The Player and the Pixie (Rugby #2)

by Penny Reid

  When we reached Ronan I rallied, wanting to be there for my brother. Tom slipped his arm from mine and I went to stand in the section reserved for the bridesmaids. I noticed my brother fidgeting with his cufflinks, so I smiled warmly and gave him a look that said, relax.

  Jeez, he and Annie were as bad as each other today. Then again, it was their wedding. I couldn’t really blame them.

  To a string quartet playing at the back of the hall, Annie finally walked down the aisle. Ronan’s eyes almost popped out of his head. He stared at her like he wanted to devour her right there in front of all the guests. It was just too funny.

  When the ceremony began, I kind of lost focus, my attention wandering back to Sean to find he was already staring at me. Every small hair on my body stood on end as my heart began to pound.

  I love you, I wanted to say.

  I’m sorry for leaving you last night. It was stupid and idiotic and I wish I could take it back.

  I tried to convey all this with my eyes, but I wasn’t sure it was doing the job. In fact, I was certain it wasn’t when Sean suddenly looked away, a muscle in his jaw ticking. By the time I brought my attention back to the ceremony it was almost over, and I tried to focus on my brother and Annie for the next few minutes.

  They were announced man and wife. They were kissing. Everybody was oohing and aaahing at the loveliness of it all, while I was swept up in a sea of uncertainty.

  It felt like Sean was pissed at me.

  Was he pissed at me?

  I would be pissed at me.

  After everything that went down yesterday, it made sense. I suddenly felt sweaty in my dress, as Tom took my arm again and led me outside for pictures. But I pushed thoughts of him from my mind and tried to live in the moment, smiling widely and with feeling.

  Basically, my emotions were all over the map. So I allowed myself to float through the wedding pictures, smile and nod during the reception line, make chit-chat with Ronan’s childhood friends and all guests associated with the rugby team. It was surprisingly easy to pretend. And pretending to be happy began to feel like reality every time I caught a glimpse of Ronan and Annie.

  They were too cute. Seeing them so much in love, blissful even, was enough to make me swallow back tears of joy.

  I didn’t see Sean until the reception dinner, which was held in a hall almost as fancy as where the wedding had been.

  I was seated with the wedding party at a long table at the head of the room that faced the other guests. It felt a little like a feast from olden times, where the royals would sit and eat, watching the revelry of their loyal subjects beyond them in the grand hall.

  I spotted Sean and his cousin at a table with a few other rugby players and their wives. I didn’t know whether to approach him or just leave him be. All through dinner I glanced at him but never caught his eye.

  Once the cake had been cut and passed around, I left the table, making a beeline for the bathroom. It felt like I’d been holding my pee for hours. The wedding band started to play, and lots of couples were taking to the dance floor. I saw Sean rise from his seat with Eilish. It was one of those odd timing things. I didn’t know where everything stood between us and the wedding reception wasn’t the place to hash it out, so I continued on my course to the ladies’ room.

  But just as I was passing them he called my name. “Lucy.”

  I turned and stared at him. He took Eilish’s arm in his and led her toward me. I watched him as he approached, struck as always by his handsomeness, but also seeing something new. Something more.

  Sean was a smart guy. He was wicked talented and funny and, when he wanted to be, was epically sweet. But one of the things about Sean that made him so irresistible to me was how he looked at me.

  He looked at me like I was something wonderful. Not odd. Not embarrassing. It took my breath away. And that’s why when he and the redhead stepped in front of me I couldn’t quite speak. I was so lost in him, how he looked at me, how I saw myself reflected in his eyes.

  And I hoped he saw something similar when I looked at him.

  But then the redhead cleared her throat, drawing my attention to her and her warm smile.

  “Hello,” she said.

  “Hi,” I replied, still a bit dazed.

  She smiled widely. “Forgive my cousin, he’s usually much better with introductions. You must be Lucy?”

  “Lucy, this is Eilish. Eilish, this is . . . Lucy,” Sean offered belatedly, his eyes resting on me for another protracted moment and then falling away.

  “So, you’re Sean’s well-kept secret, eh? I’m quite annoyed with him to be honest. Today’s the first time I’ve heard anything about you.”

