Rise Up (A Coach's Love Book 3) Page 7

  “She really is pushy.”

  “I’m so sorry, Amber.” The phone vibrates yet again, and the caller ID reveals it’s Laney. “Will you do me a favor? Put this in your purse so it won’t disturb us.”

  “What if Ethan needs you?”

  “He’ll be fine. Besides, she’ll give up eventually. Now, we need to decide what we’re eating.” He picks up his menu.

  “I’ve already decided. I’m having French onion soup and a salad.” I wink.

  “Okay. I guess I need to decide.” He places his menu down just as the waiter comes over. He drops off our wine and takes our order.

  He reaches over, grabs my hand, and gently rubs my knuckles. “I’m really glad we’ve moved forward, Vincent.”

  “Me too.” He chuckles. “Even Ethan is happy.”

  “Why, did he say something?”

  “He told me I’m not grumpy anymore.” He looks into my eyes. “If he only understood how hard it is to work so close to such a beautiful woman and not be able to touch her or make her his.”

  “I didn’t realize you were such a romantic.” My cheeks blush.

  “I can be, but be prepared. This all goes away when the game comes on. Especially if the Celtics aren’t doing well.”

  “I would expect nothing less from a true Celtics fan.” I wink at him.

  My soup and his salad are delivered to the table, so we both begin to eat. The soup is perfect. It’s not too hot, and it’s delicious.

  “What are you doing for Christmas?” he asks me.

  “I don’t do anything for Christmas. I’ll go to the five-thirty Christmas Eve service to see my friends, and then I go home to spend the day binge watching movies.”

  A smile slowly spreads across his handsome face. “So you’ll join us for Christmas this year?” I think about what he’s asking me. Another sign of how quickly we’re moving. I know I’m encouraging it, but is it the right thing to do? “Please don’t over think. We’d love to have you. Besides, I could use your help with dinner.”

  I can’t help but laugh. “Let the truth be told. You want me for my cooking skills.”

  He shrugs. “And to meet my parents.”

  “How do your parents feel about you dating so soon after your divorce?”

  “Are you kidding, they’re thrilled. I’ve told them all about you.”

  The waiter returns one more time with our main course and asks if he can get us anything else. When we tell him we’re good, he politely bows his head and disappears. I can’t believe he picked such a nice place to take us.

  “What are we making?”

  “My mom is a bit of a health freak, so I was thinking we could get one of those really lean hams and glaze it.”

  “Oh, I’ve totally got this!”

  “Really? You know how you’ll make dinner.”

  “Of course, I do.” I know exactly what I’ll make, and I’ll blow them away. I love to cook and with fresh ingredients. I don’t do it often because it’s just me, but it doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy doing it. Growing up, I always watched the food shows on how to cook, and as I got older, I started trying some of them. I would always shock my mother when she would come home and find a nice meal ready. Unfortunately, it didn’t prevent her from running off.

  Both of our meals were delicious. We can’t rave enough. Vincent takes care of the bill and informs me it’s time for the next phase of our date. It’s now dark out, but the streets are so well lit with white Christmas lights and décor. It’s truly a beautiful sight to see. He takes my hand and tugs me up the street.

  I’m a bit confused when he goes to the rear of his SUV. He opens the back and pulls out two blankets. With a huge smile on his face, he closes the back, takes my hand, and walks me up the street. In the distance, I spot a beautifully lit gazebo with garland, berries, and red bows wrapped around it. People are gathering to watch while others set up for the show. It’s not really busy yet, so we hurry over and take a nice spot on the lawn. Thankfully, it hasn’t snowed yet.

  He hands me one blanket while he gets to work setting up the other. We take a seat, and he wraps us up in the second blanket. “A concert in the park?” I ask with a smile.

  He nods. “Christmas carols to welcome the holiday season.”

  “It’s perfect.” I rest my head on his shoulder, waiting patiently for the music to begin. He gently kisses me on the head, a simple gesture he’s made a habit of that makes me feel so cared for.

