Fielding Her SECRET (Corrigan & Co. Book 1)

by Crystal Perkins

  “I’d love to help.” I turn to Mrs. Rivers. “I know how to be a girl when I have to. You don’t need to worry. Stella will get me all set with clothes and things.”

  “I will. She’s a knockout when we get her into real clothes.”

  “I’m not worried,” she tells me with a smile. I cock an eyebrow at her and she laughs. “Okay, well maybe I was a little worried. I trust Jane, though. If she thinks you’re the right choice, then so do I.”

  We go over a few more details and agree that I’ll be introduced as the daughter of one of her college friends who just moved to town and is looking for a job. Lindsey—as she asked me to call her—tells me that she’d like me to attend a cocktail party at her home on Friday to meet everyone and get things started. I’ll have only two days to transform into a socialite. I hope it’s enough time.

  I spend the rest of the day doing profiles on all the players and staff. I know who they are since I’m a fan, but this is the more in-depth stuff. I’m looking for a reason that one of them would want to sabotage the team. Nothing jumps out at me right away and I plan on taking everything home with me to continue working.

  Stella has other plans. She brings our friend Darcy to my office, and the two of them insist on taking me shopping. I hesitate a little, but I know it’s necessary. Besides, I do want to go. I just can’t give up my tomboy image, even in front of my friends. I let them take me to the mall and I end up with some very fancy and very sexy dresses. I insisted on some jeans and casual clothes because I can’t always be dressed up; especially if I attend pre-season games. They gave in, but only half-way. Now even my casual clothes are designer brands.

  I fall asleep thinking about which dress I’ll wear. I can’t remember ever doing that before in my life. Of course, I‘ve never gone to a party with Zack Taylor before. I know he’s way out of my league and I’ve got to date Kevin Donaldson, but that doesn’t stop me from dreaming of the man with dark hair and eyes.

  Chapter 2

  Zack

  One thing I love about these parties is the women. Actually, it’s not just one thing, it’s the only thing. I mean, yeah, I can get pretty much any girl I want at a club, too, but they aren’t always discreet. The women who are invited to these parties know that we aren’t coming back for more if they talk. Not that I usually take any woman to bed more than once. I have no qualms about letting one suck me off more than once, though.

  Case in point is the woman on her knees in front of me right now. I spent a couple hours at her place a few months ago and then she wanted a repeat performance. I told her no, and she still offered to take care of me at every party. I’m not the only one she takes care of, but, well, you know what they say… practice makes perfect. Who am I to turn down a superb blow job?

  We’re in the bathroom at my team owner’s house. I know it’s probably totally inappropriate, but I’m really not the only one who does it. I should maybe know better as one of the oldest, but a good orgasm is definitely what the doctor ordered after the past few weeks. Weird things have been happening, and I’m not so sure they’re all coincidences. I was hoping for a smooth ride with this team. At almost thirty, I don’t have a lot of playing years left and I was looking to get a four year contract somewhere. Then, maybe look into retiring.

  My parents’ house has been paid off for years, and my sister is doing well on her own. With my savings from my pay and all of my endorsement deals, I’m set. If I didn’t love the game so much, I’d probably just say fuck it and get out now. But I do love it. And not just for the perks my body’s enjoying right now. I truly love to play football. Running down the field to catch the ball for a touchdown is better than anything else in this world. Anything.

  My thoughts are interrupted as I feel my orgasm building down my spine. I notice I’m thrusting into this chick’s mouth as I hold her head tight against me. She’s taking it all in like the pro she is. As I’m about to come, I push her off me and turn to let loose in the sink.

  “I would have swallowed that down.”

  “No need. Thanks.”

  She stands and pulls her short dress down. “We could continue this.”

  I sigh and look at her. “I’ve been very clear that we won’t be doing anything other than what you just did, again. You need to stop asking because it’s getting old. If you want more than to get on your knees, you should stop getting down on them for all of us. I’m sorry if that’s harsh, but it’s true.”

