Bad Business

by Nicole Edwards

  Not tonight.

  And if I’m lucky, I can hide out for the rest of the season. Hopefully by the time he realizes that I’m Aaron Andrews’s daughter, he’ll have forgotten about me.

  A ribbon of guilt slithers through my insides.

  Fortunately, it dissipates when he exits the car and walks around to my side.

  Once we’re inside the house, he turns to me; his eyes are hot and I’m suddenly burning up from the inside out once again. I thought for sure we would have to rekindle those flames he’d stoked inside me earlier.

  Nope.

  Still there.

  He steps in close, placing his hand on my cheek. I peer up into his eyes, trying to read his mind. It doesn’t work, but that doesn’t matter because Jason Stone is nothing if not vocal about his intentions.

  “As much as I want to offer you something to drink…” His eyes flash with heat. “It’ll only be wasting time.”

  “I agree.” My voice is raspy with desire.

  I let out a startled squeal when he jerks me into him before lifting me off my feet. I wrap myself around him, then fuse my mouth to his.

  And poof. That conflagration is burning like a wildfire out of control.

  The last half hour has done nothing to diminish my body’s desperate ache to be ravished by this man. Tomorrow will come soon enough, so I have to enjoy the here and now.

  Jason blazes a trail through the house. I don’t have time to look at anything, but then again, I couldn’t care less what his furniture looks like or how tall his ceilings are. My focus is on getting closer, rubbing up against him like a cat. He holds me as though I weigh nothing, and it makes me hotter. Apparently, the whole sexy-alpha thing does it for me.

  Once in his bedroom, both of us unleash.

  Hands and mouths are everywhere. Clothing disappears while we make up for all the fondling and groping we didn’t do earlier, desperately trying to sate the ever-growing lust.

  “Oh, God,” I moan when his mouth latches onto my breast. His tongue is warm and raspy against my nipple, and I cry out from the overwhelming pleasure.

  “Fuck, you’re beautiful,” he groans as he eases me down to the bed, his mouth blazing a trail from one nipple to the other. “So beautiful.”

  I take that as the compliment he intends, grabbing his head and holding him to my breasts. When his mouth latches on again, I feel the tug on that invisible line that leads down between my thighs. I’m moaning like a wild woman, letting this sexy man have his wicked way with me. But no way am I letting him have all the fun. If I’m allowing myself one night, I’m going to go all out.

  Somehow, I manage to wrestle him so that he’s on his back. I know it wouldn’t have been possible if he hadn’t let me, but I’ll take my prize any way he’ll give it to me.

  “Aww, hell, baby,” he groans, his fingers twining into my hair as I brush my lips over his cock. He’s thick and hard, and I’m seconds away from worshiping his dick.

  One fist goes around the base as I guide him into my mouth.

  “That wicked mouth’s gonna get you in trouble,” he growls, guiding me up and down as his grunts and groans echo in the large room.

  He smells so good, like man and musk and wanton sex. I can’t seem to get enough.

  But then I’m once again on my back. He flipped me so quickly, I barely had time to catch my breath. When his mouth fastens to my pussy—you know, because turnabout is fair play—I cry out. It only takes a few swipes of his tongue before I’m shot straight into the ether, my body trembling as an orgasm shocks my system.

  “Now that’s beautiful,” he whispers. “Come for me again, pretty girl.”

  He presses two fingers inside me, and my body clenches around the intrusion, my hips bucking with the force of my spasms. I’m not even ashamed by the fact that I’m completely out of control. For the first time in my life, I’m taking what I want, consequences be damned.

  When I come for the third time, I can hardly breathe and I want to feel him inside me. I urge him up my body by gripping his hair and tugging.

  Jason chuckles as he crawls over me. I feel him fumbling around, probably looking for the strip of condoms he tossed on the bed before we landed on it.

  Within seconds, he has covered himself and he’s between my legs, my knees bracketing his hips.

  “Fuck me,” I plead. No sense in feigning decorum at this point.

  He brushes my hair back from my face and his eyes lock with mine.

  “My pleasure, pretty girl.”

  And just like that, the man blows my mind and all my senses at the same time.

  Consequences…

  Regret…

  Awkward encounters…

  Fuck those things.

  Right now, I’m merely going to enjoy everything Jason Stone has to offer me.

  Which, I soon learn, is more orgasms than one woman should be able to handle. I, however, am greedy when it comes to what he’s offering. So, I take every single one. And make sure I show my appreciation for his divine efforts.

  Loudly.

  Chapter 5

  “Considering all the travel that you do during the season, what’s the one thing you try to do when you’re not on the road?”

  “Spend time with my family.”

  “What’s that like? Considering your brother is none other than Jeremy Stone. He was the league’s MVP three times during his eighteen years in the NFL.”

  “We’re just a normal family. You know, the kind that passes the mashed potatoes and argues about who has the most Super Bowl wins.”

  For the record, that would be Jason. And he wanted to make sure that was noted.

