Taking A Risk by Karen Monroe

Will

Iexpected Analise’s stubborn resistance. But if she wants the truth, she’s going to have to face it head on with me.

I hand her the slides for her feet. “I came back because I love you.”

“Stop saying that. It changes nothing.”

“It changes everything. You want me to walk away and forget about you. I can’t.” My head shakes at the very notion. “I hear what you’re saying, but we haven’t tried. Give us a chance. We can make this work.”

“How do we do that? I mean, you got a plan, right?”

Here was the moment of truth. “I do.”

She crosses her arms, raising her brows expectantly.

I point at the broom. “Let me clean up the mess first, then we’ll talk.”

“Gawd. I hate it when you do that,” she mutters.

“Do what?”

“Sound so reasonable, like you always have the answers.”

“Analise, I don’t have any answers. I just know I love you. That’s it. I know what I’m going to ask is a risk. I know, but I’m asking you to give us a chance. Let’s take a risk… together and see where this goes.”

Her eyes flare as she stares at me with a steady, unwavering gaze. “You’re really serious?”

Finally.She’s getting it. “Yes.”

She puts the slides on her feet and jumps from the counter. “Okay. Go clean up.”

Perplexed, I peer at her. “That’s it? You’re not going to argue anymore?”

She scoffs, opening the refrigerator. “What good will it do? It hasn’t worked so far.”

Nodding, I hurry to the front door and make quick work cleaning up the spilled food and broken plate. I’m not sure Analise won’t give me the slip. Since I ruined her breakfast, I’m hoping she’ll be receptive to leaving the house for a bite to eat; yet she’s already at the counter swiping mayonnaise across two pieces of white bread when I return.

“I owe you a meal. Let me take you somewhere.”

Her eyes slide in my direction. “I’m good. Besides, I want to get this over with.”

She’s not going to make this easy for me. Exhaling, I take a seat at the kitchen table. I know I deserve her anger for the way we parted, but she never gave me a chance to apologize. Certainly, she deserves a bit of her own medicine.

“Blocking my number was a really shitty thing to do.”

Analise huffs as she places two large hunks of chicken on a piece of toast. “If you would have stopped calling, I wouldn’t have had to do it.”

I laugh off her hostility. Getting angry accomplishes nothing. For Analise to even consider my plan, I need her to keep an open mind. I don’t want anger clouding her judgement.

I wait until she’s done fixing her meal. It’s close enough to lunch, so I guess she decided to skip breakfast.

When she sits at the table, I eye her sandwich. It’s nothing fancy, but my stomach grumbles. Analise shakes her head and hands me half. I lift a brow at her generosity.

“I’d rather you not bite my hand off if your hunger gets out of control.”

“When I’m in training, I’m always hungry,” I mumble around a bite.

“Only when you’re training?” She sarcastically asks, sliding a water bottle across the table. I smile at her thoughtfulness. She’s pissed with me, but still catering to my needs. I don’t even think she’s aware of it.

“So, what’s this plan? And please don’t say love solves all because we both know that’s bullshit.”

I finish my half of the sandwich. It was more like a snack. Then I take a sip of water to clear my palate. “Okay. But promise me you’ll hear me out. Tildee said she—"

“Wait a minute. You talked to Tildee?”

My eyes stay glued to hers. “That’s how I knew you’d be home today.”

“That little bitch. She set me up.”

“Don’t blame her. I begged. I knew you wouldn’t see me any other way, and I didn’t want to talk about this while you were at work. She wouldn’t help me until I told her I would do anything to get you back.”

Analise shakes her head. “She’s always been a romantic at heart. I’m sure she fell for that like a ton of bricks.” Her forehead creases as her eyes narrow suspiciously. “When exactly did you talk to her?”

I don’t like admitting we’ve been in contact behind her back for the past week, but it’s important to start with a foundation of honesty.

“I spoke to her yesterday, but we also talked before that. I needed her advice… and help on how to get you to talk to me. I also talked to Shelby and Nate.”

Analise nods, then takes a bite of her sandwich. She chews thoughtfully, digesting the information along with her food. “So, what’s the plan? Clearly you have one. You got everyone to set this up. Let’s hear it.”

