by Morgan Fox
“But you went to college. Was it for fitness?”
She nodded. “Yep. I’m actually looking into finding something where I can be more of an individual personal trainer. I actually focused on athletes in college.” But River… “I’ve always liked biking, so spin instruction was a great choice for me, as well.”
“Until you find clients for your personal trainer side?”
She nodded.
He sipped his coffee, but kept his eyes on her. “You are good,” he said, as he placed his cup on the table. “I had trouble walking the next morning. Coach thought that I practiced too hard the day before and went easy on me.” He winked. “Thanks for that.”
She laughed. “Glad I could help.”
“I might have to introduce you to our fitness trainer. Have him take some pointers from you.”
She smiled, her face hot with his compliments.
“You’re very beautiful, Noble. Especially when you smile.” He slid his hand across the table to touch hers. “I honestly never thought you’d give me a chance. I’m really glad you did.”
She glanced at her cup, unsure of herself. She gently tugged her hand away. “Thanks.”
He leaned back in his chair. “Any chance you’d want to do this again with me? Maybe we could have dinner next time.”
Her heart pounded in her throat, making it hard to breathe. She was suddenly nervous and about to tell him that it wasn’t a good idea, but then she met his gaze. His eyes spoke softly to her, offered comfort and a soothing refuge. She wasn’t sure how just looking at him was enough to be her undoing, but it was.
“I’m not good at this, Finn. I wouldn’t know the first thing about—”
“You’re doing great from where I’m sitting.”
She smiled, shaking her head. “I’m—awkward.”
He laughed. “No, you’re unique and that’s what I like about you.”
She chuckled at the way unique didn’t sound like an insult pouring from his sensual mouth. Her body stirred and she crossed her legs, shifting in her seat. “What exactly does that mean?”
“It means I’m really glad you’re who you are.” He took her hand in his again, but this time she let him hold it. “I’m relieved you don’t fall all over me because I play a sport. In fact, you avoided me because of it.” His brow furrowed. “I think that’s why I can’t stop chasing you.”
“Chasing me. That sounds so—”
“Romantic.” He winked. “I can’t stop thinking about you, Noble. I really like you.”
“That’s a problem, Finn.” She sighed. “I’m not ready for you to like me, and I’m certainly not ready to like you.”
Chapter Four
Noble couldn’t believe she’d told Finn that she wasn’t ready to like him. She was losing her mind—literally losing her mind. How had she gone from not wanting anything to do with him, to wanting to lick every square inch of his body, and then, once again, change her mind?
Easy. I’m screwed up.
Thanks, River, you fucktard.
Her nails dug into the palms of her hands at Finn’s wide-eyed expression. I flat out lied to him. She inwardly growled, her body tensing like a bear about to rip through a poor defenseless deer. She hadn’t recalled being this upside-down in her emotions prior to Finn entering her life. She was fine and dandy, trekking along with her focus on the jobs she loved, not men who sent her brain on a nuclear meltdown of incoherent thought.
Okay, so really it is only one man.
She wasn’t blind. Finn was smoking hot, just the type of man who literally slammed her pulse into hyper drive. She wasn’t immune to desires—womanly needs. She’d dreamed about Finn, which only added to her frustration. Even my subconscious wants him. She unclenched her fists, pumping them open and closed under the table as she tried to breathe through her wayward thoughts. She refused to recreate another scenario like the one she’d endured with River back in college. It was best this way. Finn had to go, before she was scrambling for another place to hide—a place she would once again retreat to avoid the pain she once endured.
She locked her jaw tight, remembering how wonderful Finn’s mouth had felt on hers, his hands massaging her body as she let herself be consumed by him.
Never again.
She cringed hearing the ‘Naughty Noble’ chant coming from River’s entire football team. She’d never be able to forget that name. She hated that fucking name.
“Why do I get the impression that you’re contemplating running away again?”
She pressed her lips tightly together, her gaze snapped up to his. Had her expression been so revealing?
“I told you that I wasn’t very good at this.” She sighed hard, shaking her head. “I don’t date. I haven’t been out with a guy in a very long time, Finn. I’m not comfortable with any of this.”
