Sensual Games (Novak Springs #3)

by Dawn Brower

“Sorry, I don’t like hope. It sneaks up on you and hits you where it hurts the most when you lose it.”

  Paxton shook his head. “I never looked at it like that, but I see what you mean.”

  “Why don’t we go out and get some drinks,” Colt suggested. “Try not to think about whatever it is. No one said you can’t play yet, right?”

  “No,” Paxton agreed. “In fact, Emma told me to quit stressing about it. Said as far as she can tell my progress is going as expected.”

  Colt restrained the groan from coming out of him. It grated on him that she was apparently talking to everyone but him. “There you go. It’s Emma’s job to monitor your progress. If she says you’re doing well then you should believe her.”

  Paxton scratched his head and appeared to consider Colt’s advice. “I get what you’re saying, but it’s harder to put it into practice. I’m worried. Football’s my life.”

  Colt understood what he was saying. He was pretty much in the same boat. If he didn’t play ball, what would he do? Something he’d never fully considered until he watched the injury bench Paxton. It could happen to any one of them at any time. They’d no longer be able to play. Even if Paxton played again, the injury could resurface. He’d probably never be completely healed. Any game could be his last—he was potentially borrowing time.

  “Well for tonight let’s play it by ear.”

  “I can do that.” Paxton nodded. “Go take a shower—you reek.”

  “Ha-ha.” Colt glared. “I think we found your next gig—comedy.”

  Colt grabbed his shower stuff and left Paxton sitting in the chair. He washed up as fast as possible and got dressed. He’d drop off his stuff in his room and then they could go to the hotel bar. He’d see if Paxton wanted to do anything different.

  “I’m ready to go if you are,” he said.

  “Yeah. Let’s get out of here,” Paxton agreed.

  “I was thinking we could go to the hotel bar—easier that way. If we get too drunk, we can stumble upstairs to our rooms and pass out.”

  Paxton grinned. “That’s one way of looking at it.”

  “Did you have anything else in mind?”

  “Nope.” Paxton shook his head.

  They hailed a cab and climbed inside. They gave the driver the name of their hotel and headed back there.

  “Have you been sleeping okay?” Colt asked.

  “Yeah. Today’s the exception. Had a lot on my mind.”

  “Anything besides your ability to play?”

  Paxton stared straight ahead. His mouth formed a grim line. His eyes showed almost no emotion. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

  That sounded ominous. What was bothering him? From his words, it wasn’t the game. Could it possibly be Alison? He wouldn’t put it past his best friend to drive Paxton to the brink of insanity. He knew her well—and like most woman she was more than capable of giving a man hell.

  “Well, if you want to talk about it you know where to find me.”

  Paxton laughed. “Yeah, most days, I guess I do.” He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s nothing. I promise. Well, not nothing…just not something you need to worry about.”

  “No problem,” Colt said. If Paxton didn’t want to talk, Colt wasn’t going to push. He had his own problems after all. A spitfire named Emma Novak was on the top of that list. Maybe he’d force her to talk to him. The silence was slowly killing him.

  “I’m going to run up to my room and drop off my duffel bag,” Colt said as the cab pulled in front of the hotel. “Want to meet me in the bar in thirty minutes?”

  “Sure thing, see you in a bit.”

  They got out of the cab and headed inside. They both headed to the elevator and hit the Up button. When the doors pinged open they entered it, and each hit the button for their floor. Paxton was on the third floor and Colt on the fifth. Usually, the team was all on the same floor, but they had a scheduling mishap, and they were all over the place. Paxton got off on his floor and waved goodbye. The elevator doors closed and continued up, and when the doors opened Colt started to get out. He could hear laughter outside the elevator. A female laughing in the distance…one he recognized.

  “Yeah, I’m going to go down to the bar for drinks,” Emma said, her phone resting against her ear. “Of course not.”

