By the time she’d stepped out of the shower and dressed, Jaden was up, pounding on the door.
“Sorry to rush you, but I need to get out of here.”
I bet you do.
“Why?” she said aloud. “Don’t we want to have breakfast and take a walk along the Strip? I want to see the pyramid and the Eiffel tower, maybe go up the Stratosphere and take a panoramic shot.”
“You can do that after the spa, but I have an all-day session at the sports medicine conference.”
Liar. She took her time applying her makeup. Jaden jiggled the door. “You know what? Let me leave. Meet me back here after your massage.”
“To hell I will,” Ella muttered under her breath and yanked the door open.
“Instead of the spa, I want to attend your sports medicine event,” she announced, stepping out of the bathroom, dressed in a flowing tulip shaped dress with a drop down back.
“Sports medicine?” Jaden sputtered. “But you’ll enjoy the spa so much more. I ordered the royal treatment: deep tissue massage, aromatherapy, foot scrub, hot stones, facial.”
Ella slipped her hand in his and rubbed up against him. Time to make him squirm.
“Now that we’re lovers, I want to learn more about your world—the things that are important to you.”
Jaden swallowed, his throat bobbling. “L-lovers? When did this happen?”
She tickled the soft spot under his chin, going in for the kill. “Last night, after we made love, and the moonlight shone over our bed, you said if you were writing the script, Zack Fair and Daenerys Targaryen would be lovers, forever.”
Jaden drew his fingers through his hair and shook his head. “That was pretend. I was acting, like you do, in character. Last night wasn’t real. None of it.”
“None?” Ella felt her heart lurch and wobble. She blinked rapidly. “It felt real, like we belonged together. Forever.”
“It was our characters. They wanted to act like they were in love. That’s why we won the cosplay couples prize.”
“No, no, it was real. I felt it.” Pain threaded through her, slithering around her heart and between her ribs. He’d been so ardent, eager to please, intense. They’d had a connection, a real meeting of their inner selves.
She drew in a faint breath and pressed her mouth closed. Why was he acting as if it had all been a game? He had to have felt it too.
“You seemed so sincere, like you meant what you said. Our characters were from two different stories, they weren’t even have supposed to have met, or fall in love. I thought, for a moment, I thought it was me and you, not our characters.” Ella’s voice faltered. She cast her gaze down at his waist and backed away. “I’m sorry. Let me go to the spa like you planned. After that, I want to go home.”
“And miss the awards ceremony and singles costume contest? Aren’t we meeting up with Tricia and her group?” Jaden reached for her, then withdrew his hand.
“I don’t feel like playing anymore.” She grabbed her purse, slinging it over her shoulder. “You can stay for the rest of it, maybe find an Aerith character to play with. She’s Zach Fair’s girlfriend from Final Fantasy, not me.”
“But, I thought you wanted to wear your Lightning costume,” Jaden said. “You worked so hard on it. You said you were prouder of it than the dress you wore last night.”
What was he arguing with her for? It was obvious he didn’t take her seriously, that all the sweet words he’d spoken the night before was playacting. What an idiot she’d been to think he was any different from the other players on his team—the athletic gods with groupies swarming all over them.
She could claw his beautiful eyes out, rip his silky hair from his head. Instead she turned to the door.
“Aren’t you going to be late for your sports medicine conference? Let me get out of your way so you can prepare.” She stepped out the door and slammed it with all her might.
# # #
Thud. The thunderclap of the door socked Jaden’s body and sucked the air from his lungs. That last look she gave him, her eyes darting daggers while her lower lip trembled, shocked him.
A rope of pain twisted around his heart. He hated the hurt he’d put on her face, but he’d never promised her more.
Sure, Zack Fair had said some mushy romantic lines. He’d been caught up by the lady’s beauty, the fantasy of making love to a princess, stealing another character’s bride. Ella surely couldn’t hold it against him since she was playacting too.
The alarm chimed on his phone again. Jaden unzipped his suitcase and dug out his soccer uniform. No time to worry about an upset female. When push came to shove, they played the guilt card, tried to trap a guy and then change him.
