Touchdowns and Tiaras: The Complete Boxed Set

by Sosie Frost

  Touching this woman destroyed my willpower. The pleasure dizzied me beyond any rationality.

  I’d been hit before. Concussed. Blindsided. Knocked out. I lived in a daze of headaches and fog. But now everything cleared in my head.

  Just for a moment. Only while I thrusted within Rory.

  This was where I was meant to be. With her. In her. Holding her.

  And she belonged with me.

  I knew it. I felt it in her tremor. I heard it in her whimpers. My thrusts connected me deeper to this woman until my only desire was to offer her every pleasure, every peace, every comfort I could give.

  “Jude…” Rory panted. “I’ve never…”

  “Me either.”

  “Don’t stop.”

  “Never.”

  I reached for her, kissing her shoulder, savoring her tightness. Her body rolled with an endless shiver of perfection, and I ached stay buried in her velvet heat.

  I whispered her name as our bodies tensed. She came first, her breath lost in a quiet whimper. I gripped her hard, reaching over her, skipping her hip to touch her tummy. She arched, her hand joining mine.

  The closeness and intimacy and confusion of that single touch blinded me.

  I gave into the pleasure just to escape the truth.

  The orgasm flashed through me, blinding me to a blink of light and stealing my strength in a flare of raging nerves. Pleasure dueled with my body. I surrendered to the intensity because I had her to ground me.

  And I lost myself in that selfish desperation.

  I thrust deep, letting every jet of my seed bury within her slickness. Wave after wave of crippling, perfect agony blasted over me.

  I filled her. I shouldn’t have wanted it so badly. Shouldn’t have forced myself deeper. Shouldn’t have taken such a perverse pleasure in coating her with my desire.

  She came again because of it.

  I needed her to stay with me. In my bed. In my arms. I had to remain inside of her, a part of her.

  I didn’t know what would happen once the baby came, and the possibility of losing her was worse than any concussion, hit, or lifelong injury.

  I couldn’t let her go.

  Rory was the only one who could finally heal me.

  16

  Jude

  Rory arrived at her surprise baby shower…

  Dressed as a pumpkin.

  I was fucked.

  So much for my elaborate surprise. I’d organized the party at Jack and Leah’s. Got the food. Made the calls. Invited the guests.

  And I invited Rory under the guise of a Halloween party.

  Unfortunately, I forgot to tell her not to dress up.

  Whoops.

  And it had been such a great week of sharing a bed with her. How quickly good things came to an end.

  I met Rory as she waddled to the porch.

  “Hey Doc…” I gave her a smile. It was not reciprocated. “You’re a pumpkin!”

  The orange suit might have been loose on a non-pregnant woman. Her tummy filled out the plastic, stretching the black triangles serving as eyes and a mouth for the jack-o'-lantern. Her sleeves and leggings were green, just like the tendrils of streamers tangled in her hair. Vines, I supposed. They twisted into her hat—a little brown stem, tilted off center.

  She looked as exhausted and frustrated as she was utterly adorable.

  “When I was a little girl, I always wanted to be Cinderella for Halloween.” She held her arms out. “But the store I went to didn’t make maternity Cinderella dresses because, apparently, that dream is a wish a harlot makes. The only thing I could find was this pumpkin!”

  And so…she looked like a perfect pumpkin.

  Also very pregnant.

  I said the only thing a sane man who hoped to retain his balls might have said.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  Rory disagreed. “Are you crazy? I don’t look like Cinderella! I look like the magical coach!”

  “It’s cute!”

  She pointed at me—my sports jacket and trousers. “What’s your costume?”

  Shit. “About that...”

  “Jude?”

  “Just remember that, no matter what, you are a doctor. You’re a beautiful, talented, insanely intelligent woman.”

  “Who is dressed like a pumpkin.”

  “So don’t get mad.”

  “No promises.”

  “You might be the only one.”

  “Dressed like a pumpkin?”

  “Wearing…a costume.”

  “You said it was a Halloween party!”

  “It is. Just come inside. You’ll see.”

