Chapter 12

TWELVE

Canyon

Unlike a lot of my teammates, I enjoy road trips. I like being away from the mundaneness of home while exploring the world. Even if it's just within the confines of North America. Granted, we don't have a lot of time for touristy things, but we do get out to good restaurants, the occasional baseball or football game, depending on the time of year, and I know where the best bars are in every city we play in.

Tonight, we're in Seattle, and after a big win, a group of us head out to a bar we've been to at least a dozen times. There's good food, strong drinks, and usually a plethora of women to choose from.

I haven't really thought about sex since I left L.A., but part of me is uncomfortable with the deal I made with Saylor.

Monogamy isn't in my vocabulary, but for some reason, Saylor has me all twisted up inside. I'm completely infatuated with her, and no matter how many times I tell myself I'll get bored in a week or two, I honestly don't see that happening any time soon. I've thought of little but her in my free time, so I need a distraction.

All I need is a pretty puck bunny to sashay on over. Catch my eye across the bar. Ask me to dance. Whatever it takes to get myself back on track. If I fuck someone else, that means I can't sleep with Saylor anymore, and then I can go back to normal.

Whatever the fuck that means.

Jesus, I need a drink.

"So, you gonna actually hook up with someone tonight?" I ask Marty as I let my gaze travel across the bar. "Or are you gonna sit here and mope all night because you still think you can save your marriage?"

He sighs, shaking his head. "I wish I fucking knew. My gut tells me there's someone else, but she denies it. I just…I don't know. I can't explain it."

I make a face. "Dude, I don't mean to get in your business, but hire a detective to follow her. Find out one way or another. Why are you wasting your time with therapy and shit if she's cheating?"

"Because we have three kids who need their parents to either make up or part ways as amicably as possible."

"Yeah, but you can still do that. Your behavior going forward is a choice. On the other hand, this is about what you need. Closure. Finding out if there's actually a chance. If you guys are in therapy and she's got a boyfriend, what's the point?"

He scratches his chin. "I know. I just… I guess I don't want to believe it. There's a part of me that's going to be a fucking wreck if I catch her with someone else."

"I know she's your wife, and the mother of your kids, but don't let her have your soul, my friend. I've never been married, but I've been around the block a few times. No woman is worth your soul."

"You ever been in love?" he asks after a moment.

I shrug. "Kinda? I mean, in high school and stuff. Not as an adult."

"So you can't possibly understand. And until you're a dad, you definitely can't fathom the bond there. They're these little pieces of you…you made them. They wouldn't be here if not for you. And you'll do anything and everything in your power to make sure they're safe and happy."

I shake my head. "Don't do that. I feel like staying because of the kids is a mistake."

"I know. I just don't want to look back and think there was something I could have done to save the marriage. That's all."

"I respect that." I lock eyes with a busty redhead, and she gives me an obvious once-over.

Yup.

She recognizes me.

"Got yourself a live one, eh?" Marty chuckles. "What about Saylor?"

I nearly give him the side eye, but red-haired-and-big-boobed is already on her way over, a flirtatious smile playing on her lips.

"Well, hi." She grins.

"Hello." I acknowledge her by raking my eyes up and down her body.

"I should be mad at you," she says, a little pout on her lips as she points her finger at me.

"Oh, yeah? How come?"

"Because your team beat mine." She moves a little closer. "But I'm willing to let you make it up to me."

"That right?" I nod, and motion to the bartender. "The lady needs a drink."

She orders a Cosmopolitan and then lifts heavily made-up eyes to mine. "I'm Lena."

"Canyon."

"What an interesting name."

I'm definitely not going to tell her my parents came up with it because I was conceived in one. The Grand Canyon, to be exact. I don't tell people that story because it's bad enough that I have to know my parents got naked at a national landmark.

She accepts her drink from the bartender, takes a sip, and doesn't even thank me for it.

I must be more ornery than usual because that bugs me.

Saylor would have thanked me immediately. Hell, she'd probably buy the next round.

Dammit.

I'm not supposed to be thinking about her.

"How long are you in town?" Lena asks, putting a hand on my chest and drawing a little circle with her finger. "Just tonight?"

If I'm not mistaken, there's a shadow on the ring finger of her left hand.

Son of a bitch.

She took off her wedding ring for the night.

That normally doesn't bother me, because I only plan to hang out with her for a few hours and what she does once I leave isn't my problem.

And yet, I'm annoyed again.

"Should we get out of here?" Lena asks, pressing against my side and tipping her face up expectantly.

Her breath smells faintly of alcohol and mint, and her lips are glistening with something glossy. Her pale blue eyes sparkle with mischief, but instead of arousal, all I feel is revulsion.

Shit .

