Page 40

The phone rang immediately after I ignored the last one. Figuring I should listen to Rome because Aliza would keep at it until I answered, I slid my finger across the screen to take her call.

“Hello?”

“Gosh, Sac, you sure make it hard to get in touch with you suddenly. What have I done to you exactly?”

“Nothing, Aliza. What’s up?”

“You’re playing on the East Coast and I was thinking about coming to the game. I finally have a break from reh–”

“That wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“Since when?” She chuckled.

“Since Rome.”

She blew outwardly in frustration.

“Is that what this is all about? The unanswered calls. The avoiding me. The–”

“I’m not sure you understand our situation, Aliza. It’s complicated. I don’t want it to be, but nothing is easy when it comes to you.”

“Yet, things are so simple with Rome, huh?”

I nodded. “Actually, they are. But, we’re not here to talk about my relationship with Rome.”

She scoffed, “Your relationship?”

“Aliza,” I ignored her question, “Coming to the game tonight is not happening. I have a guest already. Is there anything else you need?”

“To know why you’re treating me like I’m the bad guy here?”

“There’s no bad guy. There are two adults who are going on about their lives after attempting a relationship that failed after years of being stagnant.

No growth. No progression. Just stillness.

That’s it. There’s nothing more other than one of us hoping that we can get back to being friends one day. However, that day is not today.”

“Sa–”

“Goodbye, Aliza. Do me a favor and try not to call so many times in a row. One time is enough. I’ll return that call as soon as I’m in the right headspace.”

“Really?”

“Goodbye, Aliza.”

With a sigh, I ended the call. Hadn’t I, the conversation would’ve dragged with more pointless rebuttals, questions, and assumptions. With a damper on my mood, I slid from under the covers and prepared to hit the shower.

The girl of my dreams was on her way to me and would be here in a few hours. Not even Aliza’s entitlement would make me feel anything but joy about that shit.

With my back against the Lincoln truck, I waited on the tarmac for the door of the plane to hit the black strip of carpet awaiting its arrival. Shortly after, a flight attendant emerged. My heart sped up a few notches as I grew anxious.

There were only two hours left before I was to meet the team at the hotel’s entrance so we could travel to the arena as a unit.

However, right here, right now felt like the only location of importance to me.

The person I was ready to create a unit with was just seconds away from revealing herself.

And, still, I was battling with my patience.

But …

She appeared. As her face came into clear view, my worries washed away.

I felt the wind touch my tongue. My mouth slackened and I pushed off the SUV.

Even in one of my tees and the same heels that were in the air when I slid into her last, she was stunning.

How she’d managed to snip and tie my shirt a hundred different ways to fit her frame was beyond me, but that shit looked good on her. She caught sight of me.

Oh, my heart . I tapped my chest with two fingers.

At that moment, the moment our eyes met, I knew my world was in trouble.

Because, instantly, I imagined the lengths I’d go for her.

For us. To protect what we were building.

They were limitless. I’d bend every rule and break whatever laws necessary to keep that smile on her face.

The minute I caused it to fade would be the minute I considered myself a failure.

And, I was no failure. Not in life. Not in love, either. Not our love.

I stepped up, taking Rome by the hand and helping her down the stairs. She hit the pavement and wrapped her arms around me. Her body pressed against mine was wavering. I silently thanked the Man above for his grace and looking out for me on this one.

“Baby,” she cooed, “You said to meet you at the address. I was coming.”

She pulled away, attempting to fix my shirt.

“Not quick enough, Mellow. I miss you.”

I pulled her back in, this time lifting her from her feet. Three hundred and sixty degrees, our bodies spun. Soft giggles against my chest made me feel the wealthiest I’d ever felt. The richest I’d ever felt.

I lowered Rome to the ground and took her by the hand. I’d regretted leaving her since I pulled out of my driveway. Having her in my hands again made everything right.

“That shit looks like it was made just for you.”

“You like it? Sorry if it was one of your favorites.”

I shook my head. “It wasn’t. Not until today.”

Rome climbed into the SUV. I nodded toward the empty Yukon, urging August and Koen to hop in it and follow us. They followed the silent instructions without protest. I met Rome in the middle of the third row seat.

My hands lifted her from the seat and into my lap. She was fragile. Small. Long. Thin. Perfect. And, I missed every inch of her.

