by Iris Blobel
There were another couple of weeks left in the main season before the finals started. His team was in the top eight of the ladder, and everyone expected them to continue into September. He did, too. Even with all the travelling, his training had been good, his game had been his best yet, and he felt good about this season.
In the distance, he was able to see Teagan emerging from the house. No doubt Katie’s friend was wondering who was coming down her long driveway, but when they were close enough, and Teagan recognised who was in the car, a big smile spread across her face.
“Holy shit, Ty,” Teagan said when Tyson stepped out of the car. “I knew your girl does her best to keep you humble, but this thing?”
“What do you mean?” Katie asked, offended.
Teagan shrugged and stepped closer to her friend. “Happy birthday, sweetie,” she said as she placed a kiss on Katie’s cheek.
“Thanks.” Katie dangled the car keys in front of her friend’s face. “It’s mine.”
Teagan walked over to Ty and gave him a kiss as well. “Hello darlin’,” she said before turning back to Katie. “What the fuck—”
“Language!”
Tyson laughed, although more at the fact that he wasn’t the only one who suffered from Katie’s scrutiny when it came to cursing, but Teagan as well.
“It’s her present,” he said.
“Holy shit!” She grabbed the keys from Katie. “Really?” She slid behind the steering wheel and started the car. “Come on, sweetie. Let’s have a little test drive.”
Katie went around the car and sat on the passenger side.
“Declan is inside. Make yourself comfortable,” Teagan said to Ty, who shook his head at the two women.
He went inside and found Declan in the kitchen. Teagan’s partner handed him a cup of coffee, and they sat down and started on their favourite subject: football.
The two ladies returned twenty minutes later, excited and full of giggles.
“Happy birthday, Katie,” Declan said, giving her a kiss on her cheek.
“Thank you.”
Teagan placed her hand on Tyson’s shoulder. “Great present, darlin’.”
He choked back a chuckle. “I wish she’d accept a new one.”
“She accepted the damn car. I wouldn’t push it.” Teagan laughed, and Katie pretended to pout.
The four of them enjoyed a nice lunch together before Tyson announced, “We’ll have the Brownlow Medals ceremony soon. I’d love you to come along.”
“The what?” Teagan asked.
“Brownlow Medal,” Katie answered. “The medal rewarded to the best and fairest player of the season.”
Tyson gave her a wink. She had come a long way with her knowledge of AFL.
Declan chuckled. “A medal to play like a girl?”
They laughed, and Tyson flicked some butter over towards Teagan’s friend. “Rugby’s got it as well, mate.”
“I can’t go to this event,” Katie said as she pushed the butter out of the guys’ reach.
“Why not?” Ty and Teagan asked in unison.
Lifting her shoulder, she replied quietly, “Because.”
Ty raised an eyebrow. “Because?”
She sat back in her chair. “You can’t just dump that on me.” Avoiding his gaze, she looked at her friend almost questioningly.
Leaning forward, he touched her arm. “Sweetheart?”
“How important is this event to you?” she asked, now looking at her hands in her lap.
Teagan stood and placed a hand on Declan’s shoulder. “Let’s give them a minute.”
Tyson wasn’t sure what to think of that gesture. He watched Declan get up and whisper, good luck. Good luck? He didn’t need good luck, and what the hell had just happened?
As soon as their friends had left the kitchen, he turned to Katie, who was still staring at her hands.
“What’s going on, sweetheart?”
***
What just happened? She didn’t know, and she was sure her whole body would fall apart. Watching him place his hand over hers, she took a deep breath.
“I’m sorry.” She looked up and met his gaze. “I panicked. Dating a football star is one thing and watching you play, sitting in the crowd, and hearing them going insane when you kick a ball, another thing, but walking the red carpet?”
“I’ll be with you all the way.” He took her hand and moved it towards his lips as he whispered, “Holding your hand. I’ll be the proudest and the luckiest guy that night.”
She choked back a laugh. Looking into his chocolate brown eyes, she knew he was serious. Gazing into his eyes, she realised they were shimmering with unshed tears. With a deep sigh, she appreciated how much she had fallen in love with him. He made her feel secure and loved with an intensity she’d never known was possible. Katie felt special, smart—and yes, sexy.
“Okay,” she finally said. “But you’re not letting go of my hand!”
“I’ll never let go of you,” he said as he gently pulled her onto his lap and sealed the promise with a kiss. He cupped her face between his hands and kissed her deep and hard—until a familiar voice interrupted.
“I take it all’s sorted and settled,” Teagan said.
Katie nodded and turned to her friend. “And you’re coming with me.”
Hands on hips, her friend replied, “Are you out of your mind?”
Laughing, Katie stood and walked to her side. “This whole dressing up and make-up crap is so not me. I need you by my side.”
Her friend looked past her towards Ty. “Honey cakes, what did you put in her drink?”
Tyson laughed and stood as well. He winked. “I only promised her the world.”
“You have to come, Teagan,” Katie begged.
“Okay, okay,” she replied as she looked over to Declan. “Wipe that smile off your face. You’re coming as well.”
Declan slid his girl a look, and Katie laughed. “Great! Melbourne isn’t that bad at all. And you’re finally going to meet Ty’s family.”