* * *

I'm still cranky about the other night's failed attempt at breaking my deal with Saylor, and I don't know what bothers me more: The fact that I have a serious crush on a woman for the first time since high school or that I like more than her body. I like talking to her, listening to her laugh, and I'm even loving her art.

Sex is supposed to be uncomplicated.

That's why I rarely go out with a woman more than once.

Now, not only am I going to see Saylor again, but I've agreed to be monogamous, and my dick is apparently on board with that plan.

This is the most ridiculous thing to happen to me in a long time.

And yet, as soon as I land, my Ferrari practically drives itself to Saylor's place. I don't call or text, I just show up.

Because I need to fucking touch her.

Feel her tight, wet pussy convulse around me.

Hear her laugh.

Wake up next to her.

Fuck me, I'm in trouble.

"Hi." She looks surprised and sleepy, but not unhappy to see me.

"Did I wake you?" I ask, leaning forward to kiss her.

"No, I was just reading on the couch. I guess I was dozing off."

"Do you want me to leave?"

"No." She shakes her head and moves aside so I can walk into the house. "Is everything okay?" she asks as I shrug off the jacket of my suit.

I loosen my tie as I turn to look at her. "No."

"No?" Her brows arch questioningly.

"I tried to break our deal," I admit, hands on my hips. As if that's somehow her fault.

"Tried?" She looks more amused than anything else.

"And failed. I couldn't do it."

"And so…" She lets her voice trail as she stands there watching me.

"If you don't ask me to leave, then I'm going to stay. And we're going to do more than sleep."

A slow, mischievous smile plays on her lips. "Is that a threat or a promise?"

She slowly unties the belt of the silky little robe she's wearing.

"You sure you want this?" I ask, practically pouncing on her.

There's nothing but excitement in her eyes as she gazes up at me.

Then she lets the robe fall off her shoulders.

All she has on beneath is a pair of thong panties.

Fuck. Me.

I am one lucky SOB.

"You trust me?" I ask in a gruff voice.

She cocks her head ever so slightly. "I let you tie me up."

I gently put my hand around her throat. "This is different."

"No marks or bruises," is all she says.

"Never," I say quietly.

Then I push her against the nearest wall, driving my tongue into her mouth while adding a little pressure to her throat. I'd never hurt her—or anyone else—but I love being able to overpower a woman. And not just physically. That's easy. I'm a big guy, so it goes without saying I can overpower most women I'm with.

I'm talking about an emotional submission that has nothing to do with kink of BDSM.

I love the feeling of being in control, but also that the woman I'm with is here for it. That she wants to be controlled in this limited sexual capacity.

And Saylor does.

I'd seen it when I tied her up and now, she's completely relaxed, letting me pillage her mouth as we kiss.

My need for her is electric, sharp, the kind of desire that leaves me breathless, and she's right there with me.

Her head tilts back, giving me better access, and I squeeze a little harder. There's a fine line between dominance and pain, and it's one I'll never cross. But I'll go right up to the edge as I feel her moan against my lips.

She's so fucking sweet.

My free hand slides between her legs and the small patch of fabric there is soaked.

"You get hot when I touch you like this?" I ask, pausing to look into her eyes. I can take her submission, but that's not what I want.

She has to give it to me.

"So hot. Please, Canyon—take me to bed."

"Bed?" I rumble out a laugh. "We're not going to make it to the bed. Not the first time anyway." I yank at the panties, and they somehow disappear. She trembles against me, her needy whimper driving me wild.

I plunge two fingers inside of her and slide my hand around to cup the back of her neck this time, dragging her mouth even closer to mine.

"Ride my hand, baby, and come for me like a good girl."

I've never spoken to her this way before, but she likes it. Her eyes are glassy, lips parted beautifully, and her hips begin to undulate against me. I add a finger and slowly begin to scissor them, making her moan and writhe.

"That's it. I want to watch you come…feel your pussy juice drip on my fingers."

Dirty talk is an aphrodisiac for her, because her mouth captures mine, her tongue lashing out almost violently. It's beautifully carnal, having my hand part way inside of her and her pussy completely under my control.

She's going to come now; I feel the way she's tightening around my fingers.

"Right there," I coax, curving them up and just a little deeper.

She cries out in surprise, as if the orgasm was unexpected, but she's writhing and gasping and wailing as she comes.

"Shit, Canyon," she sputters as she finally falls against me.

"You like that?" I tease, gently kissing the side of her neck.

"Fuck, yes."

"And this?" I kiss her again, more softly this time.

"Y-yes."

"Say my name."

"C-canyon." She's still shaking a bit.

"Ask me for what you want."

Her eyes snap to mine, and hers are glittering with arousal.

"Canyon…take me to bed."

Without a word, I pick her up and toss her over my shoulder.

It's going to be a long, fun night.