by J J Loraine
What’s this guy’s deal?
Chapter 37
Jack
I usually like to linger in the shower for a while after practice, but today I’m in a hurry.
I do just enough to make sure I’m looking and smelling good, then I pack my bag, sling it around my shoulder and head out.
I get lots of high-fives and butt slaps before I can reach the door.
“We’ve been waiting all season to see that kind of effort from you, buddy,” says Cole, the team captain, just before I leave. “You’ve got all the talent in the world; all you’ve ever needed is a little focus. The rugby world better watch out now!”
I chuckle and give him a pat on the back. “Thanks buddy. See you tomorrow.”
His words are already out of my head by the time I get back to the bleachers.
Ava’s not in her seat. Instead, I catch her twirling about up top, by the parking lot. It looks like she’s getting ready to leave, but just can’t quite bring herself to go.
What’s up with this girl? Does she not like me? That’d be a first...
The only criticism I usually get from women is that I’m too cocky... but it’s too early for Ava to know that. She’s not any regular girl, though, at least not to me. Usually, I’m only ever approached by tall skinny blondes with a little too much work done. Ava is all natural, and ALL woman. Her curvy body looks even better standing up. I wonder what she looks like lying down...
“Hey, Ava!” I shout after her.
She jumps at my voice. I can’t help but chuckle. She’s like a squirrel. I’ve got to calm her down.
I bound up the steps towards her and notice the rugby ball I kicked still lying underneath one of the chairs. I ignore it. It’s not important.
“Getting ready to leave without me, huh?” I tease.
Her cheeks flush the cutest shade of pink. She looks down at her feet. “No, I just... I don’t know. I didn’t think you were coming.”
“Of course, I am. I owe you a fixed phone, don’t I? Jack Steele always pays his debts! Come on.”
I start walking towards my truch. “How did you get here? I can give you a drive, if you don’t have a car.”
“I live in the area. I just needed some fresh air, so I went for a walk... sometimes I come to the bleacher’s just to be alone. I’ve never seen you guys practice here before, though.”
“We never have. Our usual field is under renovation. We’ll be practicing here for the next few weeks... Lucky us.”
She smiles and I stumble a little closer to her.
“Let me give you a drive, then. My buddy’s place is on Lux street downtown. Maybe we can grab some lunch too...”
“Lux street!?” gasps Ava. “I can’t afford to eat there!”
I chuckle. “Don’t worry. It’s on me. Think of it as my way of apologizing for breaking your phone.”
“You didn’t break it... I did... I can be so clumsy!”
I let myself bump into her shoulder. Her soft skin makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I want this girl so bad.
“Fine, then,” I smile. “Don’t consider lunch to be my apology, consider it to be a date.”
Chapter 38
Ava
Ok, something’s up.
A date!?
This guy’s a smooth customer, but even so, we barely just met and he’s already asking me out, and not just for tonight or tomorrow or something, but right now!
He’s so out of my league. What does he want with me!? Did his teammates spot me in the stands and dare him to try and seduce me?
Am I going to let him?
He bumps gently into me again and the warmth of his hard skin makes me weak.
What’s the worst that could happen...?
I’ve been embarrassed so many times before. One more time wouldn’t hurt too bad... right?
Just keep your expectation low, Ava. This guy’s got a strut about him... Athletes always think they’re such hot shit.
But he is hot...
Jack points out his sleek black range rover. It glistens in the sun like a superhero vehicle. He opens the back door and tosses his bag in, then he opens up the passenger door and ushers me in.
“My lady...” he playfully bows.
I feel myself getting caught up in his fun-loving chivalry. “My lord...” I shyly respond as I pull myself up into the passenger’s seat.
I feel like letting my guard down...
Jack gently closes the door behind me and I admire the posh interior of the shiny, but rugged car.
How much do rugby players make to have a car like this and lunch on Lux street?
Jack jumps in the driver’s seat and starts the car. A cool wave of air washes out of the vents in the dashboard. I hadn’t realized how hot I actually was. I fan myself as we pull out of the parking lot.
“Ever watch rugby before?” he asks.
I shake my head. “Honestly, no. I guess I’m a little bit of a nerd. I’ve never really played any sports before.”
“Really!?” he says incredulously. A big smirk washes across his stunning face. “With a body like yours, you could be a hell of a rugby player.”
“What does that mean!?” I ask, not sure if I should feel flattered or slighted.
“It’s means you look solid. Don’t worry, it’s a good thing. I wish there were more girls like you. I’ve always thought it was weird how every one of my teammates has a skinny little girlfriend. We’re these big, muscular guys. We should have big, curvy girls by our side, not these plankboards that always seem to show up at our games.”
I feel my cheeks start to flush again. He’s so complimentary. I’ve never thought about myself like that. I was always strong, but I never thought it was of any use. Maybe I should have played some sports...
“I’ve never even seen a rugby game before...” I admit, throwing my line out into his waters.
“Well, we’ll have to change that. We have a game this Friday. I always get two free tickets. You can have both of them, if you want.”