It was either Ella, or quit the team and the sport he loved above everything else, throw away his dream of playing professional soccer, of representing the United States at the World Cup or Olympic games.
He was a soccer player, and a damn good one. He was a jock, an athlete, and if Ella didn’t like it, she could stuff it.
But as he laced on his cleats, his head throbbed and pressure built behind his sinuses. She’d gazed at him with adoration last night. She’d loved him, thoroughly pampered him, and she’d never lied to him. It must have been hard for her to come back to this very convention center, the place where she’d been molested and almost raped by that gang of douchebags. Could it be she wasn’t acting in character? That she really believed he could protect her and take her nightmares away? And why did the thought of being the fantasy man for her feel so appealing?
Chapter 8
Ella lay on the massage table and allowed herself to be pounded and kneaded. The therapists rubbed her with anxiety relieving oils: lavender, chamomile, and spicy citrus.
It wasn’t working. Her heart rate stayed stubbornly elevated. They scrubbed her feet with sugar and coconut oil and gave her a facial.
She lay under steaming towels, while the two therapists spoke in an Asian language. Above them, the TV was tuned to the UNLV versus Cal Berkeley soccer game.
The score was 0-0, boring. From what she could tell, the men simply moved the ball back and forth and back and forth, always missing the goals. Most of Berkeley’s shots didn’t come close, sailing over the net.
Every time Jaden prevented a goal, the two therapists would cheer and talk excitedly. Ella could care less. Jaden could use his hands. What was the big challenge in that?
“You don’t like soccer?” the one named Linda asked.
“Not really,” Ella said. “It’s not that interesting. A bunch of big men kicking a little ball up and down the field.”
“Oh, but the men, they’re so hot,” the other therapist, Nancy, said. “You said you’re from California?”
“Yes, I’m here for Cosplay-Con.”
“That one,” Linda said, pointing to the TV, “the Korean one, he’s the best.”
“Do you know him?” Nancy asked.
Ella feigned careless laughter. “California’s a big state. I can’t say I know a certain Jaden Sloup.”
“He’s handsome.” Linda fluttered her eyelids. “I saw him this morning walking out of the hotel.”
“What a save by the Cal goalkeeper,” the announcer yelled. “But he’s down.”
“Ai ya!” Nancy exclaimed.
Play had stopped and several guys were piled up on the field. Ella’s heartbeat jumped. Was that Jaden in the middle of the heap? Soccer wasn’t supposed to be a contact sport.
They replayed it in slow motion. Jaden shot off his feet to block a shot, launching himself directly into the path of an opponent, who kicked while Jaden batted the ball away. The striker’s foot snapped Jaden’s head back, and he landed in an awkward angle.
Ella leaped from the table, dropping all the cloths. “Is he hurt? What happened?”
“I don’t know,” Linda moaned. “He’s not getting up.”
Ella clutched her throat and curled her toes. What if he broke his neck? What if he was dying right now? She’d never ge
t a chance to say she was sorry for walking out on him. Oh, God, oh God, please let him be okay. Please, dear God.
“He’s up,” the announcer said.
Jaden staggered to his feet, circling his head on his neck. The team doctor and coach surrounded him, but he was shaking his head and signaling he was okay. The camera zoomed in on his face as the doctor examined it. He was bleeding from a nasty gash.
Ella tore the wraps off her face. “I should be there. I can’t stand sitting here and watch him be hurt.”
“But the game’s almost over. You don’t have tickets.” Nancy guided her back to the table. “You still have the hot stones. It’ll make you feel good, relaxed and comfortable.”
“Sit,” Linda said. “We’ll heat up the stones, then after the game’s over, you can go back to your room and sit in the Jacuzzi.”
Ella couldn’t tear her eyes from the TV. Again, and again, the Rebels threatened the goal. They kicked and jumped. A defender and attacker knocked heads, and the ball sailed toward the goal. Jaden reached high, his arms outstretched and tipped the ball. It hit the top rail of the net and popped over it.
