by Amanda Cowen
I have been working diligently on preparing for this event for the past few months, and I am sure as hell not going to show up late. I scramble through my wardrobe and put together a patterned blouse with a chunky necklace and an A-line skirt. I quickly apply my foundation and mascara, scarf down a piece of peanut butter toast and make my way out the door.
Pulling myself out of the steady movement of people shuffling under the hot afternoon sun, I move along the concrete with speed, passing the stage of local entertainment and in the direction of the red carpet leading into the arena. I spent my morning diligently ironing out the details of today’s itinerary and I am finally ready to trade in my stuffy office for some fresh air.
Shifting my eyes away from the crowds of people tailgating in the parking lot, I stop briefly to acknowledge three girls being interviewed by the local news. All of them giggling, wearing child-sized jerseys with BROOKS on the back and his number painted on their cheeks.
Ugh. Puck Bunnies.
I discreetly roll my eyes and huff as I turn in the direction of the media tent. I spot Lyndsey in the distance waving her skinny arms frantically above her head. She looks like a crazy person and completely out of place wearing a pair of Jimmy Choo’s and a Cartier watch, blinding my eyes from its glimmer. I laugh out loud watching her fight the movement of the cheering crowd, thankful and relived for her lunacy to help distract me from all thoughts of seeing Cash.
“Look at you, all cute and on the job,” she says, walking over in my direction.
“What are you doing here?” I fumble with my clipboard. “Didn’t you have a lunch date with Olivia?”
She flicks her long brown curls over her bare shoulder. “I did…but Louis asked me to be his date… and you know I can’t resist getting all dolled up.”
“You better not break that man’s heart,” I say, pinning her with a glare to let her know I’m serious.
Lyndsey laughs, throwing her head back and pressing her hand against her chest. “You make me sound like I am some sort of man eater.”
“You are.” I chuckle, pushing through the crowd. “And Louis is a nice guy…so don’t you dare hurt him.”
Lyndsey catches up to me. “Geez Quinn, what’s with the sudden loyalty to Louis?”
Stopping dead in my tracks, I turn around and narrow my eyes at her. “A few mornings ago he made me pancakes while you indulged in some extra hours of shut-eye and skipped out on your eight-thirty class.”
Lyndsey huffs. “Don’t get all motherly with me. You know I need at least eight hours of sleep to function. I don’t understand why classes are even scheduled that early in the morning anyway…it’s stupid.”
“No, what’s stupid is not showing up to class because you went to bed at an inappropriate hour.”
Lyndsey rolls her eyes and shoves her clutch under her armpit.
I turn away from her to see Theo a few feet away, greeting the limos pulling up to the media tent and dropping off the players. When he sees me, he smiles one of his charming grins and waves me over to his side.
“I was about to call you cell,” he says. "Did you end up getting all the prizes for the first intermission sorted out?"
I nod, watching his gaze follow Lyndsey as she walks a few feet away to chat with some of the other player’s girlfriends. He clears his throat. “Can you take over greeting the players? I need to speak with the press. Will you be okay on your own?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine,” I say with a smile as Theo hands me his iPad.
"Thanks, Quinn. I promise I’ll be back shortly. If you need anything, call me on my cell."
I look down at the document on his screen, listing each player, their guests, and their arrival time. I scan the perimeters, my eyes blurring at the sea of hockey players mixed with media personnel. I desperately search for Cash. I haven’t seen or heard from him since I left him blue- balled in the locker room, and I am beyond nervous to face him.
Tingling warmth snakes its way up my spine when I hear his smooth dark voice.
“Mittens.”
Inhaling a deep and steadying breath, I turn boldly towards him. “What do you want, Brooks?” I allow the anger to cut through my voice.
He leans in close, inches away from my lips. “I want to finish what we started.”
“Maybe you should call the hooker from last night to help you out with that,” I say as sweetly as possible.
“A hooker?” He chuckles, a smug smile curving his lips. “Is that seriously what you thought?”
