Chapter 3
“Good practice today, Taylor and Mitchell.” Coach Rivers claps his hands. “You two go get ready for class. The rest of you run laps.” He points his finger in my direction. “Get some ice on that shoulder, Taylor.” I’m sure the old man would have us running laps too, if we didn’t have early morning classes.
“Thanks, coach,” Dex and I say in unison.
We jog off the baseball field, up the steep hill, and around to the locker rooms.
Once we enter, I rotate my shoulder, stretching it after my round of pitches. I clocked in at an average of 95 miles per hour with a fastball of 98. Pretty damn good. With a one-to-one walk to strikeout ratio, I’d say I’m ready for the season to begin.
I grab an icepack out of the freezer, then walk over to my roommate. “Yo, Dex.” I slap his shoulder.
“What’s up?” He slams his locker door shut and faces me.
“You think you could put a good word in for me with Callie’s sister?”
His brows arch. “Cydney?”
Nodding, I reply. “Yeah, the mechanic.”
“Hell no. Nope. Not gonna happen.” He shakes his head and starts heading for the showers.
“What? Why not? You’re my bro, do me a solid.” My brows knit as I follow behind him.
“I am your bro, but Cydney is tough as nails. She would never fall for your bullshit. And...if by some fucking miracle she did and you hurt her, it would cause problems between Callie and me if I was involved. I’m not taking that chance. You’re on your own with this one.” He turns on the shower and steps in. I get in the one next to his.
I haven’t seen Cydney since I took my car back to Barry’s for my appointment. I knew she would avoid me and refuse to work on my car, so I made it impossible. I happen to know the other guys that work there, and for a little bit of cash the ones scheduled to work were more than happy to call in. I thought maybe she would have been over our first encounter, but based on her firecracker attitude, spitfire mouth, and venomous eyes, it was pretty easy to figure out she still hates me.
Maybe I egg her on a little, but the girl is sexy as hell when she’s angry. Her confidence and that not-afraid-to-say-exactly-what-she’s-thinking attitude turns me the fuck on.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her and I need to figure out a way to see her again. It would be a shame if one of those brand-new tires she put on got slashed. She’d never suspect I did it myself.
Fuck! My thoughts have me thinking like a desperate pussy just to see some chick. Maverick Taylor doesn’t chase women; hell, I don’t even give most of them a second experience. I need to get my head on straight so I can worry about keeping my arm good and going pro when the scouts start calling.
Stepping out of the shower, I dry off, get my clothes out of my locker, and get ready for Trig.
Advanced business is my last class for today. Professor Boyd talks most of the hour about how to make a business proposal, different investors, and various marketing strategies. It’s not the most interesting topic and I really wouldn’t care, but I always have a backup plan, and if baseball doesn’t work out then I will be working for my father. So, unfortunately, I need this knowledge.
The redhead sitting next to me leans in close. “How’d you do on the test?”
Turning my head in her direction, I give her a sly smile. “Got an A.”
“Wow!” Her eyes grow to the size of saucers. “I got a C. Would you be up for giving me a little tutoring session after class?” She twirls one of her red locks around her finger, and I know she’s not really talking about studying.
“There’s nothing little about my tutoring sessions.” My lips tilt up at the corners. “We can go to my place.” Her beaming smile lasts for the rest of class. The only reason I said my place is because I know Raine, Dex’s baby, is with the third triplet, Cayden. It’s been two weeks since the visit to the hospital, and I’m no longer in pain. I’m ready to get laid!
When Professor Boyd dismisses class, I stay in my seat and so does she. She’s letting me take the lead. When most of the students have cleared out, I stand and she follows behind all the way out of the university, to my apartment building, and to my door. Pulling out my keys, I unlock the front door, take her hand, and show her into the apartment.
I shut the door behind us and when I turn in her direction she leaps into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist. “Hmm. Ready, are you?” This is going to be fun—and I need fun after the last shit-show experience I had.
Her lips kiss all over the side of my neck. “Yes! I’ve been waiting for my chance.”