  —Excerpt from Sports Unlimited’s Bad Boys of Sports edition

  Stone

  “You see this right here? Watch as he shifts forward, then turns back.” Tyler Lansing, the offensive coordinator, glances over at Leon Downs. “I’m not sure who you were after, but you left Stone wide open for the sack.” Tyler peers over at Brian Dowling. “And you left the pocket.” Tyler’s face turns back to the screen, then pushes the button to start the video again. “Which left Stone undefended and…”

  We all watch as I’m sacked. Thankfully I’d seen it coming and tucked the ball underneath me just in time.

  “I want twenty push-ups from each of you,” Tyler informs Leon and Brian before stepping back and giving them room on the floor.

  “Dude,” Leon grumbles.

  “Make that thirty.”

  Before Leon can bellyache some more, Brian puts his hand up. “Not a word.”

  Leon grins, and I can tell the guy is messing with Brian.

  While they get in position, I turn to Tyler. “Can you play that back one more time?”

  Without even a day of rest since we played yesterday, I’m still buzzing with energy, gearing up for the next game only six short days away.

  Granted, tomorrow’s my day off, although I’ve already got some things lined up in the morning, a little more time in the weight room, plus another treatment for my shoulder, which has been giving me fits for the past couple of years. So, technically, I won’t take the day off, but I never do. That’s not part of the plan. During the season, I know that the schedule is going to be grueling, but that’s why I’m here. I can sit on my ass during the off-season. You damn sure don’t win Super Bowls by half-assing it.

  Although I’ve got some aches and pains from the years I’ve dedicated to this game, I’m in a hell of a lot better shape than some of these guys who are ten years younger than me. Part of that’s due to my workouts. From the beginning, I’ve taken this seriously, never once thinking I could fuck off and get away with it.

  However, this game is as much mental as it is physical, which means this part is critic
al to our success. Sitting in a room with a dozen other guys listening to the coaches call out our failures isn’t meant to be a punishment. It’s meant to prepare us for the next game, to ensure we don’t make the same mistakes twice.

  And yes, I’d prefer to be out on the field, running drills and plays, rather than sitting in here, but I know I have to invest time in reflecting on the past in order to improve the future. Even thirteen years in, I still have a shit ton to learn.

  Granted, I’m not sure how I’m functioning after the sexual marathon last night. Then again, given the fact that the pretty woman who had graced my bed was absent when my eyes opened, I really had no choice but to move. I didn’t even get her name.

  I sigh and put my focus back where it belongs.

  Mondays are about conditioning, treatment, and reviewing films from yesterday’s game. We’ve made it through the morning, survived the team meeting—not nearly as grisly as it could have been, thanks to yesterday’s win—and now we’re in our first breakout session with the offensive line. Reviewing plays with the guys who are out there to protect me helps me to see where my weaknesses are, as well as my strengths.

  “Remember that redhead from last night?” Brian asks when he rejoins us in the chairs.

  I peer over at him and frown. “Huh?”

  “The redhead, bro. That chick at the club?”

  Sugar Tits.

  Right.

  I smile to myself as I think about the mystery woman who blew my mind last night. Thanks to her, I had honestly forgotten all about the redhead. “Yeah?”

  “Dude, I took her back to my place, and she rode me like a fuckin’ buckin’ bronco.”

  Brian and I hit it off back when I first joined the team. I learned that he’s divorced and although he’s in his early thirties, the guy has a preference for the twenty-one-year-olds. Granted, I’ve never once asked him to share the details of his escapades, but it seems he’s chatty today.

  “Good for you, man.” I’m really not sure what else to say.

  Turning my attention back to the screen, Brian nudges me with an elbow. “She mentioned you.”

  I figure the girl said I was an asshole since I pretty much shut her down.

  “Said she’d be game for a tag team.”

  Quirking one eyebrow at Brian, I don’t even bother with a smile. “Tag team?”

  “Hell, yeah. You know—”

  “Uh-uh,” I interrupt, holding up a hand. “Ain’t interested.”

  Brian and I have hung out a few times, but not to the extent that we would be sharing women, or even having conversations about sharing women. Not that I’ve ever shared a woman, nor do I intend to.

  “Oh, come on now, bro. Can you imagine—”

  “No, I can’t,” I insist. “Seein’ your naked ass in the locker room is far more than I ever signed on for. No way am I willingly gonna get naked with you, even if there is some chick between us.”

  Brian laughs and now I get the feeling he’s yanking my chain. I’m all for fucking around and joking, but right now, I’m in the zone—or I was before he opened his damn mouth. Considering I’m working on setting a few records this season, not to mention chasing my third straight Super Bowl win, I don’t have time for shit like this.

  “All right, guys,” Tyler calls. “Let’s head on out to the practice field. Shorts and shells. And don’t dick around, Dowling.”

  “Why you wanna call me out like that?” Brian asks sheepishly, then turns back to me. “You headin’ out there?”

  “Not yet,” I tell him. “I’m gonna review some more film right quick.”

  “Hey, Stone!” Tyler says. “Coach Williams said to meet him in his office when you’re done. No rush though.”

  “Sure. Mind if I run through this again?” I ask, nodding toward the projection screen.

  Tyler passes me the remote. “Have at it. See you out there in thirty?”

