Swing and a Kiss: Carolina Waves Series Book 4 Read online

  “She did. I told her it was up to you.”

  “I definitely want to.”

  “Sounds like a plan then.”

  Chloe had texted me during the game and thankfully Dale’s full attention had been on the game because she’d included a very inappropriate gif. She’s more anxious for me to have a full night alone with Dale than I am. And that’s saying a lot. After five years of celibacy, since my first kiss from the sexy first baseman, sex is all I can think about.

  “What time is your tournament Saturday?” Dale asked Jeremy.

  “It’s not a tournament this weekend, just games. I’m playing at eleven Saturday then three on Sunday.”

  “I have a game at noon, but then John Kasprzyk is having some people over after that for a barbecue. I was going to ask if you’d like to come with me. And now that Chloe is in town, maybe she’d like to join us.”

  Jeremy looked at me with pleading eyes. He’ll take any opportunity to hang out with his idols. And I’m sure Chloe would be up for it.

  “We’ll talk to Aunt Chloe and see what she thinks. Then we can figure out the plan for the night.”

  Dale glanced at me out of the corner of his eye as he finished the last of his water in one long gulp. If I’d had any doubt that he’s thinking the same thing as I am, that cleared it up. With Jeremy staying at Chloe’s, I’ll have the entire night free.

  Chapter 18

  Karen

  * * *

  “You know, I’ve always thought Jeremy was good, but he looks totally amazing today,” Chloe said.

  “He definitely has more confidence since getting a thumb’s up from Dale. Plus he got some pointers from Dale so I’m sure that’s helped.”

  “Speaking of Dale, have you discussed tonight in any specific detail?” She wagged her eyebrows.

  “Not like you’re suggesting.” I laughed. “Do you discuss details beforehand?”

  “No, but I’m not you.”

  “That’s a fair point.”

  Jeremy had a ball hit to him and he made the play for the third out. Then he was up first to bat the next inning so we gave the game our full attention.

  I cringed as he got hit by a pitch just above his elbow. Even though it must hurt like hell, he just ran to first base and took his lead. The pitcher had been doing well up until now but after hitting Jeremy, he walked the next batter then gave up a hit to the outfield that allowed Jeremy to score.

  The game stopped as the coach changed pitchers and with Jeremy back in the dugout, Chloe picked up the conversation right where we’d left it.

  “So did you? Discuss things?”

  “Sort of. It’s kind of floating out there that we’re going to spend the night together, but we haven’t dissected things. That would be unromantic, not to mention embarrassing.”

  “So we’re going to that party, Jeremy and I will hang out for a little bit, then we’ll leave you two alone. What are you doing then?”

  “The plan is for us to go back to his place when we leave the party.”

  “Are you nervous?”

  “Not right now but if I think about it too much I will be.” I thought about that for a few minutes then added, “I mean, once we’re together I’ll be fine, and once things get started, I’ll be really fine. But for the past few days I’ve studiously avoided thinking about it because I didn’t want to psych myself out.”

  She leaned down and reached into her purse then sat back and handed me a box.

  “Chloe! Seriously?”

  I shoved the box into my purse when her answering laugh drew the attention of some of the parents.

  “They’re Waves blue. When I saw them, I couldn’t resist.”

  “Why would anyone want to use a colored condom?”

  She shrugged. “Just to change things up.”

  “But they look ridiculous enough wearing a condom, never mind a colored one.”

  “Well at least you have some on you in case he doesn’t.”

  Jeremy’s team took the field again after the longest at-bat ever. They’d scored five runs, putting them ahead seven to two. I turned my full attention to the game, more to take my focus off blue condoms and the fact that I’ll probably be breaking my sex fast tonight.

  Dale

  * * *

  “I’ll see you tomorrow at the game,” Karen said to Jeremy as he got into the passenger seat of Chloe’s car. “Text if you need me to bring anything for you.”

