Loving The Game (Thirty-Something in the City - The Lunchtime Sorority Book 1)

by Bailie Hantam

Natalie giggled, putting her empty carton down. “Besides, Jill has thing for rugby players. I don’t think she minds a little Neanderthal.”

  “Two.” Jill feigned outrage. “In all my years of dating, I’ve only been out with two professional rugby players.”

  She didn’t feel it necessary to mention that a third was on the horizon. It wouldn’t help her case, and she wasn’t sure how her friends would handle it. Especially Tracey.

  Tina shook her head. “That’s two more than the average woman.”

  She was about to defend herself further when a noise at the front door drew their attention. Only one other person had access to Beyers home besides Tracey’s parents. Jill’s heartbeat sped up a little.

  All four women turned in the direction of the entrance way as Tyler walked through the door. He wasn’t wearing his usual sweats and team issued T-shirts. His faded jeans hugged his thighs in that way that still left one guessing what was going on underneath. The black polo was pulled tight over his chest, the sleeves just short enough to reveal the bottom of the protea tattoo on his right arm.

  Tracey frowned at her brother. “What are you doing here?”

  He shrugged one shoulder. “I meet with dad every Wednesday afternoon when I’m in town.” He walked further into the room, his eyes scanning around. “It’s our thing.”

  “That’s so sweet.” Tina squealed. “I should do that with my mom.”

  The corner of his mouth lifted in a sexy smile as he looked down at Jill. “So, this is why you didn’t answer my text.”

  Her face heated and she nodded up at him. “Girl’s lunch is sacred. No interruptions. Work or otherwise.”

  “I’ll pick up you up at seven.” He winked at her walked off. At the doorway to the kitchen he turned around. “Dress up, we’re going somewhere nice.”

  Jill closed her eyes and pursed her lips, willing her face to cool down. When she opened them up again, as expected, three pairs of eyes were staring at her.

  Tracey was the first to speak up. “What the actual fuck, Jill?”

  She lifted her shoulder to her ears. “He asked me out.”

  Tina rolled her eyes. “Out of the blue? After avoiding each other for over a decade and barely seeing each other, Tyler just asked you out?”

  Even if she wanted to lie, the three women looking at her knew her too well. “We kissed. Last week when he took me home from the hospital.”

  Tracey leaned forward, her brows reaching her hairline. “And you just mentioning this now?”

  Natalie shook her head. “Well, you’re his sister. It’s a bit awkward for her to talk to you about it.”

  Jill exhaled. “Thank you. Exactly.”

  “That doesn’t mean you couldn’t tell me or Tina.”

  The three continued to stare at her before Tracey spoke up. “What do you need. Your best friend or your image consultant.”

  That was a no-brainer. “My best friend. Always.”

  “If you hurt him, I will kick your ass.” There was only a hint of humor in Tracey’s voice. “And if he hurts you, I’ll kick his. Just don’t make me take sides.”

  “I would never do that.” That was one thing Jill was confident about. They’d managed to avoid each other for so long, and while everyone noticed, they’d all remained friends.

  “I know.” Tracey took her hand. “I’m just worried that neither of you have any experience dealing with complications. And this could get messy.”

  Jill raised her brow. It was true, she didn’t do commitment. Sure, she’d had long term… flings. She’d stayed with guys because it was comfortable until comfortable became boring. Then she moved on. She couldn’t handle more than that. The potential for complications was too much of a risk. Which made someone like Tyler perfect. He wasn’t used to sticking around for longer than breakfast. And even if it lasted longer than a date or two, it wouldn’t get complicated.

  “Out of curiosity,” she said to Tracey. “What would you have said if I wanted my image consultant.”

  Tracey quirked her lips and glanced at the other two women. When they nodded at her she leaned forward. “Wear the new turquoise dress. I have it on good authority, the Jozi Thunder fly-half has a thing for plunging necklines and halter necks.”

  Jill couldn’t contain her giggle. “Plunging? I have zero cleavage.”

