by Melody Anne
The paralyzing fear started to overwhelm her, but somewhere in the back of her mind a lightbulb flicked on. Gabe and his teammates might have had her beat when it came to money and fame, but there was one thing she had that they didn’t. “Well, Grace, let’s just say that on May 5, the Falcons are going to hammer home our next victory. We’re going to nail the Surge to the wall. Quite literally.”
GABE DIDN’T GET TO Lainey’s apartment until late in the afternoon. The necessary publicity blitz that followed the unveiling of the calendars had kept him busy. The kind of attention the audience gave Gabe at The Graham and Grace Morning Show was ridiculous, but the older he got, the more his ego appreciated a boost. The best part, though, was the jealous rage that had burned in Lainey’s eyes. She might be keeping him at a distance, but there was no way she could resist him after this stunt. And yet, he was standing outside of her door like a chump, afraid to knock. She’d made him swear not to take it easy on her in the competition. He’d obviously lit a fire under her ass with his photo, and was hoping that his gamble paid off. A determined Lainey equaled an unpredictable Lainey, and this morning’s stunt was either going to pay off brilliantly or end in misery.
Only one way to find out. Time to man up, Havelak. He knocked lightly and hoped for the best.
A few seconds later Lainey stood at the threshold, holding the door half-open. Not sending him away but not exactly inviting him in, either. Her hair was pulled up in a high, loose ponytail. Adorable brunette wisps fell around her face. Her lean body was encased in tight yoga gear that was meant to be sporty but screamed sexy. The black Lycra hugged the curve of her hips in a way that made Gabe understand why men around the city were flocking to yoga classes.
“What’s up?” she asked, grabbing her ankle and pulling her leg behind her for a quad stretch.
“You left before I had a chance to give you this.” He dangled a calendar in front of her. The image of him and his teammates standing in front of the goalposts with only soccer balls to protect their modesty adorned the cover.
“Thanks.” She plucked the calendar from his hands and tossed it on her kitchen counter. “I was just thinking I needed to replace my iPhone calendar with something more convenient. Like a hanging paper wall calendar.”
Gabe ignored the sarcasm and followed her inside. Lainey returned to the yoga mat she had splayed on the floor of her small apartment. She spread her legs and reached over to her side, stretching her obliques.
He plopped down on her couch and enjoyed the view. “Not interested in the photography?”
She righted herself and blew a strand off her forehead.
“If it makes you feel better, I’ll have a quick look.” She walked over to the counter and flipped through the calendar. She landed on a black-and-white image of Aiden Green emerging from a pool, his ripped body slick with rivulets of water. “Eh. Not bad.”
She returned to her mat and stretched her long body all the way up toward the ceiling.
This was not working. Time for plan B. “Since you’re clearly busy, I’ll get out of your hair. I’ve got a few more stacks of calendars to personally deliver. Did you know that there’s a woman in your building who ordered three dozen?”
She wobbled on the one leg she was standing on. “Three dozen?”
As she regained her pose, Gabe tiptoed behind her. He slid a hand to her hip bone and pressed his growing hardness into her. He swiveled his hips and pulled her tighter when she sighed. With his knee, he prodded her left leg forward and guided her hips with his hands.
“We’re giving free salsa lessons to everyone who orders that many.”
He spun her around, pulling her flush against him. Those endless hours spent emasculating himself while Zazu taught him and the other Surge players to dance were paying off better than he’d ever dreamed possible.
“Let me guess. If someone orders one hundred, you’ll personally clean their house naked?”
“Hmm. That’s a good idea. Thanks for the inspiration.”
She spun around and slammed her hands into his chest, forcing him to land butt-first on the edge of the couch. Her honey-brown eyes looked deranged. Still beautiful, but certifiably bat-shit crazy.
She leaned over him and grabbed a fistful of his shirt. “You are mine. Got that, Havelak? Mine.” Her lips crushed into his.
Finally, Gabe thought.
