Play Date (Play Makers Book 3) (18 page)

Chuckling, he scooped her off the butcher block and carried her to the bedroom.

• • •

Their lovemaking this time was leisurely, building slowly, seemingly endless. Him on top. Her on top. Him. Then her again. When it ended, it did so explosively, and as she rode the wave, she heard herself call out his name in throaty tribute.

“Oh, my God,” she said when she finally slid off of him and relaxed melodramatically against the pillows. “I didn’t see that coming.”

“Yeah, seemed like we had a shot at the record, right?”

“Which one?”

“Longest bang ever.”

She tried for a haughty expression. “We clearly have different goals.”

When he chuckled, she was relieved. Then he asked her quietly, “So? You’re okay with this Friday deal?”

“I like it,” she admitted, snuggling against him. “But I have a question.”

“
Another
one? What the hell?”

She ignored his pretend outrage. “You talked to the sixth-graders today. That leaves six more Fridays.”

“Yeah, what’s that about? Rayburn said there’s an extra class. Is it for the geniuses? Or the butterfly brigade? I’ve gotta tailor my presentation accordingly,” he said with a teasing grin. “Like I do with you.”

She rolled her eyes, but had to admit she loved how he categorized the children. Geniuses or daydreamers? Clearly both were compliments in their own way. No aspersions. No judgments. Just appreciation that every child had different strengths and weaknesses. A different way of learning. No right, no wrong.

Wasn’t that her philosophy too?

And so when she spoke, it was with affection. “We need a plan, Vince. In case something changes. It’s a big commitment. A long way for you to come, for one thing.”

“I’ve got a guy with a plane. Plus, I get a hot reward when I land.”

She refused to be complimented. “My point is, what if things change? We could have a fight, or you could get tired of making the trip, or who knows what?”

“I don’t fight with chicks.”

“Be serious.” She sat up and pulled the blanket over her bare breasts. “All I’m saying is, if something changes, I’ll handle it for you. You won’t have to talk to Mrs. Rayburn. I’ll just explain there’s been a change of plans. And that’ll be that.”

“We’re not gonna fight. You’ll get mad, but that’s just foreplay, right?” When she glared, he added solemnly, “If something changes, I’ll still show up one last time. Rayburn can load everyone into the multipurpose room for a group presentation.”

Impressed, Rachel touched his cheek. “I should have known you had a plan.”

“Always,” he admitted. “So? Can I sleep over?”

“Tonight?”

“I’ll leave first thing. I just want to bang you all night. And once in the morning.”

“Or you could just go now,” she told him coolly. “I’d miss you, but oh well.”

“See?” he told her with a chuckle. “Foreplay.”

She laughed too. “The problem is, the neighbors would see your car. Everyone knows I’m a kindergarten teacher. I need to keep up appearances.”

“If they saw the way you kissed me out there, it’s game over already.” He moved the blanket lower and mouthed her nipple hopefully. “We can hide my car in the garage, can’t we?”

“I guess so.” Her eyes closed and she stretched sheepishly. “That feels so good.”

“Did you ever get off this way? Just your tits, I mean?”

“No.”

He sat up, visibly challenged. “Let’s eat. Then we’ll give it a shot.”

• • •

He wolfed down his double-sized portion of lasagna so quickly, she wished she had bought the whole pan. He even accepted a few mouthfuls of hers, and was apparently so hungry he didn’t joke about the carrots and broccoli. By the time he was done, he had polished off five of the six rolls slathered with butter, then finally patted his stomach.

“That was great, Rachel. Thanks.”

“You’re sure you’re full?” she said teasingly.

“Yep. Good job.”

“Okay, I’ll just show you the pie. In case you get hungry later.”

“Pie?” His eyes lit up. “I might not be able to perform to your specs after this, but bring it on.”

She watched, fascinated by his hunger. An endless pit apparently.

“You’re scaring me,” she teased him when he was cleaning his plate from slice two.

“Yeah, banging you builds up an appetite. And I still need to get you off like we talked about. Just don’t knee me in the gut.”

“I have to let my stomach settle too,” she assured him. “Plus, I want to watch the game with you.”

He seemed intrigued. “The Lakers?”

“No, your Super Bowl.”

“
My
Super Bowl?” He pulled her into his lap. “I should wear my ring next time. To impress you and the kids.”

