Simply the Best (3 page)

“This is…interesting.” Sam squinted in the dirt flying through the air. The city never sent patrol officers to the speedway, and without any real need to be there, he’d never ventured to the racetrack. “This is how all the races go? Lots of crap in the air?” he shouted.

“Yep.” Emma grinned and then turned her attention back to the track. She waved her hands and clapped. Fifteen more laps before the end. If he wasn’t mistaken, her brother was still leading the race. If he won, he’d win not only the race but also a championship—for what, Sam wasn’t sure.

He didn’t understand the different divisions of racing, but the excitement was unmistakable.

“You got this one,” Emma screamed. She covered her face with her hands then looked through her fingers. “Come on, buddy. Keep it smooth.”

Sam chuckled. She looked so sexy when she got nervous. A car zipped in front of Blaine’s black and gold entry. Sam cringed, sure they’d hit. Blaine slid his car through the corner and missed the competitor.

“Holy shit.” Sam pumped his fist. “Good job.”

Minutes later, Blaine crossed the finish line first. Emma threw her arms around Sam’s neck and kissed him in front of the crowd. What a great way to cement their standing as a couple. She lagged back when the announcers presented her brother with the gigantic check and shiny trophy. Instead, she congratulated him in the pits.

“Where’s Mallory?” She hugged her brother.

“Long story short, she left.” Blaine sighed. “This would be so much sweeter with her. Mom’s in the grandstands if you want to see her.”

“I’ll say hi. Be nice to Sam.” She turned to Sam. “Don’t maul him. He can be a twit, but he’s my baby brother.” Emma strode away in the direction of the grandstands.

Blaine waited for her to get out of earshot and then stuck out his hand to Sam. “I’m Blaine and you are the Sam my sister gushed about?”

“I am.” He nodded and shook hands with Blaine. “I’ve heard a bit about you, too. I don’t know how you sling those cars, but that was
frickin
’ awesome.”

“Thanks. It takes practice.” Blaine folded his arms and widened his stance. His dark hair stuck up at odd angles from the sweat and running his fingers through it. His eyes gleaned. “I love my sister. She’s been through a lot in a short period of time.” He kicked at the mud with the toe of his racing shoe.

“Spit it out.” Sam stared at him. “Whatever it is, just say it.”

“Don’t fuck with her, okay?” He looked Sam in the eye. “She’s older than me, but I swear I’ll kick your ass then run you over if you hurt her. Guys think she’s…just don’t screw her over.”

“Understood.” Sam bit back a smile. Granted Blaine’s threats included illegal actions, but he respected a man protecting his sister. But what did he mean about how guys saw her? He wanted to ask questions, but refrained.

“Good.” Blaine nodded once then strode to where a reporter waited.

Emma sidled up beside Sam. “That’s all there is. A win and fireworks. Whatever money he gets goes into the car for the next race.” She wrapped her arms around his bicep. “Did you have fun? Some people don’t like it. Too dirty and noisy.”

“Honey, I was with you. That’s the best part.” He slipped her hand into his. “Your brother warned he’d do me bodily harm if I broke your heart.”

“He’s like that.”

“He said something.” Sam squeezed her fingers. “Why don’t we talk about it in the car?”

“Sure.” Emma didn’t say anything as she followed him across the grassy field. Most of the traffic migrated to the south end of the field by the exit, leaving his truck in the open.

Sam dropped the tailgate and patted the metal. “Sit.” She folded her arms and did as he commanded.

“You don’t have to be scared with me.” He clasped both of her hands in his. “But I keep getting the feeling you’re petrified. I’m sworn to protect the people of Gates Mills, and there’s one in particular I’d lay down my life for.” He’d noticed the scar on her outer wrist earlier. “You rub your arm when you’re upset.”

“You get right down to the important parts, don’t you?” She didn’t pull away from him, but she didn’t spill her guts either.

“I’ve got scars. If you want, you can personally inspect them all in depth.” He tipped her gaze to look into her eyes. “I’ve got nothing to hide from you.”

