PASS INTERFERENCE (Gods of the Gridiron Book 3)

by Shanna Swenson

  “I don’t need your snide remarks right now, Bec.”

  “Are you gonna tell me what happened with Quillan on Halloween night or are you just gonna skirt around the truth, like you do everything else in your life?” Becca sighed heavily and sat at the ottoman in front of the chair Veda had occupied. Veda followed, returning to the chair, and crossing her legs. “What happened to us? We’re sisters. We used to tell each other everything before Pa left.”

  “You’re keeping secrets, too.”

  Becca shook her head. “Only because you make me feel worse about myself. This whole Pax situation was originally your idea, remember?”

  “I know and I hate it!”

  “You hate it because you’re jealous,” Becca accused again.

  “No, I—” Veda huffed out and looked away. Becca could see tears gathering in her eyes. “Yes, ok, a little, maybe. It’s just…”

  “Just what? Talk to me, Vey.”

  “I thought it would open doors for me, too.”

  “Well, you kinda acted like a bitch to everyone on All Saints Day, if I remember correctly.”

  “Aye, but it was because he pissed me off.”

  “Quillan?”

  Veda nodded and lowered her head.

  “What happened, Veda? Did you two…?” she trailed off.

  Veda nodded again.

  “And?”

  “And nothing. We were drunk, and he realized what a mistake he’d made the next morning,” Vey scowled.

  “I’m sure there’s more to it than that.” Becca’s brows went up; she knew her sister well.

  Veda looked away, again keeping her secrets to herself.

  “And what about lunch that day, with his daughter? You two seem to have—”

  “Differences of opinion is what we have. I don’t wanna talk about Quil. Please?” Her plea was heart-wrenching. He’d hurt her.

  “Fine, but don’t get mad at me about what’s going on then.”

  “I just thought our lives would be better, Becca. Not worse.”

  “Our life isn’t bad, Vey.”

  “Isn’t it?” Veda’s tears shot through Becca’s heart like arrows.

  “No, it’s not.”

  “Mam’s treatments—”

  “Are working.”

  “We’re on the verge of eviction.”

  “Don’t worry.”

  “Don’t worry? How can I not? You’re not here.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I don’t want your apologies. I want us to figure this out together. When that engagement is over, and Pax kicks you out—”

  “He’s not gonna kick me out!” Becca retorted angrily.

  “No? Your perfect prince charming would never do that, would he? He’s so damn perfect and all. Open your eyes, Bec! You’re simply just playing house until the man tires of you. He’s a legendary football player with nowhere to go but up. You’re beautiful, but don’t kid yourself. What would he want with you, when he can have any girl his heart desires? And he’s always gonna have girls throwing themselves at him, left and right.”

  Becca wanted to pretend that Veda’s words didn’t hold merit, but they did, and stung something fierce. Veda must have sensed it, for she went on, throwing more fuel into her fire.

  “You and I know that we have to watch out for ourselves, no one else is gonna do it. And I would hate to look back and say ‘I told you so’ when he leaves you with nothing but a broken heart. I can already see in your eyes that you care for him. I wouldn’t be surprised if you up and screwed him… I love you so much, but dammit, sister, you’re so feckin’ gullible. What ever happened to saving yourself for the man of your dreams?”

  Pax is the man of my dreams, Becca wanted to say but her sister’s logic was starting to outweigh her romantic thoughts on the matter. Veda had very valid points.

  “Becca, I’m not trying to hurt your feelings here, but it’s the same reason why I’m not gonna chase Quillan. No matter how handsome he is or how amazing the sex is between us, I have to be real here. Men like them don’t fall in love with women like us.”

  Becca’s head shot up, and she saw the pain in her sister’s eyes. God, why did Veda always have to be right about everything? Becca had seen the silver lining, but truthfully, there wasn’t one. Not in the end. Becca was the collateral damage. Paxton’s life would go on, and hers would forever be ruined by one night—one amazingly wonderful night.

  Veda pulled her younger—by three minutes—sister’s head to her chest, and together, they sobbed until they were spent.

