Issy fell in with her teammates when the fifteen-strong team ran onto the field. The sun made an appearance but it was still bloody cold, and gooseflesh rippled across her arms and legs. Her stomach lurched, the nerves still present. From experience she knew they wouldn’t settle until she’d had her first touch of the ball. Here’s hoping she didn’t flub it.
The referee blew his whistle. The Jets’ first-five kicked off and the rugby ball flew through the air. Issy sprinted in the same direction. One of the Panthers leapt for the ball but a Jet player contested, reaching high to grab the ball first. They hit the ground and a ruck formed. It probably looked like a heap of bodies to the spectators but Issy’s team were skilled at passing the ball back from beneath the tangle of bodies. The ball came out on the Jets’ side of the ruck.
The crowd roared approval. Issy grabbed it, flicking the white ball along the back line. She sprinted down the field, backing up. Angela, their winger, kicked the ball over the heads of the opposition and it dribbled out over the sideline not far from the corner flag.
Issy hurried into position and waited for the lineout to form and the opposition hooker to take the throw in. From the corner of her eye she noted Tyler chatting to three men. The selectors. Issy looked away to concentrate on the unfolding game. She had to ignore them and play out of her skin.
She ran, darted after a Panther player when they tried to make a break. Issy tackled the opposition player. The player fell and the ball popped free. She snatched it up and sprinted toward their goal line. A Panther ran at her, tackled. It was bone-crunching hard, jarring her whole body. Their heads clashed with a dull thud.
Issy’s world went dark. It was like crawling out of a long tunnel. Very black and later, seconds or maybe minutes, daylight appeared. The players had followed the ball, leaving her behind on the ground. They were way down the other end of the field. Damn, they were fuzzy, moving all over the place.
Groggily, she climbed to her feet. She wobbled, staggering a few steps. Issy shook her head and saw stars. She dropped to the ground, deciding to wait until the stars stopped whirring before she attempted to stand on her feet again.
The blast of the whistle echoed inside her head, and she heard the thunder of feet racing toward her.
“Issy? Issy, sweetheart, are you okay?” It sounded like Tyler, but she wasn’t sure since the voice was so far away.
“Wanna stand up.” Issy struggled to a sitting position and someone helped her stand.
“Let me look at her,” another voice said. “Open your eyes for me. That’s a girl.”
What did he mean? Her eyes were open.
“Hmm. Lights are on, but nobody’s home,” the voice said. “Concussion. Looked to me as if she blacked out for a little while. She can’t play the rest of the game. She needs to get checked out at the emergency clinic.”
Go off? No way!
“Not going off.” Issy turned, intending to rejoin the game when the referee signaled time back on. Instead she almost fell flat on her face and would have fallen if someone hadn’t caught her. Tears trickled down her face. She couldn’t go off. She couldn’t. The selectors wouldn’t choose her if they couldn’t see her play. “I want to play.”
“You can’t.” Tyler signaled to the reserve players and one of them ran onto the field to replace Issy. He did it with a heavy heart, knowing how gutted Issy must feel. “You need a concussion test.”
“I want to go back on,” she protested.
“You can’t even stand on your own.” Adam slipped his arm around her and guided her to the sideline.
Tyler followed, hearing the referee’s whistle when he signaled play to resume. Hell, poor Issy. A lump formed in his throat when he studied her pale face. It was easy to see she wasn’t sure what was going on yet, that the full disappointment wouldn’t hit until later.
Damn, this wasn’t bloody fair. She’d trained so hard and done everything right only for an injury to rob her of the chance to impress the selectors.
“Adam, can you take Issy to the emergency clinic while I stay with the team?”
Adam’s nod was clipped, his expression tight with worry. “Keys?”
Tyler reached into his jeans pocket and chucked his friend the keys to the SUV.
“I’ll call you,” Adam said.
“Thanks. You’ve got my cell phone number?”
