Crazy for You Read online

  Cupping her neck, he lowered his mouth and devoured hers. Hard and wet and deep. He was out of control, and she was flying. Soaring. He broke the kiss, and his breath became erratic, like her heartbeat. He leaned down again and nibbled. From the grip on her hip and neck, she knew he wanted more, but restrained himself. She didn’t want that. She’d fallen in love with the bad boy, and she wanted him to come out and play.

  Reaching below his waist, she palmed and milked him. A low groan filled her ear, and his breath warmed her neck. She squeezed as she flicked her tongue to lick the column of his throat.

  “Take me, Jacob.”

  Growling this time, he turned off the water. His eyes never left hers. Palms against the door, he opened the shower, carefully lifting and then lowering her onto the drying mat.

  “I—”

  He placed his finger over her lips. “No words. Not right now, baby. Otherwise, I might bend you over the tub,” he jerked his head toward the corner, “and fuck you. So be a good girl. No talking and no touching.” He licked his lips and then hers. “Yet.” Grabbing a towel, he dried her off.

  She shivered with need. Instead of verbalizing her desires, she took his silent signals when he wanted her to lift her arms and spread her legs to towel her down.

  Still naked, he scooped her into his arms and marched into their room. Lowering them both on the bed, he positioned her above him so that she straddled his waist.

  His eyes finally cleared. “Take control.” He lifted her from his lap and swiftly entered her. She gasped at the onslaught of pleasure of being filled to the core.

  “Take what you need.” He jerked his hips and then pulled back. “You’ve got it all with me.” His voice was strangled, and his face tensed. “We go at your pace.”

  Nothing was between them. Just his sex and a warm, ripped body against her skin. She flexed her inner muscles. His chest heaved.

  She lowered her lips to his ear. “This is gonna be fun.”

  Pushing off his chest, she arched her back, creating a sexy rhythm that was familiar, yet the sensation seemed all so new.

  “You’re killing me, angel.” His eyes burned her alive as she rode him.

  She slowed down the pace, grinding against him, torturing herself with the speed. She wanted fast, but it’d been so long, and she wanted them to last. Sweat slicked their skin, and his muscles tensed as he continued to torch her with his gaze: hot, hungry, and passionate. Like a puppet master, he jerked her limbs to move at his will. Trying to regain control, she squeezed her eyes shut.

  “Suck me.” She leaned over so he could suckle her breast. He latched on, lapping and licking. She was close—oh, so close—so she pulled away.

  Jake growled and, as quick as a flash but yet gentle, rolled them until she was flat on her back.

  “But I thought I was in control.” Her voice was breathless and ragged.

  Still connected, he widened her legs and looked at her, eyes like a predator who’d just caught his prey. “I lied.”

  He pumped his hips uncontrollably, yet still artful. Hard but not rough.

  “You know why I call you angel?” He grunted as he continued to move inside of her.

  She shook her head. She couldn’t speak, much less think.

  “I knew that being inside of you would be the closest to heaven that I could be.”

  White-hot heat zinged from him and into her core. As he continued his release, he slammed his hips twice more before she toppled over the edge of abyss with him.

  After a few minutes, she finally caught her breath. She puffed to move a string of hair that had fallen over her forehead, too lazy to use her hands to move it.

  “That was . . . ”

  “Amazing. Didn’t think we could get any better, but we did.” He gathered her to rest on his chest.

  She yawned as she struggled to keep her eyes open. “I wonder why?”

  “Love, angel. Love.”

  • • •

  Charlotte woke up alone, but her nose quickly solved the mystery to Jake’s whereabouts. Putting on a shirt tossed on the sofa near the bed, she padded toward the kitchen.

  Her man was shirtless. Taking a moment of silence, she admired his delicious muscles and broad shoulders as he faced the stove. “Mmm . . . everything smells good.” She walked into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around his waist.

  “Kick up your feet and relax. I know you have to be exhausted. From your flight and all. I can’t believe your precious traveled by alone.”