  Veda stroked Becca’s hair as she came back up to look into her face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think about any of this. I was so wrapped up.”

  “I know. It’s ok. I don’t blame you. It was fun while it lasted, but let’s be honest for a second. This can’t go on forever. Come next year, you and Pax are done. Then where will you, me, and Mam be? Out on the streets.”

  “I’ll get another job, I’ll—”

  Veda shook her head. “No, you help with Mammy while I continue at RISE.”

  “Veda, I thought you said you were gonna stop working there?”

  It was great money, putting a huge amount into the bank when their mom’s cancer came back; but a gentlemen’s club wasn’t where Veda needed to be. RISE fed her wild side, and Becca feared for her safety there—in more ways than one. Plus, it wasn’t the most moral decision given their strong Catholic upbringing. If their mother ever found out Veda worked there...

  “It’s only temporary, until I can—”

  “Veda…” Suddenly, Becca remembered what Madi had said. “I…” God, how could she even be considering a bribe? It was so unlawful and shameful, but if it saved them from losing everything, she had to consider it. “What if there was another way?”

  After all, they needed the money desperately. This would ensure their future, as well as free Rebecca from everything else. The thought made her sick to her stomach, though.

  “If you have suggestions, Bec, I’m all ears.”

  “Tell me about your father, Pax,” Becca cooed as Pax kissed her neck in the pool that night.

  “Mmm, I’d rather tell you about my rock-hard—”

  “Pax,” Becca giggled even as he leaned in to kiss her. He beamed as he pulled back and looked her over. They’d been talking about their childhoods, languidly lounging in the heated pool that cool November night, following Paxton’s hard practice and a light dinner.

  “My father left my mother and I when I was just a kid.”

  Becca’s brows went up in surprise, but she said nothing.

  “I honestly don’t even know my true ethnicity. My dad looked nothing like me, and I think it bothered him more than me, having a son who—simply in his appearance alone—was a constant reminder of his biological failure.”

  “Oh Pax.” Becca cupped his cheek and gave him an understanding smile.

  “My uncle was my savior, though. He put me straight. I am who I am because of him.”

  “My dad left, too. I had a baby sister that had the same cancer Mam does. After she passed and Mam got sick, well, he couldn’t handle the heat so he got out of the kitchen.”

  “So, you know how it feels?” His eyes were sad as he looked down. “It sucks.”

  “And your mom?”

  “My mom is awesome.” He smiled then, the sorrow instantly gone. “Sweet, giving, and beautiful. Hawaiian and tough as nails. I’m looking forward to having her here for Thanksgiving. She has a new boyfriend, though.” Pax’s teeth clenched as he looked away.

  “Uh-oh.”

  “Yeah, I haven’t met him yet, but I can hear it in her voice that it’s pretty serious.”

  “And what will she think of me?” Becca couldn’t hide the eagerness in her tone. Despite the talk she and her sister had today, she was going to soak up every second that she had with him. If this only lasted until January second, then she would love him until the final stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day. This was her dream, afte
r all, to be here, in his arms, feeling his body against hers. If she couldn’t have him in every sense of the word, at least she could have him for now.

  “Are you kidding? She’s gonna adore you! I mean, what’s not to love about an innocent, fun-loving historian?” His mouth returned to torment the flesh of her neck, and she was glad she left her hair up in a bun.

  His hand moved to cup her breast and she shivered when her eyes fell over his face. “I’m not so innocent anymore.”

  “You’re so beautiful. Have I told you that?”

  He could say it a million times a day, and she would never tire of it.

  “I think you’re beautiful, Paxton.”

  “Even if you don’t know where I come from?”

  “You mean you weren’t dropped straight from Heaven?” she teased and stroked the lines of his chiseled chest and abs. He moaned and closed his eyes, his skin breaking out in goosebumps where the chilly air touched it.

  “I’ve never had a woman’s touch do to me what yours does,” he murmured, his blue eyes opening to hold her captive.

