Winning the Player

by Leesa Bow

  ‘But you were. All those girls you slept with . . .’ I groaned. ‘I didn’t like who you were.’

  He touched my cheek. ‘It wasn’t the real me. It just happened.’

  ‘Was it your way of coping with Samantha cheating?’ His expression hardened and his hand fell away from my face. ‘I’m not prying,’ I added. ‘I’m trying to understand you. I really like you, Hunter, but not that other guy.’

  ‘I told you I’m no longer that other guy, as you put it,’ he growled.

  ‘I’m just saying. If it was your way of coping then I get it.’

  His phone vibrated with an incoming message on the bedside table and he turned to retrieve it. I sensed his relief at the interruption. He touched the screen and made a sound like a laugh and a cough together. ‘Seems like I’m still invited to the medal ceremony. Excuse me for a minute.’

  I lifted my head so he could sit up. He sat on the side of the bed and made the call.

  ‘Mike. What’s with that?’ He stood up and paced, listening to whom I assumed was his manager on the other end. He paced, naked, and I stared, watching each thigh muscle contract under his taut skin.

  ‘Aha, well that is good news. Thanks for letting me know straightaway.’ He turned to face the bed and every nerve in my body fired up at seeing him somewhat aroused. His eyes darkened when they met mine. He touched himself, adjusting. ‘Yes. Two. I’ll talk to you later.’ He ended the call and stared at me. I watched his arousal thicken. I swallowed hard as he walked towards me.

  ‘Who was that?’ I croaked.

  He climbed on top, and settled between my legs. ‘My manager.’ He kissed the crook of my neck. I could feel his thickness against my thigh. ‘Do you have a special dress? I’d really like you to come to the medal count with me.’

  My tummy fluttered. ‘If that’s what you want, but I’m not sure what’s expected of me.’

  ‘Nothing’s expected of you. I just want you with me.’ He glanced at me. ‘You should talk to Maddy. She can take you shopping.’

  I nodded, although I was more interested in what his hand was doing to my breast.

  ‘Now,’ he said, ‘if you really want to get to know me better . . .’

  I got to know Hunter better over the next six nights. He had swept me off my feet, and my head was still spinning from his affection. Each night after work Maddy and I searched for the perfect ball gown. The champagne dress I had my heart set on had sold out in my size, which I took as a positive sign that size twelve was normal. I could have ordered another and waited a week for delivery, but the presentation was in a matter of days so it was hardly a reliable option. Maddy had called a friend who owned a boutique on the other side of town. On Saturday morning she arrived on my doorstep around nine, ready to take me shopping.

  The boutique housed a variety of long, flowing dresses, and after trying on several different styles it was the expression on Maddy’s face that convinced me that the one I was wearing was perfect.

  She grinned at me and her eyes twinkled. ‘There’s something about you in red.’

  The saleswoman bagged my gown and as soon as she handed it to me I wanted to skip out of the shop.

  ‘It’s only eleven o’clock so let’s head to the city to find heels,’ Maddy suggested.

  An hour later I found the most unbelievable shoes to suit my gown in the first shop we visited. Content and relieved, I sent a text to Hunter informing him I was set.

  Stay in the city. I’ll meet you there.

  I looked at Maddy. ‘Hunter wants to meet us here.’

  ‘That’s fine. I need to head off and run errands for Mum, so I’ll take your dress and heels home with me so it’s a surprise for him on the night.’

  After texting back and forth I agreed to meet Hunter at a restaurant on the River Torrens for lunch. I waited at a table overlooking the water and watched Popeye and other boats pass. Then I remembered the paddleboats and how much fun I’d had riding on them as a child. I studied the wine list, straightened my navy dress and reapplied lip gloss, keeping my hands busy and trying not to fidget. A young girl placed a breadbasket in the centre of the table and left me to it. When Hunter arrived he attracted more service in a few seconds than I had in the time I’d sat waiting.

  A waiter escorted him to my table and bowed. ‘Can I get you something to drink, sir?’

  Hunter gestured at me. ‘I’d like a glass of pinot gris, please.’

  ‘Yes, madam. And anything for you, sir?’

  ‘A bottle of Evian water, thanks.’ Hunter cocked one brow at me.

