Winning the Game

by Leesa Bow

  “Making myself comfortable.”

  “Well, as long as you keep the rest of your clothes on,” I insist.

  “So, no to a game where we ask a question about the other and, if you get it wrong, you remove a piece of clothing?” He winks. Seeing him do so warms my heart, because at least I’m familiar with the wink. Right now I need to grasp hold of the familiar.

  “I’ll win,” I say in a light tone. “You know it wouldn’t be fair.”

  “Lucky I’m wearing more clothes than you. Gives me a head start.” He unbuttons the top of his shirt to reveal golden skin and a few blond chest hairs.

  My mouth goes dry. “True.” I’m in a strappy dress and he’s wearing a shirt, trousers, socks and black dress shoes. My feet are bare. “You said we’d talk,” I remind him, changing the subject.

  “I did.” He picks up my hand and caresses the skin with his thumb. “I’ve missed you. Missed everything about you, even the way you boss me around. Being on Contest made me rethink everything. And I’ve changed in the few months since I met you … from the first day when you made me write a list. Whatever happens next, I want it to be with you.” He pulls me into his chest and I let him. His warmth surrounds me as I curl into his large frame. I inhale his familiar scent and close my eyes, relishing it all. My ear is pressed to his chest. Rhett’s heartbeat is strong, and too fast for a fit athlete at rest. Rhett is not the invincible guy he makes out to be. “Now you’re free to make changes in your life, where do you see yourself in a year?” He asks the question I asked him not so long ago.

  I close my eyes and allow my thoughts to drift. I’ve dreamt about travelling, working in different locations, trying something new. Yet I’m drawn back to Rhett. If I’m being honest, my dream is to do those things with him.

  So I say, “With you.”

  TORI

  Two Months Later…

  It came as no surprise when Rhett received an invitation to the Apple Tree gala ball, and he asked me to be by his side. While it’s normal for a couple to attend functions together, this would be our first public appearance since the well-publicised break up between him and Lucy.

  To say I’m a little nervous is an understatement.

  The flutter of butterflies has stayed in my stomach ever since having my make-up done and my hair styled. To help ease my mind, I play Rhett’s words over in my head so I can focus. “No one can tell us what to do. No one will tell me whom to love. I’m done with caring what people think. I want you by my side.” After I told him about the blackmail, and my surgery, Rhett wanted to start afresh. His one rule still applied: to be honest with one another, and definitely no more surprises.

  We pass by a three-tiered fountain in the foyer. It’s almost four metres wide, and a rainbow of colour illuminates the water. I pause for a moment to admire it, stopping Rhett in his tracks. He smiles at my reaction. Then his hand tightens around mine before leading me away. Rhett addresses the guests by name as he meanders through the crowd, until we reach the ballroom. He looks impossibly handsome in a charcoal suit, with his tanned skin peeking out above his white shirt collar, and his blond hair groomed to messy perfection. The sight of him arouses me, and going by the way the other ladies crook their necks as he walks by, I’m not alone in my appreciation of his good looks.

  Taking in the cascading crystal chandelier, my gaze sweeps the room and settles on a band, with all four men dressed in tuxedos. Band is probably not the appropriate word here. Maybe a quartet, and for a moment the sound of the violin transfixes me. We’re seated with other distinguished guests, along with the event organiser, Cara and her partner. When Rhett and Cara greet each other, something passes between them. My first assumption is that Cara was one of his conquests, and then I push the thought aside, not wanting to jump to conclusions. Whatever it is, Rhett doesn’t hide his displeasure in being seated next to her. Breaking the ice, he initiates a conversation with the guy beside her, politely asking where he works.

  My attention is caught by something sparkling on a woman who settles into the seat beside me. I introduce myself to the beautiful lady—Cynthia. Her fingers linger on the sparkling jewels as though she’s checking they’re still in place. Settling my gaze on her chest, and the large gems, I understand why. Simultaneously, she appraises me from behind her champagne flute.