  Her heart fluttered, and hope gripped it tightly on the wings of optimism. Veda could always be wrong about him. What if she was wrong? What if he—? No. She couldn’t let herself fall too deeply into this dream world. She had to have the strength to be able to put all the pieces back together when this was over. If she let herself believe that he was falling in love with her, then she’d never be able to get through it; she’d never be able to walk away.

  When he kissed her, it was hard, fast, and furious with need. He was Poseidon after all, right?

  In a matter of minutes, her bikini bottoms were slung to the side of the pool and Pax was thrusting into her with one smooth movement. Her head flew back with the motion, but her body took him in as if starving for his caress.

  “Oh God, Becca. I’m so addicted to you.”

  “Mmm, Pax.”

  She threw her arms around his shoulders as he gently pistoned into her, grunting as he pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. He watched her as he loved her with his sex, observing her reaction to him, gripping her hips, and angling her so that he could fill her completely.

  She gasped as her body relented to his ministrations, and he brought her closer to climax. His forehead fell to hers as she tumbled beneath his wake, over the crest, and into the abyss of an endless ocean of pleasure where Poseidon captained her safely to the surface. He held her both captive and secure while his release came at the same time as hers. They were breathless as they returned from their voyage on the high seas of love, and when their ship was safely docked, her lover grinned knowingly at her.

  “Now I know what Jamie meant in the meadow that day with Claire.”

  Becca looked at Pax as if he were nuts, and he laughed, his still waning erection jostling her sensitive insides and making her moan.

  “When he said he felt like God when he was inside her.”

  “Oh.” Becca blushed brightly.

  “I feel like the god, Poseidon.”

  “Oh?” She couldn’t help the giggle that came to her lips.

  “Yeah, I possess you, body and soul and captivate you with my ‘trident.’”

  Becca full out laughed this time, getting a deep groan from her god.

  “Lord, maybe I’m wrong. Maybe you’re the one who possesses me instead.” He moaned into her ear as his mouth returned to the neck of hers that seemed much more sensitive when it had Paxton’s lips sucking on it. “Mmm, I wanna go finish season 2,” he muttered even as he thrust his hips into her pelvis, his shaft once again fully sheathed inside her.

  “Oh, mmm,” she groaned in pleasure.

  “After I’ve made love to my sexy goddess, my naughty little naia, once more.”

  And he began to love her again, his mouth moving to her breast to torture it with a slow and lazy tongue, causing her to cry out.

  “Mmm,” he gasped then looked back into her face, capturing her lips. “What does a rúnsearc mean?” he asked softly when he pulled back.

  “What?” She couldn’t focus; her body was being assaulted by wave upon wave of pleasure, making words and sentences superfluous.

  “You called me a rúnsearc before. What’s it mean, in Irish?” His pumping into her was slow, calculated, and hit the nerve endings of some incredibly sensitive G-spot she hadn’t known existed.

  She cried out before whispering, “My secret love.”

  The grin on Paxton’s face was naughty, smug, and happy as he sent her spiraling back into that tumultuous sea of Poseidon’s.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  “There’s my keikikāne,” the beautiful, deeply-tanned, dark-haired beauty said as she pulled Paxton to her slender figure.

  This woman had raised Paxton? She looked like a model: tall, athletic, lean, with a warm and friendly smile.

  “Aloha, you must be Rebecca. I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Tara Guthrie.”

  “Mrs. Guthrie, I’m so happy to finally meet you.”

  The beautiful woman pulled Rebecca in for a tight hug. So, Paxton hadn’t told her the truth. Did anyone know the truth beyond Pax, her, Veda, and Madison? It didn’t matter. The ploy would be up in little over a month.

  Pax and Becca were having Thanksgiving with his mom and her new boyfriend, Lance, now, and later with her mom and sister. They would be having another celebration tomorrow with the team.

  “Aloha, Makuahine.” Pax pulled his mother into his big arms and squeezed.

  She returned the embrace, cupped Paxton’s big jaw, and kissed it delicately, tears twinkling in her eyes. The love between the two was endearing; despite that Pax’s “father” had left him, it was clear that his mother’s adoration had not wavered as a result.

  “Aloha, Haole,” came a deep voice. Pax gaped as a tall—even taller than him—broad, dark man that favored Tara stepped across the threshold.