Adam gave a clipped nod before hustling Issy away. Tyler stared after them for an instant longer, concerned about Issy. She’d blacked out. Or at least that’s what it had looked like. She’d come to quick enough but she was still groggy and not firing on all cylinders. Worst of all, she wouldn’t be able to play for two weeks—the rule instigated to protect players suffering from head injuries.
Tyler attempted to focus on the game, he had to since the rest of the players counted on him, but his heart was with Issy. Dammit, he cared about her and hated that her season had ended this way.
* * * * *
They arrived back at the motel in high spirits since they’d made it through to the quarterfinals.
“Make sure you get an early night,” Tyler instructed the jubilant Jets before they dispersed to their separate rooms. “No celebrating until after the games tomorrow.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Angela said.
The others roared with laughter but Tyler knew they were dedicated and eager to secure the tournament title they’d missed out on the previous year.
A glance at the car park outside his room told him that Adam and Issy were back from the emergency clinic. Fear licked through him when he strode toward the door even though Adam had let him know she’d checked out all right. It opened and he stepped inside.
Adam lay sprawled out on one of the couches watching television.
“How’s Issy?”
“She’s asleep. The doctor said it was the best thing for her.”
“I’ll check on her,” Tyler said. He waited for Adam to protest and was surprised when he didn’t. Shrugging mentally, he stepped into Issy’s bedroom.
A soft whistle came from the bed, bringing a smile to Tyler’s lips. A cute little sound that was almost a snore. Tyler bent down to smooth a lock of chocolate brown hair off her pale cheek. In that moment he realized how much he’d come to love her, how much he wanted her in his life. Hell. Tyler straightened and dragged a hand through his damp hair. When he’d initially suggested a month together, she’d agreed without hesitation. She didn’t want anything permanent. Tyler stooped to place a gentle kiss on her cheek before backing from the room. Somehow, he’d have to change her mind.
“Damn, I never thought I’d see the day when you fell for a woman,” Adam mocked from his position on the couch. “Even though you have good taste.”
Tyler grabbed two cans of beer from the fridge and handed one to his friend before taking a seat on the other couch. “I thought you might beat my head in.”
“Too comfortable to do it right now.” Adam grinned. “Maybe later.”
Tyler snorted. “All right. Just give me warning so I can start running.” He tipped back the can and let beer pour down his throat. “Was she lucid before she went to sleep?”
“Yeah. Said she had a bit of a headache but she wants to play rugby tomorrow if the team made it through.”
“The Jets won both games. The girls played well.” Tyler frowned, his stomach flipping with a spurt of anxiety when he stared at Adam. Hell, she can’t be thinking clearly after the bump on the head. “Adam, Issy can’t play rugby tomorrow. The rules state she can’t play for another two weeks because she suffered a complex concussion.”
“Fuck,” Adam cursed. “I had a feeling that might be the case but I didn’t want to upset her. I thought sleep was the best thing. She’s gonna be pissed.”
“Yeah,” Tyler said glumly, knowing just who’d land up in the firing line when she heard the news.
* * * * *
Issy woke and judging by the lack of light in her room, decided the hour was still early. A gingerly move told h
er the headache had disappeared during the night and in fact, she felt pretty good. Good enough to go out on the field today and impress the Black Ferns’ selectors. That was if the Jets had made it through pool play to make the quarterfinals.
Shivering a little, she clambered out of bed, pulled on a pair of sweats and matching top along with some thick, warm socks before she hurried from the room to see if either Tyler or Adam were out of bed yet.
The scent of coffee hit her and her stomach gave a loud rumble, making her realize she’d missed dinner. “Morning,” she chirped when she slid onto a stool at the breakfast bar.
“You look as if you feel better,” Tyler said. “Do you want a coffee?”
“I feel great. No headache or anything.” She grinned, joy bubbling up inside. “I can’t wait to get out on the rugby field and show those selectors my stuff.” Issy glanced at Tyler, her smile fading when she saw his expression. “Oh heck. I just presumed we’d made it through to today. We were playing so well I couldn’t imagine another outcome.” Hot and heavy disappointment took the shine off her feel-good mood.