  Rhett’s hand skims across the smooth, navy material of my long gown covering my thigh. I’ve learned the thigh rub is an action to get my attention and to imply everything is okay. If I’m feeling apprehensive, he lets me know in a silent way not to worry. He shoots me a quick look, assessing my face before holding out his hand and introducing himself to Cynthia, and the gentleman seated next to her. They reply together, “Yes, we know of you, Mr Williams.”

  Everyone here seems to know him, or is at least familiar with his football status. No one blinked an eye at me when I mentioned my name, so I assume most of the guests didn’t tune in to Contest, or, at least, the couple of episodes in which I appeared. My relief is short lived when Cynthia whispers, “I’m glad Rhett didn’t end up with Lucy. I didn’t think they were suited.”

  “You watched?” I don’t hide my surprise. Cynthia nods slowly and discreetly. “No, they weren’t,” I say, and flash an easy smile.

  Sitting through a long line of speeches, I’ve never been so content with Rhett’s strong hand enveloping mine. His thumb traces over my skin, the action both familiar and relaxing. He only releases his grasp to applaud when the host signals the end of the formal speeches, and then announces that the silent auctions will soon close. Rhett leans in and whispers, “I have my eye on something. Excuse me a minute while I go make a bid.” He kisses my cheek and walks to the other side of the room.

  Making use of the time-out from formalities, I make my way to the restroom. After standing in a queue and then touching up my make-up, I waltz through the foyer, only to be intercepted by Rhett. He slides an arm around my waist and guides me toward a different set of large double doors.

  “Did you make your bid?”

  “Yeah,” he says, looking behind us.

  “Where are we going?” The doors lead to a long, dark hallway.

  “Somewhere quiet.” Exit signs display enough light for me to note several doors on both sides of the hallway.

  “Will you miss the announcement of the auction winners?” I ask quickly, as though I need to speak as fast as my heels click on the wooden floor to stay in step with his pace.

  “Nope.” He stops outside a narrow door. “They’re serving dessert. And I’ve decided on a different sweetener.” In the dim light his eyes flare with desire, and it stirs something deep within me. He pushes the door open and peeps inside before entering.

  I follow, with a carnal need building between my legs, knowing what he has in mind. “Isn’t this risky? I mean what if—”

  His mouth covers mine and the door closes. Swamped in darkness, Rhett pulls me to the wall behind the door. “I need you … now,” he says against my lips.

  My senses heighten in the silent, black room, with his hands roaming my butt as I’m pulled up flush against him. Rhett’s erection pushes against my stomach, and then he drops to his knees, his hands under my dress. Our moans are intensified by the silence, mine louder when my stringy lace underwear is yanked aside and his tongue darts over my clit. Like other times, I gasp when Rhett’s lips touch me this way. I’m rocked by the pleasure and a need for more. Lust streams through me, making my knees weak. Using one hand to brace myself on the wall, the other gathers the material of my dress to give him more freedom.

  Whether it’s the nature of what we’re doing, or the desperation in the way Rhett licks and sucks my sex, I can barely stand. Large fingers push inside and continue to thrust in and out while his mouth heats up my clit. I didn’t expect this. Filled with desire, my knees almost give way and I’m thankful his fingers and mouth hold me captive to the point where I can’t move an inch. My hands rest on his shoulders, supporting my weight. When I can�
�t take much more I mumble incomprehensible words, circling my hips against his hand. Rhett pumps his fingers deeper and faster. I muffle a moan as colour explodes behind my eyes, then all my strength whooshes out of me. In the midst of the glory my panties are pulled down and Rhett spins me around to set my hands on the wall. “Brace yourself, Boss.”

  Breathless and weak, I moan in anticipation. A zip sounds, and I wiggle my butt, searching out his cock in the blackness. Strong hands grip my hips and then his end probes my entrance. There’s no half measure. Rhett pushes inside, and I adjust my hips to accommodate him. Rhett’s large hands stabilise my torso and he thrusts hard and deep. Our erratic breaths match in an eager rhythm, the sounds exacerbated by echoes in an empty, dark room. Sex with Rhett is amazing. Sometimes we take it slowly, pleasuring each other. But on occasions, like tonight, it’s untamed and passionate. Unpredictable. I’m dizzy, and breathless with my orgasm building once more, and he hears it in my moans.

