Hotshot (9 page)

“What if it goes bad?”

“It won’t.”

“I can’t lose you in my life.”

“You won’t.”

“I don’t have much luck with men.”

“Thank God. That’s about to change.”

“You’re pretty sure of yourself.” I give him a small smile and push up, straddling his hips.

He scans my face and places his hands on my thighs, squeezing softly. “Your favorite ice cream is Mint Chocolate Chip, and you keep a stash hidden in your freezer even though you swear every New Year’s you’re going to give it up. You always agree to watch action flicks but secretly love raunchy comedies. Every one of Nicky’s games you attend, you wear the same bracelets, each one of them a present from him. Every Christmas, you make sure Mathis, Nicky, and I all have the exact number of presents to open. You always agree to go camping with us, but secretly, it scares the shit out of you. Claire may drive you crazy, but she’s your best friend, and you’d lay down your life for her.

“And you visit church every year, no matter what the day, on the anniversary of your remission diagnosis, and send your mom flowers to let her know you’re thinking of her.”

“Shaw—” my voice quivers.

“That’s only the tip of the iceberg. I have ten years of facts and knowledge that I’ve been storing up. I may have been blind to so many things, but I’ve never been blind to who you are. This is not getting to know you, because I already do, and I love everything about you. It’s time to build new memories, together.

“I’m not an idiot. There are things I don’t know, but I will, because I vow to discover everything about you. We may have a history, but we now have a future together. One afternoon has changed my entire life. You seem to have a knack for doing that.”

I have no words. Actually, I do. I have to bite my tongue from declaring my everlasting love and humiliating myself. So, instead of speaking, I throw myself at him and crush my mouth to his, pouring my response into the kiss.

He’s still at first then meets me stroke for stroke as our tongues move together. I grind down on him, feeling every inch of his hard erection against my center as his arms fold around me. He breaks away, but I don’t stop kissing him, covering very inch of his face with my lips. When I finally reach his ear, I get up the courage I never knew I had.

“I want new memories with you more than I’ve ever wanted anything.”

He gives a throaty moan and twists, so I am once again under him. “So we start now with you in my bed. And tomorrow, when we wake up, we start again.”

Shaw

Our Captain gives us the last of the instructions, and I glance around the boat, seeing everyone is at ease with his directions. Except Bizzy. Her face is so scrunched, I would bet money she’d be taking notes if she had a pen and paper. Her lips move, repeating his words, and she gives him a shy grin when he walks by.

Everyone sits as the mate helps guide us out of the slip and into the intercostal toward the ocean. I take out my phone and order an enormous bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine for Gail, along with a note for her to take Monday off. I make sure to have it delivered today and then shut my phone off.

She did a hell of a job arranging this at the last minute when I called her last night, and I suspect there will be questions when I return to the office on Tuesday. But it was worth it, knowing I now have the next two nights and days free of work obligations. After we get off this boat today, it’s just me and Bizzy and a shitload of time alone.

Darren Jackson didn’t blink an eye when I asked if we could change our Saturday night dinner to a chartered fishing trip. He jumped on the idea. I invited Joe to come with us, knowing how much he enjoys being on the water. And after last night’s dinner, he was stoked to spend more time getting to know each other.

The only problem was fucking Perry. He took all of four hours to decide he fucked up and wanted another chance to talk. I ignored his calls, but when he called Gail, she reluctantly invited him along today. I tried to insist she rescind the invitation, but she laughed at me and refused, reminding me everyone deserves a second chance.

I started to argue, but Bizzy came out, dressed for the day, and the argument was the last thing on my mind. She was dressed casually in shorts and a tank top over her bathing suit, but she had her long hair pulled through the back of a baseball cap. She has always been beautiful, but this morning, it was more. She was adorably beautiful. One look and I grew hard, thinking of running my hand through the hair I love so much as I kissed her, again and again.

She gave me a knowing grin and was halfway to my outstretched arms when her phone rang. She waved it at me with an apologetic look and went in the other room to talk to her mom. I answered a few emails while I waited and smiled to myself when I heard her tell her mom she was having a ‘
fabulous time’
. Unfortunately, by the time she finished the conversation, we had to hurry to the marina to get to the boat and meet the rest of our party.

