One Timer: An Nashville Assassins Novel Read online

  I stare at my phone as my best friend, Shea Adler, sits beside me. We’re at his apartment, hanging out and drinking some beers. We had a long day, smiling for the cameras and discussing how awful that shit is. The only upside was seeing Harper’s gorgeous face. Typically, I’m attracted to girls with huge breasts and long bleach blonde hair, the regular puck-bunny type. But today it was the girl with the bright purple hair in spikes. She intrigued me, and I really love her lips. I thought she liked all of me, too, so this is bullshit.

  “Looking at the phone won’t make it ring.”

  I don’t even spare Shea a glance. “I don’t understand. I thought she liked me.”

  “Maybe she was playing games. She looks the type, like a hard-core ballbuster,” he says, bringing his beer to his lips. “I mean, I wouldn’t be attracted to her.”

  I make a face. “No one asked you to be. Stay in your lane.”

  He grins. “Aw, you’re already smitten.”

  I ignore him, staring at my phone. I would text her, but I suck at it, and that fucking autocorrect doesn’t help at all. I’m not good with English words; I barely even speak them well. “You call her.”

  Shea pulls in his brows. “Who? The chick?”

  “Yeah. Maybe she’s ignoring me.”

  He looks at me, baffled. “So, why are we calling her?”

  “She just needs to hear my voice, and I’ll get her to talk to me.”

  “Yeah. No, stalker.” When he laughs, I glare. He’s supposed to be my best friend. “But can we discuss how fine that photographer was? Man, I was pissed when my contacts wouldn’t stay in. She was something.”

  I shrug. When I was back home in Russia, she would be my type. A thicker woman who can make me some babies. Though, I can’t help but remember the rich men being with model-thin women with big boobs. When I came to America, I felt that was how I would mark my success. Especially when I saw how wealthy American men were with their women. I’m actually surprised Shea likes the photographer. He is very much a blond, puck-bunny kind of guy. “She was very pretty.”

  “Yeah, and thick in all the right places.” He grins like a kid with his hand in a cookie jar.

  Wow, he does like her. “Totally different from who you’ve been with before.”

  I’m truly surprised he isn’t settled down with a bunch of kids yet. He’s a great uncle, and when we go to the Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, it’s as if all the kids are his. He’s a leader, a good dude, and I’m lucky he’s my best friend. He just doesn’t do relationships. I can’t fault him; most hockey players don’t. We have grueling schedules, and we’re gone a lot. It takes a special woman to deal with that. I really want Harper to be that special woman.

  Shea shrugs, making a noncommittal face. “I think I’m done with that part of my life, those women. I want to settle down.”

  Now I’m the one making a face. Shea has never wanted to settle down. Like, ever. I’ve always wanted to settle down. Every woman I have dated has been because I’m looking for a wife, but it hasn’t worked out for me. No one has wanted the same thing I do. But it was different with Harper. I felt that settling down feeling with Harper. I was aware I had only known her for maybe five minutes, but I felt it.

  That spark.

  But what surprises me is Shea feeling that feeling. Let’s be honest… He likes women—a lot, actually—but I guess it has really slowed down the last couple years. Ever since he was selected captain. I think the pressure of setting an example is real for him, and then, his mom wants grandkids from him. She makes that known often. His last relationship didn’t go really well, but it was all her fault. Shea is great. Good dude, loyal as hell. He just hasn’t found the one. Maybe I didn’t either. Shit.

  “So, what has made you want to settle down?”

  He takes a long pull of his beer and then smacks his lips. “I’m tired of it all. The sleeping around, the having to find a new chick when I want some. I don’t just want to fuck—I want a companion. Someone I can share this life with.”

  I give him a pointed look. He basically said everything I have been saying. “When I said that, you laughed at me.”

  He grins, a wide, teasing one. “I was young and stupid then.”

  “It was a month ago.”

  Still grinning, he says, “I’ve grown so much.”

  “I think she would be perfect for you.”

  “Yeah?”

  I clear my throat. “She looks like a good woman to make babies with.”

  Shea grins. “You always point out the baby-making women.”