Teagan placed an arm over her friend’s shoulder. “One thing after the other. When is this damn medal thing?”
“Mid-September.”
“Let’s hit the shops in Sydney on a weekend.” She turned to Tyson. “What’s the budget, honey cakes?”
Katie never thought about a budget. Never thought about the cost at all. The idea of having Teagan with her made sense. Her friend obviously had her head screwed on properly and thought of the right questions. She felt a different kind of appreciation for her, a deeper one, and made a mental note to thank her for it in at a more suitable time.
All of a sudden, she felt her legs giving way, and just as quickly Teagan wrapped her arms around her, holding her steady.
“Whoa, Kates. What’s up?”
Everyone gathered around, and Tyson helped her sit. She didn’t know why she’d nearly passed out. The only thing she could think was that the anxiety was weighing her down.
“You’re not already…” Teagan raised an eyebrow and stared at her friend. “You know.”
Katie didn’t know and frowned in reply. Already what? Ignoring it, she focused on the budget issue again. A nice dress, make-up, hair, and goodness gracious all the other things. She’d never thought of it. Trying to control her breathing, she decided she was being silly thinking about money. He’d invited her, and it obviously meant a lot to him.
“Pregnant?” Teagan asked.
Katie frowned and looked at Ty, who had paled a little.
“What are you talking about?” Katie asked.
“You!” her friend replied. “You, turning all queasy on us.”
Katie laughed. “No. No, not at all. Geez, Teagan. You’re a shocker! I had a stupid moment, thinking about—”
“Money,” Tyson finished, shaking his head. “You’re a shocker as well.”
Katie shrugged. “Sue me.”
Teagan laughed and cuddled up to Declan. “I wish I had her problem. I wouldn’t hesitate to spen
d Dec’s money for his award ceremony.”
“There’s no budget,” Tyson finally said, but looked over at Teagan and added, “Just keep it reasonable.”
Teagan smiled, and Katie wondered what she had gotten herself into. Brownlow Medal. Red carpet. It sounded like something she’d seen in the movies, not something she’d be a part of. Dress. What kind of dress? What would suit her? No way would she look as stunning as all the other girls. Except, she had Tyson, the hottest, cutest, sexiest football player in town. And he was hers. And she was his. She needed a dress to compliment her happiness.
She stood. “Mission to find a dress over the winter,” she said to her friend. She gave both her and Declan a kiss on the cheek.
Turning to Tyson, she asked, “Wanna go for a drive?”
Laughing, he shook his head. He gave a quick wave to Teagan and Declan, before he placed his hand on the small of Katie’s back and followed her outside.
***
They drove along the coast to a little place to have lunch. It was beautiful, and a distraction for Ty who was still pondering what had happened earlier that morning. The money issue was still not under control, and it worried him, because the season was going to finish in a few weeks. The idea was to ask Katie to live in Melbourne with him. He’d found a small place north of the city, with a garden and some privacy, but he needed to approach the subject carefully.
They bought lunch and went down to the picnic area along the beach. Tyson was about to say something about the move when they spotted a pod of dolphins. Katie’s excitement was contagious, but instead of watching the small sea creatures, he looked at her. He took in her delight at watching the dolphins. She took photos, probably only adding to the hundred other dolphin pictures she already had. He knew then and there, he loved her deeply. All he wanted to do was stare at her, thinking of how good she felt underneath him. Her beautiful body, her soft skin. Her lips. And the sensitive spot just below her ear. He’d never felt like this before.
“Sweetheart.”
“Hmm?”
“Katie.”
She turned to look at him, appearing worried.
“You need to let go of the money issue,” he said quietly.
Katie nodded. “I know. I’m working on it.” She gave him a kiss. “I honestly am.”
“Good.”
Meeting her gaze, he was momentarily distracted from what he wanted to say.
“I…” He blew out a long breath and gently pulled her closer. “I found a really nice place in Melbourne and would like you to think about moving to Victoria.”
Finally, he had it out there, and he watched her reaction like a hawk.
“I’ve thought about it for the last couple of weeks,” she admitted. “Even talked to Mum and Dad about it.”
His heart jumped to his throat, and his pulse went into overdrive when she touched his face with her hand. Her reply surprised him. He’d expected some hesitation or a moment’s reflection based on the importance of the decision.
“Depending on the house, of course.” She smiled. “I think I’m ready to give it a go.”
The relief he felt was so intense, every muscle in his body began to shiver. He gave her a kiss. “You’ll love it.”
“I have conditions, though.”
A frown pulled down his eyebrows. He hadn’t expected conditions.
“I will not be a stay-at-home girl. And I will be involved as little as possible in your football society thingy.”
Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “Thingy?”
“I want my own job.”
He nodded in agreement. “I’m sure we—”
“I will want to get my own job.”
Ty tried hard to hold back a smile, but failed. That was his girl. And he was proud of her. “I’m sure you will find something, and I’ll be supporting you in everything you do.”
Her gaze went to the water, and he wished he could read her mind. Moving closer to her, he whispered against her cheek. “A penny for your thoughts.”
“I’ll miss the coast here.”
