Playing the Game

by Graysen Morgen

  The sun hadn’t been up long, but it was already hot enough for a bead of sweat to break out along her forehead and temples, and also run down her back. Luckily, her yard wasn’t too large. After trimming the fence line and edging the drive and walkway, she traded the weed eater for the riding mower. Covered in sweat, she removed her tank top, using the least dirty section to wipe her face before tossing it aside. Then, she started the mower and went to work cutting the grass in her shorts and sports bra. She could care less who saw her. It wasn’t like she was naked, and it was nearly a hundred degrees.

  *

  Randi lay on the couch, watching TV. She’d been up for a few hours and had already treated her leg with ice and light stretching for the required thirty minutes. It was a little sore when she’d first gotten out of bed, but was much better after the therapy. Her mind raced with a hundred things to do: from cleaning the house to heading over to Lake Travis for a day of sunshine and relaxation. After talking to her mother, who was more worried than she should be, she called her sister.

  “What’s going on with you?” Elisa asked. “You don’t get distracted, and you don’t get injured. I’m pretty sure they go hand in hand. Are you still messing with that cop?”

  “No, and I never was messing with her. I’m fine. I wasn’t injured when I got the wind knocked out of me, and this is a fluke thing that was probably caused by my crazy schedule this week. My body needed more rest than I gave it, and this was a way of warning me before I hurt myself worse.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Is she on my mind…sure. I’m not going to lie to you, but nothing else has happened.”

  “That doesn’t mean you don’t want it to,” her sister chided.

  “You want a million dollars. Doesn’t mean you’re going to get it,” Randi bit back. “It’s not a crime to desire things. People go their entire lives desiring things they never get close to obtaining.”

  “You’re a hell of a lot closer to the thing you desire than most people.”

  “Elisa, I’m a big girl. I can handle myself.”

  “You’re right.”

  “If you see mom, reassure her that I’m okay. She’s acting like I broke my damn leg.”

  Elisa laughed. “You know how she is.”

  “Yep. I need to go put some sports cream on the muscle.”

  “Does it hurt badly?”

  “Surprisingly, no. But, I’ve been off of it all morning. Anyway, I’ll talk to you soon. Love you.”

  “Love you, too.”

  Randi ended the call and tossed the phone on the couch next to her. Then, she got up and lathered a thin layer of white cream on the front of her thigh that quickly turned clear as she rubbed it into the muscle. It smelled like menthol, but the scent didn’t linger.

  *

  With the yard completed and nothing else pending on her chore list, Berkley showered and dressed in jeans and a slim-fitting, baby blue t-shirt that hugged her muscular frame. Then, she pulled on a pair of black Timberland hiking-style sneakers, and snatched her wallet and sunglasses off the dresser and walked into the garage.

  As the door rose up, she got onto her motorcycle and started the engine, letting it warm up for a minute before taking off down the road. She was in the mood for a long ride and wished she could listen to music. That was the one thing she didn’t like about riding the bike versus taking the truck. She was left with the thoughts in her head, which were anything but silent. Her mind flashed on Randi as she made her way to The Grind to get an iced coffee, and she was nearly taken aback when she backed into an open parking space next to a white BMW that looked a lot like Randi’s.

  Before she could even kill the engine, Randi stepped out of the coffee shop wearing a black tank top, jean shorts, and sneakers with socks that you couldn’t see.

  Berkley quickly pushed the button to quiet the bike as she walked over to her. “Hey, trouble. What’s up?” She grinned.

  “Trouble? I’m pretty sure that’s you, not me,” Randi laughed.

  “Uh-huh. Aren’t you supposed to be in Seattle or something?” Berkley said.

  “I hurt my leg in practice and couldn’t travel.”

  Berkley looked at the cutoff jean shorts sitting low on her hips, and cut high, revealing the tanned skin of her thighs as she examined her legs. You are most definitely trouble.

  Randi’s chest tightened. She swore she could feel Berkley’s eyes on her, despite them being hidden behind the dark glasses. “It’s fine…I’m fine,” she mumbled, clearing her throat as her heartbeat thumped in her chest like a bass drum.

  “Are you coming or going?” Berkley asked, nodding to the coffee shop.

  “Just arrived, actually. I saw you pull up and came outside before I got to the counter to order.”

  “Hop on,” Berkeley said, nodding towards the tiny seat behind her.

  “I shouldn’t,” Randi said, biting her lower lip.

  Berkeley shrugged and moved to get off the bike, but Randi pushed against her shoulder. Her jaw dropped in surprise as Randi put her foot on the peg and swung her leg over the tiny pad that was considered a passenger seat.

  “Where are we going?” Randi asked.

  “Where do you want to go?” Berkley muttered, clearing her throat of the huge lump that seemed to close it.

  “Anywhere.”

  “You have to sit close and hold on tight…like you did on the four-wheeler. If you remember.”

  Like I’d ever forget that. “Uh, yeah,” Randi said. Then, she slid forward until she was touching Berkley, but not completely against her, and wrapped her arms around her midsection.

  “I’m sorry I don’t have a helmet for you.”

