Hard Game

by Harper Lauren

  The look of triumph on her face turned to anger at once. I walked off without turning around, rushing outside to catch up with Cassy despite my mounting headache and weakening balance.

  She was just getting ready to drive off on her aunt’s car when I called out to her. I took out my keys to get in my car, which was parked on the opposite side. She probably missed it earlier when she’d parked.

  I was suddenly determined to make her understand that there was nothing going on with me and Andrea. Just when I got to my car, a wave of dizziness came over me. I held on to the hood and closed my eyes.

  “Are you crazy too?” someone demanded from behind me. It was Cassy’s voice.

  Flabbergasted, I opened my eyes and faced her. There was a mixture of anger and concern on her face.

  “You’re in no condition to drive,” she said sternly.

  That actually made me grin. “You sound like my mother,” I kidded. “Never knew you had it in you.”

  “Shut up! Your mom’s never going to forgive me if I let you get into a car crash.” She took my keys then and dragged me to the passenger’s side. “Get in. I’m driving,” she commanded.

  I smiled at her, which made her glare at me even more. I simply chuckled and got into the car. She went to the driver’s side and started the engine. “Can’t believe I’m about to drive you home. Where’s your bitch, anyway?”

  “She’s nothing to me, Cassy,” I told her honestly, leaning back on the seat to rest. “She just came in a while before you and said she was here for a modeling assignment. I didn’t know she was in town.”

  Cassy didn’t answer, but just began driving. I couldn’t tell if she believed me or not.

  “So she sent you a text then?” I asked. “She must have planned the whole thing.”

  “Well, I don’t care,” Cassy said adamantly. “Whatever. It’s your business, not mine. She shouldn’t have involved me.”

  “She thinks we’re an item,” I said, looking at her. She kept her eyes on the road, though.

  “Why would she think that?” Cassy muttered.

  “The same reason the rest of the town is thinking that,” I said, shrugging.

  That made her pause. I could almost hear a million thoughts rushing through her head.

  “Seems like we’re the only ones who can’t see it for what it is,” I said, my voice softening and turning serious.

  “You’re seriously drunk,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief.

  I chuckled and said nothing. We were silent the rest of the way to my house.

  When she stopped the car, I leaned over to her and took her hand. “I’m not drunk, Cassy. I can definitely think straight.”

  “Really,” she said. “You look terrible.”

  I pretended to be hurt. “You don’t honestly mean that. Look at me. I know you’ve always had a thing for me. Don’t tell me you’re not attracted to me.”

  “I’m not,” she insisted. “And please don’t annoy the hell out of me. I’m being a good friend here.”

  “Are you going to take care of me then?” I asked with a grin. “I may be a little tipsy.”

  She groaned and rolled her eyes. Then she got out and helped me hobble to the front door. It was really touching that she was so concerned, though she didn’t want to admit it. Perhaps I played out more drunkenness so she would actually bring me up to my room. She did, which sparked home within me.

  The house was dark and quiet. I stumbled to my bed while she got me some water. Lying down there, I knew how much I wanted her to be with me. And when she brought me water to drink and also began wiping my face with a damp cloth, I realized how much I actually cared about this woman.

  For a while I felt like throwing up because of the alcohol in my system. But luckily it went away.

  “I need to go now,” Cassy said quietly, standing up from my side.

  “Wait,” I said, sitting up. The abrupt movement made my headache act up again. I groaned in pain, pressing on my temples.

  “I told you to just lie down and rest,” she said with annoyance, which just make my heart beat faster. She looked really cute when she was annoyed. “You’re a hardheaded pain in the ass,” she muttered.

  I took her hand then and squeezed it, surprising her. “Don’t go, Cassy,” I implored. “And besides, how are you going to get home?”

  “I’ll bring your car back to the bar and tell Craig you’ll get it tomorrow. Then I’ll drive Aunt Ellen’s car back home. That good enough for you?”

  I shook my head, leaning closer and taking both of her hands. Looking into her eyes, I said, “Please tell me you don’t honestly believe that I still have a thing for Andrea.”

  “What does it matter?” she asked. She didn’t, however, pull away.

  “It matters to me,” I said.

  That made her stop and think. She gazed back into my eyes, seemingly trying to read what was going on in my mind. “Fine,” she relented. “I really don’t believe it, okay? Now can I go?”

  “No,” I said firmly. Before she could protest, though, I held up a finger to her lips. It shushed her quickly as she waited for me to go on. “I think it’s about time we talked about us, Cassy.”

  She remained silent, probably just waiting to hear what I had to say.

  “It’s been one hell of a roller-coaster trying to be friends with you one minute and then getting intimate the next,” I said seriously, the alcohol helping boost my boldness. “As much as it’s a lot of fun arguing with you and exchanging insults and stuff, I’d much rather be with you.”

  She took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly. I continued. “It sounds off and you may not believe me, but I really do care about you a lot. I mean it, Cassy. I have never felt this attracted to anyone before.”