  “Don’t scream,” he rasps. His warning is warranted by experience.

  “Shut up,” I say, trying to control the mix of lust and desire pumping through my body. Rhett’s hands control the rhythm of my hips, my rear meeting each thrust with a circling action. His moans break, my feet rise, barely touching the ground. “Rhett,” I whimper, unable to control the ecstasy building between my legs with a change of angle. “Yes,” I cry out.

  Rhett pumps into me a few more times before he moans with his release. He leans over, one hand under my middle to support me, his face buried in the back of my neck. I give him time to catch his breath before I wiggle beneath him.

  “Hey, you okay?”

  “Better than okay.” He kisses my bare skin. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look?”

  “Yes. Many times,” I say and smile.

  “Well, you are the most beautiful woman in the room tonight.” I shake my head, hearing a touch of pride in his tone.

  “And you wanted to tap it,” I mock.

  Rhett kisses my neck again. “Old habits die hard.” I stiffen beneath him. “I’m messing with you, Boss.”

  “We should get back,” I whisper.

  “Yeah. At least I can think straight now. God knows how many zero’s I added to the last bid. I should have fucked you first.”

  “Delightful.” But his dirty words don’t offend me. In fact, they turn me on.

  “Yeah, you were, baby.”

  After adjusting our clothing, we make our way back and Rhett waits while I make another restroom stop.

  Inside the hall, we stand at the back of the room while the host reads the winners. I’m grateful, because I’m sure everyone in the room would be able to read my guilty expression if we weaved around tables to our seats. Cara appears and stands on the other side of Rhett. I lean forward, not only to hear her, but to keep her in my peripheral vision.

  “You missed your name being called out.”

  “For the painting?” he says, surprised.

  “No. The trip to New Zealand.”

  “Great,” he says casually. “My mother has always wanted to go there.”

  I smile, knowing Penny will be thrilled. We’ve visited his farm the past two weekends, and Rhett has made progress in saving some of the orchard.

  “You missed dessert,” Cara says, with disdain. My curiosity grows concerning their history. “Where were you?”

  “Busy.” Rhett turns, and his face is mere inches from hers. “And I didn’t miss dessert.”

  I can’t help turning. Rhett wears his trademark arrogant grin, and Cara jerks away as though she’s got a whiff of bad breath. She angles her body far enough to gape at me.

  His breath …

  Oh shit.

  I shrink back into the wall to hide behind Rhett’s large frame.

  “You can send all correspondence to Ian. You remember my manager’s address, right? Oh yeah, you do, because you once sent a photograph to him,” he snarls. “Now, if you’ll excuse me I need to take my girlfriend home. She’s tired and we have business to attend to before she sleeps. And it might take most of the night to address.”

  I close my eyes. Could he be any more obvious? Taking a deep breath, I open my eyes and stand tall beside him. This man has the amazing ability to calm me one moment, and excite me the next.

  “You ready, Boss?” He gazes down with adoration in his eyes.

  “For you, always,” I say, and loud enough for Cara to overhear.

  RHETT

  Four Months Later…

  The way my heart is pounding in my chest reminds me of my first AFL game, in front of sixty thousand spectators. We’re at the same ground in Melbourne, only this is the first time Tori is here to watch me play. My gut is wound so tight I could puke. In Adelaide, she had only watched me on television, and the last few weeks met me at the club after the game. I’ve introduced her to the players, and to their girlfriends and wives. Last week Aubree, Hunter’s wife, asked Tori to come to Melbourne and watch the game. When she agreed, my heart reacted as though I’d won the damn lottery. Hand in hand, we’re walking in front of the grandstand to meet Hunter and Aubree in the VIP section.

  “Are you okay,” she says. She adjusts her hand in my grip and I know she feels my sweat.

  “I’m nervous,” I admit. “Not a bad thing. Makes me focus.”

  Tori nods, and squeezes my hand. It’s all she has to do for understanding to pass between us.

  I spot Hunter, and guide Tori to the seats.

