In It to Win It

by Ella Jade

  She closed her eyes, unable to cope with the strange, rotating world and the sudden increase in the weight of her head. She fell heavily against Leo’s chest, comforted by the slow, hypnotic rhythm of his heart. “Mmm, you smell good.”

  His soft chuckle did bad things to her insides, or good things depending on the way one looked at it. She felt him turn away, his voice soft as though he didn’t want her to hear. “Patrick’s over there. Why don’t you go and practice together?”

  He was talking to Isaac. Good. Patrick could play with someone better than her.

  Leo waited a few seconds before bringing his head back into line with hers. “Still dizzy?”

  Maggie opened her eyes, blinking a few times to regain focus. “A little. I should probably stay here a while longer, just in case I topple over.”

  He chuckled again. It was such a sexy sound, and she sighed contently before her brain caught up and remembered she was cross with him.

  “Where have you been?” she asked.

  “I had to go away for work. Didn’t you get my text?”

  “What does ‘out of range’ mean?”

  “It means I was out of cellphone range.”

  She pulled her head away, clinging onto his arms though, just in case. “I thought you meant…something else.”

  His lips pursed into an amused smirk. “What did you think I meant?”

  “I thought…you know…us…was out of range…on hold.” She bit her bottom lip.

  Leo’s fingers brushed over the skin where he held her arms. “I definitely did not mean that.”

  “Well, I could hardly blame you, after everything...”

  His eyes clouded, and he glanced over at the boys before turning back to her. “I wanted to call you to see if you were okay. I should have, I’m sorry, but I just figured you might need some space.”

  Maggie stepped away, testing her balance now that she wasn’t so dizzy. “Thank you, but there was just one tiny problem with your theory.”

  His shoulders rose as he inhaled, waiting with eyebrows raised.

  The ground seemed like a safer place to stare, instead of those intense, brown eyes, and she kept her voice soft. “I missed you.”

  Leo exhaled loudly, and then matched her whisper. “I missed you too.”

  “Really?” She found the courage to meet his gaze, happy to find him smiling.

  “Yep. I missed our talks while making out.”

  Maggie smacked his arm. “That was one time!”

  He laughed, stepping closer, putting his back to the boys who were fifty feet or so away, kicking the soccer ball to each other. “You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now.”

  Maggie’s breasts tightened beneath her layers of clothing. It would be so easy to fall into his arms and inhale that delicious scent. She wanted to so badly, but she shook the thought out of her head. “The kids…”

  “I know.”

  His stare sent heat to every edge of her body. He desired her, she could just tell, and it was the most wonderful feeling. One she hadn’t felt in so long. She ached to touch him, an actual physical pain, but forced herself to look away.

  “We lost the game on Thursday.”

  It was a long time before he answered. “Yeah, I heard.”

  “I totally suck. How can I become a better player?”

  Leo shook his head, smiling. “You don’t suck. But if you want, I’ll give you some extra training.”

  Maggie’s eyes widened. “When? How about Monday night?”

  “Can’t do Mondays. What about Sundays, while Patrick’s with his dad?”

  “Why can’t you do Mondays, are you working?”

  He unzipped the bag Isaac had dumped on the grass and took out a ball, spinning it around in his fingertips. “Well, Miss Nosy, I play soccer on Monday nights.”

  She frowned. “More soccer?”

  Leo nodded, running backward a few steps before kicking the ball to her.

  She landed it with the sole of her runner. “What, like a proper team?”

  He nodded again, watching as she kicked it back, having to travel widely to his left to reach it. “I play in a Sydney comp. You can come and watch if you like.”

  “I would like.”

  He moved the ball back and forth between his feet before returning it to her. “Seriously?”

  “Sure. What time does this mysterious game happen?”

  He chuckled. “It’s not mysterious, but if you really mean it about coming, I’ll pick you up at six. We play at eight-thirty.”

  Maggie kept her foot on the ball, hands on her hips. “So you drive for two hours to get there, play a hard game, and then drive home?”

  “Yep.”

