“What do you think about the engagement?”
I swallowed. “I think it’s great. I wish them all the luck in the world. Congrats, y’all.”
Steve tapped the mic. “Let’s move on to some local press. What do you have Danny?”
“When is it? Have you set a date?”
I was relieved everyone was focused on the press table again.
Dylan threaded his fingers through Vanessa’s, bringing her knuckles to her lips. Everyone gasped when they saw the ring. I hadn’t expected it. The rock was fucking huge.
Vanessa smiled. “We’re going to wait and see what happens at the Super Bowl this year and then set a date for the off season,” she explained.
I sat there for the next hour while Steve directed and managed questions. By the end of the press conference, I knew the rest of the team was ready to get to the locker rooms and get out of these monkey suits.
Instead of heading under the building, I took the elevator to the top floor. The doors retracted and Candy was glued to her screen.
I walked past her. She was watching highlights from the press conference. It was breaking news on all the sports channels.
I pushed through the door to Vanessa’s office. She and Dylan were inside, when I closed the door behind me, locking it in place.
She walked toward me, sliding her arms around my neck.
“How did we do? What did you think?”
I felt her soft warm body in my arms. I groaned, trying to remember what she had asked.
“You were great. Like the perfect bride.”
“Really?”
Dylan strolled up behind her. I stared at him. We had to be thinking the same thing, but the idea of doing that here in ownership’s office was irresponsible and reckless. His palms circled her waist, flattening against her belly.
“Yes. Convincing. Even to Sports Now.”
Her shoulders relaxed as she leaned into Dylan’s chest. My lips crashed against hers. I couldn’t help it. I had to taste her. I had to kiss her.
She wiggled her hips back, grinding into Dylan. He had to be as hard as I was. Before we could direct her, Vanessa started sinking to her knees. I looked at him, surprised she was taking the reins.
“What are you doing, baby?” I asked, my voice husky.
“We’re in my office aren’t we?” she purred. She unbuckled my dress pants before sliding them off my legs and shirking the boxer briefs to my ankles.
“Fuck,” I groaned. My cock bobbed free. Hard and throbbing.
She turned to Dylan, undressing him just as quickly.
She fisted him in her hand as her tongue darted out, flicking over the head of my cock. “Shit, Vanessa,” I hissed.
Her head turned as Dylan’s dick met her lips. He pushed himself in her mouth a few pumps before she pivoted back to me.
It was fucking insane. She rotated between us, sucking each of us off, like she had done this before. Like she wanted to make us come hard and fast. Drive us to the edge of fucking cliff. Switching back and forth while our climaxes built, needing more, taking the few seconds her hot wet velvety mouth gave our cocks.
“I have to come down your throat,” I groaned, feeling the ache start at the base of my spine.
“Fuck, me too,” Dylan grunted.
Her eyes met mine. I looked down in those beautiful pools of blue. I thrust inside her mouth, knowing two pumps was all it would take before I exploded inside her. I groaned feeling the quickening take over. I trembled until my cum filled her mouth.
Dylan whipped her around, shoving his dick inside her. She closed her eyes, taking him all in, moaning as he fucked her hard.
“That’s it, darlin’. Oh shit, you’re amazing.”
I ran my fingers through her hair just as he spilled inside her. She swallowed hard, licking her lips with satisfaction.
Dylan looked at me. I shook my head. This girl was going to be the death of us.
We jumped when we heard a knock on the door.
“Vanessa?” It was Candy. Shit.
We pulled up our pants and I helped Vanessa to her feet. Her cheeks were red and her hair was all over the place.
I tried to help her straighten it.
“Y-yes?” she eked out.
“Steve is out here.”
Vanessa wiped the back of her mouth. “Can you bring me some water before you send him in?”
Dylan and I both held in a laugh.
“Got it, boss,” Candy called.
Dylan held Vanessa against his chest. “Can I just say you’re the hottest fucking fiancée a man could want?”
She giggled. “Is that what hot fiancées do?”
I spun her toward me. I wouldn’t be able to touch her again until we were behind closed doors. Dylan could kiss her, hold her hand, put his arm around her and the rest of the world would think it was romantic. I couldn’t go near her.
“Absolutely.” I planted a kiss on her lips. “And right now I’m regretting I didn’t up my bid to a hundred K.”
Dylan pushed on my shoulder, separating us. “Well, you didn’t.”
“Hey.” Vanessa’s sapphire eyes burned brightly. “I said I didn’t want to choose. I’m not going to.” She shook her head. “Tell me you haven’t changed your minds.”
“No,” I growled, shooting Dylan a death stare.
“No.” He shoved his hands in his pockets.
“Good, because I need you both. I can’t run this team without you.”
“You have us,” I promised.
Dylan moved to unlock the door. “You have my word. We’re here for you.”
“If I could have two fake engagements I would,” she whispered. “But I don’t think that would go over very well.”
I was starting to realize more and more we were all in way over our heads, but one look at her and I knew I wasn’t going anywhere.