Straightening out his suit jacket, he lets out a chuckle before sliding his hands through his lush honey hair. I’m mesmerized as he runs one finger absentmindedly across his plump bottom lip, almost pulling down on it slightly, his eyes smirking into mine. I find myself drinking in the way his charcoal suit fits tight against his gorgeous body, especially along his arms and shoulders.
I take a step back, flustered. Why does he always look so damn gorgeous when he’s being a complete dick?
“You paid her off, so that’s exactly what I thought,” I huff, feeling my cheeks heat. “You know what, Brooks, you need to stop trying to push this. What happened in that locker room reminded exactly why I need to stay away from you.”
“I’m not trying to push anything.”
I cross my arms in front of my chest, narrowing my eyes at him.
He lets out a nervous chuckle and bites his bottom lip. “You think I’m not serious.”
“I think you like games. And I’m not a toy. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have players I need to greet. And a job to do.” I try to turn around, but he grabs my elbow and pulls my backside into his hard chest.
“I’m sorry, okay.” He drops his head and presses his mouth against my ear. “Come on, don’t be like that.”
“Like what, Brooks?” I hiss. “Someone who doesn’t put up with your shit?” I tremble and tears sting my eyes. “As crazy as it sounds, when I said I wanted you in that locker room, I wasn’t lying or playing a game or saying it because that was what you wanted to hear.” I shake my head. “I said it because I meant it.”
He brushes my curls over my shoulder. “If I asked you right now if you wanted me, would you still mean it?”
“I can’t do this. Not here. Not now. I have a job to do. I’m done with you.” I squirm from his electric touch, but he tightens his grip.
“Well, I’m not done with you.”
The way he lingers, letting his free hand run along the back of my thigh, has my body flushing with heat.
“You’re bad news, Brooks.” I take a few steps back while maintaining eye contact with the world’s most infuriating man. He smirks at me in amusement, before he shoves his hands into his pockets. When two big-breasted women cozy up to either side of him, I turn away.
“What was that all about?” Lyndsey’s eyes are huge as she nibbles her lip.
“What?” I ask, playing dumb even though I am still reeling from Cash and his touch.
“You know what,” she says in a hushed whisper.
I roll my eyes and glance over my shoulder. Cash is leaning against the wall, his muscular arms crossed in front of his chest. The two women laugh at whatever fascinating bull crap he feeds them. The second he catches me in a full on stare, he gives me a wink, making my heart beat a little faster.
I glance at my watch. “The next limo is going to be here any second. I need to get back to work.”
“Everyone saw you two,” she says, taking a step closer. “Look around, Quinny, the claws are out.”
I see a bunch of girls standing in the corner, whispering and pointing in my direction.
"There you are," Louis says from behind Lyndsey.
I look up to see him and Viktor approaching us. Viktor gives me crooked grin, then takes a step forward and places his hand on the small of my back. "Working hard, Quinn?"
I smile. "Always."
A limo pulls up to the curb and I slide away from his touch. The limo driver opens the door to let out a tall dark hai
red man with a stunning red head.
"Kirky-boy!" Viktor shouts and claps at the newest arrival.
I glance at the list and see the name of the last arrival, from the Providence Jaguars, Peter Kirkland.
"Are you Peter?” I ask.
He chuckles. "The one and only."
His voluptuous date laughs at his attempted charm and bats her long thick lashes in his direction. He barely pays her any attention and high-fives both Louis and Viktor.
I am about to direct them into the tent, when I feel Viktor at my backside, "Hey, if I don't see you after the game, you better come to Coach Bartley’s wrap party."
"Oh, I’m not going,” I politely decline.
Viktor chuckles, "Ah come on, you have to."
“No thank you, all hockey boys are bad news.”
"You better believe it,” he says with a wink. “I’ll see you there, Quinn.” He turns and walks away with Kirky-boy and the red head.