She lowered her lips onto mine. Her kisses were the sweetest. So was she. Rome had this thing about her… this silent, commanding presence. When away, you felt it. Everything was different. Nothing was the same. And, you anticipated the moment she returned.

She was soothing.

Calming.

Coaxing.

Like white noise at night when trying to get to sleep with a head full of thoughts and a heart full of pain.

“What do we have here?” I asked, sliding her right breast from the slanted part of the creation she’d made. The thin, shredded fabric made access easy. Swift. Irresistible.

“Baby.” She chuckled.

“Hm?” I asked, burying her breast in my mouth.

Her head fell backward as her back arched and her hips began rotating on my lap.

“Sai– nt .”

Her moan awakened the beast inside of me.

“Don’t Saint me, Mellow. I said I missed you.”

I slid the thin ass shirt up her thighs, exposing her pantiless pussy.

“And you ain’t got on no panties,” I whispered.

Our intentions aligned.

“I don’t have any at you–”

“You brought over a purse full of panties, baby. Because, that’s all you planned to wear at my crib. I haven’t forgotten, Rome.”

“I’m busted,” she admitted, covering my mouth with hers.

Yes the fuck you are . I thought, shoving my joggers down my legs.

Mellow’s fingers busied themselves, trying to free my dick through the hole of my boxers. I let her struggle. It gave me more time with her lips. They were a guilty pleasure of mine, just like that sweet pussy of hers.

Rome was exploring her sexual nature and I was enjoying her adventure. I was grateful she’d chosen me for the journey. She had so much pent up sexual energy that it made me wonder how the fuck she’d kept that pussy to herself so long.

Nevertheless, I was elated to help her unleash all that build up. It made her pussy wetter and my dick sloppy from that creaminess that leaked from her like frosting on top of a cinnamon roll.

Rome lifted her body, disconnecting our lips. I used the opportunity to pay close attention to her left nipple. It slipped through one of the holes she’d cut in the shirt, putting me out of my misery.

“Uhhhh–”

Her warmth surrounded me. Then, it was cold again. Then, hot. Brimming hot. She slid down my dick slowly until her ass touched my thighs again.

I’m in .

I gripped her waist and guided her upward. Her head fell back, again, inviting my teeth to the function. I moved from her breast to her neck and sunk them into her skin.

“Uhhhhh— yessssss.”

Up.

Down.

I bounced her on my dick in slow motion, careful not to allow her head to hit the ceiling. I was breaking all the fucking rules. Sexual intercourse on game day was not permitted, suggested, or encouraged. It was known to disrupt your equilibrium. Knees were unpredictable and so was rhythm.

“Mmmmm. Baby,” she whispered.

Up.

Down.

But, this was Rome. And, I just couldn’t resist Rome. I’d flown her out just to have Rome. Though a post-game night cap was the plan, I didn’t care to deny Rome. She deserved the dick she craved and she was getting just that. I didn’t give a fuck if I was seconds away from the tip off.

“ Sainnnnnnt .”

I pressed my thumb against her clit, intensifying every stroke of my dick. Her body buckled.

There she goes . I celebrated silently.

“Mmm. Baby.”

“Cum on this motherfucker, Mellow.”

I dug into her from beneath. Her pussy was soaking.

“Fuck, baby,” I grunted, knowing damn well I was about to blow.

Rome’s pussy was dangerous territory. It extracted semen from me at such a rapid pace that I should be embarrassed, but I was far from it. That shit was her fault. She had some pressure between those legs of hers and between those ears, too.

The flickering of my thumb made her body jerk. She shuddered every time it moved.

“Bab– baby–” she panted, “Pleas– oh my God. Yessss. Yesss. Yesssss !”

Her body stiffened. Her breaths quickened. And, her head fell between my shoulder and neck.

“Saaaaaaaint.”

There it was . She rained down on me like April showers. Her gratitude painted my dick like a million dollar mural. In return, I painted her walls, hoping my contributions complemented her beautiful work of art.

“Shit.”

I kissed her cheek.

Muah.

Muah.

Muah.

Muah.

“I’ve missed you too,” she confessed. “So much.”

“I want you at the game tonight,” I told her as I rubbed her bare back with my hands. Her cloth was barely hanging on by a thread.

“Okay.”

“I’ve gotten used to seeing your face in that crowd. It’s motivation.”

“That makes me feel so good inside.”

“It should, because it makes me feel good, too.”

