Play

by Holly S. Roberts

  “Better?”

  So many things went through my mind. Confusion, need, love. I’m not sure what made me say, “The guys cat calling and whistling embarrassed me.”

  He smiled and I touched one of his dimples. I’d wanted to do it for so long. We’d touched each other in such intimate places, but for me this was the most incredible. I don’t even think he knew what I did.

  “The team thinks you’re sexy as hell and that I’m the luckiest man alive.”

  “You’re teasing me.”

  “No, I teased them. I wanted them to look, but not touch. I don’t know if I can stop doing it, but I’ll try if it makes you uncomfortable.”

  I didn’t have the heart to burst his balloon. His teammates couldn’t possibly think me attractive, but his words still managed to make me feel special. It was impossible to stay mad at him.

  “One dress.”

  I saw the words process and the exact moment he knew he’d won.

  “Two.”

  Thirty minutes later, I agreed. I left the shower cleaner than I’d ever imagined I could get.

  ***

  “Try on another.”

  Killian found a boutique on Madison Street that featured clothing for tall women. I knew they existed, but the designer labels were completely out of my price range. I’d tried on six dresses and each one fit better than anything I’d ever worn. I’d never pictured Killian as a shopper, but the man had taste. His whispered words of praise made me blush.

  “I like this one.” His fingers went to the side slit and grazed my thigh.

  I slapped his hand away and he laughed. The clerk winked and I walked back into the dressing room to continue my one-person modeling gig.

  I literally put my foot down when he tried to get me into five-inch heels.

  “I’ll break my neck. There’s no way I’m walking in those.”

  “What about these?”

  They were three-inches. Never with another man would I consider them but with Killian by my side, they had potential.

  “I’ll hold onto you so you don’t fall.” He added full dimples to the husky words.

  In the end, Killian picked a dress that I would wear that evening and another for a future date. Skirts were my thing, but only because I could occasionally find off-the-rack designs that covered my ass cheeks. Dresses never had a long enough waist. These did. The total bill was more money than I made in a month. I managed to accept graciously. Killian took his time writing something on a piece of paper for the clerk before scrawling his name to the charge receipt, and then we left.

  A few hours later, we met Malory and Blitz in the hotel lobby. The men escorted us outside where a chauffeur held the door to a black limousine. Dressed in his dark gray sport coat, Killian took my breath away. His black silk shirt, open at the collar, made me want to lick the exposed skin of his neck. The sleek lines of his pants accented his long legs and even in my three-inch heels, he was tall enough for me to tilt my head back to meet his eyes. I could look at him for hours and never get bored.

  Blitz scared me. The man was larger than Killian. His shoulders were so broad I wondered if he had problems fitting through doors without turning sideways. Everything about the man was gargantuan. Next to him, Malory’s petite body looked even smaller.

  As soon as we took our seats in the limo, Blitz moved Malory to his lap and kissed her. She began running her hands over his chest. I looked at Killian.

  He flashed his dimples. “Get used to it. They never stop.”

  Blitz’s laugh filled the interior of the car. “Malory just can’t keep her hands off me.”

  She purred, “That’s because there’s so much of you and if I don’t start now, I’ll be up all night trying to touch every inch.”

  My face was red, but I so wanted to run my hands over Killian’s chest.

  He pulled me next to him and whispered in my ear, “You can touch all of me later tonight.”

  I managed to keep my hands to myself and tried my best to ignore where Malory’s hands wandered.

  The restaurant was wonderful, and even though we were in a rival state, a crowd formed around Killian and Blitz. I practically had to pry my fingers from Killian’s grasp so I could step away. He gave me a quick, puzzled look. It didn’t matter where we went or what we did, Killian always touched me in some small way. He desired a physical connection and seemed to take hold of my hand subconsciously. He’d done it the first night I’d met him at the party and never stopped. I loved this about him, but at the same time, he needed to handle his fan club without me.