  She looked surprised, but still remained quiet, looking like she was mulling over my words or weighing their truth perhaps. As for me, I felt relieved just letting it out. Now the ball was in her hands. I didn’t want to expect anything, though.

  But to my bewilderment and utter pleasure, she took my face in her hands and planted a sweet kiss on my lips. The kiss lingered, my heart soaring like an eagle.

  When we came up for air, I asked, “Does this mean you feel the same way?”

  She nodded. “Now shut up and kiss me.”

  Our lips met in a passionate kiss as we hungrily explored each other’s bodies again, our desire escalating with our feelings for one another. That night, we had our best sex ever.

  Chapter 15

  Cassy

  As sunlight streamed through the curtains, my eyes fluttered open. I felt disoriented for a while, wondering where I was as I took in the plain white walls covered with football posters and shelves of trophies and books.

  Ivan. The name echoed sweetly in my head, reminding me of the previous night’s events. It all came rushing back to me--- his words and the passionate, meaningful lovemaking we’d had. I turned to the side, wondering where he was and what he was doing up already.

  A part of me wondered if Aunt Ellen had realized already that I hadn’t gone back last night. That was irresponsible, and it could very well taint my good track record of the past weeks. I quickly got up and realized I was wearing only my underwear and shirt. I sure hope Ivan’s mom hadn’t come barging in earlier.

  I put on my pants and platform shoes, grabbed my handbag, and quietly sneaked downstairs, afraid that I would bump into his mom.

  The smell of pancakes coming from the kitchen made my stomach grumble. It blended with the relaxing aroma of freshly brewed coffee beans.

  I was about to slip out when I heard Ivan’s voice behind me. “Sneaking out on me, huh?” he teased, shaking his head. “Tsk-tsk. City girls like you should never be trusted.”

  I opened my mouth in disbelief.

  “You sleep with us vulnerable guys and then just leave us hanging,” he continued. “Ouch.”

  Putting my arms on my hips, I hissed, “Well, you’re the one who wasn’t in bed when I got
up.”

  “I woke up early to prepare breakfast for you,” he simply said with a grin. “And don’t hush. Mom’s not around.”

  “Oh,” I said, relaxing.

  He stepped forward then with a lazy, seductive expression on his face. Taking me in his arms, he whispered meaningfully, “We have the house to ourselves.”

  I couldn’t believe it. I grinned back and wrapped my arms around his neck. “I thought you’re supposed to be having a hangover at this time,” I said.

  “Nah…” he said. “You’re here and I don’t want to waste that. Besides, I already took meds for it. I’m all good.”

  “Okay…” I said uncertainly as he lifted me and carried me to the kitchen with my legs wrapped around his waist. Our lips met in a zealous kiss, making my temperature rise, heat quickly spreading across my limbs.

  When he lowered me on the kitchen counter, I broke off the kiss and looked him straight in the eye. He had a look of disappointment on his face.

  “Do you even remember what you told me last night?” I demanded. “You were drunk, after all.”

  “I told you I wasn’t drunk, just tipsy with a headache. And yes, I remember every word.”

  “I’m just making sure,” I said cautiously.

  He leaned forward and kissed me on the nose and then on the lips. “Sorry, city girl. I mean it, and so I’m not going anywhere. If you’re still in, then let’s have breakfast.”

  I grinned. “Okay, I’m starving!”

  We had our usual banter, though, over pancakes and coffee. It was just as nasty, but with a hint of sweetness. I couldn’t have been happier.

  “Wait, have you heard from Aunt Ellen?” I asked. “My phone battery’s dead. And soon I’ll be too.”

  Ivan laughed as he spread out the butter and syrup on my pancakes. The gesture was quite heartwarming.

  “Don’t worry,” he said. “Everything’s under control. I called her to tell her that her car stalled so you caught a ride with me. But then, my knee injury acted up and it was already too late so I didn’t want you driving home by yourself. And so I let you stay over in our spare bedroom.”

  “Hhhmmm…good story,” I said, nodding.

  “Mom wouldn’t mind that, in case she finds out you stayed over in our extra room.”

  “But I didn’t sleep in your extra room,” I pointed out.

  “Well, they don’t have to know,” he said, grinning. “Your aunt trusts me, so you’re not in trouble.”

  “Great,” I said. “I wonder why, though.”

  He laughed, his brown eyes sparkling. “Charms,” he answered, clearing his throat and throwing back his shoulders.

  “Right,” I said, laughing along with him.

  Later on, we were fooling around in the kitchen when we heard the front door open. Ivan fed his mom the same story he’d given my aunt, which she immediately believed.

  “We have to get back to The Pub to check the car,” he explained. “See you later, Mom.”

  We laughed our way back to his car, his arm slung around my shoulders casually. “That was close,” he said.

  “Oh, yeah,” I agreed with a giggle.

  Once we were inside the car, he turned to me and began snaking his hand up the side of my body, making me take in a sharp breath. “Maybe we can continue here what we started,” he whispered, giving me a mischievous wink.

  I pushed him away. “Shut up, Ivan. Not in broad daylight on a farm! No way!”

  He just laughed and began driving away. “I was kidding,” he told me.

