by Alice Ward
“I understand,” I interrupted. “I didn’t while it was happening. But I do now. On one side, you have me. On the other, there’re hundreds of people depending on the Stallions’ having a successful season.”
“That’s how I felt last week,” he agreed, his face tightening with emotion. “Now, I don’t give a damn about anyone else. You’re the only one I care about, Emily. The next time a reporter asks me about your arrest, I’m going to tell them exactly how I feel about it. I’m going to tell them that you’re the most caring, generous woman I’ve ever met. That you wouldn’t hurt your worst enemy, much less a child. I’m going to do what I should have done the moment all this started. And I’m going to tell my parents that I love you and their opinions don’t matter. I’m hoping you’ll forgive me and take me back. But I’m doing all of this whether you do or not. I love you, Emily.”
I wiped a stray tear from my cheek and joined him on the couch. All of the stress, fear, and anxiety lifted off of my shoulders as I fell into his arms.
“I love you, too. I missed you, Ethan. I’m still a little mad at you. I wish you’d explained why you wanted to handle things your way. When you told me we couldn’t be photographed together, I thought you were ashamed of me. I thought you felt your job was more important than our relationship. But Melissa helped me understand that it wasn’t just your job you were worried about, that a bad first season would affect everyone connected to the team. Do you really think your stepdad is that spiteful?”
He nodded. “Yes, but I don’t care anymore. I love you. If that costs me my spot with the Stallions, so be it. It’s not like Victor can kick me out of the league. If he releases me, I’ll sign with someone else. Or I’ll retire. My investments are doing well. We could spend the rest of our lives traveling if you want. There’s no limit, Emily.”
A sad sound that was supposed to have been a laugh escaped my lips. “There is at the moment. I’m not allowed to leave town,” I reminded him.
“That will be worked out soon enough. I want you to know that I have never once doubted your innocence. And I certainly wasn’t ashamed of you. You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. You have this silent strength that pulls me toward you. I am so proud to be the man by your side, if you’ll still have me.”
I gave him a quick, firm kiss on the lips and then pulled away and studied him with a raised eyebrow. “You’re absolutely sure about this? The last thing I want is for this to backfire and you to resent me for ruining your career.”
Ethan cradled my face in his wide, rough hand and stared longingly into my eyes. “You asked me once why I play football when I can afford not to work at all.”
“And you said not playing would be a waste of your talent.”
He nodded. “I’m proud of my talents. I see them as a blessing, and blessings aren’t to be squandered. But you are my biggest blessing, Emily. Regardless of what happens, I will spend my life worshiping you, not resenting you.”
The corners of my lips curled up into a smile. “Worshiping, huh?”
He nodded as he pulled my face to his. “If you’d like, I can give you a preview.” He gently bit my lower lip, then enveloped my mouth in a kiss. I tugged at the hem of his shirt and pulled away long enough to lift it over his head. I ran my hands down his firm, taut muscles and wondered if I’d ever get used to the sight of them.
Ethan dropped his lips to my neck and I unbuttoned my shirt, adding it to the growing pile of clothes on the floor. I reached for his waistband but he pulled away, rising to his feet.
“Wait right here,” he instructed. He unzipped one of the duffle bags and retrieved a smaller bag before continuing on to the bathroom. A few moments later, I heard water rush through the pipes.
A bath for two sounds perfect. I wonder what’s in that bag.
I stretched out on the couch, waiting for Ethan to return. Being with him again was comforting and exciting at the same time, and I prayed the strange combination of feelings would never end.
Ethan returned to the couch and lifted me into his arms.
“What’s in that bag?” I asked.
He carried me into the bathroom and sat me down on the tile floor. The tub was half full and fragrant bubbles covered the top of the water. The room smelled like vanilla and lavender and glowed with the light of three large candles.
“I came prepared, just in case you forgave me,” he explained with a grin. “I figured if you kicked me out and found the bag later, I’d just say it was a gift I hadn’t had a chance to give you.”
