The Player

by Aliyah Burke

  “She was that. We were forever trying to lose her. I asked her when she was five why she always had to follow us and she told me…” He winked at her.

  “That’s enough, Kaeden. She doesn’t need to know.” Faye gripped his wrist and tugged.

  “I disagree.” JadaLei held her cup to her lips, even so it didn’t hide her smile.

  “I agree with the pastry chef. She needs to know how you informed me on that day, you had to follow us around because we were always getting into trouble and you needed to keep an eye on your husband.”

  God, she’d hoped he’d forgotten that. She joined in the laughter and when she began to pull her hand back, he captured it in his, lacing their fingers.

  Picking my battles. That’s why I’m allowing this to happen.

  Yeah right. Not even she believed that line of crap. Bottom line, she enjoyed having him hold her hand.

  Chapter Eight

  “What’s up, Lannie?” Kaeden jogged into the facility for practice. “You don’t typically call me before I head out on the field. What’d I do wrong last night?”

  “Nothing. I was actually calling to congratulate you.”

  He nodded at the security guard, trying not to let her words shock him into tripping over his own feet. Because, that shit, would be embarrassing. “For what?”

  “Those photos I see all over the web.”

  He pushed into the locker room, irritation starting to rise. He hated all the photos, that’s what had gotten him into this mess. Well, that, and his shitty behavior. “Sorry, you know I don’t look for the photos. Not sure what was taken at the fundraiser.” Kaeden did a chin lift to Marvin Colter, a wide receiver. The man looked like he wanted to say something to him so he held up a finger.

  “Not those. I mean the ones that are of you with those adults learning to read. Fuck, Kaeden. Stuff like that should be in the spotlight. Management reached out to me asking if this was a one-time thing or if you are doing it more often.”

  “No.” His response was short and direct.

  “Excuse me?”

  “That’s not going to be used to further me. That was Faye’s thing, why she wasn’t with me last night. I’m not going to use that to bolster my own appeal. Do you know how many adults are ridiculed because they can’t read, or at the level expected? Those photos were taken with their phones, if they feel proud to post them, that’s fine. But I won’t violate them or Faye like that, don’t ask me to.”

  She fell silent for a short while. “Understood. But would you support a larger one if the opportunity came along?”

  “Of course, but I don’t want to take away what she has. Please find another way.”

  “Fuck me sideways.”

  He blinked. “Could be interesting but I think it would take our working relationship to a new level.”

  “She means something to you. Don’t fuck this up, Archer.” Lannie hung up.

  He touched his ear and removed the bud. Of course, Faye meant something to him. The more time he spent with her, however, the deeper those feelings became. He smiled over how last night played out. They had a great time, her, him, and JadaLei. One thing was certain, Faye had surrounded herself with incredible friends.

  Marvin licked his lips and walked closer, eyes darting back and forth.

  “You okay man?”

  Others poured in and Marvin stepped back. “Sure. Just ready to get out on the field.”

  Storing his shit in his locker, he made his way to the door and back up the tunnel toward their practice field. The day was beautiful, sun shinning and he knew he’d be shirtless before practice was over.

  Maybe Faye would swing by to watch. He smiled at the thought of her being along the sidelines, eyes on him.

  Marvin warmed up next to him and as they waited for coach to come out, he looked at his friend. “Need something man? Looked like you had something to say before the others came in.”

  He and Marvin hadn’t clicked since he was traded here, but that was partially his own fault. He’d not wanted to make friends, he was too busy feeling sorry for himself.

  “That thing you were at last night.”

  “I’m guessing you don’t mean the first thing I attended.”

  Marvin shook his head, his darker skin flushing. “It seems to be private, right?”

  “Yeah man, it is.”

  “Could you,” he cleared his throat, “let me know about the next one? You know, if there is space?”

  Something odd cracked in his chest. Was this what it was like to think and care about someone other than his own self?

