Playing the Field (Hot-Lanta Series) Read online

  Patty thought about that for a second. “So you are telling me we will just forever be friends? No romantic thoughts? No trying to get me into bed? No getting jealous if the other one has a date? Just friends?”

  “Yes you are correct, totally platonic.”

  “What are you getting at Marc?”

  Marc faked shock. “I don’t know what you mean, I just want to be close with you and if that means only being your friend well that is good enough for me.”

  Patty thought about it for a second. Could she just be friends with Marc? It seemed pretty simple and if they signed a contract then he would have to abide by it.

  “What if you break the contract and try to kiss me or something?”

  Marc smiled. “Now would it be so horrible if I kissed you?”

  “Sullivan…”

  “Alright, alright. There will be repercussions if either of us breaks the contract.”

  “Well I don’t ever see myself breaking the contract so that is no big deal for me. What will the punishment be?”

  “Termination of friendship”

  “Wow that is pretty serious, do you think you can handle that if we go for a walk tonight. Knowing you, we won’t be friends by tomorrow.” Said Patty with a smile.

  “Awfully cocky today aren’t we Patty Cakes. I said I want to be your friend and I mean it. Everything will be entirely non-physical and no romance. So don’t be expecting me to pay for your meals or expect flowers or any of that crap. I’m going to treat you just like I would treat Brady.”

  Patty laughed. “Well I have seen you slap Brady’s ass and sit on his lap a couple of times, doesn’t that cross the line of physical?”

  Marc laughed, “Well Brady is not a good example because secretly he is my boyfriend. Don’t tell Jane though she will be heart broken.”

  Patty laughed, damn him for being cute. Hmm, she looked at him for a couple of seconds and then stuck out her hand. “Deal.”

  Marc grabbed her hand and kissed the top of it saying deal.

  Patty pulled it back saying, “Hey! You didn’t even last a second!”

  “I haven’t signed any contract yet Patty Cakes so I’m still free to do whatever I like.” Marc said with a mischievous grin.

  “Real smooth Sully but no more funny business. I will write something up tonight so you can sign it when you come over.”

  “Oh so you will leave your den of single-dom and come hang out with me tonight?”

  “Don’t push your luck. I just happen to love Centennial Park.”

  “Alright then, I will see you tonight. And just so we’re in the clear friends are allowed to hug so if I hug you that’s ok.”

  Patty was going to debate that but she was too tired to get in an argument about hugs with Marc when she knew he was going to two step his way through the conversation and somehow prove that hugging was in fact an ok thing to do.

  “Fine, see you tonight. Eight-ish?’

  “That sounds good to me.” Marc said with a smile.

  They exchanged information and Patty got in her car. What was she doing? She could not be friends with Marc. He was the man she always dreamed of being with and it was going to be pure torture being around him. Maybe she could shut that part of her brain off, just remember what a relationship brings to her life; heartache, pain and disappointment.

  Chapter 4

  Patty pulled into her work parking lot fifteen minutes late for her morning meeting. She grabbed her bag and threw herself out of the car and through the front door of JB events. Jane and Lucy were sitting at the conference room having a friendly chat over coffee when Patty frantically joined them.

  “I’m so sorry Jane, my alarm never went off. I could kill Marc.” Did she just say that last part out loud?

  She must have because the look of astonishment on Jane’s face was unmistakable. “Marc? You were with Marc last night? Oh my God, Patty did you guys hook up?”

  Ugh Patty didn’t want to get into details but she knew Jane would not start their morning meeting until Patty spilled the beans.

  “No we did not hook up, we actually did the exact opposite. We signed a friend contract last night.”

  “Friend contract?” Lucy asked a little perplexed.

  “Yes a friend contract, it was Marc’s idea. I don’t know how it came about to be honest but basically we are just going to be friends and that is it. If he breaks the contract then we no longer will be friends, and that’s it no more communication.”

  Jane and Lucy just looked at her as if she was crazy. Jane finally broke the silence when she said, “You mean to tell me you signed a contract that states you will by no means be romantically involved with Marc Sullivan starting catcher for the Atlanta Braves, even though you know he wants you?”

  Well when Jane put it like that she made Patty sound like an idiot but Jane knew her background and her reasoning. She had to understand.

  “Jane, you know I don’t want to get involved with anyone and I just couldn’t take Marc’s flirting anymore. He wanted to hang out with me and I wouldn’t mind his company but I didn’t want to lead him on so he offered the idea of having a completely platonic relationship. I agreed.”

  Jane thought for a second and then said, “I still think you are a little crazy. Even if you are not ready now, don’t you think you will be ready at some point in your life? Don’t you want to have that option?”

  Patty never thought about it that way. Would she ever get to the point in her life where she could be in a relationship with someone again? Even if she did, she would not want to be in a relationship with someone who was in the spotlight. She already saw what Jane goes through with just being with Brady. She saw the hardships it put them through and Jane was much stronger than Patty ever would be meaning Patty would never be able to survive the media ridicule.