  “Yeah.”

  When Tyler turns toward the door, I sigh.

  We are in the downhill slide of the season, and things are looking good for us. Because of that, I’ve had to endure a few conversations regarding my plans for next year. The management team knows I signed a one-year contract with the intention of retiring after. I’m already getting pressured to reconsider. Not only from the coaches, but also from my agent, who seems to be in direct contact with Aaron Andrews, the owner and general manager of the Dallas Wranglers.

  Honestly, I don’t want to think about it right now. We might be first in our division, but there are still six games to go before the fat lady even gets ready to sing. No reason to get ahead of ourselves just yet. That’s the fastest way to jinx a team, in my opinion.

  I take a moment to look around, enjoying the fact that it’s quiet. That’s a rarity around this place. It’s also rare that I get a minute of peace during the day. Sometimes things are moving faster than I am. Today seems to be one of those days. I think it has something to do with the late night last night. Not only did I practically close the club down, I didn’t get much sleep thanks to the woman who rocked my world on its axis.

  I never did get her name or her number, but part of me hadn’t expected to. Sure, I’d hoped that she would be in my bed when I woke up, but it wasn’t shocking to find out she wasn’t. Disappointing, sure. Surprising, no.

  I shake off that thought and all the other nonsense clouding my brain. I don’t have time to be worried about that right now. I’ve got more important things to deal with.

  So, I set my mind to focus, hit play and watch the screen.

  Savannah

  “Hey, Savannah!”

  When I hear someone call my name, I nod at Nancy, one of our newest PR team members. “Let me know if you have any questions.”

  “I will.” She smiles. “And thanks.”

  “Anytime.”

  Turning, I see Tyler Lansing, the Dallas Wranglers’ offensive coordinator, strolling toward me. I have to admit, he doesn’t look quite as defeated as he has in previous years. Truth is, it hasn’t been a party, what with the team stats and the fact that we haven’t even been to the playoffs in…years.

  “Hey, Ty.” I plaster on my best smile while my eyes scan the players.

  The absolute last place I wanted to be today was at the practice facility, yet here I am. The risk of running into Jason Stone is far too great, so I’ve been trying to make a break for it for the past hour. I’ve been thwarted at every turn.

  “You got big plans for Thanksgiving?”

  “Other than watching the game, you mean?” I smile sweetly.

  “I’m talkin’ about food.”

  “Of course you are. And yes, we’re doin’ the whole family thing like usual. What about you? Got plans with Donna’s parents?”

  I know I look suspicious, but I can’t help it. I continue to watch the hallway, scared Jason is going to jump out any second and I’m going to be forced to explain myself. Not only did I not tell him who I was prior to last night’s mind-blowing sex, I also called an Uber and slipped out while he was asleep.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Tyler replies. “We agreed not to try to host dinner this year with all that’s going on.”

  “Smart.” Even home games take time and they require the teams to be away from their families longer than they probably want. “I haven’t seen Donna in a while. How’s the pregnancy?”

  Tyler’s face lights up. “She’s happy it’s no longer summer, that’s all I know.”

  “She’s, what…eight months along?”

  “Seven and a half.”

  I haven’t the faintest clue about pregnancies, other than they last nine months for the most part, but I smile anyway. “Well, I look forward to seeing you both on Friday night.”

  Tyler nods, then pats me on the shou
lder before heading down the hall.

  I’ve been a familiar face to the Wranglers’ coaching staff for long enough that I think they consider me family. Then again, I pretty much am. I’ve been wandering these halls for most of my life, starting way back when I was a bratty little kid, looking to get into as much trouble as possible. It wasn’t until I finished grad school five years ago that I ventured into the business side of things. That might seem like a long time, but I think they’re still trying to get used to seeing me in this capacity.

  I’m getting ready to head out for a late lunch, but I remember I parked my car in the players’ lot, so I turn in the opposite direction. When I pass the training room, I hear the sound of the television and I peek in to see Jason Stone watching one of the big screens. It’s stupid, I know, but I pause for a minute. He rewinds the film, then reviews it again. It’s hard not to notice that he’s the only one in the room.

  It’s also hard not to notice that the guy’s built like a brick shithouse, as the saying goes.

  My thoughts drift back to last night at the club, when I blew my chance to tell him who I am.

  “So, you got a name?” Stone asks.

  “I do,” I tell him. “Most people do.”

  His smile widens. “Good one. But I take it you’re not gonna tell me?”

  “Nope.”

  “Any reason why not?”

  “I prefer the anonymity.”

  “Ahh. In that case, my name’s not important either. Nice to meet you.”

  Yeah, well. I think we got to know each other quite well, names or not.

  Somehow, I made it through that night without revealing my identity.

  “Shit. I knew it. That’s what I did wrong,” Stone mutters to himself, pulling me from my thoughts.

  I can’t help but smile at his dedication. It doesn’t necessarily surprise me because I’ve learned quite a bit about Jason Stone from my father and brothers. According to my older brother Will, bringing Stone into the organization was the biggest deal they’d made in the past decade. To hear them talk, he’s the holy grail of quarterbacks and they were lucky to get him.