Checkmate

Hey everyone, here's a standalone story for you. It does take place in the same universe as my other stories but it is a standalone work. I'm about fifty pages into another Law & Ardor. All the moving pieces were getting overwhelming so I took a step back and wrote something simple. I hope you enjoy!

Comments and feedback are always appreciated! I read every single one. Also, please let me know if you spot any mistakes. I upload revisions all the time, and I will correct any errors that are pointed out to me. Just make sure to be specific so that I can find what you're talking about.

Please note that this story is a work of fiction. I might use parody names for pop culture references: including songs, books, movies, and celebrities. However, they are not meant to accurately represent the real people or media. This is a fictional universe. As always, this is a world without STI's, and everyone involved in sexual activity is at least eighteen years old.

-Witty

NOTE: If you're new to my stories, there's a timeline on my page that should work as a suggested reading order. Just don't judge my earlier stories too harshly! I was, and am, still learning.

I had earned an MBA from Wharton, negotiated transactions worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and had become the youngest vice president in my firm's history. All at the tender age of twenty-nine. Unfortunately, not one of those accomplishments had prepared me for a twelve-pound puppy who refused to sit.

"Chloe, sit," I instructed firmly.

The adorable puppy looked up at me from the grass, her tiny head tilted to the side.

"Sit."

She sneezed.

It looked like my authority ended at Wall Street.

Two weeks ago I adopted Chloe from a shelter when she was three months old and weighed only seven pounds. My recent promotion came with a little more flexibility in my schedule. I'd decided my apartment needed something besides expensive furniture and an impressive library. I'd instantly fallen in love with her face and big brown eyes.

Chloe was remarkably smart. She'd learned her name in the first few days and always looked at me when I spoke to her. Following directions, however, was apparently optional. We had already taken several trips to Washington Square Park to train and play. I'd dressed in a navy quarter-zip pullover, charcoal athletic joggers, and comfortable sneakers. Chloe was standing in the grass, pretending she didn't know what I wanted her to do.

My new puppy was a small dog with short hair that was mostly black. She had four white paws and the edge of her tail was white as well. Additionally, A white stripe started on top of her head, went down her face and down her chest. Her snout was small, like most puppies, and those eyes were so cute.

I took a small treat out of the bag I'd brought and held it up. "Sit."

Instead of sitting, Chloe reared up on her hind legs. Her little mouth opened, showing off her needle-like puppy teeth as she made a jump for the treat. I managed to lift the treat out of her reach, so she instead chose to tug on the bottom of my pants while a small group walked by us on the trail.

A soft autumn breeze sent fallen leaves racing across the grass. Chloe abandoned her attack on my pants to chase one of them. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in the park, with temperatures in the mid-fifties and fluffy white clouds partially obscuring the sun. Joggers passed us by along the paths, and dog owners chatted near the benches. The usual groups were seated at tables playing chess.

Chloe managed to catch the leaf and carried it around happily. I tightened my grip on her leash as I crouched to take the leaf out of her mouth. When I stood, she started running around me, nearly tangling me in the leash. I turned around several times to avoid getting tripped.

"Chloe, come!"

She ignored me.

"Come on, girl."

"I think she's winning," a confident feminine voice said with a soft laugh.

I looked up.

A blonde woman stood a few feet away, watching Chloe with an amused expression. She had taken out her white earbuds to speak to me, seeming to have paused her jog along the path. She wore black running leggings, a fitted purple athletic jacket, and running shoes. Her long, sunny blonde hair was pulled into a high ponytail that fell to the middle of her back. She was tall. Really, really tall. At six-foot four-inches tall, I was used to towering over most people. This woman, however, was nearly tall enough to look me straight in the eye. And I definitely noticed those baby blue eyes behind a pair of thin, black wire-frame glasses.

She was breathtaking.

"I'm beginning to think she knows it, too," I admitted.

The woman's smile widened. "Smart girl."

I glanced down at Chloe, who had caught another leaf and was wagging her tail while the leaf stuck out of her mouth.

"She really is," I agreed with a smirk before turning back to the woman. "She knows what I want her to do, it's getting her to do it that's the challenge."

The woman laughed, revealing a beautiful smile made up of straight, pearly-white teeth. "Well, perhaps she just needs the right incentive."

"I have treats."

"Clearly, she has better offers." The woman gestured to the leaf.

I chuckled. "You have a point."

She stepped closer, eagerly looking down at Chloe. "May I say hello?"

"Of course, she loves people."

Slipping her earbuds into her pocket, the woman crouched and held out a hand for Chloe to investigate. My friendly puppy immediately abandoned her leaf and bounded toward the woman, tail wagging furiously.

"Oh, aren't you adorable!" the blonde exclaimed.

Chloe enthusiastically accepted the compliment, pressing her tiny head into the woman's hand before attempting to lick and nibble her fingers.

The woman turned her head to look over at me. "What's her name?"

"Chloe," I answered.

"Chloe," she repeated affectionately, turning her attention back to the puppy. "A pretty name for a pretty girl."

Chloe wagged her tail even harder.

"And how old is she?" the woman asked.

"A little under four months," I replied. "I adopted her two weeks ago."

"A rescue?"

"Yeah, I saw her picture on social media on a shelter ad and couldn't resist."

"Do you know what breed she is?" the blonde wondered.

"Mixed," I answered. "We don't know for sure, but probably border collie mixed with retriever. She's small, so maybe beagle as well. It's the face I fell in love with."

The woman looked up at me, her blue eyes sparkling. "A handsome man who rescues puppies. That's a dangerous combination."

