Short Stop to Love Read online

  She grasped the hem of his shirt, pulled it over his head, and threw it to the side. Her fingers danced across his defined torso until they rested on the button on his pants. Jeremy’s stomach tightened as her fingers brushed against him. As Jeremy reached behind her to unhook her bra, she opened his fly, pushing his pants and briefs down, leaving him naked.

  Jeremy reached down and pulled one of her nipples into his mouth, nipping at it while his other hand continued to torture her other breast. She moaned and grasped his erection firmly in her hand, stroking from base to tip. Jeremy groaned in response.

  The next thing she knew, Jeremy had ripped her underwear from her body and tossed her onto the bed. He followed her and pressed himself to her. She felt the evidence of his arousal against her thigh. She moved, brushing against him and making him groan.

  “It’s been too long,” he moaned, kissing her hard on the mouth.

  Keri gasped as he plundered her mouth while his hand made its way to her apex. His fingers traced her center before they pressed inside her. He thrust a few times, making her gasp and an electric zing to run through her body, before pulling them away.

  “I can’t wait any longer,” he muttered, grasping her hips and spreading her thighs further apart. “I have to be inside you now.”

  Keri could only moan in response. She was consumed with desire for Jeremy. Through hooded eyes, she watched as he knelt between her legs, fisting himself a few times before lining up at her entrance. With a long look at her, he thrust into her, making them both groan.

  “Oh God,” she moaned as he filled her, throwing her head back.

  Jeremy panted harshly above her as he held himself still. She looked at him and she could see what holding still was costing him. He looked feral as his eyes roamed her body, taking in the area they were connected before looking at her breasts. He reached one hand forward and roughly tweaked her nipple before moving down to grasp her hips in both hands. He pulled out and slammed back in, pushing her up the bed.

  Keri moved her hands above her head, pushing against the headboard. The leverage allowed her to push against Jeremy each time he slammed into her, making them both moan. The sound of their slapping skin and moans were the only sounds in the room.

  Jeremy released her hips, moving her legs up to wrap around his hips while he leaned forward and placed his hands on the bed by her waist. In this position, she was folded onto herself and he was able to go even deeper.

  “Shit!” she groaned as he kept fucking her. She could feel him everywhere.

  “Come on, baby,” he groaned, slowing the speed, but not the intensity of his thrusts down. “Give it to me.”

  As Jeremy continued to talk, she quickly approached the precipice that would throw her into oblivion. He reached a hand between them, using his thumb to circle on her exposed and engorged clit. A few moments later, Keri shattered. She screamed as her body convulsed around Jeremy, pulling his own orgasm out of him. Keri didn’t know how long they were suspended, riding out their highs, but it was glorious.

  She finally came back to herself as he pulled out of her and collapsed next to her on the bed. They lay there for several minutes, waiting for their breathing to return to normal.

  “Well, that’s a hell of a way to celebrate.”

  Keri laughed. “You could say that. I guess that means you better win tomorrow.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Keri

  A week later found Keri putting the finishing touches on her hair and makeup in preparation for a charity event Jeremy was required to attend with the team. This was the first official function they would attend together. She would meet other players and their wives or significant others. The press would be out in force as well.

  With a final check of everything, she smoothed a hand down the navy blue chiffon on her skirt, correcting a non-existent wrinkle. Her hands felt sweaty and she hoped she hadn’t just wiped it onto her dress. She checked and breathed a sigh of relief at seeing no wet streak marring her skirt.

  She slipped her shoes on and walked into the living room. Joann was on the couch flipping through channels and Keri cleared her throat. Joann glanced at her before turning her attention back to the TV. Joann quickly turned back to Keri.

  “Damn!”

  “Good?”

  “Hell yes! That color looks nice with your complexion and eyes. Who did your hair?”

  Keri’s hands moved to her dark hair, which a salon styled loosely with combs, curling the ends over her left shoulder.

  “Jeremy bought me a salon package for today. I got my nails done as well as a facial and styling.”

  “Where can I find me one of him? That’s awesome!”

  “Don’t you already have one?”

  Joann shrugged and turned around. “Yeah, but he doesn’t believe in gifts like that it seems.”

  “Doesn’t believe in them?”

  “His words, not mine. He’s not big into material things apparently.”

  Keri’s brow furrowed. She didn’t quite understand what Joann was saying. The buzzer interrupted what Keri was about to say. She carefully walked over and pressed the intercom.

  “Yes?”

  “Hey, it’s me.”

  Keri pressed the buzzer and unlocked the door to wait for Jeremy. A few moments later, a light knock sounded as Jeremy pushed the door open.

  “Knock, knock.”

  Keri smiled as he stepped inside. Jeremy stood inside the door, stunned. His eyes raked over her body. Keri fidgeted the longer he was silent. Joann coughed and Jeremy jerked, shaking himself.

  “You look beautiful.”

  Keri smiled bashfully. “Thank you. You look nice too.”

  And he did. If she thought pictures of him in a suit were panty-combusting, seeing him in a tuxedo in the flesh was panty-melting. The tux was cut to fit him perfectly, draping over his shoulders and hugging his muscles, and his hair was carelessly styled. He paired it with a slate gray tie and pocket square.