Emma glanced around at the emptiness surrounding them. The moonlight provided the only light and shimmered on her cheeks and hair. “When I was nineteen, I met this guy. He was older by a couple years. He introduced me to some stuff.” She let go of his hands and picked at the sleeve of the shirt. “I knew how to please a man in bed, but he showed me things I’d never even considered.” She slid off the tailgate and walked past him. “I thought I liked what we did. I thought it was sexy and cool, but most of me was scared. When we played, it was so he could feel power. He used a whip on me.”

Fury boiled within him. A whip? Okay, he’d done his share of playing around and engaging in BDSM acts, but somehow he doubted the jackass used the whip for titillation. Sam smoothed his hands along her arms before resting them on her shoulders. She leaned into him, pressing her back to his chest.

“He cut me up, then told me I was worthless because I didn’t get off on what he did. I didn’t care. I was afraid and wanted the hell out of there.” She turned around in his embrace. “Blaine knows some of it but not everything. If he did, I’m pretty sure he’d be in jail and the man would be dead.”

“You’re sure I won’t kill him?”

“You’re a cop. You know better.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “For the longest time, I didn’t let myself get close to anyone. Keep them at a distance and no one gets hurt. But loneliness sucks.” The catch in her voice dampened some of his anger. “I’m not a good girl by any means. I like a good spanking and toys are my favorites, but if you hurt me I won’t stick around.”

“I don’t expect you to.” He crushed her in his arms. “I’ll do whatever you want me to in order for you to feel beautiful and cherished. Promise.”

Emma tipped her head back. “I believe you. I shouldn’t, but I do.”

Sam picked her up and sat her on the tailgate, then wrapped her legs around his waist. “Tonight, I’m going to take you home and I’ll show you.” In front of the heavens and anyone watching, he kissed her. The heat between her legs seared him. He longed to rip her clothes off and make love to her right there beneath the stars. No, their first time wouldn’t take place in the back of his truck. He’d treat her like a real lady. She made him think about the future and all the things he wanted besides his dick in another man’s ass.

“Officer Rhodes, are you trying to get me naked and horizontal?”

“Only if it works.” He cupped her jaw in both hands. “I’m very drawn to you.”

“Then show me.”

****

Emma cuddled against Sam’s side as he drove them back to Gates Mills. She’d never felt so safe or protected in her life. Yes, he came right out and told her he wanted to screw around, but it wasn’t forced. Thank God. He’d been a gentleman the entire time. Holding her hand, opening doors for her, offering his button-down shirt when the sun set. He didn’t even flinch when she told him about her ex. Not that she disclosed the information to many people, but still. Sam could’ve washed his hands of her.

“My apartment isn’t much, but it’s functional.” He pulled into a parking lot and stopped under a streetlight. Sam doused the headlights and turned off the engine. “I don’t bring too many people here.” He opened the driver’s side door.

Emma didn’t give him a chance to round the hood. She slid across the seat and vacated the truck on his side.

“You’re a stubborn one. Have to do it your way?”

“When I feel confident enough to be myself, yes.” She strode to his apartment. “With you, I feel like I can do just about anything.”

“That’s my girl.” Sam swatted her ass and then hurried ahead of her to open his front door. “My place is yours. Make yourself comfortable.”

Oh, she’d make herself comfy. As soon as he clicked the door shut, she pinned him between the cool metal and her body. She kissed and bit his bottom lip. God, she needed this, needed a man to understand her desires and not shy away from her or expect her to be something she wasn’t.

Sam scooped her into his arms. “I’m going to make love to you, but not against the door when the couch is so much better” He carried her across the room to the couch and then placed her on the cushions.

Make love to her. The words sounded so sweet and sexy as hell. She wriggled out of his button-down shirt and then whipped her blouse up over her head. The chilly night air in his apartment swirled over her upper body. She shivered but hadn’t changed her mind.