I was momentarily caught off guard by her directness, but I quickly smiled. "Dangerous?"

"Very." She nodded while scratching Chloe's ears. "Fortunately, I have excellent judgment."

"I'll take your word for it."

"Oh, you shouldn't do that." She glanced up at me with a mischievous smile. "You should always verify your assumptions. For example, I'm reasonably certain I didn't just fall into a clever trap."

I frowned for a moment before I caught her meaning. Then I laughed. "No! I'm not here trying to pick up women using a puppy. I swear."

The tall blonde studied my face carefully. "Hm, I think I believe you."

She stood, drawing herself up to her full height as she brushed a few stray blades of grass from her leggings. "I'm Rebecca, by the way. Rebecca Sterling. My friends call me Becca."

"Oh, we're friends already?" I looked at her curiously. "Good to know. I'm Tom Witty."

Her eyebrows rose. "Witty?"

"Unfortunately."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that." Becca grinned. "It's cute. Although, I imagine it comes with certain expectations."

"You have no idea," I sighed.

"Are you living up to them?" she wondered.

"I'd like to think so."

"We'll see." Becca looked at me intensely.

I found myself smiling nonstop. Her confidence was refreshing. Becca wasn't the slightest bit shy, and the way she looked at me told me she knew exactly what effect she was having. Her face was flawless, and I loved the way she always had a small smirk tugging at her lips. The horny male in me also couldn't help but notice that Becca was absolutely stacked. Damn, I couldn't remember the last time I was so attracted to someone.

"Do you live around here, Becca?"

"A few blocks from here. Greenwich Village." She gestured toward the path. "I usually finish my Saturday runs in the park. What about you?"

"I'm a little farther uptown in Chelsea," I responded. "Chloe and I have been coming here pretty regularly."

Becca glanced down at the puppy, who had curled up next to my sneaker and was tugging on the shoelace in an attempt to untie it.

"I can see she's making excellent progress with her training," Becca teased.

"She's brilliant," I insisted. "Just selectively cooperative."

"Ah." Becca nodded solemnly. "A problem I'm familiar with."

"You have a dog?"

"No, I teach college students," she said. "They usually don't bite, but they're definitely worse."

I laughed. "What do you teach?"

"Mathematics."

"Really?"

She narrowed her eyes playfully. "You're surprised. Interesting."

"No, no!" I held up my hands in a gesture of surrender. "I can tell you're highly intelligent. I just, I don't know, I wasn't expecting you to be a math teacher."

"What were you expecting?"

I hesitated, which was a mistake.

Becca folded her arms, her perpetual smirk growing more pronounced. "Go on, Tom. I'm fascinated."

"I don't know, maybe something involving athletics?" I offered. "You're tall, athletic, and just finished running five miles. Plus, with those looks, how can your students concentrate on math?"

"Flattery will get you everywhere," she laughed lightly. "For the record, I'm a mathematics professor at NYU and I've towered over everyone around me since middle school."

"Impressive."

"I like to think so," she said. "I'm six foot even."

"I was referring to being a math professor, but sure, that too." I chuckled. "What kind of math do you specialize in?"

"Game theory, primarily," she explained. "That was the topic of my dissertation. Strategic decision-making, mathematical models of competition and cooperation. That sort of thing."

That caught my attention. "Game theory?"

"Familiar with it?" Becca asked with interest.

"A little," I replied. "I work in investment banking."

Her expression changed slightly, revealing a brief spark of interest. "Do you?"

"Yeah, just got promoted to vice president," I told her. "I work mostly with mergers and acquisitions."

"Interesting." She studied me for a moment. "So you spend your days evaluating risk, predicting other people's decisions, and trying to make sure your side comes out on top?"

"That's one way of looking at it, yes."

"And yet here you are, losing a battle of wills to a puppy," Becca teased.

I looked down at Chloe, who was still chewing on my shoelace. "Wharton didn't have many classes on dog training, sadly. An oversight, I'm sure."

"A Wharton graduate? Impressive." she nodded in approval. "Where did you do your undergrad work?"

"Cornell. You?"

"I majored in Mathematics at MIT," Becca answered. "My graduate work was at Princeton. We both have a reason to celebrate; you just made VP, I just got tenure."

"A tenured professor?" I asked with surprise. "You seem very young for that."

Seriously? A tenured mathematics professor? She was tall, blonde, slim, beautiful. She had curves in all the right places, sunny blonde hair, and the most alluring baby blue eyes. She was also clearly a genius. Did Becca leave any good genes for the rest of humanity?

She grinned. "You should never ask a lady her age, even in jest. But for your information, I did recently celebrate my third twenty-ninth birthday."

"Thirty-one," I observed.

"Oh good, you can count." She giggled cutely.

"I actually am twenty-nine," I told her.

"Ah, a baby." Becca nodded. "Don't worry, you can hold my hand when we cross the street."

"Are we going somewhere together?"

"Maybe." She shrugged. "I can tell you want to."

I cleared my throat. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Sure." Becca gave me a look. "First, how about I show you how to approach the problem." She held out her hand. "May I have a treat?"

I reached into my bag, brought out a treat, and handed one to Becca.

She crouched again, holding out the treat.

"Chloe," Becca said gently. "Sit."

Chloe looked up at her as she moved the treat backward over the puppy's head. To my astonishment, Chloe lowered her bottom onto the grass.

"Good girl!" Becca exclaimed before rewarding the puppy.

"You've got to be kidding me!" I growled.

Becca laughed. "Positive reinforcement, Tom. You're not negotiating a corporate merger."

"I was using positive reinforcement!" I countered.