  When we got to The Pub, thoughts of Andrea came back to me. I narrowed my eyes and scoffed.

  “Thinking of Andrea?” he asked, grinning. “I knew you were jealous.”

  “You wish,” I told him as I transferred to Aunt Ellen’s car and climbed into the driver’s seat.

  “Hey, really, she doesn’t mean anything to me, all right?” he said, leaning forward through the open window of the driver’s seat.

  “Okay, I believe you,” I said, touching his cheek.

  He gave me a smack on the lips. “I’ll see you later, gorgeous,” he said, making my heart flutter.

  “Get some rest and don’t show up at the farm today,” I told him. “You need to rest.”

  “Yeah, yeah, fine,” he said. “You’re meeting up with Rosie after lunch at The Creamery? Tell her to make it a double date.”

  I smiled. “All right.”

  “They’ll be surprised,” he said, grinning.

  “You bet!”

  He kissed me again before stepping back. “Take care. I’ll pick you up at one o’ clock.”

  I waved goodbye, a silly smile on my face during the whole drive back home.

  That afternoon at The Creamery, I showed Rosie my designs for her big day, including the ones I did for her bridesmaids. She hadn’t asked for those, but I was inspired so I did them anyway. She oohed and aahed at everything, pointing out some of her favorites to her boyfriend Alex.

  “Aren’t they wonderful, Alex?” she said with a smile.

  “Perfect,” Alex agreed. “But you’ll look amazing in anything, Rosie.”

  “You’re too sweet,” Rosie said, giggling.

  As I watched them, I couldn’t help wondering if Ivan and I would eventually be like that. It was too sappy for my taste, though. Maybe we were better off throwing rude remarks at each other.

  “What are you grinning about?” Ivan whispered in my ear.

  “Nothing,” I said, grinning even more. “Just happy.”

  “Me too,” he whispered.

  Alex and Rosie were done discussing the dresses. It was really sweet how the famous football quarterback was so attentive about such details. He seemed to be involved in all the planning too, which was rare for men. Rosie was surely one lucky woman.

  I felt Ivan’s hand resting on my thigh. And even though I was wearing pants, I could feel myself getting aroused easily. He just had that immediate effect on me.

  Fortunately, he eventually moved his hand to link with mine under the table. Our shoulders were grazing one another as we chatted and laughed with the other couple.

  Alex suddenly stopped short and gave Ivan a curious stare. “I think I’m missing something here,” he said, glancing at me and then shifting his eyes back to Ivan.

  Rosie looked clueless. She was too engrossed in the designs.

  “What do you mean?” asked Ivan nonchalantly.

  “I sense something has changed since the last time,” Alex said, his lips turning into a grin. “Tell me I’m wrong, man. You said there was nobody special.”

  “Thought so,” Ivan said, shrugging.

  He was about to change the topic when Rosie’s eyes widened. Butting in, she exclaimed, “Oh, my God! You two aren’t together now, are you?”

  “Uhm…” I said, not knowing how to answer.

  “We are, actually,” Ivan admitted, squeezing my hand and smiling. “Just started dating…” And then he added, “Exclusively.”

  That made my heart soar blissfully in a way I had never felt before.

  “I knew it!” Rosie exclaimed. “So happy for you guys.”

  “Fate has its ways,” I said.

  “Man, this calls for a celebration!” Alex said. “Ivan’s first ever steady girlfriend!”

  Ivan laughed. So it was true. He had never had a serious relationship before. He’d never been in love ever.

  It made me think, my heart fluttering nervously at the official term Alex had used. Was I really Ivan’s girlfriend now? Are we even in love?

  I shook my head as the subject shifted to something else. I didn’t want to dwell on what exactly we had or where we were headed. I didn’t want to overthink it.

  For now, I only want to enjoy what we have while it lasts, I thought.

  Chapter 16

  Ivan

  The familiar street loomed ahead, bustling with people on either side, each one hurrying somewhere. Every building I saw seemed to trigger a memory in my head. Good me
mories, I thought as I recalled the life I had lived in the city.

  I found myself whistling a happy tune as I drove toward the city’s main hospital. It was certainly uncanny that I was such in a happy mood to be returning to a place that had given me nothing but feelings of bitterness and agony.

  Glancing toward the pretty girl beside me who was busy retouching her makeup, I smiled. Now there’s the reason for this weird sense of happiness.

  Despite her training at the farm and the way she had easily blended into the town culture, she was still very much a woman of the city. The way she dressed, spoke, and carried herself gave that away. I loved every bit of her, farm girl and city dweller rolled into one.

  “Look, Ivan!” she suddenly exclaimed, pointing out a coffee shop. “That’s where I always hang out with my best friend Charlene. Oh, I can’t believe you’re finally going to meet her later.”

  “Looking forward,” I said with amusement. She was very excited to be back in her home city, though her dad probably wasn’t aware. It was a good thing Aunt Ellen had allowed her to visit with me. I had promised never to let her out of my sight.

  “And there’s Night Light!” she said. “That’s where we often get drunk.” She laughed at the memories.