Sam knelt over her, balanced on his knees with his left hand beside her head. He palmed her breast in his right hand. The pinch and roll on her flesh sent her senses reeling. She arched into his touch.

When she turned her head, he feasted on her neck. A moan ripped from her throat. She wrapped her arms around him.

“I’m going to take care of you,” he murmured. “Gonna show you how beautiful you are.” He fluttered kisses over her cheeks, her chin, and then her lips. “So sexy.”

She needed to be naked. Now. Emma unwound her arms from around him, then situated her hands between their bodies and popped the button on her jeans.

Sam stopped moving. He stood upright and worked her running shoes from her feet, then eased her jeans down her hips. The clothing landed out of her range of view.

Being so exposed beneath him didn’t bother her. The momentary pang of unease did bother her.
Calm down,
she told herself.
He isn’t like the guys before. Sam is a decent man who cares about you. Trust him.
She stared up at him. The predatory look in his eyes spurred on her desire for him. She slipped one hand into her panties and rubbed her pussy. Did he like watching her play with herself?

“Oh damn.” Sam ripped his shirt over his head and tossed it out of sight and then opened his pants. He eased his jeans and boxers down enough to unleash his cock. With one hand on his dick, he used his other hand to withdraw a condom packet from his wallet. He ripped the corner of the foil package with his teeth.

Emma sat up enough to take the rubber from his hand. She sheathed him and then plopped back onto the couch on her back.

“Shit. Turn around.” Sam helped her to her feet and eased her over the arm of the couch. The angle put her at the right height for him to stand and pound into her sweet pussy or her ass. He grabbed the side of her thong and ripped. He entered her in one swift thrust. No finesse, no sweetness…just feral lovemaking. Just what she wanted.

Emma groaned and widened her stance. “Smack my ass.” She propped herself up on her elbows. “God, please?”

He did as she asked, kicking her arousal up a notch. “You liked that?” Sam swatted her again. She writhed on his erection, not quite close to coming, but feeling really, really good. His rhythmic thrusts sped up. His fingers bit into her skin.

“Fuck,” he said, drawing the word out. Sam slammed forward, his balls pulsing on her clit.

He crouched over her, resting his head on her shoulder. “That happened too damn fast.” He gasped for breath. “Now my turn to play.”

God damn it to hell. He hadn’t wanted to come before her and he sure as hell didn’t want to let her down. Sam removed the spent condom and stuffed his wilting erection into his pants.

Emma crawled onto the couch. She flopped onto her belly.

“Not yet, baby,” he murmured and turned her over. He knelt between her legs. Her musky scent wrapped around his brain. This time, he shivered. He hooked his fingers in what was left of the waistband of her torn panties and tugged. Little by little, the flimsy fabric gave away and revealed a prize. Her glittery cream accentuated the dusky pink of her labia.

Sam cupped his hand around her ankle. He kissed his way up her leg to her pussy. When she moaned and bucked in his grasp, he flattened his tongue over her clit.

“Sam.” She dug her nails into the couch cushion. He kissed along her other leg, then settled his attention on her pussy. He loved the feel of a rigid dick on his tongue, but the silky softness of her cunt drew him in. Her juices spilled in his mouth. Sweet and sticky. He hummed against her labia, thrilled when she cried out.

Her legs trembled and she hooked her ankles together behind his head. “Sam.”

“Gonna make you come apart,” he said against her pussy lips. He eased one finger into her channel. She gripped him tight and bucked. “Good?” He didn’t wait for her answer. He added another digit and pumped.

She panted and groaned. Little whimpers escaped her throat. “Harder, Sam.”

“Yes, baby.” He added a third finger, stretching her. Sam licked and nibbled on her clit in rhythm with the pumps in and out of her body.

Her entire being tensed. She tightened her legs around his head. “Sam, Sam, Sam,” she chanted. Her pussy gripped him, and then she relaxed. Emma loosened her grasp on the cushion and slumped against the seat of the couch.

Sam sat back on his heels and wiped his chin. She might not be perfect for everyone or every man, but she suited him in all the right ways.

