vivienne has me more than a little messed up. It's no one's fault, but I still fucking hate the distance the end of season has put between us.

The night we were together after she came to the game with the girls was intense, to say the least. For me, it felt like we were on the brink of more--of everything. I think this loneliness that finds me on the road stings more now because I've grown so attached to her.

Forty minutes later, I'm stepping inside my house, kicking off my shoes, and racing up the stairs. A quick stop in the nursery to say good night to Holland and I'm stalking through the house, searching for my other girl.

Tenley is back in school and knowing Vivi was here waiting was one hell of a motivator to win and win quickly.

Dim light from my bedroom has me rushing for the door and I almost trip over my feet at the sight waiting for me on my bed.

Fuck me.

It's not my birthday, but the prettiest present I've ever seen waits for me. Vivienne lays coyly on my bed, her dark hair draped over my pillows in a lush curtain. The green lingerie she wears shimmers in the glow coming from the bathroom. Pressed together to create mouthwatering cleavage, her tits are wrapped up in a bra that looks like a damn bow. One tug and it would all fall apart.

My fingers twitch at my side. I want to take the silky fabric between my fingers and undo my perfect package. I don't stop moving until I'm standing at the foot of the bed. "I could get used to finding you in my room."

She hums, toying with the ribbons at her waist. "You've been so excited about that last thing on the list, I thought we could cross it off tonight."

With her tits tied up like that there's only one thing she could mean. Imagining what she has in store for me has a whimper slipping free. And when she confirms it with a short pull on the bow I have to stop myself from tackling her on the bed.

She disappears behind my hand for a second as I drag it down my face. Every time with Vivi is better than the last, butthis onemight be the one that pushes me over the edge. Sliding between these soft full breasts is going to be the highlight of my life.

"You come first," I tell her, because I'm not sure I'll survive this and I don't want to die without getting her off one last time.

"As I should," she says with a shimmy of her shoulders.

"Damn, sweetheart." This is a departure from the woman in the hallway all those months ago, or the one who told me I didn't have to eat her out.

Like it was it a fucking chore.

Gone is the woman who brushed aside her needs for everyone else's. The goddess in my bed would never. She's no longer polite about her pleasure.

Crawling up the bed I kneel next to her, cupping her face. "Tell me how to make you come."