Romance: Seducing The Quarterback

by Stacie Duncan

  Chapter 12

  Bozeman was hit with another unexpected snowstorm mid-week. I was still able to trudge into Avalanche, but we weren’t as busy as usual. It was a somewhat welcome change for me, because it meant that I wasn’t as exhausted by the end of the day. However, the lack of money in my pocket was noticeable, and I found myself sitting up at night worried about my future.

  “Hey, Rebecca. It’s me. Long time no talk.” I smiled, glad to hear a familiar female voice. “I know. I have a lot to catch you up to speed with.” I chuckled, then proceeded to tell her how work was going, and how I had become involved with two men since starting the new job.

  “I’m in shock, Alyssa. Do you like either of these guys?” I could hear her talking to Cherry in the background and smiled at the thought of having my own child one day soon.

  “I do like them. That’s the odd part. I can’t really explain it, and I sometimes feel like I’m going behind Joe’s back, but…” I paused and then shook my head. “I think it’s kind of like a welcome distraction, you know?” I sighed and then looked out the window. The neighbors were shoveling out their trucks, and a few plows were beginning to make their way down the old gravel road.

  “Well, you have to do what makes you happy, and what’s right for your situation. Believe me, Alyssa. Nobody can even begin to imagine the pain you’re feeling now that Joe is gone. I’m sure some people will misinterpret you seeing two guys…” She chuckled and then cleared her throat. “But nobody knows your story, so who cares?” Rebecca offered her take on the situation, and I silently nodded my head.

  “I’ve been really lonely, Rebecca. I’m in this big house by myself and… I don’t know. I guess I’m just feeling vulnerable. However, I must say. The one guy, Rick, is really nice. I can’t tell if he’s really serious about me, but we spent time together yesterday, and I think there’s some potential. The only problem is that Christopher was the first one I dated, and I have a really strong attraction to him.” I realized I was babbling and quieted myself.

  “Well, I suppose it’s not such a bad thing to be in the position to pick and choose.” Rebecca spoke as I walked into the kitchen.

  “I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for your advice. You always make me feel better.” I hung up and then got dressed, just in time to receive a phone call from Christopher. He wanted me to meet him at the River Bed Café after my Avalanche shift tomorrow. I agreed, and then spent the rest of my day trying to clean the house and fix the corral post that was crumbling in the far end of the field.

  When I got ready for work the next day, I was excited at the idea of seeing Christopher, but I was also worried that Rick might find out. After all of his information-sharing, maybe he’d think I was a fool to still go out with Christopher. I realized that so far, there was no commitment necessary in any of our eyes. Yet I still didn’t like the idea of making plans with one man, while another one waited in the wings. I wasn’t much for playing games.

  “Glad to see you made it, Alyssa.” Christopher was seated at the bar when I came in. He looked handsome as ever, dressed in a black button down and a pair of jeans. His green eyes seemed to stand out against the black shirt, and I imagined him kissing me with passion. He ordered a Jack and Coke, which I now assumed was his signature drink. I opted for a hot tea this time, and decided that I still didn’t want to tell him that I was pregnant.

  “You know, I still want to extend the offer for you to come out to Bobcat Ranch. I’ve got a great pool room, and a bar, and even a little hot tub.” He winked and then took a sip of his drink. I blushed and lifted my tea to my lips.

  “I’ll think about it. Maybe one day this week I can make it out there after my shift.” I batted my lashes and then decided that maybe Rick had been wrong. How could this man with the mysterious green eyes be violent? How could I believe that he was once physically aggressive with his old girlfriend? I was beginning to wonder if Rick had exaggerated, or even lied completely, to win my affection.

  “Well, I hope you decide to make the trip.” Christopher took a sip of his drink, then waved down the waiter for a pen. “Here’s my address. I’ll be home all day Wednesday.” He raised his brows and then sat back in his seat. I could see his thick, rounded chest through his shirt, and a pang of lustfulness filled my loins.

