Catching the Pass (Football Fantasies) (6 page)

Chapter Eight

Maggie stared into the mirror, the steam from the shower wrapping around her body.  Condensation began to mist over the edges of the glass, but she couldn’t stop looking at herself.  Her nipples were deep red and swollen from his kisses.  She lifted a hand to touch the abraded flesh, still sensitive from Jennings’ mouth’s sucking pull.  Her breasts felt heavy and sore.  Lifting one of the weights, she sucked in a breath, still reeling from his assault.

She’d ignored his comment about the run.  Her body was in no shape to run at the moment.  After that exchange outside, she wanted to crumble.  She’d ignored the confrontation she’d known would happen, only to have something much uglier and much more evil occur.  If she’d faced Brian at home, none of this would’ve happened.  She could’ve ended things properly instead of inviting this kind of shit into her life.

Why had Brian burst in right after a beautiful night with Jennings?  Was she cursed when it came to men?  She hadn’t known Jennings long, but she’d felt something so strong with him, a connection she’d never felt with any other soul.  Maggie had gotten a little taste of heaven only to have hell come knocking on the door.

Tears burned the back of her eyes, but not from Brian.  Frustration filled her.  Jennings had opened up to her a little last night, and she’d thought something wonderful was possible.  The shutters had fallen back down over Jennings eyes as he’d walked back into the house, and the man she’d shared a bed with last night was gone.  She’d been skewered on that front lawn, and he’d turned his back on her.

It hurt.

She lifted a hand to her mouth, caressing her kiss-ravished flesh.  They were deep pink and swollen, too.  Jennings had feasted on her lips, and she’d given him all she’d had.  There had been no thoughts of Brian or anyone else when Jennings had touched her.  As far as she thought, Brian had been long gone from her life.  Maggie lowered a hand to her pussy, which still throbbed with every beat of her heart.  Her lips parted as she gently pressed a finger to her folds. 

She was changed, somehow.

Her time with Jennings hadn’t been her first, but somehow he’d laid claim to her body unlike any before him.

And she was afraid it was unlike anyone to come, either.

Maggie knew she’d compare every other man to Jennings from this point forward. She feared the rest would be found lacking in some way. 

Her body was now his.  He’d known all her secrets, the ones she even hid from herself.  Jennings had pushed her to her limits and then some. 

Now, he looked at her with contempt.

Shame filled her as she forced herself into the shower.  The hot water sluiced over her skin and washed away all the touches and kisses Jennings had rained down upon her the night before.  The spray soothed the soreness he’d caused.

Too bad it wouldn’t rid her of the ache in her chest.

* * * *

Jennings felt the ball slip from his fingers for the fortieth time that afternoon.  He slowed down and kicked the ball in frustration.  When he looked to the other end of the field, he could see the pitying look on Rhett’s face.  And he wasn’t even going to look over at Maggie, no matter how bad he wanted to.

She’d been silent since this morning, after the fiasco at his front door, which was a small miracle in itself.  If Rhett hadn’t given up some of his precious time to help him out, they would’ve kept to themselves for the rest of the day, which Jennings would’ve much preferred. 

Now, after missing pass after pass after pass, he was sure it was a total waste of his time.

“Jennings!  I know you can do better than that!” Taylor yelled from the sidelines as she walked up.  She’d missed the first half of his dismal performance, as she’d just arrived.  She had no idea just how bad it really was.

Rhett jogged over to his girlfriend and placed a kiss on her lips before she climbed up into the stands to sit beside Maggie.  Then Rhett jogged over to him, picking up the ball as he moved.  “What the hell is up, man?  You look like you’re mad enough to kill someone.”

“I am.”

“Who?” Rhett asked.

“Brian Brooks,” Jennings spat.

Rhett’s eyebrows went up.  “Something happen?”

“Asshole showed up on my lawn this morning, demanding his
wife
.”

“His wife?  They aren’t married.  At least, as far as I know.”  Rhett shook his head.  “I was wondering where those bruises had come from.  I was hoping it was from a round of wild sex, not an actual fight.”