  “You’ll change your mind.” She runs a fake nail along my sleeve and I pull back, glaring at her.

  “I promise you I won’t.”

  “Jerk.”

  She storms from the bathroom as I wash up. I am a jerk, and more. I know it. I wasn’t always this way. When I started playing ball in high school, I was still naïve enough to think that girls liked me for me. By college, I understood that it was just the status of being seen with the star running back. When I went pro, I knew the game and I’ve been playing it ever since. I haven’t met a girl who wants me just for me, and I’ve given up on finding one.

  I make myself presentable again and get ready to go back to the party. As I reach for the door, it opens. I move back to not be hit by it as some chick pushes in. She stops in her tracks when she sees me and turns red.

  “Oh. I’m sorry. I just saw a woman leave so I thought it was empty.”

  She’s not what I’d consider my type at all, but I can’t stop staring at her. She’s about five three without heels, I think. She has blonde hair twisted into some complicated style and eyes so light blue, they’re almost gray. She also has a cute little mouth and sculpted cheeks that would make any model envious. Her black dress has an off the shoulder neckline, and goes to her knees, with some netting thing that goes even lower. She’s definitely got curves, but she’s not advertising her wares. I think she may be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, and it takes me a moment to catch my breath and speak.

  “She was done being useful. I can be ready to go again in twenty minutes max, so you’re welcome to close the door and wait around.”

  “I—wait, what? You think I’m here to-to have sex with you?”

  “We could do that or you could just get on your knees.”

  She looks shocked and then it’s quickly replaced by anger. She slaps me hard before I even see it coming. “You’re disgusting.”

  I laugh as she turns and storms away on her tall heels, slamming the door behind her. I can’t remember the last time a woman turned me down, much less hit me. It was actually pretty hot, even though I’m sure she didn’t intend for it to be. I need to find out more about her. That’s not going to happen while I’m in here, so I head back to the party determined to find her and get her to go on a date with me.

  Yes, a date. It’s been years since I’ve been on one that isn’t for publicity. Having a supermodel on my arm has done wonders for my endorsement deals, but it was all fake. I want to take this girl out, though. Not someplace flashy or expensive. I want her to see the real me and go to the places I usually go to alone. I don’t understand why I’m feeling this way.

  I walk out into the big room where most of the party is gathered and immediately see her. Fuck me. Or not. She’s talking to Mr. Squeaky Clean, aka Kevin Donaldson, the team quarterback. I guess it makes sense since she’s dressed conservatively for this crowd and slapped me. But I don’t like it. I want to storm over there and claim her for my own. I don’t know what’s going on. I haven’t been jealous over a woman in years. I mean, I haven’t even talked to her. All I know is I want her and if that means pissing off my quarterback to get her, so be it.

  I walk over and stand behind her. Kevin gives me a curious look, but I don’t give two fucks. “Who’s your friend, Donaldson?”

  She turns at the sound of my voice and glares at me. Kevin looks like he doesn’t want to answer, but he’s too nice a guy not to. “This is Ainsley. Her mom is friends with Lindsey. Ainsley, this is one of the guys who supports me on the field. His name
is Zack.”

  I hold out my hand and although she hesitates, Ainsley takes it. She has small hands, but a firm handshake. I hold on a little too long and she narrows her eyes before pulling her hand away. I smirk at her. I may be making her nervous, but at least it’s something. She’s feeling something for me. It’s a start.

  Kevin can see it, and he’s not liking it at all. He tries to steer the conversation back to him. “I can explain to you what he does. I know this can all be a bit confusing.”

  “He’s a running back. He rushed for over 800 yards last year and was picked up on a trade deal for the Legions. He was a Heisman finalist in college and is considered one of the best on the field.”

  Well, well, well. Very interesting. “So, you’re a fan, huh, Ains?”

  “My name is Ainsley, and I just happen to love football.”