20
Vanessa
My world was spinning out of control. I was on a high from my new sexual power and giddy with how the press conference turned out. But there was a new tension between the guys. I could see it. Feel it. Isaac wanted more. I had to figure out how to give it to him. I couldn’t lose him.
But there wasn’t time to ask how to make that happen before Steve barged into the room.
“Isaac?” He looked at my other favorite wide receiver. “What are you doing here?”
“I asked him to be here,” I swooped in. “He’s Dylan’s best friend, and he represents the other players. You had him sign the NDA anyway.”
“Oh. All right.” Steve made himself at home. His sleeves came nearly to the center of his palms. Someone needed to teach him how to dress better.
I slowly sipped the glass of water Candy had brought. She returned with a tray, including a pitcher with slices of lemon floating on top. I was starting to see how invaluable she was in small ways.
“We have nothing but positive feedback after the press conference,” the director reported. He settled on the worn-down couch. “Every post I’ve seen has been a good one. The fans are going bananas.”
“Bananas?” I had to stop my giggle. I didn’t know people still said that.
“I have requests for sit-down interviews. You two are going to be the hottest couple in football.”
I twisted my lip under my teeth. “Great. Can you send the schedule to Candy? She’ll add it to my calendar.”
“Whatever you need,” Dylan added. He wrapped an arm around me.
Steve looked up. “You two don’t have to do that for my benefit.”
Dylan shook his head. “It’s not. Mind your fucking business, Steve.”
I elbowed Dylan in the ribs. “What he’s trying to say is we’re ok with this.”
Steve laughed. “The guy bought you in an auction, but whatever floats your boat. I know people are into weird shit these days.”
I stiffened. Did he know there was more to this than Dylan and me? Did he have a clue that Isaac was part of the equation?
It was
n’t a traditional equation. But it was one I liked. I loved it. Each man gave me something different and unique. I needed them together. The idea that that could be exposed or revealed in some way made prickles of panic fire through my spine. I shivered.
“You ok, darlin’?” Dylan rubbed the side of my arm. I saw the protective gaze radiate from Isaac.
I nodded. “Yeah, just the air conditioning or something.”
“What you two have going on is cute,” Steve mumbled. He was clicking through his phone. “The schedule has been sent to Candy. You have your first interview tonight with Sports Now.”
“Sports Now is tonight?” I gaped. “Couldn’t we work up to that? Do some practice ones first?”
“This is it. If you can’t sell it to them, no point in trying to swim in deep waters.”
“I can go too,” Isaac offered.
Steve’s face crinkled around the eyes. “Not necessary for more team members to be there.”
“No,” I argued. “I want him there.”
Dylan squeezed my knee and I knew he understood. I needed both of them.
“It will show the Sports Now staff that we have true Warrior support,” I explained. I didn’t know if Steve bought it. “He’s not going to be on camera or anything.”
“Fine.” Steve waved his hand in the air. “Just get it done. Sell it. That’s all I care about.”
Dylan rose. “I think we’re done here.”
“Are you dismissing me?” Steve’s surprise was obvious.
“Vanessa has a team to run. You nailed the PR piece today.”
Steve laughed. “You’re a wide receiver, not an executive.”
“She needs to work.”
Steve looked at me. “Is this for real?”
I rose from my chair. “Steve, I have other meetings.”
“Did I create a monster?” His eyes darted between Dylan and Isaac.
No one answered. We watched as he gathered his stack of reports and walked out of the office.
“Thank you.” I smiled at Dylan.
“No problem. I hate that asshole.”
“Does it feel like it’s already time to leave work?” I smiled weakly. I was exhausted. I didn’t sleep much last night, let alone how early I awoke. Add in the press conference and I had depleted all my energy.
“We have practice, baby,” Isaac announced.
“Oh right. That.”
“I’m sure the guys are going to know what’s going on.” Dylan reached his arms overhead to stretch.
“I guess I’ll see y’all later.” I didn’t want them to leave. I didn’t want their warmth and strength to walk out of my office.
“Warrior duty calls.”
We all had a duty. Mine was to the franchise. I had to keep things running.
“I’ll text you about the interview.”
Isaac looked over his shoulder before planting a hungry kiss on my lips. The door was open. He was taking a chance. He stood back.
Dylan walked over next, snaking his hand around my waist. “I should be the one to kiss my fiancée good-bye.” He grinned before taking my lips with a blistering kiss. My knees buckled, leaning into him.
“Bye, darlin’.”
I blinked, watching the two hottest men I’d ever known go to practice.
I held on to the desk. I should be used to the spinning by now. But I wasn’t sure if I ever would find balance with those two. I smiled. For now, I was fine with that.
21
Vanessa
I studied the notes Steve had left for me. He wanted to make sure I hit certain talking points during the interview tonight. Somehow all of this would lead to an increase in ticket sales. He’d made it clear we were losing box seat holders along with season ticket holders throughout the stadium. It was a lot to put on me. It wasn’t like I was a main attraction who could draw in fans. It was my responsibility to hold the team together with this charade.
But somehow knowing I had Dylan and Isaac with me changed all that. I felt strong enough to handle any questions Sports Now had.