“Then let’s get to it. Who am I to keep you waiting?” I carry her down the hall and into my bedroom. Throwing her down on my bed, I grab a condom out of my nightstand and lay it on the bed next to her.
Pulling her tight jeans and red lace panties down to her ankles, I slip off her high heels, followed by her jeans and panties. I watch her expression as I run my fingers through her wet slit. Her mouth gapes open and her eyes shut, and I play with her hard little clit for just a moment until my dick is completely hard.
As I remove my finger from her pussy, she mewls in protest until I undo my jeans and push them down, along with my boxer briefs. I don’t need to bother removing them all the way—this won’t take long. After that horrific blowjob incident, I had to give my dick time to recover, and now, since it’s been so long, I’m jonesing for an orgasm.
I rip the condom wrapper open with my teeth and keep my eyes on her while covering my cock with the latex. Hovering over her body, I line up with her entrance and start pushing forward. She moans as I enter her; she’s not too tight, so her pussy sucks me in easy enough.
Thrusting in and out, I rock against her body. I thought she’d be more into it, but she’s just lying underneath me. A moan comes out every once in a while, but her legs are spread open wide, arms to her side and her eyes tightly shut. She’s not doing anything.
I pick up speed, ramming inside of her, going as rough as I can, hoping for a reaction, but still not a damn thing. Yeah, this needs to end quickly, whether she gets off or not.
Closing my eyes, I picture an auburn-haired girl with a sassy mouth. I picture her grey eyes roaming my body, and I picture her tongue peeking out to lick across her lips. My release is sudden and before I know it, I’m filling the condom and groaning as I let the release overtake me.
I open my eyes and look down at the smiling redhead. Worst lay I’ve had in a long time. She was like a dead fish, but I guess since she looks happy she must have enjoyed herself. I’d be a lot more thrilled if I was looking at a certain someone else. But...all in due time.
I climb off her, walk out of my room and into the bathroom, where I dispose of the condom and look at myself in the mirror. What the hell is wrong with me? All I’ve done is picked the wrong ones lately—or were they all bad and I just didn’t pay it any mind? Have I lost my fucking mojo? Sighing deeply, I walk back into my room.
“I hate to cut this short and all, but I got somewhere to be, so you’re gonna have to leave.” I pull my jeans back up. She—I already forgot her name—is fixing her clothes.
“You should call me so we can do this again.” She gives me a sexy smile.
“Sorry, sweetheart, but that’s not gonna happen.” The smile falls from her face. “It was fun, though,” I lie. She doesn’t get a chance to call me an asshole because there’s a knock on the door.
I walk out of my bedroom and down the hall with her hot on my heels. Opening the door, Cayden stands with Raine in her arms.
“Who are you?” the redhead questions like she has some kind of claim here.
Tears spring in Cayden’s eyes and my brows furrow. “Oh, my God! He didn’t tell you about us?” The tears fall effortlessly down Cayden’s cheeks. “He’s my baby daddy and this is his daughter—who he hasn’t seen in two months. He can’t even pay me the child support he promised!” She wails and my mouth drops to the floor.
“You have a baby?” The redhead gawks at me.
“He does!” Cayden dramatically cries out. “I hope he wore a condom because you will end up just like me,” she adds, stretching out the final word in another woeful cry.
The redhead gasps loudly and can’t get out the door fast enough, mumbling, “Worthless asshole,” on her way out.
“What the hell was that?” My brow arches. “You sure you want to be a vet? Maybe you should become an actress with that performance.” I chuckle; really, I should be thanking her for saving my ass from the stage-ten clinger.
“That’s what you get for being a manwhore. The tears are practice from needing an advantage over your sisters.” Cayden busts out laughing. “Sorry for interrupting, but I need you to take Raine.”
“What? No! I can’t take care of a baby!” I shake my head frantically and hold my hands up in surrender. Raine’s been with us for two weeks, but she is always with Dex and Callie or Cayden, so I don’t know Jack shit what to do with her.
“Come on, Mav! We all agreed we would help Dex out—now it’s your turn.”
“But you’re the babysitter!”
