The Screw Ball (Indianapolis Lightning Book 3) Page 13

  I grab a sports drink from the mini fridge, draining half of it as I head out to my car.

  “Hello.” Carmen’s voice booms out of the speakers as I roll down the interstate.

  “Red, how’s your day?” I ask her, my cock swelling just from the sound of her voice.

  “Pretty good, not much going on today. We had a meeting this morning to brainstorm ideas for next season.”

  “Sounds fun, are you free for lunch?” I ask, taking the exit off the interstate for my condo.

  “I was actually going to cut out of work early. Since we’re dead, there really isn’t any reason for me to be in the office today.”

  “So, lunch then?” I ask, hoping she will say yes.

  “Sure, what did you have in mind?” she asks.

  “I’m easy, you tell me what you want,” I tell her as I pull into my building.

  “I’ve been craving some tacos; can we do Mexican?”

  “If that’s what you want, then sure. I’m guessing you have a specific place in mind?”

  “Of course!” she exclaims.

  “What time are you leaving work? I just pulled into my garage. I need to go shower and get changed, so you have time. I don’t want you to feel rushed.”

  “I can probably leave in the next half hour or so.”

  “That should be enough time. Do you want to come here when you leave?” I ask.

  “I can do that,” she agrees.

  “See you then, beautiful.”

  “See you then, charmer.” She giggles before we hang up.

  I head inside, going straight for the shower. I turn the water on, letting it get nice and hot while I strip out of my workout clothes. I step under the spray, allowing the heat from the water and the pressure to work the tightness from my sore muscles.

  Knowing Carmen is on her way, I don’t linger too long, washing up so I can be ready when she arrives. I’m still a little shocked that she wants to go out to eat together, as she’s still a bit timid with taking our relationship public, so an idea strikes and has me reaching for my cell.

  Lucas: Hey, fuckers, you want to meet Carmen and me for some lunch? She wants to go for tacos, said she’s got a place in mind.

  I shoot off the group text to JJ, Derek and Matt.

  JJ: Sounds good, Riley was just trying to decide what we’re going to do, so we’re in.

  Derek: Jillian is always in for tacos and I’m sure I know where Carmen wants to go. Only the best place in town.

  Matt: Shit, sounds like I’ll be the only single wheel, but tacos. I guess I can sit with a bunch of love birds when tacos and guacamole is involved.

  Lucas: Don’t worry, Matt, we’ll help you find a lady one of these days.

  Matt: I don’t need your help, fucker. I can find my own damn woman.

  JJ: Someone’s a little testy. You need to get laid, O’Riley.

  Matt: Fuck off. I’m doing just fine in that department. Thank you very much.

  Lucas: Okay, I’ll let you know once she gets here and we’re ready to leave.

  I check the time as I slide my watch onto my wrist. I assume Carmen will be here soon, so I head out into the living room and turn on the TV while I wait for her to arrive. As soon as I sit down, my phone buzzes again, so I pull it from my pocket and see my sister’s name on the screen.

  Tiffany: What are you up to today, little brother?

  Lucas: Not much, just waiting on Carmen to go grab some lunch. What’s up?

  Tiffany: Any chance I could convince you to watch Milo tonight?

  Lucas: Sure, what time?

  Tiffany: Five thirty-ish.

  Lucas: I can do that.

  Tiffany: Can you pack a bag and stay the night? Brad just mentioned getting a hotel room for the night.

  Lucas: Sure, what’s the special occasion? It isn’t your birthday or anniversary.

  Tiffany: He got a promotion and wants to celebrate. Plus, a night to sleep in a fluffy hotel room and not have to worry about waking up with a toddler for one night sounds glorious right about now.

  Lucas: I’ve got you covered, sis. I’ll see you around five, five thirty-ish.

  Tiffany: Thanks, Lucas, I really owe you one.

  Just as I finish up texting with Tiffany, the app on my phone that is tied to the building’s security system is alerting me that someone is buzzing my unit, so I click on it and see Carmen’s smiling face on the camera, so I hit the button to let her up.