She exhaled.

“In case there are cameras out here, I need you to pull yourself together.”

“Okay, baby.”

She began to lift her body from mine. I wasn’t ready. I urged her to lay back down.

“I took the liberty of hitting the shops to pass time. I had a few pieces sent to the room. I figured you could rock something tonight. If you don’t like any of it, I’ll have August and Koen take you to th–”

“I will make it work, Saint.”

“Alright.”

“Can I get up now?”

“Nah. Just lay right here. I’m not ready to let you go.”

I’m never letting you go .

Rome didn’t protest. She relaxed against me. Right where she belonged.

“VULTURES.”

Everyone’s hand dropped from the circle we’d formed. I tugged just below my waistline. My pants came off with ease. I looped my hand around my shorts, stuffing my shirt inside. The last thing I wanted was for it to get in my way as I handled the ball.

My teammates took their positions as I did the same. The empty seats to the left of me sparked concern. Rome was on the verge of missing the tip off.

I followed the trail leading to the door as everyone prepared for the blowing of the whistle. Just as it sounded, the woman of the hour came into clear view. It was as if she’d heard my thoughts and felt my despair. Her timing was perfect. So was she.

Mellow…

Oh Mellow…

Deep, shallow breathing tried saving my heart. There was no use. She’d stolen the oxygen stored in my lungs. I needed new air. New legs. New arms. New everything. Because, what I had felt useless.

The jeans she wore were cut low, hugging her hips and starting just below her nonexistent waist. A chain trained from her neck down to her stomach, ending nearly where her jeans started.

A denim top clung to her well-oiled skin. There were no sleeves and there was hardly any coverage at all. The cut off shirt left little to the imagination but was the furthest from inappropriate.

Rome was fully clothed and classy. However, the exposed midsection gave her the edge I never knew she needed. Rome was safe. She didn’t take many risks, so to see her rocking the fit I was most skeptical about had me feeling good inside. The switch up was unexpected but it was appreciated.

“Sac!”

Though it was a struggle, I cut my eyes in the opposite direction. The ball came straight toward me. I gripped it firmly and maneuvered to the right.

To the left.

Over.

Back.

Dribble.

Dribble.

Front.

Cross.

Back.

Left.

Left.

Dribble.

Step forward.

Back.

Yancy didn’t stand a chance. He was losing himself trying to keep up with me. Noticing he was out of moves, he pushed forward, getting more physical in his approach. His attempt was laughable.

Shoot.

I stepped back, sure to get behind the three-point line before launching the ball. Simultaneously, my body went crashing to the ground. My ass hit the wood. I slid over three feet before my body came to a screeching halt.

“Yooouuuuup.” The crowd roared. “And one!”

Lavender, vanilla, and peach notes swelled my nostrils.

Whatever she’d spritzed on her body was as addictive as she was.

I peered up, locating Rome instantly. Not because she was close enough, but because she’d managed to reach me from six chairs away.

Standing over me, she extended a hand, offering assistance.

Her softness had evaded her. Her eyebrows were crinkled on her forehead. Her eyes had turned to slits.

Mellow was far from mellow at the moment. She was pissed. I stood up with a bit of help. Just before I pulled away, I leaned closer and whispered in her ear.

“It’s all a part of the game, baby.”

She followed me with her eyes as I stepped back out into the danger zone. I gathered my lips and blew her a kiss. She snatched it mid-air and placed it on her chest where it belonged. A smile spread across my face. Just as I turned to make my way to the free throw line, Mellow’s mouth was moving.

WIN! She demanded.

Say less , I thought, nodding.

At the line, I rubbed my hands down my pants to reduce the chances of it slipping. The ref tossed the ball in my direction. I caught it and dribbled it right in front of me. When ready, I bent my knees and flicked my wrist, launching the ball in the air.

Swoosh.

A clean shot sent the crowd wild. I was given the ball again. Repeating the same steps, I kept my aim right and my focus fixated on the basket.

Swoosh .

The third attempt at a free throw didn’t disappoint. It landed after circling the rim twice.

Three for three!

Sixteen seconds into the game and the Vultures were up six.

Game on!

“Let’s motherfucking go,” I growled, beating my chest.

I had been given an order that I planned to follow to a science. If Mellow wanted this win, then she’d have it. There was no other option. Once I secured it, I’d be sure to secure my dick inside of her as my celebratory act.