Winning the Player

by Leesa Bow

  ‘What’s down there?’ I pointed to the door.

  ‘It’s the main bedroom and another bathroom, but it’s out of bounds. We can choose any of the four bedrooms upstairs,’ Maddy explained, before heading up the staircase.

  The landing opened to a living room and a ridiculously oversized television. ‘There’s a drawer full of DVDs but no Foxtel.’

  My eyes went straight to the Blackbirds’ team photo mounted on the wall. It was inevitable considering Hunter’s relatives owned the home, all loyal supporters, and yet I’d already planned on removing it for the weekend.

  Three black leather lounges surrounded the television with a mahogany wooden table centred in between. On top of the table were two neat piles of magazines.

  The bedrooms were further along the hallway. Three rooms contained a queen bed, the fourth had two single beds that none of us liked the idea of sleeping in. Two bathrooms separated the bedrooms and one contained a spa that we agreed would get plenty of use this weekend.

  ‘There’s another spa on the balcony,’ Shenae said. ‘It’s so beautiful at night when the stars are out with the distant sound of the waves crashing on the beach.’

  ‘I think I’ve died and gone to heaven,’ I said in a dreamy voice.

  ‘Well, I bags first shower,’ Maddy interrupted.

  ‘I’ll start dinner,’ I offered, looking forward to discovering what the kitchen had in the way of appliances.

  ‘I’ll watch Aubree cook and get a head start on the wine.’ Shenae grinned at Maddy.

  ‘You could check the spa on the deck. Make sure the chemicals are good, and turn on the heat,’ Maddy instructed, before striding towards the bathroom.

  To Maddy’s surprise, she actually enjoyed the tofu vegetarian Asian salad I created for dinner. Maddy insisted more wine made a good dessert, but I found some gourmet organic ice-cream in the freezer since I wasn’t in the mood for alcohol.

  After tidying the kitchen, we headed out to the balcony and sat under the stars. It all would have been so serene were it not for Maddy’s voice increasing a few decibels with every drink she consumed.

  Shenae proposed we play a game of ‘I’ve never . . .’ that really only worked if all the participants were drinking alcohol.

  ‘I can still play. I just won’t skol,’ I suggested.

  ‘That’s half the fun, Aubs. The more you drink the more you confess,’ Maddy whined.

  ‘Well, I’m not in the mood.’ I didn’t want to sound like a bore, but I also thought it was better not to depend on alcohol to have fun.

  Maddy frowned. ‘So, I’ll start.’ She tilted her head and gazed at the stars. ‘I’ve never been in a threesome.’ She looked at us and waited. Shenae lifted her glass to her lips and downed the liquid.

  ‘What the hell. You sly dog,’ Maddy choked out between breaths.

  Shenae grinned wickedly. ‘Okay. I’ve never had a guy go down on me.’ Both Maddy and Shenae laughed and simultaneously raised their glasses. Shenae looked over the rim of her glass and paused. ‘You can still skol water, Aubree.’

  I shook my head.

  ‘She doesn’t qualify,’ Maddy blurted out. I sucked in air and wished for a vanishing cloak when my cheeks warmed with blood.

  Shenae narrowed her eyes. ‘Why not?’

  ‘I’ve never been in a relationship long enough to trust a guy.’

  ‘Relationship? Trust? What are you talking about?’ Shenae looked dumbfounded.

  ‘Forget it.’ Maddy topped up Shenae’s glass. ‘Your turn, Aubree.’

  ‘I’ve never performed a nudie run at a party.’

  Shenae picked up her drink and poured the wine down her throat. Was there anything this ‘good’ Catholic girl hadn’t done?

  Maddy fell back in her chair, laughing. She stopped, caught her breath and looked over at me with a calculating stare. ‘I’ve never slept with a Blackbirds player.’

  Both girls turned to me. I picked up the water and swallowed the remaining liquid.

  ‘This ain’t fair.’ Shenae gave her best impersonation of a sad face. ‘Aubs should be drinking.’

  ‘Yeah, and spilling her guts like how our cousin rates in bed,’ Maddy snickered.

  ‘I’m not one to kiss and tell.’ I glared at Maddy.

  Shenae opened her mouth and Maddy raised her hand to silence her. ‘I’ve promised not to mention Hunter.’ I groaned knowing she’d opened a can of worms.