  I knew he wouldn’t let it go. “How else was I supposed to get here?” She shrugged. “And if I would’ve told you or my parents that I wanted to return here, ya’ll would’ve talked me out of it.” Rubbing his bunched shoulders, she kissed his back. “I called my parents after I landed. Let’s not argue. I’m here, and I thought you were happy.”

  “I’m ecstatic, angel. Just . . . ” He turned to faced her. With a finger, he tilted her chin. “Just promise to keep me in the loop. It wasn’t a smart move for you to leave your family and travel by yourself, especially after receiving another message from the stalker.”

  She nodded. “I agree, and I’m sorry. I’ll keep you in the loop, and you keep me in it, too.”

  “I will.” He hugged her tight. “Now, go sit down, and I’ll bring your food to you.”

  Following his bossy directions, she flopped onto the couch. A few minutes later, Jake followed with a food tray in hand. “Dig in, baby.”

  Charlotte bit into the hamburger and moaned. Lots of mustard, pickles, and just a hint of ketchup. Just like I like it.

  Bean kicked up a storm. He was happy they were home, just like his mama.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “Get up, angel. We gotta go.”

  Charlotte mumbled against his chest and snuggled closer. She’d crashed after eating and midway through the show they’d been watching. No way was she getting up when the sun hadn’t graced them with its presence yet.

  “I’ve gotta hit morning practice.” Softening his deep voice, he ran his fingers through her hair. “I’m not leaving you home, baby. You’re coming with me.”

  She rolled off his chest and then rubbed her eyes. “Can’t you call Larry from security?”

  “I’ll call them and sign the contract today after practice and after we meet with Detective Wen about the latest developments.

  She lifted her head from the pillow. “Why didn’t you keep Larry around for your personal safety? What if the stalker got impatient and tried to h-hurt you?”

  “I’m fine, baby.” He pulled her close again, and his beard lightly scraped her neck. “Just do me a favor and come along. I can’t function if you aren’t by my side.”

  Cupping the back of her neck, he kissed her. Bean fluttered in her stomach. Jake took her breath away. “Okay. I don’t want to stress you out.”

  Jake gave her a warm smile and kissed her nose. “That’s my girl.”

  “No fair,” she whispered.

  He tilted his head and smiled. “What did I do?”

  “Your kisses are like the game Simon Says. Ask me anything after you kiss me, and I’ll do it, no hesitation.”

  “Glad to know this relationship is somewhat balanced.”

  “Huh?” She scrunched her nose. “Of course it is. You know I’ve always had the hots for you. You didn’t notice me until I bumped my head.” She tried to soften her tone. But from the grin breaking across his face, she knew she’d sounded disgruntled instead.

  “You taught classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon and in the evenings at seven-thirty. I used to volunteer twice a month on Thursdays. One day, I had to shift to a Wednesday night and saw you. Then I permanently changed my schedule to Wednesdays and upped my volunteer hours to weekly during my off-season. Your favorite colors are red and blue and I get why . . . you love Wonder Woman. And, from your song selections, I know you’re a card-carrying member of Beyoncé’s beehive.”

  Charlotte laughed. She had probably played B�
�s entire discography at least a dozen times during her tenure as the dance instructor.

  “And one more thing: Shakira’s hips don’t lie, but baby, yours will get a brotha to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

  Charlotte snorted and rolled over. “My baby bump isn’t doing much for you or anyone these days.”

  “Did you not just ride me a few hours ago? And did I just not lose control and nearly break you in half?” He shook his head. “If you move your hips like you did the day you bumped your head, you’ll give me a hard-on that’ll last all day. I’ll need to explain to coach why I can’t come to practice.”

  Her breath toppled like dominoes. “We wouldn’t want that, now would we?”

  “Don’t tempt me, angel. Get dressed and put on something not-sexy like a pillow case or a burlap sack.”

  “I’m seventeen weeks pregnant, Jake. That’s the definition of not sexy.”

  “With my baby. That’s sexy as hell.”

  “I’ll just,” she swung her feet on the floor and pushed off the bed, “wear a big shirt.”

  “Extra-extra-large,” he said, still lounging in bed, arm slung over his forehead.

  “Deal. Do you want breakfast?”

