by Avery Wilde
I envied her ability to have fun like that. My own college years hadn’t been exactly filled with partying. I’d been on a scholarship, and I’d been so afraid of losing it that I almost never wanted to sit back and let go. I’d gone to a few parties and watched my friends turn into drunk messes, and that wasn’t exactly the kind of thing that inspired me to let my hair down.
“Glad to see you here, Kate.” A low voice greeted me, and I practically jumped a foot in the air as I heard a masculine chuckling sound. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.”
I turned and blushed hotly. “It’s fine,” I said. Jay was leaning up against the wall. He’d changed into dark jeans and a clean button-down shirt that clung to his muscular frame, and I felt my mouth go dry as he stepped closer. It suddenly occurred to me that he knew my name, and I wondered how—Lizzy and I hadn’t actually told him our names earlier when he invited us to the party.
I got my answer a split-second later.
“Y’know, I’ve watched your show,” Jay said. He gave me another one of his lazy grins, and my stomach filled with butterflies. “I really liked that segment you did on dealing with loss. That was good. I watched the whole thing.”
My eyes widened. I couldn’t believe it. A world-famous soccer player actually knew who I was? My show did quite well back home, but it wasn’t exactly primetime TV, and it certainly wasn’t something I thought British people would bother watching.
“Really?” I asked.
Jay nodded. “Yep. That segment was dead-on,” he said. “A lot of people here watch your show, actually. They run it in the mornings and late at night.”
Wow. I’d honestly had no idea I was even remotely popular or well-known anywhere else in the world other than the States, and I couldn’t help the smile that was creeping over my lips.
“I wasn’t aware of that, but thank you,” I said, suddenly feeling awkward. Jay was sizing me up carefully, his gaze sliding over every inch of my body. I wasn’t used to being this thoroughly checked-out, and it was making me feel more self-conscious than ever.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Jay said in a teasing tone. “You probably don’t think someone like me would watch your show. Well, we’re not all a bunch of jocks, as you Yanks would say.”
My blush deepened. It was like he’d read my mind; that was exactly what I’d been thinking when he told me that he watched my show, but all the same, it was embarrassing to have been called out on it.
“I’m glad to know you’re not a dumb jock,” I said. My voice sounded hoarse, and I mentally kicked myself. Get it together, Kate.
“Can I get you a drink?” Jay asked, gesturing to my empty hands.
“Sure. Vodka tonic,” I said automatically. ‘Thank you.”
Jay grinned at me and I felt a little flutter in my chest. There was no doubt about it—he was gorgeous. Every inch of him seemed to be made out of tanned muscle, and when his blue eyes stared at me, I felt a kick of arousal in my lower belly.
“I’ll be right back,” Jay said. He touched me on the shoulder, and I felt sparks fly between our bodies. “Don’t go anywhere.”
He sauntered off, and I noticed with a gleam of pride that he ignored the lusty looks from all of the other women in the room. Lizzy was in the corner, wrapped around her player and kissing him so hard that their heads looked like they’d melted together in some sort of freak accident.
I felt a buzzing in my pocket and reached down for my cell phone, and I groaned when I saw the number. It was Josh. My heart sank. What does he want? And why does he have to call me now?
I knew if I didn’t answer, he’d just keep trying, so I picked up. “Hi,” I said. “Now isn’t a really good time to talk. If this is about work, please email me.”
“That would be pretty fuckin’ hard to do, considering you never answer your emails,” Josh replied, his voice slurring slightly. I realized he was drunk, and I frowned. It was barely mid-afternoon back in NYC!
“I saw you on TV,” he continued. “You were at some soccer match. They zoomed up on you.”
I winced. I hadn’t thought of that. In fact, during the game, I’d barely paid attention to the cam shown on the big pixelated board. I’d been too busy concentrating on Jay and pretending like I wasn’t.
I bit my lip. “I’m visiting my sister in Manchester,” I said. “I sorted it out with the boss, so if you have any questions, ask him. I’ll be back before we start taping the back-to-school specials.”
