by SE Hall
“He wants to see me again this week.” I can’t stop the cheesy grin that takes over my face once more. “When did I revert back to being a teenage girl? Seriously.” I shake my head at myself and just sigh…even when I try to remove the dopey happiness off my face, it won’t budge.
“It feels good, doesn’t it?” she asks.
It does. It feels great to have someone want to spend time with me. And sometimes, the way he looks at me gives me foolish hope that we could be more than just mind-blowing sex. And let’s not forget how I erupt from tiptoe to scalp when he kisses me. It’s as if the entire world goes silent and all I can hear is the sound of my own heartbeat whooshing in my ears. But with all the good, there’s always the small seed of doubt in the back of my mind, guarding me against getting hurt. Made a fool of, in front of my team and staff. In front of my mirror.
“It does,” I say softly. Finally admitting, out loud, that I really like Rush is hard. “But we both know he’s a football player, a famous one at that. I’m sure he’ll show his ass soon enough and make me regret liking him, falling for his act.” I turn to look at the field as I try to remind myself of reality and what this truly is. I can’t afford to dumbly start to think it’s anything more than us hooking up and him trying to prove he can obtain the unattainable. I’m a challenge, and he’s a natural competitor.
“Why don’t you take him up on that date and see what you think after? Maybe if you just relax and have a good time, you’ll see things a little differently.” Marcy moves to stand next to me, intentionally bumping me in the shoulder as she does.
“All right, you’ve made your case. It’s obvious Mr. Riggins has won you over,” I snicker.
“Anyone who storms into a room and demands I leave with that caveman look in his eyes is approved to date my friends. Girl, you can’t buy that kind of manly potency.” She starts laughing after she playfully moans her appreciation at me. “Mmmmhmmm.”
“You’re impossible.”
“Call it what you want. But that shit was sexy.”
Hell yes it was sexy. My mouth fell open when the door slammed against the wall. He did enter with an all-powerful presence, but then again, he always does. He’s Rush Riggins. He wouldn’t know how to do anything without making it clear he runs the show. And it’s exhausting pretending he doesn’t—run the show. He does indeed, even when he’s not physically around…he’s still there, and has me thinking about him far more than I don’t.
There’s no doubt—I’ve met my match, and I’m about to go up in flames.
Chapter Fifteen
RUSH
It takes Coach forever to finish up his after-game news conference so he can talk to me. He’s smiling like a fool from the win, even though his starting quarterback is out for at least the next few days. “Riggins, heard you’re out with a damn concussion. I don’t want to see your ass at the field until I get the call you’re cleared. Not even to fucking watch. Understood?” He quickly lays out his rules…that I already knew were coming. It’s how he is with every player, every injury.
“Yeah. I know the drill.”
“You’re lucky it happened now, when we have a break coming up.” Lucky? To have a concussion, anytime? “Now get the hell out of here.” He tries to dismiss me, but when the team pipes back up, this time with catcalls and whistles, I look back to see Ava entering the locker room and stop dead in my tracks. This isn’t the field, it’s the locker room—and I’m not going a goddamn place while Ava’s in here. Her smile teases and tortures my dick all over again as I watch the guys interact with her. Some are better-mannered than others, but it’s obvious not a fucking one of them has any idea that she’s mine, and it takes everything in me not to lay claim to her, right here, right now, setting all the half-dressed idiots straight.
“All right, quiet down!” Coach yells over everyone. “Miss Vanderbilt has something to say, and she will be heard and shown respect.”
“Thank you, Coach Benson.” She blushes, walking to the front of the room. “Great game everyone. It’s amazing to see you doing so well after everything the team has been through lately. I wanted to let you all know that I’ve asked Pierce to reserve his club tomorrow night for Thunder players only, and anyone you’d like to invite of course. Just get with my assistant, Marcy, and we’ll make sure everyone is allowed in that’s supposed to be. Also, drinks will be on me-” She’s interrupted by whooping and hollers of thanks from pretty much everyone in the room over that last sentence. It takes a few seconds for her to get them all settled down and their attention back, but she manages, which is not an easy feat. “But, I want you all to allow my drivers to get you home. Consider this my only rule of the night. My grandfather loved this team and I can’t think of a better way for us to celebrate after the statue is unveiled.” She looks to Pierce before continuing. “I’d also like to announce that I’ve decided the club should be named Club Thunder, as requested.”