  ‘Oh, don’t get me started. At least I had bread to munch on.’ Hunter eyed the empty basket. ‘Don’t panic. I’m sure they’ll bring out double for you.’

  ‘Am I sensing jealousy, Aubree?’

  ‘Not at all. It just annoys me. My money is as good as yours.’

  Hunter chuckled. ‘So you’re all set then.’

  ‘I am, but there’s no peeking until the night. Maddy has taken the dress home.’

  ‘Excuse me, Mr Stone. Could I get your autograph?’ A young boy had walked to our table and stood holding a pen and small notebook. I glanced over to a woman sitting on her own. ‘Thank you,’ she mouthed.

  ‘And what’s your name, mate?’ Hunter smiled broadly at him.

  ‘Ethan. I barrack for the Blackbirds,’ he said proudly.

  ‘You do, well, we’ll have to win our first home game for you, Ethan.’ Hunter sounded so sincere even I believed the Blackbirds would win the next game. ‘You looking after your mummy today?’ Ethan nodded, eyes as round as dinner plates.

  ‘We’re going to the zoo for my birthday.’

  Hunter signed his name and wrote a small message. Ethan’s eyes twinkled and a huge smile spread across his face. ‘Thanks.’ He turned and sprinted back to his table, dodging the waiter with Hunter’s water.

  After we finished our meal we headed down to the park for a stroll along the waterfront. ‘Want to ride Popeye?’ I nudged his side.

  ‘The old boat?’

  ‘Yes, the old boat,’ I mocked. ‘Where have you been? It’s had a facelift.’ I grabbed his hand and pulled him in the direction of a line waiting to board the next cruise. Most were families with young children and grandparents. We stood at the back and within minutes whispers followed us. Hunter nodded and smiled as people connected the name to the face.

  He leaned down and murmured in my ear, ‘I was hoping to spend some time alone.’

  My stomach cartwheeled and for a moment I wanted to drag him to the grass behind us. ‘It’ll be fun.’

  The boat pulled up and the line surged forward, with children ahead of us laughing excitedly. Hunter followed me to the back of the boat and we sat in a row to ourselves. His arm draped around my shoulder and the little circles he made on my skin with his fingers tingled enough to make me hyper aware of his presence.

  We sat silently for a few minutes, taking in the scenery and listening to the commentary on the landmarks we passed. Beyond the grass, tall city buildings stood on one side and a majestic church on the other. The Women’s and Children’s Hospital came into view and Hunter stopped tickling my shoulder.

  ‘The day of the childhood cancer fundraiser, you mentioned your mother had an appointment. Is everything okay?’

  I nodded. ‘She’s booked in for a hysterectomy soon.’

  He nodded back in understanding. ‘And you saw some of the fundraiser.’

  I inhaled sharply. ‘Yes. I was there when Jenna shaved your head. Is it weird that I was jealous she was so close to you, touching you?’

  Hunter kissed the top of my head. ‘So weird since she only touched my hair.’

  I squeezed his leg and he gave his best impersonation of a pained face. I watched him, giggling, until his eyes darkened. Our gazes remained locked for a few seconds. I looked at his lips. ‘You made me very proud,’ I breathed. ‘The way you connected with those children was the moment you really won my heart.’

  Hunter kissed m
e without caring who saw. His warm hand enveloped mine and squeezed. When he pulled away his eyes met mine again and this time I saw something raw, primal, within them. ‘It didn’t take much for you to win my heart, Aubree.’

  ‘I still don’t understand why,’ I said.

  He sighed loudly. ‘Do I have to explain everything?’ I nodded. He briefly looked out at the water before his gaze returned to my face. ‘Because of how we are now. I feel comfortable around you. It’s real. You’re not like other girls.’

  Well, I already knew that, since Emily continually had reminded me of my oddness at school. I was hoping he was going to say I was everything he had dreamed about, just like in the romance books I used to find under my mother’s bed. I grew up thinking those characters portrayed real love, and to add to my weirdness I wanted the same corny happily ever after, and I wouldn’t settle for anything less. The very reason why I believed Hunter and I were wrong for each other. I didn’t think he had happily ever after in him.

