Playing for Keeps (34 page)

Erica nodded, then gave her a brisk hug. “Try to forget about it. It’s in his file, and he was an ass at today’s meeting. So we might not need to murder him after all. He’s going to self-destruct, and it will be
sooo
much more fun if you’re there watching it with me.”

“I’ll be there,” she promised. “See you after work?”

“Definitely. And bring some rope.”

Sherry laughed, then glanced down the hall toward Caldwell’s office. “I’d better go see if I’m still the new A-team leader. Wish me luck.”

• • •

By the time Friday arrived, Erica couldn’t concentrate on work. Or even on the Aurora. Football dominated every thought with visions of the world’s most hunky quarterback passing, scrambling, running, supported by a halfback who could do it all and a kicker with deadly accuracy in his boot.

She was even glad the Surgeon was the opponent. More fun, more triumph, more in-your-face bravado. She wanted to be there. Not on the field exactly, but at least in Johnny’s arms, plotting the downfall of his handsome nemesis.

The only real impediment was the prospect of his relatives. His coach father seemed like a nice guy, and brother Jason was a stud. Still, they were Spurlings and thus opposed to product endorsement, which equaled one strike against Erica.

Strike two? She was undermining the blind date and Baby Aaron.

She didn’t need a strike three to tell her she needed to stay away as long as possible.

Still, she was going crazy and couldn’t wait until check-in time, so she called Decker and asked him to get her a noon check-in and to keep it a surprise from Johnny.

Decker insisted he would pick her up at the airport, and she agreed easily. She needed time alone with him too, didn’t she? To say good-bye, just in case the worst happened?

But in her current mood, she was quite certain that the best, not the worst, was in store for her.

Chapter 16

The kicker met her at 11:30 a.m., hugged her warmly, then took her to the hotel while regaling her with stories. He was so pumped she barely recognized him.

Super Bowl fever,
she decided.
We all have it, but for the Lancers and the Jets? It must be the strongest affliction on earth.

She had planned on wearing the red Bannerman dress, just to impress Johnny, but now that she was arriving early had opted for a high-necked sleeveless dress of black wool that reached just below her knees. Not exactly sexy, but classy and flattering. She would wear it again with a matching jacket at the post–Super Bowl party in Nevada, hoping for an attractive but professional presence.

To complete the outfit, she wore high heels but no jewelry, letting the simple elegance of the dress do the work. Of course, the bare shoulders helped, as did her hair, which had been braided during the plane ride and was now extra wavy. And in a nod toward her favorite team, she had spent hours on her eye makeup, playing up the natural gray of her irises by using dark blue—
Lancer
blue—shadow and deep Lancer-black liner, all sprinkled with colorless, iridescent glitter.

Decker seemed impressed as he helped her out of her wool coat. Then, as soon as she was checked in, he sent her coat and suitcase to her room and diverted her to the hotel bar. “Bam’s jealous,” he explained. “I had to promise him equal time.”

Charmed, she took a seat at the bar, flanked by the two hunky Lancers. Bannerman ordered champagne, and even though she reminded him it wasn’t even noon yet, he filled her glass and proceeded to propose lewd toasts. Between helpless fits of laughter, she managed to take a few sips.

Finally, Decker said, “We should probably tell John she’s here.”

“Yeah.” Bannerman grinned. “He’s gonna
maul
you.”

“Good! Strip off his clothes and send him to my room. And thanks for everything, both of you.”

After kissing them each on the cheek, she watched them exit the bar, noting how often they were stopped for autographs en route. They didn’t turn anyone down, and actually seemed to enjoy interacting with their fans despite the impending battle.

My heroes
.

If it was possible to be in love with three men at once, she had apparently managed it.

Laughing, she looped her purse over her shoulder, took a final mouthful of champagne, and was about to turn toward the door again when a female voice demanded cheerfully, “So which one are you dating? And
please
tell me it’s not the Sasquatch.”

Erica spun toward the speaker, ready to defend Bannerman’s honor, then gasped to see it was Johnny’s sister-in-law, aka the matchmaker. “Oh . . .”

“You’re my kind of woman, handling two hunks at once,” the petite, dark-haired Spurling joked. Then she held out her hand. “I’m Beth. Sister-in-law of the Lancers QB.”

