The Way We Touch: or Wrangling the Wide Receiver (The Bradford Boys)

Warm water rains over us, and Dylan’s hands press against the stone wall of my shower. She’s gasping my name, moaning loudly, and my eyes roll shut as I grip her hips, driving my cock deep into her drenched pussy.

Her ass twerks against my pelvis, and I reach around to circle my fingers over her clit. It isn’t long before her knees buckle, and I catch her around the waist. She feels so good taking me. She’s tight and hot and wet, and when she breaks into orgasm, my mind alters.

My teeth are against the skin of her shoulder, and she trembles in my arms. I’m holding her up and finishing, three more solid thrusts, before the orgasm shocks me rigid, causing me to still as the pulsing fills her, until it’s spilling down our legs.

Her head falls back against my collarbone, and I kiss her neck, pulling the skin between my teeth. She tilts her face, and I capture her mouth again, licking my tongue against hers. She’s my drug, and I can’t get enough. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if we stay in this apartment for the next four days doing nothing but fucking.

Turning in my arms, her soft breasts press against my chest, and I wrap my arms over hers, looking down into her pretty amber eyes.

“You okay?” My voice is so warm with affection. Have I ever spoken to a woman this way?

“I’m better than okay.” She grins, and that dimple is at the corner of her mouth. “I’m in heaven.”

“Let me clean you up.” I reach for the loofah and put my shower gel on it.

It’s masculine and woodsy, but I like her smelling like me, like mine.

I slide the sponge over her shoulders, but I use my fingers to clean between her legs. Her cheek is against my shoulder while I work, and that lazy smile curls her lips.

“Are you trying to make me come again?”

“I plan to make you come all night, but first, let’s get clean.”

Reaching for the shampoo, I gently rub it into her hair, working up a lather. Then I hold her head as we step under the shower spray to rinse. Her chin lifts, and I cover her mouth with mine, fresh water mixing with our kisses.

When we’re done, I shut off the faucet and wrap us both in oversized towels. Dylan takes a smaller one and wraps it around her head like a turban.

“I ordered food.” I lead us from the bedroom to the small foyer area where we left her suitcase. “It’s probably sitting outside the door.”

“I’ll get changed.” She smiles, catching my arm and rising onto her tiptoes for another kiss.

I lean down and hold her lips with mine for the space of two heartbeats. It’s such a relief to be able to touch her. I’m realizing how much I’ve wanted to do it since we said goodbye what feels like a million years ago.

Two medium-rare steaks with asparagus and a light lemon sauce are plated and reheated. I’ve changed into gray sweatpants and a white T-shirt, and she walks into the kitchen in her feet bare wearing nothing but my navy and red jersey.

I have to stop and admire her. A giant red 12 is on her chest, and her damp hair is over her shoulder. Her lips are swollen from my kisses, and possession burns in my chest.

“Damn, Dylan.” My hand covers the ache in my stomach. “I just want to fuck you again.”

She leans forward with a giggle and skips over to me. Rising onto her toes, she wraps her arms around my neck. I lift her onto the bar so I can kiss her properly, sliding my tongue with hers and slipping my hands under her top to feel her warm skin, her soft breasts.

Her lips break away, and she gives me two quick kisses. “You have to feed me first, because I haven’t eaten since lunch.”

I grin at her sassy tone, kissing her once more slowly before releasing her.

“Is that what you’re wearing to the gala?” I walk over to uncork a bottle of red wine.

“Of course!” She holds out her arms, looking down at the shirt. “And those beautiful pearls you gave me.”

I’m pretty sure I’ll be smiling all weekend. Everything she says, every sound she makes is the sweetest music to my ears.

“Here.” I hand her a glass of wine. “To staying in bed all weekend.”

“Mmm…” She clinks her glass to mine. “That sounds like a dream.”

I wish it were possible. The reality is, I have practice tomorrow and a light workout Saturday morning, but having her here, waiting for me when I get home, is the best reward.

“I can’t believe I haven’t seen my brother yet,” she calls from behind the closed door.

We spent our first night wrapped in each other’s arms. Friday morning we shared coffee and a light breakfast before I left for practice.

When I got home, she met me at the door in my jersey, so of course, I carried her inside and bent her over the couch. Again, I ordered dinner in, because we couldn’t seem to stop touching each other… or maybe that was just me touching her.

