Game for Tonight (14 page)

Chapter Thirteen

Flynn hadn’t slept for crap last night. Not because he lay in bed, tossing and turning, oh no. He had a different sort of distraction going on. And that distraction was a curvy redheaded female with sparkling eyes and tempting lips, warm, soft skin, and the sweetest laugh he’d ever heard.

Aubrey had kept him awake more than half the night, though, really, he shouldn’t think of it like that. Like it was her fault he hadn’t slept. No, more like it was his fault that he couldn’t resist her. Every time he’d started to drift off to sleep, telling himself he needed to actually catch a few hours of uninterrupted rest, he’d jolt awake, feel Aubrey snuggled up close to his side, over him, however they’d both passed out, and then he’d realize she was awake, so he’d touch her. Kiss her. And somehow end up inside of her all over again.

He’d woken up feeling like a new man. They’d taken a quick shower together, where she’d gone down on her knees and given him a blow job that had left him with shaking legs and a spinning head. He’d never come so much in such a short period of time in his life. The woman was insatiable.
He
was insatiable.

Together, they were slightly out of control, and he was loving every fucking minute of it.

The minute he’d arrived at the stadium, Coach Walsh had informed him there was a small chance he was going to play, what with the bum condition Quinn’s shoulder was still in. It all depended on the score of the game and how Quinn was doing.

Flynn couldn’t believe it. He hadn’t mentally prepared, hadn’t gone over plays the night before, nothing like he usually did. And that was the sort of preparation he did when he knew he probably wouldn’t get much field time. Instead, he’d just…fucked around, quite literally, and then showed up, knowing he had a slight chance to play but figuring he would mostly end up on the bench anyway.

But then he realized he had an excellent chance of playing as the team stood together in the locker room, listening to Coach’s weekly pregame speech. How Walsh was counting on Flynn to have the game of his life, if he stepped in. How much he would have to prove on that field today, even if he was on the field for only thirty seconds. How much the entire team would need him to step it up and make it happen.

Forgetting was so unlike him, he still couldn’t freaking believe he had. It was Aubrey who’d made him forget, and that worried him. Damn it, he’d thought he had this under control, but maybe he didn’t. She’d become the huge distraction his father had predicted, and he hated that. It meant his father was right.

As usual, at least when it came to his career.

The game was already deep in the third quarter and, fuck him running, they were actually winning by a huge margin. His chance could be coming. Quinn was in agony, as much as he tried not to show it. Everyone knew it by the grimace on his face, the way he babied his shoulder.

The Golden Boy had a chance to return, and he was flying so high at the mere possibility that he didn’t know what would happen if he actually went out on that field.

“What did you sprinkle on your Wheaties this morning, boy?” Nick gave Flynn a shove on his shoulder as he settled beside him on the bench and defense was playing. “You seem downright cheerful, when you usually scowl at us from your perch, here on the bench.”

Normally that sort of talk would make him snarl at Nick. But not today. He saw the way Walsh was watching him at this very minute. He knew Coach was thinking about shoving him out on that field. The points margin was wide. The opposing team would have to make a tremendous comeback to win. The Hawks defense was playing too damn well for that to happen.

How could he admit he was in a good mood because he knew he might have a shot to play in the game at the expense of their star quarterback? Flynn had been in this position before and made the most of it, garnering a stellar season under his belt. Now he was happy for any opportunity to play.

He couldn’t risk making a mistake because he was too caught up in his feelings for Aubrey. The woman was a danger to his well-being.

“I’m guessing that’s a compliment?” Flynn asked, deflecting the original question.

Nick shook his head, that familiar shit-eating grin stretching his lips wide. “Absolutely. I heard a rumor Walsh is going to put you in the game. You ready?”

Excitement suffused Flynn, and he tried to stuff it down. He couldn’t get ahead of himself. It could all go to hell the minute he stepped out onto the field. What if he screwed up?

He couldn’t screw up. He wanted to show them what he could do. Show them all he was worth it. He felt like he had something to prove.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Flynn finally said, his voice low, his gaze locked on the field. Thank God their defense was holding back the other team. Didn’t look like they were going to score a touchdown, and they could keep their sizeable lead, going into the last quarter. Relief just about made his knees weak, and he was sitting down.

