Breaking Elle (5 page)

“Well, I’ll be here for this season, but after that, I don’t know,” I answer, gazing up at Cane. “I’m thinking of going somewhere warm, maybe Florida, to attend med school.”

“You’re seriously still thinking about going?” Cane frowns, pulling me closer to him. We’ve discussed this so many times.

I glance over at Reed, who smiles in a way that makes me nervous. “Why Florida?”

“I’ve lived in the Northeast all my life, and I need a break from the cold weather,” I answer, with a shiver, looking between them and then back up at Cane. That’s the story I tell everyone. What I actually want is to get away from my mom and the drama of her love life. It gets distracting at times. I know my brother will be close to mediate. When I glance back at Reed, I can tell he’s not buying my story.

“Crap.” Cane looks at his watch. “My time’s up, babe. I have to get back.” He leans over and kisses me on the cheek. “Do you want to meet me here in a couple hours?”

“I was planning on hanging around,” I say, noticing Reed off to the side, his eyes still on me.

“Maybe you can hang out with me? I get off in an hour. Then later we can all hang out somewhere together.” Reed counters, flashing his pearly whites. “We can chat about the Cowboys while we wait. If you want?” he says, looking over at Cane and me.

Looking up at Cane, I try to think of something on the fly. “Oh, I was going to the lounge to read for a little while,” I reply casually. “You can come by there after you’re done I guess.” I smile, trying to fight whatever it is that this stranger seems to bring out in me.

“That sounds good,” Cane adds. “Are you good with that?” Cane asks, flicking his gaze at Reed.

“I’m good,” he replies as his eyes dance mischievously. His mouth curves into a slight grin, causing me to blush again.
What is wrong with me?

“Then, it’s a plan,” Cane says, slapping Reed on the shoulder before we turn around to head back to the reception desk.

“It was nice meeting you, Elle. I’ll see you in an hour.”

“Same here.” I glance back, wanting one last peek. He winks, rubbing his arm as though he just caught a chill. I blink, slowly twist away, and wonder if I should quit my job before anything happens. I’m in love with Cane, but I can’t deny my attraction to Reed. I swear he feels it too. He’s not afraid to show it either and that’s what scares me.

We head to the locker room so that Cane can change for his next class. I hesitate outside the door. “Baby, you know I shouldn’t go in there. The boss can’t set a bad example.” I look behind me to see if anyone’s watching.

“There’s nobody here, babe. We got the whole place to ourselves.” He playfully grabs my hand, pulls me inside, and gently presses me against the wall. “Where’s my kiss?” He whispers. His minty breath hovers deliciously around me. He lifts an eyebrow at me, and I lift mine back.
Screw the rules.

“You know you’re so damn sexy.” I grasp the back of his neck and pull him down onto my mouth. He kisses me back urgently and pulls away smiling.

“See, nothing to worry about.” He grins. Taking my hand, we round the corner so he can change. “So, what do you think of the new guy?” He says, opening his locker and pulling out his gym bag.

“He’s nice,” I reply nonchalantly as if the godlike being in the other room has no effect on me whatsoever. Make no mistake; Cane isn’t shabby. He’s six feet tall, lean, and muscular, with shaggy blonde hair that he’s always sweeping away from his gorgeous face.

I knew the first day that he looked at me that he would be the one to get me past the demons and insecurities that kept me from having relationships. I let him in, and he cracked the hard shell around my heart. I think I fell in love with him the moment I met him, even though I didn’t make it easy on him. He never thought to give up on me, and despite my emotional issues, he loves me.

“He’s cool. We’re thinking of maybe being roommates this fall.” He nods, pulling his shorts from his bag.

“That’s great. Looks like you guys have already hit it off.” I look down, startled by the little butterflies now flitting around in my stomach at the mention of Reed. I’m sure he has that effect on a lot of girls.

Watching as Cane changes into his basketball shorts, I admire his perfect abs and his powerful arms. What we have together works. He’s the one relationship that has lasted for me, other than my friendship with Tyler. I was able to get past what happened with my parents and build a strong connection with someone special. We’ve had our rough patches, but we’ve managed to work through all of them.

“Elle? Babe?”

“Huh?” I shake the thoughts from my head and focus on him as he steps toward me.

“Earth to Elle?” He mocks, taking me in his arms.

“Funny,” I whisper. Placing my hands on his stomach, I playfully push him away. “You want more?” I murmur coyly. He nods his head, pushes me up against the locker, and raises my arms over my head. When I don’t resist, he softly places his lips on my neck, leaving a trail of warm kisses. Chills erupt all over my skin. Hungry for him, I slam my lips over his. He moans, pressing his body against mine as his hands travel under my top.

“
Ahem
.
” A throat clears before I hear Tyler ask, “Am I interrupting something?” He has the uncanny ability to catch us at the most inopportune moments.

Cane abruptly stops and steps in front of me, blocking me from Tyler’s eyes, while I turn away to fix my hair and tank top. “What do you think?” Cane responds, frustrated that Tyler interrupted us.

“You know there are young kids around here. They shouldn’t be witnessing this type of behavior from their
role models
.” He replies sarcastically. “And I’m using that term loosely.”

“Cut the shit. When have you ever been concerned about the appropriate time for PDA? You didn’t seem to care about that the other night with what’s her name?” Cane jokes.

