Reading the Defense Ch. 04

Samantha's laugh was curious. "Do you think he knows?"

"No way, he's completely oblivious. I dyed my hair this week and do you think he noticed that?" Samantha shrugged her shoulders, smiling at her friend as she removed the foil from a dish with the chicken breasts.

"Have you figured out next week?"

"I think so." Liz arched an eyebrow at her. "He'll probably stay and work, a few of the other coaches are staying close because there's a game next Sunday." Samantha's voice was casual as a sense of acceptance finally appeared. Liz just stared at her. "What?"

"Nothing. Are you okay with that?"

"Yeah, I guess I have to be. This is what he has to do, but I wish he could take a day or something and just let go."

"Sam, what's going on? I thought you were getting better with things?" Liz gave a pointed look while pulling another tray of food from the refrigerator.

"I am, I swear. It feels different with a holiday tossed into the mix. It would have been nice to have spent some extra time with him but this is okay. I can't be selfish with him. At least, this is what I am telling myself. Gabe needs the time to do what he has to do. That, and my tickets were non-refundable, I can't afford to just throw them away to stay here."

Liz could hear the uncertainty in her friend's voice and knew she was trying her best to understand her boyfriend's lifestyle. Wiping down the counter, she jokingly said over her shoulder, "When does the season end again?"

"Tomorrow?" Both women laughed, but quietly Samantha hoped that the time would pass quickly until the season ended. Soon enough, the guests started arriving filling the small house to capacity. Just as Trent had gone for a nap, Dave walked in through the front door. As if he could have planned a better time to wake his son. Everyone in the house shouted birthday greetings, tossed streamers at him and filled the room with booming laughter. While Dave and Liz hugged each other and walked throughout talking to each group, Samantha excused herself to the kitchen to catch a breath. She took a second to remind herself that she was there to celebrate Dave, not to dwell. The nagging feeling of resentment for being alone tried to inch its way on her face but she wouldn't allow it.

She couldn't resent something he loved, it wasn't fair and was undeserved. Gabe would have been there if he could; she believed this. Holding onto that feeling, she took a sip of water and worked her way back into the room to celebrate.

****

A couple of weeks back, Samantha had been telling Gabe about a project she was trying to encourage her students with. She had always been interested with astronomy and the alignment of planets; since graduating university she knew at some point she would work the solar system into her curriculum. He remembered when he was in Philadelphia how she explained a constellation project using the lid of an oatmeal container. Samantha's voice had been so animated it caused him to laugh. She smirked back at him, reminding him of a certain phone call he had called her almost screaming with excitement after a major feat against San Francisco. After talking to a few of the front office secretaries the morning the Cougars were back from Landover, he found out that the planetarium hosted events certain weeknights. The only trouble was that the holidays were around the corner and the event had been postponed until after the new year. Even so, he broke away from the evening meetings on Tuesday to be with her.

Their time had been sparse over the past week and a half with an away game and Dave's party. Because she would be flying out the next afternoon, he figured the night was perfect. Gabe wanted to take advantage of the evening and knew as Samantha walked into his house with an extra bag filled with clothes, she did too.

"Are you cold?" Gabe clutched Samantha's hand in his own and squeezed lightly.

She reveled in how strong his hand felt whenever he held hers, and gave a hum of pleasure. "No. It's a gorgeous night. The sky is perfect."

Sighing deeply, he spoke "What I really wanted to do for you was to take you inside, let you see the stars exactly how you wanted, but the schedule was closed until January."

Samantha looked over at Gabe as they walked along Lakeshore Drive. "I'm seeing them exactly how I want to." She smiled coyly at him. "Plus, I can't really see much because I'm too happy you took a few hours off and haven't mentioned a player's name once." She covered her mouth, causing her smile to drop as if she meant to keep that silent.

Gabe stopped walking; turning to her he held her face in his palms. "You are amazing, do you know that?"

Samantha tried to shake her head, but with his hands holding it in place, it made the task difficult. Instead, she dropped her lashes and looked back up at him while biting her lip. "I didn't mean to say that."

