The Way We Play (Bradford Boys #2)

Chapter 26

26

Rachel

W e finally call the game, ending it with a friendly tie.

The truth is it could’ve gone on for hours with each side scoring every time they got the ball. For the guys, it was basically passing practice. Dylan and I were useless against them at our heights. The brothers had fun, and Austin was in heaven playing with them.

Walking back to the house, I still feel like shit for re-traumatizing Zane. I’m forming a plan to make it up to him later, when my grandmother’s text appears.

Gran

Happy Thanksgiving! Send me a photo of my two favorite grandkids.

I quickly grab my brother around the neck for a selfie and send it to her. In it, I’m smiling, while he’s looking away annoyed.

Happy Thanksgiving! Did you have a good day? How are you feeling?

Gran

Good. Visited with your aunt Joanne, ate too much.

Sounds like the perfect day. Edward is competing in a pool tournament Sunday. He might even win!

Gran

My goodness, he’s doing everything down there.

He’s having the best time, and we’ve got him enrolled in school. He’ll start after the holiday.

Gran

Oh.

Her response makes me frown. I’m about to ask what’s up when her next text sends ice through my veins.

Gran

Have you heard from your dad?

No. Why?

Gran

He said he wants to pay you a visit.

Why would he do that?

Gran

He says he’s worried about Edward.

Since when?

Anger mixes with the panic beating in my chest. My father lost interest in Edward the minute he turned out to be “different.” Only, he used a crueler word, a word that begins with the letter R , a word that is completely false.

My fingers fly over my phone.

Tell him we’re fine. Edward’s fine. We don’t want him here.

Gran

You’ll have to tell him that yourself. You know how he is.

I swallow the fist in my throat. I do know how he is. He’ll come in here like a wrecking ball and destroy all the good things we’ve built. He’ll humiliate me, making me ashamed again for what he did to this family who’s taken us in and treated us so well.

I need to know how much time I have to prepare.

When is he coming, Gran?

Gran

He doesn’t tell me much.

Thanks for the heads up. I love you.

Gran

Love you, honey. I’m sorry.

Pacing my room, I chew the side of my nail, trying to make a plan. I could go to Birmingham and confront him there, but I don’t want to miss the pool tournament. Miss Gina’s supposed to be back tomorrow, and I’d have to tell Zane.

Sitting on my bed, I put my head in my hands. I don’t want to tell Zane. I don’t want to tell anyone. I want Jayden to go away and leave us alone. He never cared about us before. Why does he care now?

He’s never given us a reason to do anything but hate and hide and resent him. He hurts everyone. I’m not going to let him ruin what Edward and I have here.

The soft tap on my door precedes Zane’s entrance. “I sent Dylan and Logan to Miss Gina’s. Figured they could check on the kittens, spend the night. Now I’m wondering how we left the place.”

A naughty grin curls his full lips, and my stomach aches.

Five minutes ago, I was filtering through all the sexy ways I could make up for what happened in the park earlier. Now all I can think about is the flaming missile headed straight for us.

“How’s your grandmother?” He steps closer, and I know he’s reading my expression.

“She said my dad is coming here.” My room is quiet, and my shoulders tighten with a cringe.

Lifting my eyes carefully, I’m afraid of what he’ll say, how he’ll react .

His brow lowers, and his shoulders broaden in a protective stance. “What does he want?”

Relief hits me so hard, I’m on my feet reaching for him, and he pulls me into that secure embrace I know so well.

“Gran said he’s coming for Edward. I can’t imagine what he wants, but I’m sure it will be something hurtful.”

“He’s not hurting Edward or you.” Zane’s voice is low, and when our eyes meet again, I know my man means it.

Reaching up I place my palm against his cheek. “I was so afraid of what you would say.”

Turning his face, he kisses the inside of my palm. “You belong to me now, Rachel Wells. I hope you’re okay with that, because I take care of what’s mine.”

“I’m okay with that.” My heart is beating fast and adrenaline mixes with relief mixes with lust. “Where is Edward now?”

“Last I checked, he was in his room watching pool videos on YouTube.”

“Is he wearing headphones?”

“Let me see what our little man is doing.”

My lips part, and the breath slips from my chest as he quickly steps into the hall. Blinking after him, affection radiates through my chest with every heartbeat. Our little man?

Tears heat my eyes, starting with calling me his and pledging to protect us. Now this?

He returns, and my eyes drink in his tall, athletic form and his soft, dark hair framing his scruffy square jaw.

That rare smile that curls his kissable lips. His broad shoulders stretch the long-sleeved henley he’s wearing, the sleeves pushed up to show his muscled forearms, his tattoo reminding him, reminding us to keep going. There’s balance, and good is coming.

Loose jeans sit on his narrow waist, hugging his muscular thighs.