  ‘Why? What’s wrong with Hunter?’ Shenae frowned and her gaze flickered between Maddy and mine.

  ‘There’s nothing wrong with him,’ I snapped. ‘I just don’t want to be reminded of him.’

  ‘Oh.’ Shenae’s eyes rounded. After we returned awkward stares she added, ‘So . . . what did he do?’

  I scowled at Maddy. ‘It doesn’t matter because it’s in the past. I’m glad I never turned into one of his football groupies.’

  ‘His what?’ Shenae’s forehead wrinkled. ‘I thought you were, like, his girlfriend, not one of his groupies.’

  My heart fluttered at girlfriend. I coughed. ‘Same thing.’

  ‘Oh boy.’ Maddy—who up to now had chosen to remain silent—rolled her eyes. ‘No, Aubree. Why are you hung up on his girlfriends having to look like Barbie dolls?’

  ‘Don’t they? Look at his long list of, um, partners or whatever you call them. There’s Sabrina, and our friend, Emily.’ I made a noise after saying Emily’s name. ‘Oh, and that model from Melbourne —’

  ‘They were all fuck buddies,’ Shenae interrupted. ‘Not girlfriends. There’s a difference.’

  ‘He’s scared of commitment,’ I added. ‘So doesn’t that add me to his list of fuck buddies?’

  ‘Yes he is, but no,’ Maddy said in a calmer tone. ‘He’s always liked you. He said you captivated him. You’re different.’

  ‘Real,’ I said, mocking her.

  ‘She’s right,’ Shenae piped up. ‘You’re nothing like those girls he’s been with. Anyway, he never had an issue with Samantha.’ As soon as Shenae said her name Maddy looked at her like she had just sworn in front of a priest.

  ‘So Samantha ruined him.’ I shrugged, although I was uncomfortable even saying her name. ‘Last thing I need is damaged goods.’

  ‘You’ve got to get over this bullshit,’ Maddy said sternly. ‘Seriously. It’s annoying. He’s not damaged and I don’t know what it would take for you to come to your senses.’ She stood and refilled her glass, draining the contents of the bottle of pinot.

  ‘Maybe for him to get over himself. Not be so bossy and an arrogant son of a bitch.’

  Maddy huffed at me. She stood and walked over to the balcony. ‘You may be my best friend, Aubree, but he is my blood.’

  Same temper, too. Then I regretted my sarcasm. I was being rude, disrespectful to one of Maddy’s relatives and I would never have said those things if it wasn’t Hunter. ‘Sorry, Mads. It’s just that he frustrates me.’

  ‘Yeah,’ she said deadpan, before turning away. ‘Look.’ She pointed down the hill to lights in the distance. ‘That’s the local pub-cum-nightclub. We could check out the locals and dance a bit. Dancing cheers me up.’

  ‘Dancing gets you laid,’ Shenae corrected.

  I laughed. It didn’t take much for Maddy to get over my snide remark.

  ‘I can’t help how I dance.’ Maddy gave us her best angel face. ‘But seriously, are you in?’

  ‘For sure. I’ll call a taxi.’

  ‘You could come and enjoy yourself,’ Maddy said, looking at me.

  ‘No thanks. I’m really tired and I’d get bored. You both go and have a good time. I’ll watch a movie.’

  Maddy eyed me. ‘We don’t have to go. I just got carried away. I don’t want to leave you alone on our first night.’

  ‘It’s fine, Mads.’ I smiled. ‘I’m really tired and planning on an early night anyway. You go. That way I’ll have more energy for tomorrow night.’

  Maddy touched her phone screen. She had been texting someone duri
ng dinner, some guy I assumed. ‘Call me if you want me to come home,’ she said seriously, surprising me by her tone.

  I shrugged her off. While the girls touched up their makeup, I changed into pyjamas. The taxi arrived, and after seeing the girls out I locked the door, punched in the security code and headed upstairs to watch a movie.

  The drawer of DVDs was full of war, fighting or horror movies. I located The Blind Side pushed to the back, so I plucked it out and hit play. I curled up on the lounge with a blanket and remained in movie heaven for the next couple of hours, until late-night munchies got the better of me.