“And Jason Spurling is your husband,” Erica agreed. “Another star.”

“He’s in the doghouse,” Beth said, scowling. Then she plopped onto the neighboring bar stool. “Don’t ask.”

“I wasn’t going to.” Erica gave a nervous smile. The woman seemed nice enough, but this was too close for comfort.

“So which one?” Beth demanded again. “Please,
please
pick the kicker. He’s so sweet and harmless.”

“Trust me, Sean has a dangerous side,” Erica assured her.

“Good to know. But he’s not a horny teenager, so he’s better than Bannerman.”

“I love them both equally.” Erica hesitated, then slid off her stool. “It’s was great meeting you.”

“Sit back down.”

She wasn’t sure what surprised her more—the way Beth ordered her around or the way she complied without question. It was silly, but there she was, sitting again, waiting expectantly, and amused by the glimpse into Johnny’s world.

No wonder he agreed to the blind date. She’s terrifying.

Beth grinned. “I used to have a love life too, you know. Just like you. Now I’m reduced to solving other people’s problems. I already did it for my brother-in-law, and now it’s your turn.”

“Interesting.”

“He resisted at first,” she admitted. “It actually made the holidays kind of tense. Like he still had a lot of fun he wanted to have. Then suddenly last night, right in the middle of dinner, he got on board. So fight me all you want. You
will
end up marrying Sean Decker.”

“He got on board?” Erica repeated, confused.

Beth nodded. “Like he finally saw the wisdom in it. Or was at peace with it at least. Either way, he finally gets it.” She touched Erica’s arm. “I own his ass. And now I own yours.”

“Pardon?”

“You’re my shiny new project. Resistance is futile.”

All she could do was stare, wary and slightly horrified.

The bartender brought Beth a fresh glass and she poured herself a serving of champagne, then smiled. “Let’s be friends. Tell me you name.”

Erica had to laugh. How had she missed this? It was such a one-sided conversation, Beth didn’t even know her
name
.

She was tempted to make one up, but decided against it. “I’m Erica. Nice to meet you. You must be so thrilled about the game. Do you think the Surgeon actually has a bad ankle?”

“I get enough football talk in my bedroom,” Beth muttered. “Let’s chat about something else. What do you do for a living?”

“Hmmm?”

“
I’m
a teacher. Or at least, I was. And someday I will be again when my kids learn to stay out of dirt and trouble. So what about you?”

This was the moment Erica had dreaded, and now that she had met Beth, it was even worse. She’d tell this scary person that she was in advertising, and within seconds Beth would connect the dots and shriek to the world that some bimbo was trying to lure the Spurlings into beer commercials.

A big, beefy hand came out of nowhere to spin her on her stool, and she honestly didn’t care who it was. Anything was better than Beth’s third degree. But luckily, it was Bannerman to the rescue.

“Hey, babe,” he crooned, pulling her to her feet and planting a warm, sexy kiss right on her mouth. No tongue, thank God, but still, there was no mistaking the message. And Erica was grateful enough to play along.

“You’re killing me with this,” Beth complained from behind them.

Erica pulled free of her halfback and said brightly, “You two know each other, right? Beth Spurling, Vince Bannerman.”

“Hi, Bam,” Beth grumbled.

“Hey, Sarge,” he replied with a grin. “How’re the kids? Anyone in juvie yet?”

“Give them time.” Beth turned to Erica. “You’re such a disappointment.”

“Cut it out. He’s my hero.”

Beth eyed Bannerman. “I was hoping she was with Deck, not you. No offense.”

“She’s with both of us. Wanna make it a foursome?”

“Don’t tempt me.” Beth flashed a sheepish smile. “Speaking of which, I’d better get my husband dressed for the luncheon or he’ll show up in his underwear.”

“He’s lucky to have you,” Bannerman said, his delivery deadpan but clearly mocking.

Beth glared. “If you’re going to date a classy girl like Erica—and I’m opposed to the whole idea—then you have to learn how to treat a decent woman.”

He nodded. “This is that deal where I have to be unselfish and get her off first, right?”

Erica burst out laughing, and to her surprise, Beth did too.

