Page 5

Brody

A year and a half later

“You were awesome out there.” I trailed my fingers across Dev’s stubbled jaw.

He rolled over to face me. “Yeah. Just not awesome enough. Losing the Super Bowl by a field goal hurts like fucking hell.” A tiny curve kicked up the corner of his lips before he pouted and fluttered his lashes at me. “I need something to make me feel better. Something only the MVP of the Pro Bowl can give me.”

Only two weeks earlier, I’d played in the Pro Bowl and we’d won, 24-10. For my part, I’d caught two touchdowns and rushed for more than a hundred yards. Momma and Theo were in the stands, but I wished Dev could’ve been there as well. Players in the Super Bowl weren’t eligible for the Pro Bowl, so he was with his team, preparing for the big game.

In a flash I jumped him, my knees straddling his hips. “Yeah? What’ve you got in mind?” I leaned in and kissed him. “How’s that?”

A dramatic sigh filled the air, and Dev’s lips twitched. “Not bad. But other parts of me need kissing too. They’re feeling neglected.”

Normally after a game we were too beaten up and hurting to want sex, but we needed each other so badly, it didn’t matter. I gripped his stiff cock and took him deep, then lightly scraped my teeth against the hard shaft and tickled the slit. Dev groaned, hips bucking. I licked around the head. Salty precome slipped past my tongue, and I sucked harder, moving swiftly.

“God, Brody, I’ve missed you so damn much.” Dev thrashed back and forth on the pillow, green eyes hazy with lust. “Need you.”

“ Mmm ,” I moaned, loving those words, and cupped his sac, my fingers reaching past his taint to play along his crease. “Give it all to me.”

“Fuck, oh fuck,” Dev cried out and came, hips punching quick and fast. He shuddered and lay under me, trembling, chest heaving.

I swallowed the flood of come he pumped down my throat and licked my lips. “Beats the hell out of any champagne.”

Dev raised an arm, and I slid into the crook of his neck, tracing the tats with the tip of my tongue. I quivered when he gripped my dick. He expertly stroked me until I gasped and shot all over his hand. With his eyes pinned to mine, he licked each finger clean, then kissed me so I could taste myself in his warm mouth.

“I hate being separated.” Dev tugged me closer. “And having to hide this…us.”

I snuggled into his neck. “Me too, but there’s nothin’ we can do about it. At least for now. You just signed that big endorsement deal, and though companies say they’re supportive, it’s all bullshit talk.”

The light in his beautiful eyes dimmed. “I know. And it sucks balls.”

For almost four years now, Dev and I had found ways to be together, but it hadn’t been easy. Getting alone time had been virtually impossible—we were in separate cities, and life had only gotten more chaotic, more scheduled. Endorsements and required public appearances ate up precious free time when we could’ve been together. We lived for this, where we could steal quiet moments for only the two of us and be ourselves.

“You know…now that the season’s finished, it’s still warm by me at home.” I kissed Dev’s neck. “Why dontcha come and stay for a while? It wouldn’t look weird—everyone knows we’re friends. You’ve done it for a week or so other years. Just extend it. You’ve got a block of free time, and so do I.”

He played with my hair, twisting the strands around his fingers. “Yeah? That would be cool.”

“Unless you’ve got other plans…” The less than enthusiastic response got me thinking that maybe he wasn’t as all in as I was. No matter how much we texted during the course of a season, things could change. Living in New York, Dev had way more opportunities to meet other people—the bars and clubs could entice even a saint.

It wouldn’t be too hard for a devil.

“’Course not, you’re my one and only plan.”

Warmth flooded me at Dev’s words, and I rubbed my foot on his leg, loving all the scratchy hair against my skin. I ran a hand over his pecs and chest, the hard muscle like a rock beneath my fingers. The man was in peak physical condition, and I was hungry with desire, needing this time to reconnect with him after the months apart. To show him how much I wanted him. In return, his fingertips played along my jaw, tracing my mouth. We were starved for touch, and lying skin to skin was almost as good as having sex. We hadn’t left the bed in hours.

Dev sat up, propping himself up on the padded headboard. He’d booked a suite at a hotel, miles outside the game city, where it was less crowded. After giving the required interviews, he’d texted me his room number and left the door ajar. I’d become adept at pulling my cap low and not meeting people’s eyes, making it through the lobby unscathed.