  “You don’t wear one.”

  “I’ve seen what happens when these things crash. There’s almost no use, except to have an open casket, I guess.”

  Randi gripped her a little tighter.

  “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “You didn’t,” Randi said, her mouth inches from Berkley’s ear, causing the blood to rush between her legs. “I trust you.”

  Berkley wanted to turn her head so bad, her chest actually ached. If she moved only a few inches, her lips would meet Randi’s. Damn it, pull it together! You’re taking her for a ride on the bike, not fucking her in the middle of this parking lot! “You ready?”

  “Yep.”

  Berkley looked both ways, causing Randi’s lips to graze her cheek, then she took a deep breath and started the bike.

  *

  The vibration of the machine between her legs was unlike anything Randi had ever felt before. The wind blowing on her face and through her hair was exhilarating as they rode down the street. Why have I never done this before? The sensation was like sex without the sex, and she loved it.

  Berkley drove through town, then headed towards one of her favorite places, which was a national park that used to be an Indian territory just outside of the city limit, and in the opposite direction of her and Garrett’s property.

  The ride only took about twenty-five minutes, but Randi didn’t care. She was enjoying every minute of being close enough to Berkley to smell her cologne and feel her muscles ripple under her fingers. The thrill of being on the back of her bike only added to Randi’s excitement.

  Berkley was happy to bring the bike to a stop a few feet off the road. Randi’s steady breathing against her neck was driving her mad. “This used to be the home of a tribe of Comanche Indians in the 1800s,” she said, after cutting the engine. “It’s now a national park.”

  Randi looked out at the rolling plain. There were trees scattered about, and open clearings here and there. She suddenly felt very calm, and her mind had cleared of all its thoughts. “It’s peaceful,” she said softly as she got off the bike to stretch her legs and get a better view.

  “Yeah. I found this place right after I bought the bike. I wanted to take a ride and get out of the city traffic and stop lights, so I went
in this direction. I love our property, but I like to think of this place as mine alone. You’re actually the first person I’ve ever shared it with,” Berkley said, walking up behind her.

  “Really?”

  “Yeah.”

  “How many girls have you taken to your property?”

  “The only people who have ever been there are our emergency services friends, and those of us who own a piece of it.”

  “What about the girl who was with you at the party?”

  “Mags? Yeah, she’s been there a couple of times.”

  “Did you date her?”

  Berkley nodded. “A few years ago, we dated for maybe a month. We are way better off as friends.”

  “She looked like she wanted more.”

  Berkley shrugged. “There’s nothing I can do about that. I don’t feel the same way about her.”

  “What about me?” Randi asked, turning around to face her. “How do you feel about me?”

  “Randi…”

  “Just answer me…please.”

  Berkley sighed inwardly. “I felt something shift inside of me the day we met, and it’s never gone back to normal.”

  “I’m pretty sure I know that feeling. I look at you and all I think about is kissing you. I know it’s wrong, but it feels so right. My life is such a mess right now. Not that is was perfect before I met you, but that revealed the flaws I never knew were there.”

  Berkley looked up to the sky when she felt a drop of water hit her face. A few large clouds were rolling in, but there was no lightning or thunder, and it hadn’t gotten dark. Suddenly, the sky opened up and a summer rainstorm began spilling heavy drops, soaking them.

  “Oh, my God,” Randi squealed.

  “Shit! Come on!” Berkley rushed back over to the bike and got on. Randi climbed on behind her as she started the engine. “Where do you want to go?” she asked.

  Berkley turned to look at her. Rain poured down as Randi’s lips closed the distance, landing on hers in a smoldering, wet kiss. Berkley didn’t think about the consequences, or even what she was doing for that matter. She kissed Randi back…hard.

  They were both soaked to the bone, but Randi didn’t care. She ran her hands up and down Berkley’s torso from behind, cupping her small breasts and feeling the hard muscles shivering under the shirt that clung to her like a second skin.

  Berkley finally broke the kiss, panting slightly to catch her breath.

  “Take me home,” Randi said.

  There was no one around, so Berkley started the bike and got back on the road easily. She pointed them in the direction of Richey and twisted the throttle. Drops of rain pelted her face, stinging her like tiny darts.

  Randi tucked her face against the wet skin of Berkley’s neck and held on tightly. Her clothes and her hair were completely drenched, as were her socks and shoes. The rain blasted her arms like needles as they rode down the highway.

  As soon as they entered the city limit, Berkley took the back roads that led to her house. Within minutes, she was pulling into her driveway between her patrol cruiser and her truck, thankful the rain hadn’t ruined the garage opener that was in her pocket as the door began to rise up.

  *

  Berkley walked into her semi-dark house with her heart pounding the walls of her chest so hard she wondered if that was what a heart attack felt like. Her mouth watered, dying to taste the mouth she’d become familiar with, and her gut wrenched in agony. She’d never wanted anyone so badly in her life, knowing it was wrong on so many levels.

