What had I been thinking? Was I seriously going home with a man who I had just met? We walked quietly down the crowded sidewalk, his hand wrapped around mine, and he smiled. Underneath that easy smile, I knew he must’ve thought I was so easy, but I swear I had never done this before. Ever. I didn’t bother to utter those words. They were so clichéd, even if they were the truth.

I couldn’t explain it. I was drawn to him. Lord, he was sexy. He was well over six feet, with bulging muscles and smooth skin the color of my grandmother’s antique mahogany armoire, his kind, intense brown eyes being the most striking. There was a familiarity about him I couldn’t explain. I could’ve sworn I’d seen him before—and when I remembered he’d said he was a football player, it clicked. I was almost sure I’d seen him making a play on the field when I had watched a Wranglers game with my brothers. But I wasn’t one to spend game day checking out the players. Every time I went to a football game, my eyes focused on the cheerleaders. They were so beautiful, bright, and vivacious. Everything I wasn’t. I’d been an awkward teen, a loner, and had battled depression after my dad had left us. The only solace I’d found was practicing dance daily until my feet bled. If only I worked harder, turned faster, and stretched more, I too could one day be on that field.

And now I was a rookie San Diego Wildfire Girl; a newbie Spark.

Not that I told Kyle I was a cheerleader—I never mentioned it to guys I met. The minute a man knew I was on a pro dance squad, he would react in one of three ways. One—I was a conquest, a trophy to fuck and then forget about. Two—I was a bimbo, some whore who danced in short shorts, clearly incapable of any meaningful conversation. Or three—I was a diva, and somehow instantly way out of his league. The fanboying started, quickly followed by the, “Can you get me free tickets?” or, “Come on, babe, help me meet my favorite player,” pleas. So no, just no. I kept my secret to myself. Sure, the occasional guy recognized me from my newly released Miss September calendar picture, which said dude probably jerked off to, but this was my first season and there were so many blondes in San Diego, I seemed to blend in well.

Now Kyle, he was different. I knew he was a football player. But I also knew he didn’t play for the Wildfires. Ha, I had to memorize the names and positions of every member of the team for auditions. No way was I going to tell him I shook my pom-poms for a possible rival team. He’d think I lacked team loyalty. And as was the case with many cheerleaders, he’d think I was a gold digger and a jersey chaser. Most players figured that we women became cheerleaders to hook up with and be maintained by the guys on the team. That simply was not true. Besides my love for dancing, the real reason I became a cheerleader was for all the great opportunities to do charity work. Even though the season had just begun, we’d already done fundraisers for breast cancer, military families, shelter pets, and foster kids.

I also loved that we were role models to little girls. All the ladies on our squad were either in college, had degrees, or worked full time. Our group included doctors, lawyers, teachers, and even scientists. I was proud to be part of such a strong sisterhood. But I wanted to get to know Kyle first before I explained all of this to him. So I would keep my mouth shut, well at least outside of the bedroom.

Besides the occasional quick stops to admire the faraway waves crashing on the shore, we walked down the busy boardwalk that lined the beach. Now Kyle’s strong arm was wrapped around my shoulders and the heat from his body filled mine. I should’ve been scared; I mean, he could’ve been a sociopath. But I felt safe, protected.

He led me into an alleyway between two garages that led to a stone path. I held my breath but it wasn’t because I was nervous. I was impressed. His house was right on the beach. This man had to be loaded. The thought crossed my mind—did he think I was interested in him because of his money? No. I couldn’t think like that. I’d agreed to go home with him before I’d seen his home. I was interested in him. And only him.

He opened the door and I found myself standing in a huge glass atrium, to my left a serene koi pond under the stairs, above me a retractable roof with views of the stars. The furniture was very modern, masculine, and sleek: steel-gray sofa, shiny black coffee table, monster flat-screen TV above the stone fireplace. He had incredible taste. I’d give him that.

“Sara, can I get you something to drink?”