Pierce steps forward, wearing a huge grin but no shirt, to shake her hand. When she reaches out to accept, he pulls her against him for a hug. Fucker. I know what he’s doing. My scowl must be too obvious or my growl too loud, because she gives me a secret smile before escaping Pierce’s fucking clutches and walking out. I decide to say ‘to hell with it’ and follow her… about the time Marcy walks in, barely having time to flash me a knowing wink before she’s bombarded by the entire team to give her the names of their guests for tomorrow’s party all at once.
I easily catch up with her, not too far down the hallway—yeah, she’s walking slow on purpose, knowing I’d be coming. Such a presumption would normally bother my ego and have me turning around… if it wasn’t Ava. And if her ass, swaying side to side, wasn’t such a beautiful fucking sight.
“You insane?” I gently bump her shoulder with mine. “Buying drinks for this crew is a huge investment. I don’t think you realize how much liquor men that big can put away.”
“I’m not worried about it. My grandfather liked to entertain when he rubbed elbows with people in this industry; I’m going to follow his example, just switching it up a bit. I need this team to adjust and truly accept me as the new owner. I can’t think of a better way to get on the good side of a bunch of men than serving up free booze,” she laughs.
We turn a corner and are blindsided by a herd of reporters, at least a dozen questions and mics shoved at both of us. I watch in impressed awe as Ava handles them like a pro, staying cool and collected, smiling and answering a few questions about my “minor” injury and the strength of the team before politely excusing us and motioning for me to keep walking.
When we’re finally well away from them, alone again, she pushes me into a room and quickly closes the door behind her.
“Fuck yes,” I growl, pinning her back against the door with my body. “I’ve always wanted someone to do this to me.”
“Who’s going to watch over you tonight?” she asks me, concern in her voice.
“Ava,” I skim her lips with my own, “you don’t need an excuse to pull me into a room for a good fucking, babe.”
She sighs, but not in want from my kisses down her neck. No, in frustration, so I look up at her. “I’m serious. You have a concussion, Rush. You have to be watched tonight, you heard the doctor.”
“I did.” I nod slowly, keeping a straight face. “You know, maybe it’d be best if you came over and kept your eyes on me, all night.” I move in close once more and tug her by the shirt, bringing her flush against my chest. “We could fuck with the lights on and our eyes open. That way, you’ll really be able to watch over me…while I’m over you. My naughty nurse. Please tell me you have a uniform.”
She laughs softly before forcing herself back into serious mode. “You know I can’t leave here with you, so I’ll be over after I take Marcy home. If you’re good and don’t try walking out with us, I may ask Marcy if she happens to have an old nurse Halloween costume lying around.”
“You’ve got yourself a deal.” I lean forward and kis
s her, but have to quickly pull away, when I hear footsteps near the door. She puts distance between us and manages to compose herself completely just as the door flies open. Thank God I moved her off it, she’d have been hurt, and then I’d have to hurt…Tyler, of fucking course.
“There your ass is. Are you going to the strip club with me tonight? You can bring the boss if you want.” Tyler nods toward Ava as he speaks.
I glance at her from the corner of my eye to see her head ducked and cheeks flaming with an embarrassed blush. She’s cringing inside, I know it, thinking “we’re busted.” She doesn’t realize, Tyler’s too worried about the strip club to put two and two together.
“Nah, I’m not feeling up to it tonight. I’m gonna head home and rest. Doctor’s orders,” I say coolly with a shrug.
Then again…maybe I don’t give my boy enough credit. He looks from Ava to me, and again, suspicion brewing in his narrowed eyes as he internally speculates. I can only imagine what his filthy ass has come up with…correctly.