  Who was she talking to? Colt got out and saw her down the hall. Emma’s cinnamon hair was pulled back in her usual ponytail. She wore her standard work uniform of training pants and matching zip-up jacket. A cap covered her head, her hair spilling out the back. Colt wanted to strip it all off of her. No matter what she wore he found her absolutely stunning.

  Her room was next to his. She pushed her keycard into the door and entered it. Maybe he should go knock on the door. Would she let him in? Nope, probably not. His luck with her was not good—in fact, it was all around bad no matter how he looked at it.

  But he heard her loud and clear. She planned on going to the bar. What he didn’t know was what the “of course not” meant at the end of her call. If only she’d stayed outside her room longer, he’d have more information. Still, he did have enough to work with. Colt headed to his room and dropped off his bag. He freshened up and made sure he was presentable. If Emma was going to be at the bar, he wanted to look his best. If he got his way she’d be more than talking to him—he didn’t hold his breath though.

  He pocketed his room key and wallet. Colt stopped for one final look in the mirror and shook his head. This is what Emma had driven him to. He’d never been one to preen in front of a mirror before. Colt shook his head, disgusted with himself, and left the room. He looked down the hall at Emma’s room. He thought about knocking one more time and dismissed the idea again. He’d see her downstairs. Besides he might need a little liquid courage to deal with her.

  When he got downstairs he sat at a corner table and waited for Paxton to come down. He didn’t want to hang out at the actual bar. Too many people gathered around there. In the corner he could watch the room and get a feel for it. Plus Emma wouldn’t see him when she first came inside.

  “Can I get you anything?”

  Colt looked up at the waitress. Her golden-blonde hair was pulled back into a high ponytail. It cascaded down her back in waves. If he didn’t already have a thing for a woman with cinnamon hair he might have found her attractive.

  “Yeah, bring me a beer.”

  He tapped his fingers on top of the table and scoured the room. Emma had told someone she was going to the bar. Colt wanted to devour the sight of her as she entered. A sigh escaped his mouth. He shouldn’t let her monopolize his thoughts. He was supposed to hang out with Paxton not wish for Emma to pop into his line of sight.,

  “Domestic or Imported.”

  Colt wanted to laugh. Sometimes there were too many decisions in life. Something as simple as a beer became a major event. All he wanted to do was kick back and enjoy the evening, see where it led. “Surprise me.”

  “Really? You’ll drink whatever I bring you?”

  “That’s what I said.”

  A slow, almost wicked, grin formed on her face. Maybe he made a mistake in suggesting she surprise him. Who knew what she’d bring him. Beer at least wasn’t prone to being a girl drink. How bad could it be?

  “I’ll be right back with one.”

  Colt nodded and began to tap his finger on the table with unrestrained impatience. How long would it take Emma to get down to the bar? He wanted to see her, talk to her—hold her. Emma didn’t appear, but Paxton did. He’d changed into something more comfortable looking than the suit he’d been wearing at the game—jeans and a plain green shirt. He still looked haunted, but it wasn’t as profound.

  “You been waiting long?” Paxton asked.

  “Nope, just got here a few minutes ago.”

  “Here’s your beer,” the waitress said, reappearing. She set a brown bottle in front of him. The blue label read Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat.

  “What’s this?” Colt asked.

  “You said to
surprise you,” she said, tongue in cheek. “It’s what I’d pick to drink.”

  Paxton laughed so hard he clutched his waist with his arms. “Man, the look on your face, priceless.” He looked up at the waitress and handed her a hundred dollar bill. “Here, take his drink out of this and bring me a normal beer—Bud, Miller, I don’t care, and you can keep the change. You earned it for getting one over on Lewis.”

  “Glad I could entertain you.” Colt glared. He picked up the bottle and stared at it. He shrugged and took a long swig. It didn’t taste too bad—maybe a little sweet for beer, but he’d drink it. “Not too bad actually.”

  “Give me your man card, you lost the privilege of owning one.”

  “What? I didn’t say I’d drink it all the time. It’s okay that’s all.”

  “You never admit that out loud.” Paxton rolled his eyes. “Have you learned nothing?”