“Water would be great. Thanks.” He smirked at my choice of drink and I felt the need to give an acceptable explanation. “I’m feeling a bit dehydrated.” The truth was I didn’t need any more alcohol; I wanted to be in control. I wanted to remember this night.

He nodded, opening two mini bottles of chilled water, and poured them into two glasses at the bar, handing me one. We drank our water, and I glanced around his place. I wasn’t exactly sure what had possessed me to go home with this man. I rarely indulged in down time. Last year, I’d spent every second of free time I’d had training for auditions. Dancing, working out, dieting, preparing to make the team had become my life. Over four hundred girls tried out for one of the coveted twenty-eight spots, but veterans always took most of those positions. Only eleven rookies were selected and hearing our director call my name had been like an out-of-body experience. Even better, I was the only rookie chosen for show group—which meant I’d get to travel and perform for our troops overseas during this holiday season. It was such an honor.

But I’d completely put my life on hold to achieve my goal. For an entire year, I didn’t party or hook up with any guys at all. When the season finally started, preparing for our swimsuit shoot took over my life. It finally happened last week in Mexico, so I figured I deserved to cut loose. Maya and I had spent the entire day at the beach, and then we hit the clubs. Some saw it odd that my best friend was the captain, but we didn’t see positions, just friendship. Once we’d entered the club, other guys had talked to me, some had even tried to pick me up, but I hadn’t been interested at all—until Kyle.

But I didn’t know this guy. Second-guessing reared its ugly head. If something happened to me, no one would know where to look for me. All Maya knew was I’d went home with a guy named Kyle. Maybe I should text her.

Before I could reach for my phone, Kyle placed his hand on my back. “So, where are you from, sweetheart?”

I pointed to my necklace. “Dallas. I love it there—can’t wait to move back home. But I always wanted to live near the beach.”

“I love Dallas. Greatest people out there. Warm, hardworking, patriotic, many of them deeply religious.”

He paused over the word religious. As a cheerleader, I’d been through strict media training—never talk about politics or religion. But let’s be honest, this was a one night stand not a media interview. Besides, something about Kyle’s presence made me break yet another rule. He was getting really good at that.

“Yeah, that’s totally true. Everyone back home is so friendly. I really miss that. I know this is a military town and all, but I felt a stronger connection back in Texas. I come from a family of Marines. My father is a former Marine, and so are my two brothers.” I swallowed and pushed the heartache out of my head. I refused to mention how my father had abandoned his family, destroying our happiness when we found out he led a secret double life.

His lips widened into a smile. “No kidding. My father was a Devil Dawg, too. So you know what it’s like to be raised in a strict household. Man, my father didn’t let me get away with anything.”

I relaxed back into the sofa, gazing up at the stars above. I didn’t want to think of what we did or didn’t get away with. All I thought about was what my father had gotten away with for so long, right under our noses. Nonetheless, it would be rude not to answer his question. There was this ease between us, and I was pleasantly surprised we had something in common besides the intense sexual attraction. I transported myself back to a happier time. The time before we’d been left. “Yup. My dad didn’t let me date until I was sixteen. He would clean his guns when my boyfriends would come by.” I smiled at the memory.

Kyle let out a deep laugh. “Sounds like my type of guy. He knew he had something precious.” The smile fell from my lips and he must have interpreted it as me growing serious; taking the conversation to the next level. His eyes started slowing undressing me, and I felt the tone in the room change. His eyes hooded when he said, “Let me show you something. Upstairs.”

Right then, some women may have become nervous. But I wasn’t shy; I knew why I’d come here tonight. I wanted him, and he wanted me.

He took my hand, and we walked upstairs to his bedroom. It was beautiful. Crisp white sheets and duvet on a plush dark-framed bed. Two end tables that held books, coasters, and small lamps. Across from the bed, a large flat-screen TV hung on the wall. A tall, dark dresser beneath it. Simple and elegant. Like he barely slept there. But he didn’t stop near the king-sized bed—he continued past glass doors out onto the deck, a Jacuzzi beckoning us under the stars. Smooth.

