Quarterback Sack

by SE Hall

  Damn right, she won’t be replacing me with anyone. On, or off, the field.

  “Jett, you’ll have to work your ass off and prove yourself just like Rush did.” My mother starts to call him off Ava, knowing he’s only getting started. “Let’s get to the table and we can all chat there.” She gives Ava a look and a hitch of her head that has her following her inside.

  “Fuck, brother. When you decide to bring home the pussy, you make it prime. Better hang on tight to that one right there.” Jett lets out a low whistle as he watches Ava’s ass until she’s in the house.

  I set my beer down before I lay into him, but Dad beats me to the punch. “Jesus, Jett. Don’t be so damn vulgar. Your mother would knock your block off if she’d have heard that.”

  “No really, Ava’s hot as fuck. Congrats, bro.” He gives me a chin-up of approval as Dad pulls the last steak from the grill and we all head inside.

  “So Ava, we’ll be attending the next home game. Maybe we’ll see you there.” My mom puts her on the spot and when she fidgets in her seat, I intervene, saving us all from any awkwardness. It seems from the fidgeting and lack of immediate response, that even though we’ve had an easy day together, she’s still in the mindset that we can’t let this relationship continue.

  “Ava is swamped with press and management on game days, so we’ll just have to wait and see how it goes that day.” I glance over at Ava, diligently cutting her steak with her head lowered, avoiding any more talk about them coming to Tennessee. I can hear her wheels turning, trying to think of something to say or do to change the subject.

  “This steak is amazing, Mr. Riggins. And thank you both so much for having me over for dinner.”

  “Any girlfriend of one of my boys is always welcome here, sweetie.” My mom beams at her, unaware of the heaviness of her words.

  “Hell yeah she is, and if she wants to come visit us without that ugly mug at her side, she can always give me a call,” Jett chimes in and I don’t know whether to jump over the table and kick his ass for hitting on her or thank him for taking the attention off of us and onto himself.

  “Jett, seriously, do you not have any boundaries?” my dad questions, even though we all know the answer… but that’s beside the point.

  “Ehh, she knows I’m just teasing her. It’s all good. Right Ava?” He gives her his cockiest grin.

  “Yes, I can handle flirtatious quarterbacks and have no problem putting them in their place.” She looks directly at Jett speaking through a friendly smile, but I catch her underlying meaning.

  I hold in what I want to say, knowing I have the drive home to get through to her. She may still be planning to just walk away from me, but she hasn’t been able to deny this attraction between us so far… not sure why she thinks now will be any different. Or that I’ll allow it.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  AVA

  Even though I’ve loved being here today, the feeling of “family” heartwarming and available, I can feel the weight of the unspoken words Rush isn’t saying. His mom keeps smiling at me as if my being here “with” her son is a dream come true, and I feel guilty, but it’s not my place to tell her that this will be the only time she ever sees me in this setting. She even called me his girlfriend, and… Rush didn’t correct her.

  I’m sure I’ll run into his parents at the stadium, but other than that, this has to be the last day I spend with Rush. He’s made it amply clear that he isn’t, nor is he going to, listen to my wishes, so I have to put space that forces him to hear me between us.

  “You leaving tonight?” Jett’s deep voice interrupts my internal battle.

  “Yes, I have to get back,” I quickly respond, eliminating Rush’s chance to say anything that would leave room for us to stay here any longer. It’s one thing to hold my own and keep a physical, and emotional distance during the day, but if I have to try and fight those temptations at night… that’s a completely different story. One that won’t end the way it must.

  “Why don’t you two pop into the frat house with me before you take off? It’s supposed to be one helluva party tonight.” Jett downs the last of his drink before standing and wiggling his eyebrows at Rush. “You know you miss those days.”

  “Maybe next t—” Rush looks down, responding softly, but I speak over him.