LAINEY FREED THE LAST button from Gabe’s shirt and ripped the luxurious fabric off his shoulders. She didn’t know what had gotten into her, but the small flame of possessiveness that had been lit this morning was now a full-fledged wildfire.
“I don’t care what you promised to who, but for the next three weeks, no more calendars. No autographs, no naked cleaning, and no more salsa lessons for anyone but me. Got it?” With angry fingers, she wrenched the zipper of his jeans downward. He gave a little yelp when she unleashed his cock from the soft cotton. She knew she should be gentler, but she didn’t care. All that mattered in this moment was claiming him.
She could hear his breathing pick up as she sank to her knees in front of him.
“Lainey, what are you doing?”
“Marking my territory.” She wrapped her fingers around his shaft and felt him thicken in her hand. She took a slow moment to admire him. Butterflies tickled her stomach as anticipation built. Already, her panties felt damp. She loved feeling the heavy, pulsing weight in her hands, like she was taking control of a powerful weapon.
When she could no longer wait to taste the salty bead of pre-cum glistening at the tip, she leaned forward and flicked her tongue over him. His cock twitched in her hand and her smile widened.
She wanted to take the entirety of him in her mouth, but the desire to drive him into a frenzy of need took priority. She trailed her lips down his length. The skin on his cock felt like velvet. The hardest steel sheathed in the smoothest silk. She swirled her tongue along the ridge of the crown and felt his body shift on the couch. As gently as she could, she enveloped the tip with her open lips, taking extreme care to not actually touch him. He jerked forward, undoubtedly searching for the wet, warm relief of her mouth. Instead of giving him what he wanted, Lainey pulled back, resting on her heels and grinning wickedly. This wasn’t about what Gabe wanted. It was about her showing him who was boss.
From the moment he’d blown into her world like a tornado, Gabe left her dizzy and breathless, confused about everything she’d once considered a certainty. It was time he felt the same way.
She worked her lips forward until the entire shaft filled her throat. She moaned, more turned-on than ever. He shuddered, and she realized how much he liked the vibration in her throat. Heat flooded her most intimate places. It was like she’d discovered the world’s most deeply held secret.
She hummed against him as she bobbed back and forth, using her hand to increase the intensity, working him hard, alternating with soft, slow licks, teasing him ruthlessly.
Gabe groaned and reached for her hair, pulling the elastic out. He knotted his fingers at her nape, and she knew he was fighting the instinct to guide her over his dick. She may have been the one on her knees, but this man was entirely at her mercy from the simple power of her lips.
“Lainey,” Gabe said gutturally. “You’re killing me. Please, baby, please.”
Her whole body was on fire with the craving to taste everything he had to offer. She’d never gone that far before with any man. Her heartbeat was racing with excitement and she realized this was no longer about who’s in charge. It was about wanting to unleash her own dirty desires and liberate herself from the shackles of her routines, if only for a moment. She sucked and licked and pumped until he exploded with a feral growl into the back of her throat.
Chest heaving, she lifted herself onto the couch next to him.
He leaned over her. “Who knew you had a jealous streak in you? I like it.”
Lainey rolled her eyes. “Apparently salsa dancing brings out the worst in me.”
“Or maybe it’s b
ecause you like me.” He tapped a finger on the tip of her nose.
“Of course I like you.”
A devilish grin spread over his face. “I think you really like me, Lukas.”
She swatted playfully at him.
“Come on, admit it.”
She mimed fanning herself. “Oh, Gabe. You’re just so big and strong and sexy, and I really like you.”
“You really like me,” he teased. “Really, really like me. I think you lo—”
A cold frisson wound through her body and she stopped him with a finger over his lips. “I’m not ready to go there yet.” She was scared of what her answer would be if she did. Gabe made her feel things she never had before. Things she didn’t have names for. Things that were more powerful than anything she’d ever experienced. It was all too dangerous for her. One thing was for sure—she couldn’t let herself be the only one getting in too deep. “Are you?”