I caught his gaze, and pulled my tank top off, wiggling out of my skirt and revealing my bikini underneath. Kyle gave me a full-body eye fuck, and peeled off his own shirt, as if he was challenging me.

And holy lord, he won the body contest, hands down. I’d never seen a body that ripped up close. Was that an eight-pack? His abs were so defined it was as if they were drawn in. Though I was sure he appreciated my soft curves just as much as I was enjoying the definition in his. His arms were massive, putting most guys to shame. I couldn’t stop staring, and my mouth opened a tad.

Before I could speak, he switched the spa on, disappeared into his bedroom, and emerged a few moments later in light blue swim trunks. They hung low on his hips. “Ladies first.”

I slipped into the bubbles, the jets massaging my legs. My calves and back were killing me from a long week of cheer practice. Our director was a total witch, demanding we dedicate our lives to the squad. She weighed us before every practice, even when we were on that time of the month. Heaven forbid if we gained a pound, we wouldn’t be allowed to cheer in that week’s game. The flat stomach. The demanding diet. Prim and proper at all times. It was all complete torture. If she saw me now, she’d freak! Going home with some random guy I’d just met. Her words echoed in my head, “Sara, you are a Wildfire Girl twenty-four hours a day. Whether you’re in uniform or not.” Well I was definitely not in my uniform at the moment; I was half naked with a hotter-than-sin man.

Kyle climbed into the hot tub, and pulled me back, close to him. We semi floated, and I lay against his firm chest as we spoke. The conversation was easy and relaxed. He felt amazing, and goose bumps ran down my arms and back.

“This place is incredible. I can’t believe you live right on the beach. You’re very fortunate.”

“Well, don’t get too impressed, doll. I own it with two buddies of mine. We bought it as an investment a few years back. But they live up north during the season, so it’s all mine for now.”

An investment. I liked this guy more and more. Even in just the six months I’d made the squad, I’d seen it all with football players—blowing all their money on cars, houses, drugs, and women.

The conversation continued at a comfortable pace, a part of each of our bodies always touching. He massaged my neck and shoulders then glided his hands down my arms as I touched his legs. He was solid. And I felt cocooned in more than muscle. He was nothing like I thought. As the conversation continued, I saw there was more to him than met the eye. I gasped when he ran his lips across my ear. Then he nipped the sensitive shell. Firecrackers went off inside me in response. Water sloshed as I twisted, and sat face to face with him. The hot water warmed my skin, but Kyle’s words warmed my soul. My gut told me he was for real, he wasn’t just playing me, we had an actual connection. Maybe this wasn’t just a one-night stand. I considered confessing my own football secret to him, but just as my lips opened, Kyle cupped my face with one large hand and kissed me.

Oh, this man. I almost melted and became one with the water. The coarse hair on his face tickled when it grazed my chin, his full lips pressed against me, his warm, inviting tongue invaded my mouth and stroked with mine. His free hand grasped at my thigh, while the other held me in place, his kisses becoming more urgent. My body began to tingle. And I attempted to kiss him back with the same passion but he was completely in control. That hold never wavered. He had me just where he wanted me. He controlled the show.

These kisses weren’t sweet. No, they were laced with firmness and all-consuming lust. I’d never been kissed like this before. He was all man. And all mine, if only for the night.

My fingers dug into his strong shoulders, the water glistening off his back, shining against the night sky. I grinded against him, moaning louder the harder he kissed me. My clit hummed as I rubbed on the outline of his impressive length. His cock twitched through the fabric against my stomach, and I gyrated harder till our clothes were just a formality. The way my skin pressed to his, they might as well have been nonexistent.

He let out a growl, like a hungry animal. “Out of the water.” I squeaked when he lifted me, propping me on the edge of the Jacuzzi, and parted my thighs. I was exposed under the stars for any beach stroller to see.

