3. Carter

3

CARTER

Lips crash together as I stumble into my dark casita with Valerie in my arms. One hand is wrapped around her back, pressing her sexy body into mine, while the other slaps against the wall, searching for the light switch.

I can’t find it, but I don’t care.

I kick the door closed and listen for the click confirming the lock has engaged before I lose myself once more in the eager kisses of the young woman I’ve been lusting after all damn night.

The moon shines through the curtainless window in the sitting area, illuminating the space enough so I don’t trip as I lift the stunning beauty in my arms and carry her inside.

Valerie releases a tiny gasp of surprise. I recapture her lips with my own, unable to resist any space between us after hours of sitting in her alluring presence and listening to her sassy quips mixed with sweet remarks.

I suspected it during dinner, but drinks and continued conversation at the poolside bar confirmed that Valerie is a catch. She’s beautiful, smart, witty, and charming. I struck gold when Dane suggested we approach her and her friend on the beach. I owe my friend a thank-you beer. Without him, a beautiful woman wouldn’t be running her hands over my body like she can’t get enough of me right now.

I sit down on the couch. Valerie’s long legs straddle me. Our tongues dance together. Buttons fly off into the dark as her slender fingers pull apart the fabric. I don’t give the expensive shirt a second thought as her hands press into my pecs and I hear the admiring moan in her throat.

I grip Valerie’s hips and move my lips to her neck, nipping at the delicate flesh. She grinds against my erection and it takes all my self-control not to toss her onto the couch and have my way with her.

I want to take this slow.

It’s been months since I’ve been with a woman, and this might be the extra shot of tequila talking, but I can’t help but think Valerie was the woman meant to end my dry spell.

This feels like more than a casual vacation hookup.

Valerie and I have connected on so many levels. Our conversation hasn’t stalled since we walked off that pier. We share similar outlooks on life and both value family above all else.

The part of me that had worried she’d learned who I was since our volleyball game quickly disappeared when it became obvious Valerie doesn’t watch professional sports. I’m not certain she’d recognize my name even if I told her.

Though, she did tell me her dad is a football coach. I almost asked about him but decided against it. It’s best to keep the conversation off football if I wanted to ensure I didn’t slip up and reveal my identity. Women tend to treat me differently when they learn I’m a professional athlete. Some see dollar signs. Some see a chance at notoriety. Some see both. In the past, their motivation wouldn’t bother me. But things have changed now. I’ve changed.

Which is part of the reason I’m so drawn to Valerie. My gut tells me she’s different. She’s not a cleat chaser. My profession wouldn’t affect her attraction to me. But I’m still not willing to risk it. I don’t want to ruin what’s happening between us.

I’m so attracted to Valerie I could explode. Literally. My dick has been hard for most of the evening. Sensing his relief is close, he throbs in my tan shorts as the stunning woman continues to move against me in a tormenting rhythm.

And I have every intention of relieving us both of this torment. Right now.

My grip moves to Valerie’s hips, holding her steady as I continue to trail kisses over her slender neck. Briefly, I spare a thought for how badly I needed a night like this—a night to let go of the pressure engrained in every facet of my life that I’ve started to feel like I’m crumbling.

I’ve been dealt a shit hand lately.

I know I’m a professional athlete who has two great kids and an awesome, supportive family. My troubles pretty much stem from my idiotic choice to go after the prettiest girl freshman year of college who, in hindsight, really didn’t give a damn about me. She only cared what my skills on the football field could provide her in life.

But enough about Laura.

Right now, I have my hands on a stunning beauty, and I’m determined to make this a night neither of us will forget.

My grip on Valerie tightens. She moans when I gently scrape my teeth over her earlobe. “ Carter …”

I do it again.

She rocks against me, moaning again when she feels my length press against the sensitive space between her thighs. “I want you.”

I growl in satisfaction, but the gentleman in me insists I double-check, “Are you sure?

“Hell yes.” Her soft hands grab my face and she plants another heated kiss on my lips, telling me just how badly she means what she says.

I don’t need any other confirmation.

Restraint falls off like weighted shackles. I stand with Valerie in my arms. Our lips remain glued together as I carry her to the bedroom.

My pants are kicked off to the edge of the room.

Her dress is tossed unceremoniously to the floor.

We slip off each other's underwear between desperate, hungry kisses and caresses before we fall into bed.

I spend the rest of the night wrapped in the arms of one of the most beautiful and enchanting women I’ve ever met, enjoying every gasp of pleasure and lust-filled moan as we lose ourselves in each other’s bodies.

And it is, in fact, a night I will never forget.

My body wakes me before the sunrise.

There was once a time I could sleep in during the off-season, but that was before I took over custody of the twins. Now, I wake up an hour before they do so I can have time to myself before they demand all my attention. I’m not certain I could sleep past six-thirty even if I tried.

Even knowing I’m on vacation and have zero responsibilities doesn’t help. It’s like my protective dad instinct lingers even though I know Abby and Andy are safe with my parents back in Rose Hill. Still, that doesn’t mean I want to wake up.

I turn onto my side and burrow my head into the soft pillow under me. A sweet vanilla scent fills my nostrils. I stiffen and last night’s activities flood my mind, invading my senses.

My body relaxes as I remember the taste, feel, and touch of the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. I went to dinner thinking whatever happened between us would be casual, but there was nothing casual about the way we connected last night. Nothing about it had been awkward or stilted. Our chemistry translated to the bedroom so naturally, it was surreal.

Forget what I expected.

This won’t be a vacation hookup where I never see Valerie again.

Not after the fireworks from last night.

Eyes still closed, I roll over on the plush mattress and reach out to wrap my arm around Valerie and bring her into my chest.

My hand touches a soft, cool sheet.

My eyes fly open. Disbelief followed swiftly by disappointment strikes me in the chest as I take in the rumbled sheets and empty bed.

She’s gone.