“No, we made the quarterfinals. Issy, you can’t play because of your concussion. The rules state you can’t play for two weeks.”
“But I’m fine. I can play. You can fix it so I can play.” Her hands gripped the plain brown countertop while her gaze fixed on him. She noticed a tic spring to life in his jaw. Her hands gripped harder until the blood leached from her knuckles. Her heart pounded so loudly that was all she could hear. “I have to play. If I don’t play, I won’t have a chance of making the Black Ferns.”
“I’m sorry, Issy.”
“No!” The word was a scream of pain and brought her brother running.
“Issy, what is it?” Adam demanded, his gaze darting to all four corners of the room as if he expected to see an intruder.
Pain knifed through the region of her heart and a sob caught in her throat when she attempted to speak. Swallowing, she tried again. “Tyler won’t let me play rugby today. I won’t have a chance to make the Black Ferns. It’s all I ever wanted.” Her dream. God, her dream was exploding in a puff of smoke.
“Issy, it’s the rules,” Tyler said.
“Rules are made to be broken. God, I thought you felt something for me. I thought at least we were friends.” She stared at Tyler, her vision blurred by the tears streaming down her face.
“I do care for you.” Tyler started to move around the breakfast bar but Issy held up her hands, palms facing him in a stop signal.
“All you wanted was sex,” Issy spat.
“No—”
“Stow it, Tyler. I don’t want to hear it. Adam, will you take me home? If I can’t play rugby, there’s no point staying.”
Chapter Six
Three weeks later
The ring of the telephone echoed through the house, just when Issy had settled her chilled body into the bath water after playing a friendly game of rugby with the Rubies, a team touring from Australia. Damn. Adam had left to go back to wherever his unit was playing war games. She froze, cocking her head in the hope she’d manage to hear some of the message since the bathroom door remained open. A male. That’s all the info she gleaned.
Too bad. They’d have to wait until she thawed out a little. The hot water had given out by the time her turn had come for the showers so she’d decided to wait until she arrived home.
Half an hour later, dressed and warm, Issy wandered to the kitchen and pushed the play messages button on the answer phone.
“This is Grant Enderley. Can you please ring me as soon as possible?” He rattled off a number but Issy couldn’t have jotted it down if she’d tried because her hand trembled violently. Grant Enderley was one of the Black Ferns’ selectors. Issy played the message again and this time managed to scribble the number on the back of an envelope. With shaking fingers she dialed and waited for a reply.
“This is Issy Deans,” she said on a rush when someone picked up. “You left a message for me to ring.” She heard the thread of nerves in her words and sucked in a quick breath in an attempt to calm herself.
“Issy, I’m glad you rang. One of the players we’d selected for the Black Ferns has had to pull out due to injury. I’m ringing to see if you’re available. Tyler Jameson suggested you would fit in with the existing team. I’ve seen you play before and have to agree.”
“Yes, I’m available! Thank you. I’d love to play for the Ferns.” Issy wasn’t sure how she managed to squeeze the words out. Tyler had suggested her to the selectors after the way she’d screamed at him, accused him. Even after she’d blamed him for not being able to play and had refused to see him again.
Contriteness brought a wave of shame. He’d been right. She’d known all along, but the crushing disappointment had been so difficult to bear that she’d lashed out.
“We’re training in Epsom, at the high school. Tomorrow at six,” Grant Enderley said.
“Thanks! I’ll be there.” Issy hung up with a huge grin stretching from ear to ear. Her smile dimmed when she thought of Tyler.
Lord, she’d missed him once she’d come to terms with her disappointment.
Issy knew there was only one thing to do. She straightened her shoulders, grabbed her wallet and car keys and left the house.
The lights were on at Tyler’s place. Her breath hissed out with relief. Here’s hoping he was alone. She rapped on the door and waited, her heart pounding with a combination of fear of rejection and anticipation at seeing Tyler again. Footsteps sounded. The door opened.