  “Tell you what, why don’t you come down there with me after practice. There’s a great café and I will introduce you to the woman who runs it. If you feel safe and comfortable with her, broach the subject.”

  “I feel like an ass because it’s so difficult for me. I think my agent is taking advantage and,” he shrugged. “I’d love to join, thanks.”

  “What are you two planning?” A lineman came over. “Sucking each other off? Looking pretty cozy over here.”

  Kaeden didn’t even hesitate. “Just because no one wants to see your two inches of unhappiness, Jerry. Don’t take it out on the rest of us. He’s helping me move some things after work, and no your ass can’t come because all you’ll do is sit on your ass and eat my food.”

  “Get over here!” Coach’s roar reverberated.

  He jogged off without looking to either man. Practice was brutal and as he pushed up off the ground from one particularly hard tackle, he scanned the sidelines and sucked in a breath. She was there. Faye. Sitting down by the field and ignoring the cameras that turned between the two of them.

  “Be right back,” he hollered, knowing full well he was going to catch some shit for this later. Jogging over to where she sat alone on the bleachers, he realized she’d not actually been watching him but reading. “Hey baby.” His tone loud enough the reporters there could hear, not that they weren’t already watching him from the moment he headed in her direction.

  Faye tipped her head back and his heart thudded harder in his chest. Such large guileless hazel-green eyes. A secretive smile turned up the corners of her lips and he relished the idea it was just for him.

  Cupping her chin, he kissed her. Lord help him, he’d had every intention of keeping it light and PG but the second she allowed his tongue to dip inside her mouth, that was lost. Her purr was cock hardening. But she pulled away.

  “Hi.”

  He swiped his thumb along her lower lip. “Hi.”

  Her eyes were all hazy and he loved that look on her.

  “I think you made your point, shouldn’t you be going back to practice?”

  “You’re here.” A careless shrug.

  “And if you don’t get back to practice, Coach is going to kick me out of practice.”

  He stole another kiss. “I’d like to see him try. Put your book away. You’re supposed to be watching me.”

  “What? Take another hit like you did and lose the ball?”

  He clutched his heart. “Ouch, baby.”

  “If you wouldn’t have taken your eyes off the ball but followed it into your hands, you would have secured the catch.”

  “You want to come play?”

  “Sure, let’s see how many men get to put their hands on me.”

  He scowled. “Not a fucking single one. You stay here. Nose in the book or eyes on me.”

  The small salute she tossed him had him chuckling even as he jogged back to the waiting group of guys.

  “Pussy whipped.”

  He wasn’t sure who said it and didn’t disagree. Kaeden most certainly was getting that way. This woman had gotten to him in a way no woman had, and fuck, he’d not slept with her even.

  After practice she walked with him down to the locker room where she laughingly turned down his offer to come help him get cleaned up. He came out, Marvin on his heels, to find her seated on the floor, nose in her book once more.

  Not too far fro
m her stood Tanner and he growled low in his throat as he noticed the direction of the man’s gaze. Down her top. Clearing his throat, he glared at the lineman until he moved away. Faye didn’t seem to care one way or the other. He stood before her, waiting for her to look up at him but she continued reading.

  With a foot, he nudged her knee. She blinked as she looked up. Again came that small, sexy smile.

  He held out his hands and lifted her the moment she put hers against his palms. Unable to resist, he kissed her.

  “Why are you sitting on the floor?”

  “Reading.” She patted his cheek, almost absent minded about it. “Ready to go?”

  He thought about it and remembered this was one of their scheduled nights out on the town.

  “Sure, but can we stop by your shop first?”

  Yeah, he shocked her with that one. Her eyes were wide as she watched him.

  “Okay, why?”

  “Is JadaLei working?”

  Pain she couldn’t hide flashed then was gone. “Yes, she and Randy are closing. Did you want to go and meet me wherever we’re supposed to eat?”