“You two fuckin’?” he blurts out.
Ava’s head pops up, nervously laughing and blushing harder at his outburst. “No! That’s ridiculous.” Anyone who knows women at all, which Tyler knows women, heard what she really said—fuck yes we are.
Ty’s face lights up as he looks at me, but I don’t say a word and divert my eyes, handing him the answer to the question he was silently asking me.
“Well if that’s ridiculous, then you can come out with me tonight while Mr. Fucking Snooze over there goes home to sleep.” He grins at Ava, wiggling his eyebrows.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“I didn’t figure you would, sweetheart.” He turns to leave, Ava speechless but fidgeting, trying to decide how to handle this. “Don’t worry though, your secret is safe with me. I should’ve known your ass had someone, Riggins. You’ve been impossible lately.” He walks out the door before either of us have a chance to say anything else.
“Oh my God, he knows. If it was that easy for him to tell, what will everyone else think?” Her voice is high-pitched with panic.
“Who the fuck cares? Why can’t we just stop worrying about everyone else and just enjoy each other?”
“Rush, I’ve explained this over and over.” Her face and shoulders fall as she weakly defends her way of thinking, again.
“Yeah, you have, and I’ve said ‘who cares’ over and over. Not that you listen. But as far as Ty goes, he’s been my best friend for years. Of course he’s going to notice things that no one else will. I promise, people will have no idea unless you tell them, so stop worrying. We’re still a dirty little secret, Ava.” I can’t hide the grit of anger in my tone, but she either doesn’t hear, or chooses to ignore it.
“All right, just go. I’ll talk to you about all of this later. Leave before someone else comes in here and starts spouting off their theories.” I haul her to me for a kiss, but she refuses to let it be anything more than a simple peck. “Go,” she repeats, pushing me away.
I clear out of the stadium quickly, knowing she’ll be over soon, and we sure the fuck are gonna “talk about all this.” I’m getting real goddamn sick of hiding, being treated like someone she’s ashamed of—fuck that. Ty’s waiting to take me home, even though he’d have much rather already headed out and left my concussed ass stranded, knowing there’s all that pussy waiting for him. But he also knows I can’t drive, so he stayed to make sure I made it home… which is why I keep him around, despite the fact his dumb ass drives me insane more often than not.
I’d be lying if I said I wanted to do anything different than what I have planned for tonight. The guys will be out partying as usual, but if everything goes my way, I’ll be doing my own type of celebrating. Fucking some sense into Ava, once and for all.
“So, how long you been tappin’ the big boss?” I knew Ty wouldn’t let it go without harassing me; he’s incapable.
“Who says I have?”
“Your guilty smirk said that shit for ya, loud and clear. You’ve been fucking her and we both know it.” He revs the engine on his sports car as he pulls out of the parking lot. “You also know I won’t tell anyone your big secret.”
“We’ve been talking. She refuses to have any type of connection with a football player, especially one on her own team. Says her grandfather kept her away from our kind.” He barks out a laugh, obviously feeling the same kind of offended as I do about the whole thing.
“No disrespect, but Ol’ Pops could say whatever he wanted, the girls still flock to us like we’ve got the golden dicks. Hell, I know I do.” He takes a turn so fast, I’m thrown against the door until he straightens it out again. “I haven’t heard any complaints when it comes to the shit we can do, have you?” I don’t respond, letting him brag about his skills alone, while I think back on how fucking fantastic it felt to take Ava at the stadium. I’m going to get that woman in my jersey one of these days and I’m already certain… the sight will be my undoing.
Tyler comes to a screeching stop at the gate to my house while he waits for it to open. “Aren’t you supposed to be monitored after a big smack down like you took today? Drove your ass because of it; should I stay?”
“Nah, the ride was plenty, thanks. You go on, with your golden dick,” I chuckle. “I have someone coming to stay with me.”
“Ahh, I’m picking up what you’re putting down. Have fun with the boss lady, and your ass will be sharing the details the next time I see you.”
