Offside

by Bianca Sommerland

  “But . . .” Akira blushed and ducked her head. “The other girls got their sponsors because . . . I mean—”

  “I expect nothing from you, Akira,” Dominik said, his tone much sharper than intended. Keane obviously planned to fund Akira in his name, but he didn’t need it. And he refused to allow the girl to believe she had to compensate him in any way. The way she paled had him continuing quickly, his voice as calm and gentle as he could manage. “The Ice Girls are important to the team. You are important to the team. That’s the only reason I’m doing this.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Mason.” Akira nodded quickly, then moved as though to dash out.

  “Not so fast.” Dominik joined her at the door, speaking softly. “We need to talk.”

  “About what?” Jami put her hand on Akira’s arm and narrowed her eyes at Dominik. “She said thank you. She appreciates your help, but she’s got training and stuff. As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing more to talk about.”

  Lifting his hand, Dominik brushed Akira’s fine, black hair off her cheek. He took a step back when she winced and let his hand fall to his side. “I disagree.”

  “She’ll be fine! Just leave her alone!” Jami placed her hand on his chest and shoved, so much like an angry, spitting kitten he had to fight not to laugh. It was sweet that she wanted to protect her friend.

  But not very helpful.

  Dominik latched on to Jami’s wrist and leaned down to whisper in her ear, the short strands of her spiky blue hair soft against the side of his face. “Sebastian asked me to watch over you while he stayed in Spain with Luke. I’ll be careful with her. I won’t push her too far. But you . . .” He pressed a light kiss on her pale cheek. “Do. Not. Test. Me.”

  She gulped audibly, fisting her hands by her sides. “Sebastian wouldn’t—”

  Dominik kept an eye on Akira, who looked torn between making a run for it and staying to protect her friend. “He wouldn’t what, Jami?”

  Jami glanced over at Akira, then sighed. “Never mind.”

  So Sebastian had spoken to her. Had likely told her to stay away from the club. To behave herself. Dominik knew Sebastian had asked Jami to remain in Spain with him and Carter and had only given in when she insisted Akira needed her. But he’d made sure Jami would feel his presence through Dominik. He trusted Dominik to respect his limits. Not that he would sleep with Jami even if it had been permitted. He’d known the girl since she was little more than a child. But discipline didn’t have to be sexual, and he had no problem taking her over his knee if she needed it.

  Between Sebastian and Keane, Dominik had been given plenty to distract him. Which was good. Maybe it would be easier to say goodbye to Oriana when the time came. When he held her at the airport and did his best to let her go with no regrets.

  “Sir?” Akira skirted up to his side as he made his way to the elevator, surprising him by touching his forearm, her tiny hand looking even smaller with the contrast of her light olive skin against his dark flesh. He turned and nodded. She drew in a sharp breath. “I’m still not sure why you’re doing this. And . . . I’m not sure I’m comfortable taking your money or anything else while giving nothing in return. It’s not much, but . . . I can tell something’s bothering you. You can talk to me if . . . if you want.”

  She was adorable. Scared to death of him, but braving her fears to reach out. He put his hand over hers, smiling when she made an obvious effort not to pull away.

  “That means a lot to me, Akira. And I may take you up on your offer.” He squared his shoulders. “But for now, this is all about you.”

  Chapter Five

  Cinnamon rolls, croissants drizzled with chocolate, fruit tarts, and rum balls. Everyone else in the café was buying iced coffees and smoothies to cool off, but the long line waited behind Zach and Becky as they picked two of each delicious treat on display.

  Every time Becky tried to protest that it was too much, that it was all so fattening, Zach just gave her a level look and added even more to the pastry boxes the cashier had out for them. She could already feel the sugar rushing to her brain. Or maybe it was the two cups of coffee Zach had served her in bed that morning.

  Or maybe it’s just him.

  Being around Zach made her feel young. Alive and carefree. His hand on her shoulder warmed flesh full of goose bumps from an AC turned too high. She laughed as he told the cashier to add four more rum balls to their order. She’d mentioned they were her favorites, but he was spoiling her.

