The Way We Play (Bradford Boys #2)

Chapter 16

16

Rachel

“ T he restaurant is called Cooters & Shooters?” The way Claudette says it, you’d think it was called Tits & Pussies. “I thought this was supposed to be a family place.”

“It’s one of my favorite restaurants.” Miss Gina’s voice is full of laughter, and she’s practically bouncing in the passenger’s side of her sister-in-law’s Bentley.

As for me, I’m doing my best not to be overwhelmed by thick leather seats, glossy wood grain accents, and the general overall richness of the finest car I’ve ever seen.

A Bentley.

To say this day has been interesting would be the understatement of the year.

I almost never got to sleep last night after Zane’s goodnight kiss. I went back to my room and gave my vibrator a workout for a good forty-five minutes, biting my pillow and fantasizing I was coming on Zane’s massive cock with every orgasm.

I could barely open my eyes when Dylan called to say she was ready to give me a ride to Miss Gina’s. We had a Christmas tree to decorate, and I’m sure Claudette was waiting to see if I’d show up on time or be late.

If I’d be out of order or unusual .

The way she said it made me roll my eyes. What a snob!

Miss Gina more than made up for it—almost like she was well familiar with Claudette and not bothered by her in the least.

She met me at the door when I arrived, dressed and ready to decorate. “I’ve got the ladder in place, and I got some tinsel to go with the lights. The clerk said they’re like silver rain.”

“What are these?” I picked up a box of round, clear ornaments with snowflakes inside and strategically placed, red and green jewels.

“Braille ornaments!” Miss Gina cries, sliding her fingers over the dots. “This one says Joy to the World . Isn’t it amazing? Claudette found them.”

“Alexis found them,” the woman corrects her. “She got them from some Internet store and asked me to bring them.”

“Why didn’t Alexis come with you?” Miss Gina frowns. “I haven’t visited with her in ages.”

“She has three small children, and as you can imagine, they have school parties just about every day of the week.”

“I bet they’re adorable.” I do my best to join the conversation. “Alexis was always so pretty.”

“Yes, well, they’re a pretty handful.” Claudette pushes at the side of her helmet-hair, but it doesn’t move.

“We have the ladder set up by the tree, and I promised Zane I’d keep you safe.” Miss Gina gives me a wink, reaching out to me. “We also have all of this on hand for emergencies.” I take her hand, allowing her to lead me to a large table at the back of the room where an assortment of Christmas cookies, pastries, and fudge wait.

“You really didn’t have to do all of this.” I reach into my pocket and take out a grape Jolly Rancher. “I have these.”

I press the candy into her palm, and she moves it around, lifting it to her nose to give it a sniff. “Oh, grape candy is the best. ”

“I knew there was a reason we were besties.”

She holds my arm as we return to the tree, and we spend the morning wrapping lights, tossing tinsel and hanging braille ornaments.

“This one says Peace on Earth .” Miss Gina glides her fingers over the colorful, plastic jewels on the front of the snowflake. “Isn’t that thoughtful?”

“People have been saying that for years, Gigi.” Claudette carries a tray holding a pot of coffee and cups into the room.

“I was talking about the braille on the Christmas ornaments,” Miss Gina breaks into a laugh. “You thought I meant Peace on Earth was thoughtful? I hope I’d be able to come up with a better adjective for such a profound sentiment.”

I nibble on a ginger snap as my eyes drift from one lady to the other trying to picture them at my age fussing and bickering. They seem to be friends. Or friendly. I’m still not sure what to make of Claudette.

“Now I need to buy Christmas gifts. Will you help me, Rachel?”

“Of course.” I go with her to the computer, and she produces a list.

“Go do something else, Claude. You know you can’t keep a secret.”

“Well, I’ve never heard such a lie. I am excellent at keeping secrets.”

“Like the time I bought Jameson a cloisonné pen, and you told him?”

“I thought that was for your mother. It was a very ornate pen for a man.”

“The store clerk said it was unique.”

“And he got a big fat commission on that sale. It was Mont Blanc.”

“All the same.” Miss Gina flicks her fingers. “Out!”

I cover my mouth with my hand, ducking as Claudette pulls her blazer closed in a huff and strides from the room .