"Were you?"

"Yes!"

She glanced at Chloe, then at me. "Perhaps she simply responds better to beautiful women."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Well, that makes two of us."

"Oh," she said softly, her smile growing wicked. "You are witty."

I grinned. "I have my moments."

"I would certainly hope so." She stood up again, watching me with interest. Evaluating me.

I wasn't used to a woman being so forward. The gorgeous genius was flirting with me. I definitely didn't mind. However, I was momentarily distracted when a gust of wind sent leaves flying across the grass. Chloe lunged after them, drawing our gaze. Beyond her was the set up for the chess games.

Becca looked at the games. "Well, Tom Witty, I should probably let you get back to your training."

Disappointment flooded me. "Probably."

She took a step away from me, then stopped and glanced over her shoulder. "Unless..."

"Unless?"

"Unless you think you can keep up with me?"

"You want us to run with you?" I frowned in confusion.

"No." She nodded toward the chess players. "Do you play?"

"Chess?"

"No, competitive underwater basket weaving," she deadpanned.

I laughed. "Yeah, I play."

"You any good?"

I considered the question. "I'm alright. I'm well-practiced at predicting people's moves."

"Well, that's adorable," Becca replied with a smirk. "How about a game?"

"You're challenging me?"

"Unless you're afraid," she said primly. "Which I wouldn't blame you for one bit."

"I'm not scared."

"Oh, you should be, Tom." Her blue eyes sparkled. "You'll be covered in sweat and unable to remember your own name when I'm done with you."

"I've never had that reaction losing at chess," I commented with a laugh.

She stared me down. "I wasn't talking about chess anymore."

We found an available table and sat down for a game. Fortunately, Chloe had tired herself out and curled up against my foot for a nap. Becca insisted I play white, and I was once again in awe of her confidence. I moved first, picking up a pawn and moving it to e4. Becca responded by moving a black pawn to c5.

"The Sicilian Defense." I nodded in approval. "Nice choice."

"Oh, good," Becca replied happily. "You know what you're doing. You might last long enough to satisfy me."

My next move was knight to f3, continuing the standard opening. "Someone's confident. I hope you're not a sore loser."

"You'll be the sore one when I'm done with you," she insisted, placing her pawn on d6.

For my next move, I placed a pawn on d4. Becca responded by taking my pawn with hers. I then captured with my knight. Becca brought out one of her knights to the f6 space. I placed a knight on c3, and Becca's next move was to move a pawn to g6, preparing to fianchetto her bishop.

"The Sicilian Dragon," I observed, placing a bishop on e3. "Aggressive. That fits your personality, but be careful; I know how to slay dragons."

"Do you now?" she asked, her eyes lighting up.

"I've done it before."

"On a chessboard, or are you secretly a character in one of my books?" Becca wondered.

I laughed. "Wait. What kind of books are we talking about?"

"I read all kinds," she answered, moving her bishop to g7. "But I was talking about romantasy. Dragons and magic. Handsome warriors and romantic passion between battles." Becca smiled wickedly. "Dangerous women."

"So, is it the fantasy aspect that you enjoy?" I asked. "Or the dirty fantasy aspect?"

"A mathematics professor can appreciate a handsome fae prince," she replied confidently. "A six-foot-five immortal warrior who can sweep me off my feet. Real men just so rarely... measure up."

"I'm only an inch shy," I countered, placing a pawn on f3.

"In height or where it counts?" Becca asked with a grin. "And by the way, in my fantasies the dragon survives."

"That's unfortunate for you."

"We'll see, Sir Thomas."

I responded to the Sicilian Dragon with the Yugoslav Attack, determined to play as aggressively as possible. Becca castled kingside while I castled queenside. It was a fierce game, but I slowly found myself losing ground. Instead of attacking, I was simply trying to defend. At least, until she broke my defense. Becca sacrificed a piece to open a line toward my king. I'd initially thought she'd made a mistake, but I was quickly proven wrong.

She was better than me. I had to admit that. It was more than just me being outplayed in one game. Becca was brilliant. She was capable of dismantling my defenses both on and off a chessboard. I could be quite competitive, but I was perfectly fine with losing to Doctor Rebecca Sterling.

Becca set her down her queen. "Checkmate."

I looked at the board and shook my head. "I thought I knew how to slay dragons."

She smiled and adjusted her glasses. "You made one mistake."

"Oh?"

"You assumed I was the dragon."

"And what are you?" I asked.

"The woman who commands it."

"You're starting to scare me," I commented with a chuckle.

"Good," she declared. "You know who's in charge."

"On the chessboard, perhaps," I replied.

"You couldn't handle me anywhere else," she stated confidently.

"I may just have to prove you wrong."

"Part of me hopes you do," Becca said, leaning back in her chair. "I suppose I should thank you."

"For losing?"

"For entertaining me," she explained. "Most men don't last nearly that long."

I raised an eyebrow. "At chess?"

Becca smiled. "That's what we're talking about, isn't it?"

"I never know with you."

"I'm an enigma," she said proudly. "So, what do you usually do after losing at chess?"

"Depends," I replied. "Sometimes I demand a rematch."

"And today?"

I glanced down at Chloe, who was beginning to stir. "Today, I think my puppy needs a walk."

Becca smiled. "Mind if I join you?"

"We would both love that."

The three of us left the chess tables behind and continued through Washington Square Park. Chloe trotted along happily, occasionally stopping to investigate a leaf or an interesting patch of grass. The crisp November air was chilly, but the afternoon sun made walking comfortable.

"So, Tom," Becca began, "what does a hotshot investment banker do with his time when he isn't making money?"

