Page 18 of Bradford

"Sure."

"You don't know where I'm taking you." He teased.

"In the short time I've known you, I've realized that I'd follow you anywhere."

Surprise flashes in his eyes, soon changing to delight. "Is that so?" He nuzzles my neck, nipping and licking his way up to my ear. "Want to follow me to bed?"

Moaning, I press closer. "As much as I want to, I think we should do something else, so you don't end up back in the hospital."

"I hate that I can't love you the way I want to."

"You did a good job of that last night."

He snorts. "Having my face buried in your little wet pussy was fucking hot." He clears his throat. "Maybe we shouldn't be talking about that here."

I feel his erection pressing against me. It's long and solid and just the thought makes my panties wet. I lean in and whisper, "I could practice my sucking technique if you'd like."

"Fuck me!" he hisses. "Let's sit for a minute."

We sit in the seats beside us, and I can't keep my eyes off his straining penis. The mushroom head is outlined more clearly in his gray sweatpants. I can't help but lick my lips.

"You're not helping," he growls.

I look up at him and shrug. "I can't help it. It's hot seeing your arousal like that."

"Still not helping." He breathes heavily.

I slip my hand into his and sit back in the seat. It's not the most comfortable, but it will do for now. We won't be here long. I give Bradford a sidelong glance, making sure to check out his lap. I snicker to myself when I notice he's still hard. "You know," I say, "I could get on my knees and help with that."

"Florence," he moans.

Smiling, I turn to face the ice and admit, "I've never been this flirty before. You know, in a sexual way. Then again, I haven't felt so relaxed with anyone either."

"It's safe to look at me now." When I look at him, he continues, "What's happening between us is serious to me, Florence. I want you to know that I'm not just playing around. I care about you."

Before I can respond, someone clears their throat. "We need to talk," Dodge says with a grim look on his face.

I get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

12

BRADFORD

I'mworried about what Dodge has to say as we follow him out of the arena and into the elevator to the parking garage. Florence moves closer and wraps herself around me. "Spit it out, Dodge. We're on pins and needles here. What's happened?"

The man drags a hand down his tired face, takes a deep breath, and finally speaks. "Your father had a mild heart attack while driving." He pauses. "Luckily, he didn't hurt anyone but himself. He has a broken leg and will need surgery to repair it."

"Oh God!" I barely hear Florence gasp as I stare in shock at Dodge.

"My dad has only had a few minor health issues recently. Nothing serious." I search Dodge's face. "Are you sure?"

He nods. "I'm sorry, Bradford."

I fight back tears, trying to remain composed, but they fall anyway. Florence uses her thumbs to brush them away, then pulls me into a tight hug. "Bradford needs to be with his dad," she tells Dodge. "I'm going with him." She gives me a reassuring smile.

"That's where I'm taking you. I'll make sure you're safe."

I pull myself together and ask, "He's going to be okay, right?"

---