And I didn’t care. All I was concerned about was the pang in my core, the ache, the need for him to fill me up. Little did I know, I’d be waiting. The difference in temperature made my nipples harden. He stood, hovering over me, and blocked any potential view from behind him. “How wet are you, Sara?” His sight homed in on the small triangle covering my center, and I almost clinched my legs shut. His eyes smoldered as he waited for my reply. And I grew wetter the longer he stared. I wanted him to touch me. I leaned back the best I could, holding myself up with my palms, and held his stare.

“Very,” I practically purred.

“Let me see.”

“You want me to undress? Right here?” I asked, a bit panicked, but way turned on.

“Just the bottoms, sweetheart. Take them off and part your lips. Let me see how wet I make you.” My chest thundered as I straightened, my legs dropping into the water, and brought my hands to my hips, and undid the bows holding the swimsuit in place. As soon as it fell to the edge of the tub, the night breeze caressed my sensitive flesh. Wet legs propped back on the ledge, I opened them, bringing a hand to my middle. I parted my lips and ran two fingers down the middle, letting them sink in when I reached the bottom. Then I presented the lubricated fingers to him.

“Fuck.” He groaned, the water splashing as he squatted.

“Come here, baby. I’m gonna lick you until you come all over my face.” Those words alone almost made me lose it. I arched my back, and spread my legs more. He undid my bikini top and kissed each of my nipples. Taking hold of my bottom, he cupped my ass and brought my pussy to his face. “Pretty. Pink. Perfect.” His deep voice excited me. My pussy pulsed when he leaned in and took a whiff of my most intimate area. “Even your scent is perfect,” he uttered before he buried his face into my pussy.

I gasped as Kyle devoured me. He grunted as he took long lap after lap of my pussy. And I thought I’d blacken out from every slow death of sensation. The stubble on his face tickled my thighs, and his tongue lapped deeply at my opening, sending me into a frenzy. I was no virgin, but I honest to God had never had a man make me feel so much so fast. My ex-boyfriend had always been too sweet, too gentle, when I truly wanted it hard and rough. My other hookups had been so awkward, filled with regret or drunken embarrassment. Not tonight. Every time Kyle delved inside me, my back arched, my head thrown back as I got a view of the sky. I couldn’t decipher if the stars I saw belonged to the night’s sky or the heady feeling his tongue caused me. My previous drinks rushed through my body and mixed with the euphoria of his lips as he sucked on my clit. I wrapped my legs around his face and over his shoulders, pulling his head deeper against me. My hands shook as he ate me out, and I was afraid I’d slip off the tub ledge. I never wanted him to stop.

“Oh, God, oh, Kyle. I’m going to come.”

My eyes hooded over. He kept his pressure constant, sucking on my clit, then taking lap after lap while cradling my ass. My pussy clenched, and I began to moan. My hips bucked and I came, my body shuddering, the pleasure rippling throughout every part of me.

“You good, baby?” I liked the way those words sounded.

I whimpered out a yes as I sat up. I motioned for him to stand, and he smirked.

He stood close to me in the corner of the hot tub, and I was mesmerized by his body. He said he played football, and it showed. He was in amazing shape. In better shape than the other pro athletes I’d seen out on the field. He almost looked like one of those fitness models that graced the covers of my workout magazines.

I lifted, swiveled my legs around, and hopped off the ledge, snatching my discarded clothes. Placing them as a makeshift cushion for my knees, I lifted myself back in place and knelt on the ledge of the spa, my naked ass up in the air for anyone to see. I wasn’t an exhibitionist but this view made me carefree, it was so hot.

I wrapped my hands around his waist and pulled his trunks down, releasing his cock. My eyes widened. Holy shit, he was huge. I was thrilled and a tad scared. I’d never been with a man this big. But I couldn’t wait to be fucked by him.

Clasping my hand around the base of his cock, my mouth opened for him. The hand failed to completely wrap around his thick girth, and my mouth watered.

“Suck me, baby.”