"I lose chess games to beautiful mathematicians," I answered immediately.

"An excellent hobby," she said approvingly. "You should do it more often."

"I was hoping for something a little less painful for my ego."

She laughed. "Seriously, though. Tell me your hobbies."

"I also love to read," I replied. "Although, I'm not big into dirty books."

"Ah, you prefer videos so you can watch the action?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I said as we walked.

"Riiight," Becca drew out the word. "Hey, I'm not judging. I just don't watch porn. I read it. Like a fucking lady."

"Whoa!" I exclaimed, glancing at her in surprise.

"What?" she asked, batting her eyelashes. "I know big words and bad words."

"I'm starting to realize that," I said with a smile. "Anyway, I like fantasy as well, but without the smut. Science fiction, history. I go to the gym a few times a week and enjoy hiking." I glanced down at Chloe. "And lately, I've been spending most of my free time trying to keep this holy terror from destroying my apartment."

Becca looked at Chloe and smiled. "I'm not sure I believe that. She looks so innocent."

"She ate the corner of a book yesterday."

Becca gasped theatrically. "Oh, no! Not a book!"

"Exactly!" I agreed. "You understand my suffering. It was a history of the Roman Empire."

"Maybe she was making a statement about imperialism," she suggested.

I burst out laughing. "You know, I hadn't considered that."

"I'm not surprised," Becca said, effortlessly matching my stride. "You clearly need someone around who has an analytical mind."

"Clearly."

We walked along a tree-lined street, passing little storefronts and old brownstones. Becca told me about her love of hiking, her morning runs, and the satisfaction she got from teaching. She explained loving the way a person's face lit up when the concept clicked and they understood it.

"You must be pretty good at math yourself," I observed.

"I managed."

I gave her a skeptical look. "A tenured professor at thirty-one? I strongly suspect you did more than manage."

She grinned. "I did graduate high school at fifteen."

"Seriously?"

"Yup," she confirmed. "I'm a smart cookie."

"I might be out of my league here."

"Oh, you definitely are." Becca nodded firmly. "Don't worry, I have a weakness for handsome men and puppies."

"What about fae princes?"

Becca walked over to a three-foot stone wall that enclosed someone's yard and placed her hands on it. "Oh, if you're also a fae prince I'll bend over right now. Seriously."

"Sadly, I'm not."

She snapped her fingers and sighed. "Darn!"

"It's hard to imagine you doing that," I admitted.

"It's hard or you're hard?" she giggled, returning to my side as we resumed our walk. "You really have to prove your dominance if you wanna claim me that way."

"Challenge accepted."

"Yet you just acknowledged you're out of your league," Becca observed. "Hm, I'm not sure I see myself surrendering to you anytime soon."

"I'm willing to work for it."

Becca walked closer to me as we continued down the street. At one point, her hand brushed mine as my other hand held Chloe's leash. A moment later, she slipped her fingers between mine. Instead of commenting, I just squeezed her hand and continued our walk. We kept going until Chloe decided she'd had enough excitement and sat down on the sidewalk.

I looked at the small dog. "Now you know how to sit."

Becca laughed and leaned against my arm. "Poor baby! She's exhausted."

"She also might be hungry," I pointed out.

"It is almost time for dinner," she agreed. "There's a little Italian place a few blocks away. They have outdoor tables and I've seen people bring their dogs."

"Sounds perfect."

"Excellent." She squeezed my hand. "Come along, Sir Thomas. Your queen demands sustenance."

The restaurant was small and cozy, hidden between two storefronts. There were a few outdoor tables sheltered beneath the awning, and a heater kept the area warm. The host assured us Chloe was welcome outside, so we settled at a table near the edge of the patio. I gave Chloe some water from her collapsible bowl and a portion of the puppy food I'd packed.

"So," Becca said as she studied me over her glass of wine, "are you seeing anyone?"

"Would I have held hands with a beautiful professor if I were?"

"I certainly hope not, but I always prefer to verify my assumptions," she responded.

"I respect that," I said with a smile. "I'm not seeing anyone. What about you?"

"Single."

"How is that possible?"

She grinned. "High standards."

"Should I be worried?" I asked.

"Probably."

"Good to know."

Becca rested her chin on one hand as she looked at me through those cute glasses. "I've been pretty busy with work. Dating hasn't exactly been my highest priority. Not with everything involved with getting tenure and teaching."

"I can relate." I grimaced. "Investment banking doesn't leave time for relationships."

"And yet you found time to adopt a puppy," she observed.

"Best decision I've made in years," I stated firmly.

Becca glanced at Chloe affectionately. "I believe that."

Our meals arrived, and we were quiet for a few moments as we enjoyed the first few bites. Then we started talking about books, movies, and the various places we'd traveled to over the years. Becca had an infectious laugh and a wonderful voice. Her intelligence was second to none, allowing her to effortlessly lead our verbal joust. The entire time, Chloe rested curled up on top of my feet.

"I'm glad we ran into each other today," I said after we'd finished eating.

Her familiar mischievous smile returned. "Me too. Watching you lose at chess was particularly satisfying."

"You're never going to let me forget that, are you?"

"Never," she declared.

"I regret telling you I knew how to slay dragons."

"As you should," Becca replied. "But I will say this, Tom. You're a very good player."

"Thank you." I inclined my head. "High praise from the woman who commands dragons."

"Don't let it go to your head,"she advised.

"Too late," I chuckled. "I'm contemplating challenging you to a rematch."

Becca turned to look toward the sky. "Sun is setting soon. I don't think we'll be able to make it back to the boards in time."