It’s now or never. Time to lay all my cards on the table. Steeling my nerves, I start. “I want you to come with me when I’m drafted.”

Her mouth opens, then closes, and it takes a few seconds before she finally utters, “What?”

“Come with me when I’m drafted,” I say again.

Her half-eaten sandwich falls to her plate as she stares at me like I’ve sprouted a second head. “Will, I can’t come with you. That’s… crazy. Shelby and Nate are both in school.” She pats her chest. “I’m still in school. I can’t just drop all that and come with you.”

I grab her hands, holding them steady. I try to put all the love I feel for her in my eyes. “Listen, just listen. I’m not sure where I’ll end up, but I’m sure wherever I go there’ll be a four-year university with a nursing program there. You can transfer after you finish out the year.” I know I’m asking a lot, and clasp our hands, because I want her to know we’re in this together.

“Shelby’s on track to finish school next year. She wants to stay with Tildee until she graduates, then she’ll join us. Nate wants to come with us wherever. Though, I think he’s just psyched he’ll get to go to some NFL games.”

Analise laughs derisively. “Sounds like he has his priorities straight.”

“He could be into worse things at his age,” I remind her.

She exhales a breath, but it’s hard to gauge her mood. “Seems like you’ve thought of everything. What about the house?”

“You can rent it out. Put the money into a savings account for Shelby and Nate.”

A wary smile lines her face as she shakes her head. “You’re basically asking me and my family to give up the only security we have to follow your dream. Do you realize how selfish that is?”

I nod. “It is selfish. But Analise, I’m desperate to keep you. I need you in my life.”

She looks at me with watery eyes and red cheeks. I don’t waste another second before I pull her close, lifting her off her chair and into my lap.

Cradling her face in the palm of my hands, I swipe away the wetness clinging to her bottom lashes. “I know what I’m asking, but these past three months have been hell. Being without you fucking sucked. I thought about you damn near every second of every day… and night. I’m miserable without you, Analise.”

Her forehead touches mine. She inhales deeply and her body instantly relaxes in my arms. “I missed you, too, but I-I don’t know if I can—"

“You don’t have to answer right now. I’ve put a lot out there. You need time, and I don’t expect an answer tonight. The draft isn’t even until next month. You don’t have to decide anything right now. Just promise me you’ll think about it. That you won’t give up on us.”

She nods slowly, her blue-gray eyes filled with love, confusion, and worry. I need to ease her fears the only way I know how—by showing her. Sliding one hand behind her neck, I press feather-like kisses along her jawline.

“Will,” she breathes, and now there’s another emotion reflecting in her beautiful eyes—desire.

I pull her upper body flush against mine, lifting her so she can straddle my hips. My mouth waters to taste her sweet mouth again, and I waste no time pulling her mouth to mine. I’m so needy for her.

Standing, I grasp her firm buttocks to keep her anchored. I could take her right here on the kitchen table, but I want to savor her body. It’s been too long. I walk us to her bedroom without pulling my lips away. When I feel the edge of the mattress against my knees, I lower us down, continuing my plunder of her lips. My dick is begging me to rip her clothes off and fuck her until the bedframe breaks. It’s a struggle to stay in control.

“I need to get you naked,” I groan.

She nods and eases up to lift her tee shirt over her head in one smooth motion. She’s not wearing a bra and her nipples stiffen under my intense gaze. Leaning down, I trail my tongue along the valley between her breasts, then pull one of her tender peaks into my mouth for a deep draw. She writhes frantically, grinding her crotch against my harden cock with more and more urgency.

I’m going to cum in my pants if we don’t stop. Rising to my knees, I shrug off my shirt. Then I reach for the snap of her jeans to remove them. She’s naked in the next two seconds.

Her gaze falls to my belt buckle, and her deft fingers make quick work of removing it. Her teeth sink into her bottom lip as she unfastens the clasp. My cock throbs. Every touch is like torture. I’m heaving for breath by the time she unzips my pants. I help her the rest of the way, kicking off my shoes and socks, until we’re both naked.

My mind is spinning, but I’m not too far gone to remember to pull a condom from my wallet.