  I smile. “It’s all in the hips,” I say with a wink. “Harper has nice hips.”

  He rolls his eyes as I lean back on the couch. “You just met her.”

  “And I felt something. Just like you did with photographer girl.”

  “True,” he says slowly. “But I’m not waiting around for a call.”

  “Because you didn’t give her your number or even get her name.”

  He pauses. “Touché.”

  I glance down at my phone to make sure it’s working. It is, yet no call from Harper. “Should I call her again?”

  “No!” he yells, and I realize I’m pouting. “Wait until the second half starts.”

  I look at the clock on the football game. Thankfully, I don’t have long until I can call her. “So, are you going to go after the photographer?”

  He nods. “Yeah, I called Grace to get me the info on her.”

  Ah, well, if he got his sister involved, then he’s real serious. “Do you think she was interested?”

  “Shit, I don’t know. I sure hope so.”

  I nod. I want to think she was, but what do I know? I thought Harper was interested, but instead, she’s blowing me off. I had to talk myself down all day, reminding myself this isn’t love at first sight. It can’t be. But man, the rejection I feel right now… I’m thinking it might be. I’ve never had that happen, and for her to blow me off like this—shit, it hurts.

  “Think Grace can find Harper?”

  He laughs. “She’ll call.” I don’t feel his confidence, but then my phone rings. When I see her name, I jump off the couch, fumbling with my phone to answer it. “Wow, dude. You’re ridiculous.”

  I ignore him, taking a deep breath. “Hey, you.”

  She lets out a soft exhale. “Hey, I saw you called. A lot.” She’s teasing me, but I don’t care.

  “I did. I wanted to see you,” I say, walking in a circle. Like, a literal circle. Just how a dog does it before he lies down to get comfortable. I want to get comfortable with Harper. And maybe a little uncomfortable. “I thought you wanted to see me, but you’ve been ignoring me.”

  She laughs breezily. “I was busy. I had to unload my stuff and then get back to my place.”

  “Oh, so you’re home now?”

  “I am.”

  “Did you want to go out?”

  “I’d rather stay in.”

  My groin tightens at the promise in her voice. “I can bring food.”

  “I’d rather you just bring yourself.”

  She doesn’t have to imply anything else; I am out Shea’s door without even a goodbye.

  And I’m not the least bit ashamed.

  Harper had texted me her address, and when I pulled up to her little condo that looked more like a mini house than a condo, I couldn’t get out of the car fast enough. I swear, the moment I heard her voice, I was ready to go. I feel as if I haven’t gotten laid in years, when really, it’s only been a few weeks. There is something about Harper, though, that has me feeling all dewy and new. When I reach her door, I tuck my phone into my pocket with my keys. I take a deep breath, and as soon as I knock on the door, she opens it.

  And. She. Is. Butt. Ass. Naked.

  Thank you, God. Thank you.

  “Wow, you came fast.”

  My jaw actually drops. My heart jumps into my throat, my cock feels as if it’s about to break off if I move, and all I can do is stare at the beauty in front
of me. Her hair is wet, the purple from earlier gone. Her lashes are long as she looks up at me through them. Her body is trim, but those hips don’t quit. Her lips are full, needing to be kissed, and I’m not one to hold back. I reach for her, wrapping my arm around her and yanking her into my chest. She comes hard into me as our lips meet in a heated and wanton embrace. If I thought her lips felt good on my cheek before, that is nothing to how they feel against mine now. Her body is hot underneath my fingers, and I can feel her heart beating in her chest as I drink from her succulent mouth.

  Harper moves her fingers up my cheeks into my hair as she digs her nails into my scalp. I should take her inside, but I’m not finished kissing her. She runs her tongue along my lips, and when I open my mouth to hers, everything goes black. My heart nearly comes out of my chest, and I feel her on every nerve ending. She feels perfect against me, almost as if she were made to be pressed into me. I feel the warmth from the crux of her legs, and I want to bury my face in her.

  I want to consume her.

