Win Me Over (23 page)

Bennett shook his head in disbelief as he stalked toward her, intention etched into his face, his voice low and gruff when he spoke. “That's enough out of you.”

“Bossy, bossy.” Callie's eyes went wide as he took ahold of the hem of her shirt and quickly drew it over her head. She couldn't help teasing him a little more. “Is this the part where you spank me?”

*   *   *

Bennett gave a strangled laugh. He couldn't help it.
This woman
. He didn't even know how to describe her. She was an enigma. Gorgeous and sexy, and yet could make him laugh like no one else. He'd never experienced this feeling with any other woman.

She was grinning up at him all the while her fingers were finding their way under the elastic of his pants. His eyes went to her bra and he cupped one perfect breast in his palm.

“Do you
want
me to spank you?”

“I'll admit, it's not really my thing.” Her head tilted to the side. “But I'm an adventurous sort of girl.”

“Yes, I believe that you are. But right now…” He turned her body to face away from him and reached for the clasp of her bra, the release of each hook punctuating his words. “I only want one … simple … thing.”

“What's that?” she asked, her head dropping forward.

“You, completely naked. On my bed.”

Her bra went slack and he lowered his lips to her nape, planting small kisses just below her hair, down her neck. She rolled her head to the side and he moved on to her shoulder, lightly running his tongue across her smooth skin. He didn't let up until a shiver ran through her body.

“A hundred and seventy miles per hour, huh?” she asked. “The body is so efficient.”

It took him a minute to remember that she was quoting his scientific facts about touch and brain signals. “Mm-hmm. I bet you also didn't know that a man's tongue is usually larger than a woman's.”

“Obviously. Mother Nature is a woman and she's no dummy.”

He chuckled and moved Callie's hair aside so he could lick along the shell of her ear, giving her just a hint of all the things he wanted to do with said tongue. Thunder rumbled outside and goose bumps broke out across her shoulders. Bennett slid her bra straps down her arms as he whispered, “Goose bumps are caused by the pilomotor reflex. They're uncontrollable, and happen when your body is flooded with adrenaline because of strong emotions like fear … or arousal.”

“Your brain is so sexy, Mr. Clark.” Her head leaned back onto his chest.

“Know what else is triggered by the pilomotor reflex?” he asked. He grasped her hands and brought them to her breasts. Guiding her fingers, he placed them on her nipples and squeezed lightly. She sucked in a breath. “This. Do you feel how hard they are?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

He turned her around to face him. “Get on the bed.”

They both undressed fully and she crawled onto the bed. Even in the darkness of his room it was beautiful watching her move. He walked around to the side—not wanting to put his weight on his bad leg—and lay down beside her. Callie instantly grabbed for him, her fingers wrapping around his erection, her lips finding his. She didn't ask permission, just took, did as she pleased.

They kissed and touched each other, each learning what made the other catch their breath, moan, and sigh. She didn't hold back and he loved it. Loved touching her, loved the sounds she made. He wanted to get his mouth on every part of her, wanted to feel her body vibrate against him as she came. He lay flat, lifted his head to pull the pillow out from under him, and tossed it off the bed. With one efficient movement he pulled Callie on top of him, her legs naturally falling to each side of his waist.

His hands went to her breasts, fondling and teasing them. She leaned forward so he could pull one into his mouth. After a moment she sat up straight and she looked so beautiful there, above him. Her body was so strong and supple, he wanted to know every part of it.

Bennett palmed her backside and pulled, urging her body forward, “Scoot up here.” He gave a jerk of his head, letting her know exactly what he meant.

Callie didn't need any further instruction; she grabbed the headboard and pulled herself up before shuffling her body over his chest, positioning a knee on each side of his head, her center right at his lips. He inhaled deep, loving her scent, and then trailed his tongue along the front of her.

“Holy shhh … oh my god.” Her voice was strained and sexy as he devoured her.

