Play Me

by Kelly Elliott

  Kendall’s eyes went wide, and she stared at me for a few moments. Then she smiled and leaned down to softly kiss me. “You’re right. Finish checking the fence, and then we’ll get something to eat.”

  The sudden change caught me off guard. I was expecting her to argue with me.

  “Eat? Now you want to eat?” I asked, confused.

  She gave me a smile and a wink and climbed off my lap. “I have a feeling we’re going to need the energy. Once I get you into that bed, I’m not letting you leave.”

  I shook my head, put the truck in drive, and finished checking the rest of the fence line. When that was done, I dropped Kendall off at the house and told her about the sandwiches I had picked up earlier. Then I went back to the barn, shut everything up, and met her back in the kitchen.

  The sounds of music greeted me as I walked up the back steps. I swung open the door, stepped inside, and grinned from ear to ear when I saw Kendall standing in my kitchen, wearing one of my Tennessee football shirts that fell to the middle of her thighs. Our adoptive kitten was at her feet, meowing and rubbing against her bare legs.

  “Hold on. I’ve got your lunch coming, Nala.”

  I stepped up behind her and wrapped my arms around her, sighing to myself when she dropped her head back against my chest.

  “You look sexy as fuck in my kitchen dressed in that T-shirt.”

  “Mmm,” she murmured. “Don’t let my dad know I was wearing this.”

  My lips found their way to her neck and then to her earlobe. She tilted her head and let out another sexy moan.

  “I won’t. But I am going to take care of that problem you had earlier.”

  “What’s that?” she asked, turning in my arms and smiling up at me.

  With one hand, I pushed everything off to the side, lifted her up, and set her on the island.

  “Hunter, what are you—”

  I kissed her while sliding my hands up her legs. Gently pushing them open, I smiled when I saw she didn’t have any panties on.

  When I slipped my finger inside her, I groaned, and Kendall lay back on the island. I pulled her closer to me and buried my face between her legs. It didn’t take long before she was calling out my name, and then I was carrying her up to the bedroom. To hell with food. It was overrated.

  “Lunch?” she asked with a giggle when I tossed her onto the bed.

  “Can wait. I need to make love to you.”

  “I won’t argue with that, Coach.”

  Narrowing one eye at her, I reached behind me and pulled off my shirt before slipping off my boots. Kendall had gotten up and moved to the end of the bed where she quickly focused on taking off my belt and unbuttoning my jeans.

  “I need to shower,” I said right before she pushed my jeans and boxer briefs down past my hips. My dick sprang up, showing how much I wanted her.

  Her tongue licked slowly along her soft lips. “I already told you, I don’t mind getting a little dirty.”

  Reaching down, I pulled the T-shirt off her and tried to keep from falling to the ground at the sight of her beautiful body. She was mine. Kendall Wales was mine, and I’d be damned if I would let her get away.

  “Lie back, baby.”

  Kendall hurried back up the bed and fell against the sea of pillows. I started at her feet and worked my way up her body, kissing and licking, memorizing every single bit of her. I made mental notes on the areas that made her moan or grab at the sheets. When she bucked her hips, I knew that was an area I’d be visiting often. Her patience had to be growing thin, but when I sucked on one nipple and rolled the other between my thumb and finger, she seemed to let go of a bit of that frustration. With my dick rubbing against her clit, I worked her nipples and brought another orgasm out of her. Damn, it was so hot hearing her come. She wasn’t afraid of being loud, which I liked. I couldn’t wait to see how she tamed this side of her when we got back to Bowling Green.

  “Hunter, please don’t make me beg.”

  I reached over to the end table next to my bed and grabbed a few condoms out of the drawer. I rolled one on and slowly guided myself into her. When she gasped, I stilled.

  “No! Don’t stop. Keep going!”

  With a grin, I pressed my mouth to hers. Kendall wrapped her arms around me and used her heels on my ass to push me deeper inside of her.