  “It’s just you and me. No one will know.” Colt said.

  “I know, that’s already too many people.”

  “Fine, it’s the worst beer I’ve ever tasted.” Colt downed the whole bottle and set it down. “Now get me a real beer.”

  “But you like that one. I think you need a few more of them,” Paxton declared.

  Colt held out both hands. “No, I’m good, really.”

  Paxton laughed and gestured for the waitress to come back. He was whispering something to her. Colt didn’t know what it was. He lost all interest when someone sashayed into the bar. He was riveted by the sight. Her cinnamon hair fell down her back in loose waves, and she had a soft smile on her gorgeous face. That wasn’t what had him awestruck. Emma had come to the bar to find someone to play with. She’d dressed in one of the sexiest outfits he’d ever seen—on her or anyone else. Black leather and gold lace, with killer gold stilettos…not a chance in hell was he leaving her alone. The men would be circling her like sharks after easy prey.

  Damn it—it was going to be an agonizing night. Colt wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. He knew trouble just landed in front of him.

  “Excuse me,” he said to Paxton. “I saw something I need to go claim.”

  He left the table, Paxton’s expression full of shock. Colt ignored him and strolled over to Emma’s side. When she saw him she smiled. A knowing grin—it said everything and nothing at the same time—almost as if she planned on destroying him with a glance. As he got closer he could see that her shirt was a sheer white…not leaving much to the imagination. He wanted to take her up to his room and strip her. His body enflamed as he studied hers. When he’d seen her in the hall he’d wanted her then, but nowhere near the intensity racking his body in that moment. Emma officially pushed him over the edge, and he gladly tumbled over. Colt was ready to claim her again whether she liked it or not. Emma belonged with him, and it was time for her to shut up and accept it.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Colt stood and sauntered toward her. His face was devoid of emotion, but his eyes were a searing blue flame. Emma’s mouth went dry. She rolled her tongue over her parched lips and waited for him to reach her side. Like a moth to a flame. There was only one problem—she didn’t know if she was the moth or if Colt was. Her whole body burned with anticipation. Emma turned away from him before she met him halfway. The plan didn’t include her giving into him as soon as he turned all his attention on her.

  Emma knew it wouldn’t take much for him to be drawn to her. They had a magnetic pull—each of them needing to be near the other. It had always been there. Since the first time her eyes fell on his face. Her heart beat hard against her chest. If it all went the way she thought it would she’d have him in her bed again. It would have to be enough…Emma couldn’t allow him to have any piece of her heart again. At the very least he didn’t need to know she still loved him. Had never stopped loving him…

  Maybe she was the moth after all. She’d thought to lure him to her, when in truth, she’d always been drawn to him.

  Emma walked over to the bar and signaled the bartender.

  “What can I get you?”

  His blond hair was sheered on the sides with long sweeping strands falling over his forehead. Tattoos lined up his arms into full sleeves, and his eyes were a piercing dark green. Emma’s lips tilted into a half smile as she studied him. Oh yeah, he’d do for what she had in mind. He was the complete opposite of Colt. Attractive and yet a little dangerous at the same time.

  “What do you recommend?” Emma tapped her fingernails lightly against the bar. “I’m looking for something a little different.”

  He raised his eyebrow and leaned in close. “How different?”

  Emma moved her hand over to his hand and trailed her fingers across it. “Something with a little bite to it.”

  His eyes gleamed as he stared into her eyes. “I think I have exactly what you need.”

  “Don’t bother. I have her covered.” Colt wrapped his fingers around her wrist and pulled her toward him.

  She fell forward, her head landing against his chest. He ran his hands across her back. Emma tilted her head and her eyes fluttered open. Those twin blue flames set her on fire all over again.

  “You’re coming with me.”

  “You don’t get to order me around.” Emma glared up at him. “I’m talking to…” She glanced at the bartender and narrowed her eyes. “What’s your name again?”

  “Drew,” he replied. A cocky smile filled his face.