“I’m not calling about that,” Josh said. His breathing sounded heavy and ragged. “I’m calling to tell you that you need to come home. You belong here with me and you fucking know it.”
There was a pause, and I didn’t answer. I was too shocked at his incredible arrogance.
“Kate? You still there?”
“Yeah. What on earth are you talking about?” I asked. “I mean…are you kidding me? We broke up. We’re done. We’re not getting back together, and I’m not interested in you anymore!”
Josh laughed harshly. “Yeah, I guess you’re having too much fun whoring yourself out to soccer players,” he said. “If you knew what was good for you, you’d be on the first plane back to America.”
Rage filled my body but I somehow managed to keep my tone curt and polite. “Shows how much you know,” I said. “Over here it’s called football. Bye, Josh.”
Before he could answer, I ended the call and shoved my phone back in my pocket. I was seething mad. Just who the hell did he think he was? And why on earth did he think he could control me like that? I wasn’t his. I’d never even come close to being his, because he’d been such a disrespectful prick!
Jay finally returned, carrying two drinks in his hands, and when he handed me one of the glasses, I threw my head back and sucked every drop of vodka down my throat. The alcohol hit me at once; heady, strong, hot. A pleasantly warm feeling soaked through my limbs, and I closed my eyes, enjoying the familiar sensation of the vodka. When I looked at Jay, all thoughts of Josh slipped out of my head and vanished. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief and desire, and before I knew what I was doing, I leaned up on my tip-toes and crushed my body against his.
Oh, god…
This was a bad idea. I barely knew the guy, and up until a few minutes ago, I hadn’t even liked him. And yet, kissing him was the only thing I wanted to do right now.
Our lips met, and I tasted salt and musk as desire flowed like lava through my body. I wrapped my arms around Jay’s neck, pulling him closer, and as he slipped his tongue between my lips, I moaned softly.
Pulling away, I fixed him with my lustiest gaze. “Come with me,” I said in a husky voice.
Jay looked surprised, but also smug, like he’d won the lottery. He took my hand and I led him through the crowded room. All around us, couples were making out, but I didn’t want to do this in front of a huge crowd of people. I was already anxious about my picture appearing on the big cam at the football match, and the last thing I needed was to be plastered on the cover of some tabloid, wrapped around a Manchester United player.
Jay grinned at me and tugged me through a back doorway until we were alone in a deserted little hallway. My heart was pounding in my chest as I stepped closer and pulled him to me again. His lips were soft against mine, and I felt my lower belly thump with lust as he twined his fingers through my hair and gently tugged at my scalp. Up close, he smelled like spicy cologne and musk, and the scent flooded my senses as I closed my eyes, twisting my head to the side and deepening our kiss.
Jay groaned softly and pulled me close against his rock-hard chest, and his pecs pressed against my chest, making me shiver with the slight stimulation on my nipples. He slipped his hands down my back and kneaded my ass firmly through the jeans. It felt incredible, and I spread my legs, allowing him to nudge one of his muscular thighs between my own.
“Kate,” he murmured into my neck as he nuzzled my skin. “I want you…I really fucking want you.”
I looked up at him, my heart poundi
ng and my skin tingling with anticipation. I didn’t do things like this, ever—I wasn’t usually that kind of woman. But right now, I desperately wanted to be that kind of woman, and I wanted him just as much as he said he wanted me. On top of that, I wanted to rebel against my usual state of mind and the relationship rut I’d found myself in time and time again. Maybe this was exactly what I needed to get out of that rut—a fiery fling to keep me satisfied while I sorted myself out and figured out what I needed.
But could I really do it? Could I really just hook up with a big beefy football player who was essentially a complete stranger? I took a deep breath as I quickly thought it over.
And then I kissed him again.