“Issy.” His face gave no clue as to his feelings.
“Can I come in?”
Tyler stood aside to let her enter and followed her to the family room where he relaxed and watched television. Issy sat before springing to her feet. She clenched her hands, unclenched them, noticed they were trembling and hid them behind her back.
“I’ve come to apologize for acting such a bitch.” Issy looked him straight in the eye, refusing to make excuses. “I was frustrated and took my disappointment out on you. I’m sorry. I’ll understand if you don’t want to forgive me, but I am sorry.”
Tyler moved nearer and cupped her face with his hand. “I’ve missed you, Issy.”
She closed her eyes, her heartbeat accelerating even further. The truth. It was time for the truth, no matter what happened. She opened her eyes again. “Tyler, I love you. I’ve always loved you. It was never just sex for me and I’d like more.” She scraped a hand through her hair and forced herself to look at him. “I want you. I always have.”
A slow smile spread across his lips, lighting his eyes. “God, Issy. If you hadn’t come to me tonight, I would have arrived on your doorstep soon.” His hands grasped her shoulders and he drew her against his hard body. “I wasn’t letting you go that easily, not when I fell for you the minute I walked into the changing rooms on my first coaching day.”
“Really?”
“I love you, Issy Deans. Let me show you.” He drew off her coat and removed the rest of her clothes before she had time to do much more than blink. Tyler tore off his clothes and backed her to the couch, primitive hunger stamped into his features.
Warmth bled through her veins, and both body and mind hummed at being the focus of that raw, male desire.
“Tyler, “I’ve missed you.”
“We’re together now, sweetheart.” He nuzzled her neck, his lips lingering against her warm skin. Then, he lifted his head, his eyes full of need. Their lips met in a voracious kiss, and they fell in a tangle of limbs, hands and lips greedy. Touching. Tasting.
She inhaled aftershave and hot male. Every nerve ending in her body vibrated with pleasure, heat punching hard and fast. Relief too. Tyler scored the tender skin along her throat, pinched her nipples, probed her cleft.
Issy sucked in a quick breath, releasing it on a moan when he moved over her body and pushed inside her. “Tyler, I love you so much.”
“Good,” he purred in her ear. “Don’t ever forget it.�
� Tyler kissed her until she was breathless, and she kissed and touched him in return.
“Enough talking,” she said. “Make love with me.”
“I thought that’s what I was doing.”
Issy laughed, joy filling her heart. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she clung. He wedged her thighs apart, and when he pushed into her soft, needy sounds issued from her throat. He filled all the empty places that had grown while they were apart. He was the part of her that had been missing, she realized.
Their lips met again and the hot, wet slide of his cock into her body thrilled her. “Yes,” she murmured at his erotic assault. “You do that so well.”
He chuckled even as he repeated his thrust.
“Tyler.” She gripped his shoulders, clinging. Layer upon layer the pleasure built, bigger and better than the last time they’d been together because she wasn’t holding any part of herself back.
“You feel perfect.” Tyler groaned, a sound of enjoyment that sent her flying. She cried out, kissed his neck, his shoulder and her climaxed took her. His big body jerked as she held him through his own orgasm.
For long moments they held each other, the silence a comfortable one.
“You’re going to be a Black Fern.”
“Yes. Training tomorrow night,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d have a chance this year. I thought…I thought I’d have to start again next year.” She searched his gaze. “I really am sorry for the way I behaved. Adam said I wasn’t being fair.”
“I understood. I understand now. Rugby is important to you. It’s going to mean we’ll be apart while you’re on tour or when I’m away with team commitments for the Dragons. Are you going to be okay with that?”
Issy twirled a lock of her hair and tried a pout for size. It felt stupid—a bad fit—so she grinned instead. “I thought you were going to make an honest woman of me. At least Adam told me you’d better.”
“Let’s leave your brother out of this,” Tyler said.
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