by Lea Coll
“It’s hard not to get caught up in the negative energy.” I’d been at enough press conferences to know reporters’ questions could burrow into a player’s psyche, messing him up.
“I know better. I’ve been doing this a long time.”
He’d opened things up for me to talk about what had bothered me this week. “Is that what happened? You just got caught up in the hype?”
“Yeah. I’m not proud of it. I felt like I had to be at every meeting, watch every minute of film.”
“What made you change your mind?” I wanted him to say he missed me.
“Coach pulled me aside, said my responsibility was PT, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and getting better.”
“That’s good advice.” I waited for him to acknowledge he’d neglected me.
“I forgot what’s important.”
“Not really. You wanted to do a good job. Football’s important to you.”
“You’re important to me. I went to camp and did exactly what I said I wasn’t going to do. I got lost. I didn’t have time to call you, to see how you were doing. I hated being stressed out.”
I leaned into him. “I was wondering if you’d changed your mind about us. If a relationship was too much for you right now.”
“I want to be able to call you at the end of the day to talk about it. I want to send you a text just because.” He buried his head in my hair.
“I want that too.”
“How’ve you been?” His lips brushed my hair.
“I went with Dylan to check out one of the places on my list for Grandpa.”
His arms tightened around me. “I hate that you went without me. I wanted to be there.”
“I’d put it off for too long.”
“Did you like it?”
“Yeah, it’s a great place. It sucks to even have to be making this decision.”
“You’re doing the right thing for him.”
“Thanks.” I relaxed into his hold. It felt good to unburden myself, but I wasn’t ready to talk about the financial stress. Like Reid, he’d want to step in and fix it, but I wanted to do it on my own.
“Are you going to move closer to work now?”
I hesitated, not sure what to say. “I’ll think about it more once he’s settled.”
That would be a few weeks. Maybe things will look better. Give Dylan a little time to work her magic.
“I’m so sorry that I wasn’t there for you this week.”
I pulled back so I could see his face. “I want to be there for you too. If you’d talked to me about what was going on, I could have helped.”
“You’re right. I’m not used to having someone to talk to. Someone who’s there for me.”
“You’re used to relying on yourself.”
Something crossed his face that looked like regret. He covered it so quickly I thought I’d imagined it. “I have a day off tomorrow. Let’s spend it together.”
“That sounds perfect.”
He kissed me softly. It felt like coming home. All the worries and unease from the week faded away. We’d handled our first issue without too much fuss. We’d need to communicate better in the future, but for now, we were okay.
His hand in my hair, the other on my waist, he deepened the kiss. Pulling back slightly, he asked, “Are you hungry?”
“No.” I hadn’t eaten anything since lunch, but I wanted to be with him. I needed this assurance that we were okay.
“Good.” He dove back in, kissing me like he’d been starved for me this past week. I wanted to believe that was true. That despite his infrequent texts, he’d missed me. That this was real.
“I can’t get enough of you.” He stood, cradling my jaw, his voice tinged with emotion.
“Me either.” When he was like this, open and vulnerable, I felt like I was in a free fall.
He picked me up, carrying me to his bedroom. He undressed me slowly, using his mouth and hands to trail a path across my body. I felt cherished, loved.
I arched into him, begging for more contact, more of him. I pushed away the doubts and insecurities to stay in this moment with him.
He moved down the bed, spreading my legs with his broad shoulders, sucking my clit into his mouth. This wasn’t a slow seduction. It was a takeover. The sensations rolled over me one after the other, the tight grip of his fingers on my thighs, the suction of his mouth, the scrape of his scruff.
I tugged on his hair. “More.”
He renewed his efforts, using a firmer touch.
I cried out, arching into his mouth, spasming around him. Boneless, I dropped back to the bed, spent. Exhaustion from the stress of the week washed over me. He quickly shucked off his clothes, kneeling between my splayed legs. He interlaced his fingers with mine on either side of my head, lowering his cock to my entrance. He slowly entered me while he kissed me. I couldn’t escape him, the feel of his naked skin on me, his scent, his touch. He was everywhere, overwhelming me, consuming me.
I wanted to get lost in this moment, forgetting everything else.
Everything in my body tightened when he found the spot inside, the one that burned only for him. He started a slow glide, whispering across my lips, “Go over, baby. I want to go with you.”
I whimpered before the orgasm crashed into me like a wave on the rocks, devastating and refreshing. He was chipping away at my defenses, softening out my edges, making me smooth, making me his.
He pounded into me. I lifted my hips, meeting every thrust. I wanted to be enough for him.
He thrust deep, growling into my neck. I longed to be enough for him. It was asking a lot, probably too much for a guy like him. I had to keep those feelings to myself. They’d ruin everything.
He rolled away from me, going to the bathroom. When he returned, he slipped beside me, pulling me into his chest. He kissed my temple, his breath evening out.
I didn’t want to be a stop for him. A distraction or a good time. I wanted to be more than that. I wanted to be everything.