“Sounds like you were pretty confident in your chances,” I teased.
Ethan held my face in his hands and stared down at me. “I was confident that I love you. And I hoped that would be enough.”
“It will always be enough,” I promised.
Ethan lowered his lips to mine as his fingers danced across my body. He lifted me onto the countertop, stepped back to turn off the faucet, then returned to me, his eyes ravenous.
“I’ve missed you,” he whispered, kissing my neck as he unhooked my bra. “I’ve missed every inch of you. And I’m dying to get reacquainted.”
He tossed my bra to the floor and took my left nipple into his mouth, licking and sucking until it stood tall and hard. He moved on to the second and then dropped his lips to my abdomen while his hands slid beneath my waistband. He pulled my slacks and panties down my legs, kissing his way down to my left foot before turning his head and running his tongue up my left leg. He pushed my legs up and open, sliding his hands under me as he plunged his tongue into my pussy. I let my legs rest on his shoulders and Ethan moved one hand, stroking my clit as his tongue worked his magic inside me. I ran my hands through his hair, tugging softly as the first waves of release washed over me.
“Oh, Ethan,” I gasped. As he moved faster and harder, every feeling in my body suddenly intensified. My eyes rolled back in my head and I leaned against the mirror, gripping Ethan’s hair for support as I bucked against his face. I came wet and hard, and Ethan lapped up my juices before rising from his knees. He lifted me off of the counter and gently placed me in the tub.
“Aren’t you going to get in here with me?” I asked.
“I want to pamper you,” he explained, reaching for a soft shower poof. I took his hand and rose onto my knees, meeting him at eye level.
“You said you were going to worship me,” I reminded him. “Doesn’t that mean you have to give me what I want?”
A sly smile spread across his face. “Yes, I guess it does.”
“Well, I want you,” I whispered. I dropped one hand to his rigid cock and kissed him softly just beneath his jaw. Ethan trembled in my hand and stripped out of his pants. I slid forward in the tub and he climbed in behind me, propping his legs up on the sides of my deep soaking tub. I leaned back into his chest and ran my slick body across his erection. Ethan dropped a hand between my legs and slid two fingers inside me.
“I love you, Emily,” he whispered.
“I love you too,” I gasped as he used his other hand to guide his rod inside me. I squeezed my legs together as tight as I could and leaned forward, taking him in deeper.
I leaned back again, my chest now covered in bubbles. Ethan gripped my breasts and I lowered my hand to where we were joined. Cupping Ethan’s balls in my palm, I stroked my clit with my thumb. I leaned forward again, rising and falling on Ethan’s cock as I moved. I knew I could take Ethan deeper, but I couldn’t find the right position. Desperate for complete satisfaction, I stood up and stepped out of the tub. Ethan was caught off guard, but he joined me. Only the sound of water dripping from our bodies filled the room.
“I can’t get enough of you in there,” I explained breathlessly. I leaned back against the counter and pulled Ethan towards me. He planted his palms on either side of me and leaned down, tracing his lips lightly over my neck.
“You want all of me?” he whispered.
“Yes,” I begged, wrapping my arms around his neck. Ethan lifted me onto the cou
nter and pulled until my ass was at the very edge. He stood in front of me and lifted my right leg to his shoulder. He guided himself into me, plunging balls deep with the first thrust.
“Like that?” he groaned.
I clamped my pussy muscles tight around him. “Yes,” I gasped. “Exactly like that.”
Ethan moved slowly, pulling all but the head of his cock out before driving it back in. I felt every inch of his thick, quivering shaft as he moved in and out of me. I grabbed his ass with one hand, driving him in harder as I bore down on his cock.
“Oh God, Emily,” he moaned. “You’re going to make me come.”
“Come with me, baby,” I demanded as my second orgasm overtook me. I cried out in pleasure and intensified my grip on Ethan’s cock, desperate to feel every last throb. Ethan’s entire body spasmed and he released my leg. He fell forward, bracing himself on the counter as his cock erupted deep inside me. He took a few deep breaths and pulled me down onto the cool tile floor.