  “It’s lovely to see you,” Aubree says and hugs Tori. Aubree introduces her to Hunter’s cousin, Maddy, and her husband, Luke.

  I’ve known Luke and Maddy for years, but now that she’s moved interstate to work on Luke’s property, I don’t see her at many games. Tori is smiling, and I’m relieved she’s sitting with Maddy and Aubree for her first game. They’ll take care of her.

  “I’ll get you ladies some wine,” Luke suggests, and heads towards the bar.

  Both couples’ children are with grandparents for the weekend, so I know Aubree and Maddy want to make the most of their childfree weekend. I stare at the oval, and my thoughts drift to the game. While the girls make idle chitchat, I step back and speak in a low voice to Hunter.

  “Any changes?”

  “No. How you feeling?”

  “Looking forward to getting out there and playing.”

  Hunter nods. “Tori will be fine. Let’s head down.”

  I kiss Tori and accept the good luck wishes from the girls.

  My heart skips a beat the moment I step into the dressing rooms. It’s like coming home, only this time it’s different because I have the support of Tori.

  A strong aroma of liniment hangs in the air, along with stale sweat and dirty socks. It’s a scent that makes me hunger to get out on the field and do what I do best: play. Being the away team means we have a basic change room, not like the Blackbirds’ rooms in Adelaide, where I have my name beneath the number nineteen.

  Hunter and I are first in the rooms. The trainer sweeps me aside and praises me for my effort at getting back on the team. I change, get a rub down by the trainer, warm up and stretch, before Hunter and I jog out to the ground to have a kick around the oval before the formal pregame coaching begins. We take turns in standing between the goal posts, while the other practices their goal kicking. Standing forty metres out, my eyes wander to the stands. I pick out the section where I left Tori, and then I spot her with her bright red coat and beret. I’m licked with a warm feeling. With a tight smile, I run toward the posts and drop the ball on my foot, sending it sailing between the tall posts. Hunter retrieves the ball when it bounces off the temporary net. He shoots me a grin. Instead of kicking the ball he jogs up to me with it tucked under his arm.

  “Got a feeling about you today.”

  “Yeah? What’s that?”

  “I remember the first time Aubree came to my game. It was a BOG performance.”

  I tilt my head. “We’ll see.” Thought I’d had a “best on ground” per
formance last night. But I keep that to myself.

  Winning is like a primary function built inside me, but today it’s different. I can’t put my finger on it: the hot, smooth honey sensation flowing through me like I’ve already won. Maybe I have, because I’m a better person than the guy I was a year ago. Thanks to Tori.

  At that moment, the clouds part, and the sun’s rays break through, warming my thoughts. It dawns on me how everything has changed. Football is a huge part of who I am, but the game no longer defines me.

  It’s Tori who completes me.

  TORI

  Eighteen Months Later…

  “You should read this email.” I hand my phone to Rhett, sitting on the verandah of the farmhouse chatting with Penny. Since the farm is greener and more fertile this year, they’re discussing plans to replant more stone fruit varieties. Normally I don’t like to interrupt, but I’ve been managing his charities for six months now, and this one is still in the initial stages of development and needs Rhett’s approval.

  Rhett takes my phone and reads over the email. “We can’t go,” he says flatly. Not with the Zika virus.”

  “I know, but I wanted to give you the option.”

  Part of agreeing to a relationship with Rhett was convincing him to go over the list he had made with me all those months ago. Turns out Rhett had an accounting degree, which is why he invested well and managed to fund charities. At our first meeting on the set of Contest, Rhett had told me one charity he wanted to establish was in South America, with the Pemon natives living in Venezuela. When I suggested he tick it off the list, he contacted his friend from uni, Eden, the gorgeous blonde I met in the coffee shop. Eden lives between Australia and South America. Currently, she is in Venezuela with her partner, who works closely with an indigenous tribe. Eden oversees the funding, which is distributed for the health and education needs of the natives living in that part of the rainforest.

  One of Rhett’s business partners wants to make the trip and look over the progress. He suggested Rhett travel with him.