I met with the Captain and mate while she looked around the boat. I was mid-sentence when she started squealing. I whipped around to see Darren had her in a bear hug. She was so small in his massive frame, I immediately worried he was crushing her. But when he put her down, she flashed me a bright smile, her dimple on display.

It was easy to get my point across without words when I walked up and wrapped an arm around her waist, staking my claim. Joe chuckled, and Darren gave me a chin lift in understanding. Bizzy leaned into me, putting one hand on my chest, and gave me a look of surprise. Then her eyes started to shine. I could have stared into the blue-grey hue for hours, loving the fact she was so happy.

The only person who doesn’t seem to have gotten the message is fucking Perry. He arrived during the Captain’s welcome and gave a polite wave to everyone. Now, he sits on the side of the boat eyeing Bizzy as she thumbs through a magazine. My chest tightens when he removes his sunglasses and hangs them on the collar of his shirt. He leans over and says something to her, causing her to look up and give him a polite smile.

The boat picks up speed and the wind whips louder, drowning out any chance of hearing them. She turns the magazine around, showing him the front. He points to something and makes some comment, causing her to shake her head. Her ponytail flies to her face, and he reaches over to push it back.

It takes less than one second for me to get to her side, lifting her out of the chair and sitting us back down, her across my lap. She doesn’t have time to react before there’s a loud roar of laughter around us. Joe, Darren, and Perry all high-five, and Perry takes out his phone, his fingers flying across the screen.

“Did I miss something?” Bizzy leans in to whisper in my ear.

“I think we both did.”

“You should have seen your face!” Darren points at me, still shaking. “Damn! Wish I had that shit on video.”

“I didn’t even get to use my good stuff. That may have been a record.” Perry chuckles and puts his glasses back on.

“Anyone care to explain?” I ask, even though I have a good idea what’s coming.

“I had to believe it to see it. The infamous Crenshaw Bennett. Untouchable, cold as ice, and hard as steel. No one’s going to believe this.” Perry gives a low whistle.

“Gail?” I look for confirmation.

“Yes,” all three say in unison.

“What am I missing?” Bizzy huffs and narrows her eyes at me.

“Let me explain.” Darren raises his hands in the air like he’s in a classroom. “So Gail called me this morning to confirm the trip. When I questioned the change in plans, she said she had no details, but suspected, and I quote, ‘
Mr. Bennett’s taking some personal time with a close friend.
’ She also told me that personal friend would be accompanying us today. It wasn’t so much what she said but how she said it. I’ve got three sisters. I can spot the sound of romance. And Gail, she was all romance.”

“Fucking Gail.”

“That woman scares the shit out of me.” Perry gives an exaggerated body shiver. “She flat out told me to be on my best behavior or she’d kick my ass. She explained that Mr. Bennett would have a lady friend joining us, and if I pulled an attitude like I did yesterday, she’d personally make me regret it.”

A low cackle escapes from Bizzy, and she slaps her hand over her mouth, trying to hide her amusement. Finally, she gives up and laughs out loud. “Gail is the sweetest woman I’ve ever met. To hear she threatened to ‘kick your ass’ is hysterical!”

Perry, Joe, and Darren all exchange a look and turn to me. I know what they’re thinking; it’s not only my reputation that’s tough. Gail can cut a man off at the knees and smile while doing it.

“Bizzy, Gail and I have a reputation to upkeep. Let’s not give these guys the wrong impression.”

“What? She is sweet!” Bizzy defends.

Changing the subject, I pin Perry with a glare. “Obviously, you got the reaction you wanted. Are you going to quit flirting with my girlfriend now?”

He throws his hands in the air innocently. “Like I said, I didn’t even get to my good stuff.”

“Save it for another woman, Casanova.”

“Touchy, touchy.”

“Be a shame for that pretty face to get damaged right before we start scheduling promo shots for the season.”

His grin falls slightly, but he straightens his stance and holds my stare. “Yeah, that would be a shame. Especially since my new agent’s fees are going to cut into my plastic surgery fund.”