  Randi stepped inside and Berkley spun around, backing her up against the door, slamming it closed as their bodies came together. She brought one hand up, cupping Randi’s cool, wet cheek as she bent slightly, claiming everything Randi was offering in a kiss unlike any other. Cool drops of water ran down Randi’s face from her hair, creating a sultry mixture of rain and mint between their mouths. Soft, inviting lips opened to her as Berkley pressed for more. She pulled Randi’s lower lip into her mouth, slowly running the tip of her tongue along the top of it before sliding it along the velvety surface of Randi’s tongue once more.

  Their sensual kissing continued for several long seconds that felt like minutes. Berkley pulled her mouth away breathlessly. Her deep blue eyes locked onto Randi’s. Their bodies were still pressed together, and she could feel Randi taking quick, shallow breaths.

  “We can’t do this,” she whispered.

  Randi’s eyes blinked closed as her shoulders dropped. “I know,” she murmured, opening them to her.

  Berkley ran her thumb over Randi’s lips before removing it from her face as she took a step back, putting space between them. Randi’s skin felt raw when the cool air hit the warmth Berkley’s body had left behind.

  “Come on, I’ll drive you to get your car,” Berkley said softly, grabbing her truck keys off the hook on the wall.

  Randi simply nodded.

  *

  The short drive was silent except for the heavy drops of water pelting the windshield. Randi chanced a glance in Berkley’s direction. Her eyes were trained on the wet road, and her chest rose and fell in a steady cadence under her skin tight, soaked shirt. She turned her head towards the window, watching the blur of buildings and streets go by until they rolled to a stop in a parking space next to her car.

  Berkley put the truck in park and reached over the console, running her thumb over the back of her hand as she grabbed a hold of it. Randi squeezed her eyes shut and closed her hand around Berkley’s.

  “Thank you,” she whispered as she let go and climbed out.

  Berkley waited until she could tell the car was running before backing out and driving away. She let out a huge sigh and her shoulders sunk in dismay as she looked in the rearview mirror, watching the white car head off in the opposite direction.

  *

  Randi wiped a tear from her cheek as she drove. She had no idea how things had gotten so out of hand. It was as if she’d lost control of herself. Physically wanting Berkley, that she could handle. It was human nature to have sexual chemistry with different people. The growing intimacy between them was what scared her. She’d never had that kind of unbridled passion with anyone…including Olivia.

  As she drove through the nearly empty streets, she thought about where she was in her life. For the past five years, she’d desired one person, loved that one person unconditionally, and gave her life to that person. In the matter of a couple of months, everything had been turned upside down. The fact that it had happened so easily, stunned the hell out of her.

  *

  Berkley pulled her truck into the driveway and rushed into the house, kicking her wet shoes off at the door before heading to her room to take a long, hot shower, hoping it would wash away the memory of Randi and the past couple of hours. In the back of her mind, she knew it wouldn’t. Did I do the right thing? Should I have played the game?

  “You’re already in the game,” she mumbled to herself as she stepped under the spray. “It began the moment you met. The question is, how is it going to play out?” She began lathering soap over her body as her tense muscles began to relax under the hot water. “You already know the answer to that. Everyone loses. But, for some goddamn reason, you keep playing anyway,” she chided herself as she washed her hair. Then, she sighed as she rinsed the suds down the drain. You’ve never met anyone like her. That’s why.

  30

  Randi sat around all day Sunday, replaying everything in her head. She was conflicted, wanted to get it off her chest, but there was no one to talk to. Her sister would give it to her straight like she always did, and Carrie…she had no idea how she’d react; she was teammates with Olivia, too, and the team was like family. She couldn’t do that to her. It wouldn’t be right to make her keep that heavy of a secret when she was already harboring so much.

  Randi acted as if nothing had happened when Olivia returned later in the day with the team after a win in Seattle. She greeted her wi
th a hug and simple kiss.

  “Great game,” Randi said. “I hated missing it.”

  “We damn near lost.” Olivia shook her head. “If you go back and look at the tape, that was a foul in the box. They should’ve had a PK, but the ref made a bad call in our favor.”

  “That happens more often than not.”

  “I know. You’d think they would get better quality refs,” Olivia sighed. “Anyway, how are you? How’s the leg? I barely heard from you.”

  “It’s fine. Doesn’t hurt anymore or anything. I just laid around here and watched TV. There wasn’t much going on besides ice and stretching therapy.”

  “Are you meeting Jason in the morning?”

  “Yeah, he’s going to re-evaluate everything and hopefully give me a return date for practice this week.”

  “Don’t rush it. You’ll be out the rest of the season if you tear it,” Olivia said as she began walking down the hallway to unpack.

  “I know,” Randi sighed, watching her. She remembered a time when she would jump into her arms when she walked in the door from a trip away and they’d make love for hours. Five years wasn’t that long; certainly not long enough to go through a lifetime of emotions, but Olivia had seemed fine with the way things had settled down. Truth be told, up until a few months ago, she had too. When did we start just going through the motions, and why did we let that become our relationship?

  “You okay?” Olivia asked, walking back into the living room.

  “Yeah…a little tired,” she answered honestly. She’d hadn’t slept much the night before.