Chapter Twenty-Two
JONAH
It felt good to be home. I didn’t have to open my eyes to know Callie was here. Her hair tickled my arm, her scent invading my nose.
When she moved, kissing my shoulder, I said, “I did something crazy.”
I opened my eyes to her resting her chin on her hand.
“What’s that?” Her eyes were soft, not full of the shadows I’d seen when she was at my door.
“I bought a boat.”
“You did?” Her eyes widened.
“I wanted to do something with you this weekend by ourselves. No friends. No distractions. Just you and me.”
“Where is it?”
“At the dock.”
“Here?” She scrambled out of bed, hurrying to the window to pull back the curtains. “Holy shit. You did.”
I came up behind her, pushing her hair off her shoulder, kissing her skin. “Want to take her out today?”
“I’d love to.” The sun was shining on the water. It made me hopeful for more than one perfect day. It made me think a future was possible with Callie.
“Let’s eat, pack a lunch, and go.”
I wanted a full day of nothing but us on the water, enjoying each other’s company before I had to be back at work tomorrow.
She threw her hair in a messy bun and put on shorts and a T-shirt before following me downstairs.
“I can’t believe you bought a boat.” Her tone was full of wonder as she pulled down mugs for coffee.
There was something else there too, was it jealousy? She’d never hinted that my wealth bothered her before. I figured she was used to it being surrounded by athletes.
I enjoyed what I had, but I didn’t flaunt it. “Do you think it was impulsive?”
I pushed the brew button on the coffee machine, pressing a hip against the counter. She bustled around the kitchen, pulling out eggs and milk.
“Definitely.” Her smile was teasing.
Maybe I’d imagined any jealou
sy. “I work hard. I want to enjoy my free time.”
It was worth the extra cost to expedite the sale and have it delivered.
“Of course.”
Something was still bothering me about her tone. I pushed it aside. I wanted to enjoy today, not assuming there were problems when there weren’t. Too soon, I’d be feeling the pressure of getting back on the field.
When we were together, it faded away. I liked that feeling. I wanted to hold on to it.
She whisked the eggs and milk in a bowl. “I can’t wait to be out on the water. It’s the perfect day for it.”
I moved closer, wanting to touch her while she cooked.
She poured the eggs into the frying pan.
“I like you cooking in my kitchen.” She hadn’t asked, she’d just done it on her own.
Her smile was sheepish. “Sorry, I was hungry.”
“I don’t mind.” I kissed her upturned lips before packing a lunch and snacks while she finished breakfast. We made a good team.
If only my job didn’t take over so much of my life. If only we’d met when I was retired, I’d have the time to put into our relationship.
Unease slid down my spine. Was it wrong to get more involved with her when the season was just starting? Could I give her what she needed? I’d handled this week badly. I’d have to see how things went the next few weeks.
She slid a plate over to me, dropping two slices of wheat toast next to it.
“I could get used to this.” I took a bite of the warm eggs.
“What? Someone taking care of you?”
Affection for her flowed over me, making me warm from more than the fresh-brewed coffee. “You being here in my space.”
She should move in. The idea hit me like a ball to my stomach. Hard and sharp, stealing my breath. It was too soon. We barely knew each other. If this week was any indication, I wasn’t ready for a serious relationship. I was shit at juggling my priorities. I got too focused on one, ignoring the other.
She grinned, then leaned over to kiss me softly.
We ate quickly, eager to get out on the water. I followed behind her, carrying towels and our food.
She paused on the dock, taking it in.
It was a sleek motorboat. Something I could use as a pleasure boat or for fishing.
“I love it.”
I stowed our stuff then held out my hand to her to get on board. I turned on the engine, prepping the boat to leave.
Untying the lines, we headed out on the water. I never thought I’d feel this kind of peace. It was like having my own slice of heaven, the house, the boat, being on the water with Callie. This felt right. This was where I was supposed to be. For the first time, the thought of a long season of practices, games, and travel wasn’t appealing.
I wanted to be with Callie, building this thing between us until it was so strong nothing could break it. My fingers tightened on the wheel. The only issue was my past. Was it possible she wouldn’t find out?
We didn’t have to visit my hometown. My parents never brought up what happened. I assumed they were ashamed.
I drove to a quiet spot and turned off the engine, letting the boat drift.
“Is everything okay?” Callie shifted closer, her hand on my thigh.
I placed my hand over hers. “I’m happy you’re here. This week was crazy.”
“I can’t imagine the pressure you’re under. I feel bad for thinking—” She moved away, looking over the water.
“For thinking what?”
She bit her lip. “For thinking you’d changed your mind about us.”
“That never entered my mind.” The scary part was when I was focused on football, not much else entered it.
She still looked uneasy.
“I want to be with you. I’ll try to do better this week.”
“I don’t want to be clingy. I just like to touch base with you. Know you’re okay.”
“I don’t think you’re being clingy.” I hadn’t been in many relationships. But the one serious one I’d had, we’d talked every day.
“I like being with you.” I pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her.
“Me too.”
“Let’s enjoy this thing between us. I’ll make a better effort to touch base with you while I’m working.”
