Game for Tonight (11 page)

Walsh chuckled. “You say that now, but I know how you boys work. You don’t think with your brains, you think with your dicks.” His laughter grew.

Flynn ignored it. He’d never thought with his dick before and look how far it had taken him…until he’d been stalled.

Now was his chance. He could make something happen, as long as he stayed focused and didn’t let a gorgeous woman who knew how to fuck him into oblivion distract him.

“Yo, Foley, my woman and your woman want all four of us to go out to dinner together tonight.”

Flynn glanced up to find Nick Hamilton sitting in the seat in front of him, completely turned around so they were facing each other. “I don’t know if I can…” He let his voice trail off, and Coach nudged him in the ribs.

“Dinner ain’t gonna kill you,” Walsh muttered. “There’s being committed and then there’s being an asshole, son. Learn the difference.”

“Yeah, learn the difference.” Nick laughed. “No need to get all stressed-out, kid. Relax.”

“Besides, I’m launching a major practice come tomorrow. Tonight is about relaxing and getting used to the time change,” Walsh added.

Flynn smiled tightly. “All right. If the ladies want to get together, then let’s do it.”

“Excellent. There’s an amazing steak house not too far from the hotel. We’ll get dressed up and take our women out for a special night on the town.” Nick grinned, rubbing his hands together and looking awfully pleased with himself.

Flynn let his smile fade. He couldn’t bask in Hamilton’s exuberance, because he was worried. Now he had something to prove, and if he messed up in any way, he’d look like an ass. Even sixty seconds out on that field could spell disaster if he made a mistake.

And he couldn’t have that. No way, no how. He needed to practice. He needed to work harder, play harder, fucking win
hard
.

No matter what it took.

Chapter Ten

“You look like you want to eat her whole.” Nick nudged Flynn in the ribs, earning a quick but irritated glare for his efforts.

“Shut up,” Flynn muttered, his gaze locked on the two women who approached them. Well, he knew Willow was at Aubrey’s side, but he really wasn’t paying attention to her.

He couldn’t tear his eyes off Aubrey.

“What? You’re just appreciating how fine your woman looks tonight.” Nick whistled low. “And she definitely looks fine.”

Flynn turned to Nick again, staring at him extrahard. “Why don’t you keep your eyes glued to your own woman.?

“Aw, jealous much? Gimme a break.” Nick nudged him again. Damn, that guy’s elbow hurt like hell. Of course, he used it out on the field when he was running through the opposition, so he knew how to wield it. “I can’t appreciate a pretty redhead when I see her?”

“Considering she’s not
your
pretty redhead, I’m going to say no.” They’d been waiting in the hotel lobby together for the past fifteen minutes, talking about the upcoming game, practice, the usual. Flynn had been distracted the entire time—and not thinking about the game, either.

He was too busy thinking about Aubrey.

“Hi,” she said when she stopped just in front of him, her lips curved into a barely there smile. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“It was worth it.” He leaned down, brushed a soft, lingering kiss on her lips, and she stepped away from him quickly, her expression dazed, her eyes hazy. “You look beautiful.”

Her smile turned shaky. “Thanks,” she said breathlessly, her gaze skittering to where Nick and Willow stood next to them before returning to his. “You don’t have to put on a big show for them. I think Willow has us figured out.”

Flynn frowned. What was she talking about? “I’m not putting on any sort of show.”

“Oh.” Her brow furrowed in that cute way she had when she was confused. “Are you ready to go?”

He let his gaze rake over her. Her hair was loose, falling in soft waves down her back. She wore a black sweater dotted with sequins, the fabric clinging to her breasts. And the jeans she had on made her legs look miles long. Or maybe that was the black stiletto heels. Whatever it was, she looked freaking amazing, yet all he could think about was how fast he could get her naked.

They took a hired car to a restaurant not too far from the hotel, the weather not allowing them to walk, since it looked like a snowstorm was blowing in. Aubrey sat snug next to Flynn, her thigh pressed against his, and he reached out, settling his hand on her knee. He leaned in the slightest bit, discreetly inhaling the fragrance of her hair, the scent of her skin, the smell that was uniquely, perfectly Aubrey. He could get drunk on it—she smelled that good.

She smiled up at him, and he leaned away, acting like he wasn’t trying to breathe her in. Nudging his arm with her shoulder, she returned her attention to Willow and Nick. All three of them were engrossed in an animated conversation about some crazy fan who wouldn’t leave Nick alone, and the woman was so extreme she followed him to every game. The fact that she was a sixty-eight-year-old grandma was apparently the best part of the story.

“If she starts sending you pictures when she’s wearing a bikini, then I’m going to worry,” Willow said, causing Aubrey to laugh.

Flynn barely withheld the sigh that wanted to escape. He loved the sound of her laugh. Wanted to be the one who could make her do that again and again. She deserved to be happy. He wanted to make her happy.

