Winning the Player

by Leesa Bow

  His head jerked back, his eyes widened. ‘What?’ he gasped. ‘Why would you think I don’t trust you?’

  This was not going to take a minute. I breathed out slowly, trying to calm myself. My hands fiddled with the hem of my green dress. ‘You don’t trust me, otherwise you wouldn’t have lied about your trip. You weren’t in Melbourne because of your suspension.’

  Hunter closed his eyes, opened them again. ‘No,’ he murmured. ‘I regret telling you that.’

  ‘Did your reason have anything to do with trust?’

  Hunter dragged a hand down his face. He looked out the window. ‘My manager told me not to say anything to anyone.’

  ‘So you decided to keep it a secret that you intended to leave me?’ My tone was laced with sarcasm.

  His head swung round and he leaned in close. ‘You’re wrong. You think you have me all figured out, don’t you?’ His blue eyes narrowed.

  ‘You tell me.’

  He took my chin between his fingers and thumb, lifted my face until our eyes were level. ‘I informed the club in Melbourne that I’d decided to stay. My manager said it was best not to mention the meeting to anyone.’

  I jerked my chin away from his grip. ‘But you confided in Sabrina,’ I said.

  Hunter punched the steering wheel in frustration. ‘Fuck her!’ I opened the door and sprang from the car, slamming it shut behind me. Quickened my pace when the car’s security system beeped. I couldn’t outrun him and within seconds he was by my side.

  ‘I’m sorry, please hear me out.’ Hunter stepped in front of me, and blocked my path but he didn’t touch me. ‘I know you don’t have to listen to me and that you’re giving me more of a chance than I gave you at the cinema, but —’

  I spoke first. ‘This isn’t about Sabrina. It’s about trust and treating people with respect. The other night when you were with your friends—’ I sighed loudly, ‘I didn’t know you. I worried myself sick that you got together with another girl. Your friends were . . . arrogant. You want to know why I ran from you two years ago? I ran from the guy you were the other night. I don’t like him. And then not to call me.’ I gestured angrily. ‘It was inconsiderate, and not what someone would do if they were in love.’ I folded my arms across my chest.

  ‘First of all I want to apologise for my behaviour the other night. I acted like a cockhead and I’m sorry.’

  ‘That’s an understatement.’

  He grimaced as though remembering. ‘After you left I convinced Ellen’s friend to take her home.’ I nodded. ‘Millsy was pissed off at me, but he soon picked up another chick, an ex-girlfriend in town, and forgot about it.’ He shrugged. ‘You were right. And I wasn’t being inconsiderate not calling. My phone went flat while I was out.’ He breathed out loudly. ‘I did stay out like old times, and went home with enough time to grab a bag and head straight to the airport. I forgot my charger and I had a hangover from hell with barely enough wits to attend the meeting. It was unprofessional and stupid.’

  ‘Why?’ A tear rolled down my cheek. Hunter caught it with his finger.

  ‘Because of you.’ He placed one finger over my lips before I could object. ‘Football is my future. It’s what I do best. So when this great opportunity came up, all I could think about was you. You were in my head clouding my thoughts and I panicked. No one’s ever distracted me enough to get in the way of football. So in the past week I tried to block you out, look at the future without you. It didn’t work. As soon as I landed in Melbourne I realised what a fool I’d been and that my future had to involve you. I couldn’t call you, but at the time it didn’t seem to be a problem because I knew I’d see you soon. I had no idea the media had caught on and would blow everything out of proportion. And absolutely no idea what it was going to do to you.’

  ‘You really hurt me,’ I croaked. ‘I’m not sure I can trust you.’

  He screwed up his face. ‘Does it help that I didn’t confide in Sabrina?’ He hesitated, then his gaze went to the ground. ‘That photograph was taken weeks ago, the night we stayed at my house, here.’ He looked up and nodded in the direction of his holiday house. ‘Earlier that night I met a few of the boys at a pub and told them how I was thinking about not signing with the Koalas regardless of money because everything I wanted was here in Adelaide.’ He studied my face. ‘Sabrina just happened to be there that night. We all had a drink to celebrate. She leaned over and kissed me.’ He shook his head. ‘It took me by surprise. Some slimy photographer got a lucky shot, that’s all. I remember putting my hand on her shoulder and telling her to keep her distance.’

