Tight Game

by Skye Callahan

  “Hey, little man, what’s your name?” Declan kneels next to the boy, taking the football.

  “Corey. You’re the greatest tight end in the league Mr. Keating.”

  Declan signs the ball, handing it back while he ruffles the little boy’s blonde hair. “You can call me Declan. Are you going to be there for kickoff next week?”

  “No, sir…. I mean Declan. We—uh—we couldn’t get tickets. We’ve been waiting here all morning, just because I wanted to meet you. We’ll be watching the game from home though.”

  “I think you should be watching from the fifty,” Declan says, he looks over his shoulder then waves to another man in a suit who runs over. Declan whispers something in his ear. The man nods then gestures to the mother. “We’ll get you taken care of, Corey,” he winks. “I’ll see you next weekend.”

  “Who knew you could be such a softie,” I say, pressing against him as we walk up the hallway to the banquet.

  “Oh, Londyn.” He breathes into my ear, moving slightly behind me so he can clutch both of my hips. “I’m never soft around you.”

  My heart thuds double time. We have to make it through lunch. A two-hour lunch with all the talking everyone is going to do.

  At least two hours of waiting. Thinking.

  How badly do I want the one fling I’ve wanted my entire life? Will I sink my reputation on it?

  His fingers dance across my back, and he takes my hand, squeezing it, as the men in suits in front of us open the double doors to the dining hall. We find our seats at one of the front table next to Bristol and Nash, along with a couple of other players and their dates.

  As Declan pulls out my chair, he whispers again, “First and goal. Pressure’s on.”

  All eyes around the table are on us, but one pair of eyes falls straight to my left hand. To the ring that’s no longer there.

  Bristol’s eyes widen. Her gaze inches up my body, stopping for an instant at every point where Declan’s body touches mine. Then, she pulls me into the seat next to her. “Perfect gentleman, you said?”

  I smile and nod, picking up my fork and stabbing a cherry tomato.

  Bristol tries to maintain her smile, but the strain is evident in the twitch of her eye and her unsteady hand. She puts down her own fork and leans to my ear. “Don’t do something you regret.”

  “I already did,” I whisper back. “And it had nothing to do with your brother. Hugh’s been cheating for years, and I’m done.”

  Bristol’s shoulders straighten, she purses her lips, then looks to her brother and nods.

  I’m sure she’s wondering if this is some rash, revenge thing. An attempt at a meaningless rebound.

  What if it is?

  But when I lock eyes with Declan, I don’t need words, thoughts, or a plan. Those eyes glimmer with unspoken innuendo. The promise that for just one day, I won’t be counting the number of affairs behind me. The promise that for one night the only thing he might devour is me.

  Maybe, if I’m lucky, I’ll be the only one he’s thinking about, too.

  Right before I fly a thousand odd miles back home to sever all the remaining ties with the man who promised to do that, and betrayed me every step of the way. Tonight is mine. Tonight is my ‘fuck it all’ night.

  If I can wait that long.

  Every time someone stands up at the podium to speak. I clap, pick up my fork, and find myself looking back on a very long game of foreplay that Declan and I started as teenagers. I’ve sat next to him for shows and dinners, I don’t know how many times, but this time… This time, I can’t sit still.

  Without the walls of routine and discipline I kept built up since my first dance competition, without the expectations of judges, audiences, and talent scouts, I finally find that deep burning part of me that I’ve been missing for so long wasn’t related to dance at all.

  Declan’s hand rests on my thigh as we wait for the final speaker to explain how much money had been raised for the local teen resource center. It’s been an amazing project put on by the team and local leaders, but I can’t concentrate on a word of it.

  I’m busy making a plan to get through the crowd, out those doors, and somewhere, anywhere before I come to my senses.

  Dear reader,

  Thank you for reading!

  If you can spare an extra minute of time, please consider leaving a short review on Goodreads and your favorite retailer. Even a few words can be a huge boost for an author.

  Don’t forget you can also choose one of 3 free eBooks simply for signing up to my mailing list (this also means you’ll never miss out on any of my upcoming releases and deals).

  Named a Rising Star in Romance by iBooks in 2015, bestselling author Skye Callahan uses fiction to explore the darker aspects of human nature. Skye’s first dark romance Irrevocable was named a Top Read of 2014 by Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads, and continues to be a fan favorite.

  Skye’s love of reading and writing started at a young age when she was inspired by fellow Ohio native, R.L. Stine, to release her imagination by putting her own pen to paper. Prior to pursuing writing full-time, Skye received a B.A. and M.A. in History and participated in numerous local history projects including a full-length Civil War documentary for Western Reserve PBS.

  Skye also writes paranormal urban fantasy and romance as S.J. Callahan.

  I’d love to hear from you!

  http://skyecallahan.com

  First off, I’d like to thank you, the reader, because without you I could sit and write all day long, but I would have no one to share my dreams with!