  “Not a chance.” He dragged two fingers down her cheek. “Trust me.”

  They got there and she hung back by Randy as he introduced Marvin to JadaLei. After they were talking, he caught his teammate’s gaze and only once he got the nod, did he turn his back and return to his woman. She and Randy were in a deep discussion.

  He stopped and just watched her interact. Everything was so honest and pure. Their friendship was obvious.

  Randy had her hair up in a kente cloth and it only highlighted how pale her skin truly was. But her smile and affection for Faye were nothing but honest. When Faye laughed, her entire body went into it. He locked onto her ass and his palms burned to have that in his hands.

  Soon.

  Arm around her, he got them on their way and off to dinner. For a while, until the paps came, it was fun, full of joking and laughs. He dropped her off with a lingering kiss and photos all over social media with hashtags #meandmynumber1 #timewithmygirl #qualitytime #datenight

  He wanted to stay with her and kiss her until she writhed beneath, or above, him. His name falling from swollen lips. He longed to watch the catch in her breathing as he slid into her, hold her gaze as she splintered around him.

  αβ

  “So, you and the bad boy of the Vancouver Storm?”

  “What?” Faye glanced up from where she struggled to shove all her books into her bag. How the hell they seemed to multiply when it was time to go home, she didn’t have a clue.

  Cooper Utilvar stood there watching her. When their eyes met he waggled his dark brows.

  “What are you talking about? You don’t even watch sports.”

  He laughed and pushed his hands into the pockets of his khakis. “I do too. Just because I like something other than American football doesn’t mean I don’t like sports.”

  “Chess is not a sport.”

  “It is.”

  “I’m not having this argument with you again. It’s not.” She kicked her desk. “What the hell do I have in here that is taking up all the room?” She started yanking everything back out.

  “Hey. Hey. Hey! Stop. I’ll do it.” He pushed her back and within moments had her bag together. “What’s going on with you?”

  “I’m sorry. Thank you for this. I… Nothing is going on, just didn’t sleep well these past few nights.”

  Why? Oh, right. Because Kaeden Archer tormented her in her dreams. Offering her the best sex of her life only to leave before she got it, so she woke horny and frustrated. When she was in that state, sleep wasn’t happening. Then add into the fact he’d gone radio silent, she was once again worried.

  Did she call? Nope. They didn’t have anything planned for a few more days, she figured she could reach out day of. Who knew, perhaps he found someone else.

  Even the though was a fucking spike to the chest.

  “I thought you were living it up with the tight end who loves posting photos of you online.”

  She shouldered her bag and blew an exasperated breath out, moving the hair over one eye for the briefest of moments.

  “Why so interested in my love life?”

  “Because I’ve never seen you even date anyone.” They walked to the door. “You’ve been all about your degree.”

  She ground her jaw. “I still am. Dating doesn’t stop that.”

  Cameras flashed in her face the moment they stepped outside. Cooper laughed. “Tell me how that’s working out for you.”

  Questions were lobbed at her like a ball machine for tennis players to improve their game. She wasn’t following anything other than it was all about her and Kaeden.

  Shit. She didn’t want to be in the spotlight like this. Her instinct was to tell them all to fuck off. Yet, she knew that inevitably would harm his career.

  Part of what I signed up for.

  “I’m sorry.” She held up her hands. “I’m not the one you should be asking questions about his game. If you have questions for Kaeden ask him or his agent. Then again, their PR person can talk as well.”

  “But you’re his supposed girlfriend. We haven’t seen anything from the two of you in a few days. Are you just the one on his arm for events? No offense, but you’re not like any of the women we’ve seen him with in the past.”

  Supposed? Supposed girlfriend?

  Cooper gripped her arm, lean fingers digging in. That motion alone kept her grounded.