  “Zach—”

  “Becky, if you complain about your weight again, I’m putting you on a strict exercise regimen.” His tone was firm, but something in his eyes told her he was at least half teasing. “I think you’re perfect just the way you are, but if it’s an issue—”

  “It’s not.” Becky smiled and hugged his arm. “It’s sweet of you to say I’m perfect though. It took a long time for me to get comfortable with my body after I divorced Patrick. I’m mostly okay with myself now though.”

  “Mostly?”

  “It’s nice to hear I look good from a man—and not just during a scene.”

  Zach hugged her tight and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll make a point of reminding you how beautiful you are. But I must say, you look cuter in normal clothes.”

  “Normal clothes?” She let out an affronted sniff. “What’s wrong with my suits?”

  “Nothing. They are perfectly appropriate for work, but I like seeing you in something casual.”

  She blushed, bringing her hand to the V-neck of the white T-shirt he’d brought for her that morning. With a pair of jeans that fit perfectly. And running shoes. Doms had dressed her before, but never like this. Most of her wardrobe consisted of business outfits, with a few jogging suits thrown in for comfort. She wasn’t sure she owned any T-shirts, and her jeans had been given to Goodwill after she’d finally accepted that she’d never be a size six again.

  “I hope you don’t have a problem with my picking out your clothes?” He pulled her hand away from her chest, twining their fingers. “I haven’t had the opportunity with many subs, but I do enjoy it.”

  “I don’t mind at all.” Damn, the man made her feel all soft and melty inside. Wearing what he’d laid out for her added an edge of his control to every moment they spent together. And that control would linger, even when he wasn’t around. A sweet, subtle reminder, like a solid backdrop, while she was still free to be herself. She liked it, but there had to be limits. “I can’t have you doing this when I’m working, but I’m fine with it any other time.”

  “So noted.” Zach picked up the three white boxes the cashier handed him, then moved toward the door. “You mentioned getting the keys to your new house sometimes this week—wanting to fix it up? If you’d like, I can help you paint before Casey gets home.”

  “That would be awesome! I—” Her phone vibrated in her pocket, making her jump. She pulled it out, her breath bursting out of her chest when she saw Patrick’s number. Something’s wrong. “Sorry, one minute.” She answered in a whisper, “Hello?”

  “Mommy! A dolphin kissed me!”

  Becky laughed, her eyes tearing as Zach took her elbow and led her to a chair on the terrace outside the café. “Wow! What else have you seen?”

  “Bears and beluga whales. I fed one a fish!” Casey giggled. “He wasn’t slimy, but Daddy wouldn’t touch him. And he made sure I washed my hands twice after I petted him. Nanny bought me a stuffed bear that looks just like the ones that waved at us! I mean it, Mommy! They actually waved!”

  “Did you take pictures?”

  “Tons! And Nanny took some with me and the big fish!” Casey paused. “I wish you were here. I miss you.”

  “I miss you too, poupée.” Becky turned her head slightly so her daughter wouldn’t hear her trying to breathe around the lump in her throat. Zach squeezed her hand and his firm grip anchored her. She gave him a grateful smile, speaking again when she could do so without her voice catching. “How did you sleep last night?”


  They’d spoken before Patrick had put Casey to bed. Casey had cried, wanting her own bed. Her stuffies. Her mommy. Becky had heard Patrick in the background, losing patience, but his mother had taken the phone, promising to stay with Casey all night if that’s what it took. She’d called back to assure Becky that her daughter was fast asleep.

  “Good. Nanny stayed with me all night,” Casey said distractedly. “We’re going to see a show with the dolphins now. Nanny told me I should call you to tell you how much fun I’m having.”

  I love that woman. Becky pressed her eyes shut and nodded. “I’m so happy to hear that. Call me tonight?”

  “I will! Love you! Bye!”

  Becky hung up, put her phone in her pocket, then lowered her head to her hands. She had a hard time believing everything was okay. She’d prepared for the worst and the relief lifted her up, making her dizzy. Maybe she didn’t have to feel guilty about enjoying herself while her daughter was gone. She smiled at Zach.

  “That’s what I like to see.” He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “Ready to go to the park?”