  “Come inside? Are you crazy? I’m a seven-month pregnant gourd!”

  “It won’t matter. I should have told you not to dress up. Blame me.”

  Her voice was cold enough to frost her vines. “Oh, I think I do.”

  Fantastic.

  I really hoped Rory would forgive me—that she’d realize it was the thought that counted.

  Because I was thinking a lot about her. I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

  She slept beside me. She snuck secret smiles for me at practice. She cheered for me on the field and made me feel like the greatest champion in bed.

  Even when I suffered through my headaches, when I couldn’t sleep at night without the aid of prescription drugs she didn’t know I was taking, Rory’s face was the only memory that stuck in my mind.

  And tonight was for her.

  I took her hand. Rory protested, but her steps scuffed after mine. Jack and Leah opened the door.

  Leah’s silver cocktail dress wouldn’t spare me a castration. Even with a toddler on her hip, she looked stunning. Her husband, the Jack-ass, couldn’t stop laughing.

  “Oh my God.” Leah giggled. “You are too cute.”

  Rory squealed and tried to escape. “I’m leaving.”

  “No, no.” Leah hauled her inside. “Rory, I am so sorry. I thought Jude would have reminded you it wasn’t a costume party. Don’t worry though…” She elbowed Jack, sending him to tend to the guests as he doubled-over in laughter. “You’re going to love this. Jude’s been working so hard.”

  Rory frowned at me. “Jude Owens, what did you do?”

  I led her inside, following Jack and Leah as they signaled to the team awaiting the guest of honor.

  “I might have arranged a baby shower,” I said.

  The party cheered as Rory entered the living room.

  Then laughed.

  Rory froze in a quiet, but dignified, mortification. She simply adjusted her stem and took my hand.

  And squeezed.

  Then squeezed some more.

  Then nearly dropped me to my knees as she attempted to break my fingers.

  Rory stared at the steamers and pink balloons, the flowers and a stack of presents in the corner all wrapped in pastel colors and pleasant pinks.

  “Oh…” The embarrassment faded. Rory fanned her face and called to Leah. “This is such a surprise. A little…too much of a surprise. Thank you all, but…I have to pee. Like right now.”

  Leah was on it. She took Rory’s hand and rubbed her tummy. “You are so lucky you’re pregnant.”

  She was really hard up for another kid to envy Rory’s weak bladder.

  Jack approached me with a frown. “I’m trying my best. Nothing wants to stick.”

  “More information than I needed.”

  “Just count your blessings…and your swimmers.”

  “One kid at a time, Jack.”

  He agreed. “The guys are holed up in the back. Want a beer?”

  “Seems like you need it more.”

  “You have no idea.”

  Jack led me to his pool and patio. Most of the offense had joined us, and I stopped to shake the hands of the linemen clustered around the appetizers.

  The weather had turned cool, and Lachlan and Cole toasted us from their seats around the fire pit. Their kids sat at their sides, impatiently waiting for the marshmallo
ws toasting over the fire.

  Lachlan bid his little brother to fetch some graham crackers. Sebastian rushed with the box, tripped, and landed on the contents. He handed his brother a bag of dust. To spare the whining, Jack found a disposable cup and spoon and instructed the a disappointed Lachlan to make a parfait.

  Cole accidentally caught Rose’s marshmallow on fire. This was traumatizing to the princess, the only other party-goer dressed to the nines in a costume.

  “No!” Rose burst into tears. “Hurt! He’s hurt!”

  Nothing brought Cole to his knees faster than his little girl. “No, I didn’t hurt it. The marshmallow is okay. Fire just…tickles him. Tell her, guys.” He growled at us. “Tell her!”

  “No, Rosie. It’s not hurt.” Lachlan fanned the smoldering marshmallow. “It’s tasty. Try it!”

  Cole took a bite to show her. Rose stuck her sticky fingers into the marshmallow and gave it a lick.

  “See?” Cole pulled her close. “I wouldn’t hurt it. It…likes to be set on fire…I think.”

  “Black.” Rose pointed to the outside then touched her dark cheek. Her finger poked at Cole. “White.”