His expression sobered. “Casual is okay with me.”
“We do need to make one thing clear, though. Casual does not mean you can see other women.”
His grin returned. “Lainey Lukas, you’re the only woman I want. For the next three weeks, you’re my girlfriend.”
She raised her eyebrows.
Gabe cleared his throat. “Correction. For the next three weeks, I will be known as Lainey Lukas’s boyfriend. Better?”
She nodded.
He peeled her tank top up, exposing her breasts. With his tongue, he traced her nipple while his hand kneaded her other breast. She moaned as he flicked and sucked. The pleasure was almost unbearable. She writhed under him, wanting more.
He trailed kisses down her belly, stopping at her navel. “As your boyfriend, I am asking you to come with me tonight to my family dinner. Mama personally requested I bring you.”
The panic that would’ve overwhelmed her fizzled as his hand slipped between her thighs.
“Just think about it.” He slicked her wetness along her folds, dabbing her clit.
“Maybe,” she said shakily. “I need to finish my workout.”
He yanked her pants off and threw one of her legs over his shoulder.
“I’m prepared to give you the workout of your life right now.” He licked her inner thigh, driving her crazy with desire.
“Fine, but only if you agree to take me salsa dancing next week.”
“You got it, babe.”
He proceeded to show her just how grateful he was with his tongue.
18
Like every sport, curses are nothing new to the soccer world. Everyone knows the story of the witch doctor who robbed Socceroos of World Cup qualification for more than thirty years. And who could forget the Romani hexes on Birmingham and Derby County FC? But none is as legendary or as brutal as the curse of Cricket Field.
—Behind the Surge: A Documentary of Seattle’s First Professional Soccer Team
GABE HELD LAINEY’S HAND tightly as they approached his parents’ house, afraid she’d turn tail and run at the last minute. He worried he might be pushing too fast. Man, what was he thinking earlier? Breaking out the l-word in the middle of getting nasty was something he thought only the most desperate fools did. Not a guy like Gabe, who’d never even uttered the word to a woman other than his mother and sister before.
There was really only one explanation. He was in deep with Lainey. This wasn’t simply attraction or lustful curiosity. This was hold-a-stereo-outside-of-her-window-and-declare-his-emotions. This was grow-old-on-a-porch-swing-together. This was potential-to-destroy-every-last-shred-of-his-shriveled-heart-and-dignity-if-things-go-south. Lainey was barely able to come to terms with the idea of being in a relationship with him, much less think about where they’d be two days from now. This was the kind of thing that would send a woman like her running for the hills.
He was so screwed.
She sighed as they walked up the steps to the front door. Warm, golden rays of sun filled the crisp air.
“It’ll be fine. My family already thinks you’re great,” he said in his most reassuring voice.
“Are you sure? What if they see me as your enemy? Are they superstitious? Maybe they’re still mad at me for pouring a rum and Coke on your head.”
Standing at the stoop, he wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her into a bear hug.
“Don’t worry. If anything, they blame me for doing the same to you. I was raised to know better than to treat a lady that way.”
“I don’t want to be treated like a lady. I want to be treated as an equal.”
“Which is why I dumped a drink on your head.”
She scowled. It was so cute his heart could barely take it, so he leaned in and planted a featherlight kiss on her lips that she was more than willing to return. Her hands reached around to his butt, digging into the back pockets of his jeans, while her tongue deepened the kiss. He glided a hand to the back of her head and reached behind him with the other to open the front door.
“Surprise!”
Gabe and Lainey stumbled apart to see dozens of faces with shocked stares beneath conical party hats, streamers hanging from the ceilings, and a “Happy Birthday” sign tacked to the wall.
“How did you know?” Lainey whispered to him amid the heavy silence, face crimson red.
“Know what?” he whispered back.
The partygoers resumed their loud chatter before he heard her answer.
“Happy birthday, my boy!” his mama said joyously, strapping a party hat on his head.
