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Raven

I ’m hoarse from screaming and jumping around Hendrix’s bedroom.

Haddy conked out at halftime, and I carried her to her crib, grabbing a monitor and taking it to the other side of the house.

I started the game on FaceTime with the family, but after a while, we switched to texting with the girls’ group.

That big guy is not letting Hendrix do anything!!!

Liv

He’s the strong safety—it’s his job to cover Hendrix

He’s doing a great job! I’m ready to kick him in the nuts!

Allie

That would be a personal foul, unsportsmanlike conduct.

I’ve chewed the side of my fingernail off watching this game. NOOOO!!!!!!

Dylan

What happened? What happened????

Liv

Seattle scored. This is not looking good.

Rachel

I can’t watch. It’s like I’m having a panic attack.

Dylan

What is Jack saying? He always knows.

Allie

Nothing. His jaw is tight, and he has that look.

What look? WHAT’S THE LOOK???

Allie

No expression. Kind of like he’s trying to mind-meld with your husband.

Dylan

If Henny doesn’t win, I’m going to sob my eyes out.

I can’t watch—tell me what happens.

Dropping the phone on the bed, I pace the bedroom. If Hendrix doesn’t win, I’m going to have to get some quick advice on how to handle it. This game means so much to him.

My stomach is in knots, and I’m queasy. Still, I can’t not watch.

Placing both hands over my eyes, I watch as they get closer and closer to the other end of the field. To think, I’ve only been watching this sport for one season. Last year, I was blissfully ignorant of all this.

Now my heart’s beating out of my chest, and I can’t take my eyes off Number 85.

Scooping up my phone, I see the girls are still going.

Liv

This is good. Solid plays. Come on, Tigers…

Did that clock speed up?

Allie

It feels that way sometimes, doesn’t it?

Liv

Last play… they’re doing the goal line formation.

How do you know all of this?

Allie

You pick it up after years of watching, although NFL play is different from high school and college.

HE’S OPEN!!!

Liv

Oh, shit, Tyler’s about to get pancaked… He got it off!!!

I can’t breathe. The ball wobbles wildly through the air. It’s too high for Hendrix, but somehow he takes a flying leap. He’s moving so fast, it looks like his body actually stretches.

The Seattle guy is on top of him, and together they fall to the ground, the ball caged somewhere between them.

Did he get it?

Liv

I can’t see… HE GOT IT!!!

Allie

TOUCHDOWN!!!

Dylan

THAT’S MY brOTHER!!!

Liv

See you in NOLA!

My phone is buzzing nonstop, but I’m jumping up and down, screaming into a pillow. The cameras are on Hendrix and Tyler and all the guys smiling and dancing and fist-bumping.

The kicker-guy trots out onto the field and easily kicks the ball through the post-thingies, and everybody is on the field. Hugging the pillow, I watch him on the screen smiling so big as the newscaster asks him how he feels about the game.

“I don’t like when it’s so close, but at this level, every team’s a winner.” He’s so generous. I’m so proud.

The woman asks him about the final catch, and he laughs, shaking his gorgeous head. “I expect to see that one on the reels. That was a miracle.”

She thanks him, and he holds up his hand, extending the ring finger on his left hand and mouthing the words, I love you .

I huff into my hand, my eyes filling with tears. “I love you, too,” I say to the screen.

I’m shaking from all the adrenaline, and I feel like I could run a marathon… or at least a 5K. Sliding my phone into the pocket of my leggings, I go to the kitchen to pour a glass of wine, preparing to chew my nails until he gets home.

A buzz in my pocket has me pulling out the device, and the text I’ve been waiting for appears.

Hendrix

We did it.

That catch was incredible. I don’t have a voice anymore

Hendrix

Another squeaker. Coach was on our asses.

Where are you now?

Hendrix

Headed to the airport. I’ll be there in three hours. Wait up?

OFC!!!

I check on Haddy once more. She’s still sleeping soundly, so I grab the monitor, refresh my glass of wine, and go to the theater room to pull up La La Land .

It’s long and musical, and it’ll distract me until he gets here. Curling up on the couch, I watch the opening scene of cars all stuck on the freeway, and I think about Wilt saying traffic reporting saves lives.

Lying on my side, with my head on the armrest, I wonder if I could merge my desire to save lives and make a difference with what I’m doing here. Being a mom and raising a responsible, productive member of society is an important job—and it doesn’t put me at odds with my sexy husband, who I love.