I obeyed, licking my lips and doing my best to take him deeply, my lips stretching out, his length tickling the back of my throat. He reached down and guided the back of my neck as my head bobbed. Saliva ran down his length and onto my swollen lips and chin as I took him in and out. I never wanted to stop. He groaned once, then twice before pulling my hair, making me look at him. His eyes hooded, and though I could’ve sucked him all night, he pulled back. I moaned in protest.

“You want me?” His voice had a powerful rumble, and the authority he held over my movements caused me to grow wetter. He motioned toward the bedroom. His eyes narrowed on a condom on the table next to the bed. Funny, I hadn’t noticed that there when I entered the room earlier. He must have taken it out when he changed.

“Yes. Please don’t make me wait.”

His lips turned into a smile, and he lifted me as if I weighed nothing, threw me over his shoulder, and carried me inside the room. He placed me on the bed on all fours, smacking my ass. “Don’t move.” My back curled like a cat when I heard the condom foil ripping and glanced back to see him rolling the condom over his thick cock. And though the swim trunks had looked amazing on him, his naked body was even better. He finished covering his cock and gave it a few hard strokes as he stared at my ass. Oh, God, I was so fucking wet, so slick, so ready for him.

He moved with purpose as he rounded the bed, lifting one muscular, long leg and letting it sink into the mattress, gathered my hair at the nape and tugged. I moaned when his lips crashed onto mine, kissing me. Perfectly measured. Not too slow. Yet not fast. Firm. Amazing. More sensually than I thought humanly possible, he swirled his expert tongue with mine. I was gravitating into ecstasy. With one last kiss, he released me and climbed fully on the bed, urging me forward toward the headboard. I crawled forward, stopping at his monster-sized pillows. And he followed. Reaching around me, he stacked the fluffy pillows, placing them in front of me. “Knees on the pillows, beautiful.” Immediately, I did as I was told. And he slapped my ass, gripped my left hip, and slid the other arm around me, his hand splayed on my stomach. Pulling my back to his front, he positioned me tightly against him. The firm hand left my middle and I felt it squeeze my right breast.

“Kyle…” Breath panting, I laid my head back on his chest as he groped the breast, rubbing the entire hand back and forth on the nipple.

I writhed against him, purposely sticking my ass out, and let his dick cradle between my ass cheeks. “Fuck me. Please.”

This made him chuckle. Teasing me, he let go of my breast and grabbed his dick, before smacking each cheek again. “Ass all the way up, doll. I want you to guide my dick inside you.” I lifted higher as he gripped both hips, and pressed his cock inside.

“Ah.” I whimpered and he thrust into me. Hard. He felt incredible, pumping deeper, faster. My pussy clenched.

Almost out of breath, I reached forward, gripping the headboard, as he relentlessly pounded in me. And I couldn’t get enough. He released my hips and kneaded my ass with one hand and with his other hand worked my clit, rubbing me the right way.

I came like I’d never come before, screaming his name. He kept at it, never losing his pace, and I came again, thrashing over his cock. My entire body hummed from head to toe when he didn’t stop, strumming my clit till I came again. Once, twice, three times a lady. I lay limp as his body tense and he released.

He fucked me senseless three more times before morning. In between sessions we talked about our careers and what we planned to do with our lives next. I’d brought it up, wanting to know more. When he mentioned his football career, he told me he was almost sure he was giving it up. That I could consider him a former player. When he’d said it, it was as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. I was too worried about telling him I had recently made the squad, since he spoke of leaving the sport. It was small talk after that. And a lot of kissing before he wore me out in every room in his house. The next morning, I met his personal trainer, Pat, over breakfast. And after he had left, Kyle and I went at it again, this time in the shower. I’d never come so many times in a twenty-four-hour period. It almost seemed too good to be true. Body sore and sated, I gave him my number and he promised to call. I always believed things which started fast ended fast. All I knew was I didn’t want this night to be just another tally for his playbook.