  I couldn’t make it through everything without the support of my husband, Sir Callahan. He has never questioned my love of writing and even when I drive him to the brink of insanity, he does everything he can to keep me motivated and working. And of course, Sassy and Knight our hard-headed, loud-mouthed, and loveable cats who keeps us both entertained and sane (or they just convince us to embrace the insanity).

  I have been fortunate to have no shortage of friends and family who have encouraged me to become a writer. Many thanks to…

  My family: Mamaw, Papaw, Mom, Dad, Amanda, all of my sisters, brother, nieces and nephews for encouraging my insanity and giving me wonderful inspiration to work with.

  My former neighbors and their cats: Gordon, Cat Cow, and Baby Cat. We may have moved away, but you all were some of the best neighbors a reclusive writer could ask for, and I’ll always treasure your friendship.

  Pepper Winters, my late night writing partner and best friend. She keeps me working at a pace I never thought was possible, but even more than that I’m honored to call her my friend. Our sticker wars and chats prove every day that I always have someone who understands me like no one else—even if she does live on the opposite side of the world.

  Krissy V was one of the first people I spoke to after setting up my author page. She was one of my first betas, and I’m so proud that she has also followed her passion for writing. She’s a wonderful person, and another of my international friends that I’m looking forward to meeting one day.

  Diane knew me long before my debut novel and was also one of the first to help me improve my writing and storytelling before pressing publish that first time. She’s a supportive blogger, friend, and fellow writer and I hope that she continues to follow her dreams as well.

  Sheila, another fantastic person, beta reader, and author who I would never have met if I hadn’t followed my dreams. Her words of encouragement from the very beginning have meant the world to me.

  Sasha has been a wonderful friend and huge help to me as I’ve continued to grow. She always has words of encouragement and is willing to lend a hand when I get buried under my never-ending to do list. I’m also thrilled to add her to my list of trusted betas, and she provided some amazing suggestions to improve the story.

  Vicki is also always around with her trained eye to help make sure that I’m not writing myself around in circles, and I really appreciate all of her help and feedback.


  Lyra Parish, Rachel Brooks, Christine Monroe, Gemma James, my fellow authors and good friends, the list could go on and on. It’s my pleasure to share the book world with dedicated and and inspirational writers who are always around if I need my ass kicked or a word of advice. As well as Silla Webb, and all of the authors in Authors Having Each Other’s Backs. It’s an honor to be a part of such a supportive and wonderful community.

  Verna, Becky, Cassia, Drue, Philomena, Michelle, Allison, Shayna, Alissa, Tiffany, Shanean, Di, Cheri,—I’m sure I’m forgetting names, and I feel horrible because I could go on and on (and I’d eventually have an entire book of names). But I want to thank every single book blogger who puts so much time into reading, reviewing, and promoting our hard work. These ladies deserve their own holiday! An extra thanks to the ladies—Becky and Amber who have helped me with my reading group, now known as Skye’s Darklings. To the ladies of Twisted Sisters who are, well, as twisted as the name says and yet one of the most supportive and entertaining communities I’ve had the pleasure of joining. To my fellow members of the Dark Ink Society, readers and authors alike who embrace the dark side. And of course all of the folks who spend countless hours organizing the many events I’ve been a part of.

  Every one of my fans, readers, and Darklings. You make this job incredible.

  I wish I could include the names of all the people who have helped me along the way, but then all of you would get bored and annoyed that my acknowledgements are longer than the story.

  That doesn’t mean I love any of you any less! Thank you for your support!

  Irrevocable

  Dark Romantic Suspense

  Irrevocable Duet, Book 1

  Release date: May 4, 2015

  Read a sample or purchase now!

  Sometimes when you can’t go back, the only way out is to descend into the darkness.

  my Captor

  When I woke in that place, I just wanted to survive. But survival came at a cost, for which they demanded my will and body.

  my Master

  With pain came acceptance. Fully-dependent on the man who claimed me, I learned to appreciate what I had-life and relative safety.

  my Protector

  I watched him spill blood and tend my injuries. With betrayal came a revelation.

  The only way out was to bring them all down or die trying.

  “You HAVE to read this book…. I just cannot emphasis just how much I love this book!” ★★★★★ Alicia, Mean Girls Luv Books

  “Not only did Irrevocable gut me, it took me on a roller coaster ride full of emotions that I usually don’t experience while reading romances….”★★★★★ Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads TOP PICK of 2014!