  When I pull away, it’s not because I want to; it’s because I can’t breathe. Her blue eyes are blazing and astounding. Her lips are swollen from my kisses, and her body burns into mine. I am stunned by her. I cup her face, her jaw fitting real nice in my palm. I gaze into her eyes, wrapping my other arm tighter around her to hide her naked body. “Ah, kiska, you haven’t seen anything yet.”

  She draws her brows together, and she seems a bit dazed. “Did you sneeze?”

  “No. Come on, let me taste you.”

  I press my cock into her. It’s throbbing, I want her so damn bad. She raises a brow and teases me more. “Are you going to disappoint me and come too quick?”

  I shake my head, my gaze daring her to look away. “Oh no, kiska. You’ll be the one coming too quick.”

  Harper’s breath catches as her eyes search mine. “What are you waiting for?”

  “The go-ahead.”

  Her eyes light up. “The go-ahead?”

  “Yup.”

  She gives me a look, one I find I’m very fond of. It’s somewhere between an “Are you kidding?” and “Please fuck me stupid.” “I answered the door naked. That’s your go-ahead.”

  I just grin. “Ah, kiska, so impatient.”

  Her eyes dance, and I can tell she wants to say something, but my mouth takes hers as we slowly back into her condo. When the door shuts behind us, I lift her up by her hips, her legs coming around my waist. I continue to kiss her as I scope out the room for a place to lay her down. The coffee table is a great spot, and when I set her down, her eyes travel along my body in the most satisfying way. I pull off my shirt as she sits up to undo my pants. Before they hit the ground, though, I grab my wallet, getting out my condom. I’m unsure who is removing my clothes faster, but soon, I am deep in her mouth. She brings me up on my toes, groaning loudly as she sucks me deep into that sweet mouth. Her thick lips cover me in all the right places. Soon, I see nothing but spots. I look down at her where she sits naked with my cock deep in her mouth. She looks up at me through those lashes, and everything goes still.

  This is the mother of my future children.

  I cup her face as she moves up my cock, running my thumbs along her jaw as she continues to love my dick. I slide my hand down her body, caressing her breasts and then nipples, tweaking them and enjoying her sounds of pleasure. I trail my hand down to her sex, cupping it as I thrust into her mouth. She gags a bit but still sucks me hard. I dip a finger into her wet center and groan at the feeling. She’s juicy as all fuck, and I want to suck her dry. Without much thought, I pull myself out of her mouth and drop to my knees before burying my face in her slick lips. She’s bare, pink, and perfect in my eyes. She tastes like sweetness, and when she squeezes her thighs around my head, I breathe her in. A ragged noise leaves her lips as I suck her clit between my teeth. She arches up into my mouth, jerking against me as I continue to demolish her sweet pussy. I almost feel bad, but when she comes, hard and quick, gone is the guilt, replaced by pride.

  “Fuck, you were right. I did come fast.”

  “And I’m not even done,” I say against her perfect pussy. I kiss her once more before kissing up her pelvic bone and then her belly. I take her by the back of her knees and push them all the way up to her head. She’s flexible, and man, if her pussy all wet and glistening up at me isn’t a sight. She cries out as I press my body into hers, kissing her mouth. She deepens the kiss, her breathing so rough, and I love that I did that. That I am making her feel this. I thrust into her, and she engulfs my cock just the way I want. Everything goes white, and I can actually see the light vibrating.

  I’m no saint, but this pussy right here, Harper’s pussy, is the best fucking pussy I have ever been in. I brace myself against her legs, and I start thrusting into her. Hard. Our bodies slap together, her ass against my thighs, and I can’t take my eyes off her. I pound into her and I hear something crack, but I’m too lost to care. Only a few more thrusts and I’m gone. I come so fucking hard my toes curl and my breathing stops. Everything around us goes still, and when I’m able to open my eyes, all I see is her. Her arms are above her head, her knees right there too. Her whole body is flushed, and her lips are parted in exhaustion. I lean into her, kissing her sweetly before slowly removing myself. I don’t want to, but I’m pretty sure I broke her table. I reach for her, but she shakes her head.

  “I can’t move.”

  “Come on, kiska.” I pull her up and notice we cracked the table. “Ah, I broke the table.”

  She looks over her shoulder and then back at me. “I think you broke me.”