“Guess we’ll have to give credit to Aubrey where it’s due, huh?” When Flynn didn’t say a word, Nick shook his head. “Come on, Foley. You know and I know why you’re in such a great mood.” Nick grinned, looking mighty pleased. “All that lovin’ you’re getting from a good woman.”

Maybe. Yeah, he’d been on a sexual high this morning, but that feeling had deflated when he’d realized how consumed he was becoming with her. And that wasn’t good. He hadn’t worked this hard for all these years just to ruin his chances, all over a woman.

A woman he cared a lot about, but still.

Plus, Hamilton drove him crazy. The guy had no filter and loved to give people shit. And more than anything, Nick loved making him uncomfortable. “Aubrey’s pretty special.”

“She’s very special. I care about her a lot,” Nick agreed, shocking Flynn. He knew Nick had a soft spot for Aubrey, but—he cared for her? “Don’t be thinking I’m lusting for your girl, either, because I’m not. I’ve got the best woman, who keeps my bed warm, and I don’t need another.”

“Right,” Flynn said, feeling confused. Maybe the exhaustion was starting to set in, after all.

“I’m just saying, you better treat that Aubrey right. She’s a good girl. A real catch, if you know what I mean. Not just a pretty girl you use to fuck around with for a while before you toss her aside.” Nick sent him a pointed look, his eyes narrowed and mouth firm. “Catch my drift?”

That was the absolute last thing he thought of Aubrey. “I’m not using her,” he said between gritted teeth, his anger rising at the accusation. And he rarely got angry, especially during a game. He liked to keep everything on an even keel.

“Good. Glad to hear it.”

Flynn unclenched his jaw, glanced around, tried to clear his head. Too late, though. Nick’s words had riled him up. Worse, he could see this thing between him and Aubrey ending, if it was a necessary sacrifice. “Are you threatening me? If Aubrey and I split up, what are you going to do? Kick my ass or something?”

“Maybe.” Nick shrugged. “I don’t know. Depends on if Aubrey wanted me to or not.”

“Who assigned you as her protector?” And wasn’t that his job?

“I did,” Nick said smugly. “She’s like my little sister. I like that girl a lot. She deserves a good guy in her life who will take care of her.”

“I’m definitely up for the challenge,” Flynn said firmly, never once looking away from Nick.

“Good.” Nick clapped him on the back, that infuriating grin plastered on his face again. “I like seeing you riled up. It’s a mood you don’t wear often, and I’m telling you, you should use it to your advantage. Out on the field, with your teammates, against the other team, hell, when you’re talking to the coach. You need more fire in your gut. All that analyzing and worrying will only get you nowhere.”

With those last words, Nick walked away. Leaving Flynn to ponder what he’d said.

And helping him realize that Nick was probably right.

…

“Look, there he is,” Willow practically squealed, grabbing Aubrey’s arm and giving her a shake. “Flynn hasn’t played in so long. Are you excited?”

Aubrey nodded, her smile big, though it felt forced. Not that she wasn’t happy, oh no. She was thrilled that Flynn was out on that field. Quinn may have played the majority of the game, but now that they were in the last half of the fourth quarter, Flynn was running out onto the field.

She wanted to feel confident. She knew Flynn could lead the team to a victory, even if for only a few minutes. But she was nervous.

And excited. And exhilarated. Seeing him move out there, huddling with his teammates for a brief moment before they got into position, a thrill moved through her. This was what he deserved. Actually getting out on a field and leading a team. He was strong enough, motivated enough, and an excellent player. He was probably wasting his time with the Hawks, waiting around for Jared to retire. He still had a few excellent years in him, despite the injury he still dealt with.

But she forgot all about that as she watched Flynn in action. That man out there everyone was cheering on had been in her bed last night. His big body moving over hers, inside of her, his mouth fused with hers, shouting out her name when his orgasm swept over him.

Her skin warmed at her dirty thoughts. She’d especially loved it when she’d given him the blow job earlier in the shower. Licking up every drop of water on his muscular thighs, her fingers curled around the base, her lips wrapped tight around the head of his cock. He’d tasted like heaven, he’d looked like he was in pure, delicious agony, and he’d come so hard, he’d had to brace one hand on the tiled wall of the shower, while he’d curled his other hand into her wet hair.