  “And you do this every Monday?”

  “Yes. Is it really that hard to believe?”

  “You just surprise me, Senior Sargent, with all the sport you do. Then again, you were a Socceroo.” She kicked the ball back, delighted when it traveled in a straight line directly to Leo’s foot.

  He gazed at her quizzically.

  “So who’s on your team? I hope they’re better than our Thursday night squad. Ooh, are there other old Socceroos like you?”

  Using his feet, Leo scooped the ball up to bent knee, tossing it from one side to the other before catching it with his hands. “A little less of the old, thanks.”

  Maggie grinned, waving to the boys as they ran down the field toward them. “I can’t wait to see you play.”

  Chapter 7

  The days leading up to Monday dragged by at an annoying pace, and Maggie found herself feeling snappy and irritated. Following last week’s guilt trip from Felix, she’d agreed to him seeing Patrick every weekend instead of fortnight, and had been quietly hoping to use the free time to meet Leo. That was until Felix rang to cancel. He claimed he had the flu, but he didn’t sound the slightest bit sick to her. He’d probably found someone to share his bed with for the weekend and didn’t want to be interrupted.

  On Monday at work she filled her time playing catch up, until it became all too clear that she was suffering from fuzzy brain syndrome and needed to clear her head. Everyone knew the best way to do that was with chocolate, so she left the office and headed for the grocer at the end of the road, where there was a well-stocked chocolate shelf.

  Inside she took her time, deliberating between caramel and strawberry filled chocolate.

  “Stocking up for our road trip tonight?”

  Maggie jumped at Leo’s voice, not having noticed him come in. “No, it’s for me now. I wouldn’t want to be held responsible for giving you junk food before a big game.”

  His chuckle did wonders for her mood. “I think you might be overestimating the seriousness of the match.”

  “Okay, good, because I’ve already made muffins to bring.”

  He brought his hand to the side of her neck, running one thumb along her cheek, and his expression grew serious. They stood watching each other, and in that moment, Maggie felt something shift. Perhaps it was the unspoken words that floated between them, or the knowledge that they’d be alone together tonight for the first real time. Whatever it was, she liked it. A lot.

  The tingling bell of the shop’s door startled them both, and Leo dropped his hand, as though remembering where they were. His soft smile was almost an apology. “See you at six.”

  She opted for both chocolate bars and practically floated back to work.

  * * * *

  “Why can’t I come?” Patrick was in a whingy mood.

  “Because I won’t be home until late, and you’ve got school tomorrow.”

  “You’ve got work tomorrow.”

  “Yes, but I’m an adult. Now be good for Nanna and Pa, eat all your dinner, and finish off your homework.”

  Patrick eyed her suspiciously. “Will you be seeing Dad?”

  The question caught her off guard. “No. I’m going to watch Leo play soccer, and hopefully pick up a few tips on how to play. I need to beat you next time we
go to the oval.”

  This made him laugh, as though a most ridiculous notion. “Good one, Mum.”

  She grinned, kissing his head one last time. “I love you, monkey moo.”

  “Me too. Why can’t I come?”

  “Oh, Patrick, please, I have to go, Leo’s waiting.”

  He gave an exaggerated sigh, sulking from his cozy position on the lounge. Maggie’s mother sat beside him. “I need a helper to make the spaghetti sauce. Think you’re up to it?”

  Patrick sat up, his eyes wide. He loved to cook. “Yes, Nanna, I can do it by myself!”

  Maggie mouthed a thank you to her mum and closed the front door behind her, carrying the container of cheese and bacon muffins she’d baked that morning. Leo was leaning against the car, in conversation with her father. He caught her gaze as she approached, smiling just enough to make his eyes crinkle in a way that was becoming so familiar, although she thought she spotted a hint of relief there too.

  “We’d better get going.” She kissed her father on the cheek and was surprised by the full hug she received in return. He’d been quieter than usual since finding her and Leo together on his lounge.

  As he waved them off, Maggie settled into the leather seat of Leo’s car. “What was that about?”