  “You feel so good. I want to stay like this forever, Kendall.”

  She ran her fingers through my hair with one hand while the other traced slowly along my tightened arm muscles. “Mmm, forever,” she whispered softly.

  I closed my eyes and buried my face into her neck, breathing in her sweet scent and wondering what it would be like on Monday when we went back to reality. When we had to pretend there wasn’t this amazing connection between us. I would do it, of course, but only because I knew how much her career meant to her. I also knew we were going to have to make time for each other. There was no fucking way I could go more than a day without this. Without her.

  “Hunter. Oh, Hunter.”

  Her whispered words pulled me away from my thoughts and brought me back to this amazing, beautiful moment. Lacing my hands with hers, I kissed her again, pouring myself into the kiss and praying like hell she wouldn’t walk away ever again. Deep down inside, I believed she wouldn’t, but that small part of me was still scared I would open up and she would run again.

  Kendall nudged me with her legs to give her more. I did just that, and within moments we were both coming at the same time. I stayed inside her for the longest time while she traced her fingers over my back. I wanted to tell her I loved her. I wanted her to know that I had never felt this way about anyone, ever. But I didn’t. I was silent when I rolled over and pulled the condom off. Kendall sighed in satisfaction and snuggled up against me, her hand on my chest, her leg over mine.

  “That was amazing.”

  “Yes, it was,” I replied, kissing her on the head.

  “When can we do that again?”

  Laughing, I slid my hand down her back to her ass. “Well, I’m not Superman, but I do have other ways of making you call out my name.”

  She looked up at me, her eyes twinkling with a light I loved seeing. “Should we make a game plan with all these plays you have, Coach?”

  “Oh yeah, a woman who speaks my language. I like it... a lot. Keep using those sexy words, and my dick will be back up in no time.”

  Kendall chuckled as she crawled on top of me. It only took her rubbing against me a few times before she was the one leaning over and getting a condom. We spent the rest of the afternoon learning different ways of making each other come—some sweet and romantic, some hot and dirty—until we finally crawled out of bed, got into the shower, and then headed back into town for dinner.

  We spent the rest of our time at the ranch, enjoying each other’s company. We ate breakfast and lunch in bed, talked about work, ranching, and one of her favorite subjects—horses. When the new ranch hand came on Sunday, I spent a few hours showing him the ropes while Kendall got caught up on some work in my office, Nala close to her side. After he left, Kendall and I made love in the barn and then against the back door while the sun slowly set behind us. We laughed, learning more about each other Sunday night when we cooked tacos, made chocolate muffins, and ended up on the sofa, clothes stripped off and me deep inside her. Then I carried her upstairs where we showered and made love slowly until we were both exhausted.

  Kendall was curled up next to me, her body wrapped in mine as I drew light circles on her arm. In a few hours, we would wake up and head back to Bowling Green. Back to the real world. I knew I would never be able to go back to a place that didn’t have Kendall Wales in it. Life had been perfect the last few days, and I honestly didn’t want it to change. I dreaded Monday morning and what it was going to bring. Finally, my mind grew tired of thinking of it all, and I started to drift to sleep. In a few short hours, all my questions would be answered. Would Kendall freak when we got back to Bowling Green, or would she trust this thing w
e had going on?

  Only time would tell.

  I raced around my apartment, trying to get ready for the day. It was going to be a busy day after being gone for two weeks. Stopping, I touched my lips, which were still tender from the bruising kiss Hunter had given me before I left his ranch that morning. He wouldn’t be far behind, but he needed to help Ahava adjust to the new foreman.

  Ahava.

  I loved the name and everything it meant. To give love. At a wedding I’d attended about a year before, that had been the theme for the ceremony, and I thought it was the most beautiful concept. I wanted that concept someday. Or maybe I already had it. My thoughts were a little crazy after the amazing weekend we’d had. Hunter had shown me what it was like to be with someone where it wasn’t just about sex.

  It was beautiful.

  Magical.