A shiver moved through her at the memory, and Willow—of course—noticed.

“You’re in love with him,” she said, her expression somber, her eyes wide.

Aubrey shook her head, panic rising within her, downright overwhelming. No, she absolutely was not. She liked him. A lot. But she was being forced to play pretend because her job was at risk. No way could she admit to Willow that Harvey was making her do this for a promotion. What would her friend think of her if she knew the truth? Worse, what would Flynn think of her?

“I am not. We’re just…”

“Having hot sex? I can tell. You’re glowing right now. But I think it’s more than that.” Willow bent her knees to peer straight into Aubrey’s eyes. “Am I right? You’ve fallen in love with Flynn, haven’t you?”

“Um, we’re supposed to be in love, you know?” Aubrey glanced around, making sure no one was paying them any attention. “He’s my boyfriend.”

“For real, hmm?” That knowing tone told Aubrey that Willow saw right through her.

“Willow.” Breathing deep, Aubrey stepped closer to her friend. Panic filled her, and she shoved it down deep. “Stop.”

Willow’s eyes went wide. “Stop what?”

“You know.” Aubrey narrowed her eyes as she watched Willow carefully. Whoops. Yep, there it was, that little flash of guilt in her friend’s eyes. “Giving me a hard time about my relationship with Flynn.”

“Fine.” Willow blew out a breath. “You two are so cute, and it’s fun to rile you up. I guess Nick’s influence on me is stronger than I realized.”

“Isn’t that the truth?” Aubrey laughed, hating the unease that had settled over her. Now she was lying to Willow. Acting like she was bent and sensitive over Willow’s teasing, when really she couldn’t deal with the reality that her relationship with Flynn was phony.

Last night, this morning with Flynn, had been amazing. He’d confessed things to her, and she’d blown them off. She’d told him
let’s have fun
or something equally inane and then proceeded to jump him. He’d never protested, but how callous could she be?

You’re being callous to protect your fragile heart. You know you could fall for Flynn. Easily.

True, that.

“Okay, one more thing. Last night at dinner.” Willow paused, her expression going reflective. “I saw the way Flynn looked at you.”

Everything within her seized up. “How did he look at me?” She almost didn’t want to hear Willow’s answer.

“Like he was falling in love with you.”

Aubrey closed her eyes. Her heart hurt. That was the absolute last thing she wanted to hear. “He’s very sweet,” she said weakly.

“Uh huh. That’s one way to describe him,” Willow muttered.

Aubrey said nothing and kept her gaze locked on the field. Flynn was playing wonderfully. She needed to focus on that, not the conversation she was having with Willow.

“Do you like him?”

Damn it, she’d thought Willow would drop the subject. “Yes.” She said the word so softly she worried for a moment Willow hadn’t heard her. And yes, she liked him, but what good would that get her?

“Then maybe you shouldn’t let him go. Look, I was such a bitch to Nick when we were first getting together. I didn’t even realize I was doing it. I just… I didn’t know how to react to him actually wanting me, you know? I thought he was trying to trick me, just to get into my panties.”

Aubrey laughed, thankful for the light moment. She needed it. “He complained to me a few times about what a challenge you were.”

“Challenge? That’s a nice way of putting it. I was awful.” Willow sighed. “I finally realized that he actually meant all of those sweet words. The way he looked at me, touched me, kissed me… It was for real. So if what you and Flynn are experiencing is real, you’d better grab on and not let go. Something like that doesn’t come along every day, you know.” Willow screamed, startling Aubrey. “Did you see that play? Oh my God, Flynn is on fire!”

He was. He was doing great, but she could hardly focus. The idea of not letting Flynn go freaked her out. But so did the thought of losing him. “I know,” she admitted.

Aubrey turned her gaze back to the field, watching the Hawks play. They were driving the ball down with ease and were already on the twenty-yard line. She watched anxiously, not wanting to think about the relationship. Forget the relationship. She just wanted to focus on the man.

“You’re thinking too much,” Willow said, her soft voice breaking through the cloud of questions running through Aubrey’s mind. “Stop trying to overanalyze or figure out what’s going to happen next. Just go with the flow.”