Our mouths reconnect in a rush of passion. Gripping my cock, I guide myself into her snug passage, letting her feel every inch of me as I slide inside. She’s so wet it feels like she’s coating my dick in warm butter.

My hands grip her thighs to splay her wide, then I impale her wet little hole until she moans loudly. The overwhelming need for release careens through me, twisting a knot in my belly until I’m fucking her harder and harder.

It’s like we’re made for each other. Her body matches my rhythm, her hips rise to meet my every thrust.

When her pussy contracts, Analise smashes her hips against mine.

It’s like a fist tightening around my cock, and I drive deeper and deeper. She’s on the verge. Her sounds of excitement egg me on.

Indescribable ecstasy shudders through my body, and I toss my head back and shout as I cum harder than I ever have in my life. Every spurt from my cock zaps into me like a lightning bolt, making me shake and twitch with pleasure.

Our groans and moans mingle together as we both come down from the sexual high. Careful not to collapse on her, I roll with her in my arms until she’s on top of me in a heap.

We’re both quiet, our hushed breaths the only sounds. I wait a moment, expecting Analise to say something, but she’s fast asleep. Her small hand is curled against my chest.

* * *

Analise

If I had knowndays off could be like this, I might have taken more of them. There was something to be said about lounging around having sex all day. Besides a stunning number of orgasms, I’d never felt more languid or content.

After our first round, I’d woken to William kissing my shoulder and whispering in my ear. It hadn’t taken more than that to get the party started again. Then we both needed food.

Will especially. His stomach was growling like a wild animal. He’d insisted on ordering in, so we got Grubhub and ate in my bed. It was nice, but soon enough the real world intruded.

My phone chimes on the nightstand with an incoming text.

Shelby: Is it safe to come home yet?

Me: Traitor! You should be scared.

Will looks at me, one eyebrow raised. “Shelby or Tildee?”

“Shelby.”

He chuckles. “What does she want?”

“To bug me.” I shake my head. “I can’t believe you got all of them to keep this a secret.”

He pulls me down beside him, laying my head on his massive chest. “Don’t be mad at them. I was highly motivated. And… there may have been some bribery involved.”

“I hope they got you for something good, or I may feel betrayed… and cheap.”

He laughs, causing his chest to rumble. “What time is it?”

“Almost five. Why?”

Sighing, he sits up with me still cradled in his arms. “I should go.”

This can’t be right. “You’re leaving?”

“Yes,” he replies, nodding his head. “I want you to think about what I asked, and you need to talk to Shelby and Nate. They’re included in this too.”

My brows lift in wonder. “No way. You bum rush me and lay this bomb on me, and now you’re going to leave. What happened to facing this together?”

He lifts his hands placatingly. “I’ll stay… if you want. I just thought you might want to talk to them by yourself.”

“No, I want you right beside me when I stare into their deceitful eyes. Tildee should be here too.”

He chuckles again, ruffling my hair. “Then maybe we should get dressed.”

“Yeah, I guess,” I mumble.

Rolling off him, I move to the edge of the bed, but before I can William throws a meaty arm around my waist.

Hot breath washes over my ear as he leans close. “I’m sorry for the way we parted. I-I was… a coward. And I wasn’t ready to face my feelings for you then, but I am now.”

“I… don’t think I was ready then either.” My head drops to my chest. “I still don’t know if I’m ready,” I admit truthfully.

He kisses my shoulder. “I know, and I won’t rush you. Just don’t expect me to give up because I won’t.”

I smile as I lift my head and lean back against him, remembering how dogged he’d been to get me to tell him my name. “You can be tenacious.”

“Yep, expect no quarter.”

“All’s fair in love and war, huh?”

He laughs while nuzzling my neck. “Exactly. Expect me to use any means at my disposal, including fucking you repeatedly, which might happen again if you don’t get up and put on some clothes.”

“You sure you can rise to the occasion?” I ask teasingly.

He growls as his fingers tweak one of my nipples. “Don’t go starting trouble, Pruitt.”

I forgot how much I liked our banter. That was one thing I had missed most about him. Even though rightfully I should still be mad, it’s hard to stay angry with him.

Smirking, I rise from the bed, grabbing my cell to text Shelby.