“I’m sure she hated that.” Miss Gina ducks, and I lean forward.

“She did.”

We spend the rest of the day ordering and organizing and eating cookies and really getting into the holiday spirit. It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is a week away.

When it’s time to go, Miss Gina decides Claudette should see Cooters & Shooters on a Thursday night, and that’s how we ended up here.

Of course, I stopped by the house to change out of my workout clothes and into a pretty dress before returning.

Now I’m straining my eyes for him.

“What’s that over there?” Claudette sounds like she’s seen a snake. “Are those pool tables?”

“That’s the shooters part,” I explain.

“Turtles and pool. How very redneck.”

Just then Allie gets on the mic to introduce the Dare dish. “Okay, Daredevils, can I have your attention, please? Tonight we have a delicious Fatalii-pepper and mango chutney that should complement the grilled protein selections you have, and by Fatalii, we mean fatal , folks. Approach this one with caution…”

She continues explaining the Scoville rating and what to do if you get too hot and start to panic. I know this part by heart—no water, no beer, milk, ice cream, and juice are at the front.

“I will say it’s unique.” Claudette studies the menu. “How is the quality of the food?”

“Dylan is an excellent cook!” Miss Gina replies before I can, and when the music starts, I step out of the booth to dance.

I’m really standing so I can have a better view. He knows we’re here, and after last night, I’d like to think that means he’ll be here as well. My stomach twists, and I’m a little sick at the thought he might not.

Bouncing on my toes, I swing my arms doing my best to get rid of the jitters. My dress is thigh-high and low-cut with puffy sleeves and a big flower print .

“They’re dancing on the bar!” Claudette seems to be playing the role of Horrified Narrator for the evening.

“I know,” Miss Gina cries happily. “I wish I could see them.”

I’m still searching, when I hear faint shouts from the pool area. Ice-blue eyes capture mine when I look in that direction, and a soft Oh! slips from my throat.

I’m on fire—no Fatalii peppers needed. Heat rushes from my core through my belly into my chest up my neck behind my ears and onto my cheeks.

A shy smile lifts my lips, and I barely hear Miss Gina calling my name over the beating of my heart.

“Sorry, what?” I blink away, stepping closer to the booth.

“What would you like to order, dear?” Miss Gina shouts, and I notice Salina Duck curling her nose at me.

“Oh, hello, Rachel.” Her tone is dismissive as usual. “Is it true you became a massage therapist because you couldn’t make it as a real therapist?”

“What?” Claudette frowns, looking up at the girl.

“That’s two different things,” I reply, not in the mood for her jealousy.

Yes, I’ve seen her batting her eyes, and I know she’s got a crush on Zane. She can take a hike.

“I heard it was because you weren’t smart enough.” Her lips curl into a frown. “Is that true? Or is it because you couldn’t take the pressure of other peoples’ problems along with your own?”

“I never wanted to be a therapist.”

“And yet you are one anyway.” She exhales a sigh. “Do you always do what you don’t want to do?”

“I’m confused.” Claudette looks from her to me.

“Get used to it, with ratchet Rachel around.”

My eyes widen, and I’m about to clap back when she walks away without even taking my order. I’m still squinting after her when Gloria joins us.

“Miss G, it’s good to see you. Rachel.”

“Is that my nemesis Gloria Fruit?” Miss Gina holds out her hand. “I’ve decided to forgive you for trying to steal my best handyman.”

“Why is that?” Gloria grins, clasping Miss Gina’s wrinkled hand in both of hers.

“I hear you’re taking good care of my friend Eddie Nashville.” Gloria’s face tilts, and Miss G explains. “Rachel’s younger brother. He’s so smart. He already has his nom de guerre locked and loaded.”

“Ah, Edward!” Gloria laughs. “He’s a pool shark in the making all right.”

“Fruit?” Claudette arches an eyebrow. “Bunny and Randolf’s daughter?”

“Guilty!” Gloria rocks back on the heels of her boots, rubbing the back of her shaved neck.

“I haven’t seen them in ages. Do they still have that gorgeous old Victorian home near the polo club?”

“Yes, ma’am, they do!”

“How lovely. Please tell them Claudette Rosario said hello.”

“Are you…” Gloria motions between her and Miss Gina. “Sisters?”