Chapter Five
Jay
As Kate leaned into me and kissed me fiercely with her hot little mouth, I let out an involuntary groan. My cock twitched between my legs and I shuddered, pulling her as close to me as I could without crushing her. As I slid my hands down her smooth back and grabbed her pert ass, lust tore through my body at the thought that I was finally running my fingertips over her excellent figure; that same body I’d pictured myself touching so many times whenever I saw her on TV. I just knew that she’d be a wildcat in the sack, the kind of girl who wouldn’t stop until we were both sore, satisfied, and slick with sweat.
A lady in the street and a freak in the sheets, as they say.
“You’re so fucking sexy,” I murmured into her soft, fragrant neck. “I can’t wait to fuck you.”
She tensed up, and before I knew what she was doing, she’d suddenly pulled away. She looked up at me, her eyes wide, and I thought she was going to say something, but instead she bolted out of my arms and down the hallway.
What the fuck was going on? She’d been totally into it just a second ago; hell, she’d been the one to kiss me, more than once.
I followed her outside of the club and onto the street, and when she realized I was chasing after her, she turned around. Her beautiful face was flushed, her green eyes were sparkling and alive. Her dark hair was mussed and wild, and more than anything, I wanted to reach out and grab her again. I could still taste the sweetness of her lips on mine, and my balls were aching with the urge to take her right then and there.
“Kate, what’s wrong?” I asked, taking her gently by the shoulder.
She looked up at me with anxiety clear on her face. “I don’t know,” she mumbled, flushing as I stared deeply into her eyes. “I wanted to be someone else for a change, and I really thought I could, but I guess I’m not good at doing that after all.”
She looked at the ground, and I could tell she was out of her element. Some of the wind went out of my sails; I still wanted to fuck her more than anything, but I could tell it wasn’t going to happen.
At least not right now.
“Must be nice to try on personalities,” I said with a gentle grin. “I’m always stuck being Jay.”
Kate giggled and blushed again. The red on her cheeks and neck was absolutely delicious-looking, and my cock twitched when I imagined what she’d look like topless and flushing, with the pink spreading down her chest and over her tits.
“I’m sorry,” she said in a soft voice. She looked thoroughly humiliated. “That’s never happened before. I should go.”
I shook my head. Normally, I would have agreed with her. Hell, in most cases, I wouldn’t have even chased a girl outside. My general philosophy on women was ‘live and let live.’ If one left, I knew another would take her place in no time flat. But there was something different about Kate, something that was drawing me in. It wasn’t just that she was beautiful; she had a serene spark to her. She was quietly intelligent and funny, but I could tell she was a kind person too.
“You know what?” I said. “It’s fine, and I’m hungry anyway. Let’s go get something to eat. I know a good place just a few minutes away. You like Chinese?”
Kate nodded. “I love it,” she said. “That’s my favorite cheat food. I’ll just text my sister and let her know I’ll be back soon.”
I chuckled as she tapped away at her phone. She was the last person who needed to be dieting—her voluptuous curves were perfect and exactly what every red-blooded man wanted—but I wondered how strict her network was with her appearance. She skipped alongside me to keep up as I led her towards the food place, and I almost laughed out loud when I saw how she was trotting to match my pace. I slowed down and she let out a grateful sigh.
When we got to the food stall nearby, Kate gave me a questioning look. “You eat at places like this? You’re not mobbed by fans?”
I laughed. “No,” I replied. “No one looks for me in digs like this. They’re always searching the posh steakhouses and pubs.”
Kate nodded and stared at the menu. “Sometimes dives have the best food. But I don’t know what to get,” she said. “Maybe just order whatever’s good, and I’ll share?”
“Sure.”
With Kate in tow, I ordered us a lavish spread. After paying, we took our food over to a side street and sat down at a table belonging to a shuttered café. It wasn’t cold out, but Kate shivered as a breeze blew past us.
I raised an eyebrow. “Cold?”
Kate laughed. “No,” she said softly. She gazed at me with her green eyes and I felt a shiver of lust run down my spine. “Just enjoying myself. This isn’t exactly what I’m used to.”