“I saw it at the wedding. It’s amazing.”

“You saw mine? Or Deck’s?”

She liked the hint of rivalry in his tone. “I saw lots of them. But yours is the one that made an impression.”

“On your ass?” He chuckled. “Yeah, I forgot I was wearing it when I banged you.”

She rolled her eyes, then took him by the hand and led him to the living room, where she handed him the remote. “If you have a basketball game to watch, that’s okay too. I just want to relax with you for a while.”

“Sounds good.” He sat, pulling her down next to him in one fluid movement. “I’ll help you with the dishes later, so don’t worry about that.”

She moved in against him, enjoying the feel of his strong arm around her. “Are the Lakers your favorite team?”

“Yeah. Do you like basketball?”

“It’s a little noisy, but otherwise it’s fine.”

“Noisy? That’s a new one.” He scanned through the programs, then settled on
SportsCenter
. “Five minutes, okay? I just want to catch the scores.”

“Be my guest.”

His hand worked its way inside her robe and he fondled her with absentminded affection as he flipped through the channels again. When he finally seemed frustrated with commercials, he muted the sound and asked her, “Have you heard from Decker?”

“No. How is he?”

“He seems good. I think he’s banging someone. Hopefully a
bunch
of someones.”

“Well, that’s the dream, isn’t it?” she agreed dryly.

He grinned. “So you want to watch the Super Bowl? What’s that about?”

“Never mind. Do the basketball instead.”

“I’d rather do you.”

She rolled her eyes again. “Let’s move the cars first. Please?”

“Sure.” He gave her a sheepish kiss. “Did I piss you off again? I was just kidding. About Deck, I mean.”

“I know.” She forced herself to smile. “I’m just glad to hear he’s happy.”

“Yeah, he was miserable with
you,
remember?”

“Be quiet,” she said, laughing in spite of herself. Then she stood and stretched her arms over her head. “How about this?
I’ll
move the cars while you watch the Lakers.”

“Nice try, but you’re not getting dressed. So
I’ll
move the cars.” He stood to join her. “Then I’ll do the dishes while you walk around naked. How’s that?”

She stared up at him, momentarily mesmerized.

“What?”

“Nothing. I just like looking at you.”

“Yeah, I noticed.” He pulled her against himself and kissed her. Then as his erection hardened, he murmured, “I’ll move the cars later. I promise.”

She slid her hand into his boxer shorts and caressed him, completely smitten again, but in a more erotic direction. “I love it when you’re like this.”

“Man, you’re dirty,” he groaned, fingering her between her legs.

“I mean, when you’re sweet,” she insisted, laughing and gasping at the same time, then lifting one foot to the couch so his fingers could penetrate more easily. “Vince . . .”

“I’m on it,” he promised, picking her up and striding toward the bedroom. Then he tumbled into the bed with her and began kissing her nipple as he’d done before, tugging and nipping the left one while massaging the right expertly.

She arched against him, shocked at the mind-blowing pleasure between her legs. “Oh, God, Vince. Oh!” Shoving him onto his back, she grabbed a condom from the nightstand, rolled it on him frantically, and mounted him as though her life depended on it. Because it almost felt like it did.

And when she came, she knew it was actually true.

Gasping for air, she forced herself to take a cleansing breath before looking down at his grinning face. “You cheated,” she said breathlessly as she began to move again, rising and falling, her rhythm perfectly synched with her aftershocks. “But God, it feels good.”

He gripped her buttocks and egged her on, groaning her name until he climaxed. Then he rolled her down beside him and stared into her eyes, his expression angelic. “Damn, Rachel. What the hell was that?”

“Be quiet.”

“It makes doggie-style look romantic.”

She laughed helplessly, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Be quiet, please?”

“You’re a kindergarten teacher, for Christ’s sake. Have some pride.”

“One more word and you’re on a plane,” she warned.

He chuckled in defeat. “How about I move the cars now?”

“No, not yet.” She pulled him close and admitted, “I’m glad you’re spending the night.”

“Yeah, me too.” He cleared his throat. “I need to leave early, though. Gotta be in Philly by four.”

“I’ve got a lot to do, too,” she admitted. “Plus, I’m babysitting Beth’s kids tomorrow night, so it’s going to be a crazy day.”