*   *   *

Callie could barely breathe. Her fingers dug into the wooden headboard as Bennett's mouth worked her into a near frenzy. Every pass of his tongue got her closer; she wouldn't last long like this.

She glanced down, wishing she could see what he was doing to her, because it had to be the most erotic sight, her straddling his face like this. Bennett's hands settled on her hips, pressing them, urging her to rock against him. “You're gonna kill me, Bennett. But please don't stop.”

The rain continued to pelt against the window and when lightning lit up the sky she was gifted with the sight of him—just for a moment—his head moving beneath her as his tongue did magical things. That was all it took for her. One of her hands dropped to his head, sliding through his hair as her body went still. Her legs began to shake as she came and his hands settled on her waist to help keep her upright. Callie's mouth dropped open, a slight whimper escaping.

When the sensations ebbed she let out a long breath. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and suddenly she couldn't hold herself up anymore. She slowly fell to the bed beside him, throwing one arm across his chest. “That was mind-blowing.”

“Good. That's sort of what I was going for.”

She let out a strangled laugh and then finally leaned up onto his chest. Laughing and goofing off with him was her favorite part of … whatever this was between them.

He moved a lock of hair off her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. “Why is your hair straight tonight?” he asked.

“I straightened it. I do that sometimes.”

“I like it better curly. It's more
you
.”

Warmth settled into her bones at his comment. She glanced down to see him still erect, and she found the strength to get up, straddling his lower half once more. “Do you know how sweet you are?”

He gave a little huff, as if he didn't believe what she was saying.

“I mean it. You are … amazing.”

He reached up and pulled her down, their bodies flush and warm against each other. He kissed her once and then whispered against her lips, “You're more amazing.”

She felt his body grind upward, big and hard against her. She smiled. “Oh, I'm sorry, did you still need me for something?”

He gave her ass a swift smack and she gave a squeak followed by a quiet giggle.

“Condoms in the drawer.” He nodded to the bedside table and Callie leaned over to retrieve what they needed. After rolling it on, she rose up and slid down onto him, slowly. He had ahold of each thigh, his thumbs squeezing gently as she took him deeper.

When her behind met his upper thigh she stilled, just wanting to take in the sight of him. He was so perfectly proportioned, his chest wide, dusted with hair across his pecs and down the center of his abs. This was what a man should look like.

The rising of his chest brought her eyes to his. “I love looking at you,” she said.

The corner of his mouth quirked up. “I feel the same way about you.” His palms sought her breasts and she leaned over to give him better access.

“Ride me,” he whispered.

She did, his thrusts meeting hers inch for inch until, his jaw locked tight, he breathed hard out of his nose and his hands pulled her down for the most sensual kiss of her life. It was all tongue, moans, and him shuddering beneath her. They were amazing together.

Later they lay tangled up in his bed, Callie drawing circles on his chest with her fingernail. “Sex and a science lesson in one. Impressive.”

Bennett's chest vibrated under her head. “Turn you on?”

Callie looked up at him. “Actually, yes. Tonight was really great.”

“Yeah. I agree.”

Not wanting him to think she was looking for some sort of deeper proclamation, she laid her head back down on his chest. “You're very smart. I always thought most coaches taught gym or speech class.”

“I always loved science, since I was a kid. Read a lot about it, always did well in science class. When I was seven I asked for a microscope for Christmas. I liked to look at fingernails, hair … scabs.”

“Ewww, that's so gross!” Callie exclaimed. They both laughed and he threaded his fingers with hers.

“Boys are pretty gross. Especially when they're kids. Did you not have any brothers or even sisters?” Bennett asked.

“I have a half brother. My dad was married once before. I don't really know Lane that well. He didn't spend a lot of time with Dad, plus he's eight years older, so there wasn't much of a connection. As soon as he was eighteen he went into the Air Force. He's an air-traffic controller now in Minnesota.”

“Wow, that's cool.”

Callie shrugged. “Yeah, I guess. We're Facebook friends. That's about as close as we get. What about you? Brothers and sisters?”