Me: Family powwow in one hour. Tell Tildee to come.

Shelby: Okie dokie.

Will’s already out of bed and on his feet. He’s thrown on his jeans and has his phone in his hand, but he’s looking at me, trailing his eyes up and down my body.

I’m still naked, but instead of blushing like I normally would. I cock my hip to the side. “See something you like?”

He nods slowly. “Yes. Please put some clothes on.”

I laugh and bend over in front of him, making a big production of picking up my shirt and jeans. William groans and I toss him a wink over my shoulder before walking out the bedroom.

“Have I been forgiven enough for you to unblock me now?” He calls out loudly.

“Maybe,” I answer, entering the bathroom.

He doesn’t respond, and I grin at my reflection. Best to keep him on pins and needles.

I’ve put up very little resistance to his conquest so far. I wasn’t kidding when I said he was tenacious. He’s also very even-tempered. Even when upset, he’s still calm and collected. I often wonder what he’s like on the football field. I imagine he must release some sort of Hulk-like rage that only comes out when he puts on pads and cleats.

After I’m dressed and done freshening up, I walk out the bathroom and find William leaning against the wall fully dressed. He’s typing on his cell, but looks up as soon as the door opens, smiling. Before he can say a word, though, his cell pings in his hand. The next second it pings again, and two seconds after that it pings once more. Someone is blowing him up!

“It’s my manager. He wants me to do a video interview tomorrow with Bleacher Report.”

“I forget you're famous now. I saw you on TV this morning doing an interview.”

He nods. “The interview was yesterday.”

My brows furrow. “How long have you been back in town?”

“About a week.” He notices my frown and puts his phone in his pocket. “I wanted to come right away, but Tildee convinced me to wait until today.”

He still reads me like a book. I’d forgotten. Unfortunately, I can’t reciprocate. William really is like a cipher. The only time I can tell what he’s thinking is when he’s inside me. Then I know exactly what’s on his mind.

His phone chimes again. His manager must really want to talk to him. “Why don’t you just call?”

“Yeah, I better. He won’t stop until I confirm.”

“Go ahead. I’m going to go get stuff started for dinner.” I laugh at the eager expression on his face. The man is always hungry. “It’s pot roast, and yes there is enough for you too.”

I leave him in the hallway to make his call and head for the kitchen. The gang should be here in thirty minutes, which gives me enough time to get everything heated. Tildee will probably bring her kids. I’m glad I chose the 3lb roast instead of a smaller one. There’s still enough left to feed everyone.

I’m still surprised how easily Tildee manipulated me into taking a day off. She’d roped in Nate and Shelby and even got Jorge in on the action. She was more devious than I gave her credit for, which is kind of scary to think about actually. I never want to get on her bad side.

William joins me a few minutes later, after he’s finished with his call.

“Did you get it squared away?”

“Yeah, he’s got me booked up solid for the next two weeks.”

I want to ask more, but I feel uncomfortable asking him anything related to football. Everything is still so up in the air. Instead, I focus on chopping up some lettuce for a salad.

“What did you think of my interview?” He asks.

“It was good. You were obviously prepared.”

He laughs. “I had a lot of practice.”

“It showed. You didn’t even sound nervous.”

“It’s a trick I learned. I wait at least two seconds before answering every question. Then I try to speak slowly. Helps to prevent diarrhea of the mouth.”

Laughing at the gross expression, I glance at him over my shoulder. “I’ll try to remember.”

“You should. You’re likely to be interviewed at the draft.”

The knife slips in my hand and I’m grateful I don’t cut myself. “The draft?”

“Yeah, it’s in Philadelphia this year.”

Turning to face him, I stare in shock, unsure if I’m understanding him correctly. “Why would I be interviewed at the draft?”

He stands and closes the distance between us in two long strides. “Because I’m hoping you’ll come with me. I want you there with me.” His long fingers caress the lobes of my ears, causing a shiver to run down my spine.

I blink, trying to pull my wits together. “Philadelphia?”

“Yep, we only need to be there for the first day of the draft. Two days max. Unless you want to stay longer and sightsee.”

