Loved by the Linebacker

by Lyssa Layne

  Sweat is rolling down my forehead and into my eyes making them burn. “So…”

  Blake moves his hands over mine, not relieving me of the weight, but instead applying more pressure. “So, you don’t do that shit, Evan. She’s a professional and if you play your cards right, she can get you any deal you want.”

  Ignoring his comment, I dig deep, trying to find more strength to push the bar up, but it barely moves half an inch. If he doesn’t get this weight off me, I’m going to drop it all directly on my chest.

  “Do you hear me, Evan? Don’t fuck with her,” Blake threatens, his voice is low and his normal mellow attitude is gone.

  My arms are shaking uncontrollably and I can’t hold it anymore. Bracing myself for the fall, the weight is alleviated and my Jell-O arms fall to my side. Blake racks the weights as I sit up, shaking out my arms and rolling my neck.

  “What’s your deal with her? Why are you so protective?” I demand, standing up, knowing I am taller than him and not wanting him to have any advantage over me.

  “She’s good at what she does and you need to show her respect, Evan,” Blake says in a patronizing tone.

  I roll my eyes and laugh. “Look, you two might be bed buddies, but you’re not doing a good job. You should’ve seen her, she might’ve said no, but she didn’t want to.” It’s a tiny white lie, but no one will ever know.

  Blake puffs out his chest, bumping it against mine and grabbing my shirt. “Don’t be a dick, Evan. If you want to make it in this career, you need her on your side.”

  I shove him off me and step around him. “Yeah, yeah, whatever. You might be the oldest, but that just means you’ll retire before me.” I don’t have to turn around to know Blake’s fuming. Sure, he might have raised me since our dad ran out when we were younger, but he’s not the boss of me anymore.

  Camila

  I can feel the tension being released from my spine and shoulder blades as I hold the downward dog pose. The pull in my hamstrings feels amazing and I let all the stress from the past couple weeks roll away. I remain in the pose just a few seconds longer as the teacher dismisses the class. Beside me, my two best girlfriends watch as they wait for me to finish.

  “I’m glad you’re back in town.” says Colie Adamson, L.A. Stags head athletic trainer and also wife to the Stags’ pitching coach and one of my former clients, Grant Adamson.

  Standing up slowly, I let the blood in my head begin to flow throughout my body and nod. “It’s good to be home, I feel like I hardly am anymore.”

  My other friend, Mia James, rubs her pregnant belly as she sits on her mat. Her husband, Tate, is one of my clients and the starting shortstop for the Stags. “How was the Super Bowl?”

  I hold out my hand and Mia gladly takes it, bracing her back with the other as I help her up. “Honestly? It was a disaster.”

  Colie’s eyes light up, excited to hear the drama, while Mia frowns sympathetically. Colie’s blonde ponytail bounces up and down as she nods, wanting me to tell more. I laugh at her antics and roll up my mat.

  “Weren’t you with the Purser boys?” Mia asks, waddling ahead of us as we all make our way out of the room. Mia is almost as tall as her husband, who is six feet and she’s got the perfect figure. Even pregnant, she looks stunning, seriously it’s like she just has a basketball stuck under her shirt.

  I nod and hold the door open for her since I passed her halfway across the room.

  Colie grins. “Let me guess, it was the man whore brother. Evan, right? What’d he do?”

  Mia and I both laugh and the three of us stroll down the hallway. “He just doesn’t understand the importance of networking.” I shake my head, recalling his hands on my stomach and quickly I push away the feelings he evoked. “Oh, and he had a quickie with some blonde in the bathroom of the suite at the game. Then came on to me in the hotel room the next day.”

  Mia gasps and grabs my hand. “Where was Blake? I’m sure he didn’t like that.” Mia’s ex-husband, Asher, liked to use Mia for sex and like a punching bag, so I understand her concern and feel bad for making her think that way.

  “No, no, Mia. It wasn’t anything like that. I mean, he just…he asked if I’d slept with Blake.”

  Both the women immediately stop and turn to me, their eyebrows arched high with curiosity. Rolling my eyes, I laugh and shake my head. “I’ve told you before, Blake and I are just friends.”

