“And?”
I sigh. “And, well, this is where I sound like a tramp. I missed it. I missed being intimate with someone. So I went out planning to have a one-night stand.”
He’s quiet, and I’m sure he’s going to get up any second and take off running. This is way too deep for a first date. Fuck, this isn’t even a date. This is a one-night stand.
“He’s a dumbass, April. Any man that would hide you... fuck, he ain’t it. He ain’t worthy. I’m glad you left him. I’m glad you went out tonight, and I’m glad I’m the lucky son of a bitch that found you. When I saw you through the window, even before I knew who you were, I wanted you.”
I smack him on the chest, and he catches it, bringing my palm up to his lips. He kisses my palm. “I mean it, April.”
Speechless, I lie there in wonder. He thinks he’s the lucky one. I’m the lucky one. Emotion wrecks through my senses, and I can’t speak, so I turn and press my lips to his bare chest, right over his heart. We lie there for the longest time with his heart beating under my cheek and his hand stroking through my hair.
Chapter 6
Matt
One night. All she wants is one night, and I’m already trying to figure out how to see her again.
I hate hearing about her ex. Not only because of the way he treated her but because of the fact I don’t want to think about her with someone else. She’s mine and has been since I first laid eyes on her. But obviously, I can’t tell her that. I have a feeling she’d freak if I even hinted at that.
Her breathing starts to even out, and I know she’s asleep. She pushes into me, burying herself deeper against me, and I hold her tighter.
I fight sleep. If I sleep, I’m going to miss how it feels with her in my arms. Since her confession, I’ve felt a sense of unease and foreboding. I understand her theory and why she thought she wanted only one night, but I’m going to prove her wrong. I’m going to prove to her that I’m exactly what she wants and needs.
My mind is going crazy. It’s like everything is whirling in there at once. I’m thinking of April and the feel of her body against mine. I take a breath, and her scent has my cock hardening again already. And it’s outrageous, but I’m trying to figure out what to do. I’m supposed to go back home to Texas later this week. I need to see my family, who I haven’t gotten to spend a lot of time with since I was traded to the Eagles. But can I really leave and not see April again until spring? No fuckin’ way.
Questions start to form in my head. Should I stay in my apartment in Jasper until spring season? Should I find something in Whiskey Run? Should I wake her up and tell her what I’m thinking? I lean my head down and kiss the top of her head. Definitely not. She’ll think I’m crazy and probably kick me out of here.
No, I need to handle this one day at a time.
It’s hours later, and I feel as if I’ve just fallen asleep when she jostles next to me. We’re facing each other, still naked, and my cock is hard, pressed against her belly.
She looks so sweet, and the small smile on her face tells me she’s satisfied or dreaming of something nice. I hope it’s about me.
I’m waxing all poetic, and that’s not me. That’s not who I am. Fuck, the guys would have a field day if they saw this softer side of me. I’m supposed to be tough, and up until this very moment I would have said I’m the toughest offensive lineman in the league. Just don’t get me started on April because once I do, I can feel the guard I have on my heart softening, and for the first time, I want someone to see me for me. Not the tough guy, not the pro football player, and not the rich guy with endorsements. I want her to see me as the man I am. A man that was raised by a single mom and has worked his whole life to get where he’s at. A man that protects his family and his friends no matter what. And a man that has been lost, searching for something and who is pretty sure he’s found it—or her—tonight.
April stirs next to me, and her groggy voice fills the darkness. “Matt?”
She’s reaching out like she’s searching for me, and I don’t even try to contain my smile. “Yeah, baby. I’m right here.”
“Are you leaving?” she asks.
I want to ask her if she wants me to, but I’m afraid of the answer. “No, I’m not leaving.”