  I laughed softly and gave her a wink. “Don’t be put out. Your cousin and I are experts at keeping secrets. It’s lovely to meet you.”

  “You, too,” said Eilish, her attention on my chignon. “Sorry. I think I’m obsessed with your hair. It’s kind of amazing.”

  I grinned. “Thanks.”

  “It is rather,” Sean murmured his agreement.

  A moment of silence passed between us. I was taken aback by the warmth in his eyes. During the ceremony he’d seemed aloof. Now his gaze, though still guarded, wandered over me like I was a dish he was eager to taste.

  “You look very pretty,” he added, his voice low and gravelly.

  Eilish laughed and nudged him with her elbow. “Oh, come on, Sean. You can do better than that. She looks beautiful. Tell her she’s beautiful.”

  Sean gave his cousin an indulgent smile before he looked deeply into my eyes. “You’re beautiful, Lucy.”

  I trembled, trapped in his gaze until Bryan Leech’s voice broke me from my reverie.

  “How’s it going, Cassidy? Has Fitzpatrick cut your balls off yet for sleeping with his little sister?”

  Sean glared at him. I turned around, raising my eyebrow at his audacity, and Bryan suddenly became aware of my presence.

  “Ooops, sorry, Lucy.” He sound both contrite and drunk. “My mouth gets the better of me when I’ve had a few. You know how it is.”

  I shook my head at him and laughed it off. “Indeed I do.”

  Bryan’s attention went to Eilish, his eyes fixating on her bare shoulders, where her dress draped seductively over her flawless pale skin. “Hello,” he said, voice deep. “And you are?”

  “I’m Eilish Cassidy,” she replied with a smile, her tone polished yet friendly, completely unaware of Bryan’s heated appraisal. “And you’re Bryan Leech. Sean’s my cousin. I grew up following the game, so I know all the players’ names by heart.”

  “Do you now,” said Bryan with intrigue, but it wasn’t a question. “What else do you know by heart?”

  Sean suddenly closed his arm around Eilish’s shoulders to lead her away. “And that’s our cue to leave,” he said, shooting Bryan a look that could kill.

  I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing just as Sean moved his gaze to me. He narrowed his eyes in mock disapproval, making my heart skip a few beats. Because if he was teasing me then he probably wasn’t angry. Right?

  Right?

  RIGHT?!

  . . . I hoped so.

  I watched the two of them mingle into the crowd while I stood next to Bryan. Meanwhile, Bryan had completely missed Sean’s stare of dismemberment and watched the young Ms. Cassidy with unveiled lust.

  “Don’t even think about it. Ronan might not have cut Sean’s balls off for being with me, but I can tell you with absolute certainty that Sean will cut off yours if you so much as lay a hand on Eilish. He thinks of her as a little sister.”

  Bryan shot me a wry look and grinned mischievously. “You should stop talking now. You’re only making the challenge more appealing.” He paused and let his eyes wander to Eilish again. “Forbidden fruits are always the sweetest.”

  I patted him on the back before heading to the bathroom. “It’s your funeral, buddy.”

  I speed-walked the distance because I now suffered from a bladder em
ergency. But I didn’t care. Sean had approached me. He hadn’t seemed at all upset, and had introduced me to his beloved cousin. Things were definitely looking up.

  Well, they were looking up until I left the toilet. The first person I saw when I returned was my mother. The relief I felt was quickly squashed when she linked her arm through mine, hijacked my trajectory toward Sean and Eilish, and began determinedly leading me to a table of well-dressed men.

  “Let’s go talk to these gentlemen, Lucy,” she said. “I have it on good authority that they’re all single.”

  “I’m really not in the mood, Mam.”

  “Oh hush. You’re never in the mood. An eligible bachelor isn’t simply going to fall into your lap, you know. You have to work hard for one.”

  “I see. Shall I deck myself out in figure-hugging minidresses and trawl all those fancy bars in town where businessmen go after work in the hopes of securing a wealthy husband?”

  Mam pulled her arm from mine, upset now. “Why do you always have to talk to me like I’m stupid? I’m not stupid, Lucy. I just want you to be happy.”