“Another save, I tell you, if Cal wins, it’s all thanks to Jaden Sloup,” the announcer said. “I hear several professional teams are scouting him, but he might play for South Korea.”
South Korea? Ella’s insides clenched. Did that mean he’d leave the United States? Leave her?
Oh stop it. He’s not even committed to you, she chided herself. Her chest tightened and she forced a deep breath to loosen it.
“You want hot stones now?” Linda asked. “You look tense.”
Ella waved her aside, her entire concentration on the game, still tied at 0-0. The Rebel offense drilled toward the goal. Two Cal defenders tangled with the opponent, but the ball rolled toward the goal with seconds to go.
Jaden ran toward the ball. He planted his foot, and swung his other leg in a giant kick. The ball sailed over the heads of the scrambling players. They tore down the field and the opposing goalie ran to block the shot. It glanced off his hands and landed into the net.
“Jaden Sloup scores! Cal wins 1-0,” the announcer yelled. “What a tremendous kick by the Cal goalkeeper. I’d say he’s today’s most valuable player. Wouldn’t you?”
The other reporter replied, “Yes, and there are rumors he wasn’t with the team last night. He arrived late to the field this morning and was fined. The coach almost grounded him from the game.”
“I bet they’re glad they didn’t. What was he up to?”
“Cosplay. Take a look at this.”
“Oh no,” Ella groaned, covering her mouth.
A video of her and Jaden dancing and being voted on for best cosplay couple aired.
“That’s you?” the two therapists said in unison. “What are you doing here?”
“Who’s the lucky lady?” the announcer said as Jaden’s teammates mobbed him, patting his back and hugging him.
The camera panned to the Cal section where the sorority and cheerleaders sat. Ella saw Kimber among the women scrambling down to the field.
“Not sure the cameraman has her spotted,” the other guy said. “She could very well be waiting for him at the locker room.”
“He has to get checked at hospital first,” the announcer said. “That hit on the face jolted his head. Could have a concussion.”
While the two sports reporters rattled on, Ella waved off the hot stones and ran for the locker room. If Jaden had to go to the hospital, she’d be there for him. Her hands shook as she dressed herself. Why hadn’t he fessed up and invited her to the game this morning?
She called Kimber. “Is Jaden okay? Where are they taking him?”
“I don’t know. His face is pretty bloody. I think he needs stitches. How come you weren’t at the game?”
“He hasn’t told me he’s a player. He didn’t invite me.”
“Where are you? I’ll come get you.”
“I’m at the hotel. Do you think he wants to see me? He told me this morning he’s only roleplaying with me.”
“Shit.” Kimber’s tone didn’t sound reassuring. “Those guys and their games. Okay, why don’t you stay put and I’ll find out how he is.”
“Don’t tell him I called.”
“Why?”
“I’ll wait for him in the room. Pretend I had the spa treatment he wanted me to have.”
Ella trudged to the elevator and headed for their Lord of the Rings themed room. If Jaden didn’t want a relationship with her, she didn’t want to push him. He had a bright future, and it was obvious he didn’t want to be tied down. Their final fantasy was tonight and she’d take what she could get from it. Once they were back at Berkeley, she’d break up with him. No big loss.
Yeah, right.
Chapter 9
Jaden downed the pain pills and held the icepack to his face. The taxicab pulled up the hotel, dropping him off.
Swarms of characters paraded down the promenade toward the ballroom. Jaden didn’t have to check the time to know he was late. Hopefully Ella hadn’t gone home. She’d worked too long and hard on her Lightning costume and tonight was the individual male and female competition.
He owed it to her to finish her fantasy weekend. Finish. He cringed at the word. They were finished before they’d even started anything. He was the only player without a woman at the game. His teammates swaggered off the field with hotties galore wrapped around their arms. True, Jaden had been trailed by a bevy of unattached females, and if he hadn’t had Ella in mind, he might have picked one as a substitute.