He smiled at her, "Yes, you did. And that's okay." Gabe pulled her close and kissed her, gently rolling his tongue against hers. Pulling away, he rested his forehead against hers before speaking barely above a whisper. "I'm happy too."

They continued to walk along the path, the cool November breeze keeping them company. For several long minutes they walked in comfortable silence, enjoying the evening together. As they approached a bench she asked if he wanted to sit down for a little while, when he agreed and sat, she curled her body next to him molding the two of them together.

The night sky was clear and bright as the stars twinkled above. For all of the years that she had been in the area, she had never walked along the lake taking in the sky like this before and was soaking up the incredible view. When Gabe had left a message for her earlier in the day, his voice was so eager it sounded just as it had the first time they spoke. Having him move a few things around, in order for them to spend time together before she flew out of town was adding more reasons to the invisible list she had created. A silly list that reminded her of all the great things they had together, a list that she needed to remember for all of the times she got upset over extended meetings, his foul temper after a loss and away games.

As a few boats cruised slowly in front of them, Gabe turned his head to kiss Samantha on the top of her head. She snuggled deeper into his side, and knew that now was the best time to talk about the one conversation both had avoided for weeks.

"Gabe, have you figured out what you're going to do over Thanksgiving?"

"I'm still not too sure. I might just take advantage of the time and get caught up on sleep instead of getting away to work on improving plays."

Samantha stayed silent for a moment, trying to build up enough courage to ask him a question that had been burning deep within her for weeks. A question her family had been probing her on, in all hopes of meeting the infamous Gabe Russell.

"Won't your family miss you if you don't go up to see them?"

"They know how it is, and don't really expect to see me until maybe the game after New Years Day." He rested his chin on the top of her head, the wind blowing strands of her soft hair across his lips.

"You know...I mean...I leave tomorrow—"

"And come back on Saturday."

Smiling, she lifted her face to kiss his neck. "Yes, three long days. But that's not what I was saying. Um, if you wanted to...you could..."Taking hold of the dwindling confidence in her body she dove in. "If you wanted to, you could come to Seattle with me. I mean, if you weren't going to go anywhere and if flights are still available." She paused trying to regain the strength in her tongue. "The offer still stands Gabe, you're more than welcome to come."

Gabe craned his neck to look down into her big blue eyes, "Are you asking me out?" She nodded her head before burying it in his neck, laughing at the same time. He barely heard a muffled 'yes' somewhere in between her giggles. "How long did you practice saying that?"

"Longer than you need to know." She answered honestly, knowing this man saw through her as no one else had before.

"I'd love to come out with you sweetheart." Hope raced through her at his words.

"You would?" Gabe ran a finger down her cheek and leaned close to kiss her softly on the lips.

In a husky whisper, "Yes I would, but I can't go far right now. I know you want me there, and I want to be there, but I just can't."

Samantha couldn't hide the disappointment rising, clear as the ocean waters in her widening eyes. "What would you be risking Gabe?"

As he smoothed strands of hair behind her ear he answered her, trying to get her to understand the technicalities. "It's not really risking, I've never gone away during this short of a break. With Christmas, I think there's at least five days for a break but still."

"So that makes a difference, two days?" Her tone stayed muted, but Gabe knew she was hurt by his rejection that wasn't really a rejection.

"Sweetheart, I want to be with you—"

Her hurt was finally being voiced, "So why don't you? I know you don't want to fly, I can cancel my flight and stay here with you."

"No, your family would hate that." He looked sheepishly at her, "And I would feel guilty for you not being with them as you planned."

"Why does this have to be so hard sometimes?"

"It's only for a little bit longer, you'll have me for all of the time you want just as soon as the season is over. I promise."

She didn't want to sulk but she wasn't excited at their separation, Samantha kept on with Gabe. "I know, but it seems like the perfect opportunity to sneak away. Just the two of us, you know what I mean?"

Just then, a chilled breeze cut through them and Gabe shivered down to his bones. He wanted to believe the wind made him shiver but knew Samantha was also part of it. "Sam, it's an opportunity. Not the perfect opportunity."

Wrapping her arms around his waist, trying to curl into his warmth she spoke. "You know that drives me crazy." She laughed lightly while he raised his eyebrow at her. "How you answer like that."