  “Uncle Kawai!”

  Kawai beamed as he pulled Paxton’s handshake into his chest, giving him a half hug. When Kawai pulled back, he and Pax gave each other a fist pump that ended in a shaka sign.

  “I can’t believe you came. You haven’t been to the mainland in years.” Pax’s laugh was hearty and genuine.

  “I know, it’s been a while. Let your ‘anakala take a look at you. Such a big, strong kekoa. And bigger every time I see you.” Kawai patted Paxton’s back, obvious pride in his voice. Then the giant man looked over to Becca. “And who’s this nani lady?”

  Becca smiled into a bronze face with pearly white teeth and big brown eyes that sparkled. She took Kawai’s massive hand and shook it before he cupped hers and brought it to his lips.

  “This is Rebecca. She’s my fiancée.” The term still sounded so strange coming from Paxton’s lips; Becca gulped.

  “Aloha. I’m happy to meet you, I’m Kawai Akina, Paxton’s uncle.”

  “Aloha. Rebecca Ryan. Paxton’s told me so much about you.” Pax had warned her about how frequently Hawaiians used the term ‘aloha,’ and knew she should say it back out of respect.

  “Hopefully it’s only the good stuff.” Kawai laughed, deep and hearty.

  “Oh indeed.”

  “Only the best stories, uncle.” Pax laughed and roughly patted his uncle’s shoulder.

  Tara stepped forward and smiled brightly at Becca, taking her hand.

  “Ms. Guthrie, your son—” Becca began.

  “Chose a beautiful bride. Look at you. I can see why Paxton is so taken with you.” Becca blushed. How could the woman say that? She’d been through the door just a mere matter of minutes. The smile on Tara Guthrie’s face was genuine enough, and it rattled Becca. Pax should have told his family the truth. It was going to hurt them so much when they found out this was all a sham, that he’d lied to them.

  Paxton’s mom pulled her back in for a hug, and she squeezed her in return, unable to help herself.

  Tension seemed to mount as “the boyfriend” stepped through the threshold and squared off with Pax, who
was the first to speak.

  “Pax Guthrie. Welcome to my home.”

  “Lance Penrose. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Pax.”

  Pax’s smile tightened, of course he couldn’t say the same. But he took the man’s extended hand and shook it firmly.

  Lance wasn’t what Becca had been expecting. He was balding and thinner, but his smile seemed genuine enough. He appeared to be as nervous to meet Pax as Becca was to meet the family she would never be a true part of.

  “Lance works in real estate on the island,” Tara said.

  Just as Becca started to ask which island—since there were many in the chain—Pax grinned as if knowing her thoughts. “Oahu.”

  Lance gave Pax a strange look, and Becca blushed brightly. “I’m sorry. I knew you all lived in Hawaii, but I never asked which island.” Great! Cover blown, she thought.

  “Never been to Hawaii?” Kawai asked.

  “No. It’s on the bucket list for sure though.”

  “Becca’s originally from Ireland.”

  “Oh, how neat.” Tara seemed surprised by that. “I’ve always been fascinated by the Celts.”

  “She’s a historian. She can tell you all about them.”

  Becca felt her cheeks pinken again and hated that all eyes were on her now. “Well, you all must be hungry. Please do come in and make yourselves at home.”

  “Yes, leave your bags here. I’ll get them later. Unless you’d like to freshen up.”

  Becca had moved her things into Paxton’s room, just for the few days his family would be with them. They had been making love on an almost daily basis and, of course, slept in the same bed together, woken up together, and showered together, but not having the seclusion of her own area stressed her out a bit. Knowing this was only temporary was starting to break her heart.

  Everyone moved into the open kitchen then where baked brie, jams, various cheeses, olives, and crackers were set up on tiered silver platters along with vegetable crudités. Pax laughed with his uncle while Becca asked his mother if she’d like something to drink. Pax popped the cork on some champagne and poured them all hearty doses. He then toasted to Ohana and to his bride-to-be, tearing Becca’s heart into even more pieces than it already was.