“That was amazing,” he said, still struggling for breath.
“Yes, it was,” I agreed. I was blissfully happy and never wanted the night to end. “What do you say we get back in the bath, and then do this again?”
“I promised to worship you, so I guess I don’t have a choice,” he teased. He rolled over and kissed me, and we forgot all about the bath.
***
I woke up the next morning to the mouthwatering aromas of cinnamon, coffee, and bacon. The bedroom seemed unnaturally bright as I stretched and opened my eyes. I rolled out of bed and peeked out the window to see the city covered in a thick blanket of snow.
If the weather keeps up, we’ll have a white Christmas.
The upcoming holiday seemed much less depressing now that Ethan and I were back together. I couldn’t help but smile as I padded into the kitchen.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” Ethan greeted me with a grin. He was at the table with a cup of steaming coffee and my laptop.
“I hope you don’t mind,” he said, gesturing to the computer. “Mine is at home.”
“It’s no problem,” I assured him, pouring a cup of coffee of my own.
“I stuck some cinnamon rolls in the oven about ten minutes ago and there’s bacon on the stove.”
“Thanks, baby. It all smells delicious. What are you working on?”
“A speech announcing that I’m leaving the Stallions.”
I stared at him, trying to decide if I heard him right.
He blew out a breath and looked from the computer to me. “I didn’t sleep very well last night. I kept thinking about my parents’ threats. I don’t want this to end with them kicking me off the team. I want to leave on my own terms. I’m going to tell them I love you and then I’m going to call a press conference. After that, I’d love nothing more than to whisk you off to a luxurious hotel and shut out the rest of the world for a few days. What do you say?”
“That sounds wonderful,” I whispered, still in too much shock to speak louder. “Want to practice your speech on me?”
“If I ever get past ‘Ladies and gentlemen, it is with a heavy heart.’ That’s all I’ve got.”
I relaxed my face and studied him for a moment. “What reason are you giving for leaving midseason?”
“That’s what I’m stuck on,” he said, his face twisting in uncertainty. “I can’t tell them the truth. Victor’s acting like a child, but I don’t want to air our family drama in public. And I can’t really say that I’m retiring or in need of personal time if I’m going to turn right around and look for another contract. But I have to say something. The alternative is letting my parents control the story. I have no idea how to handle this. Any ideas?”
I knew what had to be done. I hated it, but it was our only good option. I let out a long sigh just as the oven timer chimed. Ethan pulled the cinnamon rolls out and set them on the counter to cool.
“We have to give them control,” I said, sinking onto a stool, shaking my head. I couldn’t let him do this. Not for me. Not for any reason. “Or let them think they have control, at least. You were right, Ethan. You can’t leave the team midseason.”
He set the frosting container on the counter and stared back at me, his hands on his hips. “What are you saying, Emily?”
“I’m saying that your original plan was the right one. At the moment, we’re stuck. If you walk away now, you’ll come across as undependable, not a team player. If Victor fires you, he could tank your reputation. There’s no good way for you to get out now and get signed to a new team. We have to play along with your parents until the end of the season. After the last game, we’ll tell them the truth and let the chips fall where they may. Surely by then my name will be cleared and that part won’t matter.”
“Are you absolutely sure about this?” he pressed. “I meant what I said last night. I don’t care if I ever play football again. You’re more important than any game.”
My heart squeezed and tears burned the back of my eyes. “I believe you. But you’re a man who finishes what he starts. I can’t ask you to change one of my favorite things about you. And it’s only six weeks, right?”
“If we make it all the way, yes. If we play badly, it could be over on New Year’s.”
I smiled at him. “Well, don’t play badly.”
“I won’t. You’re absolutely sure about this?” he asked again.
“I’m absolutely sure. And I think it’s best if we keep up the ruse with everyone, not just your parents. I won’t tell anyone that we’re together again and we’re going to have to be incredibly careful when we see each other.”