The NFL draft is a big deal. Whenever someone from the state is drafted, it’s all over the news. I’ve heard the guys in produce talking about it before. They had a TV in the back storage area, so I’d even seen the glitzy affair a couple times on the sports channel.

All kinds of things are running through my head, but before I can respond, the backdoor slams open.

“Quick Nate! Avert your tender eyes,” Shelby teases as she flounces into the kitchen with Nate behind her.

William steps away, though I notice the slight blush coloring his cheeks. “Shelby. Nice to see you again,” he says, before embracing her with a one-armed hug. He slaps hands with my little brother next. “Nate.”

“’Sup,” Nate responds. His attitude has improved since he joined the intramural Pop Warner league, but he still likes to act like a little shit now and then.

“Where’s Tildee?” I ask when I don’t see her.

“She said she be over in a bit and not to wait for her. I think she’s on the phone with her brother or somebody.” Shelby answers as she takes a seat at the table.

I normally don’t serve up dinner, but since this is our first official Pruitt powwow, I decide to be nice and make up four plates.

Once we’re all settled at the table, we eat in silence for a moment. William lifts his eyebrows, obviously wanting me to begin. Mustering my courage, I look over at Nate and Shelby. They’re both smiling with mischief. I haven’t forgotten their treachery.

“First, I want to know what each of you little shits got for selling me out?”

Shelby scoffs. “That’s a little harsh. We didn’t frame you for murder or anything.”

Nate nods. “Yep. We did it for your own good because you were being stupid.”

William straightens in his chair. “I appreciate your help, Nate, but don’t call your sister stupid.”

My brother’s eyes widen as he stares across the table, then he lowers his head. “Sorry,” he mumbles.

Wow! Just… wow. Not only am I impressed William defended my honor, but he handled my little brother like the friggin Super Nanny. I shouldn’t be surprised. The man has six younger siblings. I’m sure he’s taken on his fair share of puberty-raging adolescents.

My sister sighs, tossing her hair over one shoulder. “He promised me a car,” she finally admits.

“A 55” 4K TV,” Nate says with a shrug.

Well, at least I wasn’t sold out cheap. “You’re not really going to buy her a car?” I ask, looking over at William.

He shrugs. “I’m a man of my word.” When I glare at him wide eyed, he shrugs again. “It will be a slightly used economical car. I’m not buying her a Range Rover.”

“We’re going to need to discuss this.” Shelby and Nate begin to balk, but I put up a hand. There are more important topics. “Okay, okay. I don’t want to get into that right now. What I want to know is what you guys really think about William’s… proposition.” I almost said proposal, but that sounded like we were getting married.

Shelby smacks her lips as she leans back in her chair. “Do you want the truth? The really real truth?”

What does she think I want?“Of course.”

“Okay, Lise. Here’s the truth. You listening?” She leans forward, her expression serious. “I think you’re crazy if you don’t go. You’ll never find another guy like him. He’s a genius, and he’s going pro, which means he’s going to make a lot of money. Smart man plus money. That’s a no-brainer.” She looks over at William. “Sorry, dude, I’m just telling it like it is.”

He nods, though he doesn’t look offended.

My gaze lands on Nate and I lift my chin, looking him straight in the eye. “What about you?”

“Yeah, I think you should go too.”

I wait for more, but that’s all I get. Blinking, I stare at them, wondering how they’re handling such an enormous potential change so easily. “What about school? You don’t mind moving in with Tildee, Jillian, and Brooks.”

Shelby takes a bite of lettuce drenched in Ranch dressing. “Tildee’s cool. Besides, I don’t mind sharing a room with Jill. It’s not totally ideal, but it’s only for the school year.”

“What about you, Nate? What about your friends? You would have to move and go to a new school.”

“Yeah, but I can still play football wherever, and I’ll be able to go to NFL games too.”

“And what about your friends?”

He shrugs like no big deal. “There’s FB and Skype. It’s not like I’ll never talk to them again. Beside the only one of them who’s not really a dick is Josh.”

I was expecting at least a little resistance. Flabbergasted, I stare in wonder at my siblings. “So let me make sure I have this straight. You’re okay with uprooting your life and moving across the country? And you’re okay with moving in with Tildee?”