"That is unfortunate, but I do have a very nice chess set at my apartment," I told her. "My apartment's not too far away."

She leaned forward, her blue eyes twinkling behind her glasses. "Thomas Witty, are you inviting me back to your place?"

"I am."

"For chess?"

"Among other possibilities."

"Oh, I like that answer!" she exclaimed happily.

"Is that a yes?"

Becca pretended to consider the question, leaning back in her chair and evaluating me while tapping her fingers against the table.

"Well," she began a few moments later, "you are handsome, intelligent, and surprisingly entertaining. You aren't a fae prince, but your puppy is adorable. And I do enjoy a good game of chess."

"Sounds promising."

"There's just one problem," she said.

"Oh? What's that?"

She leaned forward. "I've already beaten you once today, what makes you think the second game will turn out differently?"

I smiled. "I'm not planning to play the same game. Don't worry; you'll surrender to me before the night is out."

Becca laughed. "Very well, Sir Thomas. Lead the way!"

Sometimes it seemed like puppies had endless energy. There were times when Chloe just couldn't contain herself and would run around the apartment. Then she'd tire herself out and sleep for hours. She had tired herself out. I crouched to pick her up when Becca requested to carry the puppy, which was fine with me. Chloe happily slept in Becca's arms as the tall blonde cooed over the cuteness.

My apartment was a modest two-bedroom in Chelsea. I had converted the second bedroom into an office for when I wanted to get some work done at home. We entered the open living and dining area, with Becca nodding appreciatively at the nice view from the large windows.

Chloe had already started taking over the living room. Her crate was away from the window, beside a basket of toys. Several had spilled out over the hardwood floors and I'd given up trying to keep them in the basket. The rest of the living room was dominated by my bookshelves lining the walls, my charcoal-colored sofa, walnut furniture, and large area rug.

"You can set her down beside her crate, on the fleece," I advised.

"Is that your jacket?" Becca asked as she placed Chloe down on it.

"Not anymore." I laughed lightly. "She kept taking it to sleep on, so I gave up."

The tall blonde stood next to me as she smiled down at the puppy. "She's so stinking cute."

"She really is," I agreed.

"You're not so bad yourself," Becca admitted, crossing her arms. "Now, where's your chessboard?"

"You work fast," I said with a smirk. "Did you want a drink? I have wine."

"Mm, wine," she purred happily. "It's the best medicine."

"I don't think it's medicine," I replied, leading her toward the kitchen.

"Sure, it is," Becca countered. "I'm a doctor, remember?"

"You're not that kind of doctor!"

I poured us each a glass of wine and led Becca to the dining table. She sat down when I pulled her chair out, thanking me. Placing my chess board in the center of the table, I sat across from her so we could set up the game. Becca insisted that I play white again, teasing that I'd need the advantage.

"What would you say if I suggested we make this game a little more interesting?" Becca wondered.

"I would ask what stakes you proposed," I answered simply.

"Each time a pawn is captured, the person who loses theirs has to confess a dirty secret," Becca suggested with a smirk. "I'm curious what mischief you've gotten into over the years."

"I might just sacrifice the game to learn about you," I replied. "What about the other pieces?"

"Hm, what are you wearing?"

"Aren't I supposed to ask questions like that?" I laughed.

She gave me a look of exasperation. "Other than my shoes and socks, I have on leggings, a t-shirt, my jacket, panties, and a sports bra."

"I've got my pullover, a t-shirt, pants, and underwear," I answered, liking where this was going. "That's four."

"There are four minor and three major pieces. That's seven," Becca mused. "I suppose shoes and socks can each count as one. Then throw in your watch. I'll take mine off. We'll be even."

"What does the winner get?" I grinned.

"When I win, you will take me to bed, Sir Thomas," Becca stated firmly. "And you will do everything you can to try and outdo me. You'll fail, but when you make me cum, I'll reward you by allowing you to surrender to me."

"And when I win, I'm going to worship every inch of that body," I told her confidently.

Becca extended her hand across the table. "You've got yourself a game."

We shook.

I took a sip of wine before opening d4. Becca's first move was the standard d5. She surveyed me over the rim of her wineglass like she was daring me to try and figure out her plan. For my second move, I threatened her pawn with a move to c4. Then she responded with e6. The third round brought our knights to c3 and f6, then we each moved a bishop.

"The Queen's Gambit," I looked at her.

"Fitting, because I am a queen." Becca inclined her head.

"Well, your majesty," I said as I claimed a pawn. "Time for you to reveal a secret."

"Okay, I've got a good one," she said with a wicked smile. "I was in grad school when I had my twenty-first birthday. My best friend took me on a bar crawl."

"You slept with your female best friend?" I asked with an excited grin.

"Only in your fantasies!" Becca laughed. "No, we didn't have any money at the last bar and the bartender said we could pay by flashing him. We did."

"You made that guy's day."

"Oh, we definitely did," she responded before capturing my pawn in response. "Confession time, Sir Thomas."

"It was a second date," I began slowly, "we'd made out a little bit on the first one. We were in a nearly empty movie theater. I ended up with my hand up her shirt and she gave me a handjob."

Becca nodded approvingly. "Decent score. You a player?"

I laughed. "No, nothing like that. If anything, I think you might be here to take advantage of me."

"Believe me, I am," she growled sexily.

Within a couple of moves, Becca captured my knight. Even though I was only removing my smartwatch, she still cheered and called for me to take it off. I laughed at her antics before taking a sip of wine and making my move. I soon captured a bishop and won Becca's shoes. To my surprise, I took the lead in material by capturing a pawn.