“I don’t want to be a task on your to-do list.” She moved her finger like she was crossing off a box. “I checked in with Callie today.”
“Don’t ever think that.” She was important to me. I didn’t want her worried about her place in my life. There had to be a way to show her she was a priority.
“Why don’t you come and watch camp sometime this week?”
“I’m supposed to be managing Rebel Sports.”
“Work doesn’t pick up until the afternoon or evening, right?”
She nodded.
I could see her thinking about the possibility. “You could stop by in the morning.”
She licked her lips. “Won’t it be an issue for the media coverage there?”
“I don’t care if they know we’re dating. It might be a good thing. Maybe they’ll go easy on me.”
Her forehead wrinkled. “I doubt that. It could make things harder for you.”
“I like you. I’m with you. End of story.”
She smiled like she liked that explanation.
“Are you ready to fish?”
We spent the day fishing, then eating, then driving around to see different spots on the river. We got back in the evening. We were tired and in need of a shower. I quickly cleaned everything up while she went upstairs to shower first.
Things between us would be easier if I could figure out my job. That was on me. I needed to be more attentive. At first, I was worried she’d be a distraction. She was, but she was the best kind there was. She’d be there for me if I remembered to reach out. When the reporters were stressing me out, I could talk to her. She’d be a sounding board.
I headed upstairs, intending to join her in the shower. I pushed open the door to see her eyes closed and head tipped back as she stood in the water. I undressed, stepping in behind her. My hands skimmed her shoulders. When she startled, I kissed her neck.
“I didn’t hear you come in.” She turned to face me, a smile on her face.
I was falling for her. The words were on the tip of my tongue. I needed her more each day. Instead, I kissed her. Cupping her breasts, I rubbed a thumb over her nipple. They pebbled under my touch, the water making her skin slick.
I wanted her at training camp, in the stands at my games, with our friends. I wanted her, and I wouldn’t stop until she was mine.
She arched her back, pressing her nipples into my hands.
I leaned down, kissing the globes of her breasts, tracing the moisture with my tongue. I vowed to make sure she felt special this week. I’d send her flowers, I’d video call, maybe even add in a little phone sex. Next week, she wouldn’t doubt where she stood. I’d overwhelm her senses, even if we couldn’t see each other often.
Her head tipped back; her eyes closed as my mouth sucked on her nipple. “You’re intense tonight.”
I lifted my head, waiting until her eyes opened. “I don’t want you to doubt me.”
“I won’t.” Her eyes were clear of the worry and doubt I’d seen earlier.
“I’ll make sure of it.” No more leaving things to chance or thinking she’d figure out she was too good for me and walk away.
I hoisted her in my arms, pressing her back against the tiles. Her legs wrapped around my waist, her arms around my neck. When I thrust inside, her head fell back against the wall.
I loved the way her pussy clamped around me. I liked her hot and needy for me.
“Jonah.” She ran her fingers through my hair.
The tenderness in her voice combined with her touch sent tingles down my spine. I covered her mouth with mine so I wouldn’t say the words popping into my head. Be with me. Don’t leave.
The thoughts swirled in my head, get
ting stronger and more insistent with each rotation, but it was too soon. It would trigger a fight-or-flight response in her. Instead, I’d keep it cool, be a good boyfriend, make her a priority. Everything else would fall into place.
I convinced myself she never had to find out about my past. No reporter had ever brought it up. My parents didn’t talk about it. My secret was safe.
I remembered my coach’s advice from high school when I left to play in college. He’d said not to get too cocky. Always work like you were the underdog, like nothing was guaranteed. I’d do the same with Callie. She’d never doubt where my priorities stood again.
I moved my hand between us, pressing her clit. Callie tensed before she moaned, her skin flush and pink from the heat of the water, her pussy spasming around my cock, setting off my own release. I bit her neck lightly, soothing it with my tongue.
“You feel so good.” She felt like coming home. It wasn’t the house. It was her being here. She could take care of herself, but I wanted her here with me whenever I had a spare moment. I didn’t want to waste time waiting for her to travel from the city when we’d have so little time together during the season.
Her arms and legs tightened around me as if she wasn’t ready to let me go. We stood like that for a few minutes until the water ran cold and Callie began to shiver.
“Let’s get you out of here.” I carefully placed her on the floor, grabbing a thick towel to wrap around her.
Her expression was so vulnerable, I leaned down, promising to take care of her with my kisses. My touch. I’d ask her to move in soon.
Chapter Twenty-Three
CALLIE
First thing Monday morning, flowers were delivered to work. The note said: I miss you. Every time you see these roses, think of me. ―Jonah.
I breathed in the scent of the flowers as my heart skipped a beat at his sweet words. I snapped a pic, sending him a text with the caption: I love them. Thank you.
Jonah: Are they working? Are you thinking of me?
I only hesitated a second before telling him the truth.
Callie: I’m always thinking of you.
My heart raced. Was it too much too soon? Had I misread the intensity of this weekend or the flowers?