Nate and Shelby look at each other for a moment before answering in unison, “Yeah.”

Maybe it’s because they’ve had a week to think about it, but I’m amazed by how nonchalantly they’re both taking this. They’re so calm. It’s kind of eerie. I look over at William. He’s sitting with his arms resting on the table. His plate is clean. He must have chowed everything down while we’d been talking. I should ask if he has anything to add, but I already know what he would say.

No quarter. He’d clearly thought this plan through and made sure every detail was covered.

“What’s the verdict?” Shelby asks, breaking the silence that’s fallen.

Three pairs of eyes stare at me, waiting for an answer. Exhaling, I glance over at William. As usual, his gaze is impenetrable. I wish I could read him like he does me. Maybe having him stay for the powwow wasn’t such a good idea. I feel suffocated by the sudden pressure to make a life-changing decision. I haven’t even had a day to think about it.

“Your sister hasn’t decided yet,” he says. When Shelby and Nate make noises of protest, he raises a hand, ceasing it immediately. “It’s a big change. She needs some time to process it. Don’t give her a hard time.”

Like a fucking book... I truly wonder if he’s psychic.

There’s a muffled chime from a cellphone, and we all check our pockets for the culprit.

“It’s me,” Shelby says, holding up her Android. “It’s Tildee. She says she can’t make it, but to tell you to say yes. Carp… Carpee Dim.”

“Carpe Diem,” William automatically corrects. “Its Latin for seize the day.”

Laughing, I remember the last time Tildee told me that. I look over at William, thinking back to that day.

One crazy, impetuous decision led me to him. If I hadn’t taken a risk, I would never have met William. I wouldn’t have gotten to know him, and we never would have spent time together. Even when I’d been pissed with him, I never regretted one moment. We had great conversations, and he was a lot of fun to be around. I’d never met anyone like him before. And Shelby was right. I doubted I ever would again.

The remaining guards around my mental box fail, and a rush of emotions swarms like an angry nest of bees.

I… love him. I love William Gilmore. There’s no point in denying it. Besides, I don’t want to live with regret, which is what would happen if I let him walk out of my life.

“Oh, Carpe diem,” Shelby says, nodding her head. “I need to remember that. Anyway, I totally agree with her. You just need to say yes. Stop overthinking this and go with it,” my sister urges.

“Guys,” Will grunts.

“You’re right, Shel,” I say, clearly surprising everyone at the table.

“I am?”

I nod. “Yeah, you are. I am overthinking this. It doesn’t matter if I take a week or month. I’ll still be scared shitless so… Carpe diem.”

Will blinks, his mouth agape for several seconds. “Are you saying you’ll come with me?”

“Yes, William Gilmore. I’ll come with you.”

“Do you love me?”

Shelby throws her hands up. “Whoa! Okay. This is where I bow out. Nate, I think you should come with me.”

“Right behind you, sis.”

They’re out the door when I notice they didn’t put their plates in the dishwasher. “Shelby, you’re cleaning the kitchen.”

“Whatever! Just don’t have sex in there.”

Tildee has no idea what’s in store for her.

Once I hear their bedroom doors shut, I turn my head and stare at William, glad it’s finally just the two of us.

“Do you love me,” he asks again.

“Yes, William. I love you. And I’ll come with you when you’re drafted.”

He smiles, but his gaze is still wary. “Seriously? Just like that?” He shakes his head. “I thought you were going to make this harder.”

I huff with laughter. “Do you want me to? I mean… I can drag this out and make you pay if that’s what you want. I have some very inventive torture techniques I’ve always wanted to try.”

He stares at me for a moment, then without warning bolts from his chair. His large hands grasp my waist, and he lifts me in the air until I’m staring down at him with my arms braced on his muscular shoulders.

“Thank you. I love you too, Analise Pruitt.”

I lean down to kiss him, palming his face. “Don’t think because I agreed so easily, I’m not going to make you pay for being an asshole.”

“Bring it on. I’ll take anything you got.”

“You better,” I whisper, molding my lips against his. “Because we’re in this together.”

I’m trusting him. It’s a risk, but… fuck it!

Carpe Diem!