by C. Morgan
“What are you thinking about?” he asked.
“Everything.”
“Me?”
I nodded. “Definitely you.”
“Don’t get in your head about this. We are having a good time. You don’t need to overthink it. Just let it happen.”
“I am trying.”
We enjoyed a single drink before he walked me back to my room. Again, I was certain he would invite himself in or ask me into his room. The rules were in place to prevent this from happening, but I wasn’t sure I would be able to say no should he ask or suggest it. His charms were incredibly hard to resist. I didn’t think he was even trying, which made it worse. Or better. He made me want to forget everything I said.
“I had a good time tonight,” he whispered.
I nodded and stared into those killer blue eyes. “Me too.”
“Can we do something tomorrow night after we’re done with work?”
He was putting me on the spot. I was pretty sure that was a calculated move. I was helpless to turn the man down. As it was, I was struggling not to climb him like a tree right there in the hallway.
“I’d like that,” I answered.
His kiss was soft and teasing, but he never tried to take it further. “Goodnight,” he whispered. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Once again, I was left flustered, watching him walk away from me. I walked into my room and began to question my rules. An amendment might be needed. One sleepover per trip seemed like a fair deal. I went to bed that night with the tingle of his kiss lingering on my lips. There had been plenty of stolen kisses and soft touches all night. It was just enough to tease.
The following morning, I dressed in a pair of jeans and my low-cut tennis shoes with the company polo shirt. I met him downstairs in the lobby with a cup of coffee from the shop inside the hotel.
“Ready for this?” he asked.
“I’m so ready.”
“Things are a little more hectic now that we are in the season. There is a lot riding on these guys getting fixed up and right back on the field. They are going to be counting on me and you to keep the entire medical staff along with the managers and coaches updated on a player’s condition.”
I nodded as we got into the car. “I’m ready. I’ve created a form that will be sent along with a file of any player you see. It will give those that need to know a quick recap so they don’t have to read through all of the medical stuff.”
He grinned. “Damn, I knew I kept you around for a reason.”
“Very funny. I don’t get paid the big bucks for nothing.”
“I might be underpaying you, considering how efficient you’ve made everything.”
His compliment filled me with warmth. “It’s a little too soon for a raise, but I won’t say no.”
He laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
I got our little corner of the room organized. It was kind of hard not to notice the guys walking around in various states of undress. None of them seem bothered by my presence. I tried to avert my eyes but sometimes things just couldn’t be ignored. It was sensory overload.
“Incoming,” I said to Ryker, who was reading a magazine while leaning back in a chair.
To say the day had been uneventful was an understatement. I kept waiting for that crazy busy period everyone kept warning me about. I would have preferred the busy over the boredom. We couldn’t even properly flirt with the people constantly coming and going.
Ryker jumped to his feet. “Hey there,” he greeted the big man being escorted toward us. The man was walking with a pronounced slouch, indicating he’d hurt his back.
“Bull told me you can fix me,” the guy said. “There is something going on. My back is killing me.”
While Ryker worked with the player, I got some information from the assistant that brought him in. I kept my ear trained on Ryker in case he needed me. It was almost an hour later when the player got off the table and did a few bends and stretches.
“Damn, I feel so much better. I thought Bull was full of shit.” He looked to me. “Sorry.”
“It’s fine. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
“I’m feeling a hundred percent better.”
“We’ll get that sent over,” I told the assistant.
“Thanks, guys.”
They left us in our corner, and once again, it was more sitting and waiting.
“You’re bored,” Ryker said.
I shrugged. “Tomorrow, I will bring something to read.”
“Good plan. I am going to hit up the gift shop in the hotel and get a crossword or something.”
“Oh, that would be fun,” I said.
“Really?”
“I love crosswords. Wait, were you joking?”
“No, not at all. I do them all the time. I had a professor who was certain that kind of stuff kept you sharp. When I have a lot of downtime, I try and do something that flexes the brain muscles.”
I laughed. “Are we going to be the old couple doing crosswords already?”
“You make it sound like that is a bad thing.”
“We could have a challenge,” I suggested. “See who can finish theirs first.”
“Oh, you’re a competitive one.”
I flashed him a grin. “I call it winning.”
“You’re that sure you can beat me?” he said in that cocky way I remembered from the first time I met him.
“Positive. I’m a nerd, remember?”
That night, we shared another dinner together, and once again, he left me panting and wanting more when he kissed me goodnight. I was seriously going to have to talk to him about revaluating this plan of ours. Of mine. I had done this to myself.
The more I got to know him, the more certain I was we could keep business and personal relationships separated. We could have it all, and if things didn’t work out, I didn’t think there would be any animosity.
Tomorrow, I would broach the subject with him. Tonight, I was going to take a cold shower and try not to have any thigh-drenching dreams about my boss. I had a feeling it was part of his game. He wanted me primed and ready for the plucking.