"Like what?"

"Like I should know when the perfect opportunity is with you, and start planning. That's what." She couldn't help but laugh at him; he was trying to make the mood light and still fun because he knew how much this bothered her. Samantha was comforted by knowing that, so she was willing to let it go. She would go back to Seattle and he would—well--do what he had to do.

Probably watch game film on the couch in his boxers.

The thought made her smile, Gabe felt her face tighten against his shoulder and tipped her chin up to him. "Who knows, maybe I'm planning something for this perfect opportunity."

A bubble of laughter erupted from her, Gabe couldn't help but laugh with her. They both knew he was too busy to be planning anything apart from setting his alarm every morning. Or maybe not.

Samantha wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him; Gabe cradled her close to his chest and held her like that for several long moments. He had wanted tonight to be something far from the typical but also didn't want to be anywhere near other people except to be surrounded by her. With the previous weekend he had been in Washington facing another grueling match that didn't bode well for the Cougars, making him miss Dave's party. They'd talked on the phone afterwards and Gabe could hear the laughter in Samantha's voice and wished he could have celebrated with them. Deep down, Gabe knew he needed to stay close and maybe go up to Michigan for the day. His mind told him so, while his heart and something else told him to get on a plane and follow Samantha out to be with her family.

Gabe had never gone anywhere over the short holiday since he had been coaching. The timing was never right, traveling long distances was never a chance he wanted to take, should anything happen in that short period. Not only that, but he traveled enough as it was and to spend that time on a plane wasn't ideal. Despite it all he told himself to wait, knowing that for the Christmas holiday Samantha would be in Chicago. What she didn't know, was that he had been talking with his family and been planning on asking her to come up and stay with him then. They would have more time together and it would give her a chance to meet his family. But of course Gabe had wanted to meet her family, and knew that visit would have to wait until the off-season.

They started walking back toward the section where his truck was parked. Something had been on Gabe's mind and he couldn't wait any longer to ask Samantha a question.

"Seems I'm going to have to come out and just ask you."

"Ask me what?"

Squeezing her hand, "The last few times you've been over, was there anything that was different?"

Her heart started to race, she wanted to speak but speech had deserted her. Looking up into his face, she noticed the soft glitter in his dark brown eyes. Slowly she shook her head, hoping she knew the answer, wishing she knew what he was going to say.

His voice dropped low, "The flowers."

Samantha's heart stopped. She knew it, knew he had gotten them for a reason. A huge smile spread across her face, her eyes widening with excitement. "Yes, I did!"

Gabe frowned, when he spoke his voice faltered sounding completely unlike himself. "Why didn't you say anything?"

Samantha couldn't hold back the bubble of laughter, she squeezed his hand tightly in between both of hers and stopped walking. "You are a very distracting man."

"Distracting or persuasive?" A smile tugged at his face.

"A little bit of both. When I saw the hydrangeas in your kitchen, it threw me off guard. I couldn't believe you had gotten them. And then I saw some more flowers near the front door tonight and knew something was up. Why did you get them?"

Gabe took a deep breath. "They make my house feel like you're there."

Touching his face, she kissed his lips lightly. "See, you are a big softy."

He barked out a laugh at her. "Not really."

Nodding her head she kept smiling at him. "Yes, really. Was it hard for you to go into a florist's shop to pick up flowers? I mean don't guys just pick up whatever is at the store even if there's a tacky balloon attached to the arrangement?"

He laughed at her, "It wasn't too bad. A couple of weeks ago you were stuck doing something with the board of education all week and couldn't come over, I can't remember-" Samantha tried to remember too, lately she had been pushed and pulled in every direction from the school district. It was a good thing, but the meetings took time away from her evenings. "I was on the plane reading a magazine when I saw an ad that had flowers in it. I remembered you telling me they were your favorite. As soon as I got home, I picked up the flowers. Tonight's were a whole other story."

"There was still plastic wrapping on the bouquet by the door."

"Yeah, I know. I was trying to get them out before you walked in but, you drive fast."

