I Dare You

by Ilsa Madden-Mills

  I do, and he curls his arm around me, staring deep into my eyes. “I believe you.” He pushes a strand of hair behind my ear, his hand warm as I lean into it. “But if you think for one minute I’m letting you stay in this room with them, you’re crazy.”

  “What do you suggest?”

  “Get your shit. You’re coming with me.”

  “Lead the way,” I say after grabbing my purse. I don’t need anything else, only him.

  We make it to the elevator and I don’t even ask where we’re going. I don’t care. As long as I’m with him, everything else will work itself out.

  We exit and he leads me to another hotel room, where he slides the key card in the slot and ushers me inside.

  Neither one of us speak as we face each other. I’m scared. He looks so serious, the chiseled lines of his face etched with an unnamed emotion.

  “Talk to me.”

  He closes his eyes then opens them again. “I love you, Delaney. I love you so damn much, and watching you walk away from me and not being able to do the right thing for you…I never want to go through that again.”

  I bite my lip, holding in the swell of feeling that washes over me. “Never again,” I whisper.

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you how I feel after the game. I’m sorry for dragging you into this mess. My life is probably ruined, but right now, I don’t even care because all I can think about is you. I can’t lose you.”

  I run to him, he catches me, and we kiss. His lips are everything, hot and needy, tasting of a passion that only comes once in a lifetime. Our tongues tangle, greedy for the other, anxious to get our fill.

  In a blink, his hands have expertly unzipped my dress and I’ve removed his shirt. In between long breathy kisses, we hold each other, rushing and touching and taking everything.

  It feels like it’s been months since I’ve seen him and I want to relearn his skin, but right now all I focus on is how much I want him inside me.

  “Fast now. Slow later,” he says as he tugs down my underwear to my heels. He looks up at me from where he’s kneeling on the floor and I bite my lip. He’s perfect. He’s gorgeous with those steel eyes looking right at me.

  His lips and tongue kiss my calf, my kneecap, and the inside of my thigh while his hands cup my ass, pulling me closer.

  I huff out a laugh. “I thought you said fast.”

  “I lied,” he says breathlessly as his thumbs slide to the front to part me, his tongue lapping. He inhales my scent, his fingers dancing across my body, strumming me and making me undulate against him.

  I tug him up. “Maverick…please.”

  He stands and removes his jeans and shoes, his gaze never wavering from mine. “I didn’t bring a condom. I wasn’t thinking. I just needed to get to you. I’m clean.”

  “I’m protected,” I tell him, and before I even finish, he’s kissing me.

  It’s perfect.

  It reminds me of the night we met at the bonfire when he brushed his lips across mine and became the one I’d never forget. Two stars in the sky, two souls destined to be together.

  He picks me up, my legs wrapping around his waist. He likes me like this, and it makes me smile to know the power I have over him.

  Holding me around the waist, making it seem almost effortless with his strength, he slides into me slowly, giving me what I need. I gasp each time he takes me, my head leaning against the wall. Our breathing is loud, the sex louder, and I come fast, my legs locking on his hips as I clench around him. We kiss and he breaks with me, our love the perfect storm, a tsunami that washes over us.

  Later, we’re in bed under the covers, our bodies sated. His fingers trace loops and intricate swirls on my back as he hugs me from behind.

  “I told Coach and the AD the night of the meet and greet.”

  The enormity of his words hit me. “What? Why? Does this mean you aren’t going to fight?”

  He nods. “Yeah.”

  I cup his cheek. “What’s going to happen to Raven?”

  A hint of sadness crosses his face before he recovers. “I don’t know.”

  I kiss him softly on the neck. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask sooner.”

  A brief smile flashes. “We had other things going on.”

  “Are you okay? I mean, what’s going to happen with football?”

  He plays with a piece of my hair and doesn’t answer.

  “Maverick? You seem rather calm about all this. This is your career on the line.”

  He nods. “I know.”

  “So?”

  He arches a brow. “Will you still love me if I don’t play in the NFL?”

  “Hell yes,” I say.

  “That’s the answer I was looking for.” He gives me a lingering kiss, making me grab his shoulders and pull him down until he’s on top of me.

  He clasps my hand tight, intertwining our fingers as he looks down at me. “I actually have a plan,” he says.

  I wrap my hands around his nape and pull his lips to mine. “Whatever it is, I’m in.”

  We kiss more, our hands exploring. I’m so happy to have him back, but I know we need to talk. No matter what, as long as we’re together, we can weather any storm.

  Maverick

  We’re at a television station and Coach Al and I sit behind a table, the cameras locked and loaded, ready to film. On my right is Delaney, and on the other side of her, slightly off camera, is Raven. A rep from the NCAA is on the other side of Coach, and we’re about to go live on ESPN for an interview about the fighting scandal that’s rocked the college sports world since I came forward and admitted to my involvement.

  Fred Moran is the interviewer, and he’s eyeballing me critically. A former linebacker from Ole Miss, he was one of my heroes when I was a kid, and now he’s looking at me like I’ve disappointed him.