I jerk my chin, acknowledging his decision. He knows about my rate hike. He knows he fucked up with his attitude yesterday. But he also knows I’m a great agent, and he wants me to represent him.

Bizzy squeezes my shoulder, pride written all over her face. She knows what happened and understands the importance of his statement. My usual spike of adrenaline when landing a deal is nothing compared to the way her expression hits me. Without thinking about our audience, I lean in and steal a quick kiss, letting my lips linger a little longer than anticipated.

“Okay, now I’m definitely going to be Gail’s favorite. Not to mention, I have proof.” Darren waves his phone at me with a shit-eating grin, showing off the picture he took.

“When the hell did Darren Jackson, one of the toughest running backs in the NFL, turn into such a sap?”

“Hey, man, like I mentioned, I have three sisters. Besides, Gail told me to make sure and get pictures. This should make her happy.”

“Jesus,” I mutter, dropping my head to Bizzy’s shoulder.

She adjusts, rearranging her body to sit up straight. “So, guys, tell me about you! I met Joe last night, but we didn’t get much of a chance to know each other.”

The whole mood shifts instantly. Asking a group of three men, especially professional athletes, to talk about themselves, is one way to completely change the conversation. For the next hour, I sit and listen to each of them talk about their positions, boasting louder than necessary when trying to outdo the other.

I already know almost everything they tell her since I make it a point to know my clients, but she listens intently, giving them her full attention. When Darren starts talking about his season, she amazes him with her football knowledge.

“I get that you’re dating a sports agent, but damn, you know a shitload about the game.”

“Oh, Shaw didn’t teach me. My best friend, Nicky, did.”

“She must be a huge fan,” Darren says.

Bizzy snorts and shakes her head, looking over her shoulder at me. “They don’t know?”

“Not by me.” I shrug.

She turns back to them and starts to explain. “Nicky is a man. He’s a player in Miami. You may know him—”

Darren slaps his hands together loudly, cutting her off and causing her to jump a little in my lap. “Nicky? In Miami? As in Nick Bennett?”

“That’s him.” She nods enthusiastically.

“The same Nick Bennett that’s Crenshaw Bennett’s brother?” Joe points at me.

“That’s him. He’s how Shaw and I met, really. It was a long time ago, but we’ve been friends forever.”

“Shit!” Darren runs his hands down his face then cocks his head to the side. “No offense, but that motherfucker gave us the worst loss of the season last year.”

“I was there! It was a great game.” She reaches over to pat his hand. “Better luck next time.”

He moves his hands over his heart, acting wounded. “I’m glad we don’t have to play them this year. It’s still a raw wound.”

“I’m a nurse, so I can tell you with medical expertise, this kind of wound will heal.”

“Shit, I need a beer.” Darren walks over to the cooler, mumbling something under his breath.

The Captain yells back that we’re approaching the spot, and the mate starts to get our rods ready. Joe and Perry move to him, watching as he prepares.

“You know,” Bizzy twists her body, placing her hands on my chest, “I didn’t take you for the possessive type.”

“Only with you. Not that I have a lot of experience in this area, and I’ve always been protective of you. But today, it was different. Seeing Perry flirt with you set off something I’ve never felt before, and it felt fucking great.”

“It really did,” she agrees.

“So kiss me.”

She doesn’t hesitate to slant her head and lean in, running her lips across mine softly. Too soon, she jumps up, yanking me with her.

“Come on! I may be the only woman on this boat, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want the full experience. Meaning, my turn on rotation.”

“By all means.” I give a little chuckle.

“Wait, are you making fun of me?”

“I’d never.” I try my best to hide my grin.

“I’m great at fishing!”

“Biz, we’re going to be catching fish that are going to fight like hell. I thought we’d be on rotation together.”

She narrows her eyes, places her hands on her hips, and cocks her head to the side. “You don’t think I can reel in my own catch?”

I bite my tongue, trying to avoid her gaze, and search for the right response. Apparently, I think too long, because she clears her throat loudly, waiting for me.

“Maybe I want to help you?” I try weakly.

“Try again.” She doesn’t buy it at all, giving me an evil stare. Instead of scaring me, it turns me on.