Play Hard: Bad Boy Sports Romance

by Abbi Hemp

  Derek and a few of his frat brother friends stood on the path, blocking my way. I thought briefly about simply running around them, but that would only embolden them. As a top dog, many others had questioned my position and tried to fight me for it.

  As a football player, I wasn’t supposed to get in trouble, and I didn’t want to risk injury, but I had to stick up for myself, not to mention Haley. Ten yards away, I stopped, jogging in place with a smile on my face. I always liked to try humor first.

  “Hey, fellas, care to join me? You’re not dressed for it, but you all look a bit soft.”

  “Keep laughing,” Derek said with a smug grin on his face. “You should know I talked to your coach. He’s not happy with you.”

  “Yeah, well, it’s your work against mine. Coach trusts me. He doesn’t know shit about you fools.”

  “Watch your mouth,” Derek said then peered to the left and right for reassurance from his friends.

  I stopped jogging.

  “Look, we got off to the wrong foot. I’m being more than kind with this bullshit. You were about to attack a woman…”

  “We were drunk,” he interrupted. “It didn’t mean anything. We wouldn’t have gone through with it.”

  “She was asking for it,” someone else said.

  Take down their leader, and the rest will scatter.

  I braced myself, ready to pounce and strike Derek. He stared me down.

  “Let’s go, guys. We’re done here.”

  “That’s right,” I said, swinging back my shoulder as if I were about to hit him.

  He flinched. I laughed and ran through them, not afraid of turning my back to them.

  “Talk to your coach!” Derek yelled.

  I raised a hand in the air, flipping him the bird.

  They were just joking around, I told myself, but by the time I got back to gym, I found myself walking toward his office, wondering if they had talked to him. They didn’t bother me, but it pissed me off they had practically assaulted Haley the other night.

  As I approached the door, I heard him yelling. Curtis walked out a moment later, his head bent. He shook it as he passed.

  “He wants to see you too.”

  “What about?” I asked.

  “Get in here, James!”

  Fucking frat boys.

  EIGHT

  James

  I walked into the office. Coach glanced up at me with the same look of disgust he usually wore, even when we won games. He didn’t say anything as I sat down at a hard, wooden seat in front of his desk.

  “You going to be ready for this next game?”

  “Yes, Coach.”

  No frat-boys?

  “Good. I hear your grades are up, and I’ve not heard of you partying hard. Who’s this new girl you’ve been hanging out with?”

  I did my best to mask my emotions.

  “Girl, Coach?”

  “Come on, you know what the hell I’m talking about. Curtis gave you up to get out of trouble.”

  That fucker…

  “It’s not serious, Coach,” I lied.

  He read me like a play-book.

  “Tell me the truth. She going to distract you?”

  “No, Coach. It’s under control. Football first. Always.”

  “Damn straight,” he said then glanced down at a printed spreadsheet. “Your stats are looking solid, but I want you to try to push yourself a bit farther this next game. Can you do that, son?”

  “Yes, Coach.”

  “Why the hell do all of you guys say my name every time you answer?”

  I cracked a smile.

  “I’m not sure, Coach.”

  He waved a hand through the air in front of him.

  “It doesn’t matter. I don’t care. I’m too damn old, but I want one more big win.”

  “We’re going to deliver it this year, Coach.”

  “Well, make sure you’re not spending too much time chasing tail. I imagine there’s plenty of young women willing to lay with you.”

  “Yes, Coach.”

  “Get the hell out of here,” he said. “Remember, give me double.”

  I stood and walked out of his office, determined to find Curtis and give him a piece of my mind. If Coach thought I was fucking around with a social life, he would stop helping me do my absolute best and increase my chances of hitting the pros after I graduated.

  Many players like me dreamed of hitting it big, even if the average career of a football player was only about five or six years at most. And most of us had no chance of making pro. I believed I would make it, and that made me special.

  Coach saw my potential, and I didn’t want to let him down. At the same time, a little down-time with Haley wouldn’t be a bad thing. When I walked into the locker room, I saw Curtis sitting on a bench, waiting for me. He stood up, holding out a palm.

  “Calm down, buddy. He tricked it out of me.”

  “You need to mind your own damn business,” I said, walking over.

  The other players crowded around us.

  “I don’t go around blabbing your secrets.”

  “You don’t know any of my secrets,” he said.

  “Oh, no? How about what happened at the Med-Center.”

  His eyes widened.

  “Who told you?”

  I grinned, still having no idea what had happened.

  “Doesn’t matter.”

  “Was it Haley?”

  “No, it wasn’t,” I said. “You ratted me out to Coach. That’s what we’re talking about here.”

  His demeanor changed instantly. He put a hand on my shoulder. I glanced over at it then back to his face, looking him straight in the eyes.

  “I’m sorry, man. Coach is all over me, and…”

  “It’s fine,” I said, cutting him off. “Just don’t let it happen again.”

  “Get a fucking room, you two,” someone yelled.

  The others laughed then wandered away.

  “You getting suited up?”

  “Yeah, yeah, give me a minute,” I said. “I’ve got to make a call.”