“But we do get to see each other, right? I can’t take another week of not seeing you, much less six of them.”
My smile grew wider. “Of course we’ll see each other. And this will all be over before we know it…” A terrible thought caused the smile to falter. “Unless the surveillance videos don’t pan out and I’m sent to jail.”
“I won’t let that happen,” he promised. “If worse comes to worst, we’ll run away. I have more than enough money stowed away for us to live a long and happy life. And anyone who wants would be welcome to join us. But I honestly don’t think it will come to that, baby. You’re a good person. And you’ve already been dealt more than your fair share of shitty hands.”
I pressed my fingertips to my temples, trying to massage the growing headache away. “Most of the time, I feel optimistic. But occasionally, fear creeps in. The longer this drags out, the less likely my career will ever recover. This story is going to follow me and there will always be people who doubt my innocence. Coworkers will look over my shoulder, parents and kids will whisper behind my back. I’m not sure I can go back to that. But at the same time, I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
“You’re a good teacher, Emily. You’re right, people who hear the story may be a little standoffish when you first meet. But as soon as they get to know you, your innocence will be as obvious to them as it is to me. You didn’t do anything wrong, Em. What Alfie went through wasn’t your fault.”
“I wasn’t paying attention,” I whispered. “I passed him that bag and then I turned my back on him and called you. If I’d noticed him sooner, if I’d looked more carefully at the trail mix—”
“You can’t torture yourself with ifs,” he interrupted. “Though believe me, I’m guilty of it too. If I hadn’t texted you, you wouldn’t have been on the phone with me. But if you weren’t on the phone with me, who’s to say you wouldn’t have been distracted by something else? You did the best you could with the situation someone else set in motion. Have you heard from Frank lately?”
I shook my head. “Not for a few days. He said we should expect things to run even slower than usual since it’s the end of the year. My uncle’s coming by for lunch. I’m hoping he has an update from the investigator.”
“Will you call and let me know what he says?”
“Sure.”
Ethan arranged cinnamon rolls and bacon on two plates
and carried them to the table.
“I’ll be at practice until late this afternoon. Is it okay if I come back tonight?”
I shook my head. “I don’t think we should meet at either of our houses. It’s too risky. With everything that’s going on, you never know when a reporter is going to pop out of the bushes. And if we’re photographed together, our cover is blown.”
Ethan gave me a teasing grin and raised one eyebrow. “This is a change of pace. I seem to remember you storming out of my house after I suggested we lay low.”
I rolled my eyes and swallowed a mouthful of bacon. “I’ve already admitted you were right. How long are you going to rub it in?”
“That’s the last time, I swear.” He held up two fingers by his head. “So if we can’t meet at either one of our houses, where are we going to go?”
“A hotel. A different one every time. I’ll check in since my name is less recognizable than yours. And then you can meet me there an hour or so later.”
Ethan frowned. “You want to sneak around like we’re having an affair?”
I frowned back. “No. I want to walk freely around the city holding your hand. But that’s not an option right now.”
“I know,” he agreed and licked some frosting from his thumb. “I just want to be with you, Emily. It doesn’t matter where. I’m leaving for Ohio with the team tomorrow. Can we spend tonight together?”
“Absolutely. I’ll get a room somewhere after Walt leaves this afternoon. I’ll text you and tell you were to meet me.”
He glanced at the oven clock and swallowed the last of his coffee. “I have to get to the stadium,” he explained, rising to his feet.
I walked him to the door and he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his chest.
“I love you so much, Emily,” he whispered, his breath tickling my ear. Shivers of desire coursed through my body, but all we had time for was a kiss.
CHAPTER TEN
“Hey, kiddo. We’re just about to start the movie. Want some hot chocolate?” Uncle Walt peeked his head into my old bedroom, where I was stretched across the mattress. It was a Christmas Eve tradition for us to go out for a fancy meal and then return home to watch A Christmas Story and It’s a Wonderful Life. Claudia joined us that year, making it my first Christmas with anyone but Uncle Walt.