  ‘And then you drove here to me,’ I whispered, comprehending what he was telling me.

  ‘I wanted a chance for us,’ he said. ‘But when I arrived I thought I’d blown a great opportunity for my football future because you told me point blank you weren’t interested.’

  ‘I lied.’

  ‘I forgave you.’ He smiled crookedly. Hunter stepped closer. His eyes changed and I saw something that touched my heart.

  The way he stared sent a tingle down my spine. ‘So you haven’t changed your mind again? You’re not leaving?’

  ‘I’m not leaving you,’ he confirmed, eyes steady.

  ‘I trusted you to do the right thing by me. How you treated me was wrong.’

  He pulled me into his chest and wrapped his arms around me, one hand cradling the back of my head. He held me so tight I could hardly breathe. ‘I know,’ he whispered into my hair. He kissed the top of my head. ‘At least I know you love me,’ he whispered.

  I leaned back and looked up. ‘But —’

  ‘You didn’t have to. You said you trusted me to do the right thing by you.’ He looked at me knowingly. ‘If you trusted me —’ he paused— ‘then you loved me.’ His blue eyes sparkled.

  ‘Yes,’ I whispered. ‘I did. I do.’ I watched his lips lower to meet mine, then he kissed me like he’d never see me again. I closed my eyes and allowed the closeness of his touch to fill the hole in my heart. When our lips separated part of me was torn away with him.

  His fingers touched my face, trailed along my cheek. ‘And I love you.’ He pulled out his phone from his shirt pocket and scrolled down before turning the screen to me. I stared at a photo of a golden puppy.

  ‘What’s this?’

  ‘Honey.’ He smiled in a way that lit up his face and my body warmed, always reacting to his.

  ‘Honey,’ I repeated.

  ‘She’s waiting for us at home.’

  ‘What?’ A grin spread across my face like an eight-year-old child on Christmas Day.

  ‘I remembered you wanting a dog, and then I saw Honey advertised in the newspaper in Melbourne. Everything just happened from there. She’s ours.’

  ‘Ours,’ I repeated like an idiot.

  ‘Am I forgiven?’ He smirked, knowing he’d won me over.

  So many emotions tunnelled through me. ‘Yes, you’re forgiven.’ I raised a finger. ‘But never do this to me again.’

  ‘I’m a quick learner, Aubs. I’ll never risk losing you again.’

  I leaned into his arms. ‘So when do I meet her?’

  ‘Mum’s looking after Honey.’ He stroked my hair. ‘Can we go back to my house now?’ His voice cracked.

  ‘I can’t. I have to check on Mum and you should meet Gran, officially.’

  He nodded, but a strange expression crossed his face. ‘Your gran scares me. I didn’t think she was going to let me see you. I thought about breaking down the door.’

  ‘You wouldn’t have.’

  Hunter placed his hands on my shoulders, looked me square in the eye. ‘I would have,’ he said in a low voice, face serious. ‘An old coach once said that the game isn’t over when you’re losing, it’s over when you quit. I’m no quitter, Aubree. If that’s what it would have taken to win you over, then yes I would’ve bashed down that door until you listened to me.’

  As much as I had tried to deny the love I felt for Hunter, deep inside I knew my heart belon
ged to him. ‘You can’t win something after the siren sounds.’ My hand cupped his beautiful face. ‘The game ended long ago. You had already won.’

  Epilogue

  Six months later . . .

  Basketballs pounded the wooden surface. Kids screamed out for the ball in excitement. At last I felt at home.

  ‘Grace, lift your shot. Your follow-through is sloppy,’ I yelled out.

  Every Friday afternoon I coached promising juniors, moulding their style to textbook technique. A basketball dream required hard work and dedication, and hitting the courts to shoot hoops every day. It warmed my heart to see the kids improve and build confidence. If I’d known how rewarding it was to coach, I would have taken it up sooner. I held Grace’s hand in the air, her flicked wrist aimed at the ring. ‘Try to keep your elbow near your ear for added height in your shot.’