  “Mmhmm,” Colie quips and begins walking again. “Are you doing anything with him for Valentine’s Day tomorrow?”

  “Ha ha, Colie. No, he’ll be in Chicago and actually, Gregg will be in town,” I answer with a smirk. Gregg Turner is a pitching coach for the baseball team in Kansas City. For the past couple years, we’ve had a friends-with-benefits kind of relationship, which is exactly what we both want. Nothing serious, no commitment, just companionship when we need it, and someone to serve as my date when Blake’s not available.

  Mia pats my arm. “Good, I’m glad you get to see him again.”

  Colie rolls her eyes. “I’m not. Come on, Cam, you need to ditch him and find a man you can settle down with.”

  I laugh as I put my arm around her shoulders. “I’m sorry I haven’t found perfect guys like Grant and Tate. Besides, just because you two are married and happy, doesn’t mean I have to be married, too. I’m perfectly content with how my life is.”

  Colie rolls her eyes again, glancing at me sideways. “Whatever, Camila. You’re only getting laid what? Every couple months? That is no way to live, girlfriend. You’re twenty-seven, that’s young! At least if you aren’t going to get married, find a guy a little closer. Please?”

  Mia laughs, toddling a few feet behind us. “Colie, just because you and Grant are like rabbits, doesn’t mean everyone is like that.”

  Colie scoffs and turns to Mia. “Like you have any room to talk, Mrs. James!”

  Mia narrows her eyes. “I’m not the one with a three-month-old and pregnant again.”

  My jaw drops and I turn to Colie, whose cheeks are burning red. “What?!”

  “Mia, you weren’t supposed to say anything yet. I was going to tell her at lunch.” Colie says with a frown. “Grant doesn’t even know yet. I literally peed on a stick before class.”

  I put an arm around both of my friends. “That’s so exciting and my lips are sealed. I’m happy for you guys.” I squeeze Colie’s shoulder then look at Mia. “And thank you for letting the cat out of the bag.”

  Mia laughs, tossing her brunette hair back. “I was just trying to take the heat off you since Colie was giving you a hard time.”

  I link arms with both of them as we continue down the hallway. “Sounds like we have a lot to celebrate. Another Adamson on the way and baby James’ arrival in just a few weeks.”

  Colie looks over at me. “So if you’re not with Blake, maybe Evan is an option? He’s a lot closer than Gregg.”

  I laugh, blowing off the thought, but the memory of his thick hands around my waist comes to mind. With his hands on me, there was a burning deep in my stomach that I haven’t felt in a long time. I shake my head. Evan’s a client. An immature, man whore one at that.

  Chapter 4

  Evan

  Valentine’s Day, the worst day of the year. Sure, now I can get any woman I want, but before I was drafted, ladies never gave me the time of day. Without the fame, I’m just an awkward giant that no woman wants to mess with. So yeah, Valentine’s Day isn’t my most favorite of days since I’ve typically spent it alone.

  Part of being a goliath means that I’m also hung like a horse and most women have no idea what to do with me. My high school girlfriend can attest to the fact that she had no clue what to do with something that big, although we figured it out…once and then she was scared off. Luckily, the women that chase after me now know what to expect and are obviously experienced with what they do.

  I pop the top on my beer and sink into my couch. Well, Blake’s couch I should say. He may not be the boss of me, but I am his roommate. Sin
ce we both play for the Seawolves and my contract is only a year, I didn’t want to put down my roots until I know I’m staying permanently.

  Almost a year in San Diego and I’m loving this town. Of course, anything is better than the podunk, two-stop sign town we grew up in. Here in California, I love the weather, the women, and my teammates aren’t too bad either. I’d never admit it to him, but I actually like having Blake on my team. Back in high school, we only played a couple years together. We work much better on the field as teammates than we do as brothers.

  Hmm, I wonder what Blake’s doing tonight. Probably Camila. I laugh out loud at my own joke then pick up my phone and dial his number. It rings a couple times before he picks up.

  “What’s up, Ev?”

  “Hey, man. What’re you doing tonight?” I guzzle down my beer.

