Crazy for You Page 11

  “Be serious, Jake. I’m not like those models you dated. Chosen Magazine wrote that—”

  He lifted her from his thighs, turned her over, and swiftly entered into her silky folds. “I don’t give a damn what the media says.” He pulled out and slammed again. She gasped and arched her back. He wanted to tunnel his way through to the core of her but held himself back. “And I don’t give a damn what internet trolls who probably still live with their mamas say.” He pulled out again, but this time hovered just above her entrance, staring straight into her soul. “Trust me. Trust the man who craves you. The man who’s had a fucking hard-on since the day I saw you swinging your hips in front of the mirror at the dance studio. Believe the man who nearly came in his pants when you revealed your sexy Wonder Woman outfit that no one is allowed to see but me. Those other women aren’t . . . no woman is in the same galaxy as you.”

  Thrusting into her again, he rode her like a man on a mission. Demanding and out of control, he stretched her to the limit, and her limber legs accommodated. He surged into her again and locked their bodies together, shouting her name as her tight muscles squeezed and grasped and spurred him on like a bucking bronco. The leather on her boots rubbed against his sides, its grainy texture a rough pressure that pushed him closer to the edge.

  Lowering his head again, he sucked and lapped her breast until her fingers dug into his skin. Sharp nails skimmed his chest, and her thumbs brushed his nipples. He sucked in a shocked breath.

  “You like it?” she moaned into his ears.

  “I love everything you do to me, baby.”

  He shifted and thrust deep, determined to wring her from every twisted thought she had about her body. He wanted her spent and exhausted so that they could shut out the outside world. So that she could never think of being with anyone else but him. With one last deep thrust, he let go of the physical world and emptied his soul inside her.

  “Jake, I . . . ” She closed her eyes and held her breath.

  “Breathe, angel.”

  Her lashes fluttered open, surprise reflected in her dark brown eyes. “I-I’m coming!” she gasped.

  Holding himself up on his forearms, he stared down at the doubt and fear in her eyes. Something else was there, hidden just beneath the surface. More than lust and desire. Love. Damn, she loved him. He liked that she loved him—the real him, not the celebrity persona. Charlotte wasn’t going anywhere. She was his for the taking.

  He wanted her confession, although he wasn’t ready to make his own. He knew it was selfish, but he didn’t give a damn.

  “How do you feel?”

  “You were amazing, Jake.”

  His heart twisted. He didn’t want amazing. He wanted her to say the words.

  “Not the sex. How do you feel about me, about us?”

  “I love . . . ” She closed her eyes. “I love how you make me feel. I haven’t felt this way before. I feel beautiful when I’m with you.”

  “You’re beautiful, whether you’re with me or without me.”

  He shook his head. The stubborn woman knew how she felt but wasn’t ready to share. No matter. He loved a challenge. And he would enjoy fucking the confession from her soft lips.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “I need birth control. Lots and lots and lots of birth control.”

  “All right, Charlotte.” Dr. Moira, her gynecologist, said with a smirk on her face. “I know you have a new beau in your life, and I appreciate your enthusiasm, but you only have to take one pill a day.”

  “Got it. Fill me up, doc.”

  “Do you know what type of birth control you want to take? There are a lot of options. And since you’re prediabetic, we need to monitor your blood glucose levels for the next few months. We’ve gotta make sure the hormones don’t impact you negatively.”

  Dr. Moira swiveled in her chair to face the wall of pamphlets. She pulled a few trifolds while discussing various birth control options. Meanwhile, Charlotte fantasized about her boyfriend.

  I, Charlotte Jones, have a boyfriend.

  She smiled, reminiscing about the past few weeks. The man was insatiable. She couldn’t figure out the driving force behind his intensity. She couldn’t figure out why this beautiful and talented man had a single-minded focus on her pleasure. Even now, she could taste his warm skin, feel his slightly roughened fingers tracing sexy patterns on her skin, and imagine him deep inside her. He flooded her senses. When she stared into his entrancing eyes, she could see his fevered desire to be the sole owner of her pleasure. He was on a mission to possess her. A mission she didn’t want to end.