She’d spent the day running around Midtown then stopping by the American Ballet Company offices to see about getting an audition invitation for Mia.

“It’s the only way to get in,” she’d told me as I held her in my arms last night.

“All you have to do is ask for one?” I confess, I know nothing about ballet.

“Anyone can ask, but Constance Westwood carries a lot of weight in the community.” My brow furrows, and she explains. “She was my teacher when I was at the dance academy in Mobile. She’s an alum, and I hope saying she taught me, and Mia is one of my students, will get her toe in the door.”

“Wow.” My eyebrows rise. “I get why Mia’s mom was crying now.”

Her lips pressed into a smile, and her cute ears turned red. Naturally, I had to roll her onto her back and make sweet love to my beautiful, generous girl.

My girl. I’m not sure when I started calling her that, when the words first appeared in my mind, but they’re so right.

I can’t stop touching and tasting her. When we sit, I pull her into my side, inhaling her silky hair, and when we sleep, she’s wrapped in my arms. We’re like two stars pulled together by inescapable gravity.

Now she has me outside the bedroom door waiting while she puts on her dress for the gala. She went out this morning when I was at training to have her hair and makeup done—not that she needs any of that. Dylan is so naturally beautiful.

“You’ll see Garrett tonight. He had a pretty hard practice yesterday.”

“He texted me asking if we were ever leaving this apartment.”

“I hope you told him no.”

A soft laugh drifts from her to me, making me smile. “We’ll have to have brunch or lunch with him tomorrow.”

Her voice approaches the door, and I straighten, ready to see her again. I’m like a little kid unhappy when even a thin plank of wood keeps me from the object of my affection.

It took me a whole five minutes to pull on my basic black tuxedo pants, tie, and jacket, and when she opens the door, my breath disappears.

“Fuck…” The word slips from my lips on a whisper. “We’re not going anywhere with you looking like that.”

Her dress is floor-length and flowy, made of a nude, seemingly transparent fabric that’s covered in glittering sparkles. It has spaghetti straps, and the front is a V-neck wrap. It’s low cut to allow the swell of her breasts to taunt me. Hell, the whole damn dress taunts me.

Her cheeks flush pink, and she looks down, lifting the sides of her skirt in her fingers. “It’s like I’m wrapped in starlight.”

“You look amazing.” I walk to where she’s standing, lifting her hand in mine. “I’m going to have to beat up every guy who looks at you.”

“You are not.” She laughs, placing her palms flat against the lapels of my jacket.

The pearl bracelet I gave her is delicate on her wrist, and the diamond-tipped pearl earrings warm her cheeks. Leaning down, I kiss her glossy pink lips. Her dark hair is pulled up on the sides, but it hangs in flowing mahogany ripples down her shoulders and back.

I trace my thumb lightly across the top of her cheek. “I’m really glad you came this weekend.”

She leans her cheek against my hand, blinking thick lashes up at me. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m having a wonderful time.”

“I guess we have to make an appearance at this party, but don’t expect to stay too long.”

Her nose wrinkles, and she leans closer to kiss me softly. “You’re the boss.”

“I like the sound of that.” My voice is a low growl. “Maybe a little too much.”

She steps away, holding my hand. “We’d better go or we never will.”

The Gala for a Cure is packed with celebrities and influencers. The entire football team is here, since it’s our quarterback’s designated charity.

Photographers wait for us to step out of the SUV, and I wish I could protect Dylan from this part of my job. The gossip sites and the entertainment reporters are always in our business, and their opinions and comments can be really shitty at times.

I don’t want Dylan to lose her privacy, and I fear as soon as they see this beautiful mystery woman on my arm, a feeding frenzy will erupt.

Flashing lights blind us as we step out, and photographers shout my name. I lift the side of my jacket, doing my best to hustle us up the red-carpeted stairs and into the venue as quickly as possible. Dylan holds my arm and the side of her dress, as she tries to keep up with me in her heels.

“Where’s the fire?” She laughs, pushing her hair back when we stop inside the foyer of the ballroom.

“I hate those guys.” I straighten my coat, and she reaches up to fix my collar.

“My brothers hated them too.” Her voice is calm, matter-of-fact “Well, all except Hendrix. I think he really enjoys being the center of attention. He likes to say it’s because I came along and stole the spotlight when we were babies.”