  After picking at left-overs in the fridge, I made a cup of tea and walked to the window. A scattering of lights twinkled in the distance. Taking in the view, I relaxed a little. Even alone in a strange house I felt cheered by thinking about a fresh new start, a stronger me. No sooner had my shoulders eased than my heart skipped a beat upon hearing a bang down the hallway—from the out-of-bounds bedroom. I walked to the centre of the room and stared at the door at the end of the passage. Another bang confirmed I wasn’t hearing things, so I placed my mug on the table and headed towards the room. Without stopping to think of consequence, I grabbed hold of the handle and the door clicked opened.

  My hand entered first, stretching inside and flicking on the switch. A dozen down lights lit up the room like a Christmas tree. My God, it was huge—and spotless—not a thing out of place. Acknowledging the room as empty allowed my nerves to settle. My gaze fixed on a mahogany king-sized bed centred on the far wall, holding a black quilt and half a dozen silver-and-aubergine-coloured pillows. A large television screen mounted the opposite wall. A desk along the sidewall displayed photo frames. On closer inspection the frames were of more football memorabilia, yet it was the painting above the desk that captured my attention. It was of the sun setting over the ocean drowning in a rainbow of colours, and I wondered if it were by a local artist. The opposite wall held more ceiling-to-floor windows opening to what I could only imagine to be more breathtaking views out in the darkness. The door leading to the bathroom looked slightly ajar. I pushed it open, flicked on the lights and gasped. It reminded me of a bathroom out of a Vogue magazine. Cream tiles, a black spa bath large enough for six people and black marble his and her hand basins. Mirrors surrounded me and I caught my stunned expression in my reflection. Another bang had me turning, this time the sound coming from the kitchen. I ignored my first instinct to hide, instead wanting to investigate what the hell was spooking me. I strode out of the bathroom and around the end of the bed. Just as I put my hand on the door handle someone pushed from the other side and stepped into me. I collided with a hard chest and stumbled back with a dozen instincts – the first being to scream – running through me before landing on my butt.

  I opened my mouth and stopped as I recognised the male scent and the muscled body I’d collided with. My gaze set on long legs, legs that were very familiar.

  ‘What the hell?’

  Did he just growl?

  My heart didn’t slow, although I was no longer afraid, instead I was consumed with embarrassment and anger at the same time. I swiped hair from my face, then pushed up and sat back on my heels and shot Hunter a dirty look. ‘You scared the hell out of me! What are you doing here?’ Hunter raised his brows. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and jutted out his chin with no intention of helping me up. I stood and glared at him, determined not to let him intimidate me. Copying his stance, I crossed my arms in front of my chest and waited for an answer.

  ‘I could ask the same about you.’ His voice was calm, deep . . . controlled.

  ‘What do you mean?’ I snapped. My fists clenched and I pushed them into my hips. ‘I’m here with Maddy and Shenae for a girl’s weekend and —’

  ‘Who both know my bedroom is out of bounds.’ He stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

  My breath caught in my throat. His bedroom? My mouth fell open. ‘This is your house? I—I can explain.’

  He pushed his hands into his jeans pockets and rocked back on his heels. ‘Go ahead.’

  My gaze went to the floor. ‘I was home alone —’

  ‘Home. That’s an interesting choice to call my holiday house.’

  I glanced up at him and my stomach tightened at seeing a certain look in his eyes. His gaze wandered down my body clad only in short pyjamas. I crossed my bare legs, though it hardly offered cover. ‘There was a noise and I came to investigate.’

  ‘What sort of noise?’ He frowned.

  ‘A bang,’ I said quickly.

  ‘Perhaps a bang of a car door.’ His eyes moved to the wall behind me and he nodded in that direction. ‘It is my garage, after all.’

  ‘I’m sorry I broke the out-of-bounds rule to your bedroom. It won’t happen again.’ I attempted to walk past him when he grabbed my arm. He looked down at me, the blue hue of his eyes darkening.

  ‘I think we both know you’ll break the rule again before the weekend is over, Aubree.’ His gaze moved to my lips and back to my eyes. Despite his firm grasp around my arm, his intense stare hypnotised me.

  I swallowed hard, focusing on why I was here. ‘Think what you like, Hunter. If you don’t mind,’ I looked down at my arm and then back to his face, ‘I’d like to go to bed.’ Hunter raised one brow. ‘Alone.’ As soon as his long fingers uncurled from my arm I almost ran to the door. The same bubble of courage that toughened me and pushed me to higher levels on a basketball court swelled, and I stopped at the door. ‘Are you seriously planning on staying here all weekend?’ I stuck my nose in the air.

