Page 31 of In a Pickle

“Careful,” he said. “I’m all sweaty.”

“I don’t care,” Liana said and kissed him soundly. “Congrats. You played so well today!”

“Thank you. I’m pleased with it. Wish I had won that second-to-last game, though. I definitely had an opening to —”

“Stop it, Mr. Perfectionist,” Kelsey interrupted. “You’re being annoying. You’ve got your two favorite girls in the world cheering you on, and you got on the podium. Be happy for once.”

“You’re right,” he said, and for a second he looked surprised, as if just realizing that he was, in fact, happy. Liana beamed at him.

James narrowed his eyes, seemingly thinking something through. “Did you two drive separately or carpool?” James asked.

“Liana drove me,” Kels answered.

“Cool.” James reached into his bag and pulled out his car keys, tossing them to Kelsey. “You drive my car back. I’ll drive with Liana. We’ll meet you at home.”

“Seriously?” Kelsey’s eyes lit up with excitement. “You’re letting me drive the Beemer?” He nodded, and she squealed.

“Liana, he’s letting me drive his car! I’ve never driven it before. You know how men are such babies about their cars. He treats his car better than I bet he would treat an actual child.”

“I do not!” James said indignantly. “Now, please go. I mean,” he turned to Liana, “as long as it’s okay if I ride with you. Either back to your place, or, preferably, to mine.”

“Definitely,” she said. “I’ll drive you. We can all meet at your place.”

“No take backs!” Kels yelled over her shoulder, mock-sprinting toward James’ car.

Liana turned to him, and he took her hand in his. “Great playing today,” she said.

“Thanks. I had a pretty woman to look at for inspiration.”

“The view from the bleachers wasn’t too bad, either.”

Chapter 19: Liana

James suddenly stopped and looked as if he’d just come up with a genius idea. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he smirked at Liana.

“You’ve got a look in your eye. What is it?” Liana asked.

Raising a sly eyebrow, James said, “Come with me.” He started off toward what looked like a small concession stand, a curious Liana in tow. “You’re way too sexy, and I honestly can’t wait another minute to touch you. I was going to wait until we get home, but I need to touch you now.”

Liana felt as if her throat had suddenly left her body. “Touch me?” she half-squeaked.

“Yes,” he confirmed, halting briefly to look her straight in the eye. “I’ve been so patient all day, Liana, watching you in that tiny little tennis skirt. I was getting so distracted every time I looked at you, thinking I could just slip my fingers under that skirt and sink them into you. I’ve been dying to make you come. May I?” he added.

“Yes, that — that would — yes,” Liana stammered, her core thrumming. “But — where —” He was leading her around the back of the small concession stand building, to a small alley. He looked around wildly, as if trying to find the right spot. He seemed to be in a hurry.

“I thought there would be somewhere…” he muttered, and then suddenly turned down a path. With Liana scrambling behind, he turned again into a little alcove, where a door apparently led to the inside of the concession stand. The alcove hid the door, and James and Liana, from the passersby.

James made a little noise that sounded like victory. “Perfect. No one can see us.”

“But isn’t there someone in that concession stand?” Liana squeaked. “They’ll see us.”

“Nah. They closed up shop before my last match. I know because I tried to buy a bottle of water and they were closed. See?” He pushed on the door handle, and the door didn’t budge. “It’s locked. Nobody can see us here. Okay?” He brushed a strand of hair off her face.

Liana wasn’t sure which emotion was stronger: desire for this man or fear of getting caught. She’d never hooked up in a public place before, but… the thought did kind of intrigue her. And this alcove did feel about as private as an outdoor place could get.

“Nobody will see you. I promise,” coaxed James. He brought her back gently toward the door and covered her with his body, placing an arm on the door on either side of her face. She drew in a breath, her heart bucking wildly. “Nobody walks near here, and if they do, I’m covering you. I’ve got you.”

And his voice, so soothing, made lust finally win out. “Okay,” she breathed.