  “It’s Valentine’s Day, I’ve got a date,” he answers as though I should’ve known. However, my brother and I rarely talk about football much less discuss our dating lives. Honestly, other than Camila, I’ve never even seen another woman around him so really, how am I supposed to know he has a date.

  “Sorry, man. I’ll catch ya later,” I say and hang up.

  Romantic music plays from the television and I flip it off. Standing up, I walk to the window and finish off my beer. Blake’s house sits on ten acres, but I can still make out the neighbor’s house in the dark of the night. A light flips on in the upper left corner and I can see two figures. Someone’s about to get lucky…

  Not wanting to be a perv, I head to the kitchen to grab another beer. As I do, I pause when I open the refrigerator door. Staring back at me in a picture are Camila’s chocolate eyes, her long hair pulled into a messy bun while she smiles back at the camera. She’s wearing just a bikini and sitting at a bar with the beach in the background. I pluck the picture from the magnet for closer inspection. Not that I’ve seen her smile often, but her eyes crinkle when she does and the smile in this picture is genuine, you can tell it’s not posed, she’s actually laughing.

  Good god, I want to see that in person. This woman is gorgeous, and not just in the ‘I want to add her to my list and move on with her’ way. I mean there’s something behind that hard shell of hers and the “I don’t sleep with clients” persona she presents. My phone buzzes with a text, breaking me from my train of thought.

  Should I book your flight to Colorado for Combine?

  Speak of the She-Devil and she shall text. At least I know she’s alone on Valentine’s, but I can’t reply right away or she’ll figure I am, too. Opening the fridge, I grab another beer and take a long swig. Another weekend with Camila Lemos could mean disaster, but taking another look at the laughing lady in the picture, I push that thought aside and text back asking when our flight leaves.

  I toss the phone on the counter and start to make my way back to the couch when I notice the tent I’m sporting in my shorts. Fuck woman, you’re not even here and you have this effect on me. Screw it, I’m not spending another Valentine’s Day alone. There’s plenty of single women in San Diego that will be looking for a man tonight and I’m sure I can find one that’ll entertain me for the evening.

  Camila

  The sweet scent of pineapple fills the air as I sink into my bubble bath. In one hand, I hold a glass of Merlot and in the other, a Twinkie. It’s the only Valentine’s date I can get since Gregg ended up leaving early for spring training. I take a bite of the cream-filled sponge cake and wash it down with the wine. Perfection! Twinkies and wine are my all-time favorite indulgence.

  Closing my eyes, I lean my head back against the smooth tub. With spring training around the corner and NFL contracts next month, this is probably the only night I’ll have off for awhile. However, I was really looking forward to spending some time with Gregg. I haven’t seen him since New Year’s and a girl has needs that she just can’t take care of herself. Maybe Colie’s right and I should find someone more local. Someone like Evan Purser? As soon as that thought crosses my mind, I quickly flick my eyes open, trying to forget it, but I can’t. It lingers like a catchy song on the radio that you can’t get out of your head.

  What is it with the Purser men that always captivates me? With Blake, it’s his loyalty and commitment. Not only was he my first client, but when he had the option to jump ship to a more well-known sports agent, he refused. He’s stuck by my side since the day we met in college and as much as I sing his praises, he does the same for me. Any woman would be lucky to have Blake.

  But Evan, he’s a childish, cocky rookie who honestly believes his career revolves around playing football. If only it were that simple then I’d be out of a job. It was Blake that insisted he sign with me although Evan balked at the idea. Evan still thinks like a man from the fifties era where women belong in the kitchen, not working beside men. He’s exactly the opposite of Blake and nothing about his personality is attractive, so why can I not stop thinking about him?

  Sighing, I know exactly why. Because he’s my type—strong, fearless, dominant. As much as I would love to let my guard down, there’s no way I will ever give in to Evan Purser. On the outside and to the sports world, I am those exact things I love in a man—strong, fearless, dominant, but I can never let anyone, especially Evan, know that I prefer to let someone take control of me. That I want to be pampered and coddled by a man. That I wish I could find a man who would take care of everything, everywhere.