“Headphones are on.”

Standing, I go to him, reaching for him, and he lifts me off my feet in a consuming kiss. My legs go around his waist, and my mouth opens. Tongues curl together, and I exhale a soft whimper.

Dragging my lips across his cheek to his ear, I whisper, “I wanted to make up for scaring you today, but now I want to thank you for everything.”

He steps to the bed, sitting with me straddling his lap. “You never have to thank me for taking care of you. It’s my job.”

In this position, I feel his erection growing in his jeans, and I rock my body up and down him. “I want to make you feel good. Show me what you like.”

Thick fingers slide up the back of my neck, into my hair, pulling gently. “You’ve been doing pretty good so far.”

“It’s just what I’ve seen on porn.”

His eyes flash, and his breath is hot on my skin. “My girl’s been watching porn?”

Pink flushes from my neck to my ears. “It’s how I learned to do the Nuru massage.”

“That was intense.”

“It takes planning.” I slide my core against him again. “Tell me what to do.”

“Take off your top.”

I quickly unzip my hoodie and pull off my sweater, leaving me in only a thin white undershirt and bra.

I grasp the hem of the shirt, but he stops my hands. “Just the bra.”

Reaching beneath my undershirt, I unclasp my bra and slip my arms out of the straps. I pull it away, leaving me in the cotton top that hugs my curves. It’s so thin, my areolas are visible through the fabric.

“Hmm…” His low growl makes my panties wet, and I rock against him more.

“You like that?”

“Yes.” Cupping my breasts in his hands, he lifts and squeezes, circling my nipples through the fabric .

“I was always self-conscious… I thought they were too big.”

“They’re perfect. Just like this.” He cups me through my jeans, and I whimper. “Take them off.”

I stand off his lap, stepping back to give him a show. Unbuttoning the top button, I hook my thumbs in the sides, turning so he can see the top of my lacy thong underwear as I lower them slowly over my ass.

Another low growl vibrates from his chest as he watches me, and I shiver. “What do I do now?”

“Take mine off.”

I drop to my knees instinctively, crawling to where he’s sitting, dark brow lowered, lusty shadows in his eyes. When I reach him, I sit back on my heels, sliding my hands up his strong thighs to the button of his jeans.

His legs part, and his hands are on my breasts again, fondling and playing. The button is open, and I carefully lower the zipper. He lifts his hips, and I pull the thick denim lower, allowing his hard cock to spring free. It’s long and thick, and I want to touch it.

Looking up at him from where I sit, his lips tighten. “Pull your shirt down, and put it between your breasts.”

I do as he says, pulling my shirt down so it squeezes thm together, then I lift them, sliding his cock between them and moving it up and down. His eyes narrow, and I feel him thicken.

“Fuck, you’re so beautiful.” He groans. “I love your tits.”

Bouncing on my heels, I lick my lips, I looking up at him, feeling powerful and sexy at the hunger and lust in his eyes. His fingers trace gently along my arms, and he lifts one hand to pull down my bottom lip with his thumb.

I lick it, pulling his thumb into my mouth and sucking, and I feel him start to come on my chest. “Do it to my cock.”

Lowering my chin, I pucker my lips around his tip, flicking my tongue all over him. Precum leaks, and I suck it away making him groan deeper.

Grasping my upper arms, he lifts me quickly. “Turn around. ”

I do as he says, and he catches my hips, guiding his cock into my soaked pussy. His rigid invasion makes me moan, and I lean my head back as his hand goes between my legs to circle my clit.

“That’s it… Ride me.”

Leaning forward, I place my hands on his knees and bounce my ass up and down on him. It sends him deeper, and I moan as he hits a place that makes the back of my eyes burn. Flashes of pleasure shoot through my core with every hit, and I bounce faster, desperate for more.

His deep moans are at my back, and his fingers lightly trace my ass.

“Oh!” I clasp a hand over my mouth to keep from crying out.

Hot come fills me, and I feel it slipping down my inner thighs as I chase my release, finding that spot again and again until the fluttering starts in my thighs, shooting to the arches of my feet. I keep going, biting my bottom lip hard as I finish, clenching and squeezing him deep inside me.

Strong arms encircle my waist, and he holds me close, his lips at my ear, kissing and pulling the skin of my neck. “You are so beautiful. You’re amazing.”

My eyes are closed and my arms wrap over his, holding him as I drift back from that state of intense bliss. Turning my face, I kiss his lips, sliding my tongue along his as one large hand cups my cheek.

He lifts me onto the bed, stepping quickly into the bathroom for a washcloth to clean us.

I’m lying on my side watching his gorgeous form as he returns, closing the door. “Pretty sure he didn’t hear a thing.”