“Then what’s the problem? We could spend the days fishin’ and swimmin’ before we gotta go to training camp. Just hangin’ out.”

“What about your mom and stepfather?”

I’d already thought it out. “Momma loves you, and Theo is a huge fan.” My lips twitched. “I think he’s a bigger fan of you than he is of me. Bring him a signed jersey or somethin’.”

Dev’s hand covered mine. “I’d love to spend the off-season with you.”

Joy leaped through me. “Awesome.”

“But right now…” That wicked grin appeared that never failed to get my blood burning and heart pumping. He reached for me, and I met his kiss in a greedy clash of lips and teeth.

**

One month later, I waited at the airport for Dev’s plane. When I saw him striding out, chatting with fans and stopping to take pictures, my chest swelled with pride. About to go meet him, I felt a tug on my T-shirt and looked down to see a little boy staring up at me.

“Are you Blink Martin?”

“Jimmy, I told you not to bother the man.” His apologetic mother gave me a quick, nervous smile. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.” I crouched to meet him eye-to-eye. “Yeah, I’m Blink. And your name’s Jimmy? How old are you?”

“I’m five.”

“No way. I thought at least seven or eight.” I winked at his mother. “You a football fan, Jimmy?”

“Uh-huh. Me and my daddy. He’s coming home from the war, and he promised we’d go to a game this year. I wish it could be the Lonestars. You’re my favorite.”

“That’s cool.” I spotted Dev, and a few yards behind him, a man in uniform in a wheelchair. Dev waved to me, but my focus was on the soldier.

“Daddy, Daddy.” Little Jimmy sprinted to his father, and his mother hung back a moment.

“Troy was hurt by an IED. We’re lucky all he lost was a leg. Others didn’t get to come home. It’s been hard workin’ and takin’ care of Jimmy alone and worryin’ about Troy.” She brushed away a tear. “I’m sorry to be babblin’ on.”

“Not to worry. I’m sure you’re glad he’s home.”

“We’ve been prayin’ for this day. I’m Amber, by the way. We’re all huge fans of yours. Troy and I watched all your games. Blue Waves forever.”

“Hey, Blink. Thanks for picking me up.” Dev waited at my side, picking up the signals that something other than a meet and greet was happening. With Jimmy hanging on, the man wheeling Troy pushed the chair over to us, and Amber left me to hug and kiss her husband. Jimmy pulled at his father’s arm.

“Daddy, look. It’s Blink Martin.” Troy’s eyes bugged out when Dev waved at him.

“Hey, Troy. Thank you for your service. I’m sure you know my friend Devlin Summers.”

Troy’s jaw dropped. “Holy shi-moly.” He caught himself, and we all laughed. “I never expected such a welcome home. My favorite player and Devil Summers, one of the Super Bowl quarterbacks? Amber, honey, how’d you manage this?”

Before she had a chance to answer, I stepped in. “We can’t give away all our secrets, Sergeant. But, since Jimmy here told me you’re such huge Lonestars fans, I’m gonna fly you and your family to see our opening game, all expenses paid, including the best suite at the hotel, and all your meals. Plus, you’ll sit in my box and get to meet the players.”

“Oh, my God,” Jimmy yelled, jumping up and down while Amber and Troy gasped.

“Th-that’s so generous, Mr. Martin.”

“Blink, please. And it’s the least I can do for someone who gave so much for our country. Give me your address and phone number, and I’ll make all the arrangements.”

Amber dug a pen from her purse. “I can’t believe this. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to us.”

“Here, let me sign your shirt too.”

Dev took the pen and signed Jimmy’s T-shirt, then handed me the pen. Jimmy couldn’t stop staring at his shirt.

Troy held out a hand. “Thank you. I hardly know what to say. Jimmy and I are such huge fans. We saved up to make the trip to your Orange Bowl championship game, and that was a night we’ll never forget.”

Dev and I shared a smile. “Us neither.”

After we took a ton of pictures with not only Troy, Amber, and Jimmy, but all the other people in the airport who recognized us, we retrieved Dev’s bag and went on our way.

Dev waited until we were out of the airport grounds and on the road before leaning over to kiss my cheek. “Hi.”