“I have an older brother. He's a doctor in Texas.”

“Oh wow, a doctor and a professional football player. Your parents must be proud.”

Bennett went still. Callie looked up at him, unsure of what to say. “I'm sorry. That was insensitive. But I'm sure no matter what happened, they're still proud.”

“You're right, they are. It's just … I don't really even like to consider that time in life. I almost wish it was wiped from my memory.”

“That's crazy. Look what you accomplished. You know how many guys would like to go through life saying they'd played for the NFL.”

Bennett's lips lifted a little. “Maybe.”

“Maybe my ass. I bet some guys would give their left nut for that.”

Bennett shook his head, finally giving her a real smile. “You're crazy.”

“It's very possible.”

 

Thirteen

Bennett sat at his desk Thursday afternoon, wired up and ready to get the day over with—including practice. All he wanted was to get home and have Callie in his arms. If that required dancing, so be it.

After spending the evening in his bed, they'd ended up practicing late into the night. He felt good about how far they'd come—at least how far he'd come. He was still worried he would mess everything up in front of an audience, but even that fear subsided a little more each time he and Callie practiced. He was now able to do the entire routine from memory along with the music. She'd even shown him the lift and they'd done it perfectly several times Tuesday night.

His leg had given him hell the next morning, but it was still worth it. Being with her touching her. Seeing her smile and tell him he was doing a good job. It was all worth it.

It was more than the dancing, though. He hadn't stopped thinking about having sex with her, recalling very vivid memories of her perched above him. Pleasuring her. He wanted her again so badly he was close to losing his mind. The whole thing terrified him. He'd been with women, enjoyed himself. But he hadn't craved a specific woman ever. Not like this. Not even Ashley.

There was a knock on the wall and Bennett looked up to find Jason in the doorway to his classroom.

“Hey, Jason.”

“Coach.”

“Come on in and have a seat.” Bennett motioned for a chair near his desk. “So how ya feeling?”

Jason blew out a breath. “Better, now. I came to bring you this.”

He handed Bennett a note, written on letterhead. A quick glance told Bennett it was Jason's medical release to play starting today, which meant he was hoping to participate in Friday's game. Bennett couldn't believe they'd cleared Jason so soon.

The problem was, something was up with Jason. Everybody sensed it. The coaches, the players, even Bennett himself. Something was off.

Jason and Tate still weren't speaking and the animosity between the two was affecting everybody on the team. Bennett ran a hand over his face before speaking. He needed to say this right. Delicately.

“I've been really impressed with how you've been handling yourself, coming to practice, keeping your grades up. But I want the truth. How are you doing?”

“What do you mean? I'm cleared to play.” He nodded to the note.

“I know what the letter says. But I'm asking
you
a question. You haven't been yourself and I want to know what's going on. Tell me how you're feeling.”

“I feel fine; I'm ready to get back on the field.”

“Jason,” Bennett urged, “let's be real right now.”

Jason looked at the floor. “I'm frustrated, I guess. Tired.”

“Pissed?”

“Pissed as hell.”

“You have every right to be,” Bennett said. “Depressed?”

The kid didn't answer for a long moment and Bennett's heart fell. He hated seeing one of his guys like this. Bennett couldn't help consider that Jason's main job on the field was to protect Tate, the same guy he currently couldn't forgive. His best friend only a few weeks ago.

Bennett asked again, “Jason, have you been depressed?”

“If that means I fed like shit all the time, then yeah.” Jason didn't meet Bennett's eyes.

“I'm sorry, man; I wish this hadn't happened. Have you and Tate spoken yet?”

“Not really.”

“He's hurting, too, you know?”

“Yeah, well, not as bad as I am.” Jason's eyes finally came up, full of anger. “Now he has the full attention of every scout that comes to practice. I'm sorry I said what I did to him. But he fuc—I mean. He punched me. Took me out of the game my senior year. What friend does that?”