Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 85838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
Maddox: Whoever says first base is easy never did a split while fielding a hard throw.
A group of young guys in colorful Speedos rushes past me, heading to the beach just outside the lobby. Dance music plays from an outdoor club. But I’m too busy replying to care about the scene.
Zane: Some agents would lead with a compliment on my bat. You lead with a compliment on my glove.
Maddox: First, I’m not just some agent. Second, I didn’t think you’d need compliments on your bat.
I smile as I head for the stairwell, bounding up the steps as I reply.
Zane: Have you met me? I love bat compliments.
Maddox: Ah, if only I could give you the bat praise you truly want. But here we are. Your hitting was stellar, and your fielding was legendary. There. Are you satisfied?
Zane: Not in the least when it comes to you. But I’ll accept your praise for now. Also, thank you big time for the Hoffman tip!
Maddox: Glad it paid off. That was a helluva single. Oh hey, there’s your bat compliment.
Zane: Finally. Anyway, stop being so cagey. Give me the details of the meeting this morning.
Maddox: Yes, Zane, I was holding back. Keeping it all from you.
Zane: I know you were, man. You like to tease me.
Maddox: Is that what I do?
Zane: Yes. You tease me and toy with me and torture me.
Maddox: I sure sound fun.
Zane: The most fun. Trust me on that.
Our chemistry has me so riled up I don’t even feel bad about skirting the line of professionalism. When I hit the fourth floor, I push open the door and head down the hall and finally into my room, clutching my phone. I’m stoked to hear about his meeting, but I’m also excited to keep talking.
Maddox: Can I call you?
Zane: Anytime.
The second the door snicks shut, my phone rings. I frown as I answer. “What? No video call?”
A laugh comes from the man. “Did you want a video call?”
“From you? Hell yes.” I’m feeling feisty tonight. Maybe a little demanding. A highlights-reel-worthy game will do that to a man.
Maddox is quiet for a few seconds. “For real, Zane?” His question is both vulnerable and legit curious.
A video call is a risky step.
I floated the option to razz him. But now that FaceTiming is on the table, I crave it. The more I have of him, the more I want. That’s getting to be a problem, but I don’t want to find a solution tonight.
“I mean, if you’re decent.” I stride to the orange couch and flop onto it, the ocean behind me.
He laughs softly, a sexy sound. “Depends what you consider decent.”
My dick goes semi-hard in two seconds. “I better check you out to determine if you are, then.”
“You sure you can handle it?” Challenge marks his tone. “My possible indecency?”
Whoa. He’s tangoing more than usual tonight, pushing the line. But I’m not one to back down. “Damn sure.”
“If you insist…” he says, inviting me to insist.
I sit up taller. Maddox loves orders, so I do the decent thing and give him one. “Yes, I insist. Do it now.”
“Only because you demanded nicely,” he says, his voice a raspy taunt, and oh yeah. I’m fully hard now.
Seconds later, the phone rings, and when I answer the video chat, I regret and rejoice. It’s twilight in Los Angeles, and my sexy-as-sin agent is lounging in his pool. He floats on a yellow raft, bobbing gently in the shallow end of a long pool, wearing only black swim trunks. His phone must be sitting in a holder on the deck. Water glistens on his abs, revealing he’s toned and cut. His torso is smooth everywhere.
“Hello, eight-pack,” I say, a rumble in my throat.
With a grin, he lifts a hand, runs it through his wet hair. “I just got home, and I wanted to go for a dip,” he says, as if he needs to explain anything right now.
“Feel free to go for a dip any time of the day or night so long as you call me,” I say, mesmerized.
“I’d be calling a lot,” he says.
“Good,” I say, before considering the implications of that one word and its promise of more of us. I sit up straighter, staring hard at the screen like that will let me crawl into the phone and land in his home, where I can lick every last drop of water from his chest, abs, happy trail. “I want to go for a dip,” I murmur.
His gaze drifts down his body. “So, what’s your verdict, your honor?”
“Verdict?” I can’t think straight with the way he looks.
“Decent or indecent?” he prompts.
My pulse races at the innuendo. He’s kicked things up a notch tonight. At the rooftop party, he was uber professional, in the car ride to my hotel he was friendly, and when we texted, he was caring, but a touch dangerous at times. Tonight, though? He’s full-on flirt, and I am here for it.