by Jessica Marx
“Good game,” I say, unsure of how to start.
“Thanks. I wasn’t expecting you.”
There’s an awkward silence. Neither of us know what to say or where to begin. I wish we could skip the talking part and just kiss and make up. I sense that Jax feels the same, but it may just be wishful thinking.
“I wasn’t planning on being here, but,” I pause. I need the right words. I want to say something perfect. I owe him that.
“But?” Jax asks. I can see that he still doesn’t know if I’m here to make up or solidify our break up. I hate seeing him like this.
“I fucked up, Jax. I’m so stupid. I love you - a lot. I can’t let my insecurities sabotage what we have - had,” I add, looking down, “I just…whatever it takes, whatever I have to do - I’ll learn. Nothing is worth losing you over. I shouldn’t have pushed you away.”
Jax doesn’t respond. He looks like he’s trying to contain a smile, but I’m not sure if it’s because he’s happy, or he wants to hear me beg before he tells me it’s too little, too late.
I search for the right thing to say, but feeling crushed, I give up and just ask, “I’m too late, aren’t I?”
That crooked smile appears on Jax’s lips, “I would wait forever for you, babe.”
My whole body relaxes, all of the tension I’ve been carrying visibly disappearing. “Forever?”
“Well, maybe not forever. I am a man after all.” He winks, “but a very long time.”
“Oh, Jax. I thought I lost you. I was so worried.” I throw my body up against his and hug him tight.
“I’ve told you before, fate works in mysterious ways. I love you, Syd, but losing you - even for a short time - made me realize just how much you mean to me,” Jax says, pulling me closer.
Tears are falling down my face. This time, they’re tears of joy though.
“Me too. Thank you for making this so easy for me. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen when you saw me.”
Jax kisses me on the top of my head, “I have no intention of making this easy on you.” He grabs my butt and yanks me into him, “this is only the beginning. You’re going to pay for making me suffer.”
A chill travels down my spine, “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“Oh, I know you will.”
I look up at Jax. He returns my gaze and leans down to kiss me. Our lips lock and it’s the most amazing feeling. His tongue enters my mouth and twists and turns with mine. We kiss with such intensity, we don’t hear Jake walk up next to us.
“Break it up, kids.” Jake says.
Reluctantly, Jax pulls his mouth from mine.
“Thank God you took this guy back, Sydney. I thought we were going to lose him there for a minute,” Jake kids, “apparently he can’t play football anymore if you’re not there to cheer him on.”
Jax looks at me and shrugs.
“Come on, we have some celebrating to do,” Jake says, “let’s go. You lovebirds can finish that business later.”
Jax winks at me and takes my hand, “you coming?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Nope.”
We walk toward his car and drive to the bar to meet the rest of the team.
“Just in case you’re wondering, you don’t have to worry about Nadia showing her face tonight. She won’t be coming around anymore,” Jax explains.
“Thanks. I’m not worried about her - or any other woman from now on for that matter,” I declare. “Besides, Nadia apologized and explained everything already.”
“You saw Nadia?”
“Yes. She payed me a visit.”
“Are we talking about the same Nadia? Nadia Tate? The woman with no soul? She apologized to you?” Jax is in shock.
“She sure did. Seems her soul isn’t all black.”
“Shit. Who knew?”
“Probably no one.”
We both laugh.
“I kind of felt bad for her,” I admit.
“You’re too kind, Sydney. She almost ruined us.”
“No. She tried, but I did that all by myself.”
“Women. Always taking all the credit.”
We pull up to the bar. Jax turns to me before we get out, “I’m so glad you’re here, Syd. Nothing means as much if I can’t share it with you.”
Jax leans over and kisses me once more before we go in. I don’t think either of us would be disappointed if we missed the celebrating tonight, but he has to be here, and I will be by his side.
Chapter 38
JAXSON
Losing Sydney, even for a short time, was the worst feeling ever. I’ve never been that low before. Not even with my biggest losses on the field. I never want to feel that lost again. It was terrible.
Now that I have her back, I’m not letting her go. I’m so happy Syd let go of her fears and came back to me. I will never admit it to anyone, but I even contemplated giving up my football career to be with her. I don’t know if I would have gone through with it, but I’m glad we didn’t get to that point.
Syd’s waiting at my condo when I get back from my team meeting. Because of our schedules, we don’t have many week night sleep overs, but the weekends are all ours. With the Superbowl just around the corner, we’re trying to spend whatever time we can together.
“Hey, babe,” I greet her.
“Hey,” she smiles.
I look Syd up and down. She’s in yoga pants and a tank top and looks as beautiful as ever. Actually, it doesn't matter what she has on. I know what she looks like under her clothes and that’s usually what I’m thinking about when I look at her anyway.
“Is that dinner I smell?” I ask, putting my bag down by the door.
“Yup. Fresh out of the oven just for you.”
“You cooked?”
“Ha! No. I ordered in, but it got here a while ago, so I had to reheat it.”
“Good thing I’m not into that whole ‘women are meant to be in the kitchen’ thing.”
