Played: A Novel (Gridiron Series Book 4)

by Jen Frederick

  Knox stops, clasps his hands around my head, and pulls my forehead to his lips. He drops a noisy wet kiss right below the hairline. “I’ve always wanted a sister.”

  Ty pushes Knox away. “Go get your own girl.”

  “She's at home,” his brother pouts, but he obediently opens the door. Before leaving, though, he sticks his head back in. “Ellie says that I'm the one with the great eyes and that Ty's are too far apart.”

  “Ellie's clearly blind because why else would she pick you over Ty,” I retort.

  Knox opens his mouth to reply, but Ty has had enough. He shoves his brother out of the doorway and slams the door shut.

  “Do you have something to say to me?”

  I think for a minute. “I'm sorry?” I guess.

  “About what?”

  “Is there more than one thing I have to apologize for?” I ask.

  He crosses his arms against his chest. “Many, many things.”

  “If I'm on my knees, will the forgiveness come faster? How about if I add my tongue? I've been practicing some deep throat methods with a cucumber—Wait!” I yelp. My view is suddenly distorted. I'm no longer looking at his face, but rather his ass.

  It's a fine ass though. I give it a happy squeeze. In response, my butt gets slapped. I don't mind it though. I wriggle around to let him know he could do it again.

  He groans and then bites me through my jeans before tossing me onto the bed.

  I watch in avid fascination as his T-shirt comes off, followed by his jeans, socks and shoes. I pause to appreciate his glorious nakedness before getting down to the business of removing my own clothes.

  “If I'd known that I'd get such a great reception to the twin test, I would've taken it sooner.”

  “Liar,” he breathes into my neck.

  My hands still at my waistband. “Wh-what do you mean by that?” I stutter.

  “You did take it before and you intentionally failed it,” he reminds me.

  He doesn't sound too mad about it. Probably because we have our clothes off. I stroke his muscled abs, appreciating how firm and sculpted they are. It's like touching a piece of art.

  A fucking awesome, ripped piece of art.

  “I couldn't break the friendship seal, remember?” I tease. More seriously, I say, “But, in truth, you haven't been a good boyfriend. I wanted to be with you forever and being your friend seemed the best way to do that.”

  He dips his head lower to fan kisses across my collarbone, which feels incredible. Who knew the collarbone was so sensitive?

  “I wasn't a good boyfriend because I always wanted to spend time with you. You and football are the only things I really care about.” His delicious lips glide over the top curve of my left breast while his nimble fingers cup and mold my right one.

  I squirm under him, trying to keep the contact and take my jeans off at the same time. It's not easy. His deft hands help me tug my jeans off. They sweep up my bare legs and end at my hips, where he roughly pulls me against him. I suck in a breath when my wet, sensitive parts make contact with his silky hardness. I forget what we're talking about.

  He moves lower.

  “I think I'm supposed to be doing the work and you're supposed to be conserving your energy.”

  He places a kiss on my stomach. “Tomorrow is medical and interviews. I think I have the stamina to make love to my girlfriend tonight and make it through tomorrow with no problems.”

  His girlfriend. My heart flutters like a fifteen-year-old girl's.

  “You liked that, did you?” He flashes a grin. Then his face turns serious. “I can be a good boyfriend,” he vows. “Give me a chance.”

  I run a hand over his hair. It's soft and silky under my palm. “I know,” I say quietly. “You need to give me a chance, too. I'm bound to screw up. We're too stubborn sometimes. I think we need to give more.”

  The wicked grin is back. “I've lots I'm ready to give you.” He dips down to press a kiss on one bare thigh and then the other. His hot breath turns my already heated skin molten.

  I close my eyes and thank everything in the universe for giving me Ty. And then I put everything I have into showing him how much I love him.

  32

  Ara

  I decide to wait in the hotel bar instead of the ballroom where they are holding the draft. I’m too nervous. I don’t know how those boys handle it, sitting in there with about a thousand cameras pointed in their faces, looking for the slightest reaction that they can blast to the millions that watch. Then there are the hardcore fans in the stands who might boo if you get drafted to their team because they were hoping for some other player.

  There's a long introduction by the commissioner who is soundly booed. No love lost between any of the fans and the head of the NFL.

  There are awards and a speech. I drink three glasses of Coke. My bladder's going to burst before the first draft pick is announced.

  Ty said his interviews went great. He ended up hiring Knox's agent who smoothed over all the bad rumors that had dogged Ty at the combine. Plenty of the interviewers asked about both the ex-agent and Rhyann, along with a host of other dumb questions.

  It helped, Ty admitted, to have both a new agent and a new girlfriend. I told him I expected a cut of the signing bonus. He presented me with a pair of diamond earrings so I've shut up about the money. I'm afraid if I tease him again, I'll end up with a Bentley or something.

  I tap the glittery earrings and admire them in the mirror behind the bar. They are nice.

  On the television screen, I see the general manager of Las Vegas on the podium. As a new expansion team, they get first pick in the draft. They’re going to pick a running back, likely Boots Byers from USC. I doodle on my napkin. Ty's projected to go third, like his brother, which puts him in Minnesota. Ty says he wants to go fifteenth because then we could live together in Michigan. Somewhere along the line, he got the impression that I have to live in Michigan in order to be mentored by this artist that Dad hooked me up with.