Newsflash, I was there. Another day spent sneaking kisses and flirting was going to leave me begging him to take me to bed.
I was fairly certain that was his plan.
Chapter 34
Ryker
I wasn’t expecting to be needed in the locker room today. It was game day. Any injuries that happened today would more than likely be handled by the team doctor or the private doctors. I was more of a backup plan. I didn’t mind because that meant I got to watch the game. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the perks of watching the games from the sidelines or fifty-yard line seats that were often given to guys like me.
“Should I have worn the team jersey?” Trinity asked when I knocked on her room door.
I stared at my company polo she was wearing. “No,” I answered too quickly. There was something about seeing her wear my brand that appealed to a very basic need inside me. It was like I had marked her as mine. “I mean, we will be moving around behind the scenes and the polo will help identify us as the medical staff.”
“That’s what I thought. Bummer. I saw a really cute pink one in the gift shop.”
I knew she would look hot in the damn thing. All the guys would be clamoring after her. “I’ll buy it for you as a souvenir.”
“No. You don’t need to do that. It isn’t like I would wear it again anyway. I’m ready. Let’s do this.”
When we got to the stadium, we were driven around to the back entrance in a golf cart. We checked in, got my stuff set up, and then made our way out to the sidelines. We stood out of the way and watched with some of the other support staff.
“This is so exciting,” she squealed as she clapped her hands and jumped up and down on the balls of her feet. “I can’t believe I’m really here.”
“I thought you didn’t like football.”
“I don’t, but I
could watch paint dry in this environment. It’s so energized. I can actually feel energy humming through my body.”
“Wait until the game starts,” I joked.
She squealed again. “I’m not sure I can handle the excitement. I’m going to bubble over as it is.”
Her excitement was infectious. When the players ran onto the field, I was certain she was going to lose her voice before the game even started. She screamed and waved at the players we’d met. “Look, there’s Kenny!” she shouted.
I couldn’t stop the expression from happening. I wasn’t thrilled to see her so excited to see the guy. We were dating. I got to have a say in these things now. The game got underway and I quickly forgot all about being jealous. She was screaming and cheering for both sides. She cheered on Kenny and every other guy with the same enthusiasm.
About halfway through the second quarter, I was waved down by the assistant to the team doctor. “Game time,” I said to Trinity.
“I know! I’m watching.”
“No, us. We need to go.”
She quickly became very serious. “I’m ready.”
Together, we walked into the maze of halls and into the training room. Kenny was sitting on the examination table with his shirt off and in obvious pain, judging by the look on his face.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
The doctor stepped forward with his eyes on the tablet he was holding. “I’m reviewing your notes,” he started. “The issue you saw him for a couple of weeks ago, is that something that could have been aggravated tonight?”
I nodded. “Absolutely.”
“Doc, I’m fine,” Kenny insisted. “I just tweaked my back. I’m good. I can run through the pain.”
His doctor looked at me. “You better have a look or a feel or whatever it is you do.”
Trinity had her tablet in hand, ready to assist me with whatever. I ran my hands down Kenny’s spine and found the same spot had been reinjured. It wasn’t unheard of. “Did you get X-rays?” I asked.
“Not yet.”
“I need an X-ray to be certain, but I think it’s something that is going to require a little more than me trying to manually manipulate this thing.”
“No, no,” Kenny groaned. “I’m good. Just do what you do. Rub, pull, tug, and fix me up.”
“Kenny, your vertebrae are getting smashed to hell,” I told him bluntly. “They are protesting by choosing to go their own way. I think this is an injury that is going to keep you out of the game for at least today. I need to get a better idea of what’s going on in there, but you can’t risk a more serious injury by going back out there.”
The doctor jerked his head away from Kenny. I followed him around the corner to talk while keeping my eye on Trinity. “You know he knows what he is talking about,” she told Kenny. “You don’t want to risk ending your career by ignoring him, do you?”
“Aw, I bet if you kissed it, my owie would be all better.”
Her laughter made my blood boil. Kenny’s flirting was going to be a problem. I didn’t like it. I was going to let him know that she was mine and he needed to keep his flirting in check.
“What do you think?” the doctor asked.
“It could be nothing, but there is some swelling there. I cannot recommend him going back in the game today.”
The doctor nodded. “I agree. I can’t clear him if you don’t think he should play.”
“I don’t think he should play today,” I confirmed. “I suspect he’ll be out at least a week, but I cannot say for certain until I get a better read on things.”
“I’ve done my exam. I didn’t see anything I can fix, so I have to rely on your expertise in this.”
I hated to be the man responsible for a man’s career, but I couldn’t release the guy. He was probably going to hate me, and as soon as he got home, he’d see another doctor. I understood why. This was his livelihood. I would fight damn hard for it too.
“I’ll break the news to him,” he said. “I’ll let the coach know.”