“And this babysitter is having cramps from hell. Dex and Callie are gone studying and I didn’t want to bother them. Cydney will be home in a little bit; I’ll send her over to check on you.” Cayden pushes Raine into my arms and leaves me with no choice but to take the baby. “Thanks, Mav.”
She saunters down the hall and I shut the door. Well, guess I got my wish to see my little firecracker. I smile, remembering that, for such a little thing, she has the attitude of someone twice her size.
My eyes drift down to Raine. “Well, looks like it’s just you and me, kid. Be nice to me.” Her little nose scrunches up and she smiles. It makes me laugh; she really is a cute little shit.
Walking over to the couch, I sit down and flip through the channels on our TV. I decide on ESPN, and Raine fusses a little, so I find the thing they pop in her mouth, and she is happy to take it. We sit and watch some sports with her right up against my side.
There’s a knock on the door, waking me. I rub my eyes, realizing I must have fallen asleep. Then, I remember I have Raine. I look down and she is still right up against me, sleeping soundly. I don’t want to wake her, so I pick her up and hold her against my chest like I’ve seen Dex and Callie do. The knock comes again right as I open the door. Cydney’s fist freezes in the air and her lips part slightly.
Maybe she’s not as unaffected by me as she tries to make it seem. Her eyes give my bare chest a quick perusal before she shakes her head slightly and regains her composure. “Cayden told me to check on y’all. Looks like you’re fine, so see ya’.”
Cydney turns to leave, but I reach for her arm with my free hand. “Wait.”
She narrows her eyes on my hand over her shoulder. “Why?”
“You wanna stay for a while? Hang out, watch TV.” I stare blankly.
She’s so fucking sexy, especially right now. She just got off work; still in her oil- and dirt-riddled coveralls that look worn out, her white tank that has grease marks, and her long auburn hair is pulled into a ponytail, but after the long day there’s strands flying everywhere. Between all that and the smudges of oil on her cheeks, nose, and forehead, she’s downright adorable. I have to force my lips to stay even, no matter how hard they try to lift up in a smile.
“We aren’t friends, Maverick. We don’t hang out, we don’t watch TV together, and we don’t sit around chattin’ it up like we’re the best of friends. And it won’t be happening now.” She pulls her arm free from my grasp. I watch her ass sway all the way down the hall until I can’t see her any longer.
I shut the door and look down at a still-sleeping Raine. “I got my work cut out for me with that one.” I smile and laugh. Maverick Taylor always gets what he wants, and what he wants is Cydney Fisher.
Dex and Callie come into the apartment. “How was she?” he asks, going straight for his daughter. She’s the spitting image of him.
“She was good. We watched TV, she ate a bottle after I figured out how to make the shit, and then I got her diaper changed.” He picks her up off the floor where she was lying on her back, playing with a toy that hangs above her head.
“Next time call me.” He kisses Raine on her chubby cheek.
Standing from the floor, I tickle her belly. “We got this, don’t we?” Her smile and giggling make everyone laugh.
Callie sits down on the couch. “Wow, Maverick! I’d say she has you under her spell.” I guess you could say she does and it has been that way ever since I started spending time with her. She really is a great baby. I think we had a bonding moment today or some shit.
I look at Raine in Dex’s arms. “What can I say? She loves me. Just like all the ladies.” I tickle her belly again, making her laugh.
“Not all the ladies,” Callie mumbles.
I narrow my eyes on her. “Your sister is the exception.”
My phone rings. Grabbing it off the coffee table, I head to my room. I hear their laughter all the way. They may laugh now, but I’ll be the one laughing when I have Cydney Fisher as putty in my hands. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hello, Maverick. Your father and I wanted to let you know we won’t be around for the holidays.”
I roll my eyes. “Of course, you won’t. Where’s he taking you this year: France, Italy, Hawaii?” I sit on the edge of my bed.
“We are touring Europe.” I can hear her smile through the phone.
Sarcastically, I respond, “Have a nice trip.” I hang up on her and throw my phone on the bed. Lying back, I put one arm under my head. Well, looks like it’ll be Zac and me once again, because he doesn’t see his parents, either, but Dex will be with Callie. It shouldn’t even bother me anymore that I don’t see my parents, but it does.