  “Are you ready?” he asked, breaking Keri from her appraisal.

  She nodded and called over her shoulder, “I’ll see you later.”

  “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

  Jeremy ushered her out the door and to the car. A limo was sitting outside and she was surprised she didn’t recognize the driver.

  “Where’s Jacob?”

  “He’s already at the venue. He’ll be there on the fringes just in case.”

  Keri nodded and settled back into the plush back seat. “So, what’s this event again?”

  “It’s a charity event to raise money for at-risk youth. It’s for the arts and sports if I’m not mistaken. They sponsor something different each year.”

  “And the rest of the team will be there?”

  “Yes, it’s a required event.”

  The car stopped outside the venue and Jeremy smiled at her. “Are you ready?”

  “As I’ll ever be.”

  She saw the photographers lining the sidewalk outside the car and her heart rate sped up. It was one thing to see them at work or every so often while running errands, and something completely different to see them at such an important event.

  Jeremy opened the door and flashes filled the night. She already heard questions being shouted at Jeremy as she slid across the seat, taking his proffered hand. They slowly walked toward the doors of the hotel, pausing every so often for photos. Keri’s face was already starting to hurt from holding her smile and spots danced before her eyes.

  She was thankful it was a warm early spring night and it wasn’t raining. That would make walking to the doors that much more unbearable. After what felt like ages, but was really only minutes, Jeremy led her through the glass doors into the main lobby.

  In a blink, they were in the ballroom. Keri’s eyes widened. Crystal centerpieces and impeccably dressed men and women were everywhere. It was dazzling. With a firm hand on her waist, Jeremy guided Keri toward the bar, stopping to introduce her and politely chat with p
eople along the way. A walk that should have only taken a minute or so ended up taking them ten minutes because of how often they were stopped.

  At the bar, Jeremy ordered a scotch and looked at Keri for her order. “A martini, please.”

  The bartender quickly made their drinks and passed them over the bar. After a leaving a tip, Jeremy pulled her back into the crowd. While Jeremy schmoozed the people, Keri studied the room. It was very elegant. With the men and women dressed to the nines and elaborate centerpieces and decorations, it was hard to believe they were in the heart of Seattle.

  “Keri.” Jeremy’s light touch on her elbow brought her back to the conversation happening around her. “It’s time to take our seats.”

  With a smile, she followed Jeremy to a table just off the dance floor. A few speeches were made and dinner was brought out. If she thought she’d have fun while sitting at the table, she was wrong. All the men talked about was baseball and the women seemed to be more trophy than not.

  After dessert was cleared, she excused herself to the bathroom, where she splashed water on her face and checked her makeup. A blonde entered and stood two sinks down. She kept glancing at Keri, so she smiled politely.

  “You’re here with Jeremy Glass, right?” the blonde asking, leaning against the sink.

  “Yes, I am.”

  “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Um…sure?”

  “How’d you bag him?”

  Keri was taken aback and she cleared her throat to cover up the shock she felt at the question.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I think that’s an obvious question. You’re not too bright are you? I wanted to know how you got him to commit to you.”

  Keri took a closer look at the woman and her eyes narrowed. She looked familiar for some reason, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. There were enough blondes at the party that she might be recognizing someone she saw in passing, but something about this woman struck something with her and she was uneasy.

  “Nothing special. There was a spark and I acted upon it.”

  “You acted?” the woman asked, arching a perfectly sculpted eyebrow.

  “Yes.”

  Before the woman could say anything else, Keri breezed past her and out of the bathroom, quickly rejoining her table for the start of the auction. She smiled and politely clapped when needed while she scanned the room for blondie from the bathroom. She felt that wasn’t the last she’d see of her tonight.

  Once the auction was over and the silent auction began, Jeremy pulled Keri to the dance floor and she forgot all about the blonde from earlier. With a sigh, she melted into Jeremy’s arms and reveled at being held by him as they slowly swayed back and forth. His hand lightly caressed the little bit of skin the back of her dress showed. She shivered as his fingers ghosted along her spine.

  Her heart beat a little faster and she moved a little closer as they swayed slowly on the dance floor, forgetting briefly they were in public. The tempo of the music changed and Keri pulled back from Jeremy, smiling.

  She opened her mouth to say something, but stopped when a manicured hand curled around Jeremy’s arm, pulling him from her. Her mouth opened in surprise as the blonde from earlier was revealed.

  “I thought that was you,” she said, smiling.

  Keri glanced at Jeremy and was surprised to see annoyance and possibly anger reflected on his face.

  “Heather.”

  Keri’s eyes widened as she realized why the woman was so familiar. She was Jeremy’s ex-girlfriend.

  “What do you say to a dance? For old time’s sake?”

  Keri straightened, unable to believe this woman’s audacity.

  “As you can see, I’m here with my girlfriend.”

  Heather’s eyes slid to Keri and her eyes narrowed as she smiled wider.

  “You don’t mind, right?” Heather directed her question at Keri.