I looked at my left hand. It was hard to ignore the sparkle. The rainbows scattered over my desk. I knew Steve choose it for the bling. He wanted something big enough that people would know I was taken. I was engaged. And it wasn’t just any engagement—it was to the team.
My phone beeped on the desk.
“Vanessa, Mrs. McCade is on line two for you,” Candy piped in on the small speaker.
It took me a second to register she was talking about my grandmother. “Oh no, Grammy,” I whispered aloud.
“Ok, thanks. I’ve got it.”
I reached for the receiver, scared to death of the lecture I was getting ready to hear.
“Hi, Grammy.” I smiled sweetly as if she could see me.
“Vanessa, what in the Lord’s name have you gotten yourself into? I saw the news. Gretchen came running into the sunroom like the place was on fire. Everyone here has seen it.”
“Grammy, please don’t be upset.” I could picture her pacing around in one of her Warriors outfits. Diamonds dripping from her ears. She probably had her pearls clutched in her hand.
“I heard on the news my one and only granddaughter, the girl I practically raised as my daughter is getting married and she hasn’t mentioned a word of it to me? You never even said you were seeing someone. Let alone Dylan James. He’s not your type, Nessa.”
I pinched my lips together. This wasn’t a battle I wanted to get into. “With everything going on I didn’t want to bring up my love life,” I lied. “I should have said something sooner. I’m so sorry you found out this way.” I had to remember next time that I was part of a press release that I needed to inform my family first. This wasn’t fair to do to her.
“You’re not going through with it, are you?” she questioned.
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“Nessa McCade, that man is the team whore. I’m sorry to tell you, but it’s the truth. Your grandfather knew it. I know it. He wouldn’t stand for this.”
I covered my mouth. Did my grandmother just call Dylan a whore? I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“Grammy!”
“I think you should come over for dinner tonight. There are some things I have put off and we need to have a talk.”
“I can’t tonight. I have an interview with Sports Now right after work.”
“Then afterward? We can have a nightcap.”
“All right. But I don’t know how late it will be. Are you sure we can’t do it tomorrow? I could meet you for lunch.”
“No. I’ve waited too long. I see that now. I’ll look for you after dinner.”
It was amazing how quickly I could feel like a fumbling teenager again. “Ok, bye, Grammy.”
I hung up, sinking into my chair.
Candy knocked on the door. “Vanessa, the design team is here.”
“Design team?” I looked up. I still hadn’t processed that call. I hadn’t meant to alienate my grandmother.
“Yes. They have models with the new jerseys for this season. And some of the guys are hot.” She winked.
“Oh shit. I forgot we were choosing new uniforms for the Monday night game.” We didn’t have that time slot until later in the season, but if we were going to outfit an entire team I had to decide the new uniforms weeks ahead of time.
“Can I send them in?”
“Yes.” I nodded. “Go ahead. And please, hold any more calls until we’re finished.” I didn’t want my angry grandmother calling back.
“Sure thing.”
She left and in walked a parade of Warriors uniforms.
I smiled. Finally, something I could get into.
22
Dylan
Some of the guys knew the story. They were there for the auction. They were also the ones who had signed the NDA and couldn’t say shit about it. Then there were the ones who stared at me in disbelief, like I had sold them out somehow.
I wiped the sweat from my brow. We were sti
ll practicing outside. The Warriors were the only team who still didn’t have any indoor facility for this fucking heat.
“So, you’re fucking her?” Rocks spat as we took the line for the next snap. He was still angry I had won the auction. He wasn’t going to let it go. Maybe I should recommend a trade.
Luke Canton lined up behind the center.
“I’ll let you know where we’re registered.” I grinned at the defensive lineman.
“Maybe Lexi can sing at the wedding,” Halifax joked.
“Maybe.”
“Shut the fuck up!” Luke shouted. “You girls can plan your flowers after practice. We have a game to get ready for.”
Half the line chuckled, the other growled. Practice was different than usual. There was an unspoken tension running through the team like a current.
My hands tingled. My feet danced. I had to get ready to run fifty yards to catch the ball. I didn’t want fake wedding plans in my head. It didn’t matter if the guys were dicks now. In the end they would thank me for what I was doing. This cover story was going to change things for the team. By the end of the season, they would see what the engagement did for them. What it did for every one of their families. It was going to bring stability and reassurance to this team. It would bring us better draft picks. Better trades.
And fuck it, better contracts for the guys who were already here. Isaac and I had Vanessa’s undivided attention. We could make the changes everyone wanted.
Right now we were divided. No one gave a shit what happened this season. The old man’s death had made everyone restless. I hoped like hell, this Hail Mary we planned could bring us back together. Because it didn’t matter how much money we made, or how many tickets we sold. If the Warriors didn’t win games, this was all a fucking waste of time.
I had to put it all on the field. I always had.
Isaac ran down the other side of the field as I took off sprinting. He was fast. I didn’t like to admit sometime he could outrun me.
We had always pushed the other to be a better competitor. And it worked. Like now, I wasn’t only trying to get open and dodge the defender, I was trying to be Luke’s main target. I wanted that ball.
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