  “Would I ever want to date again? Well of course, if I didn’t I would go become a nun or something. I just need to take some time to myself and continue to see my therapist before I do anything like getting involved with someone. Yes I think Marc is very attractive but I don’t think I could ever date him, I couldn’t go through what you go through Jane.”

  “It is hard Patty I won’t lie to you, but when you love someone, you will do whatever it takes to be with them.”

  “Well that’s where we differ Jane.” Patty said. “I’m not in love with Marc.” Patty cleared her throat and continued, “Now let’s stop talking about me and get on with this meeting, don’t we have a big event this coming weekend?”

  For the rest of the morning Jane talked about the upcoming wedding they had on Saturday. Jane specialized in all events ranging from corporate parties to weddings to fundraisers; if you needed their help they were ready to give it. Patty hadn’t done many weddings since she started working with Jane, mainly corporate events so whenever she got to see true love at its finest she always looked forward to working.

  Jane let them know that the boys, as in the Braves, will be away for a little over a week so Jane wouldn’t be distracted by Brady. Patty laughed to herself when Jane said that because both Patty and Lucy discussed how Jane was so easily distracted by Brady when working, whether it was text messages, emails or random visits from Brady, she was always distracted. It was endearing though.

  Patty headed over to her desk and opened up her computer. She had a few emails but one specifically stuck out. There was one from Marc titled “Last night.” Patty opened it.

  To: Patty

  From: Marc

  Subject: Last Night

  Hey Patty Cakes,

  I just wanted to tell you what an awesome time I had last night starting our new friendship. It was nice to talk to a woman without having to fear if there was something in my teeth or if I smelled bad. I had a really good time. We will be out on the road for the next couple of days, so clearly we won’t be able to hang out but don’t be afraid to contact me if you want to talk about anything. Thanks for opening up to me last night and telling me about G
ino. If I ever met the guy I think I would have no choice but to feed him through a wood chipper. Anyway, I will see you when I get back, maybe we can go to that bakery you were talking about and get one of those carrot cake cupcakes you went on and on about.

  See ya Buddy,

  Sully

  P.S. I think when I was taking a picture on your phone last night of us I messed up your alarm. Sorry if you were late this morning.

  Patty knew Marc did something to her alarm. She forgot to check it before she went to bed because she always had it set for weekdays so she did not have to remember to turn it on. Oh well, Jane was a very understanding boss so no big deal.

  Patty thought about last night, she could not believe she talked so much to Marc. She told him everything about her and he just sat there, listened and asked questions. He was taking the friend thing seriously. It was nice being able to talk to someone so candidly. She really enjoyed his company and felt extremely comfortable around him surprisingly since very attractive males make her nervous. She was not nervous at all, well maybe at first but Marc helped her relax by just asking simple questions. She wrote him back.

  To: Marc

  From: Patty

  Subject: RE: Last Night

  Hey Sully,

  I had a good time last night, thank you for not breaking the contract because I really enjoyed your company. And for the record even though we are just friends I would appreciate you not having food particles stuck in your teeth and would find it easier to be your friend if you kept up on your hygiene and smelled nice. I would love to go to Birdie’s Bakery when you get back. I will show you what you’ve been missing out on.

  Your friend,

  Patty

  P.S. You did screw up my alarm, I was 15 minutes late.

  ***

  Molly just pulled up to the Hyatt in San Diego. She was glad she was finally there. She checked the score of the Braves game and they lost badly to the Padres, particularly Austin had an awful game so she hoped he wouldn’t mind her borrowing his hotel for a night for some wild sex.

  Marcia and Jim took Winnie for a couple of days, they said something about wanting to go visit some family down in Savannah and wanted to show off their grand-daughter. Molly was not going to fight with them. It seemed like they were starting to have Winnie more than Molly was. It bothered her a little, she was the mother and the one who was supposed to be raising Winnie, not Marcia and Jim. Molly was going to have to have a conversation with them when they get back.

  Molly changed quickly in the bathroom of the lobby to a corseted top that barely covered her breasts, a garter belt and a thong. She put on her jacket over the ensemble and went up to Austin’s room. She flashed the front clerk to get Austin’s room number and lucky for her the clerk was a horny young man because Austin’s room number was easily obtained. She used to surprise Luke all the time when they lived apart during the first part of their relationship but she would drive not fly.

  She knocked on Austin’s door and waited for him to open. She waited for what seemed like forever. She didn’t like being out in the open for anyone to see her, Marc or Brady could easily spot her and blow her cover, although, the thought of being caught turned her on for some sick reason.

  She heard the rustling of a chain and Austin appeared at the door wearing nothing but a pair of mesh shorts. Mmm, he looked good.

  “Molly!” Austin said in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

  Molly stepped in his hotel room, shut the door and took off her jacket. Austin just stared at her in disbelief, as if he was dreaming.

  “Are you for real?” he asked.

  “What? You don’t want this?” Molly asked teasingly stroking Austin’s bare chest.

  “Of course I do, Jesus, I just was not expecting you.” Austin pulled her into his chest and wrapped his arms around her. He lowered his head to hers and slowly started kissing her. He was one hell of a kisser she had to give him that. He also was not too shabby in bed, he was quite good actually.