  I've given up explaining to him about planes and Skype and email and figure that he'll get the message when he finds me camped outside his apartment in whatever city he plays in.

  “Need another drink?” a deep voice asks me.

  I drop the pen on the counter. “What are you doing here?” I ask in shock.

  Before he can answer, the bartender hops over. “Knox Masters, right? I'm a big fan.” The two shake hands. “What can I get you to drink?”

  “He's gearing up for the season,” I interject, somewhat afraid of what the big guy next to me is going to say. He’s wearing a smile I don’t trust. “He'll take a water, hold the lemon.”

  The bartender's eyes dart to me and then back.

  “I'll have a water, hold the lemon,” is the laughing response. The boy slides onto the stool next to me.

  I wait until the bartender's out of earshot before hissing, “What in the hell are you doing here?”

  “And with the number one pick of the draft, the Las Vegas Dragons select Ty Masters from Southern U,” blasts the television.

  “Oh my God!” I turn to my companion who grins. “You knew all along.”

  A huge cry of surprise erupts in the bar along with cheers and a couple scattered boos.

  “I got the call earlier.”

  “You didn’t tell me?” I punch him in the arm and then shake my bruised hand. It definitely hurt me more than him.

  I watch as the camera spans to a familiar face and zooms in. “I hope he trips and falls on his face with those glasses on,” I mutter.

  “Here's your water,” the bartender says. “Pass along my congrats to your brother.”

  “I will.”

  “You're going to hell,” I say under my breath.

  “You have no sense of humor.”

  “You two find this twin switch stuff way too funny.”

  Behind the glass, his lips curve up. “Come on. It is kind of humorous, right?”

  “I thought you didn't like the twin
switches.”

  “Knox couldn't resist.”

  “You two are crazy. I can't believe you let him go on stage as you.”

  “I don't like that shit anyway.” He leans over to give me a kiss, which I dodge expertly. I jerk my head to the bartender who is watching us.

  Ty sighs and slides a hand up my thigh. “Let's go upstairs.”

  I take a second to resist and then give in. If he doesn't care to celebrate this event like a normal college football player, then I'm not going to worry about it. Sex sounds good. More than good.

  I hop off my stool. He starts to follow. I shake a finger at him. “Can you at least put some effort into pretending you're Knox? Otherwise, everyone's going to talk about how kinky the twins are, swapping girlfriends and wives.”

  Ty slides back on his stool. “Whoops. Okay. I'll be up in five.”

  “Thirty minutes.”

  “Five.”

  “Twenty-five minutes.”

  He looks at his watch. “It's gonna be four minutes now.”

  I run off, his crazy laughter following me.

  I manage to get to the room and disrobe before his key is in the lock.

  “Nice,” he says approvingly as he approaches the bed. His clothes are flying off—shirt rocketing to the left, suit pants on the floor. “This is how you should always greet me. In bed and nude.”

  He dives under the covers. His hand finds me immediately. Not gonna lie. I'm already wet.

  “And ready,” he adds. His mouth covers mine. He kisses me tenderly at first. Some little nips at the corners of my mouth. Tiny flicks of his tongue against the seam of my lips. I grab his hair and mash his head to mine. After kissing him breathless, I release him.

  “First, congratulations. Second, enough with the teasing.”

  I push my hips upward to show my eagerness. He laughs then, but his laugh turns to a husky groan when I reach between us to clasp his erection.

  “Now,” I demand.

  He pries my fingers off his dick. “Not yet. I need a little taste.” His own hand delves between my legs. I’m already wet and ready. “Nice.” He smiles approvingly. “You’re such a hot piece, Ara.”

  Another time, that might be offensive, but when it comes out of his mouth, it’s damn hot. Like he owns me, which he does. I’m totally his. I spread my legs wide.

  “This hot piece needs some special attention.”

  “I know. Your little clit is going to be so lonely while I'm traveling,” he says, flicking his finger against the swollen bundle of nerves. “How are we going to make this work when I'm playing ball? You gonna Skype sex with me?”

  “If you want. I guess that means I can't have a roommate.”

  “Why would you? I'm buying an apartment and you're living with me.” He licks my clit to emphasize his point.

  “That sounds like I'm your kept woman.”

  He hooks his arms under my thighs and palms my ass. Better access for his mouth. I stroke his hair away from his forehead.

  “Nah. Think of it as a down payment.” His inquisitive tongue dances along my sex. It takes a lot of effort not to push myself onto him, but he wants to play. “When you become a world-famous author/illustrator, you'll be responsible for buying me expensive shit. I'll take a Rolls Royce, please.”

  “I can't see you driving a Rolls Royce.”

  He gives me one long lick before saying, “We won't know until you buy me one, will we?”

  “Do I get to order you around then?” He kisses me again, this time plunging his tongue inside of me. I bite on my lower lip to keep from crying out.

  “Of course. Why don't you start practicing? Like, Ty, baby, put your cock in my pussy. Or lick my clit and tongue me until I pass out.”