  “I think I might have just been given the warning talk from your dad.”

  “Oh my God! What did he— No, actually I don’t even want to know. Where’s the police car?”

  “I don’t take it on long trips.” His smile did all sorts of things to her tummy.

  “Is that your uniform?” She looked over his black pants and gray, fleece sweater.

  Leo shook his head. “I’ve got it on underneath.” His gaze traveled over her long skirt and denim jacket. “I hope you’re wearing something cooler under that. It’ll be warm in Sydney.”

  Maggie didn’t say anything, just smiled at him, even after he turned away to watch the road. After a few minutes of silence, she opened the plastic container and passed Leo a muffin, taking one for herself too.

  He bit into it, munching thoughtfully. “Sally used to make muffins. I haven’t had one in years.”

  Maggie stopped chewing. It was the first time Leo had ever mentioned his ex-wife. She swallowed, wanting more information, pleased that he’d offered this opportunity. “What happened between you two?”

  He took a second bite, then another, finishing it off. “She had a mental illness. I didn’t know anything about it, even though she’d been diagnosed years before we met. When she was pregnant with Isaac, I started to notice odd behaviors, little things here and there. Then after he was born she had a full-on episode. It was scary.” Leo glanced at Maggie, who nodded encouragingly, failing miserably to disguise her fascination. “She refused to seek treatment, wouldn’t even speak to our GP. Every day she’d get more aggressive, throwing things around the house. I didn’t dare let her hold Isaac. And then one day, she left.”

  Maggie gasped. “Where did she go?”

  Leo’s gaze remained on the road. “It took weeks, but I finally tracked her down in Byron Bay. She’s still there, using daily marijuana to self-medicate. She wants nothing to do with me, or Isaac. He hasn’t seen his mother since he was two.”

  “Oh, Leo.” Maggie placed her hand gently on his arm as he drove. “I can’t imagine walking away from your own child. It must have been so awful for you.”

  “It was a shitty time. Sally’s father died not long after that, and she refused to speak with her mother. Poor Vanessa was devastated, so I invited her to move in with us. I never would have managed without her. Still wouldn’t.”

  “Is that the woman who was with you at the café?”

  He nodded, taking another muffin.

  “So she still lives with you?”

  “Yep. You’re not the only one residing with parentals, or in-laws in my case. Okay, enough about me. Your turn.”

  Maggie sighed. “Hmm, where to start. I’m not sure if you’re aware that I grew up in Katoomba.”

  Leo nodded, finishing off his second muffin, glancing hopefully at the container for another. She opened the lid and he took one out, grinning.

  “One day Felix swooped into town and I fell head over heels. We moved to Sydney, got married, and had a baby all in quick succession. And honestly, I was happy. I loved being a mum, loved Sydney, loved my husband. But about two years ago, he started to distance himself, and I got suspicious. After a little detective work, I discovered he was cheating. The worst of it though, was that it had been going on for years without me even knowing. Countless different women, laughing at the stupid wife who had no clue.” She stared out the window, still so ashamed by the whole thing.

  “He didn’t deserve you.” Leo’s voice was quiet.

  “Yeah, well…” She shrugged, not knowing what else to say.

  “And that stuff the other day…asking you to come back. What was that?”

  Maggie groaned, leaning as far forward as her seatbelt would allow, burying her face in her hands. “I don’t know.”

  The feeling of him rubbing her back was heavenly. His hands were so big that every stroke was like a professional massage.

  “Can we please not talk about Felix?” she asked.

  “No argument from me.”

  “Good.” She sat up, shifting to the side to face him as he drove, enjoying the view. “How’s work?”

  The creases around his eyes deepened with his grin. “I love my job.”

  “What’s so good about it?”

  He glanced at her, then looked back at the road. “I get to catch the bad guys.”

  “And then run your hands through your hair?”

  “What?”

  “Oh, nothing.”

  Leo chuckled. “I’m so glad you’re here, Maggie. Tell me about your job.”