"I was very happy when my dissertation was accepted," Becca told me. "So I went to a bar to celebrate. Ended up in the backseat of a car with a guy I just met. Gave him a Gluck Gluck Ten Thousand."

"I'm sorry, what?" I looked at her incredulously.

"Oh, come on!" she laughed. "And here I was thinking you were educated. It's the sound a girl makes when she's choking on dick!"

"And the ten thousand?"

"Oh, that's an extra big number because it's a blowjob from me," Becca stated proudly.

"I can't decide if you're arrogant or confident," I smiled.

"The only difference between arrogance and confidence is whether you can back it up," she told me. "And trust me, I can definitely suck out your soul."

I looked at her with a straight face for several seconds. "Okay, your move. We've got a game to get through!"

Becca laughed.

I was the next to lose a piece. It was my bishop, and my shoes came off. I won Becca's knight in exchange, forcing her to remover her socks. She teasingly lifted her foot and wiggled her toes in my direction. I jokingly waved my hand in front of my face, as if her feet smelled. They didn't.

She claimed another pawn. "Tell me a secret."

"One time I was having sex and I came inside her," I explained. "We were both surprised that I stayed hard. I just kept going and she looked up at me. She was so confused and asked 'Uh, didn't you just cum?'"

"What happened next?" Becca asked eagerly.

"We kept having sex, of course," I laughed. "When I was ready to cum again, she wanted me to do it in her mouth."

"Did you?"

"No guy can refuse a girl begging for him to cum in her mouth," I stated as I took her pawn in exchange. "Tell me something really dirty, Miss Confident."

"You want dirty? You've got it!" Becca looked at me with hooded eyes. I could tell she was as aroused as me. "One time I was screaming while taking it up the ass and my neighbor started pounding on the door asking if she should call the police."

I just froze. "Um. Wow. I don't know how to respond to that."

"Just hope you can handle me in a little while," Amber smiled, moving her bishop. "Your move."

We exchanged knights. I lost my socks while Becca was forced to remove her purple athletic jacket. She wore a plain t-shirt underneath, her large chest even more obvious without the jacket. She smiled at me innocently when I had to adjust myself. We were both fully covered still, but the sexual tension in the air was causing me to react.

She claimed another pawn.

"I'm not sure if this is a secret, but I'm hard right now," I admitted, taking her pawn in exchange.

Becca's lips parted slightly. "My secret is that I'm soaking wet for you."

The game was growing more serious, both of us frowning in concentration as we struggled to focus. Rooks were exchanged, forcing us both to reveal some skin. Becca took off her t-shirt, revealing a red sports bra with black trim. She seductively licked her lips when I took off my own shirt.

A couple of moves later, we exchanged queens and entered the end game. We both stood and dropped our pants. Becca was wearing simple black cotton panties, while I had on dark blue boxer briefs. Her baby blue eyes were locked on my erection before I sat down, concealing it from view.

I had never played so well, but Becca was the best I'd ever faced. I simply couldn't match her.

She set down her bishop. "Checkmate."

I sighed and looked down at the board. Then I glanced over at Chloe to make sure she was still sleeping. Finally, I drew my eyes to the gorgeous creature sitting across from me. Her chest was flushed and she was breathing heavily. I could feel the electricity, the chemistry between us.

"You won, but you didn't manage to get me naked," I observed.

All trace of playfulness was gone as Becca looked at me. "I think I should see your bedroom now, Sir Thomas."

I stood and offered my hand. "Right this way, my queen."

Becca placed her hand in mine, ending rational thought for both of us. We lunged for each other at the same time, our lips crashing together as I held her to me while she massaged my biceps. Her tongue was in my mouth as she moaned, using her tongue to draw mine into her mouth. She sucked on my tongue as I led us toward the bedroom.

Reaching for her sports bra, I started pulling it up. Becca raised her arms, letting the bra come off and treating me to the sight of the most amazing tits on the planet. They were large, perfect teardrops with light pink nipples. I couldn't resist grabbing them and burying my face in her cleavage.

Becca moaned, holding the back of my head as she encouraged me to suck on her nipple. When we reached the bed, she hopped on and slid back until her head was on my pillow. I dropped my underwear to the floor and stepped out of them while Becca slid her panties down her legs and tossed them on the floor.

I stood at the foot of my bed and admired the tall, naked blonde. Her legs seemed endless as I ran my eyes up to the junction between her thighs. Her labia were pink and glistening with her arousal. I also noticed she had a small bush of light blonde pubic hair. Becca smirked at me, still wearing those sexy glasses as she slid her hand between her legs and used two fingers to spread her labia.

Normally, I would have gone right in for a taste, but the tension had built for too long. I immediately climbed up the bed, making her squeal and laugh as I got into position between her legs. Becca looked up at me as I slotted my erection into position and slid myself inside her in one smooth stroke.

"Oh, God!" Becca gasped, her mouth open wide as she arched her back. "Oh, wow!"

"You're so fucking tight," I groaned as I felt her velvet tunnel molding to me.

Grabbing my face, Becca leaned up to kiss me passionately as she hooked her ankles around my calves. We moved as one, with her rolling her hips to meet my every thrust. Her tight hole was true bliss, and she knew how to use it. I felt her walls tighten, knowing she was doing it intentionally to stimulate me.

Not one to be outdone, I kissed her roughly as I planted my hands on the mattress and started fucking her hard and fast. Becca was a very active lover, panting loudly and using her entire body. Her legs held me, her hips moved with mine, her tight body quivered beneath me, causing her tits to jiggle lightly on her chest. She ran her hands over me, seemingly desperate to touch me as she nibbled on my earlobe.

