“Maybe. Probably,” Levi conceded. He nuzzled the curve of her neck. “We, you and I, us, are a fine mix. Practically perfect.”
“Practically.” Piper tipped her head, just a bit, giving Levi an open path to her shoulder. When he used his tongue to sample the sweet flavor, her fingers tightened, gripping his arm and shooting a bolt of pleasure through his body. “Perfect would be boring. And you, my friend, are anything but that.”
“Friends.” Levi nodded. He tugged her shirt down her arms leaving a puddle of bright yellow on the floor. “Soon to be lovers?”
“Yes.” With a sultry laugh, Piper jumped, her arms twining around Levi’s neck, her legs circling his waist. “Pretty please.”
“With sugar on top,” Levi promised as he carried Piper into the bedroom.
“I like spice with my sweet,” she reminded him. “And heat. The hotter the better.”
“Your wish is my command.” Moving to the bed, Levi ripped back the covers. “Let’s burn up the sheets.”
Levi had imagined making love to Piper more times than he could count. At times, the need felt desperate, at others, hopeless. Tonight, she was finally his, but he felt no desire to rush. He’d waited too long to hurry. He would take his time and when he was done, he’d start again. Then again. And again.
“Wait.” Piper squirmed out of Levi’s arms. Reluctantly, he let her go.
“Have you changed your mind?”
Say no. Levi sent her silent plea, chanting the same words over and over in his head. Say no. Say no. Say no.
“No.”
The relief was so intense, Levi felt his knees begin to buckle. With an air of nonchalance that he didn’t feel, he gripped the wrought-iron headboard and remained upright.
“What’s going on in that complex mind of yours?” Lightly, Levi tapped her temple with his knuckle, a kiss to the same spot quickly followed. “Sex is best if you think—but not too much.”
“Are you in pain?” Piper ran her hands over his right arm. “Stiff? Sore? You just played four quarters of football. Jumping on you? I must be freaking crazy.”
“I’m fine,” he assured her.
To prove his point, Levi lifted his throwing arm over his head, gritting his teeth through a wince. He swallowed a groan of pain.
“Since you insist on lying, let me be the judge,” Piper insisted.
Worried her concern might lead them to another night of only cuddling, Levi shook his head. They were going to have sex. Even if he died afterward, at least he would go out with a smile on his face.
“The training staff gave me a thorough treatment in the locker room,” Levi promised. “Do you know what I found out? Claire Thornton recently developed a line of products exclusively for the Knights. Balms, and lotions, and tonics. One application and I felt like a new man.”
“I won’t believe you unless I see for myself.” Determined, Piper slipped the top button of his shirt from the hole. “After I undress you, I plan to check every inch of your body for bruises and contusions. Damned opposing defense. Sacking you is bad enough. Did they have to grind you into the ground in the process.”
“Linebackers love to inflict pain onto quarterbacks. It’s what they live to do,” Levi told her. Then, her words sank in. “Undress me? Examine my body?”
“Head to toe,” she said with a brisk nod. “Don’t argue. I’m determined to have my way.”
Argue? Had she lost her mind? If Piper wanted to put her hands on his naked body, he’d be a happy camper. Let the exam begin.
“If you must,” he sighed, hoping his acting skills were up to the challenge. “I won’t stop you.”
First, Piper knelt and removed Levi’s shoes. His socks were next. Reaching for the waistband of his pants, she released the button and zipper with admirable ease. A moment later, the lightweight wool was pooled at his feet.
“Step out,” Piper instructed.
Levi glanced from the top of Piper’s head to the underwear covered bulge between his legs. He was hard, a fact she had to know since her gaze was level with his erection. He didn’t know whether to be impressed or insulted when she didn’t even blink.
“Very nice,” Piper said before rising to her feet.
“Thank you.” Levi nodded, the bump to his ego assuaged by the glint of appreciation in her eyes.
“Arms straight,” Piper said as undid the last button on his shirt. She laid the garment aside with his pants, carefully folding each item.
“You’re a neat freak,” he teased.
“I’m conscientious,” Piper insisted. Now, turn around. Slowly. Make a full circle.”
Amused, Levi complied. He could feel Piper’s gaze as she visually inspected him for injuries.
“Lie down. Move until you’re centered in the middle of the bed.”
“Your wish is my command,” Levi said as he scooted onto the mattress.
Piper moved to the bottom of the bed. She didn’t smile at him or change expression in any way. But when she swallowed, hard, and her breath came a little faster—a sure sign she liked the view—Levi tucked his arms behind his head with a satisfied grin.
“Oh, my.” Piper fanned herself with her hand. “You are so pretty. Yum. Thank you for taking such good care of yourself.”
“I have one request before you begin,” Levi said before Piper could crawl onto the bed.
“I’m open for suggestions,” she told him. “Within reason.”
“Lose the shirt. And the jeans.”
Levi wondered if Piper would argue. After all, her purpose was supposed to be clinical. Strictly business. His pleasure would come later—he hoped. He was surprised and delighted when she shimmied the denim down her hips without a word of protest.
“I won’t take off my shirt.” Piper shook. “Nope. I don’t want to catch a chill.”
“Feel.” Levi pressed her hand to his heated skin. “Stay close to me and I’ll keep you warm.”
“Consider my shirt an extra layer of protection,” she said.
“Against the cold. Or me?” he asked when she reversed all his good work and rebuttoned the shirt—all the way to her neck.
“I didn’t want the ends