  Some small lights aimed at the gazebo kick on, lighting up just a bit more. They’re like colored spotlights giving it a fun look. “Welcome to Christmas in The Park. We’ll be here every weekend from now until Christmas,” the gentleman playing the cello announces. One of the women starts playing the violin while another sings. Their voices ring out the words to Deck the Halls. The beautiful sound makes me smile even more. What a perfect way to spend an evening with my man.

  They roll directly into We Wish you a Merry Christmas, and now that the crowd is warming up, they’re starting to sing. The group pauses for a second to slow it down, but they are amazing, singing song after song.

  A few small carts pull up. I’m trying to figure out what they’re doing when Vincent answers my silent question. “Want some hot cocoa?”

  “I would love some.” He climbs out from under the blanket and jogs over to the line. He grabs two and comes right back.

  “This is so perfect. I love everything you’ve done for me tonight.” I lean over, gently kissing him. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I wanted to do something special and different. I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

  The music continues on with kids laughing and dancing all around. Smiles light up their faces, no doubt excited for the big day that’s sure to come in the next couple of weeks.

  We stay through a few more songs, but I’m starting to get cold, and I really want some alone time with him. I nuzzle into his neck hoping he’ll realize I’d like to go back to his place. “Are there any more surprises tonight?”

  “This was it, beautiful.”

  “Good, can we go back to your place?”

  “We sure can.”

  We quickly and quietly gather our things, so we don’t interrupt the show, and we make our way back to his car.

  “Thank you again. This was perfect.”

  “You’re welcome, but the night has only just begun.”

  I really like the way he thinks.

  We’re about to pull up to my place. The ride home has been nothing but sexual tension. She’s had her hand on my lap the entire ride, and I don’t just mean resting on my knee. She was running it up and down my leg. If she had brought it up any higher, she would have discovered the very uncomfortable bulge I’m sporting in my jeans.

  Being the gentleman that I am, I won’t take her into the house and drag her off to my room. Nope, I’m going to set us up with some beers, and we’re going to watch the game that is starting any minute now, just like we planned. She wants to tease … two can play that game.

  “Are you ready for the game?”

  She looks slightly disappointed as we enter the house. “I sure am.” Her tone doesn’t match her expression. I barely contain my laughter. I take our coats and hang them in the closet by the door.

  “Great. Get comfy, and I’ll grab us some beers.” I know she only drinks Angry Orchard. It’s not really a beer, but it’s as close as she gets. When I get back into the living room, she’s sitting on the couch with her shoes off and her feet resting on the ottoman. I hand her the bottle. She takes a pull and sets it on the coaster, while I grab the remote and join her. I wrap my arm around her as she snuggles into my side. Down to one arm, I place my cold beer between my legs to hold it upright while I turn on the TV. I mentally laugh at myself because I need the cold for the blue balls I’ve been sporting lately.

  Her warm toes rub against mine as her fingers run over the bumps on my abs. I’m trying so hard to behave myself, but she’s making it difficult.
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  The game has begun, and the Celtics are winning by six, but it’s early in the game, and that’s not much of a lead. They steal the ball and score again. Amber quietly cheers, still pressing her head to my chest. I’m so distracted it’s hard to even pay attention.

  Her fingers are now drawing circles on my inner thigh as she inches closer and closer to the bulge that is once again forming in my jeans. There’s not much room in there, so it has to be obvious. I’m watching her more than I’m watching the damn game. I should have just pulled her to the room like I wanted to.

  Her hand gently glides over my cock on her way up to my abs. She brushes her hand over them and then tucks her hand under her cheek, but my cock is now hard as nails. I try to adjust myself nonchalantly, but see she’s on top of me. A small giggle erupts from her. She knew exactly what she was doing. I grab a handful of her long brown hair and gently pull her head backward. My lips crash down on hers for a very brief kiss. “You’re a tease.”

  “Only if I’m not willing to finish what I started.” She wiggles her brows at me. I slam my beer down, scoop her up, and carry her off to my room. “What about the game?”

  “We’ll catch the end.” I drop her in the middle of the bed causing her to giggle.