  “Are you sure it’s not just me?”

  She looks at me and then proceeds to spout off facts about the entire team. She also analyzes our play from the special exhibition game we played and points out where we did great and where we could have done better. The entire room has gone quiet and everyone is listening to her. She’s pretty spot on with her observations. It is, without a doubt, the hottest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. If I didn’t already want her, I sure as hell would now.

  Jack Rivers walks over with his wife Lindsey. She looks a little freaked out. “You didn’t tell me Ainsley was a football expert, honey.”

  “I didn’t realize she knew so much.”

  It’s Ainsley’s turn to look a little freaked out. “I-I didn’t realize it was such a big deal.”

  “You just analyzed an entire game in a few minutes and pointed out—accurately, I might add—what each player needs to do to help us win. That’s a very big deal.”

  “Oh. I just noticed a few things.” She’s chewing her bottom lip and my pants are getting tighter every second. Thank God I’m wearing a suit. This jacket is the only thing saving me from being completely embarrassed right now. Wait…did I just say I was embarrassed by my erection? What the fuck is happening to me?

  “A few very important things. Lindsey said you needed a job, and I’d like to hire you.”

  “Really?” Now she looks excited. I should walk away before my cock breaks through my pants, but I can’t.

  “Yes. I could use an extra set of eyes to look at the team. It would be a special position, and you’d report directly to me. Just go to practices and games and tell me what you think. Combined with what the coaches and I see, we can work on what we need to improve.”

  “I’d love to do that. Thank you.”

  “Great. You can start on Monday. Be at the field at eight.” Jack nods at me and Kevin, and then walks away. I see Ainsley mouth “I’m sorry” to Lindsey, who just shakes her head. Interesting.

  “Well, this should be fun. I can’t wait to be analyzed by you. We can have a private session if you think I need the extra work.”

  “Are you really always this much of an ass or is it just for my benefit?”

  “He’s always this way. Leave my girl alone, Zack.”

  “Your girl?’

  “Yeah, she’s mine,” he says as he wraps his arm around her. I’m seeing red and want nothing more than to punch his clean cut ass.

  She untangles herself before I lose my shit. “I’m not your girl, Kevin. I just said I’d go out with you tomorrow. One date doesn’t make me yours.”

  It would make her mine. I know it. I’ve already scared her enough today, though, so I keep my mouth shut for once. Kevin doesn’t do the same, the dumb bastard.

  “I’m the quarterback, Ainsley. All the girls want me and I don’t give many the pleasure of my time. Unlike some other people, I’m selective in who I choose to spend my time with. You’re pretty and I think we’d have fun. I’d also be very respectful and not expect anything from you tomorrow.”

  “I appreciate the respect, Kevin, but if you’re implying that I’m lucky to be going out with you, well, I think I’ll have to pass. I think of myself high enough to know a guy would be equally lucky to date me. I want someone who sees that and understands neither of us is more important than the other. Sorry to waste your time. I’ll see you both on Monday morning.”

  Ainsley walks away from us as Kevin’s jaw drops. I laugh and clap him on the back as I walk away, too. I spend the rest of the party watching her talk to the coaches and other players, while ignoring the advances of the other women at the party. No one else comes even close to interesting me at this point. I need to go out with her. I see my chance to talk to her again when she’s leaving the party. I practically run out the door after her.

  “Ains! Wait up.”

  “I told you my name’s not-.”

  I kiss her before she can continue. It’s a sweet kiss. For me, at least. Until she moans and grabs the back of my head. That’s when I lick her lips until she opens them and take control of her tongue. Her hands are clutching my biceps and mine are messing up that pretty hairdo.

  She kisses me back and I let her take control for a minute. I’m not a total Neanderthal. That, and I want to see what she’ll do. I almost come on the spot as she twists her tongue around mine and sucks hard. I’m the one moaning now. That seems to startle her and she pulls away. I follow her with my mouth and get in a couple more small kisses before she steps back.