"That's it, baby, fuck that pussy," she moaned breathlessly into my ear. "You feel so good inside me, you're so hard. Oh God, you're so deep! So deep, baby!"

"You feel so good," I groaned, my fingers clenching the sheets.

"Mm, you gonna cum for me baby?" Becca cooed, arching her back so her tits brushed my chest. "I want it! Shove it up my cunt and cum inside me! Oh God, fill me up!"

I was quickly learning why other men might struggle to satisfy her. Literally everything Becca did was sexy and made me want to cum. Even the expressions that crossed her face as she went on about how good I was making her feel were incredible. Her lower jaw tensed, her eyelids fluttering as she gasped. She bit her lower lip and let out a quivering whine before pulling her lip back and grunting in pleasure.

"Oh fuck, I want your cum!" she gasped, her ass rising off the bed as her walls tightened. "You're so hot, oh my God, fuck! Fuck me! Fuck me hard! Cum in my pussy!"

"Not yet," I whispered.

"Wha-?" Her gasp turned into a yelp as I pulled out of her and started kissing down her body. She groaned when I reached her vulva. "Oh!"

I buried my face in her hot box and started munching on her pretty, pink pussy. Holding her ass in both hands, I pushed my tongue inside her and eagerly lapped up her juices. Becca was writhing beneath me, her hands on my head as she held my face to her crotch. I sucked on her clit before pushing two fingers inside her channel and curling them.

"Yes!" Becca hissed, tugging at my hair. "Oh God, yes! Eat me, lick my pussy, eat my cunt! Fuck, fuck, fuck!"

"Mm," I hummed while I went down on her.

"Yes, right there! Right there!" she groaned, her body tensing as she let out a long series of gasping grunts. "Um, ah, oh! I'm, ah, I'm cumming! Ah, fuck!"

My tongue, lips, and fingers kept working until Becca finally collapsed on the bed at the conclusion of a thirty second orgasm. I took one long lick of her slit before lifting my head to smile up at her. My face was coated in her feminine nectar, and she struggled to see me over those huge boobs of hers.

"I wasn't finishing until I made sure you did," I smirked.

Becca nodded. "Smart boy."

I got up on my knees and looked down at her, my cock still rock hard. "Fuck, you're sexy."

"Mm, and you're a worthy opponent on and off the board," she confirmed with a smirk. "You ready to see if you can really keep up with me?"

"I'm ready to win," I replied confidently. "I believe the word surrender was used."

"Think you can succeed where all others have failed?" Becca questioned as she reached up to remove her glasses.

"Leave them on," I instructed.

She looked at me.

"They're sexy," I explained. "They make you look like a hot librarian."

"Is that so?"

"Leave them on," I ordered firmly. "And yes, I know I can."

Becca looked like she had another tiny orgasm. "Yes, sir."

Two dominant personalities collided, both determined to come out on top. I started out on top, putting Becca's legs over my shoulders as I slammed myself into her depths. She held her own tits, tugging on her nipples as she cooed up at me, begging me to fuck her harder.

I responded by pushing those long legs over her shoulders so her feet were by her ears. Becca cried out another orgasm as I pounded her into the mattress while her legs squished her breasts. I loomed over her, looking down at her intently as we fucked like animals.

Becca waited for the right moment to strike. She rolled us over, getting on top of me and mounting me so she could ride me aggressively. Her nails dug into my chest as she bounced in my lap, her blonde ponytail flopping around as her boobs bounced. I held her tits, squeezing them and using them to pull Becca down onto me.

"You like that, baby?" she husked passionately. "You like that tight pussy squeezing your big dick?"

"Yes," I groaned, my thumbs brushing her nipples. "But I'm not cumming until you scream."

"Tough talk," Becca smirked. "How about you prove it?"

"Challenge accepted."

The tall math genius smirked and lowered herself onto me, her breasts brushing my chest as she kissed me softly. I wrapped my arms around her and rolled us over so I was back on top. Then I sat up and once again slid out of her warmth. Grabbing her hips, I flipped Becca onto her hips and urged her up onto all fours.

"Oh, you want me from behind?" Becca cooed, getting into position. "Do it! Fuck me doggystyle!"

My hand lashed out and spanked her butt, making Becca yelp.

"Soon," I admonished.

Crouching, I grabbed her butt-cheeks and pressed my face to her pussy from behind. Becca tossed her head back and groaned as I once again worshiped her womanhood with my mouth. I ate her to another orgasm before quickly sitting up and entering her tightness from behind.

"Yes!" Becca hissed, her blonde ponytail down her back. "Fuck me! Fuck my pussy!"

Holding her hips, I started up a steady thrusting rhythm, my balls slapping her clit each time I went all the way inside. My fingers dug into her skin as Becca pushed her ass back to meet my thrusts. I was grunting, she was panting, we both were sweating as our passion for each other grew.

Grabbing her ponytail, I yanked Becca's head back. "You like it from behind?"

"God yes, fuck me harder!" she begged wantonly. "Spank me, pull my hair, fuck my pussy! Make me yours!"

I spanked her several times, making Becca cry out. Then I used my grip on her hair for leverage to drill her from behind as hard as I could. It was obvious that her big boobs were flopping around on her chest, the two mounds slapping into each other as Becca took my dick. Finally, it happened.

"Oh my God, I'm gonna cum, I'm gonna cum!" Becca announced, her fingers tugging at the sheets. "Fuck, I'm cumming! FUCK!"

Becca screamed. A real, full scream.