  “Someone is testy.” She laughs.

  “Only because someone is pushing my limits.” I join her on the bed, lying beside her. She watches me like a hawk as I exhale a slow, steady breath. I need to take a moment to gain an ounce of control before my lips touch hers. Her eyes close, and she moans into my mouth. I pepper kisses up her jaw to her ear. “I want to taste every inch of you,” I whisper softly.

  “Please do,” she replies, looking me in the eyes.

  Staring for a second longer, I’m looking for any sign that I may be moving too fast, but I find nothing but want and desire. After months of teasing, flirting, and sneaking brief, light touches, I finally get to show her how good we are together. I get to make her mine.

  “This is going to be such a treat.” She smiles. “I’m never letting you go,” I whisper just before our lips connect. The tips of my fingers caress the skin under her shirt and up her stomach to cup her breast. Her nipples are hard little pebbles screaming for attention. I roll one between my fingers as I pepper kisses down her neck to the top of her shirt.

  “It’s time for this to disappear. It’s in my way.” I glide my lips over her skin. She groans as I peel her shirt over her head, tossing it to the side. A groan escapes me when I discover a very low cut, sexy blue bra. “As beautiful as this is, it too has to go.” It takes me seconds to rid her of the silky material. My hands glide up her stomach to her breasts. Taking my time, I massage them. Pinching her nipples ever so slightly. Her back arches, pressing them into my hands. She bites her lower lip, and lets out a slight moan. She likes when I play with her nipples, so I lower my mouth to one, sucking and then scraping my teeth over it. I smile remembering the way she scraped her teeth over the pickle.

  Her hands are all over me, squeezing my ass, tugging at my shirt. “Take it off.” She groans as she manages to get my t-shirt out from my pants. “I want to feel your chest on mine.”

  After I toss my shirt across the room, I press her into my bed, my bare chest against hers. I kiss her passionately. My lips glide over her skin, leaving a trail of kisses in their wake. Her fingers fumble with the button on my jeans. She manages to get them undone, releasing my fully erect cock, but I need more. I make my way back to her beautiful breasts. I was having fun with them, and I’m not done playing yet. I love how she fits perfectly in the palm of my hand.

  Battling for control, she pushes me off of her. She works my jeans and briefs off my hips and tosses them to the floor. With a huge grin on her face, she licks small circles around my nipples as she massages my cock. I feel like a teenager. I’m going to burst in a matter of seconds. “Baby, please. I’m not going to last if you keep touching me like that.” She stops stroking me only long enough to lick her way down my abs. When she gets to the tip, she sucks it into her mouth. I instantly take in a sharp breath, fighting my release. Her mouth is so wet and warm. She wraps her tongue around the head and then sucks me down to the base. I slip my fingers into her hair and buck my hips, meeting her rhythm. “I hope you’re ready,” I warn her, but it only makes her suck harder and deeper. She moans, her tongue rubbing along the vein in my cock. The sensation sends me over the edge.

  “Fuck, Amber.” My hips continue pumping as my seed spills down her throat. The second she removes her mouth, I flip her over and take control. “That’s not how that was supposed to go down.” I slam my lips down on hers, tasting myself.

  She pulls away. “I enjoyed myself.”

  I smile and kiss her one last time, before I bite her nipple. She whimpers and then moans when I lick it and kiss it better. I’ve had enough of her jeans. I slide them down her long, lean legs and toss them aside.

  Not able to wait any longer, I settle myself between her legs. She’s so wet and ready for me. I blow gently on her sensitive nub, watching for her reaction. Her hips twitch slightly. I know I’m torturing her, but I’m not rushing this. I lick and kiss at her inner thigh just below her sex. Her hips move, encouraging me to hit the spot she longs for my lips to touch. I can’t help but smile as I move to the other side, repeating the same wet kiss on her inner thigh.

  “Will you stop teasing me?” she finally growls out.

  “Maybe.”