“You said it was just a small dinner with the family.” He adjusted the uncomfortable elastic under his chin and looked over at Lainey, who let out a deep breath. She wore a pleasant expression, but he knew it was masking her discomfort. Every one of his teammates, as well as a number of hers, was squished into his parents’ modest living room. Even Lainey’s aunt and uncle had joined in the celebration.
“Now that you’re thirty-four years old, it’s time you learn the truth: mothers know how to lie. Here, have a piece of baklava.” She shoved the syrupy concoction into his mouth. “And you, welcome, dear!”
His ma turned toward a stunned Lainey and hugged her. “I’m so happy you could come. We all see how happy Gabe is since you’ve come into his life.”
“Of course,” Lainey said kindly, though hives were creeping across her neck and cheeks. Gabe shook his head subtly toward his mother, who was about to force a party hat on Lainey. Mama frowned, but got the message.
“Mama always makes a delicious broccoli salad. It’s a staple at every party she throws. You have to try some.” He tugged her hand and pulled her into the kitchen, while his mother ushered everyone else to the large backyard, where the festivities were being held.
“You okay?” He removed the paper hat now that he was out of his mother’s sight.
“Yeah,” Lainey answered perhaps a little too cheerfully. He wasn’t quite ready to believe her. “I just feel bad that I didn’t know it was your birthday. Thirty-four, eh? Impressive you can still move like you do at your advanced age.”
“I can do a whole lot of things at my age.” He grazed her jaw with his knuckles. “But I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. If you want to get out of here, say the word.”
“No, I want to do this for you.” Her sweet smile and earnest comment made his chest tighten. He was such a goner.
They walked to the backyard through the kitchen’s rickety screen door. Growing up in this modest house was amazing for a kid with soccer dreams. The land was more than nine thousand square feet, meaning there was enough grass for a couple of small nets and a game of four on four. Johnny, Zazu, Aiden, and Gabe’s dad were squaring off against Tessa and three of her friends. While it was all silly fun, it made him smile to see how impressed his teammates were with Tessa’s ability.
Lainey trotted off to the corner of the yard where her aunt and uncle had found a pair of lawn chairs and were enjoying Mama’s famous barbecued salmon burgers.
As he watched her hug them hello, Gabe
realized she was it for him. He was always the kind of guy who knew what he wanted in life. He set his sights on a target and worked toward it, never doubting it would come his way. There was no denying things had come to him with a minimum amount of struggle. And now, his head, heart, and soul all agreed that Lainey Lukas was the one thing he needed to make his life complete, and for the first time in his life, he doubted his ability to pull it off.
A heavy hand landed on his shoulder, turning him around. “Hey, man, you look like you could use a beer.” Joe, with his breezy smile, held a tall green bottle out to him.
“Thanks,” Gabe said, clinking his Heineken with Joe’s can of diet soda. “How’s the hand?”
Joe flexed his bandage-covered wrist that he’d injured at their last preseason game. “Hurts like the devil, man. But Alex thinks the tendons should heal before the start of the season.” Joe gestured toward the team’s trusted physiotherapist, who was drinking a beer and chatting with some of the players in the corner of the yard. The man was a bit unorthodox in his ways, but Alex Martinez was the best physiotherapist Gabe had ever known.
“Take care of yourself, ’cause Nelson’s going to be the death of me.” He usually tried to go easy on the young players, but Caleb Nelson’s cocky attitude and constant blame shifting grated on Gabe. When Nelson was pulled up from the farm league two years ago to become their backup keeper, Gabe tried to help the kid settle in, make him feel better about his relative inexperience. But somewhere along the way, Nelson decided it’d be easier to scream at his defenders every time he screwed up rather than train hard enough to earn his way off the bench. When Nelson had stepped in to replace Joe at last week’s match, he’d misjudged a goal kick and sent it right to the Portland striker waiting at the edge of the box, letting them tie the score. Instead of taking ownership of his mistake, he cussed Gabe out for not sprinting the twenty yards fast enough to prevent the shot right into the back of the net.