  I glanced up as Hunter walked in, wearing a basketball cap and windcheater—no football apparel—a bad attempt not to be noticed. He leaned against the wall furthest from the stands. His eyes fixed on mine and he flashed that bright smile. My heartbeat quickened just as it did every time he smiled at me like that. I nodded once and turned my attention back to the kids.

  When the girls giggled and became goggle-eyed, I blew the whistle. ‘Drink break.’

  I marched up to Hunter, trying to ignore his intense gaze roaming my body. ‘If you’re trying to look inconspicuous, you’ve failed.’ I punched him in the bicep and laughed when he feigned pain.

  His brows arched. ‘What do you mean? I look like a baller.’

  I rolled my eyes. ‘Negative. You look like a wannabe. The girls have already asked for your autograph and I said no. At least not till after practice.’

  His hand reached out and skimmed over my rear, landing on my waist. ‘You look hot in those shorts, Miss Taylor. We won’t be hanging around here for long, autographs can wait.’

  ‘Ha ha. You can sign away while I wrap up the last bit of paperwork for the week. Oh, and I almost forgot, tonight I have an assignment to finish on skill acquisition. Then I’m all yours.’

  ‘Damn right you’re all mine.’ He pulled me close and kissed my forehead. When he let me go those eyes looked right through me, wanting, and it took all of my willpower not to think about later . . .

  ‘You’re distracting me,’ I whispered.

  ‘Good.’ I watched his lips curve up. ‘How about I cook a pasta dinner while you work on your assignment? That way there’ll be more time for me.’

  ‘God, you’re needy.’

  ‘I only need you.’

  My eyes closed slowly. ‘I’ll never tire of hearing you say that.’

  ‘Then I won’t stop saying it.’ He tapped my rear. ‘Get back to it, coach, so we can go home.’

  Two hours later we were home and fitting into our usual Friday-night routine. Hunter had cooked dinner, loaded with carbs, and I worked on finishing my uni assignment—with Honey at my feet—so I had the weekend free to be with him. Just before ten Hunter emerged and leaned over my shoulder, wrapping both arms around me. ‘You done yet?’

  I clicked save, closed my laptop and pushed it to the middle of the table. ‘Sure.’ I reached over my head and stroked his hair. ‘What’s up?’

  ‘I’m ready to hit the sack. I’ve gone over and over Jackson’s moves and I need something else on my mind.’

  Usually, I sat with Hunter and watched replays of games. I enjoyed sitting through highlights and discussing the opposition when Hunter thought he might be tagged. Thankfully, there was no sign of him losing his cool on the field like last year. With a good night’s sleep, and a little help from me, nothing seemed to rattle Hunter anymore.

  My phone vibrated on the table with an incoming message. ‘It’s from Maddy.’ I read the message out loud to him.

  Luke and I will meet you at the southern gate before the game somewhere around midday. We could get some lunch first?

  I smiled, knowing my best friend had found real love, like me. I pushed up from my seat and turned to Hunter. ‘Does that suit you?’

  He nodded. ‘It’s perfect.’ His gaze wandered down my body, still dressed in short athletic shorts. ‘Perfect.’ His head lowered and his lips found mine. ‘Come to bed,’ he murmured.

  I leaned back. ‘How about I take a quick shower first?’ He grinned and my body warmed to his. He took my hand and led me towards the bathroom. Honey ran between our legs and whimpered. I shot him a guilty look. ‘I forgot to take her outside and let her do her business.’ I gave him my best I’m-sorry face. ‘You don’t mind, do you?’ Clearly he did, but he called out to Honey and she followed him outside. ‘I’ll only take a minute,’ I yelled after him.

  And I did.

  A short time later I strolled into the bedroom, somewhat fresher, to Hunter, bare-chested and propped up in the bed with pillows, remote in hand. His gaze remained on the screen until I dropped my towel. I stood there for a moment and allowed him to take me in before I climbed into the bed beside him. Without looking away from me, he pointed the remote to the screen and silenced it.

  ‘You’re so bloody perfect,’ he whispered, and rolled onto me. My body relaxed beneath his as warmth seeped in. His hands cupped my cheeks and an emotion—one I couldn’t read—crossed his face. His expression changed and his brow crinkled. Our eyes met and my stomach dropped.