The sound of high pitched female giggling mixed with the slapping of high fives causes my curiosity to follow the noise. I look over to see Cash bench pressing some tiny blonde in a skin tight dress over his head. When he places her down on her pin thin heels after the tenth pump, he brushes his shoulders off then flexes his biceps for his adoring female followers and team mates. His eyes briefly meet mine before I turn away, making my insides heat up.
"Christ he is such an ass,” I mutter out loud to myself.
Lyndsey chuckles "Oh my God, just admit that you like him!"
"I do not!" I shout back.
She cocks her head to the side, eyeing me skeptically, "You do too. And we both know how badly he wants you. Look at all those pathetic women hanging all over him, yet he looks at you like you’re the only person in the room.”
"Is everything going okay?" Theo asks, his deep voice catching me and Lyndsey off guard.
"Yes, so far so good," I say with a bead of sweat dripping from my brow. My sister curiously shifts her gaze between Cash and me.
"Great. Let me know once all the Jaguars players have arrived." He gives a smile before heading back towards the entrance of the red carpet. I watch him work his way across the tent, feeling Lyndsey's eyes on me as I follow behind him.
I cringe when I hear her shout, "This conversation isn't over, Quinn."
Without turning around, I give her thumbs up and greet the next limo, desperately trying to stay focused on the task at hand. My heart races as I pass by Cash, hating how good he looks. His baby blues devour every inch of my body and I feel like a vulnerable mess. For a moment I absorb his intensity and the predatory way he glares at me from across the room, enjoying his mouthwatering grin and the heat it brings to my cheeks.
After the charity game, I walk back to my office with Theo. I grab my purse and slide on my jacket when he asks. “Are you coming with me to the wrap party?” He’s scrolling through his cell phone, and I swallow hard, trying to appear as calm as possible.
“Do I have to come?”
“Of course you do. There are a ton of people I’d like you to meet and we both deserve a little fun after tonight, don’t you think?”
I button up my jacket and sigh. “I’m exhausted – “
“Come on Quinn, I can’t go without my favorite intern. What am I supposed to tell Bartley and the executives when they ask where you are?”
“That I went home,” I reply.
Theo leans in the doorway of my office. “You’re coming. We can stop by your place so you can freshen up, or put on a new dress, or do whatever you girls like to do before going out.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Fine. I’ll come for a bit, but then I’m going home. Capiche?”
“See, I knew you’d come around.” Theo laughs and shoves his phone in his pocket. “Now let’s go and celebrate all the hard work we did.”
My phone beeps as we step out onto the pavement and towards Theo’s vehicle. I look down at my screen lit up with a text message from my father.
I heard Military Appreciation Night was a success. I’m very proud of you.
Keep up the good work, Quinn.
I smile down at my screen and text him back:
Thanks Dad! Just heading with Theo to Coach Bartley's for the wrap party.
“Who are you texting?” Theo asks as he pulls open his passenger door.
“My dad. He heard the event was a success and he congratulated me.”
Theo smiles. “He should. You did a great job.”
I slide onto the seat, and he closes the door behind me. Theo walks around the front end of his car and then opens his door and slides into the driver seat.
My dad sends me another text:
Have a good time and tell Theo I said hello. I’m leaving on a red eye tonight. I will be in Texas on business for the week, so I won’t be able to make it. Please send my regrets to everyone. See you when I get back.
I tap my phone shut with a smile. I finally feel like all my hard work has paid off. I am back on track, controlled and concentrated on my work, and I am so pleased that my dad recognizes it.
Walking up the twisting staircase, we head into Coach Bartley’s home full of men accompanied by beautiful women drinking and talking over loud music. Theo’s hand finds the small of my back as he weaves us under the dim lighting through the foyer and into the kitchen.
“You look great tonight, Quinn.” His words are soft and warm as he brushes past me, leading the way. "That purple dress you have on really makes your eyes pop."
“Thanks,” I reply.