  I get that, but I’m ready—ready to be true to everyone I care about.

  The interview starts with the control room replaying a statement I made at Waylon that was recorded at a press conference put on by the school then released to the media.

  “I fully admit to accepting money for fighting a rival football player. I knew this went against NCAA rules of accepting money for gain. I also take full responsibility for deceiving my university, my teammates, and the people I care about, and for this, I’m deeply sorry.”

  I didn’t reveal Kai’s name, leaving it up to him and anyone else who’d been involved to come forward. Sure enough, five additional players also made statements after mine.

  Even so, I was the big one, the famous player with so much promise, the one who was going to break out of the small town.

  I was a disappointment to everyone—everyone except Delaney, Raven, and Ryker, who’ve stood by me the entire time.

  The cameraman starts a countdown, signaling that we’re about to go live.

  I tense, and Delaney squeezes my hand.

  I look down at her, and she gives me a soft smile. “Me and you, He-Man. We got this.”

  Fred Moran focuses in on me. He gives me a nod then speaks to the millions of viewers. “As many of you know, Maverick Monroe came forward with a scandal that was hard to believe: a star college football player fighting in a casino for money. That’s right, tonight in the hot seat, we have none other than Maverick himself.”

  The camera swings to me, and I nod and straighten my shoulders. I have nothing else to lose.

  “Good evening, Fred.” I smile, digging deep for that Maverick charm I used to have. “Before we begin, I’d just like to say I’m a huge fan of you and your career, and I follow this show religiously.” I huff out a laugh. “Especially lately since I seem to be the topic of many of your conversations.”

  He smirks. “People aren’t saying very nice things about you.”

  I nod. “And I accept that.”

  His eyes scrutinize me, noting my hand clasped with Delaney’s. His gaze brushes over Raven, who smiles at him.

  He clears his throat. “I was wondering if perhaps you’
d like to shed some light on why you risked your career.”

  “I didn’t do it for the money. I mean, I did, but it wasn’t for me. It was for my sister.”

  He nods, encouraging me to go on.

  “In a car accident that took my mom, she suffered a traumatic brain injury, and I’ve been unable to get proper care for her, the kind she needs. My father is an alcoholic and at times is…unable to care for her, and I was often either in class or at practice.”

  “He…cooks,” Raven calls out, and the camera swings to her.

  Fred smiles. “You’re Raven?”

  She nods and plays with her hair, her voice slow but careful as she speaks. “He…takes…care…of…me.”

  I give her a soft smile and continue. “As you know, I’m not allowed to work or accept any kind of loan or money from anyone in case it’s construed as bribes for football. I was hoping I could get by until the draft next spring. Unfortunately, I’d already opted out of the draft this year when we realized she needed extra care.”

  Fred exhales. “I see. Do you gamble, Mr. Monroe?”

  Ah, the crux of the matter.

  “I have never gambled, and Leslie Brock has already told the NCAA that.” I go on to tell them the details of the organization, how Leslie’s casino is a legit business and I merely worked as an employee.

  “I never placed a bet on myself or a fight or a football team. What I did was fight, that’s it.”

  “How much money did you get for the fight?” is Fred’s next question.

  “Fifty thousand, and every penny went to the facility to take care of Raven.”

  Raven is crying softly, and Delaney hands her a tissue then pats her on the shoulder. They’ve grown close these past few weeks.

  Fred nods, a softening to his face. “Is it true that you requested the money you’d already paid to the facility be returned?”

  I smile. “Yes. We donated the money to fund an animal shelter in Magnolia. It was Raven’s idea. She’s going to be volunteering there some.”

  Raven glows at my words.

  Really, that was all Delaney. She sat down with Raven and they talked about what kinds of volunteer work she’d like to do. It was something I’d never thought of, mostly because I’d have to get her there and back.

  “And what about your sister? We’ve heard from a close personal source that you don’t have anyone to take care of her.”

  “I’m taking care of her,” Delaney says proudly. “She’s my family.”

  Love slams into me. What I ever did to deserve her, I don’t know.

  What she doesn’t say is that Raven and I have moved in with her, and she’s quit her library job to take care of Raven on the days the nurse can’t come by. Skye said she’d chip in a day a week too.

  Fred looks at the viewers. “Well, the question on everyone’s mind is if you’ll be playing for Waylon this year.”

  I swallow. “I don’t know. I haven’t been informed yet.”

  He nods. “What do you think the ruling will be when it comes to being drafted?”

  “I have no idea.” I look at Delaney and Raven. “We’re still waiting to hear.”

  I do know that whatever happens, I’ll be okay.

  Delaney comes out of the kitchen, wearing a big grin and her May the Fork Be With You apron. She and Raven are making dinner and pecan pie for Ryder since he helped us move into her place a few weeks back.

  It’s the end of the year, and we’re celebrating.

  I think back to how everything played out after the interview. After much discussion and interviews, it was determined that the only technical rule I broke was accepting money. There was no indication of foul play, and most importantly, no gambling. Because the scandal involved several star players in the SEC who’d been preyed upon by offerings of big money, the NCAA decided not to kick us out of college football completely. Myself, along with the other players, would be sitting out the first five games of the year.