  “Thanks for inviting me.” I flicked my long hair over my shoulder and then got more comfortable in my seat. An image of Rick making love to me filled my mind, but I wished it away, convinced now that he had just made up lies about Christopher. I took another sip of my tea, then nibbled a few of the pretzels that were in the bar basket.

  “Well, I need to go tend to my horses, Alyssa, but it was nice seeing you again. I think we need to get some alone time soon.” He winked and then laid a ten-dollar bill on the table. I smiled, then reached for my coat. I watched him walk away and then decided that I would go visit his ranch like he wanted. In fact, I’d make it a big surprise.

  I got home and took off my clothes, then stood in front of the mirror. I only had the slightest bump that indicated I was pregnant. I wondered how long before my secret was revealed. I didn’t really feel like I was lying right now by keeping it to myself, but it would be nice to share my truth with the world as soon as the time was right.

  I went to sleep with thoughts about how I could surprise Christopher. I knew he said that he’d be home on Wednesday, but I was too excited to wait that long. I decided that I’d drive out Monday afternoon, after I had gotten home from Avalanche. I picked out one of my favorite brown sweaters with a pair of maroon leggings. I smiled, already picturing his face when I showed up at his house by surprise.

  Waiting for Monday to arrive was like torture, but I made it through. As soon as I got home from Avalanche, I showered and dressed, then pulled out the paper that he’d scrawled his address on. I dressed in my outfit then headed out to the truck. The entire ride to Bobcat Ranch put my stomach in knots. I had never surprised a man with a visit before. This would be memorable.

  As I pulled up to Bobcat Ranch I noticed his large truck parked out front. Then I saw another smaller red truck parked off to the side. There were several horses galloping through the snow, and I smiled at the serenity. Carefully, I stepped out of the truck and then walked slowly toward his house. I reached the front door and rang the bell, but there was no answer.

  “I wonder if he’s out back.” I wasn’t familiar with the property, but I could see that there was a patio leading to a back door, so I stepped around and craned my neck, hoping to find him out back splitting wood or grooming a horse. Yet I only found a pile of snow and a couple of wooden shovels. I walked now, curiously, to the back window that faced the ranch. Then I pressed my face against the glass and peered inside.

  “Oh my God.” I spoke out loud and then froze in my tracks. My heart sank and my face turned red. There was Christopher- on top of a red-headed woman, making love to her as she clawed his back with her hands. I couldn’t believe what I saw. I wanted to turn around and run away but I couldn’t tear my eyes off them. Christopher ran his hands up and down her body and thrust deeper inside her. I covered my mouth and then finally turned away. I stormed up the driveway, opened up my truck door, climbed in and drove away.

  Chapter 13

  I went to work the next day with a numb feeling in my heart. I couldn’t believe what I’d witnessed yesterday, and it filled me with a sadness that I hadn’t quite expected. I waited on my tables and went through all the motions, but my mind was preoccupied and my feelings were scrambled. As if dealing with my raw emotions wasn’t enough, just as I was about to leave work, Christopher walked into the restaurant. “Hey, Alyssa. Hope you’re not leaving yet.” He smiled and then headed toward his usual table.

  “Actually, I am leaving, and I hope I never see you again.” I grabbed my coat and then, without even buttoning it, stormed out of the restaurant. Christopher ran out behind me, calling my name as I threw open the door to my truck. I didn’t want to see his face, but there he
was, standing in front of my hood, his arms in the air and a bewildered look on his face.

  “What is going on?” He yelled and I rolled down the window.

  “Are you serious? You invited me to your house!” I was so upset I didn’t even know how to get my point across.

  “Yes. I did invite you. What’s wrong?” Christopher still looked confused.

  “What’s wrong is that I caught you in bed with another woman yesterday. Okay? How do you feel now?” I wanted to drive away, but I also wanted to hear his explanation.

  “Listen, Alyssa. I need to just be up front with you, oaky?” Christopher looked at me with a shrug. “I only dated you because some of my buddies dared me to. They wanted to see how quickly I could get you in bed.” He shrugged and then turned around to walk away.