  Dr. Moira cleared her throat. “All right, I can see this is all going over your head. Do you want to wait before you decide?”

  Shaking her head to clear out her tawdry thoughts, Charlotte focused on the gynecologist. Dr. Moira’s sea green eyes sparkled behind her glasses.

  “I’ll just go with the pills for now.” She didn’t want to start right way. And hopefully I won’t gain weight from the birth control again. A few years ago, she’d gained fifteen pounds when she’d taken the birth control shot to alleviate cramps.

  “Okay. I’ll write you a prescription.” She turned around to return the pamphlets. “Another thing, have you experienced any pain during intercourse?”

  “Pain? No, not at all.” Charlotte shook her head. “Sex has been magnificent. Magical, even.”

  Her doctor nodded. “Glad to hear it. Like I said, let’s monitor your glucose. We’ll set an appointment for a follow-up a month from now, but be sure to stay on top of checking your levels.”

  Charlotte nodded. “Will do.”

  “That’s what I like to hear. Now lie back, and let’s finish up this exam. Don’t forget to set an appointment with Lisa before you leave.”

  “Got it.”

  “And Charlotte?”

  “Yes?”

  The doctor patted Charlotte’s shoulder. “I’m happy for you, and as your doctor, I want you to be safe. I’d advise before you have sex without condoms that you both get tested for STIs.”

  Charlotte blushed. “Dr. Moira, I—”

  “I’m not saying this because of Mr. Ross’s reputation, and yes, I saw you both in a magazine while I was in line at a grocery store.”

  Charlotte was shocked by her doctor’s admission.

  “I would’ve told you this if he was any Joe Schmo. I care about your health, and I want you to be smart. Can you do that for me?”

  Charlotte grabbed the doctor’s hand. “It’s already been done. Jake wanted me to feel safe, and he got tested a few days ago.”

  Her doctor released a breath and unwrapped her stethoscope from around her neck. “Good. Now let’s get started.”

  After the examination, Charlotte removed the hospital gown and shrugged on her wool sweater and black leggings. She glanced at the clock, noted the time, and tsked. She was going to be late for a meeting with Jake and Gina. The agent had called them with vague promises of good news and that she’d wanted them to meet at her office.

  Hopefully it won’t last too long. She couldn’t wait to share her good news with Jake. The man had been complaining about condoms, wanting nothing between the two of them.

  Grabbing her phone, she pressed the car service app. No time for the train today.

  • • •

  Charlotte stepped into the lobby of Greer and McGregor Sports Agency and shrugged off her wool mittens.

  Following directions from the friendly receptionist, Charlotte quickly arrived at Gina’s office. Jake’s deep, sensual laughter greeted her. She paused at the door, debating on whether to walk in or knock first.

  “You’re killing me, Gina.”

  Female laughter joined his. “God save me from hotshot football players. I almost kneed him in the nuts.”

  Charlotte’s good manners forced her to gently knock before stepping in. “Hi, everyone.”

  The agent’s smile dropped from her face as she motioned Charlotte forward. In the few times she’d bee
n around Gina, Charlotte had rarely seen the agent smile. But the way Gina had been smiling at Jake made Charlotte’s heart squeeze. Have they dated? Good grief, I hope not.

  Jake stood and gave her a hug. “Hey, angel.” He stepped back to give her a quick kiss.

  Gina’s stern face morphed into an outright frown.

  “Hey, Jacob.” Charlotte glanced over his shoulder. “Sorry I’m late, Gina. I had an appointment I couldn’t cancel.”

  “No worries. I had Jake come in a bit earlier to go over a few business items. Have a seat, please.” Her eyes glittered with warmth again.

  A breath rushed from Charlotte’s lungs. Did I imagine something that wasn’t there?

  “All right, you two love birds.” Gina’s tone held a sharp, sarcastic strike at the end. “I have some good news for you. Well, especially you, Jakey.”

  “Gina, what did I tell you about calling me Jakey?”

  “Oh, settle down now.” Gina clapped her hands together. “For the past few weeks, you guys have done a damn good job together. Both of you deserve Oscars. Between the gym dates, steamy late-night dinners, and volunteering with the kids, you have the media eating out of your hands.”