  He pulled away. “God, you look sexy.” He said pulling on one of the garter straps. “I’m glad to see you, I had a shitty day at the ball park today and this is exactly what I needed, to see you.”

  Molly heard warning bells, he was getting a little too attached it seemed. She tried to clear the air. “You mean you needed sex, you know you could have gotten that from anyone of those groupies waiting for you outside the stadium.” Molly said while pulling Austin over to his bed.

  Austin stopped her before she pushed him on the bed. “Molly, what don’t you understand about me being interested in you and wanting to have a relationship with you?”

  Crap, he was attached. Hmm, she needed to get out of this so she smiled up at him and then worked her hands down toward his waistline. She felt him do a fast intake of air before she lowered her one hand down under his mesh shorts and grabbed his manhood.

  “Not wearing underwear I see, well that might get you into trouble mister.” She cupped his balls and began to massage them gently to turn him on, not hurt him even though the thought did cross her mind. Something was seriously wrong with her. Austin rested his forehead on hers and groaned.

  “Damn it Molly!” Austin grabbed her arms, turned her around and tossed her on the bed. Victory for Molly. “You’re such a vixen, I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”

  Molly stuck his finger in her mouth and sucked it before slowly moving it down her body into the front of her thong. “I can think of a couple of things you can do with me.”

  ***

  Call Austin a fool but how could he resist Molly in sexy lingerie, he couldn’t. He knew every time he started to talk to Molly about whatever they had going on between them she changed the subject with sex and he gave in every single time. She was so convincing, he couldn’t contain himself. One of these days he was going to put his foot down and have an actual grown up conversation with her but right now he had more important things to do.

  He started to take off her garter belt when she stopped him. “What’s wrong?” he asked heavily.

  “I dressed like this for a reason mister and I plan on showing you why.”

  Intrigued Austin took his hands off the belt. “What did you have in mind?”

  “Why don’t you sit in that chair and you will find out.” Molly pulled out her iPod and hooked it up to the complimentary iPod dock the hotel provided and turned it to her favorite song to strip to. Austin sat in the chair grinning at her. She pulled out a string of condoms from her bag and set them on the table next to him.

  “That’s a lot of condoms little lady. You plan on using all of those?” Austin said in a heavy Texas drawl he only let show every once in a while, which was a shame because he knew Molly found it extremely sexy.

  “I do, are you up for the ride cowboy?”

  “Darlin’ you are going to wear me out for my game tomorrow.”

  “Oh, well I will just go home then.” Molly teased.

  Austin jumped out of his chair. “No, no that’s not necessary. You can stay here and we can just cuddle.” He said while wrapping his arms around her.

  “Or we can fuck.” Molly said pushing him back down in the chair. “Now no touching and I mean it, until I give you permission.”

  “Yes Ma’am.”

  ***

  Molly turned around and pressed play on her iPod. The music instantly flowed out into the room and into her body. She started swaying back and forth to the beat as she ran her hands up and down her body. She closed her eyes and envisioned Luke in her mind. She knew it was wrong but she could not help herself. She missed him so much and she used to dance for him all the time, just like she was doing for Austin. The only way she would get through this was to imagine doing it for Luke.

  She closed her eyes once she got close enough to Austin where she could feel his presence and started working her body more. Her back was toward him so he got a great shot of her ass. She slowly worked it up and down, dipping down to her toes and raising ba
ck up again. She turned around and put her hands on the armrests and lightly bit his lower lip. He groaned in approval.

  She then proceeded to sit on his lap, moving in slow circles to heighten is already hard arousal. It felt good to have him already hard and begging to be inside her. She grabbed the straps of her bra and moved them off her shoulders so the bra was barely staying up over her chest. She lifted herself so her breasts were almost in Austin’s face and then started nibbling on his neck.

  “Fuck, Molly. I don’t know how much more of this no touching I can take.”

  “You better not touch me Austin or you’re going to be punished and you won’t like it.”

  “What would be my punishment, it might be worth it.”

  “You would watch me pleasure myself and then I would leave without you getting the chance to be inside me.”

  “Alright, no touching, got it.”

  Molly smiled as she ran her hands up his broad chest stopping at his nipples and began to circle them with her finger nails. Austin was breathing heavily and she could feel him occasionally thrust his hips toward her trying to speed up the process. Oh how she loved torturing men.

  She brought her mouth toward his and drove her tongue in exploring every last inch. She reached behind her and removed her bra, her breasts fell onto his bare chest and the sensation of skin on skin was incredible. She started to throb with the need to be touched. She ran her hands up his neck and into his hair still kissing him senseless. She was about to burst herself when she leaned down and whispered into Austin’s ear.

  “Fuck me Austin, Fuck me now.”

  ***

  Austin had them both out of the chair and into his bed in record time, grabbing the condoms at the same time. He quickly ripped his shorts off and looked down at Molly who was sprawled across the bed, hair everywhere and breasts so gloriously perky begging to be sucked. He grabbed her garter belt and thong and ripped them off her in one quick motion and took in Molly’s body. He could not even begin to fathom the fact that she birthed a child. She had the best body he had ever seen.