“What will I do with the other one?” I ask.
He shrugs. “Sell it for all I care. Maybe you can use the money to pay for our next date.”
“Another date? Already!? We haven’t even been out on our first one yet!” I can’t help but giggle. He’s so funny.
He chuckles along. “What can I say. I like to move fast, on the field and off it... there’s only one place where I like to take things slow...”
“... and where’s that?” I ask, ready to bite my lip.
“You’ll find out if our first date goes well.”
Jack’s beefy forearms flex as he grips his steering to make a turn. I shift in my seat and imagine what that body can do. I suddenly wish I had put on a bra this morning, not for any other reason than to hide the clear arousal emanating from my hardening nipples.
I still don’t know what this guy’s up to, but if he just wants a little bit of fun, who am I to say no?
Chapter 39
Jack
I toss my keys to the valet and point down the street.
“My buddy’s tech shop is just a few stores down. Let’s get two seats here first, before it really starts to fill up for lunch, and then I’ll run over and drop your phone off. Cool?”
“Yeah, Ok,” answers Ava. She’s barely paying attention. Her gaze is focused on the restaurant we just pulled up to. It’s one of the fanciest day spots in town. I know the owner of this place too. He’s a big rugby fan.
I smile at her wonderment. I just want to impress her. I can’t wait for her to show up at my game on Friday. If I can play as well as she made me practice, I’ll have the best game of my life.
“Come one, then,” I say as I lead her into the eatery.
“Ah, Mr. Steele, how nice to see you again,” smiles the hostess at the front.
“Table for two,” I smile. We’re immediately led to my usual table in the back.
The place is already starting to fill up. It’s a good thing we got here so e
arly. The hostess puts two menus down on the table and I pull out a chair for Ava.
“Such a gentleman,” she giggles. I push her seat in and she sits down, but I don’t.
“Take a look at the menu while I take your phone over to the repair shop. I already know what I’m getting.”
“Oh yeah,” she says, as though breaking out of a dream. She hands me her phone and our fingers touch.
My skin tingles and my heart starts pounding like crazy again. I feel out of breath. What is this girl doing to me!?
I have to get away from her for a second. I need to play it cool. What will she think if I start bumbling all over myself like a fool?
No one wants to see that.
I pull the phone away and force a smile onto my face. I actually feel nervous. I don’t want to blow it with this one. There’s just something about her...
“I’ll be back in a jiffy...” I say, before turning around and hustling out of the restaurant.
I’m so preoccupied with my thoughts on Ava that I nearly run into Cole on my way out.
“Woah, buddy. Practice is over. Where are you going in such a hurry?” he jokes, patting my shoulder.
“Ha, sorry there, Cap. Just need to run a couple of doors over quick. You having lunch?”
He nods and looks over to the woman accompanying him. She’s a tall, skinny blonde. Typical rugby player fodder. “Thought I’d finally bring Mary here. Been raving about it for so long, it almost seems fare.”
I smile politely and nod. I’ve met Mary before, I remind myself. I don’t much care for her. She tried hitting on me before she got Cole to fall for her. She’s clearly in this game for reasons other than love...
Love... is that what I’m feeling for Ava?
I shake my head clear.
Come on, now, Jackie Boy, you’re too young and rich for love. Ava’s just here for a good time... right?
I pay my respects to Cole and Mary and then turn out the front door.
I feel stunned by the sudden realization. I’ve never felt this way about a girl before... and we only just met.
Maybe it’s just the endorphins from having such a good practice. Those will wear off soon enough, though – only then can I be sure of my feeling for Ava.
If I’m still as crazy about her after lunch, then I think I might have to admit it to myself.
I might be in love.
Chapter 40
Ava
I can’t help but feel uncomfortable at the price tags next to each dish.
Can I really ask someone who I just met to pay this much just so I can eat?
My stomach growls as I watch a waiter whisk a delectable-looking smoked-meat sandwich to a nearby table.
If Jack’s really serious about being with me, does that make it better or worse if I take advantage of this opportunity to pig out?
Things have been tight financially for me for the past... well forever. I don’t come from wealth, and I’ve had to take the year off of college to work. Part of the reason I felt so shitty this morning was that I got a text from my shift manager telling me that he didn’t think they had any shifts for me this week.
I felt so useless. I just had to go out for a walk... but it was too hot, so I took a break on the bleachers by the rugby field.
At least I’ll get a good meal out of my misery... maybe I’ll actually find a good man too, but I’m not getting my hopes up. Jack just seems a little too good to be true.
I’m snapped out of my self-reflection by the nearby creaking of chairs. I look up to see a familiar looking guy and a gorgeous tall blonde sit down a few tables away.
Where do I know that guy from?
He’s got the same kind of build as Jack, though he’s shorter and a little older.
Maybe I saw him at practice...?
Before I can finish that thought, though, a waiter appears beside me. I hesitate to order without Jack here, but the waiter insists that he already knows what the rugby star is having.
I capitulate and order the smoked meat sandwich. My stomach growls as the waiter takes the menus and I’m left alone again.