  I slide under the bubbles, letting the water consume me and trying to erase my thoughts. Only once have I ever slipped up and been intimate with a client. Never again will it happen. Even though I’ve been in the field for four years, I still have to prove myself day in and day out to all the men in my profession. Sleeping around is a sure way to lose everything I’ve worked so hard for.

  Even with the water covering my ears, I can hear my phone beep with an incoming text message. Reaching my hand out of the water, I tap my fingers on the towel, drying them off. Then I feel along the edge until I find my phone and pick it up. Thumbing through until I open my text messages, I see the new one that has just appeared from D.J., one of the bouncers that works at a few clubs around town.

  One of your boys is having some fun at Project Chaos

  Sitting up, I quickly text back and ask him who. D.J. doesn’t necessarily work for me, but he keeps his eyes and ears open and lets me know any information floating around about my players. When he replies back, I guzzle the rest of my wine and make a call to my car service. Looks like I won’t be alone on Valentine’s Day anymore… and I also won’t be escaping Evan Purser.

  Chapter 5

  Evan

  The walls are bumping from the bass of the music, the lights are shining in every direction, and the place is packed from wall to wall. Sitting in the dark corner of the club, I’m laid back and enjoying the scene in front of me—a cute brunette coed between my legs. It was her idea and I wasn’t about to stop her. The bouncer in the corner is sending death stares across the room but I don’t see anyone else complaining.

  The whiskey in my glass is chilled from the ice, but it’s a nice slow burn as it slides down my throat. Patting the back of the brunette’s head, I grin knowing she’s about to experience the same thing. I close my eyes and bounce my head with the music, enjoying the warmth of her mouth around my manhood. I may become a fan of Valentine’s Day after all.

  Abruptly, my new friend stops what she’s doing. When I open my eyes, Camila Lemos is pulling her up by her hair. “Don’t let this be your fifteen minutes of fame, sweetie,” Camila tells her and guides her away from the booth.

  Tucking myself back in my pants as I stand up, I object, “What the hell, Cami? I don’t barge in and interrupt you and Blake.”

  Unlike the other girls in the club who have obviously spent hours getting ready, Camila’s messy bun and simple make-up achieve a sexy, natural look and she’s commanding the attention from almost every guy in the club. Camila looks hot in the black leather pants and metallic gold t-shirt she’s wearing. H
er heels only set her a few inches shorter than me and the scoop neck of her shirt gives me plenty of cleavage to enjoy.

  She rolls her eyes, leaning over and taking a long drink of my whiskey. When she sets the drink back down, she looks up at me. “It’s Camila, you’d never barge in on Blake and me since we are just friends, and what the hell are you doing in L.A.?”

  I grin, knowing how much she hates when I call her Cami. Honestly, I made the two-hour trip to L.A. in hopes of running into her, but I’m not going to tell her that. “No good chicks in San Diego tonight. Figured I’d drive here and find one to pull an all-nighter with.”

  “Keep this shit up and you won’t be getting any contract offers. No team wants a player on their team that’s been arrested for lewd conduct,” she says and turns away from the table.

  “Lewd conduct? Since when is a guy getting head lewd conduct?” I ask, walking after her.

  She stops quickly and turns to me. She braces herself or else I would have stomped right over her. Both her hands on my chest, she tries to give me a shove to put some space between us, but her small stature is nothing compared to mine. “You can get all the head you want, from whomever you want, just not in public.” She continues walking toward the exit and I follow.

  “Where are you going?” I ask as we stand outside and she shivers from the cold air. I reach over, placing my large hands over her arms and rubbing them.

  “Back to my place and you’re coming with me,” she states, her teeth chattering as she does.

  I cock my head to the side and grin. “Gonna finish what Kari started in there?”

  A car pulls up to the sidewalk and a driver gets out, rushing to our side to open the door. Camila pulls away from me, rolling her eyes and pushing me inside.

  “You wish,” she mutters. I crawl into the back of the town car and when I look out, I see her slipping money to the bouncer that was staring me down. So, that’s how she found me…not that I’m complaining.