Unsportsmanlike Conduct

by Melody Heck Gatto

  "Hey G," Kris said, "too little to stand in the deep end, huh?"

  "Shut up!"

  ****

  PATRICK

  Patrick let out a groan as he watched Gia. Nothing hotter than a girl in the pool with her hair slicked back. She swam over to the edge of the pool and he salivated at the sight of her wet, tan body. Water droplets formed on her browned shoulders, her hot pink bikini and her wet hair. Her brown eyes sparkled in the sunlight. All he could think about was how amazing she looked.

  "Hey babe, let me get his little floaty. Hold on," Kris called as he grabbed the baby raft to assist Kat with Ian. "Keep it clean there, Romeo." Kris shoved Pat's shoulder and motioned his two fingers back and forth from his eyes towards Patrick. "I got my eye on you," he whispered over his shoulder.

  "So, is everything okay?" Patrick asked Gia. He looked forward to her coming home with him and hoped the phone call didn't change their plans.

  "Yeah," she answered shrugging. "Oh, that … I called Tyler back to see what he wanted. Of course, he wants to talk. So …" she took a breath, "we’re meeting tomorrow. I felt I owed him that." She nervously nibbled at her lip.

  Patrick looked away. "Oh, okay." Putting a little distance between them, he leaned against the side of the pool. Keeping his gaze down at the water, he asked, "So, I guess that means–"

  "That means after lunch tomorrow, I'll need you to drop me off at my apartment."

  Patrick looked up at her, his brow raised. He hadn’t expected her to say that. "I thought you would have changed your mind about coming over tonight."

  "Seriously? You think I would change my mind about going home with you? You're nuts." She smirked at him. "We need to get everything out in the open, especially with the season approaching and all." She swam closer to him and put her arms around his neck to stay afloat.

  He let out a ragged breath. He was at the ideal angle to see her perfect breasts fighting to get out of that bikini top.

  Grabbing her waist, he pulled her onto his thigh. He thought about asking her what she would do if Tyler wanted to get back together, but he wasn’t sure if really wanted to know. At least he had this time with her and right now that was all he wanted to concentrate on. "Alright, I guess all that really matters is you’re coming home with me tonight," he said quietly as a cocky smirk slid across his lips.

  Gia placed her lips right next to his ear and whispered, "Exactly." Her breathless words sent chills through his body.

  Kat was pushing the baby around in his floaty. Kris gave her a peck on the cheek and climbed out of the pool. He walked to the edge of the deep end then jumped over Gia and Patrick's heads, yelling as he leaped into the water, "CANNONBALL!"

  CHAPTER 18

  GIA

  "Did you make sure you grabbed everything you needed?" Patrick asked Gia.

  "Yeah. Thanks for running by my apartment. If Kat had her way, I'd be moving in with her. I mean, it's nice to visit, but ... " She liked being on her own. However without a job, she couldn't afford it. "I might not have a choice soon." She turned her focus to the other cars driving by. "I hate that."

  "Hate what? Having to move in with them?" Patrick asked, looking over at her for a second before turning back to the road.

  "Yeah," she said, shaking her head a little. "I like having my own space, but without a job… well, that isn’t going to happen. So I guess the answer is moving in with Kat." She continued to stare out the window. Money was not the newest worry on her list. She searched the shops they passed for somewhere she might like to work.

  Patrick was quiet as Gia rambled. She expected him to say something. Anything. But he drove in silence.

  "You okay?" Gia looked over at him.

  "Yeah, fine." He reached over and laid his hand on her knee. "I'm just glad you're coming home with me. I've missed you." Patrick glanced over and smiled at her briefly.

  Gia missed him too. She smiled and put her hand on top of his. His large, muscular hand was warm. Damn, she wanted his hands all over her body. "I'm glad I'm coming home with you too." A seductive smile pulled at the side of her lips.

  ****

  PATRICK

  The sexy smile that curved across her full lips made his dick twitch. He let out a small laugh, cleared his throat and then the subject before he wrecked his Hummer. "I know you told me not to ask but I'm dying to know the story behind this. That day you had a gym bag with a spare pair of underwear in it …"

  He would never forget when she showed up at his house in the rain, soaked from head to toe. And the image of her in his old t-shirt would be in his memory forever. Damn she looked good.