I slid my hand on his thigh and squeezed. “Hi, yourself.”

“I missed you.”

“Missed you more. I’ve been down here while you and your team were partying it up in the Dominican Republic.”

“We had obligations—endorsements and shit like that. Even for the losing team.” He laced our fingers together. “But I couldn’t wait to leave and be here, with you.”

Excited to show off the project I’d worked on for the past year, I took the exit and traveled another ten miles, past large estates behind gates, separated by acres of grass and forest. Another few miles, and I pulled onto a road marked Private , driving to a large log cabin. Soaring trees threw shade all around, and the blue sparkle of a lake in the background beckoned.

“I told Momma you’d be stayin’ here with me.”

A slow grin crept up Dev’s face. “Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah. She agreed it didn’t make sense to waste money on a hotel when I’ve got this big new house.”

He kissed me hard. “Waste not, want not.”

My fingertips skimmed the sharp cut of his cheekbone and jaw. “I want you . So damn bad. Shit, Dev. I miss you all the damn time.”

Dev’s breathing accelerated. “Same, baby. I’m just not myself without you.”

Something twisted in my chest, and I couldn’t speak for a moment. Instead, I kissed him, sucking his tongue while his big, rough hand caressed my face.

“Let’s go.”

We didn’t bother to take his bag out of my Jeep just yet—we were only gonna get naked. I pulled Dev into the bedroom and fell on him like a starving man. I couldn’t get enough of him—that strong neck, those tight brown nipples, the hard-as-granite muscles. His thick cock rested flat on his belly, and my mouth watered, imagining its sharp taste. But Dev didn’t lie there passively and let me dominate him.

“Ahh, no fucking way.” With a catlike move, he flipped me under him, took my dick and sucked, hard, that wild, wicked tongue dancing on my throbbing length.

“Fuck,” I cried out, unable to control my hips, thrusting to the back of his throat. His hum of pleasure vibrated along my shaft, and I twisted the sheets into knots as he worked me over. Dev pulled off me with a juicy plop , and sat on his heels. “Need to fuck you,” he panted. “So bad. Gotta get inside you.”

“Want that too.” I opened the nightstand drawer to grab the lube and condoms. Dev tore the packet with his teeth and rolled it down, then lubed himself up. He reached out to slip a finger to me, but I shook my head. “No. Can’t wait. Put it in me now.”

Dev’s eyes widened. “Are you sure—”

“I know it’s gonna hurt, but I wanna feel you.” My lips kicked up in a grin. “Plus, I got some toys I use when I miss you too much. I’ll be okay.”

Dev’s grin matched my own. “I like it. Dirty boy. You’ll have to show me later.” He loomed above me and lifted my legs to his shoulders, exposing my hole. “This is mine.” He lowered his head and licked my quivering rim, followed by my pulsing erection to my navel. “Every inch of you belongs to me. Only me. Mine. Forever.”

“Dev,” I whispered. Those possessive words sent a rush of heat through me, and my dick jerked, spilling out precome.

“Yeah. I mean it, baby. There’s never gonna be anyone else for me but you. My Brody.” His tongue, soft, wet, warm, played inside me, and I couldn’t control my whimpers and cries.

“I love you,” I called out. “I love you, Dev.”

He lifted his flushed face, smiling wide. “I love you too. Always have.” He pushed into me, filling up all the emptiness I learned to live with whenever he wasn’t with me. “Always will.”

It was a homecoming yet new to have Dev make love to me now that we’d said the words out loud. He thrust hard and deep. Sweat dripped from his brow, and his lips drew up in a feral grin. Blood rushed hot through my veins, and my head spun. My skin felt too tight for my body, and I ached as if I suffered from a fever. The mere touch of Dev’s hard abs brushing my cock was almost painful in its pleasure.

“Oh, Jesus. Oh, God.” The first touch of my hand to my dick sent me hurtling down the precipice, and I came, hitting Dev’s abs, chest, and chin. He grabbed my hips, burying himself fully, and came with a harsh sigh. The throb and pulse of his cock sent me reeling again, and I clenched, wanting to hold him with me forever.

“Goddammit, you’re so fucking perfect,” Dev mumbled in my ear.

I slung a sleep-heavy arm around his neck and pulled him to me. “Perfect for you.”