  ‘I like the way you challenge me, keep me in line,’ he added. Okay, so he was definitely avoiding the ‘it’s your astounding beauty’ line.

  ‘Gee, and I thought it was my good looks,’ I joked.

  ‘Of course it was your good looks, at first,’ he said harshly, as though I had insulted him. Then he smiled deviously. ‘And that butt.’ His hand slipped behind me and pinched my rear. He smothered my squeal with his mouth. ‘Shh. Stop attracting attention.’

  ‘Oh, I’m the one attracting attention,’ I said sarcastically. He chuckled. As luck had it, other travellers were busy watching the boat veer towards the wharf.

  We stepped off the boat last and as soon as our feet hit the grass three groups of families surrounded Hunter asking for autographs and photos. He glanced apologetically at me. ‘Like I said,’ I told him. It definitely wasn’t me attracting attention.

  Twenty minutes later we were in his car heading home. ‘Can we stop by the shops? I promised Mum I’d pick up something for dinner.’

  Within seconds of us entering the shopping centre, people shot second glances at Hunter. I increased my pace, hoping if we walked quicker people would be deterred from stopping Hunter to ask for a photograph or just to chat. ‘Is it always like this for you?’

  ‘Yep. That’s why I don’t go out a lot.’

  We passed a pet shop and the puppies in the window caught my eye. ‘Wait,’ I said, and pulled on his arm. I stood staring through the window at the brown ball of fluff. Small brown eyes peered back and a tail wagged. I tapped the window with my finger and the pup waddled, almost slipping on the damp newspaper. ‘Oh, you’re adorable.’ I looked at the notice. I couldn’t afford four hundred dollars. Damn. ‘I think I’m in love.’

  ‘That easily, huh.’ Hunter placed his hand on my arm. ‘Come on, Aubs, let’s keep moving.’

  I snared my arm from his and walked inside, straight up to the assistant. ‘May I please hold the pup in the window?’

  ‘Are you looking to purchase?’ she said in a dry tone.

  ‘Yes.’

  By the time she carried him back Hunter was standing beside me. ‘Do you really want to do this?’

  ‘Do what?’

  ‘Get attached and then be sad because you have to hand him back. You can’t buy him.’

  ‘I’ve always wanted a puppy.’ I grew up wanting a pet. As an only child I was lonely, and then when my father died, my mum had distanced herself even further while she’d grieved. That was when I’d thrown myself into basketball.

  ‘At the moment you do because he’s cute and cuddly. Wait until he starts pooping and chewing up everything. He’ll grow and might not be so cute anymore.’

  ‘Shut up.’

  The assistant walked back and handed me the pup. He snuggled into my arms and licked my neck. ‘That tickles.’ I laughed as a warm feeling consumed me.

  Hunter leaned over my shoulder. ‘Now I’m jealous.’

  I pushed the puppy into his arms. The pup snuggled into Hunter’s large hands, licking affectionately. ‘Tell me you haven’t fallen in love.’ Hunter looked at me and raised one brow. For a moment his expression changed to contentment.

  Lifting him to eye level he grinned at the pup. ‘You’re a cutie.’ Hearing his own voice, Hunter’s expression hardened. He turned to the assistant and handed over the new love of my life. ‘Thank you, but we won’t be purchasing anything today.’

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  After just two weeks with Hunter, my life had turned into a dream. It surprised me how easily we had slid into life as a couple. Without his football commitments we had hung out together every night. Dinner dates, cinema nights – in Gold Class – and even quiet walks along the beach. It didn’t matter what or where, I was happy as long as I was with Hunter.

  ‘Close your eyes,’ the hairdresser advised, snapping me back to the moment before spraying what felt like a litre of hairspray over me.

  Last week Maddy had phoned around Melbourne until she’d found a suitable stylist. ‘You’re not going to the ceremony doing your own hair and makeup,’ she had insisted. I would have been lost without her.

  The hair stylist unclipped the cape. ‘Are you happy with the result, Ms Taylor?’

  I stared at my reflection in the mirror, at the sophisticated-looking woman staring back. I turned my head slightly and admired the loose weave that joined an array of curls in a side ponytail. ‘Yes, and thank you for fitting me in on such short notice,’ I said appreciatively.