Laughing, she spoke. "I'll fix them up when we're back at home." Absentmindedly, she spoke of his house as theirs together. Gabe heard it and smiled to himself, enjoying the way it sounded. When she spoke again, her voice was tart. "Hey Softy, you know with me being gone for a few days you're going to have to fill the house up with flowers all over the place."

Gabe shook his head and knew she would give him a hard time about this for a while. "That or you could just leave a pair of panties. I think that would be fine."

****

Feeling exceptionally kinky, Samantha took her time sauntering over to Gabe as he was spread out on the bed. Knowing they were going to be separated, she wanted to go out of town with a bang, a thought that came to her late. Not having enough time to go shopping, she had called Liz with a desperate plea during her class' first recess and begged for her friend's help.

You do realize that I will be waltzing into a lingerie shop, stroller in tow, to get you hooker garb. All because I love you, and you saved my ass with Dave's party. I'm doing this favor for you and all I'm going to say is that you better be flying out tomorrow wearing sunglasses to cover the rings under your eyes.

Samantha thanked god that Liz lived on the way to Gabe's house and was able to look at the selections before getting back on her way. The woman had done well. She wore a black net and lace two piece set that was frilly and fantastically sinful. The black bra ruffled on the straps, the cups hardly hid her breasts, while her naked bottom was barely covered by a mini mesh skirt trimmed with lace and ribbons. Gabe groaned at the sight of her and had to put pressure on his growing arousal.

Not fully naked, Gabe sat wearing his jeans. His mind had completely shut off at the sight of Samantha, he loved how uninhibited she was with him. She was the sexiest woman he had ever known and as she started to crawl up along his body, kissing his chest, he thought he was going to die. Leaving little love bites along the taut skin, she raked her nails up his sides until she straddled him.

"Merry Christmas." He barked out a laugh, only encouraging her eyes to dance. "Happy Thanksgiving." She lowered her face to kiss the corner of his mouth. "Happy Tuesday." Gabe held her head in place and took her mouth from her, kissing her ruthlessly. His hands were all over her body, tracing the flimsy material of the lingerie. As his fingers trailed a sensitive spot leading to her inner thighs, she broke her mouth from his and let her head fall back. Gabe turned their bodies, rolling away from her spread legs and loomed over her. Batting her lashes to clear her vision, Samantha reached up to touch any part of him she could get.

Gabe stilled her hands and brought them to his lips. "No, tonight is all about you." He started to run his strong hands all over her body, stalling when his fingers brushed across the lingerie, he dallied with the material before moving on. He would kiss her long and hard then pull back and trail kisses down her throat, sucking on the skin until she would start to pant. Feeling her body writhe with need, he would kiss her again but then travel down a different route and start licking her belly button trailing down but stopping just above the mesh skirt. Samantha didn't lay idle, and started to stroke his shoulder while moving her hips as her excitement grew.

Taking his time, Gabe skimmed his fingers along the waist of the skirt, Samantha lifted her knee just a little, giving better access to where she was hottest for him. A small moan broke his concentration and he stopped to look up at Samantha. Gabe smiled when he saw that her lids were closed and her mouth slightly open; she moved one of her hands down from the pillow and was playing with the transparent mesh covering her breast. Dropping his head he kissed the inside of her knee and removed his finger from the skirt. Scooting further down on the bed, he splayed her thighs with his shoulders and started to kiss her where she was most wet. Her hips buckled as his hot lips caressed the sensitive skin, he chuckled sending a ripple of pleasure through her. Samantha was gasping for air as Gabe kissed and teased everywhere except where she needed it most. His tousled hair tickled her inner thigh and the scruff from his stubble scratched the skin as his head moved back and forth. Needing to feel more contact, she lifted one of her legs and draped it over his body. With her movement, his tongue stroked her core ripping a deep sob from her.

As Gabe's tongue lapped at her, one of his hands reached up to cover hers as she toyed with her breast. She squeezed his fingers as the pressure started to build. Samantha's hips started to move in motion with Gabe's mouth and before she knew what was happening, a great cry broke through her as she shattered. She lay whimpering for long seconds as her body was still shaking; about to reach for the clasp of the bra Gabe stopped her fingers.