  “I will,” he said. “See you tomorrow, Monte.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.” I leaned down to look at Chloe. “See you tomorrow.”

  “Yep,” she said with a big smile.

  We stood in Kasprzyk’s driveway and watched them drive away.

  I swear Chloe Walsh is my own personal angel. She not only asked Jeremy to stay with her tonight, she also drove her own car today leaving Karen with me when they left. As much as I love spending time with Jeremy, I’m looking forward to having his mother all to myself tonight.

  “They seemed to have a good time.”

  “I think they did. I know I am. Thanks for bringing us along.”

  I pulled her to my side and kissed the top of her head.

  “Thanks for coming.”

  Natalie Kasprzyk and Hannah were consolidating what food was left over on the platters as we walked through the gate to the backyard.

  “I’m gonna help them clean up,” she said then stood on tiptoe to give me a quick kiss. Before I got over the shock that it’s the first time she initiated a kiss, she was walking across the patio. I would have offered to help too, but I figured I’d give Karen time alone with the women.

  Jack, Dan, and Kasprzyk were sprawled on lounge chairs across the patio and I walked over to join them. After spending part of the day at the stadium and the rest of it either in the pool or running around on the beach, the kids were all tired and went inside to watch a movie. Natalie’s parents had also gone in to relax. And even though it’s not even ten o’clock, everyone else had left.

  “Remember when these parties used to go until dawn?” I asked as I sat on the edge of a lawn chair. I don’t plan on getting too comfortable. As soon as Karen is done, I want to get out of here.

  “We’re older and wiser now,” Dan said.

  “Older anyway,” Kasprzyk said.

  “Thanks for including Karen and her family today,” I said to Kasprzyk.

  “The more, the merrier,” he said.

  “What time will you guys be getting to the game tomorrow?” Jack asked.

  “I’m not sure. I’ll text and let you know.”

  He and Hannah are coming to Jeremy’s game. I’ve no doubt with the two of us there, we’ll be recognized. But at least Hannah and Chloe will be there to keep Karen company while we do our thing.

  “Wait until you see him play. He’s really good,” I said to Jack.

  “You sound like a proud papa.”

  I shrugged. “He’s a great kid and I’m enjoying getting to know him and his mother.”

  “Did Hannah write that quote for you? It sounded like something right from the PR department,” Jack said.

  “She’s taught me well. I thought that one up all by myself.”

  They laughed at that then Dan said, “But seriously, things must be going well. Karen seems much more relaxed. She doesn’t have that deer-in-the-headlights look anymore.”

  “Things are good.”

  Before anyone could comment on that, I spotted the ladies making their way toward us. Karen laughed at something Natalie said and it warmed my heart to see her so comfortable with my friends.

  I stood as they got closer.

  “Do you want to hit the road or hang out a little while longer?” I asked.

  “Um, we can go,” she said to me then turned toward Natalie and John. “I had a lot of fun and the food was amazing. Thank you again for inviting Chloe, Jeremy, and me.”

  “You’re welcome,” Natalie said. “Hopefully I’ll see you again soon.”

>   After everyone said their goodbyes, I led Karen toward my truck and held her hand as she stepped inside and settled into the passenger seat. I don’t want to assume anything so as I got behind the wheel, I asked her if she still wanted to go back to my condo.

  When she looked me in the eye and said, “Yes please” I had to fight the urge to push the gas pedal to the floor and break every speed limit going home.

  Chapter 19

  Dale

  * * *

  I turned into the entrance of the garage and keyed in my code. The gate seemed to take forever to open and when it finally did, I stepped on the gas too hard and spun the tires before pulling inside.

  It’s been a long time since I’ve been even slightly nervous about the prospect of having sex, but I realized during the drive that’s exactly what I’m feeling. And if I’m nervous, I figure Karen must be freaking out.

  Only as I park the truck, she seems calm.