  “I’d love to see your fraternity.” I stand, feeling the eyes of the entire Riggins’ family fall on me. “I’ve never been to one. Time to see what all the fuss is about.” Picking up my plate and walking toward the kitchen, I still catch the glares shot at Jett from his mom and dad. I’m sure they’re both just concerned about my exposure to what will no doubt be an insane experience, but honestly, the thought of being alone with Rush right now sounds far worse. Nothing at a frat party will strip my defenses and leave me vulnerable… everything about Rush Riggins will.

  “I’m not sure this is such a great idea.” Rush walks in behind me, using his hard body to pin me against the kitchen sink. His muscular arms surrounding me as his giant hands grip the edge of the sink on either side of me.

  I turn, gently pushing him out of my space so I can breathe again. “I think it’s a perfect idea. We’ll just stop by for a little while before heading home. You came to spend time with your brother, right? He wouldn’t have asked you to go if it wasn’t important to him, so I think we should go.”

  “Ava, you don’t understand how wild it’ll be.”

  “I think I can handle a frat party, Rush. I’m used to dealing with all of you Thunder men now, so this’ll be a cakewalk.” He moves his hand through his hair and laughs before he attempts to respond.

  “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  “Yeah, don’t say we didn’t promise you a great fucking night either.” Jett busts in with a huge smile on his face. “I’m guessing you’ve never done a Riggins’ keg stand either.” He slides his arm around my shoulder and pulls me close enough to show me that he wears the same cologne as his older brother.

  “Not on your fucking life, Jett. This isn’t the past.” Rush motions a finger between his chest and mine, a territorial scowl on his face. “Ava’s—”

  “I get it, brother. Don’t worry. I won’t deep dick her and ruin her for ya.” Jett laughs, dodging Rush’s attempt at a headlock. As vulgar as his comment was, I can’t help but smile, watching them playfully wrestle each other, thinking how nice it would’ve been to have a sibling. Rush has Jett’s face pressed into the wall when their mom comes in, her arms full of dishes.

  “Seriously, boys? Can’t I have one nice dinner without the two of you showing off and making a scene? Go clear the rest of the table before I sic your father on the both of you.” Rush pushes off, releasing Jett and they both leave the room smiling.

  “I’m gonna have a fucking blast yanking your chain over this one.” Jett continues to razz Rush and I stand in frozen awkwardness as Mrs. Riggins studies the expression on my face.

  “I’m sorry they’re acting like idiots. I’m guessing you don’t have any siblings?”

  “No, I’m an only child,” I answer softly, trying to eavesdrop on the noise still going on in the dining room.

  “Those two have always pestered each other, but when it comes to defending the other, there’s nothing they wouldn’t do. So, if you’re going to become part of this family, you may as well get used to the rough housing.”

  “Oh, Mrs. Riggins, it’s not like that. Rush and I are just friends.”

  She sets down the plate she’s been holding before laughing at me. “I see how the two of you look at each other. If that’s what you kids call friendship these days, I’m glad to see my son finally has a friend. I haven’t seen him this happy since he was a kid. In fact, he hasn’t let us meet a girl since well,” she pauses to think, “had to have been way back before he even started college ball. If you don’t mind me asking, what is it you’re afraid of, Ava? Like I said, I see how you look at him too, it’s not a one-sided attraction you two have.”

  “I’
m not afraid. I just have to be careful since I’ve taken over ownership of the team. I don’t want any negative publicity to come out of anything I do.”

  “Honey, there isn’t anything negative about two people falling in love.”

  I consider denying what she’s said, but she looks so sure of herself, genuinely happy about what she believes is happening between Rush and I that I honestly don’t have it in me to try and convince her otherwise. And I definitely don’t have it in me to sort out all the feelings her words have sent swirling within me. And at its root, taking anyone specific out of the equation, I do agree with her simple statement. There really isn’t anything negative about two people falling in love.

  Rush walks in, saving me from my counter-productive thoughts, and his eyes instantly find mine, realizing perfectly what lays within them. “Sorry Mom, but it’s time for us to get going.”