“In law,” Claudette notes.

I’m chewing my lip, pretending to listen to their conversation, but my eyes are on that side patio. Austin comes out, and the door almost closes… then he steps out.

I can barely breathe with how fast my heart is beating. He’s there, just outside the door, but he’s not moving this way.

Is he not going to come over here? Is he embarrassed to be seen with me in front of his family and friends? Will I survive that?

He glances this way again, holding a beer to his lips and meeting my eyes. My lips part, and I’m right on the edge when a friendly male voice startles me.

“Rachel, hey! We have to stop bumping into each other this way.” Blinking rapidly, I turn to see Sam Allen smiling down at me .

His hands are in his pockets, and he’s waiting.

Pressing my lips together, I force my brain to hear what he just said. “What way?”

“Dancing at the Dare night.” Exhaling a laugh, he lifts his chin at the bar. “That Craig sure is a fan of Chappell Roan.”

Frowning, I tune in to what’s playing and recognize the song as “Apple.”

“That’s Charli xcx.”

He shrugs, looking over his shoulder before turning back to me. “I don’t pay much attention to music.”

“Am I interrupting something?” Zane’s low voice sends a wash of heat through my pussy.

He came . My eyes close briefly, and I turn. He’s here, standing with one hand in his pocket, his dark hair shining in the disco lights. The muscle in his square jaw moves, and he’s frowning as usual.

“Sam doesn’t pay attention to music.”

“Why not?” His frown deepens, and he glances at the guy.

“Ah…” Sam clears his throat. “I guess because there’s so many bands to keep up with these days?”

“Would you like to dance?” Zane takes my hand, and you could knock me over with a feather.

“You dance?”

“I won’t step on your toes.”

“I’d love to dance with you.” I take his hand, following him onto the floor where the driving dance beat fades.

As if he’s watching us, Craig follows up with a gentler song.

Zane wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me close, and I rest my nose against the front of his shoulder. I don’t know this song, but it’s perfect.

Closing my eyes, I’m surrounded by the scent of trees and southern breezes and the ocean. Music floats in a dreamy harmony, and I’m falling, low blood sugar not required.

It’s the least scary, the most secure, the happiest thing imaginable .

Warm lips press against my temple, and my eyes flutter open. Zane lifts his head, and I look into his striking, beautiful eyes.

“Sam Allen?” he teases. “Again?”

Exhaling a laugh, I rest my forehead against his chest. His arms are still around me, and I can’t believe the comfort of this place. It’s the best hug, so safe and warm.

“You came to me.” I say the words softly, not expecting him to hear them.

His face lowers again, and he speaks in my ear. “I’ll always come to you.”

Heat pulses in my veins, and I don’t want to leave his embrace. Lifting his head, he studies my eyes, and I think he feels the same way.

But the song ends, and another banger takes its place. It’s one of my favorite drag queen songs “Good Life,” and the floor fills with enthusiastic dancers. We’re surrounded, but he doesn’t release my hand.

He leads me in the direction of the smaller bar. We slip through the screen door to the now-dark, empty room where all the pool tables are located.

It’s quieter here, secluded from the noise of the main hall, and I think about him being here when we arrived with all the chaos going on out there. Again, he did it for Edward.

My chest warms, and I stop at the first table, tracing my finger along the felt as he lowers the lights, so no one can see us through the screens. A beer sign is still lit, casting everything in an orange-red haze.

“What could we do on this table?” My voice is low, and I hope sultry.

“It wouldn’t be comfortable.” His is even.

“Not even like this?” I lean forward, arching my back so my butt lifts.

The dress I’m wearing slides higher up my thighs, and he exhales a low groan .

Stepping closer, he puts his hand on the exposed skin of my leg, and my core floods with heat. My eyes close, and I pant as his fingers move higher. My stomach twists, and I wait for him to discover…

“You’re not wearing underwear.” His fingers slide gently between my legs, and my lips part with a soft Ahh …

I’m on fire, and his calloused touch traces the line of my body, lightly entering the top of my pussy. I exhale another noise, not daring to move as he finds my clit. The heat of his body is beside me, and I’m frozen in place as if I’m being stroked by fire.

“Damn, you feel good.” It’s a low groan.