  I held her hand as we walked toward the elevator and didn’t let it go as we stepped inside. As the doors closed, the same electricity that zinged between us the first time we were in here together darted and dashed between us now. Only this time, I don’t have to keep my distance. Her sweet vanilla scent commanded my senses as I pulled her to me and covered her mouth with mine.

  Whenever I’ve kissed her before, I’ve slowly pressed our mouths together, taking time to enjoy the softness of her lips. But not this time.

  I thrust my tongue inside, and my knees nearly buckled. Leaning back against the side of the elevator, I held her close, unwilling to let her mouth go for one split second. She let out a little moan and I curled my hand around the back of her head, wrapping my fingers into her long hair to keep her close. Her tongue kept pace with mine, exploring and feeling, kissing me back and echoing my intensity.

  The elevator stopped, jerking to a halt as the loud ding sounded, pulling me back to my senses. I ended the kiss and stared into her eyes feeling like I’ve taken a fastball to the heart.

  Before the door could close, I shoved my arm out holding it open so she could exit the elevator. I followed her down the hall to my condo and punched in the code to unlock the door.

  I took a deep breath as we stepped over the threshold and slowly let it out as I closed the door behind me. As surprised as I am about my reaction to her, to this, I’m happy I’m feeling something more. Because this thing between Karen and me is definitely more than anything I’ve experienced before and should be treated special.

  “Would you like something to drink? I have wine and beer. Or water and sweet tea if you’d rather something non-alcoholic.”

  She looked at me and smiled.

  “Wine sounds wonderful.”

  “Make yourself comfortable and I’ll bring it over.”

  I watched her sit, then went to the kitchen and pulled two wine glasses out of the cupboard and retrieved the bottle of Riesling from the refrigerator.

  From her perch on the corner of the couch, she looked around my condo. Her eyes widened when they landed on The Office glasses she’d given me for my birthday lined on the edge of the kitchen island.

  Picking up the two glasses in one hand, I grabbed the bottle with the other and walked the short distance to her side. I held out my hand and she took one of the glasses then I set the bottle on the coffee table and sat next to her.

  I raised my glass.

  “Here’s to possibilities.”

  She clinked her glass to mine then took a quick sip of wine, then a longer drink.

  Nudging her head toward the kitchen, she said, “You have the glasses I gave you on display.”

  “I love them. They’re one of the best birthday presents I’ve ever received. And you can’t see it but the mug is in the dish drainer. I drink my coffee from it every morning.”

  She bit her lip and smiled then took another drink. Her knuckles turned white as she wrapped her hands around the wine glass.

  I put my glass down next to the bottle then placed my hands over hers. I leaned forward and kissed her forehead before pulling back to meet her gaze.

  “Karen, you don’t have to do anything here that you don’t want to do. We can take this as slow as you need. We’re starting a marathon here, not a sprint.”

  I cringed at the corny comparison, but she must have liked it because I felt some of the tension leave her hands as she released her grip on the wine glass. With my hands still over hers, she moved her arms to place her glass next to mine then entwined her fingers with mine and smiled up at me.

  “Kiss me, Dale.”

  The air left my lungs at her sweet request and I fought the urge to pounce on her. Instead, with our hands still joined, I touched my lips to hers, taking it slow just like I’d promised we could.

  Gently, leisurely, I moved my mouth against hers, deepening the kiss in deliberate increments until I couldn’t wait another second to taste her again. I licked at the seam of her lips and she opened to me, her tongue meeting mine, matching me stroke for stroke.

  Her fingers dug into my hair and she held me tight. I shifted closer, needing to feel her. She sank against the arm of the couch and I followed, my chest pressing against hers. Keeping one hand against my scalp, she dragged the other around my back and moved slowly from side to side, rubbing her erect nipples against my chest.