  “Yes.” She glanced over to Zach’s bike, parked in front of the café. A man sitting at the table at the edge of the terrace, hands clasped around a large iced coffee, caught her eye. It was Scott. Dressed in a crisp new suit, looking like death warmed over. She hesitated, glancing back at Zach, who’d followed her gaze and gone perfectly still. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

  Zach groaned and tipped his head back, whispering a prayer to the frothy white cotton-clouded sky. “Probably. But you do know we’ll both regret this.”

  “Maybe not.” Becky stood, easing her hand slowly from Zach’s. “I know we’ll both regret it more if we leave him here like this.”

  “Would we? I was perfectly happy knowing I would spend the rest of the day with you.”

  “You’re mad at him.”

  “No. He’s made his choices. I’ve made mine.” Zach arched a brow at her doubtful look. “Becky, I try to keep my life as uncomplicated as possible. There’s nothing uncomplicated about Scott.”

  “There’s nothing uncomplicated about a woman with a child.”

  “It’s not the same. I don’t have to worry about finding you in the arms of another man. Of you telling me you want me one day, then leaving me the next.” Zach raked his nails over the stubble of hair on his scalp. Creases lined his forehead. “You know exactly what he’ll want from you. What he’ll want from us both.”

  “Who says we have to give it to him? Who says that’s what he really needs?” Becky leaned over the table, close to Zach, and kissed his cheek. “I’ll pretend I didn’t see him if you ask me to, Sir. I’m happy spending the day with you, too.”

  “But you’ll feel guilty.” Zach groaned. “And so will I. I suppose it won’t hurt to make sure he’s okay.”

  Straightening, Becky nodded, then moved toward Scott’s table, feeling stronger with Zach behind her. There was nothing Scott could offer that she didn’t already have. But there was a lot that she could offer him. Someone to talk to. Someone who cared.

  Why do you, though? The man’s selfish. Shallow. You don’t need someone like him in your life.

  For some reason, none of that mattered. Overnight, Zach had given her a sense of stability that made her less afraid of the chaos that was Scott. Nothing he could say or do could shake her. She approached his table, then took the seat across from him.

  “Hey, you.” She folded her hands on the table. “Having a rough morning?”

  Scott snorted before sucking at his straw. He licked his lips, then shrugged. “No comment.”

  Ugh. So much for being pleasant. “I’m not a reporter anymore, Scott. This isn’t an interview—I just wanted to see how you’re doing. I’ll leave you alone if you don’t want to—”

  “Wait.” He put his hand over hers, glanced at Zach, then drew it away. “Sorry, I’m in a mood. You don’t have to go.”

  “Bad news?” Zach asked, dragging a chair up to the table to straddle backward. Becky couldn’t help but notice he’d set his chair close to hers, but not cutting into the small space between her and Scott. He rested his hands on his thighs. “You had that meeting with Keane today, right?”

  “Yeah.” Scott put down his cup. The edges of his lips curled slightly. “Was all right. I’m not off the team.”

  Zach grinned. “That’s awe—”

  “Yet.”

  “What do you mean ‘yet’? Don’t tell me the bastard’s trying to fuck around with your contract. Silver got you for a bargain.” Zach lowered his voice as a few of the other patrons glanced over. He hadn’t shouted, but the sharpness of his tone carried. “Your agent is an idiot if he’s letting this slide. Let me talk to mine. She’s a—”

  Scott barked out a laugh. “She’s a vicious little thing. She’s also not taking on any new clients—Carter tried to hire her last year. I’m fine with my agent—he’s done everything he can for me.”

  Becky nodded slowly. She’d heard some rumors her first day at the office about Silver’s lawyer, Asher, acquiring an image consultant. No one could deny Scott’s value as a player, but he was also a liability. “What does Mr. Keane want you to do?”

  “Short version?” Scott sucked his teeth. “Behave. I have to make the team and the fans love me.”

  “Jesus,” Zach said under his breath. Becky smacked his thigh and he blinked at her. “What?”

  “That’s not helpful.”