I fidget with my cutlery, unsure of what to do with myself. I feel my insecurities slowly starting to bubble back up inside of me. I wish I had my phone to distract myself with... or at least a handsome face to talk to.
Despite all my experience at it, I’m still not good at being alone. It also just so happens that I’m not so great at being with other people either. I’m shy and awkward and clumsy. There’s a confidence to Jack, though, that somehow makes me feel sturdier. He’s like a tree trunk in the wind – something to hold onto.
I wonder if he’s serious about liking me?
I turn around in my chair and try to get another subtle look at the couple just behind me.
If that tall blonde woman is who rugby players usually go out with, why would Jack want anything to do with me? I’m the opposite of a super model. I’m short, thick and plump. If I hadn’t been so despondent when I left my place this morning, I would have put on something less revealing than my sundress. I haven’t worn it in years because of the way it hugs my curves. Sometimes, at the right angle, I think it makes me look sexy, but then I remember what it looked like on the model in the catalogue I bought it from and I feel bad all over again. The material doesn’t wash over me like a waterfall, instead it hugs my big tits and ass like a towel.
Maybe I shouldn’t have ordered the smoked meat sandwich...
Chapter 41
Jack
I can’t help but smile when I see her again.
She sits so meekly in her chair. It’s like she doesn’t realize how hot she is. Her curves are nearly spilling out of her tight little sundress. I have to sit down quick before my arousal at her figure becomes apparent.
“You’re phone will be ready by the time we’re done eating,” I tell her.
Ava gives me a reserved smile.
What’s bothering her?
I remember how sad she was looking at her phone earlier when she should have been looking at me...!
“What’s the matter,” I ask, reaching out to her from across the table. She almost unconsciously takes my hand. The warmth of her sun-soaked skin shoots up from her touch like an electric shock. I rub her palm with my thumb.
“It’s nothing,” she insists, clearly forcing a smile onto her face. “It’s just work shit... wouldn’t it be nice not to have to worry about having a job?”
I chuckle. “Tell me about it. I love rugby and I still have trouble dragging myself to practice every day! It’s a good thing I’m so good...”
“How modest,” smiles Ava.
Ah, there’s a real smile. I squeeze her hand and blood rushes below my waste. I’m going crazy. The way her sundress hugs her voluptuous body is making my pants tight. Thank goodness we’re sitting down.
“You’ll see on Friday. The only knock anyone ever has on me is that I don’t work as hard as I should, but with you in the crowd, I’ll have to. I like to show off.”
“I can tell...” Ava giggles, looking around the lavish restaurant.
I smirk. She gets it.
Before Ava can turn her attention back to me, though, her eyes get caught on something else. She pauses for a moment and I follow her gaze... right into Mary’s cold, snarling eyes. I nearly fall out of my chair; her look is so chilling compared to the soft warmth of Ava.
Mary’s not looking at me, though. Her hate is focused on Ava. I feel Ava’s hand go limp in mine. She pulls away and I feel emptier for it. She quickly pulls her attention away from Mary and looks down at the tablecloth instead.
I’d roll my eyes if it didn’t make me so angry. How dare Mary look at Ava like that? I get that she’s probably jealous that I spurned her, but take that out on me, not sweet Ava.
“Hey,” I whisper, reaching back out across the table. Ava doesn’t take my hand this time, though. She just fidgets with her cutlery.
I feel my rage growing. Stupid gold-digging plankboards,
why do they have to be so scornful and envious?
I stare across the table at Ava’s downturned gaze and she looks so tender and pretty. My anger cools and a warm wave washes over it.
I suddenly know what I have to do... what I want to do.
I get up and grab my chair and slide it around the table until it’s directly beside Ava, then I sit down and place my hand onto hers. She looks up at me. Our faces are only inches away. I can feel her heart beat through her wrist... the pulse of her rhythm matches mine. An intense urge comes over me. I look at her lips then back up to her eyes. Her hot breath sweeps softly against my cheeks.
I want to say something, but every word I can think of seems to fall short of how I really feel. So, I do the only thing that feels appropriate.
I close my eyes and I kiss her.
Chapter 42
Ava
I close my eyes and let his lips fall onto mine.
It feels right.
If you had told me a second ago that I’d be perfuming an act of PDA in front of the whole restaurant, I would have shuddered at the mere thought. What kind of person would have the confidence to do such a thing?
A person in love...
Jack’s coarse stubble tickles my cheeks and his soft thick lips tenderly caress me. I don’t pull away... in fact, I push back. His taste is intoxicating.
I feel his strong, warm hand fall onto my thigh. His beefy fingers stretch across my thick legs. His palm sizzles against my exposed skin.
I’m getting wet...
Jack pulls away and just like that, it’s over.
My eyes flutter open. Jack gazes at me like a man in love.
I fawn over him. He’s so gorgeous. His hand’s still on my leg. My heart beats like a jungle drum. I have to physically stop myself from swaying my hips in my seat. I just want a release. I want to run out of here and touch myself... or better yet, I want him to touch me.