He takes his hand away, and my inner thighs are slick with my desire. “Come here.”

Turning me, he backs me against the wall, stepping in front of me and lowering his face to mine. Our eyes meet, and as he draws closer, I open my mouth, slipping out my tongue to meet his before he pulls it into his mouth.

We’re chasing each other’s kisses, and once again, his hand is between my legs. This time, he goes straight to my core, stepping closer to circle his fingers lazily around my clit.

“Oh!” I gasp, gripping the front of his shirt.

He’s making a tight circle with his hand, applying just the right amount of pressure to lift me onto my toes. I whimper, rotating my hips with his movements.

“You like that?” His voice is a husky groan beside my ear.

I’m nodding before I say the word. “Yes…”

His fingers move faster, circling my clit with focused, determined strokes. My knees bend, and I’m doing my best to kiss him while maintaining contact with his hand.

“Do what I say.” His voice is firm, like a command, and I nod.

“Slide your top down.” I comply at once, pulling the V-neck apart so my bare breasts spill out.

He hisses, leaning down to suck a hard nipple into his mouth at the same time he slides a finger all the way inside me. I gasp an Oh! and he moves it in a slow circle, still focusing the pressure of his thumb on my clit. I hold onto his shirt so I don’t collapse. Then he adds another finger, spreading me apart gently.

I cry out, and his fingers thread in my hair, tilting my head back so I can see his eyes. He studies mine as if he’s searching for something.

His brow furrows, but his tone is gentle. “You okay?”

Nodding, I reach for him. I have no words for this. I want his body close to mine. I want his lips on mine. I want all of him on all of me.

As if he understands, he wraps an arm around my back, pulling me closer. His fingers are between my legs, stroking my clit and pumping and stretching my insides. Our kisses are ravenous, hungry, driven by pent-up desire.

“Fuck, you’re so wet,” he groans. “You feel like fucking heaven.”

“Don’t stop,” is all I can gasp.

His erection is against my leg, but I’m fucking his fingers. His delicious thumb has my clit vibrating, near orgasm. It’s the focus of my mind until those two fingers inside me curl, and my entire lower half jerks with pleasure.

“Oh!” I cry, thrusting my hips forward.

He curls his fingers again, stroking something deep inside me, and I fly straight off a waterfall cliff. I grip his arm, shivering as my muscles spasm involuntarily. A loud, rippling noise, a cry-filled gasp escapes my lips.

I don’t mean to be loud, and thankfully, the dining-hall dance party is raucous enough to cover us. He turns me, wrapping his arm around the front of my shoulders and holding my back to his chest. I can feel his erection, but all I care about is the intense orgasm radiating through my core.

His voice is at my ear. “Tweak your nipples.”

Lifting my hands to my exposed breasts, I pinch and pull the hardened peaks. Another surge of electricity shoots through my insides, and my body tries to bow forward .

He holds me firmly against his chest, kissing the side of my neck, my hair, my ear as his two fingers glide in and out. I moan and whimper, stumbling as my knees weaken.

“That’s it, baby, ride it out.”

I have no choice. I’m having an orgasm I never knew existed. I’m on my toes bucking my hips forward against his hand, and I feel his cheek rise with a smile.

“You’re so beautiful.” Another kiss to the side of my neck. “It’s going to feel so good when I’m inside you.”

Oh, God, I believe him. Shivering, the orgasm begins to recede. I’m weak and trembling, and with every final, gentle stroke, another little gasp slips from my lips. Looking down, I see my breasts, nipples erect rising and falling.

He gives me another kiss, another circle of his thumb against my clit, and the pleasure is near pain.

My hand shoots down, and I hold his wrist. “Too much.”

A low chuckle, and he moves his palm flat against my lower stomach. His arm releases my upper chest, sliding down to lift and cup my breasts.

“I love these.” He kisses me again, sliding his thumbs over the stiff peaks.

My eyes are closed, and I’m glowing and sated. He turns me to face him again, wrapping strong arms around me and holding me securely against his chest. It’s the only place I want to be after sharing that extreme experience.

“I’ve never come like that before.”

“You’re perfect.”

Curling my fingers against his shirt, I exhale the words. “I want you.”

His low voice is confident. “I know.”