  Shifting, I pulled her further down onto the couch and settled between her widespread thighs. She bent her leg and rested her foot against the back of my knee and I dragged my hand up the long length of her leg, over her hip, across her waist, and up to cup her breast. She didn’t stiffen or move to stop me. Instead, she arched her back and moaned as I rubbed my thumb back and forth against her nipple through her soft cotton shirt and the bra underneath. It pebbled even further and I pinched it between my thumb and index finger and gently tugged.

  She thrust her hips up against my rock hard cock and pulsed twice and I swear I almost came in my shorts. I pressed my hips against hers to hold her in place and dragged my mouth from hers.

  I need to get myself under control or this will be over before it really gets started. I also need to make sure she really wants to move forward with this and isn’t just getting caught up in the moment.

  I pulled back, feeling a surge of satisfaction when she whimpered and dug her fingers into my shirt as if trying to hold me in place. Kneeling back, I wrapped my hands around her wrists and waited until she opened her eyes to pull her up into a sitting position.

  I slipped my hands down to hold hers and raised them to my lips and placed a kiss on the back of each before resting them between us.

  “Karen, we’re getting to the point of no return here. Are you sure?”

  She nodded and if I wasn’t already on them, her words would have brought me to my knees.

  “I’ve been standing still for years and now it’s time to move forward. And I want to do that with you.”

  Karen

  * * *

  Dale went totally still for several heartbeats, his dark blue eyes studying mine, as if he was processing my words. Then they must have registered correctly in his brain because he blinked and stood as a sexy smile lit up his face. I hadn’t been expecting him to pick me up so I shrieked and wrapped my arms around his neck when he reached down and pulled me into his arms.

  I floated through the air snug and secure in his strong embrace as his mouth devoured mine. Then he stopped and shifted me until I was flush against his body and let me slide down against him until my feet hit the floor. His erection poked into my belly feeling just as impressive as it had last time I’d encountered it.

  We just stood there staring at each other, breathing hard, long enough for my eyes to adjust to the dark room. Dale’s hands moved down my body and around to squeeze my ass before reversing direction and dragging my shirt up over my head. I heard it drop to the floor as his big hands circled my waist and he pulled me closer and devoured my mouth again.

  His kiss had my head spinning as he changed tempo and pressure, k
issing me long and hard then angling my head to go deeper, fusing our mouths together to create a tight suction as our tongues tangled and explored. I twisted one hand into his hair and dug the other into his bicep as I enjoyed his every taste and texture then groaned in protest when he pulled back. But I was rewarded when he slid his open mouth down my neck to lick at the pulse hammering at its base before making his way up the other side to nibble at a particularly sensitive spot on the side of my neck.

  “You are so sweet,” he whispered against my ear just before he dipped his tongue inside then sucked at my lobe.

  My entire body broke out in goosebumps which he must have felt because he looked down, his heavy-lidded gaze staring at my breasts. His bicep flexed as he reached up to cup me though my bra. My nipple poked through the lace begging for attention, which he seemed more than happy to give.

  I felt his warm breath on me a split second before his mouth covered my nipple. His tongue flicked at it through the lace as his thumb mirrored the action on my other breast. I moved both hands to his broad shoulders and held on because honestly if I didn’t, I’d probably melt into a puddle of want.

  What he was doing felt so good, too good, and as he moved back and forth alternately licking and sucking and flicking my overly-sensitive nipples, my hips pulsed forward of their own accord.

  Dale pulled back and looked down at his handiwork and his mouth curled into a satisfied smile. I followed his gaze and saw my nipples thrusting forward through my pink lacy bra which now sported twin wet spots.

  With that sexy smile still in place, Dale’s eyes met mine and he slowly lowered to his knees. His hot mouth skimmed down my stomach and nibbled at my navel. I dug my fingers into his hair and held on, unable to do anything else. My pants and moans filled the room as I eagerly awaited his next touch.

  My befuddled brain didn’t quite register when he popped the button of my shorts open until he pulled the zipper down and spread his hands wide over my exposed belly. He kissed his way from my belly button to my panties then dragged his open mouth along the waistband.