  He switches positions, pushing a finger inside of me. Then another. Sweat breaks out on my forehead. Come on, Ara. Hold out a little while longer. For womankind.

  “How about clean my bathroom?” I say between pants.

  “I can pay for that.” His finger-fucking is slow and steady. I'm dying.

  “Why not pay for someone to tongue me?”

  The movement stops immediately. “No. Anyone touches you and they die.”

  “Your NFL career would be over.”

  “That's a hill I'm willing to die on.”

  His face is dead serious. Now's not the time to be teasing him, Ara.

  “I would never,” I say, reaching down to cup his jaw. He presses a kiss into my palm.

  “I hope you know I would never either.”

  “I know.”

  “You do?” He seems surprised, but pleased.

  I draw a heart on his face. “We've been friends for the past four years. I know you. If you wanted to sleep with another woman, you'd probably fly here and tell me to my face. You wouldn't cheat on me.”

  “Some girls can't handle this life.”

  “Some guys can't either.”

  He nods and presses another kiss on my palm before rising up and covering me with his body. “Good thing we're a perfect fit.”

  He glides into me in one strong, sure movement. My breath catches at the back of my throat, but I manage to gasp out, “Yes, perfect.”

  And then I'm done talking. My mouth is put to better uses such as sucking on his neck, licking the sweat off his perfect skin, and whispering over and over how much I love him.

  He shudders, weak at my barest touch. Electricity courses through me as he brings me alive with each thrust of his body.

  “I love you, Ara. I'd love you if I were in another body, or another mind, in another time. I'd always know you. I'd always love you.” He captures my mouth and I can feel the tenderness pour out of his body into mine.

  We fuse together. Our mouths, our bodies, our hearts.

  I don't know if it's destiny that made him run into me that first day of school. I don't know if it's fate that has brought us together. It doesn't matter, though. What matters is that we put our vulnerable hearts on the line, and we have been fully rewarded.

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  #GetSacked

  by Jen Frederick

  Available Now

  What he wants he gets...

  Knox Masters is a quarterback's worst nightmare. Warrior. Champion. And...virgin. Knox knows what he wants--and he gets it. All American Football player? Check. NFL pros scouting him? Check. Now, he's set his sight on two things. The national title. And Ellie Campbell. Sure, she's the sister of his fellow teammate, but that's not going to stop him. Especially not when he’s convinced Ellie is the one.

  ...but he's never met her before.

  But Ellie isn't as sure. She's trying to start a new life and she's not interested in a relationship...with anyone. Beside it's not just her cardinal rule of never dating her brother's teammates that keeps her away, but Ellie has a dark secret that would jeopardize everything Knox is pursuing.

  Knox has no intention of losing. Ellie has no intention of giving in.

  #GetJockblocked

  by Jen Frederick

  Available Now

  She’s always played it safe…

  College junior Lucy Washington abides by one rule—avoid risk at all costs. She’s cautious in every aspect of her life, from her health, to her mock trial team, to the boring guys she dates. When a brash, gorgeous jock walks into the campus coffee shop and turns his flirt on, Lucy is stunned by the force of attraction. For the first time ever, she’s willing to step out of her comfort zone, but can she really trust the guy who’s determined to sweep her off her feet?

  He’s always played around…

  Entering his last year of college eligibility, linebacker Matthew "Matty" Iverson has the team captaincy in his sights. And it’s his for the taking, if he can convince his quarterback Ace Anderson to give up the starting position. Luckily, Matty already has an edge—the h
ottie he’s lusting over just happens to be Ace’s childhood best friend. Getting Lucy on his side and in his bed? Hell yeah. Matty is more than confident he can have both, but when he falls hard for Lucy, it’s time for a new game plan: convince the woman of his dreams that she’s not sleeping with the enemy.

  About the Author

  Jen Frederick is the USA Today bestselling author of Unspoken, part of the Woodlands series, and Sacked, part of the Gridiron series. She is also the co-author of the New York Times Bestselling series, The Royals. She lives in the Midwest with a husband who keeps track of life’s details while she’s writing, a daughter who understands when Mom disappears into her office for hours at a time, and a rambunctious dog who does neither.

  Drop her a line:

  jenfrederick.com

  jensfrederick@gmail.com

  Also by Jen Frederick

  Sacked (Knox & Ellie)

  Jockblocked (Matty & Lucy)

  Downed (Ace & Bryant)

  Undeclared (Woodlands #1)

  Undressed (Woodlands #1.5)

  Unspoken (Woodlands #2)

  Unraveled (Woodlands #3)

  Unrequited (Woodlands #4)

  Unwritten (Woodlands #5)

  Losing Control (Kerr Chronicles #1)

  Taking Control (Kerr Chronicles #2)

  Revealed to Him

  Last Hit (Hitman #1)

  Last Breath (Hitman #2)

  Last Hit: Reloaded (Hitman #2.5)

  Last Kiss (Hitman #3)

  Last Hope (Hitman #4)

  Copyright © 2017 by Jen Frederick

  Cover Photo © Charlie Matthews

  Cover Design by Meljean Brook