  “Drew and I were getting to know each other.” Emma twirled her fingers in the direction of Paxton. “Go back and play with your buddy.”

  “I’d rather play with you.”

  Emma stood still as she gazed into his eyes. “Too bad.”

  Instead of listening to her he lifted her up and tossed her over his shoulder. Her hair fell down and barely dusted the floor—his delectable rear the only view she had as he carried her out of the bar. Not able to resist temptation she pinched it between her fingers and twisted.

  Colt smacked her ass. “Behave.”

  “You don’t really want me to.”

  A soft chuckle filled her ears. “You do know me well.”

  “Put me down, Colt.”

  “I will when we get to our destination.”

  Emma rolled her eyes. He was such a Neanderthal—you woman, me man. When he finally got around to setting her down she’d make him pay.

  “Exactly where is our destination?”

  “Because I’m nice and willing to compromise I’ll give you two choices.”

  “Two?” Emma was intrigued. Though she doubted they were really choices. “What are they?”

  “Your room or mine?”

  Emma thought about it and realized there really was only one choice if she wanted to eventually escape—his room. When he wasn’t paying attention, she could slip out and return to her own room. She’d eventually need her own space. Sex was on the table, but staying the full night wasn’t.

  “I don’t know if I like those options.”

  “All right then we will go to my room. It’ll be easier anyway as I have immediate access to the keycard.”

  Emma snickered. She knew he would take the road most easily traveled. He’d have to set her down in order to get her room key. If he gave her enough room to get away she’d be in her room and safe behind the closed door. Colt appeared to be on a mission. He thought to claim her again. What he didn’t know was she was more than willing to let him—at least one last time. Ginnifer and Tori meant well, but she couldn’t allow him to break her heart again. This was only meant to be a final farewell. A means of eradicating him from her system—because she foolishly still loved him didn’t mean she had to fall hopelessly at his feet.

  She stared at the floor as he entered the elevator. An idea began to form in her mind. What if she drove him a little wild before they got to his room—perhaps he’d have to set her down and explore a little bit. Emma cupped his ass with her palms and danced her fingers across the bottom. He sucked in a deep breath and held onto her
tighter.

  Good, a reaction—just what she needed.

  Emma trailed her fingers upward and skimmed them across the waist of his pants.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Having a little fun.” She licked her lips and moved her hand underneath the soft denim. Emma pushed down letting her nails knead across his bare flesh. “Want to get naked in the elevator with me?”

  Colt let her slide forward. “You’re a little she-devil.”

  His arms wound around her as he leaned forward and captured her lips with his. Emma didn’t have time to think. She burned with need—one only Colt could fill for her. Pleasure so intense it scalded her from the inside out spread throughout her whole body. She dug her fingernails into his back pulling him closer to her. A small taste—then she could forget him.

  Who was she kidding?

  She wanted to take a bite so big she’d be brimming over the top with the over indulgence.

  Colt pushed her forward until her back hit the wall of the elevator. He trailed kisses across her neck and down her chest. “I want to take this shirt off and see what you’re tempting me with.”

  “Yes, do it,” Emma demanded.

  “Soon,” he agreed as his hands fled under her sheer blouse. “Very, very soon.”

  The ding of the door opening shot their attention to the empty hallway. He lifted her up, and Emma wrapped her legs around his waist.

  “Hurry,” she begged.

  He rushed out of the elevator, kissing her as he walked down the hall. He stopped and pressed her against the wall. “God, you’re so beautiful.”

  “Get us into a room, now.”

  He shoved his hands into his pocket to retrieve his room key and slid it into the lock. Colt pushed the door open and set Emma down inside the room. He tore her shirt over her head and trailed his fingers over her burning flesh. Emma unbuckled his jeans and pushed them down. They tripped him as he tried to move backward. He hit the floor hard.

  A boisterous laugh filled the room as she saw him sprawled out before her. She kicked off her stilettos and stalked forward—removing her own pants as she made her way to him. Emma straddled him, only wearing her golden bra and panties.