“When I was his age, first starting out, I thought it was cool. Like I was a rockstar. Now I’ve learned you never know what they’re going to say about you, and you can never get them to take it back.”

“I’m not worried about Internet gossip.”

“Finally, there you are!” Garrett’s booming voice greets us as we enter the ballroom.

Dylan’s eyes light, and she lifts the side of her dress again before skipping over to hug her brother. “I can’t jump on your back in this thing,” she laughs, hugging him.

“Good thing.” He lifts her off the ground in a bear hug. “You’re getting chonky.”

“I am not!” She slaps his back, and I chuckle at the two of them.

A tall, size zero brunette reaches for his arm, and my brows rise when I recognize Lainey Smith at his side. Lainey is one of Natalia’s model friends, and I’m surprised to see her here with the Grizz. At least she isn’t constantly taking pictures and posting on her socials.

“Hi, Lainey.” I reach out to shake her hand.

“Logan.” Her slim brow arches, and she inspects Dylan. “Who’s your lovely date?”

“Ah, Lainey Smith, meet my little sister Dylan.” Garrett puts his hand on Lainey’s upper back. “She flew in from Alabama so this guy could attend.”

“Yes, she did.” My voice is warm as I look down at my girl.

“Sounds serious.” Lainey’s gaze goes from Dylan to me. “How did you meet from so far away?”

“Brought him home this summer to meet the fam,” Garrett quips. “And Dylan nailed him with a ghost pepper!”

“Garrett!” Dylan punches him in the upper arm then shakes her hand. “Ow!”

“It’s a slab of granite.” He flexes his bicep, grinning.

“You okay?” I take Dylan’s hand in mine and gently massage it.

“Yes.” She shakes her head. “It’s really nice to meet you, Lainey. I don’t know what you’re doing with my two-headed brother.”

“She’s only met the one head so far.” Garrett is on a roll.

“Garrett.” This time Dylan only pushes his arm. He doesn’t move. “What would Mamma say?”

“She tried.” He laughs, elbowing my chest.

Lainey rolls her eyes at him then blinks to me. “What’s this about a ghost pepper?”

“It was just a silly accident.” Dylan cuts in. “Are you really a model? Have you met Anna Wintour?”

“Yes and no.” Lainey smiles, slipping her hand into the crook of Dylan’s arm. “Let’s get a drink. You seem like fun.”

“Oh… ahh…” Dylan’s eyes flash to me. “Is that okay?”

Hesitating, I’m not entirely comfortable with Lainey taking her away and giving her the third degree so she can report it all back to Natalia. At the same time, Dylan can handle herself, and I want everyone to know about her.

“Go ahead.” I give her a wink. “I’ll be right here.”

She smiles, and I watch as she walks to the bar with Lainey. She’s a curvy, delicious bundle of sexy spice wrapped in starlight, and I like Lainey a little better for being nice to her.

“I’ll take a ghost pepper to a glacier any day,” I say absently.

“Even if she melts your face off?”

“She’s melted more than my face.”

His brow furrows, and he momentarily drops the bravado. “You’re really serious about my little sister. What does that mean?”

I know what I want it to mean, but all I say is, “We’re doing our best to take it slow.”

“Doesn’t look slow to me.”

I can’t argue in view of how we’ve spent the last two nights, but he doesn’t want to hear about that. Instead, I follow him to the nearest open bar, and I wait as he orders a beer for him and a whiskey neat for me.

“What are you doing here with Lainey?” I take a sip of my drink. “You always said you hated skinny women.”

“Hate is a strong word, my friend. I needed a date for tonight, and Lainey was available.” He takes a drink. “She’s the least annoying of Natalia’s friends, but you’re right. Give me a redneck girl with a nice ass, and I’ll be a happy man.”

Assman, I chuckle to myself. “What happened to Wendy? She seemed to fit the bill.”

“Would you believe she went and got a boyfriend on me while we were down south? I swear, you can’t go out of town these days.”

I exhale a laugh. “At least you’re not here with Natalia.”

“Speak of the devil.” Garrett coughs into his sleeve.

I turn just in time to see my ex walking up with Ricky (the dick) Berke.

“Hello, Logan.” Her voice is cool confidence.