But right now, all he could think of was getting back to her and making up to her. That deflated expression on her face this morning when he told her he hadn’t meant anything he’d said the night before wrung his heart and twisted his gut.
He exited the elevator and sidestepped a contingent of Klingons. A suite door was open down the hall, and music blasted along with the odor of beer on tap.
Sliding the keycard into the slot, he stepped in. The room was dark. Jaden slumped to the bed and flipped on the lamp, scouting for Ella’s things. Her Lightning costume lay on the floor in a tangle. Where was she?
The bathroom door was closed. He pressed his ear to the door and heard nothing.
“Ella.” He knocked. “Are you in there?”
“Go away.” Her voice sounded strained and lifeless.
“Are you okay?” He jiggled the knob and it turned. “Can I come in? What are you doing here?”
“Taking a bath.”
Well, that would be obvious, but why? Had he hurt her so much she gave up on cosplay? His heart squeezed. He hadn’t meant to cut her down. It was more to protect himself, because damn it all, he’d missed her during the game and at the hospital. The victory would have been more fulfilling if he’d had his girl sitting in the stands, knowing she was watching his every move.
He tapped the door again. “But the contest starts after dinner. You’re missing the main event.”
“You go ahead.”
“Not going without you.” He opened the door and stepped in. The bathroom was steamy, scented with warm vanilla and a touch of cherry.
“What are you doing in here?” She shrunk into the tub under a layer of sudsy bubbles. Her eyes were puffy and red, like she’d been crying.
He knelt at the side of the tub and reached into the water, taking her hand. “What happened? Why aren’t you dressed?”
“I don’t want to go down there.” She bit her lip and swallowed a sob.
He tipped her chin, tilting her to face him. “Are you mad at me?”
“No, you’re hurt. Your face.” Her fingers skimmed the bandages covering his stitches.
“I’m okay. I wish you could have been at the game.” He took a deep breath, but his chest was tight with worry. “I’m a soccer player. I shouldn’t have lied to you.”
“I already knew. I saw you play on TV.”
“What?” Jaden’s jaw dropped and he blinked. “Is that w
hy you’re locked in here?”
“No. I’m just tired. Had a bad day.” She wiped tears from her face.
Jaden’s heart clenched and his stomach twisted. He’d been the cause of it by dissing her earlier. Even the deluxe spa treatment couldn’t make up for the way he pretended she didn’t matter.
He reached for her, stroking her cheek, all pink from the heat and steam. “Whatever happens now, I don’t want you to miss the cosplay finals. I’m sorry about tricking you and making you think I wasn’t a jock.”
“It’s okay. If you hadn’t lied, I would never have gotten to know you. I was wrong. You’re not a player. You’re real and sincere. Even this morning, when you told me you don’t play games, you were honest.” She wiped tears from her face, her blue eyes staring at him expectantly. “Where do we go from here?”
“We’re going downstairs to finish Cosplay-Con.” He tapped her nose and grinned. Now that they cleared the air, they could enjoy the rest of the fantasy. Truth to tell, he was actually beginning to look forward to it, especially since Tricia said to be shocked and surprised at her costume.
“I can’t. They’re there. Those guys.” Ella hugged herself tightly and sank lower into the water.
“Which guys?”
“The guys down the hall partying. I tried to go past them to the elevator and they grabbed me. They wanted me to go into the room and drink. When I tried to get away, they touched me and squeezed me.”
Jaden’s blood thundered through his veins, and he crushed his fingers into a fist. He’d break their faces for bothering Ella.
“Did they hurt you?”
“No, but I wasn’t even wearing a revealing outfit. I wasn’t asking for it.” Ella wiped her face.
“Of course you weren’t. Not even when you wore that Slave Leia costume. Those guys have to be stopped.” Jaden stood. “I’m going to security and break up the party.”
“No, don’t. It’s okay. Two Klingons stepped into the room and helped me out. As soon as I got away, I came back here.”
Played by Love (New Adult Romance): A #Played Novella Page 5