“You know how to win a girl’s heart,” she murmured. She stared up at him from under heavy-lidded eyes.

“I try.” Sam stood and stretched, then scooped her into his arms. He cradled her to his body. “I’m going to take care of you.”

“After a nap.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “A quick one.”

“Whatever you want.” Sam placed her in the middle of his bed. He dragged the covers over her body, then shucked his pants and climbed in beside her. Emma rolled onto her side and snuggled in the crook of his arm.

Sam listened to the soft sound of her snores as she slumbered beside him. He stared at the ceiling. Too many thoughts filled his head. She wasn’t freaked out by his having condoms right at the ready. Okay, lots of guys had condoms within reach, but most of them—from his experience—were man whores. Not like he was real pure. He carried condoms in his wallet for Christ’s sake.

He listened to her even breaths. Was she enough to make him forget about guys? He wanted to push his needs for men far, far way if that’s what she needed. But how the hell was he expected to ignore his basic needs? Especially if she hadn’t even asked him to?

Sam rubbed his forehead. God. He over thought their new relationship. He closed his eyes, but the vision of Quint came to mind. Stead, strong and so masculine. Quint physically fulfilled what he wanted from a partner. He shouldn’t crave the guy, but he did. He also craved Emma.

He’d fucked so much up. The one kiss he shared with Quint played in a loop in his brain. So sexy and hot…so off-limits. He fisted his hand. Shit. One kiss would fuck up his life. Keep trying out the new relationship with Emma or pursue something with Quint?

Because he wanted the both of them.

Fat chance they’d both accept him.

He stared at the ceiling again. Did he love Emma? Too soon to tell, but the emotions ran deeper than simple lust. Emma draped her arm across his chest. Her breath warmed his shoulder. She’d managed to wind around his soul. Life wasn’t the same without her, even after just two days.

He promised to care for her and treat her like a lady. He never reneged on a promise.

“Sam?”

“Yes, baby? I thought you were sleeping.” He rubbed his cheek on the top of her head. “You need your rest. It’s late.”

“I’ve stayed up late before.” She twined her legs with his. “You’re thinking way too hard.”

“How do you know?” He suppressed a chuckle. He should’ve known she’d have him pegged after just a few hours. No matter how hard he tried, his brain refused to shut off.

“You’ve got a nearly naked woman beside you and you’re not doing anything. Either I’m boring, or you’re not interested.” She scraped his nipple with her fingernail. “You’re not even fully naked.” She snorted. “I’m not enough, am I?”

“You’re very good for me.” More than she knew. “And I’m very interested.” He smoothed his fingers through her hair. “I thought I’d let you sleep.”

“I don’t want to.” Emma wrapped her hand around his dick. “I want you to use this.”

“Yes, baby.” From his head to his toes, his body tingled. Sam shifted his hips, rubbing his cock in her fingers. Shit. In moments, she had him hard and ready to go.

Emma climbed on top of him and reached around to unfasten her bra. The lacy garment landed on his chest with a soft thump. Her pink tinged breasts bounced with each movement. Her nipples hardened to points. Damn, he wanted to caress those nipples. Instead of letting her writhe on his torso, he guided her to his face.

“Whoa.” She wriggled, balancing on her knees. She grasped the headboard. “Sam.”

He glanced up at her as he raked his teeth over her labia and then sucked on her clit. Her legs trembled again. Her liquid excitement slipped down his chin and he hummed. Dear God, she tasted good. He groaned and bit her pussy lips. With both hands, he palmed her breasts.

“Oh my God.” Emma scooted off his face and shoved the blankets out of the way. “I want you inside me. Where are the rubbers?”

“Night stand.” He nodded in the general direction of the drawer. “I’m prepared.” He watched her, stunned by her change in position. “I’m not living up to your standards?”

“I love what you were doing and how you’re prepared.” She reached across his chest and fumbled in the stand, then sat up straight with the condom in hand. Her hair spilled down her shoulders in a blonde blur. Her eyes sparkled and sweat glistened on her skin.