“You and me both. Cooking will never be my thing.”
I walk up to Sydney and wrap my arms around her, “I missed you today.” I kiss her soft lips.
“Come on, it’s barely been a whole day since we’ve seen each other.”
“That’s long enough,” I reply, putting my arms around her. I grab onto her ass and pull her closer, “think dinner can wait a little longer?” I ask mischievously.
She pretends to think it over, but judging from the way her nipples are poking through her tank top, and the way she’s rocking her pelvis against mine, she already knows the answer.
We walk hand in hand into my bedroom. I lay her down and take a step back, “I’ve been waiting all day to taste that sweet pussy,” I say, taking my pants off.
Sydney just giggles.
“Oh, you think that’s funny?” I fold my belt and pull it quickly to make a snapping sound. Sydney jumps and laughs again.
She’s blushing. I know very well that she’s enjoying herself. I’ve pleased her enough times now that she knows what’s coming. Her. Just as soon as I work my magic.
I step closer and take hold of her pants, yanking them off in one swift motion.
“No panties? What kind of girl walks around like that?” I ask with a devilish smile.
I slowly drag my belt up the inside of her leg. She quivers expectantly. I lean in and place long, slow kisses up her thighs. Sid takes hold of my shoulders, willing me closer, but I plan on teasing her first.
I suck and bite gently, making her jump. I work the area all around her pussy, purposely only grazing those sweet lips. When she just about can’t take it anymore, I slip my finger inside her. A soft, hungry moan escapes her mouth.
I work my finger inside her, feeling her body writhe with pleasure. My mouth moves closer to her core and Sydney moans again, and pulls on my hair. She can’t take it anymore, and neither can I. Pleasing her makes me just as hot as she is.
I spread my tongue over her damp slit and slowly drag it to the top, flicking her cl
it with the tip of my tongue. She squeezes me tight with her small hands and I dip my tongue inside her.
I work my mouth around her and my tongue inside and over her - licking and sucking until her body is shaking around me.
“Yes, Jax, yes,” Syd cries.
Her warmth flows into my mouth. I move slower, but I don’t stop. I take it all in, savoring in the sweet taste of her pleasure, letting her enjoy every last second.
I kiss her thighs again, placing soft kisses up her belly, and up her chest. I stop when I get to her mouth and kiss her once more on the lips. She lazily wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me back, tasting herself on my swollen lips.
“Mmm,” Sydney sighs.
“My thoughts exactly.”
She lays back on the bed and put her hands behind her head.
“What are you doing?” I ask in a coy tone.
“Just feeling good.” She smiles.
“What happened to dinner?”
“It’s still in the oven. Probably burnt by now,” she says matter of factly.
“Too bad,” I reply. I flop down on the bed next to her, “I got what I was hungry for anyway.”
“You’re bad,” she giggles.
“Yes I am. Lucky you.”
“Yes, I am lucky.” SYDNEY
To say I’ve been on cloud nine the last couple of weeks would be an understatement. I thought I was happy before Jax and I almost broke up, now I’m over the moon. Things couldn’t be better between us - and the fact that the Rattlers are playing in the Superbowl is just unbelievable.
Jax has been so busy with the team, and I completely understand. I’ll take any time we get to spend together right now. Especially because I know once the big game is over, I will have him all to myself. For a while, anyway.
The Superbowl is being played in Denver this year which is great. The flight to Denver is so short, I can go to the game and not have to miss a lot of work. I can fly there and back in the same day if I have to. Luckily, Mesquite’s principal is a die hard Rattlers fan, so he’s being very lenient in letting me miss a couple of days of work for it, which normally would have been frowned upon.
I talk to Jax every day - and night. He’s so excited to have made it to the Superbowl. Not only that, he’s getting a huge amount of press as the Rattlers quarterback - good press. I watch the interviews on the sports channels. Jax looks so serious and all business. No one would ever guess that he’s so fun loving and silly. Since him and I have been together and in Mesquite, the public seems to have forgotten about his old ways. That makes me even happier.
Kelly walks into the living room while I’m watching the sports channel.
“Look at you,” she comments, “good little girlfriend watching her man on television.”
“How strange that I know him.”
“You know him better than almost anyone.”
“I do.” I smile.
Kelly takes a seat in the chair across from me, “So you’re officially in love with and dating a famous football player.”
“I am.”
“Lucky you. A guy famous for his quarterback record and his giant man meat.”
I laugh, “Man meat? That’s a new one.”
“Just made it up. Trying to keep it classy.”
“It’s not working,” I kid.
“Whatever. Rattler, anaconda, cock, penis - as long as he knows how to use it, it doesn’t matter.”
“Oh, he does.” I blush.
“Then cheers, girl.” She holds her water glass up, “you are living the American dream.”
I clink my glass to hers. I am.
“You’re also helping Tim live out his dream.”
I laugh, “It helps to know people in the right places.”
“Sure does. He’s like a little kid waiting for Santa Claus on Christmas. He has a countdown to the Superbowl on his phone. Total cheeseball.”