  Jake sighed, and Charlotte rolled her eyes. She still wasn’t used to the invasion of privacy, which felt even worse now that they were actually in a relationship.

  “Oh and that picture of you two outside of Charlotte’s apartment in the rain. Magnifico!” Her Italian accent became more pronounced.

  Charlotte’s cheeks warmed at the memory of what happened after they rushed upstairs to her apartment. “I hadn’t seen that one yet.”

  “Anyway, all of that to say,” Gina pulled out a thick stack of papers from a drawer, “Threx has offered you a deal. Read it and weep, Jakey!”

  Jake snatched the papers from Gina’s hands and flipped through the contract. “What in the . . . they’re offering more? A lot more. Almost double.”

  Smiling, Charlotte squeezed his knee. “Congrats, honey.”

  Jake stood and then lifted her into his arms. “Seventy million dollars,” he whispered into her ears. “I can’t believe it.”

  “Oh shit!” Charlotte rarely cursed, but this was an oh-shit moment. She giggled and grabbed his face. “You did this. Now you can make those updates to your parents’ home. Or buy them a new one.”

  “If Dad will let me.”

  “Oh, he’ll let you. I’ll make sure of it. And you can help your brother with the down payment to his new home, too.”

  “Won’t take much convincing with D’Mario.”

  Charlotte snorted. “You should build the kids a tree house in the back. I remember Danica telling me she wanted a real-life dollhouse. And then save and invest the rest. But of course, you already know that.”

  Jake’s wide grin flip-flopped her heart.

  “I couldn’t have done this without you,” he whispered. “I can’t believe how lucky I am. I got the deal and the girl.”

  Gina cleared her throat. “Umm, hello? My “pretend you’re in love” strategy actually worked. Am I not the woman or what?”

  Jake placed Charlotte back on the ground. “Come in for this hug, too, Gina.”

  The agent rose. “Just this once, Jakey.” She stepped into Jake’s arms and gave him a squeeze.

  “Now . . . ” Gina waved for them to sit down. Leaning against her desk, she crossed her shapely legs. “Mark is in the office and wants you to swing by after this meeting to discuss the timeline for your breakup. I think a few weeks, five to six tops, and then you can go back to your playboy ways. Well, a modified version. Threx has a morality clause.” Gina smirked.

  Charlotte’s stomach dropped.

  Jake grabbed her hand. “Oh, there won’t be a breakup plan, Gina. We’re together. Officially together.”

  The agent’s eyebrow raised, and she tilted her head. “Hmm. Since . . . since when?”

  “It’s been a few weeks.”

  “And I’m just finding out because . . . ”

  “Now don’t get in a tizzy, Gina. It’s not a big deal. We wanted to see where this goes, and it’s going extremely well.” He lifted Charlotte’s hand and kissed it.

  The agent stood, shook her head, and returned to her desk chair. “I hope you two know what you’re doing. Jake, are you sure you can be faithful?”

  Embarrassment flooded Charlotte’s cheeks. “Jake is a good man. You shouldn’t judge him for his past.”

  “I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but Jake has never been able to hold down a relationship.” Gina focused her shrewd, brown eyes on him. “I need you to try to keep it in your pants.”

  Jake clenched his jaw. “I can’t promise you that, Gina. You see, I’ll be far too busy getting in my girl’s pants.”

  He stood, still holding Charlotte’s hand. “Thanks for the help with the deal, but we’ve got it from here. I’ll sync up with Mark later.”

  “Jake, I’m sorry. I didn’t—”

  He waved a hand. “It’s fine, Gina. I’ll talk to you later.” He looked down at Charlotte. “Let’s go celebrate.”

  • • •

  Jake wouldn’t let his agent’s cavalier words mess up this day. He was on top of the world, and with his angel at his side, he could accomplish anything.

  “Slow down, Jacob,” Charlotte huffed beside him as they rushed down the sidewalk. “Where are we going anyway?”

  He slowed his pace and looked down at his girlfriend. “How about Diago’s?”

  “No.” She shook her head. The tassel on top of her wool cap bounced. “I’m not dressed for a nice restaurant. Let’s go home. I’ll cook us something delicious.”