  “Blitz doesn’t get this attention unless he’s with Mac,” Malory said quietly as the two men posed for a picture with someone’s family.

  They both signed a few more autographs, and as soon as Killian could make his escape, my hand was surrounded by his once more. He didn’t release me when we sat down, and a small, secret grin played on my lips. He never just held my hand, he caressed it; his thumb skimmed across my skin, making me tingle. He would link our fingers then release them, sliding his hand up my arm before returning to my hand. I felt deep down that Killian needed my touch as much as I needed his.

  I listened while the men talked football. Apparently, Seattle had a few linemen Killian needed to look out for.

  “They’re mean fuckheads and won’t care that it’s pre-season. The best shot they have for the Bowl is to take you out now. The Scorps got your back, but you need to move quickly and make your play. No resting in the pocket. Throw the damn ball out of bounds if you must, but keep Blanastovich and Edwards off your ass.”

  Our waiter interrupted the conversation to take our order. We settled on baskets of crab legs, salad, and Brussels sprouts. I accepted Killian’s guarantee that I needed to try the sprouts, and he was right about them. Everything tasted delicious. Killian ordered Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon. The men stopped at one glass, but Malory and I finished off two bottles.

  It was finally time to leave and I stood from my chair, the room tilted.

  “Damn shoes,” I muttered under my breath.

  Killian stabilized me with an arm around my waist as we walked out to the waiting limousine. Once inside, Malory settled back onto Blitz’s lap as I peeked at the shadowed outline of my date. He had his arm around my shoulder while he ran his other hand through my hair. I inched my fingers over his pants to the inside of his slightly spread thighs. His breath caught before he slowly let it out. He didn’t stop me, so my moves got bolder. I ran my fingers up and down closer to my goal with each stroke. Finally, I felt the outline of his erection and applied pressure.

  Killian’s large hand immediately covered mine. “I think you’ve had too much to drink, Legs.”

  Though Killian spoke quietly, Blitz heard.

  “Fuck, Killian, Malory’s already humping my thigh. Do whatever you want, I’m too occupied to check out those legs this time.”

  Mortification anyone?

  Killian’s chest rumbled and a playful slap sounded from the other seat followed by giggles and then kissing.

  “Just lips, Rebecca,” he whispered a split second before his took mine.

  My head spun, I moved closer, and before I knew it, Killian hiked me up so I straddled his lap. I didn’t care that my back end was on display or that his hands took hold of my ass and adjusted me so I felt the hard push of his cock against my wet panties. My hands went to his chest so I could unbutton his jacket and slide my fingers inside.

  Silk, warmed by his body.

  It felt so good against my fingers, but I wanted more. I undid the shirt buttons until my palms rested against bare hot skin. I couldn’t get enough and couldn’t wiggle much because he dug his fingers into my ass.

  Killian threaded his fingers through my hair at the back of my neck and kissed me hard.

  I didn’t feel the car stop, and suddenly I was sitting next to Killian and he was straightening my dress before he buttoned his shirt. I noticed the same quick manipulation of clothes going on in th
e seat across from us. Malory let out a very unlady-like hiccup and I giggled. The door opened and Killian unfolded his long legs and assisted me out. We didn’t say goodbye to Malory and Blitz, because Killian had me in an elevator before I could catch my breath. My back slammed against the wall and Killian’s mouth captured mine. By the time we made it into the room, my dress was unzipped. Within seconds, it, along with my bra and panties, was lying on the floor with me pressed against the door.

  Killian fucked me in three-inch heels with one of my legs around his waist and his pants barely past his hips.

  The first time.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  I woke up with a hangover and no Killian. There were two Ibuprofen along with a glass of water and a note beside the bed.

  Legs,

  Be back soon. Order yourself breakfast.

  K

  I placed my order. Killian didn’t return until an hour after it arrived. He brushed his lips against my cheek, made his way to the shower, and left me without a word. I’d smelled his sweaty, musky post-workout body. With a smile, I thought that I wouldn’t mind if he didn’t shower.