  Gia squealed. "Ugh! I told you not to ask about that." She laughed and covered her face. "It's silly, really. One day while I was in Florida, I went to this gym. I was in the sauna, and when I went to get dressed, my underwear …" she paused and her face turned bright red.

  "Your underwear? What?" Patrick pressed as he pulled into his parking spot outside of his townhouse.

  "Gone," she said quietly, hiding her red face.

  "Gone? Wait … someone stole your underwear?" Patrick laughed uncontrollably.

  Gia pushed out her bottom lip and started to pout. "It’s not funny!" She hit Patrick in the arm. "See, I told you not to ask. It’s just embarrassing."

  Patrick held his stomach as he laughed. "So, did you report your missing panties?" he barely managed to say while laughing so hard. "Did you check the lost and found? I can see it now." He couldn't help himself. Who would steal underwear?

  "Shut up. No. I didn't. But ever since that incident, I keep a spare in the car when I go out. Just in case. And see, I did need them."

  She looked adorable as she pouted. "Alright." Patrick stopped and wiped a tear from his eye. "I'm done laughing. Sorry." He smiled, looking at her with his best puppy dog eyes.

  "Whatever." She smirked and grabbed her bag out of the back of the Hummer.

  They walked into Patrick's townhouse. The sun had started to set and none of his lights were on. Gia walked into the dark foyer. Patrick followed close behind, closing the door and moving to turn the hall light on. Before he could, Gia turned to Patrick, a devilish grin on her face and said, "Race you upstairs!" With that, she tore off up the steps.

  "Hey! Not fair!" he yelled as he chased her up the staircase shadowed by the falling darkness.

  Her flip-flop tripped her up a bit and he almost caught her at the top. She had to grab onto the big wooden banister to keep her balance, but she managed to keep from falling. Gia ran into his bedroom and he followed. When he got in the room, he grabbed her around the waist, pulled her to his hips, and then picked her up off her feet as she screamed playfully.

  "Heeeeyyy!" She let out a girly squeal and kicked.

  He set her back down, turning her around to face him before he pushed her up against the wall. She let out a little gasp as he grabbed her and lifted her up; she wrapped her shapely legs around his waist. For a second, she was eye level with him. Bracing her against the wall, he pressed his body against hers. Gazing into her dark eyes, his pulse raced. She was beautiful. She was amazing.

  His mouth feverishly devoured hers, ignoring his stinging lip. Her lips were warm as he cradled her jaw with his hand. He missed this; he missed her. Their tongues danced, twirling in the heat of their kiss. Pressing his hardness against her, he wanted to be inside her.

  He slid his mouth onto the crook of her neck and nibbled at her skin. Her sweet scent intoxicated him.

  "Oh, Patrick."

  "Yes, baby girl?" he whispered, meeting her stare.

  Gia’s eyes sparkled as she smiled and bit her bottom lip. "I want you. Now."

  Hearing those words set his body on fire. He spun around and tossed her lightly onto his bed. Quickly, he un-buttoned her shorts and slid them down to the floor. He slid his hands up her legs, along her silky skin. His lips trailed behind them; he wanted to kiss every inch of her. Reaching her waist, he pulled her halter top over her head, tossing it aside. He�
��d expected to see some lacy fabric there, instead the sight of her bare, perky breasts sent electricity through his body.

  Taking one of her nipples in his mouth, he delicately tasted it. Gia closed her eyes as he slid his free hand along her soft body to her other breast. He ran his fingers nimbly over her taut nipple. Gia let out a whine as he rolled it between his rough fingers. A labored breath escaped her when his teeth grazed the other nipple.

  He’d wanted her since last night. He didn't know how long he would last and hearing her moan and gasp didn't help. He stood up and pulled his shirt off, blindly tossing it aside. Gia pulled his shorts to the floor as he kicked off his sandals and stepped out of the shorts.

  Gia's gaze landed on his erection, and she let out a hard breath.