“She looks pretty damn good for sixty-eight,” Nick said. “I bet she’d fill out a bikini real nice.” He held his hands out like he was cupping a pair of invisible breasts.

“Oh, stop.” Willow shook her head. “Think she’ll be at Saturday’s game?”

“I bet so. Wavin’ her sign for me and calling me her baby, as usual,” Nick drawled, earning more laughter from the women.

Flynn smiled and nodded, not giving a crap what Nick was saying. Now he was stuck on the image of Aubrey in a bikini. Preferably a skimpy one, black against all that pretty, pale skin, with string ties on her hips that he could undo slowly…

“How about you, Foley? Got any crazy fan stories?” Nick asked, interrupting Flynn’s dirty thoughts.

Blinking, Flynn looked at Nick and shrugged. “Not really.”

“Please.” Aubrey squeezed his thigh, leaving her hand there. “You have tons of fans.”

“None that follow me to every single game,” he pointed out.

“Well, I’ll be your number-one fan and follow you wherever you go, if you let me,” Aubrey murmured, smiling up at him, her hand curling around his leg so her fingers rested between his thighs.

Damn, did she mean it? He liked the idea of having her by his side, knowing she was in the stadium, watching him play. Having her with him tonight helped calm his nerves over the upcoming game, especially with the way she was looking at him. Her eyes glowed, her cheeks were pink, and he wished like crazy Willow and Nick weren’t with them. Because if they weren’t…

He’d be jumping Aubrey right here in the back of the car.

“Break it up, you two,” Nick said, ruining the moment, like a complete jackass. “You’re looking a little too cozy over there.”

Heaving an irritated sigh, Flynn reached out and skimmed his fingers down Aubrey’s cheek, ignoring Nick completely. “Quit worrying about us, Hamilton, and focus on your own woman.”

“Yeah, leave them alone, Nick,” Willow said, though he could tell by the lightness of her tone that she was teasing him. “They’re so cute together. Let the lovebirds have some privacy.”

Lovebirds. That was some sappy crap right there, and he wasn’t falling in love with her. It was way too soon for that.

Aubrey’s lids fluttered when he skimmed his fingers along her jaw, down her throat. She liked when he touched her, he could tell. Good thing, since he pretty much always wanted to touch her.

Look at him. A couple of nights of amazing sex, and he acted like he was addicted to her.

Deciding to go for it, he admitted what he’d wanted to say to her all afternoon. “I missed you today,” he murmured, figuring she needed to hear the words. Because he needed to hear them from her, too.

“You had to work.” She smiled, her breath hitching in her throat when he traced the curve of her lower lip with his index finger. “I understand.”

“Coach wanted to talk to me.” He glanced in Nick and Willow’s direction, noticed they weren’t paying them any mind. They seemed just as wrapped up in each other as he and Aubrey were. “Can I tell you about it later?”

“Of course.” She looked over at Willow and Nick, then wrapped her hand around Flynn’s neck, pulling his head down so their lips were in perfect alignment. “Kiss me before we get to the restaurant,” she whispered against his mouth.

He did as she requested, trying to control himself, since they weren’t alone in the back of the limo. But it was so hard when Aubrey opened for him easily. He slipped his hands into her hair, holding her possessively as he kissed her. Her lips parted, her tongue darted out, flicking against his, and he was freaking done for.

Somewhat. He did have some restraint.

Barely.

When he tried to pull away from her, she wouldn’t let him, with her hand clasped firmly around the back of his neck. So he gave her what she wanted for a little while longer, getting lost in her lips, her taste, the way she felt when he ran his hands lightly over her body. The sweater she wore was extra soft, and he let his fingers drift over the swell of her breast, making her gasp against his lips.

Yeah. Clearly he’d lost it, since he was feeling her up right next to Nick and Willow.

The car came to a stop, and he sprang away from Aubrey, smiling when he saw how disheveled she looked. Her hair was a little wild—because he’d trailed his fingers through it. Her lips were swollen, the gloss she’d had on completely gone. Kissed away by him. And he swore he saw her nipples poking against the thin fabric of her sweater…

“Stop.” She swatted him on the arm, and he grinned.

“What did I do?” he asked, all fake innocence.

“You’re looking awfully pleased with yourself, and I look a mess.” She smoothed her hands over her hair, trying to tame it.

Unable to stop himself, he dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “You look beautiful,” he murmured.

The door closest to them swung open, and one of the restaurant-parking-lot attendants stood before them, indicating they should exit the car. Flynn let Aubrey leave first, his gaze locked on her perfect ass as she stepped out into the dark, wintry night.

“Hold on.” Willow grabbed hold of his sleeve and he turned to her, momentarily shocked when she reached out and smudged her finger along the corner of his mouth. She held her thumb out to show him it was streaked with deep pink gloss. “You were wearing your girl’s lipstick. Figured you didn’t want to be seen looking like that.”