  When he came out, he turned on the television after sitting on the couch. He didn’t look at me or speak.

  This was game-day Killian.

  I took my shower, fixed my hair and makeup then grabbed my book. A large comfortable-looking chair sat close to the couch, but Killian stopped me before I settled in.

  “No. Here.” He spread his legs and pointed between them.

  I looked at the area he wanted me to occupy and decided to be comfortable. He didn’t seem to mind when I sat on the floor and rested my head against his inner thigh. He absently rubbed my shoulders, touching me like always. I relaxed against him and enjoyed every second.

  He called Blitz at noon.

  “I’m heading out. I’ll take a private car. Have Malory collect Rebecca and I’ll see you at the stadium.”

  Killian pulled me up into his lap for a kiss, but again it was absentminded.

  “I’ll see you after the game.” He moved me off his lap and stood.

  It took him a few minutes to collect his things and then he was gone.

  The suite felt incredibly empty without him. I settled back in with my book and hoped the time passed quickly. The game started at six, and finally Malory came to my room at four.

  I wore my MacGregor jersey and tight jeans. I’d also placed my hair in a ponytail with a large purple bow.

  “Now you’re getting in the spirit, girlfriend.”

  Malory was dressed in her sequined Scorpions number six jersey. She handed me a black and purple baseball cap to match hers. I stepped over to a wall mirror and adjusted it on my head. I had no idea what Killian would think of my outfit, but I was ready to sit with the other wives and girlfriends in the stands. We took a private car to the stadium and walked in with the rest of the fans. Green jerseys completely outnumbered our purple ones, but we didn’t care.

  The excitement in the enormous stadium was exhilarating. The smell of popcorn and hotdogs permeated the air.

  “Let’s get a dog and drink so we can devour them in our seats.”

  I hadn’t eaten since breakfast and I needed the calories. We waited in line for hot dogs and I heard some whispering behind me. I wouldn’t have noticed, but Killian’s name came into the conversation.

  “Hey, are you Killian MacGregor’s girlfriend?”

  How the hell would anyone know that?

  “Umm, well…”

  “I saw your picture in the paper. He looked really happy to see you at the airport.”

  “Uh, thank you.”

  “Are you a model?”

  What was wrong with people? There was no way I was model material. “No, I’m a long-distance runner.”

  “Cool.”

  We placed our orders and walked to our seats.

  “I take it you didn’t know you were front page news this morning.”

  “Front page?”

  “There’s quite the picture of you and Killian at the airport. Several actually.”

  “I had no idea. Does Killian know?”

  “Not sure, but it won’t bother him. It was bound to happen sooner or later. He’s never brought a woman to an out-of-town game. Don’t get me wrong, there are always available women, and he’s hooked up with a few of them, but going to the airport and picking you up was something new for him.”

  Of course my mind zeroed in on the “hooked up,” but I shook it off. Killian was all mine on this trip.

  Malory introduced me to the players’ wives and a couple of their children. With Malory beside me, I felt more comfortable than I had by the pool. They asked me questions about college, and it appeared everyone knew quite a bit about me.

  There was a spattering of away fans around us, but mostly we sat in a sea of green. Killian led our team in with boos coming from the entire stadium.

  I finished off my hot dog and watched in fascination from my closer seat, which was much closer than the skybox. The noises weren’t muted here and I had no idea what I missed by being so far away at the home stadium. The feel of the crowd made the game much more exciting.

  The Scorpions received the ball on kickoff. I clapped when Killian ran onto the field, ignoring what anyone might think. He wore a white uniform with purple accents. After two plays, I could tell the intensity of this game was much higher than the first two I’d attended. I heard pads striking pads, grunts, and shouts by fans and players, too. I could see Killian’s frustration when an opposing player almost intercepted Killian’s pass. His next handoff didn’t get the yards needed for a first down, so Killian left the field. I barely watched the game because I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He paced back and forth, said something to the coach, and pretty much acted pissed off.