  “Yes, but I’ll make us something.” He rolled up from his flat position and then moved from the bed. “An egg-white omelet sound good to you?”

  Her stomach grumbled, and she blushed.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.” He swept her into his arms for another deep kiss. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “Are you happy?”

  “Happiest I’ve ever been.”

  • • •

  Someone who wasn’t happy was coach seeing Charlotte at a closed practice. The squat man had waddled over to Jake, looking very much like the Penguin from Batman. “No wives, girlfriends, or one-night stands at practice, Ross.”

  Jake folded his arms across his chest. “She stays, coach. You’re well aware that her life is in danger, and she won’t be leaving my sight.”

  “Hire a bodyguard.”

  “I will. After practice. Today, she stays.”

  Coach jerked off his hat and slapped it across his meaty thighs. “Jesus Christ on a popsicle stick, Ross!”

  Lifting an eyebrow, he watched the man expend energy through a flurry of creative phrases and expletives. “You done?”

  “Just get your ass on the diamond.”

  “You got it, coach.”

  After nearly an hour of practice, Jake was exhausted. Coach had ridden him hard, a silent punishment for bringing a woman to practice. The man swore women were bad luck, as if they were pirates on a ship.

  Wiping sweat from his brow with one hand, he gripped the ball in his right, ready to toss another heater. He’d been on fire at practice today. Thanks to my muse.

  Turning his attention from the batter to check on Charlotte, Jake nearly stumbled in his swing when he saw Gina there, too. They were deep in conversation. Two distractions, now. Coach will skin me alive.

  He stopped his swing and reset again. “Sorry, Ethan,” he told the batter. “One more time.”

  Charlotte turned his direction and gave him a shy smile and wave. His agent offered an impatient chin bob.

  “Any time now, Lover Boy,” Coach yelled.

  Shaking his head, Jake leaned back on his right leg, lifted the left, and fired into the catcher’s mitt. He gave coach a smug look and winked at his girl.

  • • •

  Charlotte watched as Jake delivered another scorcher to the batter.

  “He’s looking good, isn’t he?” Gina nodded toward Jake.

  “Yes, he is. But he always looks good to me.” Smiling, she continued to watch him practice.

  “He kinda lost his mojo after you left. And he’s been a moody cow, which is why I’m here to check on him. Glad you’re back to shake him out of his misery.”

  Charlotte turned to the woman and smiled. Jake’s agent was a tough nut to crack, so Charlotte was honestly surprised by the compliment.

  “Did you just give me a compliment?” She batted her eyes.

  Gina tossed her hair and laughed. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

  “I’ll endeavor not to.” Her cell phone vibrated in her jogging pants’ pocket. Pulling it out, she glanced at the screen. Mel.

  CAN YOU TALK? I HAVE A THEORY I WANT TO RUN BY YOU.

  Yes! Charlotte’s heart ka-thumped in her chest, and her stomach knotted. The news she’d been waiting for. Fingers shaking, she quickly replied back.

  CALL YOU IN A FEW MINUTES.

  She needed to step away from practice to ensure Jake didn’t know about the covert operation. Bean decided to make his daily appearance by playing hopscotch on her bladder. Her stomach clenched again.

  Bathroom! Perfect excuse.

  She turned to the agent. “I need to go to the ladies’ room. Be right back.”

  Gina nodded. “I’ll go with you. Jake wouldn’t want you to be alone.”

  Charlotte’s excitement deflated. “Oh, no, I’ll be fine by myself. The restrooms are just around the corner.

  “No.” The persistent woman shook her head. “I’d feel more comfortable if we stayed together.”

  “Fine.” Charlotte quickly conceded. I’ll just have to take my time and call Mel while I’m in the stall. Charlotte stood and flagged down Jake, knowing he would worry if she suddenly disappeared. He was too far away to hear her, so she mimed going to the bathroom by squeezing her legs together and pointing toward the restrooms.

  Jake shook his head no. Then Charlotte pointed to Gina and squeezed her legs together again. “C’mon Jake. I’ve really gotta go.”