  She pouts until I press my tongue flat against her, licking from her opening all the way to her nub. She whimpers at the contact. Now that I’ve gotten my first taste of her, I’ll never have my fill. I attack her nub, licking and sucking, while her hips grind against my face.

  There’s so much pent-up sexual energy it takes only minutes for her legs to tighten around me. She quivers and shakes as an orgasm takes over her body. She screams my name, the sound is pure music to my ears. I’ve dreamt of this moment, trying to envision what it would be like to have her in my bed, screaming my name as she comes undone. It’s so much better than I could have ever could have imagined.

  I reach over into my nightstand for a condom. Tearing it open with my teeth, I roll it into place.

  Amber is glowing as she watches me, waiting to feel me deep inside of her. I tasted myself on her. Now it’s time she sees how amazing she tastes. I lower my lips to hers. At first she’s hesitant, but I lick at the seam of her lips, and she opens to me. I seek out her tongue, and she moans into my mouth. “Your taste will be with me forever. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, and I love it.” I slowly tease her opening with the head of my cock. Her hips press forward, trying to get me deeper. I pull back for a second and then press forward, seating myself balls deep inside her. Her eyes droop, and her skin glistens as my hips begin to roll.

  She bites her lip and moans my name, “Vincent.” The sound goes straight to my cock.

  I pick up the pace, her hips meeting me thrust for thrust. I can feel her muscles tightening as she gets closer. “Open those eyes for me, beautiful.”

  She opens them and looks me dead in the eye so I can read her. She’s an open book to me. Her cheeks flush. She fights to keep them open as her muscles tighten around me, milking me, and sending me over with her.

  A tear escapes, running down her cheek. “What’s wrong, beautiful?”

  A small smile plays at her lips. “That was the sweetest love making I’ve ever experienced,” she whispers.

  I brush away her tear with the back of my knuckle and press a kiss to her lips. “I’m glad you’re happy.”

  “Very.”

  I slip out of her. “Let me get rid of this. I’ll be right back.” I knot the condom and ditch it in the trash. I quickly wash my face and then bring her a warm washcloth. I press it between her legs, cleaning her up a bit and then toss it in the laundry before climbing into bed.

  “Are you okay?” I ask her, wanting to be sure.

  “I’m more than okay.” She snuggles into my sid
e which seems to be her new favorite spot.

  “Want to check out the game?”

  She smiles. “Please.”

  I grab my remote and turn it on. We discover the Celtics are winning by twelve points. We both relax and enjoy the remainder of the game from bed. This has been a perfect night.

  I catch myself staring off and smiling for what feels like the twentieth time today. I had the most amazing weekend of my life, and I can’t stop thinking about it. First, my date with Vincent which was super romantic from beginning to end, then we made love which was just epic, and we ended it by spending time with Ethan yesterday. It was a tad chilly, but the three of us shot hoops in his driveway for a couple of hours. By the time we were done, we were all hungry and sweaty, so while the boys showered, I cooked us a meal. Ethan was extremely appreciative. He seems to enjoy my cooking, and to be honest, it’s nice to have someone to cook for these days.

  “Look at you daydreaming. The boss must be treating you real nice,” Marissa says with her arms crossed at her chest.

  “Oh, you hush. He won’t be my boss much longer.”

  She reveals her devilish grin. “I heard. You’re taking my spot and hiring a replacement for yourself.”

  “I take it Paul told you?” She nods. “I swear that man loves gossip as much as some of these ladies.”

  She waves me toward the kitchen. “Let’s grab coffee. Your cup is empty.” I grab my cup and follow behind her. “It was more of an explanation as to why you and Vincent were setting up and doing the interviews rather than us.” She pulls her mug from the cabinet and pops a k-cup in the one-cup coffee pot.

  “I’m sure it was, but you have to admit, he does like to gab.”

  “I didn’t say he doesn’t, just didn’t want you to think he was talking about you guys. I asked him if he needed me to set up the ads, and he told me you and Vincent were handling the hiring. I obviously asked why.”

  “It’s cool. We’re just trying to keep us as quiet as possible.” I start on making my second cup of coffee