Page 94 of Scored

“Yeah. It just hit me as weird. You don’t think the roses could be from Preston or someone connected to Meadow Farms, do you?”

Letting the thought linger for a moment, I replied, “I honestly don’t believe Preston Clark would do that. He’s been worried about you.”

“He was worried because he was afraid he accidentally framed me for Dad’s death.”

“Yeah, you said he gave your pillbox to Grant due to allergies.”

“I’ll admit,” she said, “the roses freaked me out. I called Virginia. She and the two men came right away. I absolutely hate the idea of regular security, but I was relieved when she got to Crystal Light. She rode home with me and one of the others picked her up.” Vee yawned.

“Go get ready for bed,” I said. “I’ll be right there.”

The front door was locked. I programmed the new security system. Before joining Vee, I stepped into her office and pulled the original news story up on my phone. Social media had multiple recordings taken from the audience. The sound of the pops was deafening. A link for a video on Threads was of Vee back on the stage after the incident.

My lips curled as I listened and the crowd cheered.

A few moments later, I found Vee in the en suite bathroom, wearing one of my t-shirts. “You’re amazing.”

She turned and raised an eyebrow. “Thank you. I’ve been brushing my own teeth since I was little. It’s really not that amazing.”

Slipping my left arm out of the sling, I tossed it to the tile floor.

“Fin, you’re supposed to wear that⁠—”

My lips crashed down on Vee’s; her sweet perfume mixed with the minty freshness of her breath. Cupping the back of her neck, I pulled her toward me. A multitude of emotions ran through me. Gratitude that she was safe. Rage that anyone would scare her and threaten her hard work. Pride at her instant reaction—the decision to face the fans and keep the rally going.

Breathless, we gasped for air.

“If that’s the kind of kiss I get for oral hygiene,” Vee said, “you should know I brush at least three times a day.”

I smoothed her silky hair. “I searched online for more about what happened tonight. There’s a viral video taken by someone in the crowd. It’s of your speech after the firecrackers. You’re so fucking amazing. The fans love you, Vee. I love you. The team loves you. I’ll do anything I can to get you a Super Bowl win.”

Her cheeks rose as she smiled. “I’m tired, exhausted. This week has been at least three.” She tilted her head. “Maybe we could be in our bubble for tonight? No Super Bowl ambitions, no talking about roses or firecrackers. Only us.”

I wrapped her with both arms, holding her against me. “That’s why I’m not wearing the sling.” Releasing her, I winked. “I don’t think you need that t-shirt. I promise to keep you warm.”

Her gorgeous green eyes gleamed as she reached for the hem and pulled the shirt over her head, exposing undeniable proof that she was unharmed. Vee’s porcelain skin contrasted the darkening areolas surrounding her hardening nipples. “You’re stunning.” I reached for her hand and led her to the bedroom.

Throwing back the blankets, Vee climbed in on my side. It didn’t take me long to match her on the clothing front. I wasn’t going for a power play. My goal was making love. Connecting with the woman I loved and cared for, in a gentler way. I could spend all night worshipping her sexy curves, delving into her perfect pussy, and listening to her sweet mews.

Beneath the sheets, I ran my hand down her side, feeling the dip of her waist and the rise of her hips. Each inch of exploration caused my circulation to reroute. Each time her lips met mine, my erection grew. With my lips as my guide, I began on Vee’s neck, down to her collarbone, lower yet to her breasts, careful to give each one the attention it deserved. I continued over her flat stomach and between her hips.

Curling a finger under the waistband of her panties, I pulled them down, over her thighs, calves, and feet. The sensational scent of her arousal drew me closer to her core. Her thighs came together like a vise to my head as I licked and nipped. Vee’s body tensed as I wound her tighter.

She called out my name as her fingers wove through my hair.

By the time I climbed up her sensational body, I was painfully hard. Vee lifted her arms over her head, arching her back. With her wrists in my grasp, I found heaven as I eased my way into her pussy. Like trying on a glove that’s too tight, I savored every whimper and moan coming from her lips.

CHAPTER 38

Vee

Waking on Saturday morning, my first thought was about the man beside me. Rolling onto my side, through the dim lighting, I stared at his handsome features. Fin’s dark mop of hair was curly and messy; the highlights of gray were difficult to see. His prominent cheekbones and sharp jawline were covered in dark stubble. In sleep, his strong lips were parted slightly. The urge to lower my lips to his was too strong to resist.

I brought my mouth to his. Only a millisecond later, his lips kissed me back. His warm hands moved, capturing and wrapping me in his secure embrace.

“Good morning.” My voice was gravelly.

Fin blinked, shining his bright blue orbs in my direction. “Good morning. How did you sleep?”