by Alice Ward
“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 counter 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.
“Sounds good,” I agreed with a yawn. “But maybe I should have coffee instead of hot chocolate. I ate too much and now I’m exhausted.”
“Coffee it is. Claudia bought some of those fancy flavored pod things.”
“Perfect. I’m going to change into my pajamas. I’ll join you guys in a minute.”
Uncle Walt left the room and I rolled off the bed. I rummaged through my overnight bag, changing my black slacks and red sweater for a pair of plaid flannel pajama pants and oversized sweatshirt. I pulled my hair into a ponytail and shuffled into the open kitchen and living room. I sat down on a barstool at the island while Walt brewed coffee and assembled a tray of cookies, candy, and popcorn. Claudia was stretched out in one of the recliners watching the end of the evening news.
“Looks like the snow’s going to let up for a few days,” she said as the newscaster signed off.
“That’s a relief,” Walt replied. He topped my coffee off with a splash of cream and slid it to me across the island. “I have a charter flight scheduled for Friday and I wasn’t looking forward to flying through the slush.”
I carried my mug to the sofa and Walt followed with the snack tray. As we settled in, the opening credits of the nightly tabloid talk show flashed across the television. A voiceover alerted viewers to the night’s leading story: Ethan McAlister, hot shot Stallions quarterback, had been spotted all over Portland with Dallas cheerleader Susannah Cross.
Uncle Walt scrambled for the remote and Claudia’s face flushed beet red.
“Honey, I’m so sorry,” she stammered.
I kept my face carefully neutral. “It’s okay. Let’s just watch the movie.”
Walt powered on the blue ray player then dropped the remote on the coffee table before the main menu popped up. He stood and started pacing the cream carpet floors.
“Emily, I admire your ability to stay calm right now. But I’m afraid I don’t share it. What the fuck does that kid think he’s doing? He swooped into your life, all but moved you into his house, and the moment things got tough, he bails? And then has the audacity to strut around town with some cheerleader just a few weeks later? It’s all I can do not to drive over to his house and kick his ass.”
“Walt, calm down,” Claudia said, dropping her face in her hands. “This isn’t helping anything.”
“It’s really okay,” I told them again. “Ethan and Susannah are just friends. You know how those talk shows are. They blow everything out of proportion. I’m sure that’s the case here.”
“You seem pretty confident about that,” Claudia said, lifting her head to look at me closely.
I was incredibly confident about it because it had been my idea for Ethan and Susannah to put on a show for the reporters. I thought it would keep Martha and Victor from asking too many questions about where Ethan was spending his time. I hadn’t considered that being videoed with the cheerleader wouldn’t exactly endear Ethan to my family and friends.
“Susannah is really young. Ethan wouldn’t be interested in her. But even if he is, what right do I have to say anything about it? I left him, remember?”
“You left him because he was acting like a bastard,” Uncle Walt countered. “And his behavior just keeps getting more and more reprehensible. I’m glad you ended things with him before they got too serious.”
“Ethan and I are still together,” I blurted out without thinking.
A wide, ‘I knew it’ smile spread across Claudia’s face while Walt’s mouth fell open and he stopped dead in his tracks.
“I was hoping that’s what was going on,” Claudia beamed.
“What the fuck do you mean you’re still together?” Walt demanded. When he started pacing again, I grabbed him by the arm and pulled him down onto the sofa beside me.
“For God’s sake, sit down. You’re making me nervous. Ethan stopped by about a week and a half ago with the stuff I’d left at his house. We started talking and we both owned up to the mistakes we’d made. He apologized for not immediately speaking out in my defense. And I apologized for not considering the position he was stuck in.”
“That manipulative bastard,” Walt snarled. “I can’t believe he made you feel like you had anything to apologize for.”
Claudia held up a hand. “There’s obviously more going on than meets the eye, Walt. Just let Emily talk.” She turned to me with patient eyes. “What position is Ethan in, exactly?”
I took a deep breath and explained the whole mess. I told them about Martha and the way she’d tried to intimidate me when Ethan was in the hospital. I described the ultimatum Victor had given Ethan and reminded them that the high paid football players weren’t the only people depending on the franchise to keep their roofs over their heads.
“After Ethan apologized, he wanted to stand up to his parents and leave the team on his own terms. But once I understood everything at stake, I couldn’t let him do it. So we decided not to tell anyone we’d made up, not until after the end of the season.”
“So after the last game, you’re going public again?” Claudia asked.
“After the last game or after my name is cleared, whichever comes first.”
“Victor Montez would be an absolute dumbass to release his best player in the middle of the playoffs,” Walt countered. “Ethan’s story sounds like a load of m
anipulative horseshit if you ask me. I think he’s pulling one over on you, sweetheart.”
“I understand why you’d believe that. But you’re wrong.” I spent the next half hour recounting some of the more terrible stories Ethan had told me about the way his stepfather did business. Victor was selfish and ruthless. If he released Ethan from his contract, it wouldn’t be the first time he’d completely tanked one of his businesses to make a personal point.
Claudia shuddered as I wrapped up a story about the time Victor fired a single mother for not answering his phone call during her son’s elementary school graduation.
“He sounds like a real piece of work. I don’t blame you for wanting to stay under his radar.”
I nodded. “Luckily, Ethan sees his parents as an example of what not to be. He really is a good guy, Walt. Our emotions were running high after I was arrested and we both could have handled the situation better.”
“I trust your judgment, Emily.” Walt’s shoulders seemed to sag in resignation. “But the more you talk about his parents, the less thrilled I am about you being anywhere near that family. I understand why you didn’t want them to know you’re still seeing each other. But why in the world would you keep it from me?”
His feelings are hurt.
“I’m sorry, Uncle Walt. I thought it would be best not to say anything to anyone. The fewer people who know the secret, the more likely it is to stay a secret. Once again, I wasn’t thinking clearly. I know you wouldn’t say anything and the last thing I meant to do was give you a reason to hate Ethan. Please don’t punish him for my mistake.”
Walt met my eyes again. “If and when he comes around again, I’ll approach the situation with an open mind. That’s the best I can do.”
“Thank you.” I gave his hand a gentle squeeze and reached for the remote.
“Wait a second,” he said, taking it from my hand. “You said that you and Ethan are staying quiet until your name is cleared or the end of the season, whichever comes first. What’s your plan after that? If the season ends and you’re still under investigation, will Ethan leave the team? Or will you just wait to see if Victor follows through with his threat?”