Shit.
“Uh, thanks,” he mumbled.

Nick chuckled. “Didn’t realize you were into that sort of thing, Foley. You’re a secret, kinky motherfucker, aren’t you?”

“Shut up,” he muttered as he climbed out of the car, the sound of Nick’s laughter following him all the way into the restaurant.

…

The restaurant was gorgeous, the atmosphere quiet but elegant and the booths private. Once they were seated, Willow immediately ordered a bottle of their best wine for her and Aubrey to share, since the guys didn’t drink during the season.

It was some of the most delicious wine Aubrey had ever tasted. Went down smooth—too smooth. After two glasses and the skimpy salad she devoured, she was a little wasted.

Fine. She was a lot wasted. Though part of her drunkenness she could blame on Flynn.

Handsome, sweet, sexy Flynn, who could ignite her body with just one look. And he’d been sending her smoldering glances all night, from the moment they’d gotten into the car. And when he’d proceeded to maul her with Nick and Willow sitting mere inches away? That had been all kinds of hot.

He
was all kinds of hot. It was like since they’d had sex, he’d become bolder, more open in showing his feelings.

She liked it. A lot.

“I think you’re drunk,” Flynn said near the end of the meal, leaning in so he could whisper the words in her ear.

A little shiver moved through her at his nearness, and she giggled. “Maybe I am. Does that mean you’ll take advantage of me when we get back to the hotel?”

“You want me to?” When she nodded eagerly, he pressed a quick kiss just behind her ear. “I think that can be arranged.”

“Promise?” Just having him by her made her edgy. His being so attentive didn’t help matters, either. The entire dinner had been some sort of quiet torture. They sat so close that when he pressed his thigh to hers, the hard, warm strength of him nearly made her tremble with pleasure.

“For you? Anything.” He took her hand and pressed a kiss on the back of it, his gaze never leaving her face.

She stared at him, feeling a little lost, a lot overwhelmed. He said things like that, and she almost believed him. But she needed to remember this was all fake. He had an image to maintain, and she was playing a role in that. She was just getting caught up in something that wasn’t real. She’d been tricked before, like with Derek when she’d thought they’d felt the same way about each other and then he’d dumped her. When it came to men, she might not have the best judgment. Her mom sure loved to tell her that.

Aubrey didn’t want to believe her mom was right. She always said men were just users. They took what they wanted and then left. But Flynn wouldn’t do that to her. More like she was doing that to him.

And that made her feel incredibly guilty.

What they shared was fleeting. It had to be. She was caught up in a game that she didn’t understand how to play and left her at a disadvantage. Worse? Flynn thought what they shared was real. It sure felt that way tonight, and that’s why the worry and the guilt were nagging at her. She was a jerk, doing exactly what her mother warned men would do to her.

All this faking was fun until someone got hurt—and that someone would be Flynn and eventually her, too. She had the distinct feeling she would end up miserable and alone when this charade was over.

“You know, I had my doubts at first, but now I gotta say you make a good-looking couple,” Nick said casually, all sprawled out on his side of the booth, his arm slung around Willow’s shoulders, his fingers playing with her dark hair. Willow leaned against him, her expression mellow, her lids at half-mast, probably from all the wine she’d just consumed. Nick looked content, relaxed, but his gaze was assessing, all seeing.

All knowing.

“Thanks,” Aubrey said, looking anywhere but at Nick. Unfortunately, the booth was so high, she couldn’t see much of the restaurant beyond where they sat.

“Funny how you two were just dancing around each other in the flirtation game. Then I blink, and you’re hot and heavy and in a serious relationship.”

Unease slithered down her spine at Nick’s casual comment, which was so not casual. He was trying to get information out of her.

Aubrey just hoped Willow would keep her lips zipped.

“When you know, you just know,” Flynn said, grabbing hold of Aubrey’s hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Didn’t that happen for you and Willow?”

“Actually, I screwed it up big time with Willow the first go-around and had to pay the price.” He paused, dropped a kiss on top of Willow’s head. “For years.”

“Yeah, he did,” Willow agreed.

“Messing up on the woman you know is the one for you, but you’re too scared to face the truth, is about the dumbest thing you could ever do,” Nick added.

“You cheated on her?” Flynn sounded incredulous.

Aubrey stiffened. Oh dear. This was a subject Nick didn’t like talking about much. Yeah, he was the one who’d screwed up on Willow by leaving her in the worst possible way, but he’d never officially cheated on her.

He’d just left her behind for years, pined for her, and then pretty much crawled back to her on his hands and knees, begging for another chance. Luckily enough, she’d given it him.

Now look at them. They were the cutest couple in the world, disgustingly in love. Aubrey was extremely jealous of the relationship they had. She could only hope she’d have something as fun and meaningful as they did.