  Soul shattering.

  My phone vibrated, and I smiled when I saw his name.

  Hunter: Did you make it?

  Me: Yes, I’m so sorry. I’ve been trying to get ready and go through my agenda and to-dos.

  Meow.

  “Oh, Nala. I forgot to feed you.”

  All my life, I had wanted a girl cat and to name her Nala. I remembered when I’d decided I wanted a Nala like it was yesterday. I’d been eight years old and my dad had taken me on a father-daughter date to the drive-in where they were playing classic cartoons. That night it was The Lion King. I had fallen in love with the name and all Nala stood for in the movie.

  Strong.

  Loyal.

  Not afraid to go after what she wanted.

  It was what I wanted in life.

  I never shared that with anyone, but when Hunter had brought her in from the barn, it had been like fate telling me “He is the one.”

  “Here, Nala. Here’s some nom noms.” I poured the food and made sure the litter box was all set and secure. “Be a good girl.”

  Another text came through.

  Hunter: On my way. How’s Nala?

  Me: Good. She’s settled and should be good. She’s so sweet.

  Hunter: She is. But not as sweet as you.

  Nervous jitters started in my stomach. I was falling for Hunter fast. My phone rang, and I startled for a second. “H-hello.”

  “Hey, baby.”

  “Hey.” My voice shook. Even I heard it. Damn it.

  There was a pause before he asked, “What’s wrong?”

  I took a deep breath, wanting to be open and honest. There was something about Hunter that soothed me. He had a way of calming down my erratic thoughts. “I’m nervous.” I let out a breath and leaned against the couch. “Taking on an entire angry boardroom is a piece of cake by comparison. I don’t want to lose the magic we had this weekend.”

  He was silent for a second. “We’re going to figure this out, Kendall. I’m in this for the long haul.”

  “Me, too.” My mind started racing. “Okay, just don’t ignore me too much or spend too much time with me or let your eyes linger too long or—”

  “Kendall.” There was humor in his voice, which made me smile.

  “Yes?”

  “Take a breath, baby. I’ll be there in time for our meeting with Mac. It will all be fine. I promise. I meant what I said; I will never jeopardize your career.”

  “I—” I slapped my hand over my mouth. I had almost said that I loved him. Hunter had already said he was falling in love with me without realizing it. Was he in love? A phone call was not how I wanted to profess my love for him. And it terrified me to be so vulnerable. To put love out there truly gave someone the power to hurt you.

  “You broke up. What did you say.”

  “I...”

  Think. Think. Think.

  “You broke up again.”

  I slapped my forehead. “It must be where I’m standing in my apartment.”

  “Okay, that came through clear. What were you saying?”

  What was it about Hunter that brought out this part of me? Normally, I was always able to keep it together. “I was just saying I know you wouldn’t jeopardize my career.” I cleared my throat. “I trust you, Hunter. I’m just scared I’m going to mess it all up.”

  “Kendall, breathe.”

  I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “We’re going to figure it out.”

  “Yes, we are.”

  It had worked. Hunter had talked me off the ledge. “Thank you.”

  “Always. I’ve got to run so I can get to the office.”

  “See you soon.”

  After giving Nala some snuggles, I grabbed my briefcase and headed out the door. My revelation about love would need to be put on the back burner, otherwise I would spend the entire day freaked out until I saw Hunter again.

  Currently, I had a job to focus on. I rushed out the door and to my office. It was a madhouse when I got there. People were already lined up to speak with me. I gave rapid-fire responses, signed the payroll authorization, and requested the quarterly reports. I was due to present a detailed brief to the board by the end of the week.

  When I made it to my desk, Amber brought me a cup of coffee. “Thank you. You’re amazing.” I never expected Amber to get me coffee, but she must have seen that I needed the caffeine fix.

  “No problem. I’ll keep them coming.”

  “You are a lifesaver. Thank you.” I took a sip of the heavenly bliss. Coffee with a dash of cream and smidge of sugar. Perfection.