  “He knows that,” her friend said. “And he still asked you out. Don’t get all self-conscious on us now.”

  Tina raised a brow. “You’re going to have to work it, girl.”

  Unlike Jill, Tina was blessed in the chest department. Jill shook her head. “Not all of us have the boobs to work with.”

  A wince crossed Tina’s face. It was odd. Tina wasn’t one to get self-conscious about her body. In fact, more than anyone Jill knew, her friend was known to embrace and even celebrate her curves.

  Jill wasn’t sure if either of the others had noticed Tina’s reaction. Maybe they did since Tracey changed back to their original subject. “Of course, we may need to rethink you dress for the gala dinner.”

  Jill wouldn’t be going to the dinner with Tyler. He needed to take a date and because she was working that event, she couldn’t. Besides, there was no way she could be seen at a work function with him. Still, she let her friends gush over what clothes she should wear. They had every item picked out, right down to which underwear would work best.

  It wasn’t until Natalie announced that she had to start her shift in an hour that they realized how late it had gotten. They were clearing up the empty Chinese containers when Mrs. B came into the lounge carrying a plate of food.

  “Can one of you ladies take this out to Tyler in the old shack out the back. His father came in a while ago to eat. I know he’s on a strict eating plan, but a little home cooking never hurt.”

  Tina gathered her handbag. “Jill will do it Mrs. Beyers. Natalie needs to get to work and she’s my ride.”

  Jill took the plate and made her way around the backyard to the shack they’d spent so much time in as children at the far end of the Beyers’ property. The garden looked different than she remembered. The avocado tree had become huge, and Mrs. B had started a small herb garden along the pathway to the shack. With both hands occupied she used her shoe to kick a knock on the door.

  Tyler opened the door and the air escaped from Jill’s lungs.

  “Just the person I’ve been thinking about,” he said.

  ****

  Tyler

  Tyler stifled a gasp as he opened the door to the shack and saw Jill waiting. He said the first thing that popped into his mind. He’d been thinking about her and her delicious body ever since their kiss more than a week ago. He’d wanted a little time to gather himself before seeing her again on his way out. Whenever he saw her, his mind filled with thousands of inappropriate images and his dick was instantly hard. And yet, he couldn’t deny she was looking at him the same way.

  “Sorry.” He attempted a smile, hopefully negating his stupid comment. He took the plate from her. “Come in.”

  “Uhm,” she started. Her caramel skin had turned a lovely shade of pink at her cheeks. “I can go. Your mom just wanted to make sure you ate.”

  Oh, he wanted to eat, alright. He shook his head and shifted a little to adjust himself. “I could use the company.” Tyler left the door open. A floorboard creaked under his foot. His mother had been nagging his father for years to replace that board. He walked back to where he was sitting at the far wall. “Besides, I think we’re long overdue for a conversation.”

  The door closed and he turned around. Jill was still standing there. The same board creaking under her slight weight. Her discomfort worried him a bit. She’d been in their hundreds of times before. It was practically all of their second home during summer vacation.

  “We don’t need a conversation.” She hugged her body and walked a little closer. “Besides, you’ve already asked me out.”

  “Come sit down,” Tyler answered. “You look nervous.” He gestured to
the over-sized cushions scattered around. “And I have no idea why.”

  Jill smiled and his shoulders released. “We haven’t done well when we’re alone together recently.”

  Tyler smiled. She was right. He’d got aroused with her on his lap at the hospital. Then there was that electric kiss at her flat. “Good thing we’re adults and don’t have to account to anyone.”

  She took a seat next to him, her apple scent tickling his nose. The soft skin of her arm brushing against his. “God,” she said, crossing her legs at her ankles. “It feels so strange to be back here. It’s been so long.”

  “A few nights before the party,” Tyler remembered. “Just before you set off for university.”

  She looked up at him, recognition shining in her eyes. She remembered the night of her party “It has been a while. So,” she said with mock innocence. “You were thinking about me?”