  “Sweetheart, I’ll do whatever I can to keep Scott on the team, but there’s no use pretending it will be easy.” Zach turned to Scott, then reached out to clasp a hand around the other man’s wrist. “Tell me what you need. I’ll talk to the guys. Some of them are cool with you. We can work on the others.”

  “Why?” Scott swallowed hard, his gaze locked on Zach’s hand. “You don’t owe me nothin’.”

  “You’re my teammate. And more importantly . . .” Zach waited until Scott met his eyes, then continued. “My friend.”

  This man is incredible. Becky squeezed the thigh she’d smacked, smiling at Zach.

  “Thanks, man.” Scott slid his wrist from Zach’s grip, then took hold of his hand in a way that was little more than a friendly handshake. He gave a wry grin, before pulling away and shook his head. “There’s not much to do besides listen to each and every thing my IC tells me to do. Like the suit?”

  Zach arched a brow. “I noticed your shoes.”

  “You would.”

  “Fuck off.”

  Becky rolled her eyes. “You clean up very nicely, Scott. The tie brings out your tan. But . . .” She glanced over at Zach, not sure if she was doing the right thing. Hopefully, he’d understand. “It’s too nice out for such a stuffy outfit. Maybe what you need is some time to relax. Hang out for a bit.”

  “I noticed you’re not all primped and pressed.” Scott gave her an appreciative once-over, cheeks reddening slightly as he looked over at Zach yet again. He dropped his gaze to his drink. “I mean, you look nice. Hope you two have a nice day. I should—”

  “Did you miss the invite, pal?” Zach laughed and punched Scott in the shoulder. “Becky wants you to come with us.”

  “I didn’t miss it.” Scott returned the punch. “I was trying to discreetly excuse myself. You two don’t need me hanging around.”

  “We wouldn’t have asked if we didn’t want your company.” Becky pointed out.

  “He didn’t ask. You did.”

  Zach stood slowly, leaning one hand on the table in front of Scott. “I’m asking now.”

  Picking up the pastry boxes, Becky eased out of her chair, hugging the boxes as Scott pressed his eyes shut and rubbed his brow with his thumb and forefinger. He mumbled to himself, something like, “This is a bad idea.”

  He was probably right. The invitation could mean a lot more to him than it did to either her or Zach. But, at the same time, she couldn’t stand seeing him like this. For some crazy reason, she wanted
the aggravating, outrageously flirty Scott back.

  Do you? Really?

  Yes and no. She knew how to deal with that man. How to turn her back on him. But she couldn’t do the same when he looked so broken. So lost.

  And he couldn’t seem to believe anyone would want him around.

  But she did. She had a feeling Zach did too.

  So she met Scott’s eyes and whispered, “Please?”

  “Hell.” Scott rose and took the boxes from her. “Like I could say no to you.”

  * * * *

  The scream of little kids in the park across from the picnic area rose above the laughter of teens lounging around, smoking near the trees, and the light conversation from the adults seated at the table around them. Several young women had stretched out on blankets on the grass to tan, but Scott hardly noticed them. Damn it, it was almost impossible to look away from Becky, giggling as Zach fed her bits of pastry, making her close her eyes as he picked a new one each time. In the suits she always wore she’d been hot, but there was something sweeter, more approachable, about her in jeans and a T-shirt.

  She was still sexy as hell. The way the white shirt molded to her breasts made his mouth water. Her jeans were nice and snug. She had an ass he just wanted to sink his teeth into.

  But for the first time, he found himself drawn to her soft grey eyes, to her smile. She practically glowed every time Zach spoke to her, touched her. The two looked good together.

  “Want some?” Becky giggled, rising up on the bench across from him, holding half a rum ball between her fingers. His brain didn’t kick in until he’d latched on to her wrist and drew her hand closer. The rich chocolate filled his mouth. He groaned as he sucked some from her fingers. Her eyes widened.

  “Fuck.” He pulled away, chewing and swallowing, hardly tasting the treat anymore. Tension gathered between his eyes as he glanced over at Zach, whose expression was carefully neutral. After the way he’d treated the man, the last thing he should be doing now was hitting on his woman. Even unintentionally. Not if he valued their friendship. Which he did. “Sorry.”