“You know it.”

We slept a while, showered, and retrieved his luggage. “Momma’s expectin’ us for dinner. Family time.” I watched him slip on a pair of shorts and a Brooklyn Kings T-shirt. “I did warn you.”

“I know, and I don’t mind. You know that.” Those gorgeous green eyes of his darkened with sadness. “It’s nice to be here with you all.” From his bag, he took out a cap, jersey, and a T-shirt, plus a football. “Got them for Theo. Signed by all the players.” Then a small blue box. “And this is for your mom. I hope she likes it.”

Damn, he was sweet, and knowing he hadn’t seen his parents in who knows how long, I hurt for him. Without him telling me, I knew he craved love. How could they treat their child like a stranger?

“You know Momma thinks about you. Always talkin’ about you.” I put my hand to my chest. “ How’s Devlin? I don’t know why they call him Devil. He’s just the nicest. ”

Dev cackled. “She should only know the filthy, naughty dreams I have about her baby boy.”

“Oh, yeah?” I kissed him, slow and sweet. “Show me later. In living color. For now, it’s time to boogie.”

“I’m ready.” His arms full, Dev followed me to the Jeep, and we were off.

“Momma lives about five miles down the road.” The house I’d built for her had a big vegetable garden and a place for her flowers, plus an indoor spa and a gourmet kitchen with all the bells and whistles. Because she’d asked, I’d given Theo a game room, complete with all the newest video games and high-resolution televisions.

I stopped the car in my usual parking spot, and with Dev on my heels, opened the door. “Momma? We’re here.”

I heard her footsteps, and a moment later she burst into the center hall. “There he is. Come and give me a hug, sweetheart.” She held her arms out to Dev, who handed me the gifts and put his arms around her. The sight of the two people who meant the most to me in the world choked me up. My eyes stung.

“Ms. Faith, you look like a picture.” Dev kissed her cheek. “If you weren’t my best friend’s mother, I’d be knocking on your door for a date.”

Her cheeks pinked. “Oh, you silly boy.”

“Sorry, but she’s still married,” Theo drawled with a smile.

“You know I was just kidding. How’s it going, Theo?” Dev put out his hand, and Theo shook it.

“Great. Tough luck about the Super Bowl. Fucking ref made some bad calls.”

I glared at him. I hated when he cursed in front of Momma.

Dev shrugged. “Is what it is. I brought you some stuff I think you’ll like.” He took the items from me and gave them to Theo, whose eyes popped wide.

“Daaaaamn. Thanks, man. These are awesome.”

“Bet they’ll look nice up on the wall, Theo, honey.”

“They will at that, sugarplum.” He checked out the signatures, his lips moving as he read.

“And for my gorgeous girl…” Dev handed her the box, and we watched as she opened it.

“Oh, my goodness.” Her hand covered her mouth. “Devlin, it’s so beautiful.” She lifted the necklace, the diamonds glittering in the light. “You shouldn’t have.”

“He can afford it,” Theo declared. “Why dontcha give it to me, and I’ll put it away for you?”

Dev held out his hand to Momma. “Ms. Faith, I’d love to see it on you. Want me to do the honors?”

Theo and I watched as Dev put the diamond heart necklace on Momma.

“It’s beautiful, like you.” Dev kissed her cheek.

She touched it and peered in the mirror, admiring it. “Oh, come on now, I bet you say that to all your girls. I’ve got barbecue waiting, and Devlin’s favorite devil’s food cake. I know you boys want to go out on the town tonight, so everything’s ready when you are.”

“Yeah, it’s Ladies’ Night at the Kitty Kat Club.” Theo’s eyes lit up. “Y’all won’t have trouble finding some sweet young things to dance with. This one”—he tipped his head to me—“hardly never goes out. Time to find yourself a woman, young man. Your mama needs some grandkids to spoil.”

“Brody’s still young, Devlin too. They’re only twenty-five,” Momma shushed him.

“Still,” Theo insisted. “Kid does nothin’ but fish, go to the gym, and hang out with his mother. I bet Devlin can take Brody out and show him a good time.”

Dev hooked his arm in Momma’s and threw me a wink. His eyes danced.

“I’m gonna try, Theo. I’m gonna do my best.”