  “Alright,” she says sadly, going to hug him. He leans over to kiss her forehead, a piece of his hair falling over his eye as he does. “I’ll send tickets for you soon, and I want you stay at my house for a few days.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.” She lets go of him and walks over to me, pulling me in for a tight hug, managing to whisper in my ear without Rush noticing. “I’ll see you then my dear.”

  We head out through the living room, saying goodbye to Rush’s father. I’m drawn to the photos on the wall of Rush and Jett, a timeline of the two of them in every football jersey they’ve worn over the years.

  Rush catches me looking and comes to my side pointing out a few different photos, explaining how old he was and what team he played for at the time. His passion shines through as he talks and it’s very clear, as always how important football has been throughout his entire life.

  “Okay, I’m out.” Jett holds his hand out for Rush to slap and they do some sort of brotherly handshake that is all their own, and very hard to follow. “Will I see you at the frat house?”

  Rush looks to me for the answer and I quickly nod, grinning at his slight frown. “If you can keep your asshole frat brothers in line, we’ll make an appearance. Think you can handle that? Don’t wanna have to kill some dumbass for fucking up tonight.”

  “You know I got that shit. Now let’s get going; I have a win to fuckin’ celebrate.”

  We follow him out, Rush taking advantage of the chance to rest his hand on my lower back as we walk, his fingers igniting the bare skin just above my waistband.

  “Nice car, I almost bought one like it recently.” I quickly move toward Jett’s silver Camaro, knowing he’ll take the bait and offer me the chance to either drive it or ride in it with him. I need a minute away from Rush, that single touch an all too tempting reminder of his effect on me.

  “Thanks, Rush bought it for me when he got his first pro payment. Says I have to return the favor and buy him one with my first check someday.”

  I try not to let yet another great deed by Rush get to me, but after an entire day seeing and hearing nothing but great things about him, I can’t help but let each one of them chip away at my armor. Hence, the reason I need a breather from the man who makes me crazy.

  “Can I drive it?” Forget waiting on an invitation, I need to feel the wind blowing through my hair as I inhale the much-needed air.

  They both look to each other before Jett tosses me the keys and slides into the passenger seat. One glance at Rush tells me he’s less than thrilled, his mouth a tight line, but I quickly divert my eyes and open the door to take the driver’s seat, not giving him a chance to put up a fight about it.

  The rumble of the engine makes me feel free, and I don’t hesitate to take off. The rapid increase in speed consumes me; driving this car is a rush. Then again, my life has been full of those since I first met him in the club on that fateful night. Even while driving away from him, he’s all I can think about. Which is no different than every minute of every other day.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  RUSH

  I can feel her pulling away from me, literally making me crazy. She’s driving Jett’s car like a bat out of hell and I refuse to let them walk into that fuck fest without me, so I’m tailing her closely. I know what goes on at that house. Hell, I created the fucker! It was my friends and I that taught Jett and his crew how to throw a party, while keeping the coaches off their asses.

  Ava takes the long way, no doubt enjoying the surge of adrenaline being behind the wheel of a sports car brings. This is an entirely different speed of life than she’s used to, and a clear sign that I’m pushing her too hard. I know what I have to do at this point, and if she feels even half the way I do for her, she’ll come around and stop fighting me. If she doesn’t, then I’ll just have to get through to her another way. Here I was, beginning to think I was broken, incapable of allowing someone in… but of course, I finally fall for the one woman who doesn’t want more from me.

  I pull in behind the Camaro as they both open their doors; a huge smile on Ava’s face as she rounds the hood and tosses Jett the keys. “Let me introduce you to the guys. Don’t judge too harshly on the house, I couldn’t get them to answer their fucking phones.”

  He’s already guiding her toward the door, so I follow, in silent observation. Music blares through the speakers in the house; the swarm of shadows in the windows tells me this place is packed tonight.