She steps forward to put her hand on my arm and kiss my cheek. I don’t recoil, but I don’t really appreciate the gesture. I don’t want Dylan to think I’m still interested in her.

“Natalia.” I nod curtly. “Ricky.”

Garrett puts a hand on my shoulder, pointing at the two of them. “Are you two dating or is this just for the gala?”

“What do you think, Grizz?” Ricky puts his hand on Natalia’s ass, and I notice her flinch.

I dated Natalia long enough to know she doesn’t appreciate public displays of affection. Or pretty much any physically attentive behavior. I’m half waiting for her to bite his head off when Dylan’s sweet voice joins us.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to run off on you the minute we got here.”

My shoulders relax, and I slide her silky hair off her shoulder before putting my arm around her. “No apology necessary. I want you to have a good time and meet people.”

“And who might this be?” Natalia studies us. “Not Garrett’s little sister I’ve heard so much about?”

“You’ve heard about me?” Dylan’s eyes blink wider, and she steps forward with her hand extended. “Natalia van Norse, I’m so pleased to meet you.”

To her credit, Natalia is caught off guard. “The pleasure is all mine, I’m sure.”

“Sorry,” Dylan’s chin dips. “I’m Dylan Bradford. Garrett’s sister, and, ahh…”

Her eyes flicker to me, and I reach for her hand. “My girlfriend.”

Natalia’s eyes widen. “Girlfriend?”

I have no idea why she’s pretending to be shocked, but I explain. “We’ve been seeing each other since July.”

“We were at Galileo’s in June.”

I want to ask how it went with the Greek guy, but Dylan speaks first. “I confess, I’m a little starstruck meeting you. I always check out your Instagram for fashion ideas. I absolutely adored the dress you wore to last year’s Met Gala.”

Natasha’s lips part, and she seems thoroughly confused. She can’t possibly fathom someone as genuinely kind as Dylan.

“Thank you.” Natalia clears her throat, tugging on Ricky’s arm. “We’re just going to get some drinks. I hope you all have a wonderful evening.”

Dylan watches them go before turning to me and slipping her hands in my arms. “Everyone’s so nice. I was so worried they’d treat me like a hick.”

“If anyone treats you like a hick, you let me know.” A low growl is in my tone, and amusement shines on her face.

“I won’t, but I really like this protective side of you.”

Placing my thumb on her chin, I hold her gaze. “I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

“Logan! I’ve been searching for you everywhere.” I recognize Maddy Johnson’s voice. “Where is my new best friend?”

Maddy is in a flowing white dress that reminds me of a toga, and she has a gold belt around her empire waist and a gold headband on her blonde head. Both hands are extended to Dylan.

“When Logan told me you were from Alabama, I squealed, didn’t I, Logan?” I nod as she continues. “It’s so good to have someone from home to talk to.”

“I know just what you mean.” Dylan pulls her into a hug. “This is an amazing event. Did you do it all yourself?”

“Lord, no!” Maddy shakes her head. “We have a team of party planners handling all this. Let’s get more champagne.”

She drags Dylan to the bar, and I hang back, watching her fit into my world.

“Those accents, heavens!” Natalia holds her hand beside her ear as if she’s getting feedback. “I know some people find it charming, but it’s like nails on a chalkboard.”

My brow lowers. “Jealousy’s not a good look on you.”

She holds up both hands. “Easy, big guy. I was only teasing. I actually walked over to say you’re different. You seem happier than you’ve ever been—or at least than you ever were with me.”

“We had very little in common.” I take another sip of whiskey.

“Is that true?” Her eyes narrow. “I’d say we have very much in common. We’re both from wealthy, detached parents. We’re both smarter than the professions we’ve chosen.”

“I’ve never cared for stereotypes.”

“Still, they have a basis in fact. Models and jocks are not typically geniuses, but you and I notice things.”

“What have you noticed?” Not that I particularly care.

“You’re dating this little girl from the country. I can’t think of a better way to get back at your father. I’m sure he’s so proud.”

I study her, trying to figure out if she’s joking. Anyone close to me knows I don’t have that kind of relationship with my father.

“You know me so well.” I can’t keep the sarcasm out of my tone.

“I’m simply trying to say she’s very sweet, and you seem happy. That’s all.”

“In that case, have a nice evening.”

I want to find my girl and dance with her in that dress.