Emma Stone dances on the screen, singing about meeting someone in the crowd who can make all her dreams come true. I watch the actors dive into the pool as she meets Ryan Gosling dressed up like a 1980s pop singer.

She has a dream, and I know how this story ends…

“I see where Haddy gets it from.” The low voice wakes me, and when I open my eyes, excitement floods my veins.

“Hendrix!” He’s kneeling in front of me, and I sit up, wrapping my arms around his neck and hugging him. “I missed you so much.”

Leaning back, he slides his finger along the side of my hair, moving it off my cheek. “That’s a greeting worth coming home to any time.”

Our mouths meet in a kiss, lips parting, tongues curling. His body is warm, and his mouth tastes like minty water. He smells like heaven.

“Is it late?” I whisper as his lips trace a line along my jaw.

“After midnight.”

“Are you tired?”

“I’m getting my second wind.” The hunger in his voice sparks my own.

“Are you hurting?”

“I’ll have a few bruises tomorrow.” His mouth moves lower onto my neck, and my nipples tingle.

The air around us is hot with desire.

Turning my face, I kiss the side of his cheek. “I’m still wearing your jersey.”

“Good girl.” His low tone tickles my stomach.

I place my hand on his cheek. This man is mine. He owns my heart and my soul, and I love him from the ends of my hair to the tips of my toes.

Leaning forward, I brush my lips across his, speaking against his luscious mouth. “I love you, Hendrix.”

“Not as much as I love you, Pink.”

A teasing smile curls my lips. “How do you know? ”

“The thoughts that keep running through my head.” He smiles, sitting back on his heels. “There’s no other explanation.”

Sliding his hands up my outer thighs, he catches the sides of my leggings, yanking them down and off quickly. Pushing higher, I sweep my hair around my shoulders, rubbing my knees together and giving him my best sex-kitten pouty smile.

Blue eyes narrow as he hisses. “Hell, Pink, the things I want to do to you.”

My core clenches, and I bite my lip. “Do them all.”

“Lie back.” I quickly comply as large hands grip my knees. “Now spread those sexy thighs and show me that pussy.”

With a sigh, I happily obey, letting my legs fall open. Dark eyes meet mine, and he dives forward, covering me with his mouth and growling as he slides his tongue over my clit.

“Oh, God,” I gasp, stabbing my fingers in his hair.

I’m reclining in the chair with my legs draped over the arms, and his face is at my stomach. Two thick fingers invade my dripping core, curling as my back arches with a wail.

His hand slides higher, under the jersey to my breast, twisting a nipple between his fingertips as I moan.

The caresses of his tongue grow stronger, more persistent, and my mind tunnels. My core clenches, and I gasp, pulling his hair, riding his face. He growls against my sensitive skin, and I jump. The muscles low in my stomach twist tighter and tighter with every pass.

He doesn’t stop, and my mouth opens. My back arches, my toes curl, and with a snap, orgasm floods my brain and body. I cry out, shuddering as my body jerks.

Warm lips pull my skin, and he kisses me again before sliding his mouth to my lower stomach. As he unfastens his jeans, he nips my sensitive skin with his teeth, making me squeal. Then with a quick rise, he slides his cock into my still-clenching core.

Strong arms are on both sides of me as his mouth consumes mine. I reach up to grab his neck, sealing my lips to his. Our kisses chase and pull, then he leans back with a smack, holding my thighs and pulling me forward as he thrusts.

I fall back, letting him use me. My hair falls around my shoulders, and I lift the jersey to let my breasts peak out.

He groans, and I feel him thicken as he moves faster. “You’re so fucking gorgeous.”

His chin drops, and he’s fucking me hard, keeping the orgasm swirling beneath my skin. I wrap my legs around him, and we move together, riding the growing waves.

“Yes,” he hisses, holding the back of my neck and pulling me closer.

A bead of sweat traces down his cheek, and I kiss it, savoring the taste of his desire.

“I want you in my mouth,” I groan, and he moves back as I drop to my knees.

Lifting his cock, I pull it between my lips, swirling my tongue over the tip as he moans. My hands spread over his tight ass, and I feel the muscles flexing. I feel him fighting his orgasm, trying to prolong it.

He can’t. I press my face to his stomach, lifting my chin so I don’t gag, and he breaks with a shuddering groan. His hand is behind my head, and he holds me, coming as I swallow, taking every last drop of his essence.