  ‘My house. I can do what I want.’ He kicked off his thongs and pulled his T-shirt over his head, giving me a good look at his chiselled abs. He watched me curiously as I studied him.

  ‘Connor was right about you.’ His body stiffened at my words. ‘You’re nothing but an arrogant, immature arse who’s used to getting his own way.’ Before I had a chance to leave, Hunter turned and tramped to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him.

  I took the stairs two at a time. Found my room and closed the door. I leaned back on the door and breathed, concentrating on slowing my heart. Somehow I’d managed to blow him off and keep my cool, but I had serious doubts I could keep it up all weekend.

  Damn him.

  Just when I believed I was over Hunter my heart told me otherwise. I placed my hand over my chest and inhaled deeply then exhaled slowly while counting to ten.

  What the hell was I supposed to do for the remainder of the weekend?

  I didn’t want to be the one to leave, but as Hunter said, it was his house and he could do what he liked.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Something crashed in the room next door. I sat upright in bed, heart thumping and unsure of my whereabouts. Muffled giggles filtered through. Then I remembered . . . I looked at the time on my iPhone and groaned when I read 1.17 a.m.

  I followed the noise to the bathroom next door. Maddy and Shenae were on all fours, looking at the white tiles.

  ‘What are you doing?’

  Maddy looked up with bloodshot eyes. ‘Shenae dropped a glass of water and we’re picking up the glass,’ she said, sounding like her tongue was swollen.

  ‘Allow me. You two are likely to amputate a finger.’ I shooed the girls, found a broom and swept up the last of the shattered glass.

  After ensuring my friends were safe in their beds, I headed back to my room. A half hour passed and I was still awake, my mouth drier than the Simpson Desert. I aimed to avoid the kitchen, not wanting to chance running into Hunter. Childish. Was I going to avoid the kitchen the whole weekend? I needed a bloody drink.

  I assumed by the silence in the house that everyone was asleep, so I grabbed a blanket from the end of the bed, wrapped it around my shoulders and tiptoed down the stairs, stopping at the hallway leading to Hunter’s bedroom. The door remained closed. Considering it to be a good sign, I continued to the kitchen where enough moonlight shone through the large windows to illuminate t
he taps and a glass on the bench. I filled the glass twice and was about to turn around when a shadow on the lounge caught my eye.

  ‘Can’t sleep?’ The voice sent a shiver down my spine.

  I froze. ‘Not after being woken by the girls. They weren’t discreet.’

  ‘No they weren’t.’ He sounded annoyed. When he stood my heartbeat sped up with every step he took towards me.

  I tightened the blanket around my chest and gazed at the floor while keeping him in my peripheral vision. He placed a wine glass on the bench.

  ‘I thought you didn’t drink?’ I said without looking at him.

  ‘Helps me sleep lately. Have a lot on my mind.’ The gentle sound of his voice at a respectable night-time level was sexy. I liked this calm-sounding Hunter.

  ‘Well, I’m over drinking all the time.’

  ‘You,’ he snorted.

  I looked up at him. ‘What do you mean by that?’

  He stepped back, as if I were going to swat him. I allowed myself a long enough look before it qualified as staring, admiring his muscled chest, chiselled abs, and—I swallowed hard and shifted my gaze before it fixed on his boxer shorts.

  ‘I’m surprised, that’s all.’ He spoke in a softer tone. I focused on his rounded shoulders and how incredibly powerful he looked. ‘I want to apologise for coming and upsetting you,’ he whispered. ‘I’ll be gone by morning.’

  ‘Why did you even come?’ I fought to keep my tone even.

  ‘To talk to you. I sent Maddy a text last night. I really wanted to see you.’

  ‘Wait, Maddy knew you were coming?’

  Hunter took a step closer and touched my arm. ‘I really don’t want to fight, Aubree. I came to apologise.’

  ‘What?’ My head whirled with a number of emotions.

  ‘I’m sorry. You were right. I am used to getting my own way. I’m sorry about how I treated you.’ I was aware his hand remained on my arm and I fought not to go to him.

  I didn’t know what to say except, ‘Apology accepted.’ I swallowed hard and dipped my chin to my chest, thinking about all the horrible things I’d said to him. ‘Did you really come here to see me?’