  “Someone please tell me they teach sociology on Sesame Street?” Cole groaned. “Meatball, just eat this and don’t tell Momma.”

  He soothed her with a kiss and tickle and reset her crown between her puff-ball pigtails. Rose squealed and danced, then raced to play with Sammy.

  The kids, soothed by their treats, were soon gathered by Elle. She enlisted Sebastian’s help in arranging the teams’ kids for a group picture. She carefully set her baby in his carrier before posing him with his protective, pint-sized uncle.

  Elle had lofty goals. Lofty, impossible goals. Fortunately, Piper—in a sparkling golden dress—lent a hand wrestling the kids before cataloging the mountain of presents intended for Rory.

  “Jude.” Lachlan clinked his beer against mine. “You okay? You’re paler than that light shit you’re drinking.”

  I glanced at the bottle. Anything stronger than this fucked with my meds. “I hadn’t realized how many kids we had.”

  Jack groaned. “Jesus, shout it louder. Leah’s ovaries didn’t hear you.”

  “Everyone’s got a family.”

  Cole hadn’t looked me in the eyes all season. He didn’t start now. “Name of the game.”

  “I love kids,” Lachlan said.

  I snorted. “You are a goddamned kid.”

  “Sorry old man.” He took a swig of his beer. “I started my family young. Really young.”

  And I hadn’t started one at all.

  Twelve seasons in the league.

  A hundred million dollars invested from my contracts.

  I was a future Hall of Fame inductee and lifelong bachelor.

  But I had no relationships. No family.

  Nothing.

  “And now it’s your turn.” Jack winked. “You think you’re panicked now? Wait until that doctor puts your newborn kid in your arms.”

  Cole sighed. “Thought I was going to crush Ethan.”

  Lachlan agreed. “Thought I was going to drop Nick. Almost did. Elle didn’t let me hold him for a week.”

  “Yeah.” My chest tightened. “That’ll be…something.”

  “It’s cool of you to organize the party though.” Lachlan poked six marshmallows onto a skewer and aimed for the hottest part of the fire. They charred to ash before he hauled them out. “It’ll score you some points with Momma.”

  “Cash them in now.” Jack warned. “Once the baby gets here? Hell. You won’t have a minute alone…ever.”

  Lachlan agreed. “You might not have the tits, but you’ll be up for the midnight feedings with her.”

  Cole shook his head. “That’s not so bad. It’s the diapers that suck. We just got Rosie potty-trained, and there’s Ethan. All he does is poop. Laugh and shit. That’s his life.”

  Jack shrugged. “Hell of a life.”

  “I do my best for him.”

  “It can’t all be bad,” I said.

  Lachlan burned his tongue on a molten marshmallow and swore. “It’s hard work. There’s no sleep.”

  “And your wildest, craziest nights are spent watching Elmo or Cars,” Jack said.

  “It’s loud.” Cole heaved a breath. “Really loud.”

  The guys glanced at their wives. Each smiled. They’d never admit it.

  “Worth it,” Jack said. “I’d do it again. Hell, I’m trying every goddamned night. But you’ll understand. Once you have your kid—your daughter.”

  I nodded, though I didn’t know what to say.

  “She’s gonna be your everything,” Cole said. “Fair warning. A little girl? Best kind of trouble.”

  “They’re all trouble,” Lachlan said. “Still the greatest thing. You’ll be forever changed, man.”

  I toasted to them because I could do nothing else.

  I wasn’t going to have that moment.

  I wasn’t going to hold my little girl.

  Wasn’t going to be there for feedings or diaper changes, first smiles or steps.

  I had no idea how my life would change…

  Because it wasn’t changing at all.

  Once the baby came, once Rory and I ended whatever insane plan this was, I’d be done. Back to a life of chronic bachelorhood. Retired from football. No plans for the future. No family.

  No one to help when the concussions finally took their toll.

  I’d be alone.

  And only now did I realize how sad it was.

  Leah called for us once the presents were opened, and I returned to a misty-eyed Rory, holding a pink onesie over her belly. Christ only knew how I’d get all the bouncers and strollers, clothes and toys, bottles and various equipment designated for bodily functions packed into the Jeep.