  I walk over to my door, opening it and leaning against the frame while I wait for her to come up the elevator. I can see her as soon as she steps off and heads my way. She’s got on skinny jeans, tucked into some riding boots, a fitted T-shirt on, with a jean jacket layered overtop. She looks casual and sexy as all get out.

  “Hello, handsome,” she greets, running a hand up my chest and around my neck. I lower down, kissing her a little desperately as I wrap my arms around her torso, lifting her off the ground and into my arms. I carry her a couple steps back until we’re in my condo and I can slam the door, all without breaking our connection. With the door closed, I pin her against it, grinding my now hard cock against her center.

  “Fuck, I missed you,” I say against her lips.

  “You just saw me a few hours ago.” She laughs and runs her fingers through my hair. The touch of her fingers against my scalp sends shivers down my spine. “And how can you already be hard, we had sex this morning.”

  “That’s all you, baby. You do that to me,” I tell her, pressing against her pussy again.

  “Sex later, right now, I need food,” she says, squirming against me as she attempts to get down.

  “Fine,” I huff, giving her one last kiss before I let her slide down my body. “I invited some of the guys and their women to join us. Figured you might be more comfortable in a group out in public.”

  “Oh!” she says, looking up at me. “Thanks, although, the thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. That and Taco’s and Guac is pretty laid back and used to everyone from both the Lightning and the Eagles coming in. I don’t think they’d risk losing all that business just to post about one of you being there.”

  “That’s good to know, now, let’s go get you fed. My sister texted a little bit ago and asked if I could watch Milo tonight for them so they can have a date night. I need to be there around five,” I tell her as I grab my keys before opening the door back up. I follow her out, stopping quick to lock up before we head down to the garage.

  “Has she said anything else about not feeling well? I’m still worried about her,” Carmen asks once we’re in the car.

  “She hasn’t, but we can ask her tonight, that is, if you’ll come with me?” I ask as I place my hand on her thigh. When Carmen is near me, I can’t help but be touching her.

  “I could be convinced into coming with you.” She winks at me.

  “You’re a vixen, you know that?” I ask. “Oh, I meant to ask you about the yoga studio that you go to. Do you think I could tag along with you to a class? Dustin mentioned today that he thinks I should start adding in some yoga to my routine.”

  “I’m sure you can, it is a first come first serve kind of set up. I like the Saturday morning class the best,” she says. “You could come with me this weekend.”

  “It’s a date, then.”

  “A sweaty one. You might not feel it while in the class, but be prepared to be sore afterwards,” she warns.

  “I think I can handle it,” I tell her. “Oh crap, I was supposed to let the guys know when we were leaving, can you grab my phone and text the group chat. Also, let them know exactly where we’re going.”

  I watch as she grabs my phone, pulling up the messages and shooting off the text.

  Lucas: Hey, y’all, this is Carmen. Lucas forgot to text before we left. We’re on our way to Taco’s and Guac. Should be there in under ten minutes.

  “Done,” she says. “Derek and JJ both texted back they’re on their way with family in tow.”

  “Sounds good, babe.”
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br />   “That’s going to be one full table.” She laughs. “I just love Derek and Jillian’s girls. They are the cutest ever,” she muses. “I’m so glad that he found his way back to Jillian,” she adds.

  “I heard a little about that, sounds like it was a messy situation.”

  “Yeah, he messed up. It took Jillian actually divorcing him to get him to realize everything he was going to lose. He was once my loose screw— always had me on my toes—player, about the time he cleaned up his act, JJ was in the press all the time because of what happened with his daughter, and then you landed on my doorstep. I don’t know how I keep putting up with you guys.” She smirks.

  “You know you love the constant ups and downs your job brings you.”

  “You’re right, I do. I’d like it even more if the players weren’t so manwhoreish sometimes.” She gives me a pointed look.

  “Hey, I haven’t done anything bad in months,” I remind her.

  “Keep it that way, mister.” She attempts another pointed look but can’t hold it very long before she’s laughing with me.