  “What?” I was furious but didn’t know what else to say or do.

  “You heard me. It was a dare. And you know what? I’m allowed to sleep with whoever I want. Sorry to burst your bubble.” He raised his brows, then turned around and walked away. I sat behind the wheel in disbelief. Then I started the ignition, threw it in reverse and drove away.

  When I got home I sat on my bed and cried. I couldn’t believe all that had happened. I walked toward the window and watched Lizzie as she moped around in the corral, then I got undressed and climbed into bed. Just as I was about to fall asleep, I heard a gently rapping at my door. Who could possibly be at my house? Thinking that one of my neighbors had been locked out, I got up and jogged down the wooden steps, then threw open the door.

  “Sorry to come by without announcement, but I really wanted to see you.” Rick stood in my doorway holding a bouquet of roses. He handed them to me and then smiled. I was too surprised to say much of anything, so I just backed up and motioned for him to come inside. I realized that I had two options at that moment. I could either tell him all about the ordeal with Christopher, or simply let it go and pretend like it never happened.

  “It’s actually wonderful to see you, Rick.” I smiled and then wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’ve missed you since the last time we saw each other.” I was telling him the truth, but it was still confusing for me because I didn’t know if I was acting, again, out of vulnerability, or out of vengefulness toward Christopher. Why did relationships have to be so complicated?

  “Well, the feeling is mutual, and I wanted to make sure that you understood how I felt about you, Alyssa.” Rick looked at me thoughtfully and then swallowed hard. “You know. I didn’t mean to paint Christopher out as the bad guy when I told you everything I knew about him.” He hung his head and then shrugged. “I just didn’t want to see you get hurt.”

  “Well, you were right.” I cocked my head and then laughed. “Because I caught him in bed with another woman.” I looked away, the feelings of disappointment creeping back up my spine. Rick looked at me with a strange expression.

  “You went to his house?” He stood back and folded his arms across his chest. I nodded my head and then reached for his hand.

  “I did. Look, let’s just…” I covered my face with my hands, wanting all of this confusion to just go away. Rick stared at me with a disappointed frown.

  “You went to his house? After we made love?” I could tell from his tone of voice that he was disappointed. I didn’t know what to tell him, and I really wanted avoid getting into all the details.

  “Listen, Rick. I just want to enjoy my afternoon, okay.” I ran my hands on his arm and then squeezed his hand.

  “Okay, Alyssa. Whatever you say.” He sighed and then followed me into my bedroom.

  “Make love to me like you did the other day.” I whispered in his ear and then pulled my sweater over my head. He stood back and watched me in admiration. “I’m in the mood.” I leaned forward and whispered to him again, then shook my leggings down to the floor.

  “You know, I’m just going to pretend that you didn’t go and visit Christopher. I’m just going to put it out of my mind.” Rick shook his head and then ran his hands over my body. “I want you so bad that it doesn’t even matter. Even if you did touch that man-whore, I’d still be into you.” Rick traced my jaw line with his finger, then unzipped his pants and let them fall to the floor.

  “I’ll tell you more about it later.” I stood before him and rocked my hips slowly, from side to side. The sunlight streamed through the living room window, and I could tell that the massive sheets of ice from the previous snows were finally beginning to melt. “But for now, just take me.” I threw back my head and he kissed my neck, then clutched my waist with his hands and licked my stomach with his warm, determined tongue.

  “Get on the bed.” Rick eased me back and I lied down, my head propped on a silky pillow. He ran his hands down my thighs, taking time to feel the delicate bends of muscle that led down my calves and toward my feet. “You’ve got an incredible body.” He kissed my toes and then backed up so that he could admire me in all of my naked glory.

  I watched as he positioned himself on top of me, then grabbed his waist and pulled him close. I liked the way that his shape melded into mine, and I could tell that we had an unspoken attraction for each other. His caress was filled with passion and determination. I could tell that he was a man who knew what he wanted and knew how to get it.