  But at least she was set now. The baby officially had more clothes and furniture than I did. I wasn’t letting Rory go until I was certain she would need absolutely nothing but time and cuddles with the baby.

  It was the one thing I couldn’t give.

  Rory opened one last bag, pulling out two bottles of expensive tequila. She didn’t seem surprised.

  “Oh…this is from Grandma Mildred,” she said. “These are for the party.”

  “Say no more.” Lachlan swooped in and took the booze.

  She unwrapped the tissue paper beneath, pulling out a beautifully knitted baby blanket. Rory held it close reading the card aloud.

  “If your mother asks…I knitted this myself. In actuality, I bet Ruthie McDonald I could keep a tablet of Polident in my mouth longer than she could. I’m the reigning champion…Ruthie is an excellent knitter. The check is in the mail. I love you.”

  Sounded like Grandma Mildred. Rory laughed and tucked the blanket into the bag.

  Leah handed Rory another envelope. “I’m sorry we couldn’t get your mom here. But she sent this.”

  I snuck to her side, offering a hand as she opened the envelope. Rory read the card aloud to everyone listening.

  “Wishing you all the happiness in the world. Love Grandma.” Rory tucked the card away. “That’s so sweet. Thank you everyone. Really. This is amazing.”

  Her hand trembled. I took the envelope as Leah helped her from the chair with the promise of cake. She said nothing. I read what Regan actually had sent.

  We need to talk about this child and what this means for the family.

  -Regan

  Unbelievable.

  What the hell was Rory supposed to do?

  Sure, she had gotten pregnant, but she did everything she could for the baby and her career. She was going to need help. The baby deserved a family. Regan should have stepped up.

  Someone had to. Even if it was me.

  But I couldn’t just insert myself into her life—into her child’s life.

  Could I?

  Leah whistled for everyone to gather around the patio as they unveiled what was supposed to be the pinnacle of cakes. Elle helped Lachlan lowered the oversize
d box onto the table.

  “I found this bakery…” Elle breathed deep as if remembering the smell of the place. “Sweet Nibbles. The owner is also the baker, and I have never tasted anything so fantastic in my life. Rory, your baby is going to thank me.”

  She flicked her nails under the tape and flashed the box open.

  Rory covered her mouth. Elle screeched.

  The lid slammed back down. Lachlan expertly dodged Elle’s swiping hand.

  “Charming!” Elle guarded the box and shoo’ed away Sebastian before he peeked inside. “I thought you checked the cake!”

  “I picked it up.”

  “This isn’t our cake. This must be a bachelorette party cake. At least…God I hope so.”

  Rory’s eyes went wide. “That is the most anatomically correct cake I have ever seen. It should be in a textbook...in fact, I think I recognize it.”

  Leah and Piper shared a glance and raced forward. They peeked into the box and giggled. I saw enough of what flashed under the lid—a generous patch of peach colored icing that wrinkled in a most offensive and artistic flourish.

  Jack edged close. Leah patted his chest. “It’s best you don’t watch us cut this.”

  Rory laughed a little too maniacally. “Stand back. It’s been a while, but I remember my surgical rotation. Scalpel.”

  Elle handed her the serving knife. Within seconds, the team had yet another reason to fear our neurologist.

  Rory hesitated, twirling the blade. “Do we want to start with the…crown or the boys?”

  Every man instinctively flinched.

  Sebastian edged close, trying to peek under the box. “What’s the cake?”

  Lachlan covered his eyes. “A rocket ship.”

  Elle covered his ears. “A snake.”

  Rory made her first slice, proud of the little rounded flourish that plopped on her plate.

  “Mazel tov!”

  Lachlan looked like he was going to be sick. “I…think I’ll have another beer.”

  Jack backed away when Rory offered him the slice. “Jesus, no.”

  She looked at me, her grin mischievous. “Jude?”

  “You can have this piece, Doc.”

  But she pouted, sinking her fork into the cake and taking a bite. She offered me the second forkful with a smile.