  “That damn Haley is going to ruin your future career,” he warned.

  “Let me worry about that, alright?”

  I stepped away and pulled out my phone to call Haley. She answered right away.

  “Hey, James. What’s up? I just got out of class.”

  “I’m not stalking you. Promise.”

  “Well, I’m not sure I would be too upset if you were. I mean, in a romantic way.”

  “Noted,” I said. “Anyway, I’ve been thinking about you all day?”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Yeah, nothing dirty. I ran into Derek and his goons again today. We should talk about my goals.”

  “Your goals?”

  “What I want to do with my life after I graduate.”

  “You’re going pro, aren’t you?”

  “That’s the dream, but I don’t know if I’ll make it.”

  “You’re going to make it.”

  I smiled, loving her support.

  “We could hang out later tonight.”

  “Hang out?”

  “Or more,” I added quietly so my teammates wouldn’t hear.

  “Or more?”

  “Stop copying me,” I said then laughed.

  “Yeah. Make it after eight. Tabby will be gone by then.”

  “See you later tonight, Haley.”

  “Bye, James.”

  I ended the call, feeling confident in my plan to rid myself of the pesky woman. Once we had sex or at least got a blowjob, I’d be able to concentrate on more important things, like football and going pro.

  The thought of going to hang out with Haley later that night and busting a move on her made me work even harder on the field as we played a full scrimmage game. Coach yelled at us from the sideline whether we executed a play perfectly or not.

  When I noticed him watching me closely, I made sure to put in some extra effort. Thanks to Curtis, he would be keeping an e
ye on my constantly. As a star, I had to constantly prove myself to my teammates and the fans as well as Coach.

  NINE

  Haley

  After James ended the call, I put my hand on my lap and looked over at Tabby on the couch.

  “You’re leaving at eight tonight, right?”

  She nodded.

  “Yeah, why? Your new boyfriend coming over?”

  “What are you, twelve years old?”

  “Kissy, kissy,” Tabby said then made duck lips.

  I rolled my eyes as she stood up and walked over.

  She tickled me with her fingers while trying to kiss me.

  “Stop,” I said in between laughs.

  “You know you want me.”

  “No, Tabby. I don’t.”

  Why won’t she get the message? She must be messing with me.

  I stood up and pushed her away.

  “I’ve got to get to class. I’ll talk to you tomorrow if I don’t see you.”

  “You’re not coming back before I leave for work? Seeing you makes a night at the factory easier.”

  “I don’t think I’m coming back that early. I’ve got a few things I need to do before tonight.”

  “Okay, see you tomorrow then.”

  After waving, I left the apartment and headed toward campus. With James coming over that night, I wanted to make sure I had a pair of fresh panties, something nice just in case we went all the way. I still wasn’t sure if I was going to let him or not.

  He probably had women sleeping with him on the first date or within ten minutes of meeting him. His hard body made me swoon, and I still hadn’t seen him completely. I remembered the sound of him coming on the phone, though, and that was hot.

  When I made it to the main strip of shops in the center of campus, I approached the Ladies Night lingerie shop. Before I made it to the door, I saw Curtis approaching from the other way. Should I slip into another store and come back later? Too late.

  “Haley!” he called out while raising his hand and walking over.

  Are all the football players going to all up on my case now?

  “Hey, Curtis. How’s your knee?”

  “I thought you said you weren’t going to tell anyone what happened,” he hissed. “What’s your deal?”

  “What do you mean? I didn’t tell anyone.”

  “James said you told him.”

  I shook my head.

  “He’s lying to you, then.”

  “Are you sure?” he asked, staring into my eyes.

  “Yes, I’m sure,” I snapped. “I keep my word.”

  “Then how did he find out? Why did he say that?”

  “I’m not sure, but it sounds like he’s fucking with you.”

  “If what happened got out, I’d be the laughing stock on campus.”

  “It’s not really a big deal, Curtis.” Poor choice of words? “I mean, all that happened is you popped a boner while I was examining your knee.”

  I stifled a laugh.

  “It’s not funny,” he said, glancing around nervously. “Just don’t tell anyone, okay?”

  I nodded, not saying a word.

  “Okay, then. I’m trusting you.”

  “You’re making a mountain out of a mole hill,” I said then giggled.

  “That’s not funny,” he said. “My dick is normal-sized. I asked my doctor.”

  “Uh-huh,” I said, nodding and smiling.

  “Whatever,” he said. “I’d never be seriously interested in someone like you. No football player would be.”

  Ouch. Why the hell is he getting so mean?

  “Are you done?” I asked, pretending his words didn’t affect me at all.

  “Just don’t say anything, okay?”

  “Don’t threaten me, Curtis.”

  “I’m not threatening you.”

  “Sounds like it to me. Veiled threats.” I looked him dead in the eyes. “I’ll not tell anyone your dick is average-sized. Your secret is safe with me.”

  “Fuck you,” he said then walked past me as if I didn’t even exist.

  Fucking prick, I thought as I opened the door to Ladies Night.