I leaned back and looked at her. I’d always thought she was a fox, but in person, Kate was even lovelier than she was on the TV. When she was doing her show, she radiated a kind of perfect warmth, but in person, she seemed all too wonderfully real. She was still poised and charming, but she wasn’t too uptight. I liked that.
“I like you like this,” I mused. “You seem so much more real than you do on the telly.”
Kate blushed. She reached forward and took a prawn cracker from one of the baskets in front of us, popping it in her mouth and grinning at me.
“I like to have fun like anyone else,” she said softly. “I just don’t really do things like this in New York all that often. I mean, I would. I just…well, I don’t really have time.”
“Being a busy famous woman and all that?” I winked at her, and to my intense pleasure, the pink blush on her cheeks deepened.
“Not really,” she said. “I mean, yeah. I don’t really see my friends very often. They’re busy, too. Everyone in New York…” She held her hands up in the air and waved her fingers around, and I laughed.
“I’m a sucker for beautiful women doing silly things with their hands,” I said.
She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Well, it’s true. I mean, everyone goes crazy. It’s like a contest—who can be the busiest and the most tired from working too hard. Do you have friends like that?”
I nodded. “My best mate, Connor,” I said. “We grew up together, and he works construction. He’s busy, but he makes time to chat with me from time to time. He usually calls me before a game to wish me luck.”
I didn’t tell her about how worrisome he’d sounded the last time we talked. Besides, I was probably just imagining things. The stress of worrying about a game combined with seeing my ex-girlfriend bitching about me on the TV probably hadn’t done wonders for my self-assurance.
Kate smiled. “That’s sweet,” she said. “The only person I’m really that close to is Lizzy. And here I am. She invited me over so I could have a break from real life.”
“Lizzy’s your sister, right?”
“Yep.”
I dug around in one of the baskets and pulled out an interlocking clump of fried prawns. “These are the tops,” I told Kate. “They’re my favorite snack here. You want one?”
I held out some of the steaming food to her.
“Sure.” She smiled and reached for a tiny fried prawn that was left in the basket. “I don’t eat a lot of fried stuff,” she said as she popped it into her mouth. “The showrunners are really strict with my diet.”
She chewed and closed her eyes, throwing her head back
and moaning softly. “But oh my god, that’s so good! No wonder you love coming here!”
I grinned. “One of my favorite spots,” I told her. “And besides, don’t you love the atmosphere?”
I was being sarcastic, but as Kate looked around, I could tell that she really loved the dark little alley with the tiny lights strung in the tree branches above us. The night was a little chilly and very dark—the occasional breeze smelled fresh, not like rubbish.
“I do,” Kate admitted in a tone more solemn than appropriate. “I mean, it’s just nice to be outside. Sometimes I have similar problems to what I imagine you do, you know. Being recognized.”
“Yeah, I’m not surprised. Your show really is great.”
“Thanks. I really hate complaining about it because almost no one else understands and they just think I’m bragging. But you get it, don’t you?” She looked up at me and I felt another urgent pulse of lust throb in my body. “I mean, you understand.”
I nodded. “Definitely,” I told her with a grin. “I can’t even go out with the blokes anymore without being mobbed. You girls are mad, always wanting me to sign your tits!”
Kate laughed out loud and clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh my god,” she said. “You’re kidding, right? Women actually want you to sign their breasts?”
“You’re barking mad, the lot of you,” I told her with a grin. “Sometimes I feel like I’m a member of some bloody band. I can’t even go for a walk without being spotted.”
Kate laughed and looked at me with her green eyes twinkling. “It can be just as bad in New York,” she said. “I get people glaring at me when someone else recognizes me and says hello. Like they have the nerve to be jealous when I don’t have privacy or anonymity half the time.”
“That sucks.”
“I really don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I love meeting fans, and I know I’m lucky; I’ve been given amazing opportunities. I never even wanted to be on TV, honestly, but now that I’m actually doing it, it’s become my dream career, and I really can’t imagine not doing it.”