  Amber took out her notebook and sat down. “Of course. It’s nice to have you back. Did you have a good weekend?”

  I stopped and smiled, thinking about my stolen time with Hunter. “I did. You?”

  “I did. I like Bowling Green. It’s growing on me.” There was a little something extra in her words. I paused my keystrokes and focused back on Amber. “Have you met someone?”

  She shrugged and gave a shy smile. “Maybe, but we’re just keeping it low-key until we figure things out.”

  That sounded familiar. “Well, whoever he is, he’s a lucky guy.”

  “Thank you.” Amber blushed a little. “I’ll leave you to it unless you have anything for me.” She readied her pencil.

  “I think I’m good. Let me know when Coach White and Mr. Owens are ready.”

  “Will do.”

  As soon as the door closed, I buried myself in work. I nearly jumped out of my chair when my phone vibrated. I took another sip of coffee, already on my third glass, when I opened the text.

  Hunter: Made it. I’ve missed you.

  Hunter was here. I would see him soon. It felt like it had been forever.

  Me: Me, too. The weekend already feels like it was forever ago.

  Hunter: I can’t wait to feel you in my arms tonight.

  My cheeks heated and I bit my lip. Then I chuckled, feeling a little mischievous.

  Me: At least I won’t have to hear this through the walls anymore.

  Hunter: Admit it. That turned you on.

  I uncrossed and re-crossed my legs.

  Me: Would it make you feel better knowing I used the vibrator to come as I remembered your voice?

  Hunter: Fuck.

  Me: I’ll see you in a few.

  I giggled as I gathered my things for the meeting with Hunter and Mac.

  Hunter: I’m hard as a fence post now.

  Me: Well, this might help. I’m not wearing any underwear.

  Hunter: Get your ass over here now. This meeting needs to be over so I can go take care of something.

  Me: Yes, sir.

  Payback would come at some point. As I gathered my things, Amber’s voice came over the intercom. “Ms. Wales, Mr. Owens and Coach White are in the conference room.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be right over.”

  Before I left to walk into the conference room, I saw an email from Steven, one of the board members. Everyone was copied on it. I opened it to see a picture of the team drinking at the bar and my heart sank. Standing on the bar was our quarterback, Josh McEvans, holding a bra while some girl hu
ng on him. This wasn’t good. Not good at all. And I had a call with the board in one hour. This was going to be terrible.

  I clicked on the link, and it appeared that there hadn’t been a brawl. Thank goodness. It seemed the team had gotten very drunk and unrolled all the toilet paper in the men’s room with a group of ladies they later left with. It then went on to show a completely trashed hotel room of one of the players. I slapped my forehead. I was going to need Hunter’s bat again. These assholes had no idea how close they were to having no team.

  I printed the email and the article before heading to the conference room. Furious was an understatement. My heart quickened when I heard Hunter chuckling. The deep timbre of his voice reverberated through me. His mouth had done such wicked things to me. Hiding our relationship was going to be harder than I’d thought.

  I need to get my head in the game.

  It was time to focus on the task at hand. If Mac caught wind of our relationship, he might never take me seriously. We needed to be a team. I had two options: go in mad or go in with the hope of collaboration. I squared my shoulders and entered the conference room.

  “Good morning, Coach White. Mr. Owens. Thank you for seeing me.”

  The men stood. “Morning.”

  Hunter cocked his head, probably sensing how tense I was. We took our seats, and I kept the printouts of the article and the picture facedown on the table. Mac leaned back, and I sensed a bit of dread. Our last meeting hadn’t gone that well. From what I had seen over the years, coaches and the owners tended to disagree. Maybe if we got on the same page, it would help.

  I gave him a smile. We needed to go the collaborative way. “How was your weekend? Did the move go okay?”

  Mac took a sip of his coffee, apparently wary of where I was going. “Good. My wife and I got settled in the house. The movers did a great job. Thanks for making it a seamless transition.”