  He tossed his hands in the air in resignation.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.” The agent laughed. “Let’s go.”

  • • •

  Charlotte sighed and rolled her eyes when Gina knocked on the bathroom stall door for the third time. The woman was on Charlotte like she owed her rent money. Now she wants to be nice.

  “I assure you, it’s just a little stomachache. And I have a shy bladder. Can you step outside for a few minutes?”

  “Are you sure? You haven’t been able to go, and it’s been like ten minutes.”

  Grabbing a toilet seat cover from the dispenser, she rustled it to sound busy. Tension coiled in her stomach. She swallowed down the rush of nerves. “I’m fine.” She hated lying but was desperate to hear Mel’s theory. “A few minutes, please. If I can’t go soon, I’ll return to the stands. Can you wait outside?”

  “I . . . sure.” Gina sighed. “But I’m right outside.”

  “Okay. Thanks!” Charlotte waited until she heard the door click shut. She quickly emptied her bladder, flushed the toilet, and stepped out of the stall. After washing and drying her hands, she called Melanie.

  “Hey, girl! What took you so long?” Her friend answered on the first ring, sounding like she was on her fifteenth cup of coffee.

  “Sorry. Someone felt the need to follow me to the bathroom.”

  “Awww, your family is just worried.”

  Charlotte didn’t correct the assumption that she was still in Pensacola. “So? What’s your theory? You have any leads? I don’t have a lot of time.”

  “I have one hunch. It’s a little wild, but I can explain why.” Her friend took a deep breath. “I looked at the list you sent and reviewed your notes. You told family members you were pregnant, and the only friends you and Jake shared the news with were me, Tiana, Damien, Nathan and Jake’s friend, Shawn. From your notes, I don’t think it’s a situation like The Bodyguard with family or friends.”

  “What bodyguard?”

  “You know the movie? Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. The sister was jealous of Whitney’s character, Rachel, and tried to kill her.”

  “Melanie . . . I need you to focus. I know it wasn’t my sister or anyone else in my family. Prissy is a lot of things, but psychotic isn’t one of them.” Charlotte paced the floor.
“Now, c’mon, Mel. I need you to tell me the rest. Quickly.”

  “All right. Well anyway, I scratched out obsessed fans. If the paps caught wind of your pregnancy, they would’ve descended on you like a pack of wolves. They didn’t get involved until after Jake’s announcement, and that was after the first threat. So after scratching them off the list, I have two hunches. You also told the staff at Threx, Mark, Jake’s publicist, and Gina, his agent. It’s got to be one of them.”

  Charlotte stopped pacing and turned toward the wall. Fear, tangy and bitter and sharp, shook her body. Her knees wobbled like a gelatin cake. “G-gina? You’re kidding?”

  Melanie’s quick and hyper voice finally slowed to a normal pace. “Not so, my friend. Or someone from Threx or Mark. If you send me a list of names, I can do some investigating. In the meantime, sit tight and stay away from anyone on my suspect list.”

  “Melanie . . .” Charlotte’s throat tightened. She couldn’t force the words.

  “Hey, calm down. I know it’s a shocker. Maybe I should call Jake and let him know my theory. He needs to stay safe, too.”

  “No, Mel, I . . . I’m here in New York. I thought I would be just as safe here with Jake. And when you told me he actually wanted me, I-I . . . jumped the gun.”

  “Okay, that changes things.” Melanie’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Just stay away from—”

  “I can’t, Mel.” Her voice shook. “Gina’s here at practice in the stadium. And waiting for me outside of the restroom. I—”

  “Knock, knock!” Gina rapped on the door and stepped in.

  Phone still at her ear, Charlotte nearly snapped the device in half.

  “Oh, hi!” Charlotte forced a light and chipper tone.

  “Stay calm, girl,” Melanie whispered. “Act normal and get back to practice ASAP.”

  “Okay, Mama. Everything is fine. Don’t worry, I’m here with my friend Gina, and we’re walking back to our seats. I’ve gotta go.”

  “No!” Melanie whispered-hissed. “Stay on the phone so I can hear everything. I’m using my app to record.”