“I’m just glad you guys are able to come with me. I need Tim’s commentary - and some company. I think I’m almost as nervous as Jax right now.”
“I don’t know about that, but it must be nerve racking. I just want to go to the after party. Win or lose, it’s going to be insane.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the party scene.”
“You better. Your man is going to be the guest of honor.”
“Let’s hope so.”
“I’m sure the night will be a memorable one - no matter who wins.” Kelly giggles like there is a deeper meaning to her statement.
We turn our attention back to the television after the commercials are over. The interviewer has moved onto someone else, but Jax is in the background. I’m not so much listening to what’s being said, as much as I’m just watching Jax.
I sit back and grin. I found my true love. He is a pro football player about to play in his first Superbowl. Win or lose, he is going to come home to me. Life is good. I don’t think things can get any better than they are right now.
Chapter 39
SYDNEY
“Good luck, babe.” I kiss Jax one last time on the lips.
“Thanks. Will you still love me if I lose?”
“I”m not sure, so make sure you win,” I tease.
The sun is just rising over the mountains. Today is the big day. I’ve been keeping my distance so Jax can focus, but we spent the night together. I’m glad I was there. Jax was so wound up he couldn’t sleep. I did whatever I could to calm him down - which was a lot. We weren’t going to have sex, just because, but we did - more than once. What can I say? It was a last resort to get him to chill out -and it worked.
“I’m really fucking nervous, babe.”
I’ve never heard Jax say that about a game before. He must be really worried - with good reason. A big part of the team’s victory will be in his hands.
“You have nothing to worry about. It’s just another game. You got this,” I encourage him.
“Right, just another game,” he says under his breath.
“Now get out of here. I will see you later when we’re celebrating your victory.”
“Thanks, Syd. I’ll look out for you on the fifty yard line.”
“You know I’ll be there.”
We kiss again. Jax’s kiss is deep and full of need. He squeezes me so tight, I can barely breath. I let him be though. He has too much on his mind. I kiss him back with an equal amount of passion and love. He needs it.
Jax picks up his bag, “Later, babe. I love you.”
The look on his face is determined. He’s pulling himself together so he can face his team with confidence and the strength they need to win the game today.
“I love you.” I blow him a kiss. He closes the door behind him.
I wish it wasn’t so early so I could go to Kelly and Tim’s room. I’m a ball of nerves right now. Even though it’s barely morning, I’m too wound up to go back to sleep. I put some clothes on, take a book, and go downstairs for some coffee and breakfast.
Chapter 40
SYDNEY
There was always a buzz of excitement at the Rattlers games back in Phoenix. It was nothing compared to the buzz here in Denver today. Tim can barely contain himself. The three of us are in our seats, pumped up and ready for the most historical game in Jax’s career. I’m a nervous wreck.
After a whole lot of hoo hah and announcements, the players finally take the field. I spot Jax and he looks right back at me. I give him a thumbs up and he nods. God, I hope he wins.
We watch anxiously as the two teams battle for the title of a lifetime. Tim walks us through some of the plays. We jump and cheer when the Rattlers score their first points. We’re feeling good - optimistic that they’re going to take the win even though it’s only the first quarter.
The second quarter isn’t going as well. The whistle blows and Jax has the ball. He scrambles, but there’s no one to throw to. He runs out of the pocket and onto the field. I’m on the edge of my seat, but only for a second. He runs eight yards before he gets c
rushed by the opposing linebacker.
I anxiously stand up. Watching with the rest of the onlookers, I wait to see if he’s okay. He stands up and shakes it off. Cheers are heard throughout the stadium. He looks in my direction. I take it as a sign that he’s telling me he’s fine. The next few plays are made with a vengeance and regained strength. We go into halftime up by six points.
The half time show is incredible. It’s also a nice diversion from all the nail biting I’ve been doing for the first half of the game. The music and lights help us all to relax a little bit. The feeling is short lived though. The minute the players are back on the field, we’re all on edge. It’s still anyone’s game.
After a lot of yelling and screaming, and a couple more points scored, we are down to two minutes left in the game. The three of us are actually holding hands. It feels like there’s a call every few seconds, bringing the game to a halt. The Rattlers are down by four points. It’s not looking good.
My mind wanders as I think of how I’m going to console Jax for his loss. He’s not going to be happy. I already know the whole ‘at least you made it to the Superbowl’ line isn’t going to cut it.
I’m startled from my thoughts when Tim grabs my arm. There are only a few seconds left. It’s do or die now, but we basically lost. I’m distraught. My heart is breaking for Jax. The game is back in play. Out of nowhere, at least for me, Jax throws the ball - far. He makes a sixty yard pass to the end zone. It lands right in the arms of their wide receiver - the soon to be very famous, Jake Pallor.
I never jumped as high in the air as I do when that touchdown was scored. My heart leapt into my throat for a minute. I didn’t think they were going to pull it off, but they did. The Rattlers won. Jax won.
Tim’s screaming, “Hail Mary! Hail Mary!”
“Are you praying?” I yell excitedly.