I open the door and step out before he has a chance to say anything else. “Night, Ty.”
He rolls down the window to continue his jabbering as I walk to my front door. “Don’t worry, Bro. I’ve got your back. I know how you like to keep your shit on the down low.” I look over my shoulder and wave as he takes off, then answer my ringing phone.
“Are you home yet?” Ava asks as soon as I answer, before I even say “hello.” If I’m not mistaken… she sounds pretty damn excited about coming over.
“Hello to you too, and yes, walking in now. Gotta say, fucking love that you sound desperate to see me. Is this a testament to the way I made you feel tonight, when my dick was deep inside you, Ava?” I growl, getting hard just thinking about doing it again.
“Don’t flatter yourself, Riggins. I’m only coming to stay over because you need someone to watch you during the night.” Her lie of a response has me laughing, but she continues as if my knowing amusement doesn’t affect her. “My driver just dropped off Marcy. I’ll be there shortly.”
Before I have a chance to flirt with her any further, she ends the call. Her little way of playing hard to get… even though she’s the one rushing over here to see me.
I’ll be waiting, Miss Vanderbilt.
Chapter Sixteen
AVA
His constant flirting is something I’m not used to, but in all honesty, it feels nice. He acts like he’s trying to get me back to bed this quick when we literally just went crazy at the stadium together. Who knows with him though, it may not be an act; he seems to have an insatiable sexual appetite.
My driver pulls up to his gate and remembers the code from the other night. I’m not sure I should be happy about that or not. When he stops the limo in front of Rush’s house, I step out and tell him to take the rest of the night off. He does well not to show me any judgement in his serious expression. Before I’m up the few steps, Rush has come to greet me; without a damn shirt on.
“Thank God you’re here. I almost didn’t make it.” His shit eating grin is even brighter than it was when I left him behind at the stadium. He’s not even trying to hide the fact that he’s thrilled I’m here for the night. I guess if I’m being honest with myself, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be. A night with Rush Riggins is sure to be memorable and if I’m going to play into this game with him for a short while, I may as well enjoy him before I have to put a stop to all of this.
“I can tell you’ve been suffering.” I’m forced to speak into his fac
e because he’s lifting me around his waist and walking us through the house. “You do realize that I can walk.”
“It’s more fun this way. I can almost see those gorgeous tits down your shirt when you wrap your arms around my neck.” His sexy grin is on full display as he purposely makes it so that I’m sliding down his body to reach the floor again.
“I can’t complain.” I swallow any ounce of shyness remaining and slide my own hands down his bulging arms, slowly, purposely forcing him to look at me as he takes in my touch. His shirt has to be off because I think it’s his personal mission to make me want to touch him every second I’m with him. “It allows me to do this.” I slide two fingers down his chest slowly, watching it rise and fall as his breathing shifts. I purposely send chills over his body as I brush over every ridge, using both hands when I make my way to the ‘V’ shape of his pelvic muscles.
“So, you want to fuck right here and now, I take it.” His boldness always seems to shock me, even though I know better than to expect anything less than it every time he opens his mouth.
“Can’t a girl explore a little without it being a race straight to that?”
“She sure can, but she needs to know it goes both ways. I can think of a few ways I’d like to explore your body tonight.” His phone rings and even though he tries to ignore it, he ends up answering once he looks at the number coming through. “Sorry. It’s my brother.”
I step away and move to the kitchen. If we’re going to be staying in tonight, I’ll need something to eat. I’m sure he’s even hungrier than I am at this point, unless he’s already eaten. I’m bent over looking at the bottom drawer grabbing some pepper and onions from his refrigerator when he walks in. “This weekend? Yeah this is my off week, so I can make it.” I stand slowly and close the door, feeling his stare go right through me as I do. “Can you get me two tickets? I have a friend I’m going to bring with me. Hold on, Mom is on the other line. Let me merge the call.” He walks around the kitchen as he talks to his family. “Yes I promise I’m fine. It’s just a concussion and I’ll be back in a few days. I’ll see you on Saturday.”