  Jett opens the front door, and first thing… Hale is pinning some girl against the wall with his dick, not even realizing we’re here and obviously not concerned that his fucking pants are around his knees, his bare ass on display. “Pull up your fucking pants, man. No one wants to see that shit.” Jett laughs and slaps him on the shoulder as we pass, driving home the fact that’s totally normal behavior, Ava’s already bulging eyes taking in as much of the living room as she can the second we turn the corner.

  “Yep, just like I remember,” I sum it up flatly shaking my head. Guys sprawled out, drinking beer with tonight’s flavors sniffing around for a quick fuck so they can move on to the next guy before they get thrown out of here. Jesus, I don’t miss this shit one bit.

  “Let’s head into the kitchen, I’ll get ya something to drink!” Jett yells over the music and leads Ava out of the room. I’m hot on her heels, my guard all the way up and ready to kick anyone’s ass who even look in her direction. I notice the line of pussy headed my way, so I step in front of the blonde leading them all to put a stop to it immediately. She rubs her hand up my chest and slides in close to me.

  Gripping her hand and dropping it to her side, I growl out the only sentence I’ll be speaking to any female here tonight that didn’t walk through the fucking door with me. “I’m not interested. Keep your fucking hands off me.”

  I can’t believe women like that used to be my regular hook up, nothing even remotely appealing about them now. Sure, I guess they served the purpose of getting my dick wet and then disappearing; I made that rule very clear before I ever fucked anyone. Hell, I’m pretty sure I even started that way with Ava, not that I consider her in the same category as these whores by any means. I knew she was different even that night, I just didn’t realize how unique she was until later.

  “Ah Rush, we can’t be that unforgettable.” A brunette I swear I’ve never seen before in my life, slips under my right arm as the blonde moves even closer on the other side.

  “You must be, ‘cause I got nothin’. Stay out of trouble, ladies.” I turn and walk back into the kitchen, hoping they don’t follow, to find Ava and Jett each standing with their legs in a wide stance, both about to down three shots a piece. “Hold up, what are we drinking here?”

  “Tequila!” She looks up at me with an unsure smile, before leaning over the counter and picking up the first shot glass with only her mouth, throwing her head back so the liquid slides down her throat. Her long curly hair falls over her shoulders as she hurries to shoot the next one the same way. I’m so busy watching Ava, I barely notice Jett doing the same…as they race each other to their last shot glass.

&nb
sp; She slams her last one down, just beating my brother. I know he let her win; I’ve seen his ass in action before and that was slow motion. She delicately wipes the drips around her mouth and my fucking dick twitches at the sight of Ava, her guard down without a care in the world. Racing college guys at doing tequila shots is far from her typical behavior, but I’m not going to complain. How could I when she’s wearing that huge smile on her face? I usually only get to see that smile when we’re alone, no chance of being spotted, so the fact that she’s allowing it here tonight means I might just be chipping away at that stubborn wall she’s always hiding behind.

  Jett’s face suddenly turns an angry red as he points behind me. I turn, seeing the same brunette from earlier, but do nothing…Jett’s got her handled. “Walk the fuck back out now. Not tonight.” She rolls her eyes, but doesn’t leave. “Tonight is about my brother and his girl. Some shit I never thought I’d see and I definitely didn’t think he’d manage to reel one in of this caliber.”

  “Um, thank you, I think?” He comes over and slings one arm over my shoulder and the other over Ava’s, and even though I’m trying to be fucking ecstatic in this very moment, the drop of her smile into a frown has me on edge.

  “We should play that game you were talking about.” Ava slips out from under his hold and Jett glances at me with one eyebrow cocked, no doubt noticing the same change I did.

  “Beer pong it is! Next time you come, we’ll pull out the Slip n Slide, oil it up and play it the right way.” Jett whoops as we both follow Ava out of the room, leaving the brunette standing there.

  “You promised me a true frat party, Jett Riggins. Pull out the damn Slip n Slide and show me how it’s done.” My brother and I both stop mid-step, matching looks of shock at her response.