“I’m going to get him an ice pack,” I said. I looked over at Trinity and Kenny one last time. She was standing next to the table and talking with him. I had to remind myself that was just her nature. She wasn’t flirting. She was just being her.
I went into the medical supply closet and got the icepack along with a thick bandage to wrap around his torso to keep the icepack in place. When I returned, the look on Kenny’s face said it all. He was devastated.
“I’m sorry about this,” I told him and started to wrap his ribs and lower back.
“It’s cool,” Kenny said. “I know you’re just looking out for me. Trinity says you are the best and I have to trust you.”
I looked at Trinity. She gave me an I told you so look before going back to the tablet.
“I want you to actually rest this,” I told him firmly. “You are not cleared for practice until you come into my office or get seen by someone else.”
“I know, I get it.” He looked at Trinity and flashed a smile. “Will you be at the office?”
“I usually am,” she replied.
“Well, hell, I might just have to twist up my back real good and make an appointment. Will you be my nurse?”
Trinity glanced at me before smiling at him. “I’m not a nurse, but I do know the nurses there, and they are all very capable.”
“What about a massage?” he pressed. “I bet you have the softest hands.”
“You don’t need soft hands,” I snapped. “You need that back twisted back into place.”
I was so close to grabbing Trinity and pushing her up against the wall. I wanted to push my tongue down her throat and let everyone know she was mine. Her eyes flashed before she gave a subtle shake of her head. It was like she read my mind.
“All right, all right,” Kenny mumbled. “Now that you made me look like a mummy, am I free to go?”
“That’s up to your doctor.”
“I want to watch the game,” he said, and for a moment, he sounded like a small child. I did feel bad for him.
“I’m okay with it if he is,” I said and looked to the doctor.
“Go. Don’t do anything stupid and strain yourself.”
I helped Kenny off the table and watched him walk out. When it was just the two of us, I had to touch her. Damn the rules. I stepped close to her, my hands resting on her hips and my forehead resting against hers.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“I am now.”
“What’s wrong?”
I looked into her eyes. “I don’t want you to think I’m a jealous man, but I just might be.”
She burst into laughter. “Gee, you think?”
“I’m sorry,” I muttered. “I don’t mean to get all macho and possessive, but seeing him hit on you like that just makes me crazy.”
She reached up and put her hand on my cheek. “I don’t mind you getting a little upset, but you don’t have to worry about anything happening. He’s a flirt. Nothing more. I would never take him up on his offer.”
I pulled away to look at her better. “He offered?”
She laughed. “No, no, but his flirting is just game. He isn’t serious and we both know it. If it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll leave when you’re with him.”
“You would do that for me?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t want to watch some woman fawning all over you. I don’t know if I have your kind of restraint. I’m pretty sure it would end up in hairpulling.”
I waggled my eyebrows. “Why does that really turn me on?”
She rolled her eyes. “Because you are a guy, and you are hard-wired for that nonsense.”
“I’ll be better, and you don’t need to leave the room. I trust you.”
“I know we haven’t really talked much about this, but when I say exclusive, I’m serious. I won’t do anything that makes you question my loyalty or my trust.”
I sighed and stepped close to her again. “I just know I’m going to do something
to screw this up. Can I apologize now? I am new at this and I’m certain there are going to be a lot of fumbles. I promise I will learn from my mistakes. You just have to tell me when I make them, in case I can’t figure it out for myself.”
“You better believe I’ll tell you when you screw up.” She laughed. “Do I give you the impression I’m meek?”
“No, but you are kind and considerate. You don’t like to hurt the feelings of anyone. You might think you are protecting me or sparing me, but it will just make it worse. Be brutally honest. I can take it.”
“I will.”
“Do you want to go back to the game? It’s probably close to halftime.”
She smiled. Her whole face lit up. “Can we?”
“Of course.”
I held her hand as we made our way back to the field. “I think you are making me a football junkie. Pretty soon I’m going to be an armchair quarterback.”
“Oh no, I’ve created a monster.”
I glanced over at the bench as we walked into the stadium. Kenny was being a good boy and quietly sitting on the bench. I imagined it was hard as hell to sit on the sidelines. I kept her hand firmly in mine, hoping he would notice us. He didn’t. His eyes were locked on the players on the field.
I had to rein in the green-eyed monster. I didn’t want to scare her away by acting like a lunatic. I did trust her. It was him I didn’t trust. Hell, I didn’t trust any guy around her. She was sexy as hell and it wasn’t a surprise they all wanted in her pants. When I saw her, I felt the same way.
Then I got to know her, and I knew I wanted her all to myself.
Chapter 35
Trinity
I was so damn exhausted. Who knew cheering at a game could wipe you out? My throat hurt a little from all the screaming. Fortunately for us and the players, no one else got hurt and needed Ryker’s help. We got to watch the whole game.
“You look exhausted,” he said as I laid my head against the headrest in the car.
“I just need a minute to catch my second wind.”