  I grin, lifting her up into my arms. “Where is your bedroom?”

  “That way, but I can go. You can leave.”

  I pull in my brows. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “No?”

  “No, I’m not done with you yet,” I say, my eyes hooded and only for her. “I still need to fuck you from behind, I need you to sit on my face, I’d love to play with your ass, maybe get one hell of a blow job, and of course, eat you like a peach pie.”

  She actually looks stunned. “We’re gonna get all that done in one night?”

  I grin. “Sure.”

  Her eyes search mine. She’s no longer broken or dazed. She’s found her wits, and isn’t that a shame. I liked her all wanton and lost for me. No worries, I’ll get her there again. “You know this is a one-time thing.”

  I nod. “Sure, kiska.”

  She makes a face. “What is that? Kiska?”

  “Means kitten,” I say against her lips. “In Russian.”

  She seems a little breathless. “Well, that’s hot.”

  “I’m pleased you like it.”

  She eyes me, and I can see the gears turning. She doesn’t want to like me; she wants to use me. Too bad. “One night. That’s it.”

  I just nod. “Sure.”

  She arches her brow. “I don’t believe you.”

  I don’t answer her. I take her mouth with mine and guide her back into her bedroom.

  She has a good reason not to believe me, because I know this is not a one-time thing.

  It’s a forever and a day kind of thing.

  Oops, I Did Him Again…

  Harper

  “I mean, jeez, El. Y’all need a room next time.”

  Elli stands against the wall, her hand to her chest and this euphoric look on her beautiful face. She looks adorable in a formfitting red dress that matches the bottom of her high-as-hell black pumps. When she called me to tell me Shea Adler had asked her out, I wasn’t surprised. He had been giving her the eye. I think I’m more excited than she is. I want this for her. A great new relationship that can show her her worth. I believe Shea can do that; I am usually good with reading guys. I stay away from guys like Shea, but then I fucked up and let Jakob into my bed…

  Sigh.

  Shea had shown up at the studio in the middle of the day and convinced Elli to go to lunch with him. She didn’t need much convincing, though. I
know for a fact that she is completely infatuated with him. Which is very much the opposite of me. I am in no way thinking of Jakob. I sure as hell don’t care what he is doing. Or even want to see him.

  He was a one-time thing.

  A one-time thing that I realized may have somehow happened a second time—and I am still very confused how I let that happen—but still a one-time thing. I shouldn’t have opened the door the second time, but no guy had ever just shown up. Jakob didn’t care that I had been ignoring him for three days. He didn’t have any cares at all that I didn’t want to see him. All he said was, “I want to see you, kiska.”

  It’s that damn kiska. It gets me every time he says it. I love it. No one has ever given me a sexy nickname, and I was blinded by it. I yearn for it, but it doesn’t matter. He can’t happen. We won’t happen again. Nope. I am single and ready to mingle with anyone but Jakob Titov.

  Elli looks over at me, shaking her head. This dreamy, beautiful look is on her flushed face. “He’s fantastic.”

  I grin, nodding. “I’m aware.”

  I hear a bit of resentment in my voice that shakes me to my core. I don’t understand it. Elli must have not heard it, because she comes toward me, falling very dramatically into the chair in front of my desk. “He makes me feel so many things. Deep inside. He makes me laugh. He gives me butterflies. Harper, the way he kisses… I mean, he is just perfect,” she coos, and I ignore the thought that Jakob might be perfect, too. I mean, he fucks like an absolute dream. He kisses like I am the only thing he wants to taste. When he smiles at me, something in my stomach flip-flops and does a damn twirl. We didn’t speak much; we were too busy tasting every single inch of each other, but I wouldn’t mind getting to know—

  What in the world? I don’t get it. I don’t get crushes on guys. I don’t care enough to, which is why I have to stay away from him. I might start to care.

  That cannot happen.

  “How’s Jakob?” she asks with a dreamy smile. She looks like she should have little hearts and rainbows flying around her.

  “I don’t know,” I say a bit harsher than I intended to. I swallow hard, trying to gather myself. “I haven’t talked to him.”