Deck His Balls (Spice and Seduction)

Chapter Five

Joel

My knuckles rap against Tricia’s front door at exactly nine o’clock. The butterflies in my stomach are ridiculous. I run a multimillion-dollar company, for God’s sake. A coffee date shouldn’t make me this nervous.

But this isn’t just coffee. This is Tricia.

The door swings open, and my carefully rehearsed greeting dies in my throat. Tricia stands there in a faded Serenity Hoops Camp shirt and basketball shorts, her hair pulled back in a messy bun. No makeup, no pretense, just pure Tricia. She’s never looked more beautiful.

“Well, if it isn’t the CEO who thinks he can out-shoot an All-Star.” Her eyes sparkle with that competitive fire I can’t resist. “Come on in, Mr. Moneybags. Let’s see if your coffee game is as weak as your jump shot.”

“Oh, it’s on, Coach.” I follow her inside, trying not to stare at the way those shorts hug her curves. “I’ll have you know my latte art puts Picasso to shame.”

“Big words from a man who probably has his assistant fetch his coffee.” She laughs, and I stay silent as she’s not wrong. “Luckily. your coffee art skills won’t be needed today.”

Swallowing my smile, I step into her home. Her living room perfectly captures her essence as professional athlete meets passionate philanthropist. Framed jerseys share wall space with candid shots. A particular photo catches my eye of Tricia surrounded by grinning children, her smile brighter than stadium lights.

“You know,” I call out as she heads to the kitchen, “for someone who claims to be all about the game, you sure have a lot of pictures around here.”

Her laughter floats back to me. “Please, those are mostly team photos. Unlike some people, I don’t need my face plastered everywhere to boost my ego.”

“Oh, you wound me.”

She returns with two steaming mugs, and the scent of premium coffee fills the air. As she leans down to set them on the coffee table, her spicy perfume makes my head spin.

“Careful,” she warns, settling beside me. “It’s hot.”

“I can handle the heat.” Our fingers brush as I take my mug, and electricity zings through me.

Tricia’s eyes meet mine, and the playful banter fades. That same crackling tension from the hospital corridor returns full force.

I clear my throat. “So, about that secret you promised to tell me.”

Her confident facade wavers. “Right. That.” She sets her mug down, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “Promise not to laugh?”

“Never.”

Tricia takes a deep breath. “I’ve been having these dreams too. About you.”

My heart slams against my ribs. “Dreams?”

“Where we’re together.” A blush creeps across her cheeks. “Not just playing basketball, but…”

“Let me guess – I’m showing off my superior court skills?”

She rolls her eyes, but I catch her relieved smile. “You wish, Mitchell. But seriously, it’s been driving me crazy. I thought I was losing my mind.”

I lean closer. “You’re not crazy, Tricia. I told you last night. Those dreams? They mean something.”

“Joel.” My name comes out like a prayer. “What are we doing?”

“Right now?” I cup her face, my thumb tracing her cheekbone. Her pulse races under my touch. “I’m going to kiss you. Unless you tell me to stop.”

Her eyes darken to midnight. “Don’t you dare stop.”

I close the distance between us, and the first brush of her lips against mine ignites every nerve ending in my body. Tricia makes a soft sound in the back of her throat, her fingers tangling in my hair as she pulls me closer. Her lips are impossibly soft, tasting of coffee and promises.

She breaks away, breath coming fast. “Joel, wait. This could complicate everything.”

“It could,” I agree, sliding one hand to the nape of her neck to draw her back to me. “Should I stop?”

Her response was her lips closing over mine, there’s nothing gentle about it. Tricia parts her lips with a gasp, and I take full advantage, deepening the kiss until she melts against me.

A groan rumbles up from my chest as her tongue slides against mine. My free hand finds her hip, pulling her closer until she’s straddling my lap. Her thighs bracket my hips as her fingers trail fire down my chest.

“God, Tricia,” I breathe against her mouth. Her shirt rides up as my hands explore the smooth skin of her back, mapping every inch I can reach. She arches into my touch, rolling her hips in a way that makes me see stars.

The kiss turns desperate, months of suppressed attraction exploding into this one perfect moment. My hands span her waist as she rocks against me, her fingers digging into my shoulders. Every brush of her body against mine sends electricity racing through my veins. Her skin burns hot under my palms, and the little sounds she makes drive me wild.

A shrill ring shatters the moment.

“Fuck,” Tricia mutters, pulling back. Her lips are swollen, her eyes glazed. “It’s my agent. I have to take this.”

I nod, trying to catch my breath. “Go ahead.”

While she takes the call, I attempt to get my racing heart under control. Watching her pace, all flushed and disheveled from our kisses, I know I’m in dangerous territory. This thing between us could destroy our friendship, our professional relationships, maybe even her career.

But God help me, I don’t care.

Tricia ends the call with an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. That was about the camp’s charity event next week. I need to—”

“Hey.” I stand, pulling her close again. “No explanations needed. We’ve got time.”

Her answering smile is pure sin. “Eight o’ clock tonight, right? Unless you’d rather, I actually kick your butt in that rematch.”

“In your dreams.” I steal one more quick kiss. “Though apparently, I’m already starring in those.”

Tricia shoves my shoulder, laughing. “Get out of here before I change my mind about dinner tonight.”

At her door, I can’t resist pulling her in for one last kiss. “See you tonight.”

She nods, her eyes promising things that make my blood run hot. “This is gonna be one hell of a date. I can feel it.”