  “I am happy.”

  “Happy and settled. I want to know you’ve found a man who will keep you safe.”

  “I don’t need a man to keep me safe. And anyway, how do you know I’m not already seeing anyone?”

  Her eyes lit up, her hurt feelings instantly forgotten. “Are you seeing someone? Is it Broderick? He’s quite the dish.”

  “I know exactly how much of a dish you think Broderick is, Mam. You proved that by flirting with him all through Annie’s hen party.”

  “Just because I’m old doesn’t mean I’m dead. I like to flirt. So sue me.”

  “Yes, I know that. And you can flirt with whoever you want, just not my best friend.”

  “So you are seeing him?” Mam asked hopefully.

  “Pardon me,” a deep male voice interrupted as a warm arm wrapped around my middle, drawing me completely away from my mother. “With your permission, Mrs. Fitzpatrick, I’d like some time with my lady before the evening ends. Excuse us.”

  Mam’s jaw practically dropped to the floor as she stared at Sean, who was currently standing behind me, holding me to him possessively. He dipped his mouth to my neck and placed a spine-tingling kiss there. Mam didn’t breathe a word, just continued looking between the two of us in disbelief, like she didn’t know whether to object or jump for joy.

  Sean twirled me around, and God, he looked amazing in his tux. His hair was lightly tousled and his cologne was woodsy and fresh. I wanted to sink into his embrace and just savor the feel and smell of him.

  Last night felt like a lifetime ago.

  The band had just started playing a cover of “Friday I’m in Love” by The Cure.

  Sean stared into my eyes, his lips curving in a seductive smile as he asked, “Care to dance?”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  @SeanCassinova I’m in love and she is the most perfect, gorgeous creature in the universe.

  @RugbyUnLvr01 to @SeanCassinova NOOOOOOO!!! #Devastated :-(

  @SeanCassinova to @RugbyUnLvr01 Sorry, love. #OffTheMarket But may I introduce @THEBryanLeech? He’s single and ready to mingle ;-)

  *Sean*

  Perhaps there existed a very small chance that I’m not always right about everything.

  . . . Perhaps.

  “I told you it was simple,” I said.

  Then again, perhaps not.

  Lucy shook her head, a reluctant smile playing over her delightful lips before she shouted over the music. “There was nothing simple about the conversation I had with my brother last night.”

  Concern had me slowing my movements as I considered her. “Are you all right?”

  She nodded, her smile enigmatic. “I’m okay.”

  I frowned. “What does that mean?”

  Instead of answering, her eyes darted over my face. “Were punches thrown? Because you both seem to be in good health. Or are the bruises elsewhere?”

  “Please.” I rolled my eyes, twirling her then bringing her back into my arms. “You make it sound like we’re savages.”

  She snorted. The sound made me laugh. I held her closer, but not as close as I wanted. It was a wedding, after all. Children were present.

  Regardless, we were drawing stares. Some shocked, most disapproving. I cared nothing for others’ opinions. Only Lucy’s.

  “I’m only savage with you,” I teased, liking how her eyes sharpened. Her grin turned wicked as I said the words.

  “Are you . . .” she started, then drew her bottom lip between her teeth. Still dancing, she studied me uncertainly.

  “Go on.”

  “Are you angry with me?” she blurted at last, her expression betraying worry and guilt.

  I immediately shook my head then leaned close to her ear. “No.”

  “But you were?” I felt her fingers grip the lapels of my jacket.

  I glanced around at the other couples on the dance floor as I spoke. “I didn’t see your note. It fell off the side of the bed and I didn’t see it on the floor until after the unpleasantness at the shop last night. I’m afraid I wasn’t looking very closely when I woke up and you weren’t there. I reacted, I overreacted, and I thought you left me last night for good and I . . . I was in a rage.”

  “Oh, Sean. I didn’t leave for good. I just needed—”

  “I know.” I covered her hands with mine, encouraging her to relax. “We’ll talk later.”

  Embarrassingly, I didn’t see her note because I’d immediately jumped to the worst possible conclusion. I wasn’t going to admit as such out loud, but when I thought she’d left me, I’d become the ape I’d always despised in Ronan.