  Seattle punted the ball and Killian took the field again. Malory explained play-by-play football terminology to me and helped it all make sense.

  On the second play of the next drive, Killian faked a handoff and rolled out to the side. A player in a green jersey took him to the ground with a resounding thud. Killian got up quickly, shaking off an opposing player’s hand when he tried to help Killian stand up.

  The Scorpions came out of a quick huddle. Killian took a snap, went back in the pocket, and threw a long pass. The rest of the fans may have been watching where the ball traveled, but my eyes were on Killian. A hulking figure in another green jersey came out of nowhere and took Killian off his feet. This time his landing sounded more like a crunch and I was out of my seat with my hands covering my mouth. Flags flew up and whistles blew. The Scorpions’ number ninety-nine charged the green player as soon as he was off Killian. Number ninety-nine ripped the man’s helmet off. Other players joined the fight and fans screamed bloody murder. I only had eyes for Killian, as he lay on the ground barely moving. Several coaches came running and squatted next to him.

  “Kick his ass, Stump.”

  “Late hit. Throw his ass out of the game.”

  In the back of my mind, I heard the yelling, but I don’t think I took a breath until Killian sat up. He didn’t immediately get to his feet, but I could see his lips moving while he spoke to the head coach and another man.

  “That’s Alex, the head athletic trainer. I think Killian’s okay, just shook up a bit.”

  I brought my hands down and clenched them in front of me. The fight had broken up and the referees had the teams separated. The fans quieted and waited. It was another minute before the trainer and coach assisted Killian to his feet. He held his side, but I didn’t see him limping. People started clapping and a red-hot anger swelled in my chest.

  The referee’s voice blasted throughout the stadium. “Delayed hit, roughing the passer, defense number twenty-six, fifteen-yard penalty. After the play was over, unsportsman-like conduct, removing an opposing player’s helmet, offense number ninety-nine has been ejected from the game. First down.” Cheers rang out from every direction.

  My eyes
stayed glued to Killian. After he was on the sideline, he bent over and touched his toes, straightened and lifted his arms up, leaned one way and then the other. The trainer continued talking to him.

  I turned to Malory. “Who’s number ninety-nine?”

  “That’s Stump.”

  “He’s out of the game?”

  “Yep.”

  “Why isn’t the guy who hit Killian out?”

  “It’s the rules, but he’ll be fined between five and ten thousand.”

  “Dollars?”

  “Yes.”

  “Will Stump be fined?”

  “Yes.”

  Anger settled in my chest because of the stupid rules. “I owe Stump a beer.”

  “You okay?”

  “No, I’ll never be okay again.” My hands were shaking, and I fought the need to throw up my hot dog.

  Malory rubbed her hand across my back. “This is nothing and still pre-season. You’ll get used to it.”

  I finally took my eyes from Killian. “Really?”

  “No, not really. But you do get used to your man being bruised, hurt, and sometimes completely beat up. It’s part of the game. Football ain’t for sissies.”

  Killian didn’t return to the game.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  When the game was over, Malory and I returned to the hotel. I didn’t feel like having a drink in the bar, so I settled for bottled water while sitting with the other wives and girlfriends. They talked about the game and I thought about Killian.

  “I’m going back to my room,” I whispered to Malory.

  “Okay. I probably won’t see you until next week at the opening game.”

  I went to the suite and walked around, unable to sit still. When the door finally opened, I turned and watched Killian walk in.

  “Everything off below the waist. Now.”

  I stared for a moment.

  “Now, Legs. I want you just in my jersey while I fuck you.”

  “Are you hurt?”

  He gave me a frustrated sigh and walked until his chest pressed into the front of me and his lips were mere inches away. He found the top of my pants, but his eyes stayed glued to mine.

  “I want to fuck you, Legs, and you’re not making it easy.”