  “Has your brother gotten dates yet on when he gets to come visit?” I ask as we pull into the parking lot of Taco’s and Guac.

  “Nothing firm yet. I was texting with Heather and she thinks it was going to be pushed until after the holidays.”

  “That stinks, but I guess a visit at any time is better than none.”

  “Exactly,” she agrees.

  We walk into the restaurant and I look around to see if anyone has beaten us here. I spot Matt in the corner at one of the large booths. “It looks like someone is already here from our party,” I tell the hostess, pointing at Matt.

  “Go right over,” she states, and I escort Carmen. She waves at a couple sitting at a table; the guy looks familiar, but I definitely recognize the woman sitting across from him as Reese Blackwood. The famous country singer.

  “Was that who I think it was?” I quietly ask Carmen before we take a seat across from Matt.

  “Yep, that was Austin Jones and Reese Blackwood. They’re married and have a daughter. She spends all her off time here in Indianapolis with him, since he plays for the Eagles.”

  “You weren’t kidding when you said this place was laid back and people could just go about their lives as if it was normal for them to be here.”

  “I think that’s why so many people from the two teams congregate here. That and the food is killer,” she states. “Hey, Matt, how’s it going?” she asks him, placing the menu I hand her from the pile on the table. Apparently, she doesn’t need one, if that move indicates anything.

  “Can’t complain. Just trying to plan a trip,” he says.

  “Oh yeah? Where to?” Carmen asks. I spot JJ and Riley headed our way, the baby carrier in JJ’s hand. He’s shortly followed by Derek and his wife and two girls. He’s also carrying an infant carrier, as they just had a new boy a few weeks ago.

  “Mexico, maybe, or the Caribbean. I don’t really care all that much. I just want a beach, the sun and some drinks. Maybe take a fishing charter one day or go out jet skiing. Any of you guys want to plan something together, I just need out of the dreary winter we’re getting into.”

  “A beach sounds good right about now,” Carmen muses.

  “I wish we could, but this little man,” Jillian points at the baby in Derek’s arms, “is keeping us from any vacations right now. He’s still a little on the young side for me to feel comfortable going anywhere far from home.”

  “That’s understandable. How’s life with a newborn?” Carmen asks Jillian.

  “Great, just tiring. And now we’re outnumbered so things can be a little trickier at times, but the girls have done so good with having a baby brother in the house.”

  “Aww, I bet they are just the cutest with him. Two little extra mothers.”

  “I’m sure he won’t find that cute when he’s a teenager,” Derek chimes in.

  “Eh, I’m sure he’ll give them just as much shit as they give him,” JJ states.

  “He’s got lots of girls to protect, between his sisters and cousin,” Riley adds.

  “Are you guys ready to order?” a waitress asks, interrupting our conversation. I realize no one else has even attempted to look at the menu, so I let everyone else order while I scan over the options and go with the daily special.

  “Hey, are you serious about a vacation somewhere?” I ask Matt as we all chow down on the chips and salsa.

  “Yeah, I just need to get out of here for a little while. Need to reset.”

  “I’ll talk to Carmen about it tonight, see if I can convince her that we should go, and then shoot you some ideas on where. We’re watching my nephew tonight, so we can do some research once he’s in bed,” I tell him.

  “No convincing necessary,” Carmen interjects. “I’m all over some beach time.”

  I lean over, speaking only loud enough so Carmen can hear me. “I’m already getting hard at the thought of you in a bikini for a week,” I tell her, my eyes dropping to my lap. I love the way her cheeks pinken with a slight blush as my words register.

  “You’re incorrigible. If we go, I’ll be bringing my suits that cover the most amount of skin possible, maybe even a full-on wet suit.” She laughs. “I don’t think you’d like all your friends seeing me in the skimpy bikini you have pictured in your head right now,” she whispers and I growl at the thought of other guys getting to see her like that.

  “Okay, maybe you’re onto something here with the wet suit.” I smirk.