Then the frustrated matchmaker said, “I’ll see you both after the game. Or should I say, all three of you?”

Before Erica could assure her they would never meet again, Beth added cheerfully, “You need to re-think your life choices, Erica. Lucky for you you’ve got me. And Bam?” Her eyebrow arched. “I’ve got one word for you. Repent.”

As Erica stared after her, Beth bustled into the lobby, finally disappearing in a crowd of women, all of whom apparently knew each other. Some seemed familiar from the airport party. Girlfriends and wives of the Lancers, here for the big victory. Some looked like celebrities and groupies. And all of them seemed excited just to be here for the Super Bowl.

“Thanks for the rescue,” she told Bannerman softly.

“You didn’t look happy.” He touched her cheek. “She’s so mean, it’s legendary. What did she say?”

“Nothing.”

“Come here.” He pulled her into a brawny embrace. “Just be glad you’re not Jayce. Can you imagine how
he
feels? Waking up every morning next to a terminator?”

She nodded, burrowing against his chest.

“Hey.” Johnny’s deep voice interrupted the snuggling. “What’s this?”

“Your sister-in-law brutalized her,” Bannerman muttered. Then he loosened his grip on Erica but didn’t let go. “Take better care of your woman, dude.”

“Get your hand off her ass,
dude
.”

Bannerman chuckled but backed away, and Erica had to smile at how easily order had been restored.

The big dog was in control again and proved it by saying, “Now get lost. I want to talk to my girlfriend.”

“Sure. I’ve gotta tell Sean about the way she kissed me. He’ll want one too.”

Erica smiled. “Tell him we’ll settle up over pancakes.”

“Good deal. See you later.”

Johnny waited until he was out of sight, then stepped closer. “What did Beth say?”

“Nothing,” she murmured, even though the words about the blind date were echoing in her head.

Last night, right in the middle of dinner, he got on board. Like he finally saw the wisdom in it.

He seemed ready to say more, but instead he flashed a cocky smile. “I didn’t expect you for hours, so this is cool. I can take you to lunch.”

“I don’t want people seeing us.” She grimaced. “You need to back away slowly. And then meet me in my room.”

“Whatever you say.” He clearly couldn’t stop smiling. “We’ll order in. You can be dessert.”

“Beth mentioned something about a luncheon. Don’t you need to be there?”

“Nope. I’m all yours.”

I wish,
she told him silently. The urge to throw herself into his arms and beg him to marry
her
instead of a domestic goddess overwhelmed her. But that made no sense at all. The better choice would be for no one to marry anyone. Not for a couple of years at least. Let the torrid affair proceed at its own pace.

Except he’s ready for babies. Right now. And those kids would be so adorable. That’s what Beth Spurling sees. And somehow she made him see it too
.

“Tell me what she said,” he insisted, stepping closer again.

“Back away, handsome.” She laughed in spite of herself. “She’s unbelievably relentless.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” He grinned. “Go to your room. Order a couple of steak sandwiches. And something for yourself. I’ll be there in ten minutes. And Beth will never be the wiser.”

• • •

She flew to the elevator, wanting to make things perfect for him. Her body, her hair, her smile. Not to mention her attitude.

Because this was it. Whatever happened on Monday, they would always have this. A long, perfect day leading to an even more perfect night.

There’s no way Monday will be the end,
she decided, trying not to smile too happily and draw attention. Yes, it had been a shock to hear that he still hadn’t cleared things up with his family on the marriage front. Nor had he apparently canceled the blind date yet. But Erica hadn’t imagined the look in his eyes just now.

He simply wasn’t done with her yet.

• • •

“Can I ask you something?”

Erica smiled at the question. Or maybe she was just smiling at his finely honed naked torso as he sat up and stretched. They had had great sex, great food, and great sex again. A fitting ending to their affair, or a perfect beginning to phase two.

That was up to him, although he didn’t know it yet. But he seemed as smitten as she was, so she had a feeling he was miles ahead of her.

“You can ask me anything,” she assured him. “But we need to watch the hype too.” Using the TV remote, she found an all-sports, all-the-time channel, which was displaying a new graphic. This time it was Johnny Spurling and Wyatt Bourne as boxers. Bare-chested, fists raised, murderous expressions.