  Tyler’s mouth tightened. How was he supposed to respond to that except be honest. “Jill, I haven’t stopped thinking about you.” He didn’t need to share how long she’d haunted his thoughts. “You’re kind of hard to ignore.”

  “You say the sweetest things,” she said.

  “Not really.” He shot her a smile. There was nothing sweet about what he was thinking. “I’m not going to lie. I mostly think about your face contorted in pleasure as you call out my name.”

  Her cheeks turned that lovely shade of pink and her chest rose and fell. He couldn’t resist. “As much as I really want all of that, I do believe that’s two points to me.”

  She gave him as sexy smile. “I know what you mean. I’ve been imagining what you taste like. Your head thrown back as I suck your cock.”

  Oh, she could play. He didn’t think it possible to get harder. His dick was pinching against the zipper of his jeans.

  “Fuck, Jill” He couldn’t say anything more with the image her going down on him playing in his mind. “I think that puts you in the lead.”

  “Told you.” Jill folded her arms over her chest, hiding the fact that her nipples had hardened. But he’d already noticed them. “I’ve learned a lot in ten years.”

  “So, we’re both single,” he continued. “We’re obviously attracted to each other. We both know that there’s only one way to get rid of this chemistry between us.”

  The corners of her mouth lifted. It wasn’t a big smile, rather one of those sexy grins when girls don’t want to be direct. “You’re the one who insisted on a date first.” She crossed her legs, their knees touching. “You stopped us in the middle of that kiss, remember. But we do have options.”

  “Please,” Tyler said, turning to face her. “Enlighten me.”

  “We can either act on this attraction and get it out of our systems.”

  Tyler had to admit that option was so very tempting, but he wasn’t sure it was enough for him.

  The second was likely to be a lot less appealing and probably more sensible.

  “Or?”

  “We just ignore it and hope it goes away.”

  Yip, a lot less appealing. “So, our options are to fuck like rabbits, or pretend we don’t want to fuck like rabbits.”

  “Not quite how I would word it.” She raised her brows. “But yes, under normal circumstances, that would be my suggestions.”

  “But these are not normal circumstances.”

  Precisely,” Jill said. “There is really only one logical option. Ignore it.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Well we have a history. We work together.” She turned to face him. “We obviously still have some unresolved issues. Besides, I have no intention of avoiding you again for the next ten years.”

  Tyler frowned. “Then don’t.” Now that she was back in his life, he wanted to keep her there. As friends, if he had to, more if he could get it. “We’re adults. We’ve both played the game. We know how to avoid collateral damage.”

  “But the stakes are higher, Ty.” Her expression was neutral. “Your career. My career. And a whole bunch of friends who care about us both. And then there’s the idea of being with another rugby player.”

  “Another rugby player?” Tyler balled his fists. “Do I know him?”

  He knew she’d been with other men. He wasn’t naive. The idea it could’ve been one of his teammates made him irrationally angry. Unless Jill had dated one of the club level players.

  “He’s not important.” She picked at the hem of her skirt, not looking him in the eye. “It was a fling, over before it got serious.”

  Tyler guessed that if Jill wouldn’t give him more information, he probably knew who the guy was. Probably one of his teammates. Best if he didn’t know.

  Tyler turned to her to say just that but halted. She lifted her gaze to him and he got lost in the look in her eyes. Part desire, part conflict. She really was beautiful. He lifted her chin and her eyes dropped his mouth to hers. Shifting closer, he pulled her towards him. His lips first brushed hers gently. When she didn’t resist, he deepened the kiss.

  The world faded around them. He stroked his tongue to her lips, and she allowed him in. The kiss was different than the one they shared the week before. It was slow and sensual but no less intense. Every part of him went on alert as a feeling of deja vu washed over him. It was how he’d felt that night all those years ago. Back when he was in lo—

  His body tensed up at the thought. He was not that nineteen year old boy.

  Jill must’ve sensed his hesitation and pulled away.

  “We can’t do this here.” She stood up, dusting her skirt down. “Not now.”