Jennings felt heat flame his face.  Oh, there had been a round of wild sex, for sure.

“I wasn’t so far off the mark, was I?” Rhett asked with a smile.  “You and Maggie?”

“Stop it, Rhett.  What we do together is none of your business,” Jennings said, anger starting to rile him up.

“Calm down, man.” Rhett stared at Jennings for a minute.  “You really like her, don’t you?”

He did.  “I don’t know, Rhett.  Before this morning, the answer would be yes, but then Brooks comes in and throws a wrench into the matter.  I’m already going to be the laughingstock of the NFL, trying out when I should be closer to ending a career, not starting one.  Now there’s a chance I might get pulled into his drama?  I need to focus on getting my mind and body ready for war, not dealing with this bullshit.”

Rhett shook his head.  “If anyone knows how drama can destroy a player, it’s me.  I nearly lost everything after my divorce and all the shit surrounding that.  But if it hadn’t been for your sister, I wouldn’t have found my way back so quickly.”

“So what are you saying?” Jennings asked.

“Man, I don’t know.  The love of a good woman can see you through anything, but not if it comes with someone like Brian Brooks in the shadows.  Just do what your gut tells you to.”

Jennings’ gaze drifted to the stands, and his gaze slammed into Maggie’s.  His gut flip-flopped and was absolutely no help at all.

* * * *

Taylor sat down beside Maggie, pulling a blanket out of her bag and folding it over her legs.  Cooler weather had finally decided to come into Texas and was having a fine show of it.  Maggie wished she’d been smart enough to bring some warmer clothes, but her head wasn’t exactly on straight today.

“Wanna share?” Taylor asked sweetly.  “It finally decided it was winter.”

Maggie smiled and moved closer, enjoying the newfound warmth.  “Thank you.  I came unprepared, it seems.”

“You never know how to prepare in Texas, trust me,” Taylor said as she watched Jennings miss another pass.  “So, how’s he doing?”

“Not good,” Maggie said.  “I’m wondering if I made a mistake suggesting he try a new position.”

“Nonsense.  Jennings can play any position he sets his mind to.  He just needs some practice to get the kinks out.”

Maggie hoped Taylor was right.  She looked at him, sorrow filling her chest.  She was the problem; she was sure of it.  Her job had been to train and focus his attention on the game.  Instead, she’d brought drama and discord.  No wonder he couldn’t catch the ball.

Jennings’ gaze hit her, and she sucked in a breath.  There was anger there.

And maybe a little leftover lust she’d seen the night before.

A shiver raced down her spine, and she swallowed thickly.  He looked back to Rhett, who seemed to be giving him some pointers.  As Rhett jogged back out with the ball in his hands, Taylor glanced over at Maggie.  “So what’s going on between you and my brother?”

Maggie closed her eyes for a split second.  She didn’t like lying, but in this case, it was for the best.  “Nothing.”

“Oh, don’t play me.  I saw the look he just gave you.  It was something like the looks he kept throwing your way last night, only slightly different.”

He’d been throwing her looks last night?  Maggie wasn’t sure what to say.  “I can’t begin to wonder what’s going on in your brother’s head.”  Now, that wasn’t a lie at all.

“Are you attracted to him?”

Maggie looked over at Taylor.  “That’s quite a forward question.”

“And that’s quite an evasive answer,” Taylor said with a grin.  “He likes you.  I can tell.  I just want to know if you’re going to break my brother’s heart or not.”

Maggie stared at Taylor as if she’d just grown another head.  “I don’t think you have anything to worry about in that regard.”  Maggie had more than likely ruined her chances with Jennings, so there would be no hearts involved.

Even though Maggie was sure hers was already a little bruised.  Jennings had walked away from her after the fight, making her feel used and dejected.  They had shared something incredible last night. 

Or at least she’d thought so.  Maybe he didn’t feel the same way about her.

She’d made a mistake not facing Brian sooner, but that wasn’t enough to push her away.  Was it?