I’m twisted in his sheets when I wake to the dim light of morning.

After making love in the theater, we moved to the bedroom to clean up, showering together, running our hands all over each other’s naked bodies… which led to another round of fucking.

Eventually, we made it to sleep, but everything has changed since our visit home, since we agreed we’re in this forever. Every act of love with my husband feels like it bonds us closer .

Knowing his body is mine, my body is his, has brought us to a place I didn’t know existed. He’s in my mind even when I don’t know he is. He’s moving with me, and one look fills me with lust and need.

Hot lips trace a line up my back, and I straighten, exhaling a happy sigh.

“How are you feeling?” His warm voice at my ear sends tingles down my back, through my breasts, pointing my nipples.

“Horny,” I say with a quiet laugh.

His strong hand slides down my back, squeezing my ass. “Give me this, Pink.”

A thrill tickles in my stomach, and I nod. “Okay.”

He disappears briefly, and my heart beats faster. Last night he fucked me so hard, I could barely walk. He had to carry me to the bed, and still I wanted more.

Now I’m breathless as he returns to the bedroom holding a small bottle.

“Get on your stomach.” It’s a low order that makes my stomach jump.

“Is that from Erewhon?” I tease breathlessly, and he grins like a devil.

“It claims to be very pure and organic. Perfect for anal.” He kneels on the bed behind me. “And I have this.”

I hear the soft buzz of the vibrator, and I’m instantly wet. “Oh, God.”

Leaning down, he scrapes his face along my lower back. “I love when you call me that.”

My knees rise, and I rest my face on my arms, looking back at the god above me. Warm drizzle falls between the line of my butt, and I watch him fisting his cock, covering it with oil.

“I’m so hard for you, it hurts.”

My lips part, and I swallow a whimper.

“Pretty little pucker,” he whispers as his fingers coat me with oil .

I’m dying with anticipation and need, and with every pass of his finger over my hole, I tense.

“I love watching your pussy clench like a good, hungry girl.” He puts the vibrator in my hand, but I don’t need it yet.

If I use it, I’ll come before we even begin. This buildup has me on the very edge.

“Ready?” Two thick fingers push gently, spreading, preparing me.

I gasp, nodding. “Yes, please.”

The sound of his fist sucking with oil as he prepares his cock almost makes my knees give out. One large hand braces my hip, and my eyes squeeze shut as he presses the large, mushroom tip slowly, slowly, waiting for the muscled ring to relax.

“If you need me to stop, I will.”

I nod again as more oil flows around the place his dick is nudging. Fingers caress my lower back and cheeks, and with a gentle pop, he’s inside me. My mind bends, and I let out a cry at the feeling of him hard and large, a thick rod in my ass.

“Fuck, that’s a tight fit.” He groans, holding still. “You okay?”

“I’m okay,” I gasp, my pussy clenching wildly. “Oh…”

He moves slowly, stopping and starting as my body relaxes, as heat starts to move through my thighs. My body trembles, and I put the silver bullet on my clit. In an instant, I start to move more, taking him deeper.

I’m lost in sensation, crying out and pressing my ass against his hips. I feel his balls slap the back of my thighs and I hear him grunting. I hear him say my wife . I hear him say such a sweet ass . I hear him say I’m a good girl , and I come apart.

His words morph into sounds I’ve never heard before, deep and animalistic, as his movements become wilder. He’s fucking me harder, and I feel wetness spatter on my inner thighs. Did I just squirt?

I’m wailing, coming harder, unable to stop, until I feel him start to withdraw.

“Oh…” I whimper as he pulls out, and the vacancy he leaves behind is real.

More sucking sounds as his fist rapidly jerks his cock, and with another deep groan, hot come coats my lower back, slipping over my warm backside.

I’m lying on the bed utterly boneless, my orgasm still pulsing through my thighs. His strong hand is beside me on the bed, and he kisses my cheek. I turn my face so he can consume my mouth, licking his tongue inside and biting my lips.

“You okay, love?” His low voice is hoarse, and I nod. “Come with me.”

My eyes are still closed as he lifts me in his arms, carrying me to the glass shower stall. Warm water flows over us, and he gently cleans me, holding me in his arms and covering my face with kisses as I hold his shoulders.

“My beautiful wife,” he whispers, gently massaging my body, kissing my lips, worshipping me. “I love you so much.”

My heart melts, and I lift my chin to meet his kisses. “I love you,” I whisper, and in that moment we’re one.