  He got up after her. He still had things to say to her. He gripped her arm as she stepped forward. The transfer of weight snapped the broken floorboard. Jill fell forward and Tyler caught her, pulling her close to him.

  She looked up at him, a strange intensity in her eyes. A sheen of tears, she was trying hard not to succumb to. “I think I broke my foot,” she said.

  Chapter 6

  Jill

  Jill pushed back tears as Tyler pulled her foot from the hole in the floor. The last thing she needed was to be crying in front of him.

  “Can you stand?” His hand on her calf was a good distraction and only served to make her more aware of him.

  How was she supposed to concentrate on standing with him holding her like that. Tingles ran up her leg. All the way up her leg. His hand was like fire on her skin. And what was with that kiss. It was familiar. It felt like everything she’d been missing. It was exactly as she’d remembered from all those years ago, just… more. The familiarity brought back memories of the boy she’d kissed, but at the same time she’d definitely kissed a man. There was so much intensity to it. He was forceful, used to being in control. But he was gentle too. The combination made her dizzy just thinking about it.

  Tyler lowered her foot and she tried to even out her weight.

  “Ow,” she cried out, a fresh batch of tears stinging behind her eyes. “No, I can’t stand on it. Do you think it’s broken? Dammit, I need to go to the hospital.”

  “Hey.” Tyler’s voice was stern, drawing her attention to him. “Calm down. I may not be a doctor, but I’ve had my fair share of twists and sprains.”

  “But you’re not a doctor.” She raised her voice, but he paid no attention to her. “What if we make things worse.”

  “Jill, can you move your toes.” How was he so calm? And how was he just ignoring her concerns? “Wiggle them.”

  She did as she was told. It didn’t occur to her not to.

  “That doesn’t hurt.” She wiped her cheeks. She’d tried hard not to cry but she had low pain threshold and she was really worried. “Is that good.”

  Tyler smiled at her. “It’s probably not broken.”

  “But I can’t walk,” Jill continued. “How am I going to drive with my ankle like this. I live on the sixth floor. That’s a lot of stairs”

  “Jill, listen to me.” Tyler’s command was firm but calm. “I will drive you home. I will even drive you to t
he emergency room, if that will make you feel better.”

  “Sorry, yes.” She had no idea what she was agreeing to, it just seemed fitting to agree to anything he said in that tone. “I mean, no. Wait. What?”

  “Try rotating your ankle.” Tyler’s voice softened as he smiled at her.

  Jill shook her head. When she tried to stand on it, the pain was unbearable. She couldn’t imagine trying to move it.

  “You can’t move it?” A small smirk appeared on Tyler’s lips. He was too damn sexy. It was distracting. “Or you don’t want to move it.”

  Tyler moved his hand from her calf to her ankle.

  “Don’t touch it,” Jill yelled. “You could make it worse.”

  “Jilly.” He shouted at her. Actually, rose his voice and scolded her. “You still have your boots on. I won’t move it. Now grow a pair and stop panicking. I don’t think you need the hospital, but if it will help you relax, let’s go.”

  She opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came to mind. Unsteadiness coursed through her as his hands left her leg. Before she could she process missing his touch, she was whipped into the air and over a shoulder.

  “Put me down.” She was going for forceful, but her the slight squeak to voice undermined any control she thought she had over the situation. Her chest hit the muscle of his upper back offering her a good view of his ass. She closed her eyes and tried concentrating on what was going on around her. “I can hobble along. All I need is your arm.”

  “This way is quicker.” Tyler walked quickly across the path back to the house. His feet only stepping on every second slab. “And like this we won’t have to answer many questions as we walk through the house.”

  She fumbled trying to make sure her skirt was pulled down. This could end up being very embarrassing if her. It was one thing implying that you’re wearing a thong, it was quite another to show it off for the world to see. “Tyler Daniel Beyers, put me down.” She tried kicking her legs but he had them pinned down. And it made the pain in her ankle worse.

  “Not gonna happen.” His strong arms held her in place, so she couldn’t wriggle. “Stop trying to move. This would be easier if you were more compliant.”