  I closed my eyes as he gently spread open my legs. He slid his fingers inside my wet, warm hole, and then circled them around inside me until I moaned with pleasure. I turned my head to the side and relaxed. It felt so good to receive his touch, and I longed for him to move his manhood inside me. He leaned back and then pressed forward, entering me in one long, determined movement. “Yes.” I cried out and ran my hands up and down his back.

  “You feel incredible.” Rick thrust himself inside me as I lied on my back, anticipating every move that he made. I delicately arched my back to meet him each time he drove himself inside me, and he groaned with satisfaction. I spread my legs wider, wanting to feel every inch of his body inside me. He pressed harder against me and I ran my hands down his back, enveloped in the steady stream of passion.

  “I love how you feel.” I whispered in Rick’s ear and he groaned. I could sense the wave of pleasure building up inside me and I cried out just as the feeling reached its height. I clutched Rick with all my might and then let out one long, extended cry of ecstasy. He had taken me to the heights of enjoyment once again, and my body responded with an orgasmic wave of relief.

  The two of us lied motionless for a several minutes. Then I reached down for the blankets and pulled them up to our chins. We smiled in the afterglow and then rolled onto our sides. I ran my finger over Rick’s nose and then kissed him on the cheek. “That was incredible.” I smiled and then looked deep into his eyes. They were a smoky blue color, and they reminded me of a cool February day.

  “I hope that we grow closer, Alyssa.” Rick traced his fingers around my breasts, then cupped them with his hands. “You know. You can tell me anything.” He looked at me with concern, and I bit my lower lip. Did he really mean that? Could I really tell him whatever I wanted?

  “I’m glad to hear that, Rick. Because I actually do have something to tell you.” I sighed and then propped myself up in the bed.

  “And what is that?” He raised his brows and propped himself u, as well.

  “I’m pregnant.” I stared straight ahead for a few seconds, then got out of bed to get a glass of water.

  Chapter 14

  Rick looked at me with astonishment. “Did you seriously just tell me that you’re pregnant?” He shook his head and then ran his hands through his hair. “I must be hearing things.” He leaned forward and then stared at me for confirmation.

  “You heard right. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true.” I offered him some of the water and then sat down on the edge of the bed.

  “Obviously, it isn’t mine.” Rick shook his head and then looked away. “Just my luck. The one woman in all of Bozeman who I fall for, and she tells me after we have sex that she’s pregnant with so
me other guy’s baby.” He covered his face with his hands.

  “Not just some guy.” I corrected him and then took a deep breath. “It’s my husband’s baby.” I held back a tear and then looked at Rick as he flew off the bed.

  “You’re married?” His voice rose and then he jumped off the bed. “This is unreal.” He walked across the room and reached for his clothes. “It’s about time for me to be going, Alyssa.” He pulled on his pants and then reached for his sweater and started to walk out of the room. I ran behind him and grabbed him by the arm.

  “You’re misunderstanding. My husband passed away.” I shook my head and then started to cry. Rick stood before me in silence. “He was killed in a construction accident a few months ago. It was totally unexpected. I didn’t find out about the baby until about a month ago.” I bit my lower lip and then looked away. Rick lowered his head and then reached for my hand.

  “I’m sorry, Alyssa. I’m actually sorry about all of this. Maybe we moved too fast. I think that the best thing for me to do right now would be to walk away. I hope you understand.” Rick let go of my hand and then slowly walked toward the door. I covered my face and cried.

  “I’m sorry, Rick. I’m sure you think I was being dishonest, but I wasn’t. I knew I wanted to tell you about the baby if we ended up seeing each other again.” I let out an exasperated cry, and he just stared at me.

  “Alyssa. Of course I planned on seeing you again, but the problem isn’t just not knowing about the baby. It’s about you going to see Christopher, it’s about you being married so recently. I just need some time to process all of this. I’m sure you can understand.” He adjusted his glasses, put on his hat, then headed for the door. I watched him through the window as he climbed into his truck and drove away. Then I threw myself face down onto the bed and bawled.