“Fine, you can keep your secrets all you want.  Just take care of him.  He’s the keeping kind of man, not the flirting kind.  He doesn’t do things fast and loose.  When he falls, it’s all in.  Right now he doesn’t really have that luxury.  He’s worked his ass off to reach his dreams.  It might be a long shot, but he’s got a chance to get what he wants.  Don’t make him lose focus.”

Maggie closed her eyes, knowing she was doing a number on that man’s life.  “You’re right.  He’s a keeper.  And I would never want to do anything to endanger his chances.”

Taylor was quiet a moment.  “Good.  I’m glad we see eye to eye, then.”

Maggie settled on the bench and wondered if they could remain professional or if it was in Jennings’ best interest for her to leave.  The thought of walking away made her ache inside, but she wasn’t going to ruin his chances.

“I got him a look see next month with Houston.  I tried, and failed, to get him a look see at the combine.  Right after the combine, the Houston GM and coaches agreed to look at him, thanks to my badgering and Rhett’s insistence that Jennings get a shot.  I know they’re only agreeing to shut us up, but once he walks in, if he wows them, then it could change his life.”

Maggie looked at Taylor, excitement running through her veins.  Pro coaches willing to look?  That was huge.  Good thing Jennings had friends in high places.

Rhett sent a perfect spiral down field, and Maggie sucked in a breath.  When Jennings snagged it from midair and pulled it into his chest, she relaxed, especially once she saw the smile of victory come across his lips. 

If he could keep doing that, he might have a shot.

Which meant she needed to bow out before she ruined him.

Chapter Nine

Jennings groaned as Maggie pushed his leg over in an assisted stretch the following day.   After the fight, he’d been sore as hell, and he was still sore today.  His ribs were bruised, and there were some ugly marks up and down his back from the fight.  The workout on the field and the run that morning had been hell, but he’d pushed himself through the pain.  Now, she was adding insult to injury by pushing on muscles that didn’t want to be moved.

“Are you okay?” 

He felt her fingers on the end of his shirt.  She began to lift the material out of the way, and he stopped her.  Maggie didn’t need to see the damage to his body; it would only make her feel worse and make her talk more.  He didn’t want to hear it.  “I’m fine.  Just get on with it.”

Maggie was silent for a long moment.  “Are we going to talk about yesterday or the night before?”

“Nope.  No reason to,” he answered.

“After the night we shared, that’s how you want to leave it?” she asked.

Jennings sat up.  “You’re not going to let it alone until we have it out, are you?”

“I should’ve broken things off with Brian before I came.  I just wanted to get away from all that.  I never expected him to find me here and come in like that.  I’m sorry.”

Jennings knew she was sincere, but there was more to it than that.  “I’ve been attracted to you since the moment you knocked on my door, but I fought it.  Night before last, I lost the fight.  Your ex showing up on my doorstep the following morning was like some cosmic sign that I needed to get my eye back on the ball and off your ass.”

Maggie stepped back a little.  “So, we’re going to act like it didn’t happen?”

“It happened.  There’s no getting around it.  But we need to be professional.  I need training, and you’re my trainer.  Can you handle that?”

The look on her face told him no. 

“Yes.”

“Had I known you were coming out of a relationship, I would’ve kept my distance.  You should’ve told me.”  Would he have been able to keep his hands off her had she told him?  He doubted it, but it sounded good.

Maggie tilted her head and looked up at him.  “Would you really want to go around telling people your ex-fiancé was caught with some underage girl, drugged up giving him a blow job in the front seat of his car, which he crashed so the entire world could see what he’d done?”

“He wasn’t your ex-fiancé until yesterday morning,” Jennings quipped.  “
After
we had sex.”

Maggie scrubbed her hands up and down her face before letting out an exasperated sigh.  “If this is your way of backtracking away from what we shared, you’re as big an asshole as Brian is.”

She got up and walked away from him.  He watched her march up the stairs and suddenly felt like a total jerk.  Maggie had been pulled through the ringer yesterday and here he was compounding the beating she’d gotten.  What had happened had pissed him off, but it hadn’t dampened the feelings he had for her—not one bit.  Yesterday, he’d struggled to keep himself from heading into her room and holding her in his arms, which is exactly what he should’ve done.  Pride and anger had made him stop. 