  ‘Mr Stone has taken care of your account. If you’re ever in Melbourne again please call us for an appointment.’

  ‘I will, thank you,’ I lied. I could never afford to come here.

  Hunter gawked as I stepped towards him. ‘You look stunning,’ he whispered.

  My chin dipped as my cheeks warmed. ‘Thank you.’

  Our eyes remained locked for a few awkward seconds before he pulled his phone from his jeans pocket and checked the time. ‘Better get you to your next appointment, then we can head back to the hotel and relax a while.’

  ‘You don’t have to stay with me. You should be with your team drinking beer, bonding or something.’ Guilt smothered me at having Hunter fuss. The ceremony was supposed to be about him.

  ‘I’ll see the boys tonight. I’m not leaving you,’ he said in a matter-of-fact way. He took my hand and walked me to the hired car; a black sedan and nowhere near as flashy as his Audi.

  We drove back to the hotel and parked the car. The beauty shop was only half a block away. ‘Please, Hunter, go to your mates. I don’t want them talking about me. I can walk.’ I pointed to the building down the road, clearly visible from out the front of the hotel.

  He studied my face for a moment. ‘Okay. Call me if you need me. Take my credit card.’ He didn’t sound happy, but I took his card and punched his pin number into my phone without arguing, although I had no intention of using it. I kissed him on the cheek and headed down the street.

  When I pushed open the door I was struck by vivid white walls and floors. It was so clean it looked sterile. A short, dark-haired girl led me to a table displaying a kaleidoscope of colours. She took my hands and gave me a wry look. ‘Are we doing your nails as well as your makeup?’

  I’d forgotten about my nails and only imagined Maddy’s reaction if I wasn’t properly groomed for the most prestigious night of football glamour. ‘Do you have time?’ I said, hoping she’d say yes.

  ‘Of course.’ She turned her head. ‘Sheila,’ she called. ‘I need you out here.’ Then she directed her attention to me. ‘Is there a colour preference?’

  ‘Red.’

  Being alone the past two hours and without Hunter to distract me allowed my nerves to set in. At one stage while my nails were being painted, I came close to throwing up, thinking about the evening and how my inexperience could embarrass him. As I walked back to the hotel, too many what ifs bombarded my mind. My head spun. At first I’d blamed not eating breakfast, until the aroma of nail polishes and la
cquers exacerbated it. My stomach grumbled and I looked at a rubbish bin ready to throw up. I swallowed hard and pushed on.

  As soon as I stepped inside the hotel I raced through the lobby to the elevator and repeatedly pressed the up arrow. Inside, I tilted my head back on the wall, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly until the doors opened on level four. When I opened the door to my room, I was flooded with relief at not finding Hunter waiting. I didn’t want him to see me like this. Ever since I’d opened up to him—before our first time together—and he’d made the comment ‘I thought you’d be stronger’, I’d endeavoured to be a stronger person. On the biggest night of football accolades I couldn’t let myself fall down the rabbit hole, couldn’t allow myself to embarrass him in front of his mates. After swallowing some bottled water from the bar fridge, I walked to the bed and flopped onto my stomach, placing my forehead on fisted hands in an effort not to smudge my makeup. I stared at the golden quilt.

  Breathe. You can do this.

  A short time later my whole body jumped at the sound of a door banging next door. I pulled myself together, located the room-service menu and dialled.

  After eating a toasted cheese sandwich my stomach settled. I glanced at the time. Hunter wanted to leave by six and it was already five. So where was he?

  Pushing out negative thoughts, I went about doing what I came for. I carefully unzipped the black bag concealing my dress and stepped into the dress, sliding it up my body. I looked in the mirror for confirmation that the gown sat just the way it should, and closed the zip.

  The strapless red dress hugged every part of my body down to the hip before floating to the ground. I hardly recognised myself. Just as I slipped into my heels my phone vibrated on the table. A message from Hunter.

  Where the hell are you?

  I tapped a reply.

  In our room. Where are you?

  When the door swung open I heard Hunter say, ‘Jesus, Aubree, I’ve been sitting in the lobby waiting —’

  I stepped out from around the corner and his gaze trailed over every part of me.