  Without waiting for her answer, Heather jerked Jeremy from Keri and they moved away. Keri blinked a few times and glanced around. People were looking at her and her face heated. Her eyes burned and she felt the prick of tears. She widened her eyes to stave them off and walked back to the table. Seeing people still sitting there, she bypassed her seat and walked toward the double doors that led outside.

  She kept her gaze forward. She pushed through the doors and gasped for breath once they closed behind her. She leaned against the balustrade and worked to control her swirling emotions. Seeing Jeremy with Heather brought the insecurities from the picture release back to the forefront. Rationally, she had nothing to worry about. Irrationally, she couldn’t believe Jeremy was dancing with her.

  The door opened and closed behind her. She froze, not wanting whomever it was to realize she was losing it. Light footsteps moved closer and she tensed, fearing whomever it was would try to engage her in conversation.

  “Keri?” Jeremy queried, touching her shoulder.

  She jumped and turned to face him. In the darkness, she couldn’t make out his face.

  “Jeremy?”

  His hand slid over her shoulder and to her face and cupped her cheek. She leaned into it and closed her eyes.

  “I’m so sorry about Heather. I had no idea she’d be here.”

  “Who’s she here with?”

  “Lennox.”

  Keri’s nose wrinkled in disgust.

  “As soon as she pulled me from you, I worked to get myself away. I couldn’t cause a scene because of the photographers.”

  “Does it really matter that they’re here?” Her eyes snapped open. “You didn’t make a scene because you don’t want bad press? Instead, you’d rather let her humiliate me and dance with her?”

  “That’s not…I didn’t mean it like that. I didn’t dance with her, but I wanted to handle the situation delicately.”

  “Then how did you mean it?”

  Jeremy sighed and stepped back. In the waning light, she saw him drag his hands through his hair, tugging on the strands.

  “I don’t know what to say here.”

  Keri rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, suddenly cold. Silence reigned. The only sound was their breathing and the dull hum of traffic.

  “I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry. I’ve messed things up with this and it wasn’t my intention.”

  The tension eased in Keri slightly at his words. He sounded remorseful and she just wanted to fling herself into his arms. But she wasn’t ready to forgive him yet.

  “By not ‘creating a scene’ as you said means that I was humiliated. I’m your girlfriend and I thought we were in this together. If we’re not, I need to know now because I won’t stand for that in there. That’s the last time she one-ups me in anything.”

  The articles and this most recent public humiliation flickered through her mind. It felt like too much at this point.

  Jeremy stepped closer and pulled her into his arms, melting the last of the tension from her body. “I hear you loud and clear. I should have handled that better.”

  “You should have pushed her away. Ripped her dress. Slapped her. I don’t know, but she shouldn’t have been able to pull you from me. I shouldn’t have been the one to walk away.”

  “I agree. I was stupid. I’m not used to this whole relationship thing. You just have to tell me these things.”

  “I know, neither am I. But I shouldn’t have to tell you not to let another person come between us. It’s one thing if it’s family or an established friend. An ex is absolutely not okay and never will be. How would you feel if an ex of mine showed up and pulled something like that?”

  “I’d be…pretty mad.”

  “How do you think I feel?”

  “You’re right. Never again.”

  They stood there for an undetermined amount of time. Keri listened to the beating of Jeremy’s heart, letting it lull her. He pulled back and asked, “What do you say we get out of here?”

  “I’d love that.”

  Keri was exhausted and bed sounded amazing.
Jeremy led her back inside. Though it took longer than she wished to say their goodbyes, they were on their way to Jeremy’s apartment within the hour. The tension knotting her shoulders since the confrontation with Heather eased as they drove away from the event.

  “If they’re all like that, you can count me out,” Keri sighed, slumping down in the chair.

  Jeremy squeezed her thigh before grabbing her hand. “They won’t be.”

  In the blink of an eye, they were at Jeremy’s place and she was slipping yoga pants and a t-shirt on.

  “Telling me to pack a bag to send over earlier was the best idea you’ve ever had, I think.”

  Jeremy chuckled and slid his arms around her waist. He kissed her on the neck, tickling her.

  “I’m glad you think so. I’ll admit, I had ulterior motives.”

  “Did you now?”

  Jeremy made a noise as he kissed down to her shoulder, nosing her collar over. “It allows me to ravage you.”

  “Ravage me?”

  “Mmmmm…yes.”

  Jeremy turned her and she gasped as they now stood nose to nose. “How does that sound to you?” he asked in a low voice, rubbing his nose lightly against hers.

  “Sounds fantastic,” she said breathlessly.

  He flashed her a quick grin and then showed her exactly what he meant by ravaging her.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Jeremy

  Troy: Mayday. Mom is on the warpath.

  Jeremy: What did you do this time?

  Troy: It’s what both of us haven’t done.

  Jeremy: What haven’t we done? No birthdays or anything going on around here yet.

  Troy: She wants to meet our girls.

  Jeremy: Oh, that’s it?

  Troy: That’s it? Like, it’s just so easy to bring a girl home. I’ve got hives thinking about it.

  Jeremy: It is that easy. You know they’ll love Joann.