  “Finally a good DARK read, that has it ALL!!” ★★★★★ Shelby, Wicked Reads

  “A must read for all who dare to step out of the light and into the darkness!” ★★★★★ Summer’s Book Blog

  Bend, Don’t Break

  Dark Romantic Suspense

  Irrevocable Duet, Book 2

  Release date: November 17, 2014

  Read a sample or Purchase now

  I thought I was done.

  my End

  I couldn’t take my eyes off her as the bullet tore through me, leaving me with nothing but the hope that I had done enough to save her. The darkness tried to engulf me—to brand me as its own and drag me to my fate.

  my Darkness

  Waking to see her tear-stained face above me was enough to make my heart stutter. I was alive and free from that place—but not from the toll it had taken on my mind and body.

  my Strength

  My story should have ended, but one woman kept standing in the way of that. The only way I could have her was to find a way to put the darkness to rest.

  “BEND, DON’T BREAK was a dark, sensual, and at times, twisted and chaotic read that messed with my mind so good.” ★★★★★ Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads

  “We don’t merely get a story though, we get James’s thoughts and feelings on everything that happened.” ★★★★ Lorie, Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews

  “I just finished Bend, Don’t Break and what a way to finish this story! I just loved it…. ” ★★★★★ Beggin (Shay) from Mommys a Book Whore

  “Loved them in Irrevocable and fell even harder for them in Bend, Don’t Break.” ★★★★★ Vicki

  The Redline Series

  Dark Romantic Suspense

  The Redline Series, Books 1-5

  Release date: May 6, 2016

  Read a sample or Purchase Now

  From the bestselling author of Irrevocable comes an adrenaline-packed series where two worlds collide in pain, pleasure, lust, and danger….

  "Skye Callahan created a hero with dark delicious edges. The Redline Series is everything a romance should be." Pepper Winters, NYT Bestselling Author

  “Explosive ride from start to finish. This journey was filled with broken- unforgettable characters, suspense, action, and angst.” (Di, Twisted Sisters)

  I screwed up.

  Indebted to a vile “businessman”, he offers one chance to pay back my debt, but only if I spend the next two years stripping in his club. Stripping. Catering to the most debauched men I can imagine.

  Until I meet Colt.

  A man just as twisted. Just as dangerous. But once I willingly climb into his car, I know there’s no turning back. Now, I’m indebted to a car thief. And he has no intent of letting me forget our deal.

  I prefer cars to people.

  Simple as that.

  There’s nothing like the roar of a V8 engine, especially if I just stole it and I’m barreling down the highway past every oblivious cop in town. I need adrenaline. The rush. The never-ending pull. It’s the only thing that keeps me away from my other vice…

  And then, I decided to bring a stripper home. Someone I can introduce to my love of pain. And even better, a pawn in my ultimate plan for revenge against my brother. Call me cliche. Call me petty. But once this plan is set into action. Ashville will never be the same.

  Once the fuse is ignited, we have no choice but to watch our world burn.

  Warning!: If you’re looking for rainbows, butterflies, and happy endings coated in chocolate and caramel, turn back now! This story deals with dark themes and intense situations that aren’t suitable for sensitive readers. If you’re looking for an intense roller coaster of emotions and situations that will warp your sense of right and wrong and drag you through the debauched underworld of crime and deceit, then you’re in the right place.

  Bound and Unbroken

  BDSM Romance

  Out of Bounds, Book 1

  Release date: March 24, 2014

  Read a sample or Purchase now

  Lena is about to discover pleasure in the things she can’t control.

  To get even with her roommate for dragging her to a sports bar on a Friday night, Lena begins flirting with the handsome stranger who sits at the bar next to her. Their anonymous conversation leads to a shared cab ride, but Lena’s conscience puts a damper on the evening—leaving the near-fling to become a memory. Until she finds him roaming the halls of the school where she teaches.

  Will she submit to his desires?

  Eric’s only reason for returning to his hometown is to care for his recently orphaned nephew. He knew the return would involve dredging up his past with family and friends, but he didn’t expect a lone girl to capture his interest and offer an escape within his new life.

  Will his binds be enough to keep her?

  Note: This book contains explicit sexual content (including BDSM themes), graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: M/f anal play, bondage, spanking, exhibitionism.

  “This book really touched on some aspects that pull at my weaknesses. Non-traditional families, family values, humor and realism, are just some of the things about this story that I loved loved loved reading about! This book definitely pulls all that in and nails it! That and of course the Ho
t and Steamy Sex Scenes!!!” ★★★★★ Bad Dirty Books

  “The writing is so well done that I found myself getting lost in the words and pages.” ★★★★★ Summer’s Book Blog

  “Skye Callahan toed the line perfectly with shock value vs realistic BDSM, emotional vs sexual and calm vs chaos.” ★★★★★ Robin, Book Reads and Reviews

  “I was riveted the entire time that I was reading. Although it touches on some serious issues, it was written in a tasteful and intriguing manner.” ★★★★★ The Reading Cow

  “This story was more than just BDSM and everything along that road it was about two people finding that they really needed each other for more.” ★★★★★ Johnnie, Whispered Thoughts