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘You,’ he whispered. He lowered his head so our foreheads touched. ‘I love you so much it scares me.’

  ‘Loving someone isn’t a bad thing, Hunter,’ I whispered back.

  He moved his head slowly, side to side, and closed his eyes. ‘I know.’ He took a moment before lifting his head and when he opened his eyes his blue gaze held mine. ‘You’re the best thing that’s happened to me,’ he said.

  I was finding it hard to breathe. ‘I could say the same thing about you,’ I confessed, completely under his spell.

  He closed his eyes, releasing me. ‘I don’t feel I deserve you, Aubs.’

  Air stilled in my chest. It wasn’t like Hunter to be deep. ‘What are you talking about?’ I reached up. His hands fell to the side of my face, and he supported himself on elbows. I ran my fingers along the side of his jaw several times until he looked at me. ‘You give me strength, Hunter. Without you I’d still be moping about my injury and how unfair the world is.’

  His eyes narrowed slightly. ‘It was unfair what happened to you and you had every right to mope.’

  ‘Maybe. But I had to move on. You helped me do that.’

  His gaze fell to my mouth, where his finger trailed an outline of my lips. ‘I’m so proud of you for coaching, for turning your injury into something good. You’ve changed how I look at everything and I can’t imagine life without you.’

  I kissed his finger and our eyes met in understanding. ‘And I’m proud of you, every day. For football —’ My heart swelled, remembering his Best On Ground performances the past three games— ‘for loving your mum, for loving me, everything.’

  He laughed once, and shook his head. ‘Football.’ His gaze rose to the ceiling and fell, holding me under his charm once more. ‘It’s not as hard with you around. Usually, days before the game, my mind is focused solely on the match. But this year, with you supporting me, I have this weird sense of contentment, satisfaction, like I’ve won before it’s even started.’

  My tummy flipped. I smiled. ‘So this is love.’

  ‘Yeah.’ A smile danced across his lips. ‘I guess so.’

  My hands cradled his face and brought our lips together, stopping for a second. ‘You’re the one. You always were.’

  Hunter kissed me and I trembled, feeling his passion and power seep into me. He broke the kiss and murmured against my lips, ‘I want you to know everything I do, I do for you. You’re my forever.’

  My legs circled his back and my hand snaked around his neck. I kissed him, long and hard, showing him how much I loved him the best way I could.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


  First and foremost a ‘football-oval’ sized thank you to Sarah Fairhall, my amazing editor at Destiny Romance, for believing in me. I can’t thank you enough for loving Winning the Player, bringing my words to life and helping to make my dream come true. Also to Carol George, and to Alex Nahlous, for giving my manuscript sparkle.

  To my amazing friends and family who encouraged me to keep writing chapter after chapter, and for enjoying my story, I sincerely thank you.

  To my perfect husband, Lynden, I appreciate your understanding, patience and support, especially the breakfasts in bed on weekends and bringing food to me when I locked myself away to write. Your motivational words helped me to not throw in the towel. Also to my four beautiful daughters, Jamie-Lee, Shauni, Ashleigh, and Demi who helped with character names, plot, and constant inspiration. Especially to Demi, who often read from over my shoulder, and told me when a line ‘sucked’.

  To my wonderful parents, Pam and Vic, and sister Vickie, for always believing in me and being there to help out anyway possible.

  A big shout out to my biggest fans Deanne, Helen, and Dayna, the first to read my book. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, as your words of praise meant so much to me. I’m so glad Dayna sparked football love back into my world after years of being biased in favour of basketball.

  My appreciation extends to Suzy, Al, Donna, Fiona, and Jodie for our good times together, and despite the odd inappropriate suggestion, making plot discussion fun.

  My undying gratitude goes to the Romance Writers of Australia, the South Australian Romance Authors, and the Novelist’s Circle. You guys rock! The friendships, resources and informative meetings helped with my journey towards being published.

  Annie Seaton, thank you for believing in me.

  Finally to Kath Chigwidden, Patty and all the staff at PhysioXtra for keeping me in shape so I can continue to sit writing at a desk for long hours doing what I love.