  She turned back to face the front, filling him in on the shocking way the administration of the child care center had been run before she’d arrived. “I’ve heard rumors that they want me back in Sydney.”

  His hands stiffened on the steering wheel. “Would you go?”

  “No. Maybe. I don’t know.”

  “Is that something else we shouldn’t talk about today?”

  “Yes, great idea!”

  They chatted easily for the rest of the trip, finishing off the muffins as well as a packet of Jelly Babies Leo had brought along. Maggie stared out the window as they drove through Sydney, trying not to reminisce about places she’d been with Felix and Patrick.

  They arrived just as the sun was setting, lighting the sky with spectacular hues of red and orange. Leo held her hand as they headed into the stadium, and Maggie found a spot to sit in the grandstand while he went to warm up with his team. In his infinite wisdom, he’d supplied her with a thermos of coffee, which she sipped on gratefully, glancing around to see if she recognized anyone famous.

  Leo had been right. It wasn’t the huge crowd she’d somehow envisioned, just some local fans, along with parents, friends, and family of the players. Still, there was excitement in the air, the whiff of good competition that never failed to please.

  It wasn’t long before the players ran onto the field, introduced over the crackly microphone one by one. Maggie stood and clapped as Leo was called, pleased that he received a loud cheer from the grandstand. Even more pleased when he glanced in her direction and gave one of those smiles that melted everything inside. He looked decidedly sexy in his black shorts and shiny, blue top with a white collar. In fact, the whole team looked suave as they stood in line shaking hands with members of the opposition, before play began.

  It was completely different to their Thursday night matches. Maggie sat up in awe at the fast pace of play, everyone knowing their role, where to move and exactly when to pass. Each kick had perfect precision. It was neat and clean, unlike her team where things so often felt sloppy.

  She couldn’t tear her gaze from Leo. He dominated the field, easily the best player. No wonder he’d received such an ovatio
n when he’d run on. She started to hear his name being mentioned by people in the seats around her, praising different moves, marveling at his skill.

  His level of fitness was nothing short of impressive, moving nimbly between players, his feet never still. He covered an amazing expanse of the field, back and forth, never tiring.

  The opposing team put up a good fight, but they were no competition for Leo’s side, winning the game five goals to two. By the end of the match Maggie was breathless with admiration, hoarse from cheering so loudly, and unbelievably turned on.

  Given the warm night, and her excited jumping, she’d removed a few layers of clothing and was left wearing a black t-shirt with her favorite long, floral skirt. She still had her winter boots on, but hadn’t brought any others with her, so had to make do.

  The crowd slowly disbursed, leaving Maggie to pack up her coffee and jacket and wander down onto the grassy field. She took a moment to look back into the empty grandstand, picturing a full stadium, cheering with excitement and exhilaration, and decided that she’d bring Patrick to a game some time soon. He’d absolutely love it.

  She followed the path the players had used at the start of the match, guessing it led to some kind of locker room, which was probably where she’d find Leo. The idea of witnessing sweaty men changing clothes wasn’t all that appealing, but she figured she could wait somewhere near the entrance.

  It was only a minute or so before he appeared. He’d showered and was back in the pants he’d worn in the car, with a white t-shirt that did his sex appeal every kind of favor.

  “Hi.” His smile was radiant. “Did you have fun?”

  Maggie opened her mouth, but couldn’t summon any words. Not a single syllable. Seeing him looking this sexy, in her already keyed up state, was too much. She put down her belongings, wiped her hands against the fabric of her skirt, and got busy with his lips.

  “I guess that’s a yes.” His smile was cut short as she pressed hard against his mouth, never wanting him more than that exact moment. Leo’s surprise quickly overturned, and he dropped the bag he’d been holding, running his hands over her behind, and pulling her closer.

  His tongue delved inside her mouth, playing with hers, creating havoc with her breathing, which escaped in loud gasps. Maggie moaned, loving the way he gripped her ass, one hand tight on each cheek. He left her lips, biting softly, then harder over the racing pulse in her neck, licking her skin until she could barely stand.