“We have that in Melbourne.”
Nodding, she said, “I know.” She turned and kissed him. A sweet kiss that told him she was ready, but nervous. A kiss that told him she expected him to hold her hand not only on the red carpet, but through everything else as well. Placing his hand on hers, he whispered, “I love you, Katie.”
***
Katie’s world had just turned pink and blue, and all the rainbow colours in the world. She desperately wanted to ask him to repeat what he had just said. Wanted to hear it again. Taking his head in her hands, she looked deep into his eyes. Those beautiful eyes that made her weak every single minute of the day she spent with him. Eyes, that at that moment, had shared his emotions from deep inside.
“I love you,” he repeated. “I love you in every way that a man can love a woman.”
Never had she imagined someone saying something like that to her. Tears were welling behind her eyelids as emotions rushed through her.
“I love you, too,” she murmured.
Half an hour later, back at Katie’s apartment, Tyson gently laid her onto her bed. Holding her hands above her head, he began teasing her lips. This small, casual touch sent a shudder through her. He dipped his head and kissed the swell of her breast. When his hand slipped under her shirt, a quiet moan escaped her lips, and heat spread throughout her body. Slowly he undid all the small buttons until the shirt fell open and revealed a pink lace bra. Another small moan left her lips, and she felt him kiss her neck. Katie closed her eyes and savoured the moment.
She relished his gentle touches and kisses. Basking in the feeling of pleasure as his tongue played on her skin. He reached to her back and released the clasp of her bra before gently sliding it over her shoulders to unleash her breasts. When he broke his kiss, she opened her eyes to watch him pushing his shirt off his shoulders. She couldn’t resist touching him. She feathered her fingers down his stomach and slipped into the waistband of his jeans.
Tyson pulled his weight off her and sat back to unzip his pants before he continued teasing her with tender kisses. He kissed her along the edge of her jeans before he pulled them off, exposing matching pink lace panties. For a long moment, he seemed content to explore her body with his tongue. She saw his grin when she moved her hips up to remove the last bit of clothing.
“Ty,” she whispered.
“Right here, sweetheart.”
“Please,” she begged.
He reached over to the bedside table, grabbed a condom, and finally sank into her. Katie came with shocking ease and was still shuddering when he brushed a kiss over her lips.
“I’ve got you,” he whispered.
Her whole body was humming, her nerves in overdrive. She felt so complete as she snuggled into his arms.
***
Ty lay on his back, sprawled in a tangle of bed sheets, with Katie in his arms. For a long time he just watched her gaze into the distance. He studied her face, her lips, the curve of her cheek, and her eyes. It hadn’t been the first time they’d made love, but he couldn’t remember seeing her so at peace before. So content.
He traced his finger along her jaw, and she looked up at him with a smile.
“I’m the luckiest guy around,” he said as he placed a kiss on her forehead.
And he was. It’d been a tough year for him. It had started with the humiliating newspaper article instigated by Anita, followed by his father’s passing, and the constant travel to New South Wales. Yet, he had managed. He had come out on top. His football club was in the September finals, and they were in with a good chance. He needed that win. He wanted that win so much for his dad.
Looking out the window, he whispered, she’s coming to Melbourne, Dad, and placed another kiss on Katie’s forehead. His dad had liked her so much. It would’ve meant a lot to him to know Ty was finally settling.
“A penny for your thoughts,” she said quietly.
Tyson rolled her underneath h
im and looked into her beautiful eyes.
“Looking forward to having you in Melbourne soon.”
Just staring into her eyes sent him into a different world. The love in her gaze said, I’m yours. He had always wondered how it would be to find the right person to spend the rest of his life with. How it would be to know that person was the right one. When he’d asked Anita to marry him, he was hurt, but it was his ego that had been bruised not his heart. He knew that now. It was false pride that begged her to stay with him, but he was so glad she hadn’t listened. Really glad.
After Anita had left for the USA, he thought he’d never meet a girl as sexy as her again. Anita was all that, sexy and quite clever. Great in bed, and she knew people in Melbourne. She knew her worth and wanted to make it big. He had liked her self-confidence. Now he wondered why. He had no idea why he’d been so blind that he hadn’t seen her using him. Everyone had told him, except the guys from the club. They’d just been jealous.
He kissed Katie. She was sexy all right. Yet, in a different way. She was beautiful to look at even without make-up. Not that she wore much of it anyway. She was kind and humble. He knew she didn’t like her job at the shopping centre much, and hoped he’d be able to convince her to attend school and study Art. She was always talking about it. Even if he gave her something like a loan. He chuckled inside. Not that he’d ever ask for the money back.
“I really look forward to having you with me all the time. That’s what I’ve been thinking.”
Katie gently moved a strand of hair out of his face. “We’re almost there. I just need to tie up a few things here. I’m hoping to get a decent price for my apartment.”
“Keep the apartment,” he said quickly. “Keep it to have something to come back to whenever you want to.”
“I can stay at Mum and Dad’s or Teagan’s.”
Touching the top of her nose with his lips, he whispered, “You don’t need the money, you know that, right?”
She nodded. “I know. But I honestly don’t need a place here.”