  It was enough.

  It was hope.

  As far as Muffin went, none of the players on the team would even talk to her anymore. Rumor has it she’s transferring schools for her senior year.

  This fall is going to be the year—my year. I look at Delaney and watch as she shows Raven how to make her Nana’s pie. She catches my eye and smiles as Han weaves between their legs, meowing for a table scrap.

  “I love you,” I mouth at her as she straightens up. She’s everything, mine, and maybe she has been since the night of the bonfire. We just had to figure it out.

  She smiles, a slow blush working up her cheeks. “I know,” she mouths back.

  I burst out laughing.

  Forget this being my year. I look at her and Raven.

  This is our year.

  Few years later

  Delaney

  I wake up, and Maverick’s not in bed. That’s weird. It’s not quite eight in the morning and it’s the off-season, which means he gets to sleep in before training starts. Spotting the blue dress shirt he wore last night when we went out to dinner, I pick it up off the floor where I tossed it before we made love. I pull it on, pad over to the window, and look out over the Nashville skyline from our penthouse.

  I sigh contentedly. After winning the national championship with the Waylon Wildcats, Maverick went on to be drafted in the first round by the Tennessee Titans. He’s already broken two records, and they went to the Super Bowl this year. They were defeated, but like he says, it gives him something to work for.

  I look at the picture of him and me and Raven on the nightstand and smile. Somehow we managed to juggle her and classes and football our senior year, and because Maverick was so open about the reason he fought, people came out of the woodwork to help us. Mrs. Watson from Pineview herself volunteered to donate services to Raven, including riding lessons and art classes at Pineview.

  She lived with us until Maverick was drafted, and then made it clear that while she loved us, she did not want to be attached to us at the hip. So, we did some research and found her a facility nearly identical to Pineview in Nashville.

  As for me, I’m designing a line of clothing for my new Geek Girl fashion label and volunteer weekly at a local animal shelter. Maverick loves coming with me too, although I don’t think he’d ever admit it. Rescuing animals has become his charitable calling card, whether he meant it to or not.

  I hear clanging from the living room and make my way there.

  “Mav?” I call. “Where are you?”

  I make my way down the hall and into the den then come to a halt at the vision I see. Standing smack dab in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows is Maverick dressed as a…Jedi?

  I give him a careful once-over, taking in the white leggings with brown boots, the beige tunic with a utility belt, and the light saber holder. A brown overcoat is draped over the getup, and I rub my eyes. The detail is amazing and he looks professional, like something straight out of the movies.

  “Morning, gorgeous.” He strikes a pose, waving around a blue light saber that makes a whooshing sound with each movement.

  “Morning, babe. Where did you get this outfit?” I’m impressed and starting to wonder if I can get a Princess Leia one. “Are we going to a comic con somewhere?”

  “I had it made. And no, we’re staying in today. Just you and me.”

  Cool. We’ve been busy these past few weeks, and it would be great to just relax at home. Maverick swings the sword and Han darts from behind a chair, paws swatting at the light saber as he runs past.

  I giggle. “Nice moves. You’ve got Han riled up now.”

  I expect him to laugh with me, and he does flash me a brief smile, but there’s something about his expression that’s different. It’s intense, as if he’s about to head out to the most important football game of his life.

  “What’s going on? Are you okay?” I say, moving in closer.

  “More than okay. It’s the best day of my life,” he says as he sets the light saber on a chair and kneels d
own in front of me. From the coffee table, he picks up a black velvet box that I hadn’t noticed yet and pops it open. Inside is a ring with the biggest square cut solitaire diamond I’ve ever seen.

  I blink. My body flutters and I can’t breathe.

  He gazes up at me with those steel blue eyes, the ones I hold close to my heart every night when I go to sleep.

  “It feels like I’ve waited forever to do this. Delaney Renee Shaw, will you marry me and make me the happiest Jedi in the universe? I promise to always love you—and your cats—and give you everything you could ever want, body and soul.”

  Tears flood my eyes as I take him in: his pure heart, the way he fights for those he loves, the way he loves me.

  “Yes. Always. You are everything.”

  “You’re everything, Buttercup, and I couldn’t have made it without you by my side.” He stands up, cups my face, and kisses me, and I know that no matter what, he and I can do anything together.

  THE END

  Dirty English Excerpt

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  Dirty English

  There are three things you need to know about Elizabeth Bennett: she’s smart as a whip, always in control, and lives by a set of carefully crafted rules. She’s learned the hard way that people you love the most always hurt you in the end. But then she meets Declan Blay, the new neighbor at her apartment complex.

  A tattooed British street fighter, he’s the campus bad boy she’s supposed to avoid, but when he saves her from a frat party gone bad, all her rules about sex and love fly out the window. She gives him one night of unbridled passion, but he longs for more.

  With only a cardboard-thin wall separating their bedrooms, he dreams of possessing the vulnerable girl next door forever.