  “You-you can’t just go around kissing people.”

  “I don’t.”

  “Yeah right.”

  She turns to walk away and I catch her arm. “I fuck girls and let them suck me off, but I rarely kiss a girl. Not unless it’s a deal breaker for the rest, and even then I usually just walk away and find someone else.”

  “You’re such a prince.”

  “No. I’m not. I’m an asshole to most women. I don’t know why, since we’ve just met and haven’t even really talked, but I want more with you. I wanted to kiss you. I honestly can’t remember when the last time this happened. I also want to take you on a date. It’s been years for that.”

  “I’m not just going to go to your place and have sex.”

  “I know.”

  “What kind of date?”

  “Whatever you want.”

  “Anything?”

  “Yes.” I’m probably going to regret it, but I mean what I’m saying. I’ll go anywhere with her and do anything she wants.

  “Well, then my answer is no.”

  “Gre—what?”

  “A leopard doesn’t so easily change his spots. You had some woman in the bathroom a couple hours ago and now you want to take me on a date?”

  “Yeah. I do.”

  “Then prove it to me.”

  “How?”

  “You’re a smart guy. You’ll figure it out. And maybe if you do, I’ll say yes next time.”

  She walks away and I swear there’s an extra swing to her hips that wasn’t there earlier. I chuckle to myself. I may have just met my match and I’m not sure I’m up to the challenge. I want to be, though, so I’ll figure this out and do what I have to in order to get that date.

  Chapter 3

  Ainsley

  Lindsey was obviously not happy about my football show at the party, but Jane calmed her down. Things actually did work out better this way. Now I have access to everything at the stadium, not just the parties and social events. It’s Monday morning and I can’t wait to look around.

  Who am I kidding? While I want to get my job done, both of my jobs actually, I really want to see Zack. That kiss was just…well it wasn’t boring, that’s for sure. It felt like he set me on fire and I’ve been dreaming of him all weekend. While sleeping and while awake. My friends teased me about it at brunch on Sunday, but I don’t care. I hope he got the message and will stop with the other women so I can go on a date with him. I’m not holding my breath, though. I’m nothing, if not a realist.

  Today is an open practice so the parking lot at the stadium is pretty full. I pull around to the player and staff entran
ce where I show my ID and am let through. I park and then enter the back of the stadium after receiving a temporary badge from the guard at the door. I need to stop into the offices after practice to fill out paperwork and get my real badge.

  As I walk out onto the field, I look around. I see a bunch of women with signs proclaiming their love for Zack, Kevin, and a few other players. But it’s not just women crowding the stadium, guys wearing team t-shirts and jerseys are sitting anxiously to support the team. I see a couple guys who look out of place, though. I’ll have to try and keep an eye on them while watching the game. I decide the best way to do that is watch from behind the end zone. I tell the coaches I want a different angle from them and then put on my sunglasses as the players take the field.

  The practice goes pretty well. I see a few things for the guys to work on, but I’m sure the coaches see them too. I alternate my attention from the players to the stands. And Zack. He’s never off my radar; although, I do my best to block him out while trying to pay attention to everything else. The guys in the stands don’t do anything out of the ordinary, so I rule them out for now.

  It’s a good thing I have my sunglasses on when Zack takes off his helmet and jersey. Holy hot body. A man that good looking should be illegal. It’s the real show time now. At least, where he and I are concerned. I watch him walk to the stands with some of the other players and hope that he’ll hold back with the women.

  I should’ve known better. I do know better. He’s immediately in “Zack” mode. Signing breasts, letting the women kiss his cheek while he puts his arm around them and still cupping a breast with his other hand. I know he has to be friendly, but most of the other guys aren’t going as far as he is. He obviously enjoys both the attention and the groping that comes with it. I knew that. I did. I was just stupid enough to believe I’d be different. I shake my head and walk to the tunnel. I still need to talk to Jack and fill out my paperwork.