Maggie had been hurting, and he’d left her to suffer alone.  She was right.  He was as big an asshole as her ex.

He dragged himself off the massage table and gingerly pushed his sore body up the stairs.  When he got to her room, he saw her packing.

“What’re you doing?” he asked.

Maggie looked over her shoulder.  “It was a mistake coming here.  We were a mistake, too.  So, it’s time to start cleaning up after myself.  I’ll get out of your hair and let you focus on what you need to do.”

“You can’t go,” he said.  “We’ve got training to do.”

“You already know the drills.  I’ll see if I can drum up someone else locally to finish what we started.”

“So you’re going to run again?” he asked.  “Brian embarrassed you, so you ran here.  I was an asshole, so you’re going to run from me, too.”

Maggie stopped what she was doing and turned to look at him, frowning.  “What is it you want from me?  I told you to let me walk away before we went down this road and you wouldn’t let me.  I’ve apologized for Brian, even though I really shouldn’t have to apologize for his stupidity.  I might’ve ignored him, but I sure as hell didn’t invite him here to wreak havoc on your front lawn.  Then I try to do the right thing and leave—and that’s not right either?”  She spun and started shoving more of her stuff in her duffel.  “I’ve never crossed the line before with a client.  I’ve always been a professional.  But I couldn’t ignore whatever it was between us and now I’m paying for it.  Fine.  I’ll leave before I ruin your chances of making it.  It
is
the right thing to do.”

Jennings walked over and gripped her shoulder, turning her to face him.  “The right thing to do is finish the job you started, not run away when things get hard.”

“I’m not running away.  I’m allowing you to focus.  There’s a difference,” she said, her gray eyes sparkling with emotion.

Why did she have to be so damned tempting?  Even upset and angry she was gorgeous and made his heart stutter.  He leaned down and took her lips with his and kissed the words from her.  At first, she pushed him away, but he wouldn’t let her.  After a few more minutes, she softened in his arms, kissing him back.

Then she broke the kiss.

“Five minutes ago, you said we needed to be professional.  This isn’t professional.”

Jennings looked down at her, knowing she was right, but he couldn’t help himself.  “Will you shut up?”

A shocked look crossed her face, and her lips parted.  He took the advantage and swallowed her surprise, pressing his tongue inside her mouth and tasting her sweetness.

* * * *

Maggie softened in his arms.  He was the most confusing man she’d ever met.  But right now, he felt too good kissing her.  She needed to get away from him, but she couldn’t. 

She needed to be stronger.

Maggie wrenched away from him and moved to the other side of the bed, putting some distance between them.  The news Taylor shared came back to her.  “I came here to get you ready for the NFL.  Taylor has the Houston coaches willing to give you a look in a month.”

“She already told me,” Jennings said. 

“I should leave and let you train.  I’m sure I can find someone to work with you in Houston.”

“But I want you.”

A shiver raced up her spine.  “I won’t be the reason you fail.”

“If you’re not here, I won’t stop thinking about you.  I’ll just worry where you are and what’s going on in your life.”

“I’m more than capable of taking care of myself without you.  You don’t need to worry about me,” she said.

“I will.”  Jennings sat down on the edge of the bed.  “I didn’t do a great job of showing you, but what we shared meant something.  I let all the other crap get in my head and in my way.  And I’m sorry if I hurt you and made you feel like I didn’t care.  I do care.  A lot.”

Maggie looked down at the floor for a long moment.  When she looked back up, he thought he saw a little shimmer in her eyes.  “I really should go.”

“I need you.  Finish what you started.”

Maggie was silent, refusing to look at him.  Finally she sighed.  “Fine.  If you want me to stay and train you, then it’s hands off.  No more sex.  No more drama.  It’ll be training, training, and more training.  Totally professional.”

Jennings didn’t like the sound of it, but knew she was right.  “Training only.”