  "Like what you see?" He knew she did.

  "You have no idea how much," she said as her breathing quickened.

  Patrick looked down at the only thing standing between them: her small panties. Giving her a cocky grin, he tore them off and threw them over his shoulder.

  His eyes roamed over every curve. Everything about her was beautiful. His bare skin touched hers, sending his body into overdrive. His dick twitched against her warmth. His lips devoured hers, exploring her warm lips. She arched her hips into his as he pushed his throbbing erection inside of her.

  Patrick pushed deep inside of her, making her cry out. He slowly slid his hard length into her. He closed his eyes, trying to hold on just a little longer. She was all he’d thought about since yesterday. Caressing her skin, he breathed in her scent. He never wanted to be any place other than this.

  His focus shifted to his throbbing cock and how perfect they fit. The more he entered her, the more she moaned. She squirmed under him and watched his every movement with her big dark eyes.

  Hell, he wanted to come. He wanted to explode inside of her and feel her body's response. He wanted to make her scream. "Baby, I can't take any more, I'm sorry," he apologized, looking into her eyes.

  "Stop apologizing and fuck me hard," she growled seductively.

  Those dirty words were all he needed to hear. His mouth roughly claimed hers, muffling her moans against his lips. Patrick plunged himself deep within her, moaning at the feel of her warm, moist folds. He shoved his tongue in her mouth, letting out a little grunt against her lips as he thrust his cock hard inside of her. He bit at her lip and held her hips tight. Patrick sped up the rhythm of his thrusts until he couldn't take it anymore and slammed into her, finding his own release. Patrick thrust a few more times until her body shook as she came. He held her sweaty body tight to his.

  She took in a sharp breath and exhaled loudly as he kissed her shoulder.

  Looking at her, he smiled. "Any good?"

  "You have no idea," she said out of breath, then claimed his mouth with a deep kiss.

  CHAPTER 19

  GIA

  Gia rolled over onto her stomach. Patrick lay beside her on his back, with his one arm bent behind his head, smiling at her. She took a moment and admired his hard, muscular chest, his strong arms and the way the bed sheet only covered his body up to his hips.

  "So, are you worried at all what he has to say tomorrow?" Patrick asked, snapping Gia out of her trance.

  "Oh, you mean Tyler?" Gia responded. "Not really. I know what you’re thinking. What if he wants me back because of the baby?"

  Patrick's smile faded a bit. "Just wondering."

  "Let's not talk about this now, okay? I really want a night with just you. I have so much fun with you, Patrick. I …" she started, "think I’m falling for you.”

  "I wanted you from the second I laid eyes on you. I think you knew that."

  "Well, maybe."

  "But you were trying to do the 'right' thing since you were with Tyler. You can't fight fate, baby girl. In the end, I think everything that happened was meant to."

  He wasn't wrong. It all had led up to now. She didn't hate where she had been or what she’d done. She hated that someone got hurt or might still get hurt along the way.

  "I started this whole mess and I owe it to Tyler to hear him out." Truthfully, she didn't want to hear what he had to say. All she wanted to do was stay here, safe in Patrick’s warm arms. But this situation was her fault. "I just have to see what he has to say, that's all."

  "Okay." He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulled her body close to his and kissed the back of her neck.

  "So, while you’re talking with Tyler, my boss, Ben wants to talk to me. He's going to call me. I have no idea what about," Patrick said.

  "Mmm-hmm." Gia mumbled. She became quiet and her breathing slowed.

  ****

  PATRICK

  Gia put their breakfast dishes into the sink. They were having a lazy day. Well, she was. She slept in while he left early for practice. When he got home, he had slid right back into bed with her. He watched her as she slept and thought again how beautiful she was: her hair knotted and messy, her face flushed. She smelled of vanilla and he couldn't get enough.

  "Please don't break my heart," he whispered. "I lov–"

  Do I? No. I couldn't.

  No, he wasn't love material. He was a playboy, a womanizer. Before he met Gia, he just went after a piece of ass. He was certainly no one's daddy. No father material here.