“Hey, I got a little carried away. It was a natural reaction with a willing subject. I took that little bit of PDA and made myself MIA.” He strikes a pose before pulling out his towel from his locker. “Well, pick up where you left off. I don’t want you guys to hate me for breaking up your little lovefest.” He closes his locker and gestures with two fingers that he’ll be watching us. There’s a hint of jealousy in his voice.

Cane and I have talked about Tyler and his strong feelings for me. While it makes for some rather uncomfortable situations, I can’t see my life without either of them. They both make it work for my sake, but that doesn’t mean that Cane is completely comfortable with it.

“I better get going. I’m behind schedule, but I’m okay with being late since you were the distraction.” Cane pulls his t-shirt on and kisses me on the lips. “I was starving before, but I think I just had the best dessert ever.” He grins.

“Are you satisfied?” I flirt, biting my lower lip

“Yeah.” He winks, smacking my ass. “You’re my favorite kind of dessert, babe.”

“There’s more where that came from,” I whisper seductively, knowing that I need more of him too. He turns and grabs me, pressing his body to mine. I love seeing the intensity in his eyes and the feel of him close to me. I love that I have this effect on him.

“Oh yeah?” He pauses, looking around the dimly lit locker room. “Don’t tempt me like this, baby. Here. Now.” He murmurs, “Because we could both get fired.” He brushes the hair off my shoulders, pressing his warm lips on my neck. “God, you’re so good,” he whispers. His lips leave a streak of heat across my neck. The slightest touch from him has such an intense effect on my senses. I wish I didn’t have to wait. I wish we could leave right now.

“Only if you’re good,” I murmur, ghosting my lips over his.

“I’m always
good.”
He winks, biting his lip in anticipation. “Do I get a cherry on top with my dessert later?”

“Always.”

Most of the staff has left but I decide to hang around and take some shots on the basketball court. I had to wait to change since I noticed Elle and Cane walking into the locker-room together. I’m well versed in the type of things that can happen in an empty room with a hot girl. And from the look on Cane’s face when he walked out, he was one happy customer. They weren’t in there long and I was debating on whether I should leave or not, but I already said I would meet her in an hour. I’m never one to not show up when a hot girl is involved. Can’t deny there’s something about this girl. Something in me wants, no, has to get to know her.

I lace up my sneakers, grab a basketball, and head out to the court to take some shots. I bounce the ball a few times, and concentrating on the basket, I throw the ball.
Swoosh.
This is good, relieves some tension, and gives me some time to think. I’ve been with the kids all day, and I need some alone time, a break from all of their eagerness that comes out as yelling and screaming. After a while that can wear on your nerves, but I love kids regardless. I know growing up I was no angel. Momma can vouch for that. I smile, thinking about all of the crazy stuff that I put her through as a kid. I miss those days.

What are the chances that I’d be working with the perfect brunette from last night? I can’t believe it. Could my luck be changing? Or maybe not. She has a boyfriend who I happen to work with. Elle, the girl with the brown hair, hazel eyes, and killer legs. There’s something different about her. She caught my attention right away. I’ve been attracted to more than my share of girls, but I saw something in her eyes, her smile. She may have just thrown a wrench in my simple plans, and she doesn’t even know it. All I know is that Cane’s one lucky man.

My gut tells me she felt it, too. She held my hand a little bit longer than most would have before she moved closer to Cane. I’m no stranger to attraction, but I sense something more there that I can’t walk away from. I’ve got to do something about this. I know it’s wrong, but when the hell has that ever stopped me?
Never.
Rules are meant to be broken, especially the ones that you make for yourself.

Cane’s a good guy. He might be collateral damage, which sucks for him, but sometimes you just can’t deny fate. This could blow up in my face, but shit, I got one life, and I plan on living it. My momma taught me to take risks and follow my heart. I’ll take things slow and feel Elle out. We can do the friend thing. Not sure how happy I’ll be with that, but it’s a start.

“Hey, looking for some competition?” I glance away from the basket and notice the guy Elle was hanging out with the other night. The same guy whom I thought was her boyfriend. He gestures for the ball, and I pass it to him. He bounces it a couple times and walks up to me extending his hand. “My name’s Tyler. I’ve seen you around, but I haven’t had a chance to introduce myself.”

“Nice to meet ya.” I shake his hand. He looks like a good guy. Most of the people I’ve met in Boston have been, even though people back home say that people up North can be downright nasty.

“So, I heard you’re from Texas.” He grins. “What the hell brought you all the way up here?” He dribbles the ball, spinning towards the basket as he takes a shot. He makes it and turns back to me while waiting for my answer.

He’s the first person that’s asked me that question since I moved up here. I clear my throat before I reply, “School. I’m taking classes at BU in the fall. Boston has some great schools.”

“Definitely.” He grabs the basketball and holds it against his hip. “So what’s your major?”

“Sports medicine.”

“Cool.” He drops the ball and starts dribbling it again. “I’m finishing my undergrad in sports broadcasting and journalism. So we kinda have similar interests.” He laughs. “But, damn, it’s got to be culture shock, leaving Texas and coming way up here, and leaving behind those Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders!” He shakes his head, passing the ball to me.

I grin. “Funny, that’s one of the first things people ask me about. I don’t mind being up here. Change is good.” It’s not the only reason I came up here, but it works, and it’s a believable reason. “So do you work here? I didn’t see you around today,” I ask.

“Oh, today’s my day off. Elle and I walked over to hang out.” He walks to the foul line, waiting for me to take a shot.