  Thank god her friend knew her and stopped her from the kneejerk reaction she was about to have on the reporter. So, she didn’t look exactly like his other dates. Okay, not even close. Two of them made up one of her. Maybe three. Okay, not three. She didn’t know, nor did she care. She ate and enjoyed life, she wasn’t about starving herself. Plus, her doctor said she was healthy. So they could all go fuck themselves.

  Grinding her jaw, she pasted a smile on her face. “We all have our pasts. For most of us, we learn and grow from mistakes we’ve made.” She adjusted her bag. “Excuse me, I have places to go.”

  Trusting her friend to keep her moving, she ignored the rest of the questions and people that followed her. There were other students capturing this on their phones and she knew it was about to be everywhere. This, she’d not counted on.

  “I’m giving you a ride home. You’re not waiting for the bus.”

  Ducking her head to avoid another camera flash, she moved with Cooper and sighed with relief as he held the door for her on his sedan. Moments later they drove away.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I guess so.” She shook. Her nerves were that bad, she shook. “No. I’m not. It wasn’t ever this bad because of my brother.”

  “You’re not dating him.”

  “Eww, of course not.”

  “I’m just saying. You’re the latest piece and they’re curious.”

  Side piece. And one who wasn’t getting any sex.

  Faye shifted on the seat. Now was not the time to be thinking about sex with Kaeden. Not while she currently sat in the car with another man. One she considered a friend.

  “Great.” Her word was snipped.

  He didn’t say much else on the way back to her place. Dropping her off, she waved as she hustled up into the safety of her home after thanking him for the ride. At least tonight was a night off from the shop. She tended to take the weekend shifts so she could focus on the schoolwork load.

  “Motherfucker!” She dropped her bag and kicked the door shut behind her.

  Irritation had her blood pressure up and she wanted to get a drink. On her way to the shower, she stopped and picked up a bottle of Moscato that was left over from Randy’s last visit. Not bothering with a glass, she opened it and tipped it to her lips, still continuing to the bathroom.

  Water on and heating, she stripped, pausing occasionally to take another long drink. Then she got in the shower. Once she finished, the bottle was near to empty as well, she threw on an old jersey from
Trevor then drew on her panties and followed that up with a pair of plaid boxers, also from Trevor. Granted he’d not worn these but they were team gear.

  Wet hair draped forward over one shoulder she picked up the bottle. “Alexa, play Keep Me in Mind by Zac Brown Band.”

  She tuned out the response and smiled when the music came on. Shimmying up her hallway, singing, she wandered into the kitchen where she put the now empty bottle down and opened the fridge.

  Pulling out some fruit while she continued to sing with the music, she hip-checked the door closed then screamed, throwing the fruit at the man who stood in her kitchen, his eyes a blend of heat, amusement, and shock. Faye slapped her hand against her chest.

  “What the fuck, Kaeden? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” She stepped forward to the counter, chest heaving as she tried to regain some control over her breathing and gripped the edges. “What are you doing here?”

  He’d caught most of the fruit and bent to pick up the pieces he didn’t snatch out of the air like she’d been lobbing footballs at him.

  “I heard my girlfriend was getting into another man’s car. It was suggested she wasn’t happy with me.” He put everything on the counter and skirted the edge to prowl toward her.

  Seriously, it wasn’t fair how he moved. Sex on legs. Of course, his legs were sexy too, so perhaps anything would be sexy.

  “Who’s the asshole I have to beat?” He stared at her while he boxed her in.

  Faye swallowed, realizing how under dressed she was at the moment. How she could be ninety-five percent sure her pebbled nipples were visible against the top she wore.

  “I got a ride home from Cooper, a guy in my class and a friend. Before you ask why, because I was hounded by your people who were questioning our supposed relationship. After all,” she sneered. “I’m not even close to the women you are normally seen with.”

  She pushed at his chest and moved by him.

  “This changes things then.”

  “How so?” She reached for one of her flexible cutting boards, this one was fuchsia. He didn’t respond and she looked over her shoulder. “Kaeden?”