“The hellhounds? You can’t be alone with them. Maybe I should stick around.”

The offer surprised her and she rebutted it instinctively. “That’s sweet, but Jason’s going to drug them. Then I’ll bind their hands and feet. And I’m bringing my Bible and some holy water. So it should be fine.”

“Just don’t turn your back, right?”

“Right.” She kissed him again. “You can move the cars now. But hurry back.”

“Yeah.” He stood and gathered up his clothes, then shuffled out of the room and toward the hall bath.

Leaning back again, exhausted and a little confused, she wondered if she could actually make it through six more Fridays like this. He was a roller coaster, and while she enjoyed it, she couldn’t keep up.

Plus, the social overlap was starting to hit home. Hot sex one minute, Beth’s kids the next? With some remarks about Sean’s love life thrown in? How could they keep it all straight?

She thought about Erica’s letter. The invitation to visit their home with Sean. Then there was Sophie’s wedding. And Kerrie. If Rachel wanted to have a nameless, faceless, no-holds-barred sex affair with some hunky guy, she had chosen the wrong one.

Bannerman didn’t seem to have the same problem yet, probably because he was more comfortable with wild sex, and because guys were better at keeping different parts of their lives segregated. But at some point, wouldn’t it catch up with him too?

Except it’s different for him,
she reminded herself.
If he sees you at a baptism or funeral years from now, you’ll just be the teacher who let him bang her senseless, and he’ll feel pride. Not embarrassment.

And if it ever got out? If Sean heard about it? Or God forbid, Beth?

Then you’ll just go live with Dad
.

• • •

She showered and put on shorts and a T-shirt, then found him in the kitchen finishing the dishes. It was awkward, but just for a moment, then he served them each a slice of pie and everything was fine again.

He’s all about food, football, and banging,
she decided fondly.

Inspired, she told him, “It must be so much fun being you.”

“Yeah. You should try it sometime.”

The remark surprised her, and she answered without thinking. “I like myself the way I am.”

“Yeah, me too. You know what my favorite thing about you is?”

“Yes.”

“Say it.” When she rolled her eyes, he grinned. “Come on, Rachel. Say it once.”

“No.”

“Please?”

She tried not to laugh, failed, and said ruefully, “You like banging me.”

He roared with laughter. “Man, I didn’t think you’d say it. You’re awesome tonight, teach.”

“So?” She pretended to glare. “How early did you say you need to leave tomorrow?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take you out to breakfast first. You earned it.”

“I have homemade quiche in the freezer. We’ll have that, then get you on the road.”

“Come here.” He waited for her to walk over, then he pulled her onto his lap. “Time for bed?”

“Again?”

“So we can sleep. You wore me out.”

She grimaced, confused again. The idea of sleeping with him—just sleeping—sounded bizarre. Not just because he was a sexual being, but because
she
was one when he was around. Could she cuddle without getting turned on? Could he keep his hands to himself? Did she even want him to?

“Are we okay?” he asked warily.

She nodded. “I want to sleep with you.”

“Let’s go then.” He lifted her to her feet then stood to tower over her. “Thanks for the pie.”

She almost laughed despite her confusion. The
pie?
Was he serious?

Then he surprised her again by wrapping his arm around her waist and shepherding her into the bedroom. “I brought a toothbrush,” he told her. “Do I need to use the other bathroom? Or are you okay with co-ed brushing?”

She stared up at him, then on impulse caught his face between her palms and stared greedily into his eyes. “Are you always like this?”

“Yeah,” he admitted. “Is that okay?”

“It’s perfect.” She gave him a long, decadent kiss. “Come on, let’s brush our teeth.”

• • •

When they were finally spooning under the covers, Bannerman made two predictable moves, placing one hand on her breast, the other between her legs. Then he surprised her by murmuring, “G’night, teach,” and dozing off.

Seriously?

She didn’t dare laugh for fear of awakening him, so she just enjoyed it for a few idyllic moments, then drifted off herself.

• • •

He had predicted he’d bang her all night long, and she had looked
forward to it. Instead, they must have been more tired than they knew, because they slept straight through until morning. The R-rated spooning had stopped at some point, but his muscular arm was draped over her waist when she finally stirred, and she realized he was just waking up too.