I glance at my reflection in the floor to ceiling windows and admire my strappy nude heels and purple bustier dress. I love the way the padded bust and structured silhouette flatters my body in all the right places.
My entire body stiffens, when his familiar warmth surrounds me, his hands finding my hips. “Nice dress.”
Theo turns around with a scowl on his face and stares Cash up and down. He holds out his hand and they embrace in a firm shake. “Great game tonight, Brooks. Can I get you something? Like a drink?”
“Soda water and lime,” Cash says, his finger creeping along the back of my thigh and up to the hem of my dress. “Would you like anything, Quinn?” The calm possession in his voice alarms the hell out of me. I can barely let out a breath, never mind speak with his hand cupped around my ass.
Theo locks eyes with me and waits for my response, oblivious to Cash’s wandering hands.
“Sure,” I say, letting out the breath I’ve been holding.
“Tell him what you want,” Cash whispers against my ear.
My body trembles from the warmth of his breath. “A water, please.”
Theo nods. “Quinn, come with me to get the drinks?” But his tone is all off. It’s not really a question, it more like he’s insisting.
“No, she’ll stay here, with me.” Cash is insisting too.
“Quinn?” Theo repeats.
“I’m fine, Theo. I’ll wait here.”
Theo looks at me one last time, lets out a deep breath, and then heads over to the makeshift bar set up in the great room.
When he is out of sight, I whip around. “Are you crazy? This place is crawling with my colleagues.”
“You like it and you know it,” Cash says, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
I whack his hand away. “You’re unbelievable.”
A flicker of intensity flashes in his eyes, nostrils flaring. Moving closer, his scent—honey and cinnamon—washes over me. “Don’t pretend you didn’t feel something in that locker room, Mittens.”
“Yeah, I felt my dignity being ripped right out of me. And I don’t understand why you even care? I can already see that you’re onto the next,” I nod over at a group of girls staring us down from the corner.
“Would that bother you?” He glances at the blonde girl he bench-pressed earlier today. “If I fucked her tonight instead of you?”
We stand there, eyeing each other up as I try not to let my real feelings for this arrogant
son-of-a–bitch seep in.
My chest twists tightly, painfully. “Alright, Brooks, I see what you’re trying to do here. But here’s the thing, I don’t give a shit what you do. Women throw themselves at you constantly and you gladly fuck them. Good for you. I bet you’ve already nailed a whole bunch since the locker room, so what’s another?”
He shakes his head and loosens his tie. “Nope. Not one.”
“Aw, how sweet. I must have made quite the impression,” I say, turning away from his amused stare.
I can feel his eyes burning into my back with every trembling step I take. His richly worn Italian shoes pound across the hardwood floor and he catches my wrist. “Listen, the only reason you aren’t naked, bound, and fucked in my bed right now is because we’re at this shit party. But you better keep yourself good and wet, Mittens, because tonight, you’re coming home with me.”
A shrill female voice breaks through our stare as he mutters a curse.
“Cash, are you coming? We’re waiting for you.” The blonde girl standing at his side gives me a once-over, her lips in a valley-girl pout. “Is this your sister or something?”
“No, I’m the marketing coordinator for the Bruisers,” I say, trying to sound as sweet as possible. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Quinn…and you are?”
“Alyssa,” she coos.
“What a pretty name. It’s always a pleasure to meet another one of Cash’s play toys. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find the real man I came with,” I say, without bothering to look up at Cash who towers over me, even in my heels.
I move with speed, searching through a sea of unknown faces before spotting Lyndsey snuggled up on a couch with Louis in a side room. I debate breaking up their make out session to hide out with them, but I don’t. Instead, I continue in a pursuit for Theo.
“There you are.” Theo says, juggling three drinks, a look of relief splashed across his face. “Where’s Cash?”
“He went off with some bimbo,” I reply, hoping the jealousy isn’t too apparent in my voice.
Theo hands me my beer. “Whatever. Good ridden to bad rubbish.”