  “I’m so sorry about the note.”

  “Don’t be. I wish you would stop being sorry.” She had nothing to be sorry for. I’d been the ape. And then I’d been unforgivably awkward, unable to return her smile at the ceremony. I was unused to losing my temper, unaccustomed to losing control.

  “Sean—”

  Before she could continue the thought, we were interrupted. A hand on my shoulder pulled me back and away from Lucy, not roughly. Insistently.

  “Come on, Cassidy. Let’s go.” William Moore stood at my side; his tone wasn’t aggressive, just adamant.

  I lifted an eyebrow at my teammate. “Where are we going?”

  He released my shoulder. “We’re having a match.”

  “What? A rugby match?” Lucy asked, her disbelieving eyes moving between the two of us.

  “That’s right.” William nodded and grinned at Lucy, disproportionately pleased by her question.

  “What? Now?” I asked, glancing around the room and seeing that our team plus several others were removing their jackets and draping them over chairs.

  “Yes. Now.” William pointed to my tie. “I hope that tux isn’t a rental.”

  “Certainly not.” I nearly shuddered my revulsion. Renting a tuxedo, the very thought abhorrent.

  “Good. Lucy can hold your jacket and cufflinks. You’re on my team.” He nodded as though everything were decided and left the dance floor, not waiting to see if I followed.

  “How’d that happen?” I called after him, “Did you lose a bet?”

  “Not at all. I won the coin toss and you were my first pick.” William walked backward and shot me a rare grin. “Only today, you’re playing hooker.”

  ***

  Lucy did hold my jacket and cufflinks, as well as my belt, tie, shirt, shoes, socks, and vest. We played in pants, undershirts, and bare feet—all except for Bryan Leech as he was charged with drop-kicking the ball at the start.

  The lines were estimated. Even so, Bryan’s inebriated kick made it nowhere near Ronan’s ten-metre line. As such, he opted for a scrum at the center of our haphazard field.

  I was too big, my torso too long for a hooker, so it wasn’t my strongest position. As such, we came out on the wrong side of the scrum despite having both props on our side. I grew frustrated by my infer
ior skill, but my rising ire was quickly assuaged by the sound of Lucy cheering for me.

  I glanced over at the sideline, spotting her immediately due in large part to her rainbow hair. Other than Eilish, I’d never had anyone cheer for me specifically. It was an odd sensation, made me feel as though my performance on the field mattered more, because she was invested in my success.

  With renewed determination, I ignored procedure and led the front row, Cain Masey recovering the ball from Ronan’s team after an almost-friendly maul. Since the teams were comprised of several non-professionals and retired players, the general tone seemed affable. Punches were pulled and there was plenty of encouragement all around.

  And so the match progressed . . . for a time.

  Until I had my first possession.

  As soon as the ball was in my grasp, Ronan broke position and rushed forward. He tackled low and hard, knocking the wind from my lungs even though I’d braced for impact. I fell to the ground, mindful of my rucking position and prepared to hand the ball off despite my gasping state.

  However, there’s a reason ruck rhymed with fuck. Because a ruck is where you’re most likely to get fucked up.

  Oftentimes, especially when three gigantic rugby players are piled on top of your back, attempting to roll you over in an effort to achieve a turn over, you’d receive all manner of abuse. Punches, bites, pinches, hair pulls—all par for the course. Especially if there wasn’t a referee.

  Ronan was the bloke immediately on top of me. His fist connected with my eye in a purposeful movement, though he paired it with an “Oops.”

  Several kidney punches, elbows to the sternum and ribs, and a knee under my jaw later, the ruck was over. I’d successfully saved the ball. Bryan had scooped it up and, through my one good eye, I saw him run toward the makeshift goal with no opposition in his way. This was because, though they were supposed to be limited to three, almost every player on Ronan’s team was still on top of me.

  “All right, all right,” William called just as I felt a second impact under my jaw. “Get off him. You’ve just lost a score.”

  “Did we?” John O’Mar’s cheeky response came. “I thought Sean still had the ball.”