That's when I really started fucking her, ready for my own release. She eventually calmed down as I released her ponytail and held her hips. Looking over her shoulder, she watched the expressions on my face as I enjoyed the warmth and tightness of her pussy. When she sensed I was close, Becca jerked her hips forward, forcing my cock out of her. She then spun around, staying on her knees as she grabbed my length and took me in her mouth, sucking hard.

I held her head in both hands as she sucked, feeling pleasure from my fingers to my toes. "Fuck, Becca! I'm, ah! Fuck!"

I think I might have blacked out for a second as my balls clenched. I felt my dick throbbing as I started shooting in Becca's mouth. She moaned passionately, her cheeks puffing out as she sucked out my load. I noticed drops of white at the corners of her mouth, and I felt the last few drops fall out onto her tongue.

To my surprise, Becca pulled off me with a slurp and opened her mouth. I gasped as I saw my own semen on her tongue. She then closed her mouth and tilted her head back, swallowing my sperm. Becca's blue eyes sparkled as she showed me her empty mouth to confirm it was all gone.

"We calling this a tie?" she asked, lightly stroking me while I played with her boobs.

"You think I'm done?" I replied with an amused expression. "Oh, you have no idea what you're getting into."

With that said, I grabbed her ponytail again and shoved my dick straight down her throat. Becca hummed happily, gulping me down eagerly as her hand massaged my balls. I was able to stay hard, something that hadn't happened to me since college. It was rare, and I was determined to make the most of it.

I put Becca on her back, fucking her in missionary again before returning to doggystyle. Then she rode me in reverse cowgirl, playing with her own tits as she ground herself down in my lap until she came. Finally, I bent her over the bed and fucked her for several minutes until I finally exploded in her pussy, coating her vaginal walls with my hot sperm.

Stepping back, I gave Becca room to stand up. Instead, she spun around and crouched, taking me in her mouth again. Her pussy was leaking cum out onto my floor as she kept sucking on me, determined to keep me hard. She took me balls-deep, rolling her blue eyes up to meet mine as she moaned passionately.

Biology did win for the moment, so Becca took me from her mouth and looked up at me sexily. Her glasses were eschew as she started talking dirty to me. She called herself a little cumslut and said she couldn't wait for me to fuck her again. It took some time, but I eventually found myself hardening again.

That's when I learned the true meaning of the Gluck Gluck Ten Thousand.

Becca bobbed her head on me in a steady motion before switching to sucking on my balls while stroking me. Then she lifted herself up and placed my erection between her breasts so she could give me a titty-fuck. She held her boobs around me as she moved them up and down to stimulate me.

"Your tits are amazing," I groaned.

"Mm, they're all yours, baby," Becca cooed. "I can feel your cock throbbing. Oh God, I wanna suck it again."

"You wanna suck it?"

"Please let me suck it," she pouted.

How could I say no to that?

"Sluuurp, schloop, mmmslurp," Becca sucked and slurped. "Gak! Gak! Hurk! Gluk! Gluk!"

I let her blow me for a few minutes before getting us back on the bed. Putting Becca back in doggystyle, I entered her from behind. We did it that way for a while, causing Becca another orgasm. Then I grabbed some lube from the bedside table I had from a previous relationship.

"Hurry up!" she pleaded. "I need you in me, please be in me!"

Getting into position, I spread her ass-cheeks and rammed myself straight up her backdoor. Becca screamed again, begging me to fuck her butt. I pushed her face and chest into the bed as I hovered over her, fucking her up the ass while she drooled and babbled incoherently.

I exploded. That time I was sure I blacked out for a few seconds as I filled her tight bum with hot semen. Keeping a hand on her shoulder, I panted heavily before finally sitting back. Becca collapsed on the bed and rolled onto her back. She looked up at me in awe, her entire body glistening with sweat as my semen ran out of her pussy and ass.

I looked down at her with a self-satisfied smirk. "Checkmate."

Becca nodded weakly. "I surrender."

After such dirty sex, we both needed a shower. I got to soap up a very nice pair of titties as the blonde giggled and playfully kissed me whenever she could. Becca even dropped to her knees and used her mouth to make sure my penis was squeaky clean. She returned to the bed while I put on a robe and checked on Chloe.

Satisfied that the puppy was fine, I got back in bed with Becca. We were both naked as we cuddled beneath the covers. I had completely lost track of time, but I knew it was late. Pushing away that thought, I ran my fingers through her blonde hair while she rested her head on my chest.

"Is this when you kick me out?" Becca asked. "Or are you gonna be a gentleman and let me spend the night?"

I sighed theatrically. "I suppose you can stay."

"Sick of me already?"

"Nah, just tired of losing," I replied. "It's two to one now."

"Yeah, you definitely fucked me into submission," she giggled, wrapping an arm around me tightly. "Tell you what, we'll play chess again in the morning. Win and you can do me up the bum again, but if I win you have to go down on me for an hour."

"Deal."

I couldn't recall when I fell asleep. All I knew was that I woke up to a warmth around my dick; something bathing my thickness in moisture. Becca was on her knees with my cock halfway down her throat. I sighed happily, placing one hand on her head as my other played with her tits. A few minutes later, I grunted and filled her mouth with another few ropes of cum. I felt her throat contract as she swallowed. Then I passed out.

Did Becca and I have a future? I didn't know. What I did know was I had met someone who was intelligent, witty, and beautiful. Someone who could look me in the eye with confidence and declare she'd beat me. Rebecca Sterling was more than my match, and I was looking forward to the next morning when I'd pay up for losing another match.

Checkmate.