“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 flapping around and getting in my way?” Piper sent him an innocent smile.
Innocent, my ass. Levi knew her game and he wasn’t happy. His frame of mind changed with the first caress of Piper’s hands.
“Well done,” she cooed, tracing the ridged of his rock-hard abs. “You worked hard today. I was so proud—when my nerves didn’t make me want to throw up.”
“When did you calm down?”
“Um.” Pursing her lips, tilting her head to the side, Piper gave his question a lot of thought before answering. “I’ll let you know.”
“You can’t still be nervous.” Doubtful, Levi shook his head. “Why?”
“Until the last second of the game, even though I knew you’d win, I worried something might happen to you,” Piper explained. “Then, my stomach was in a knot over the text I’d sent.”
“And now?”
“You.” Piper held Levi’s gaze. “You make me nervous. Don’t smile.”
“I’m not,” he said, trying his hardest to keep a straight face.
“Levi,” she admonished.
“Shoot me,” he chuckled. “You’re so damn unflappable most of the time. I like the fact that I can shake up your world—if only for a little while.
“Shaken and stirred.” Piper brought Levi’s hand to her chest—to the spot right above her heart. “Bump, bump, bump. You did that.”
“Same for me,” Levi confessed. “Can’t you tell?”
“I can’t breathe,” she gasped.
“No problem,” he said cupping the back of Piper’s neck. “I’ll breathe for you.”
Levi pulled Piper toward him. He sat up, meeting her halfway. What started as a teasing version of the kiss of life, quickly became a passionate exchange between desperate soon-to-be lovers.
“Sorry,” Levi said, resting his forehead on Piper’s as he tried to regain a semblance of control. “I got carried away.”
“I was right there with you.” Piper closed her eyes. “Should I continue, or not?”
“Keep going,” Levi told her. “I need a moment to put the brakes on my libido before I end up like the jerk you dated in high school.”
“Oh?” Her gaze drifted to the place between his legs and she snorted. “Oh.”
“Women have no idea how temperamental a dick can be.” Levi rolled onto his stomach, turning his face toward the opposite wall. “Let’s give out of sight, out of mind a try.”
“Should I remove your underwear?” Piper asked as she tentatively toyed with the waistband.
“Compression helps,” he said with a shake of his head.
“I want to help.” Piper placed a kiss between Levi’s shoulder blades. Her tongue flicked—just for a second. “Better?”