  We’re pulled from our private conversation about bathing suits when our food all arrives. Damn this place is fast and hella good. I can definitely see the appeal to this place.

  Eighteen

  Carmen

  I step out into the sand, the sun warming every inch of my skin as I soak it all up. The amount of time we scheduled this vacation in should go down in the record books. Just ten days ago this was an idea, and here we are at a resort in the Caribbean.

  “Hey, baby.” Lucas comes up behind me, his hands sliding along my waist as he pulls me against him. We stand here, looking out at the water from our semi-private beach front. Our room has walk-out beach access, which is amazing. “Ready to go find some lunch?” he asks.

  “Yep, and a fruity drink,” I tell him as he links his fingers with mine. We casually walk towards the buffet that is set up by the large outside bar.

  We grab plates, piling them high with all sorts of things, then make our way to one of the tables in the shade. Lucas waves Matt down as he sees him enter the line to grab his own plate. It ended up just being the three of us that could get away so quickly for this trip.

  “You guys get settled in?” Matt asks, sitting down with us.

  “Somewhat,” I tell him between bites of food. “I unpacked enough to pull out our suits and my cover up. I can do the rest later. The beach and food were calling my name,” I tell him.

  “Same. That early morning flight kicked my butt. I’m not a morning person.”

  We casually visit while we finish up our lunches, then make our way back to the beach, finding some lounge chairs to claim as our own for the afternoon.

  “Can you help me?” I ask Lucas, handing him my sunscreen.

  “Absolutely.” He smirks, taking the tube from me. I watch as he squeezes some out onto his hand before setting it on the chair. He rubs his hands together as I remove my cover up. “Fuckkkkk.” He groans once he sees me in my bikini. This one isn’t all that skimpy, but still shows off all the goods. “You’re going to kill me,” he says as he starts rubbing the sunscreen on my back. Even with the heat from the sun, my skin still puckers in goosebumps as he touches me. The shiver that runs down my spine as he slips his fingers beneath the straps of my top, and under the band in the back, has me wishing we had more privacy at the moment.

  “Will you too quit eye-fucking each other?” Matt asks from his beach chair on the other side of Lucas’s. “I almost feel like we’re in a fucked up threesome.”
He barks out a laugh.

  “You can keep your eyes and paws off my woman,” Lucas tells him, shooting him a death stare, or what I assume is a death stare underneath his sunglasses.

  “I need to find myself a woman.” He groans.

  “Look around, buddy, I’m sure you can find one to have a little fling with over the next few days,” Lucas tells him.

  “Maybe,” Matt says as he looks down the beach. I’ve noticed a few groups of girls here, for what appears to be bachelorette weekends or just a good old fashion girls’ trip.

  Once we’re both properly sun screened up, we lay back, soaking in the sun. Before I laid down, I moved my chair to be closer to Lucas’s. I grab my phone and snap a few pictures of our view, posting one of me lying on the chair with the water out in the view to my Instagram page. Enjoying paradise for the next few days! I even flip the camera around and angle myself, so Lucas is somewhat behind and next to me. I snap a picture, loving how relaxed we both appear in it, then shoot it off to Tiffany so she knows we made it here safely and are enjoying our time.

  “You playing paparazzi?” Lucas asks as I set my phone back on the chair.

  “Just capturing some memories,” I tell him.

  “Hmmm… I can think of some other memories we can make.” He smirks, leaning over to press a kiss to my lips. I cup his cheek, loving the feel of his beard on my palm. He’s allowed it to grow out a little longer than he usually keeps it during the hotter summer months, and I have to say, it is quite sexy on him. Feels good between my thighs, that’s for sure. “You keep moaning like that and I’ll be scooping you up and hauling ass to the room so I can make you moan even louder,” he says against my lips.

  “And I’m out.” Matt groans, standing from his chair. We both turn and watch him walk down to the water, and I can’t help but wonder what is up with him lately. He’s always been the easy-going kind, but lately it seems like things aren’t that way.

  “Do you know what’s going on with him?” I ask Lucas as he settles himself back on his chair.