“Thank whoever came up with noise-canceling headphones.” He stretches out beside me, handing me the cloth as he kisses my lips once more.

We clean up quickly, and I lie back, threading my fingers in his hair. “I wanted to blow your mind, but I think you only blew mine. Again. ”

He pulls a blanket over us then lies on his side, tracing his fingers lightly along the top of my cheek into my hair. It’s such a gentle caress, and I close my eyes.

“You always blow my mind, Rachel.”

Turning into his chest, I inhale deeply his warm scent of sandalwood, soap, and him. “You weren’t okay out there today.”

“I was not.” It’s a bitter retort, and I slide my arm around his waist.

“It’s what almost drove us apart.”

His face lowers, and he kisses the top of my head. “Almost, but not.”

“You never told me what changed your mind. Other than the undeniable inevitability of us.”

That makes him smile, and he gazes into my eyes. “Jack.”

“Him again?”

“Yeah, that brother of mine. He’s smarter than he looks.”

“You’re all too pretty to be so smart. What did he say?”

Zane exhales, scooting around and putting pillows under our heads. “He suggested I work on changing my mindset. Something could always happen, but I won’t miss out on the reality of us by obsessing over hypothetical outcomes.”

“I’ll do a better job next time. I should’ve thought?—”

“I don’t want you to stop being you to protect me.” He slides his hand over my head. “I’ll get there, and our path together leads out of the darkness.”

“Our path together is golden.”

“My goodness it feels like I’ve been gone a lifetime!” Miss Gina reaches for my hand, but I pull her into a hug.

“I missed you so much!”

It’s the night of the pool tournament, and Miss Gina came straight to the restaurant to witness the event. A tallish woman my age stands beside her. She has bright hazel eyes and straight, strawberry-blonde hair styled in a shoulder-length bob with curtain bangs.

She’s dressed in gray slacks and a white shirt unbuttoned at the neck with a matching gray blazer and a bright red scarf. She looks very professional.

“Hi, I’m Rachel Wells.” I stretch out my hand. “I’m Miss Gina’s nurse.”

“Olivia Bankston.” She shakes my hand with unexpected vigor. “But you can just call me Liv. Everybody around here does.”

“Are you from Newhope?”

“Liv?” Dylan’s voice goes high behind me. “Is that you? Lord, I haven’t seen you in ages! How are you doing? What are you doing here?”

“Dylan! Oh my gosh!” Liv hops over, bending down to hug Dylan. “Alexis couldn’t get away, and you know Mom had that bad fall last month. I don’t think she’s recovering like she should.”

Dylan steps back holding Liv’s hands and looking up at her. “You look so good! Supermodel lawyer!”

“No,” Liv shakes her head. “Just a lawyer, nothing super.”

“I’m sure your mom is glad you’re here. I went by and checked on her last week. She should be putting more weight on that leg, so maybe you’re right.”

“I’ll take care of her.” Liv smiles, and her eyes travel around the restaurant. “How’s Garrett? Is he here?”

“Oh, no.” Dylan loops her arm through Olivia’s. “Grizz is still playing for the Pirates in New Jersey. He only gets home a few days at Christmas and a month every summer.”

“Ah…” Her tone is neutral, but I detect something more. “I know you miss him.”

“He is a big space to fill.”

“No one ever made me laugh as much as he did.”

That’s when I see the sadness lining her eyes. Up to now, I’ve been chewing my lip, hanging on their every word, trying to figure out who this woman is. Now I feel like I have a little hint.

“Miss Gina!” Dylan cries, running to her and giving her a big hug. “You brought a surprise!”

“It’s high time Olivia came home for a visit.” Miss Gina pats Dylan’s arm, but a twinkle is in her eye.

I’ve known this old lady long enough to know she’s up to something as well.

“They’re starting if you ladies want to join us.” Zane walks over to take my hand, then hesitates. “Liv, wow—it’s been a minute.”

He hugs her briefly before stepping back to me.

“Zane Bradford, handsome as always.”

“And Miss G, glad you’re back safe.” He leans down to hug her, and her blind eyes close as she squeezes then rubs his shoulder. “Yep, it worked.”

“What are you talking about?” Dylan loops her other arm in Miss Gina’s.

“Your brother is very relaxed.” She holds out her hand to me. “I hope the guest cottage had something to do with it.”

“What guest cottage?” I tease, reaching for his hand. “I think she’s onto us.”

Zane pulls me closer to his side. “I hope you don’t have a policy against people who work for you being in love.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way!” Miss Gina smiles, her eyes fluttering to heaven. “I only want to be surrounded by love.”

“Well, you came to the right place!” Dylan takes her hand. “Let’s get to the tournament!”

“I miss this place.” Olivia looks wistfully after the two of them as they go.

“It’s pretty special.” I give her a friendly smile.