  Inside, the aroma of sugar, spice and everything nice hit my nose immediately. I hadn’t bought a special pair of panties in a long time, but I’d pretty much decided I would sleep with James if he wanted me, at least once. He probably didn’t even want me.

  “Can I help you?” a woman no older than me asked.

  “I’m just browsing,” I said. “But I am going to buy something.”

  She smiled.

  “You’re fine.”

  As she walked away, I browsed the various lace panties, looking for something to drive him wild when he laid eyes on them. I wondered how many women he had been with over the years. Was I just another conquest for him? Maybe sleeping with him would turn into a mistake?

  I settled on a nice pair of dark blue panties. The entire front was lace, which would give him a teaser view. Shit, I should shave for tonight, I thought as I took them up to the counter. After paying for them, I went outside and placed the bag in my backpack before heading to class.

  On my way, nervousness and joy mixed themselves together in my mind with my body reacting appropriately. No matter what happened, I deserved a night of fun with a hot hunk, the star of the football team. I smiled to myself when I reached the Medical Sciences building.

  Inside, the hustle and bustle of all the other students didn’t affect me in the least. I walked through the crowd with only one thing on my mind – letting a powerful and hot man have his way with me later that night. Am I a slut for wanting him so bad?

  I pushed that thought away as I found a seat in the lecture hall near the back. Paying attention would be difficult, but I had to focus. My number one goal was to get a degree and find a good job after graduation. Within ten years, I would open my own sports medicine practice.

  That was the plan. James would be a simple sidetrack, something enjoyable but nothing to take seriously. After he had me once, he would act like most men with his good looks and go away, on to the next one. Fucking men, I thought then giggled. I enjoy fucking men.

  Class started, and I found it difficult to concentrate on the day’s lesson, which happened to be about treating men with testicle injuries. The pictures used for the lecture did not make it easy for me to keep my mind off James. His dick sticking out of his pants flashed through my thoughts.

  So fine.

  TEN

  Haley

  Eight o’clock on the dot, I heard a knock on the door. After downing the last of my second glass of wine, I stashed the empty glass behind the couch.

  On the way over to the door, I pulled my pink tee-shirt down, wondering if it was too tight. Would he think I was a slut enhancing my breasts?

  I took a deep breath then unlocked the door. Trying to act cool, I opened it. James stood on the porch wearing jeans and a red Buffalo State sweatshirt.

  “Can I come in? It’s getting chilly out here.”

  “Sure.” I unlocked the screen door. “Come in.”

  He opened it and walked inside, brushing against my breasts as he passed.

  OMG!

  “Tabby’s not here, is she?”

  “No,” I said as I closed the door and locked it. “She’s gone for the rest of the night. Well, until midnight or one, but I don’t think you’re going to be here that late.”

  “I’m not, am I?”

  He flashed me a view of those perfectly white and straight teeth. How was it possible for one man to be so right in so many different ways?

  “We’ll see.”

  I stepped forward and stumbled, crashing into him. He reached out and put his arm around me as I steadied myself.

  “You been drinking tonight?”

  “Just a glass of wine,” I admitted. “I’m tired. It’s been a long day. Did you want to talk about something? Your football career?”

  “Nah, I was just playing, but I wanted to see you and hang out.�
�

  “How about a game of Madden? If I stomp your ass, you owe me something special.”

  “And if I beat you?”

  “I’ll give you something special.”

  “I don’t get to pick?”

  I shook my head.

  “Game?”

  “Let’s do this,” he said, dropping his arm.

  We walked over to the couch and sat down next to each other. I grabbed the remote control and switched over to the PS3 screen.

  “Were you playing earlier?” he asked, nodding at the controllers on the glass and steel coffee table in front of us.

  “Yeah, I was practicing, but just a little.”

  “Uh oh, Haley’s got some game.”

  “I do,” I said, picking up one of the controllers.

  He grabbed the other. I felt his leg pressed against mine as we sat so close to each other.

  “I’m totally going to kick your ass,” I said.

  “We’ll see about that.”

  “By the way, I ran into Curtis today.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Uh-huh. On campus. He said you told him I said something about him?”

  I turned to see a grin slide onto his perfectly proportioned face.

  “Was he mad?” he asked, turning his head to look at me.

  “Not when I told him I didn’t tell you.”

  “Now I want to know even more.”

  “I bet you do,” I said, turning back to the television and hitting play. “Game on.”

  “Bring it.”

  We picked our teams and players, chatting as if we’d been friends for years already. All the while, I kept thinking about the dark blue lace panties I had on under my sweat pants. Would he like them? Hopefully, he wouldn’t keep them on me long.

  I’d even picked up a three-pack of condoms in case he didn’t bring any of his own. His reputation as a sexual conquistador included the fact he always had a couple on him, but I didn’t want to take any chances. After sleeping with him, I’d be able to get back to my life.

  Between studying and work, I had no time for messing around with a man, especially not one as high-maintenance as James. Nearly every other woman wanted to be with him, and I didn’t look forward to keeping him entertained so he didn’t stray.