  “You’ve cooked three days in a row. Besides, we should relax and let someone else do it.”

  “You know what I haven’t done yet?”

  “No, what?” He scanned the area for nearby restaurants.

  “I haven’t cooked for you in my Wonder Woman costume.”

  He stopped walking and pulled her to the side. “With the boots?”

  “Of course.” She scoffed as if he’d insulted her.

  He rushed her to the edge of the curb. “Taxi!”

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Should I whip us up some brunch?” Jake asked as they arrived at his apartment after church service.

  They’d developed an easy routine and in a few weeks, the season would be over. Although Charlotte wanted Jake’s team to succeed, it looked like the team wouldn’t be getting far in the playoffs with one of their major players getting injured.

  When Jake was in town, they worked out, hung out with friends, caught a movie, and cooked dinner together. She’d even turned him into a Sunday church-goer.

  Charlotte shrugged her purse off her shoulder and removed her green heels. “What’s on the menu?”

  “Whole wheat blueberry pancakes with grits and egg whites.”

  “Hmmm. How about applesauce pancakes since it’s only seventy-five calories, lose the grits and egg whites, and substitute with fruit slices.”

  Jake sighed. The woman was going crazy since she hadn’t lost weight in a few weeks. She’d already lost twenty-five pounds and wanted to lose the full fifty, but Jake had convinced her to compromise and only lose ten more pounds. “I thought I was the health nut here. Don’t go crazy cutting calories. Honestly, you don’t need to lose any more weight.”

  “Says the former model-dater.”

  “Former is the keyword.” He was a changed man. And this changed man likes hips, curves, and a fat ass.

  She placed her hands on her seductive hips. “Well, I disagree. And I weighed myself the other day. I gained a pound.”

  “I thought we agreed to only weigh on Sundays. Secondly, you know how weight fluctuates.”

  Leaning against the wall, she crossed her arms. “I’m so close to my goal, Jake. I’m just ten pounds away and don’t want to screw up.”

  He walked over and boxed her in. “How about this? Applesauce pancakes, lose the grits, but keep
the egg whites.”

  “But Jake, I—”

  “You need the protein. Now, Sundays are usually a rest day. But since I’m such a good guy, I’ll allow you to do a very special workout. One guaranteed to burn lots of calories or your money back.”

  “Really?” She stretched her doe eyes. “What’s the workout like?”

  “I call it the Jake Ross extreme workout.” He grabbed her hips and lifted her into the air before peppering kisses on her neck. “You spend all day in the bedroom.” He squeezed her ass. “Fifteen minutes of warm-up where I stretch your legs and eat you.”

  She sucked in a breath.

  “Sixty minutes of intense cardio in different positions: cowgirl, the hot seat, waterfall—”

  “S-sold. I’m sure I won’t need my money back.” She grinned. “Let’s go work out.”

  • • •

  “Everyone did great,” Charlotte addressed her dance class students. “We’re going to finish up the routine next week, so be sure to be here.”

  Claps erupted from the Refurbished Dreams studio. She gave a quick bow. “See y’all next week.”

  “Bye, Ms. Jones.” One of her youngest students smiled and waved.

  Tiana and Melanie walked up as the crowd thinned out.

  “I swear you’re trying to kill us!” Melanie stretched her arms and arched her back.

  “Yes, these routines are not getting easier!” Tiana leaned against the mirrored wall.

  “I’m not gonna lie.” Charlotte turned off the speakers. “That routine was killer, even for me. Sometimes I get a little dizzy myself.” A flare of pain spiked in her chest. “Do any of you have a Tylenol? My head is killing me and, now I’m starting to feel it in my chest.”

  “I have some in my locker.” Tiana looked her over and frowned. “Are you okay? You mentioned a few days ago that you had chest pain and were tired. Still?”

  “Nah, just having a few rough days. And I started birth control a month ago—that probably has something to do with it. But don’t worry. I have a doctor’s appointment this Friday.” She’d had an appointment two weeks ago and found out her blood pressure was a bit higher, which probably alarmed Dr. Moira. This appointment would determine if she needed to switch up the pills because this one made her feel lightheaded.