  He couldn't allow himself to love her. As much as he wanted to, he just couldn't. It would hurt too much when Tyler came to his senses and wanted her back. Especially if she is carrying Kidd's baby.

  "So, you have no idea what Ben wants? You’re not worried that the team owner wants to talk to you?" she asked as she turned from the sink. Her voice shook him out of his thoughts.

  "No. He wasn't at the arena this morning. Baby, don't stress about it. It can't be that bad, okay? You have your own things to worry about today." He dreaded her meeting with Tyler today. The waiting was killing him. "You sure you can't do that sooner than four?" he asked, realizing he shouldn't be putting more pressure on her.

  She shrugged. "I don't know. I could ask, I guess." She glanced at the clock; it was only twelve thirty. "So how was practice?"

  "It was good. Coach Walker must not know anything is going on, which is fine with me. Tyler just ignored me, which was fine too." He shrugged.

  "Hey," she said smiling. "Wanna go sit on the couch for a while?" She held out her hand to him.

  He looked her up and down: her bare legs calling for him to kiss them, her ass cheeks peeking out from under his old t-shirt she had on, her nipples hard and sticking up under the shirt. "Sure," he said with a sly grin. Standing up, he took her hand.

  Gia led him down the little hall to the living room. He watched her ass as she walked.

  She motioned towards the couch. She smirked as she straddled him.

  "Whoa," he mumbled softly.

  Gia smiled and kissed his lips. "I need to say this," she started as she kissed him again. "No matter what happens today, you need to know I don't regret anything. I said what happened last year was a mistake … I take that back. I don't regret a single second with you. You might come off like an ass," she said with a chuckle.

  Patrick let out a little laugh too. She wasn't wrong. He didn’t know what she was trying to tell him, but she had him hot as hell. He wanted to rip off her clothes, flip her over and have his way with her. But he let her finish.

  "I have grown to really like the guy underneath all that. And the cockiness is kinda hot too." She giggled. "Patrick ... tonight, after ... if I need you–"

  "I will always be here for you, no matter what. Remember that." Patrick looked in her nervous dark brown eyes.

  Gia leaned down and kissed him.

  "Sweet thing, I want you so much right now, but–"

  "But what?"

  "I think we should wait. I mean, damn, you have me ready. But I know you're nervous about this afternoon. I am too. Honestly, if this is the last afternoon we have together, I'd like to just hold you." Hold you? I never say things like that. The old Patrick would've had her clo
thes off and rocked her world. Maybe he was changing. Maybe he did lov–

  Patrick's phone vibrated. "What the fuck?" he exclaimed as he read a text message.

  "What's wrong?"

  "Matt just sent me a message. He said it's all over Twitter that I'm being traded," Patrick said angrily. "God, I hate social media. Who the hell leaked that?" Did they know something that he didn't?

  “What? Why would they say that?”

  “I’m sure it’s just a rumor.” Or that’s what Ben wants to talk to me about.

  “Aren’t you worried?” Gia bit her lip nervously as she looked at the clock. "Ugh, I hate to leave you now. But I’m supposed to meet Tyler. Forget it, he can wait. I’m staying with you."

  “No. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about this, you know how these rumors get started. You need to get this out of the way.”

  “Well, okay. If you’re sure.” She stood up and grabbed her clothes off the floor. "I'm going to go get ready. Can you still drop me off at my apartment?"

  Patrick sat on the couch, shaking his head as he pulled up Twitter.

  "Maybe you need a shower."

  Patrick was too involved trying to find some answers.

  Gia walked over to him and took his phone from his hands, setting it on the table. "Are you coming to shower or what?" She pulled him off the couch and kissed his lips, their bodies touching.

  Patrick forgot about his phone and followed her upstairs. Right then the truth hit him, hard. He did love her. He wanted to tell her. When they got to the top of the steps, she turned to him and smiled. Her eyes were happy and bright. He hoped that meant she wasn't saying goodbye.

  CHAPTER 20

  GIA

  "Gia, I …" he paused like he was going to say something. "Uh, don't forget I'm here … just call," Patrick said as she stepped out of his Hummer in front of her apartment.