Emma rolled the condom down his erection and then guided him into her pussy. Her heat surrounded him. The scent of her perfume lingered in his nose. He couldn’t breathe or think. Everything blurred away except for her. She rocked on his lap. He liked how she took control.

“We fit together so well.” Emma stared into his eyes. For a moment, he swore she saw to his soul. In that same moment, the blackness faded. She gave him a reason to hope.

Her lips parted, but no sound came out. Emma closed her eyes and tipped her head back. She smoothed one hand over her chest, pinching and tugging on her nipple. How fucking hot. He grabbed her other hand and placed it on his chest.

Emma smiled down at him and gave his nipple the same treatment. Shit, the twisting felt good. Her hair slipped over her shoulders, partially covering her face. From her hairline to the tops of her breasts, she blushed.

Sam gripped her waist. As much as he wanted to go slow and cherish the moment with her, the orgasm swirling in his lower belly wouldn’t wait. Each time she clenched around him, she pushed him closer and closer to the edge.

“Touch yourself,” he whispered. “Get yourself off while you ride me.”

“Yeah?” She giggled, not a girly laugh, but a throaty devil-may-care laugh. Emma cupped her breast in her hand, massaging the nipple in her fingers. Another laugh bubbled from her lips. At the same time, she situated her other hand between her legs. Her fingernails scraped the patch of skin above his dick as she played with her clit.

“God.” She met his gaze once more. “I’m close.”

He gasped. Damn, they were great when they worked together. Sam planted his feet on the bed and surged inside her. He’d never last. Emma tensed and then stopped moving. She clenched her teeth. Sweat glittered on her skin in the moonlight. She whimpered.

“Come for me, baby,” he coaxed. “Let go with me.”

Sam thrust inside her again and gave in to the heady feelings swarming in his body. Lust, desire, need, and the beginnings of love filled his mind. Yeah, he loved her.

“Sam.” Emma’s head lolled on her shoulders, and then she collapsed against his chest. “Sam.”

Still inside her, he wrapped his arms around her body. This is where she belonged—with him. “You blow my mind, baby.”

“Yeah?” She stretched out on top of him and rested her head on his shoulders. “You wear me out.”

“That, too.” For the first time in what seemed like forever, his jittery nerves settled. His mind eased. She might not be his forever girl, but she was his for now and he’d take whatever he could get from her.

Emma slid off him and sashayed nude to the bathroom. He watched the sway of her ass. Part of him wanted to follow her. The rest of him couldn’t move. She sapped his energy in all the right ways. The light in the bathroom illuminated the bedroom and he used the opportunity to remove the spent rubber. He flopped onto is back. Damn. He needed to sleep. The numbers on the clock caught his attention. Nearly three in the morning. Well, then no shit… He’d been up for almost twenty-four hours.

The bathroom light extinguished. Footsteps padded on the floor. The left side of the bed sagged, and then Emma settled beside him.

“I don’t know how you do it, but you make me think the future isn’t scary and forever is possible.”

“Happiness will do that to a person.” He tucked her to his side. “Sleep, baby.”

“I wanted to talk.”

“We’ve got all day tomorrow for talking.” Besides, he could hardly keep his eyes open. “I’m yours for the next week.”

“I’m glad.” She yawned. “I’ll need to go looking for a new job.” She cupped her hand on his chest, over his heart. “Sucks he fired me, but maybe it was for the best.”

“It was, sweetheart. Something better will come along.”

“You sound like a greeting card.”

“I get sappy when I’m shitfaced tired.”

“Good night, Sam,” she murmured.

“Good night, baby.” Sam closed his eyes. Instead of the hundreds of thoughts he expected, his mind cleared. Either she’d truly worn him out, or she was the magic elixir he needed to get a proper night’s sleep. He’d accept both situations. Emma crashed the walls around his heart and managed to imprint herself on his soul. Somehow he’d make her see just how important she was to him.

Tomorrow.