The palms of her hands grew sweaty, her breathing labored. Her stomach churned with acid—the taste of her coffee made bitter.
All this because of one stupid mistake.
“Did he hurt you?” His face shifted, a deep etched scowl covering his brow. His entire body tensed, his muscles flexing as if he were preparing to fight. She placed her hands back up on the table, doing her best to keep them steady.
“It was an embarrassing breakup. I guess it’s safe to say I’m not over it.” Her answer didn’t seem to ease him.
“Do you still love him?”
She scoffed as if she’d eaten something bad. “Absolutely not.” She could taste the disgust of giving herself to River. “He was not who I thought he was.”
“When you said he hurt you, I thought maybe he”—he clenched his jaw tight—“forced himself on you.”
Her lips parted slightly, her heart sinking. “Oh, no. It wasn’t like that. He was a dumb jock who—” She caught herself. Her gaze wandered away from him. She didn’t want to tell him the truth of her past. It was too embarrassing. Then again, hadn’t she already admitted her dislike for athletes?
“He was a quarterback, wasn’t he?”
She nodded.
“He was an asshole.”
She met his gaze and a slow smile pulled at her lips, but quickly faded. “I was an idiot. I never should’ve trusted him. He used me and I never saw it coming.”
There she’d said it. Not all of it, but enough.
“That explains a lot.” He laughed softly. “You really did have daggers in your eyes each time I looked at you when I was at Iron Horse. I see why now.”
She smirked. “I wasn’t exactly nice to you, was I?”
He chuckled, his eyes rolling at her question. “No. You were…refreshing.”
Now it was her turn to huff out a laugh. “Please don’t tell me you’re a masochist and you enjoy abuse.”
“No. Not at all.” He smiled. “I was thrilled for the chase. I can’t thank you enough for that.”
She laughed, surprised to hear his thoughts. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d relaxed enough to laugh with a guy who wasn’t her friend. The tension in her body was easing, and she no longer felt like her ears were wearing her shoulders. “So you do enjoy torment.”
His face grew serious, the lines around his eyes deepening. “I hate fake people. People who only want something from me. It’s hard to open up, to trust.”
She knew all about not being able to trust people. It would take an act of God for her to be able to again. And even now, she struggled to let men into her circle. Jace was the only one to cross that threshold, but she didn’t want to sleep with him, so that made it all okay.
“I can only imagine. People must see you coming and think all kinds of things. From autographs to access passes. I’m sure you’ve heard and seen it all.”
“I have.” He grinned, sweeping his finger over the side of her face to brush back her hair. “Then there’s you. A woman I want to take advantage of me.”
Her breath fled her chest in an instant, and she eased away from his touch, leaning as far back in her chair as she c
ould. He was a charmer and that was exactly what she was afraid of. “Oh, that was smooth.”
He shifted his mouth, glancing around to see if anyone heard him. Then he leaned toward her. “That didn’t come out right.”
“Are you sure about that?” She tried to sound annoyed, but only felt a blast of heat blossom in her cheeks. Did she actually want to flirt like this with him—a cat and mouse game?
Finn reached over and glided his fingers over the back of her hand. She considered pulling it away, but kept it still, watching the gentle caress unfold as if it weren’t her hand receiving the tantalizing strokes.
“I won’t lie, Noble. I think about you all the time. I want you to know that I think you’re beautiful, witty, and smart. I like that you give as good as you get, and I would do just about anything to take you home tonight.”
Her jaw slackened. A subtle ringing settled in her ears as the blood in her body rushed to her brain. She felt a warmth glide over her skin, caress her nipples, and dip straight between her legs. Her body was screaming to launch across the table and take him up on his offer, but her mind wouldn’t stop reminding her of her lackluster past.
Why couldn’t he be a lawyer or a construction worker? Why does he have to be a pro football player?
She rubbed a stiff hand through her hair. “Finn, I wish I could say yes, but I can’t. I’m not ready for more than this cup of coffee with you. I’m sorry.”
“Will you ever be?” His question was sharp and to the point, his gaze unwavering.
She swallowed the tight lump at the back of her throat. “I don’t know.”
He glanced down at his cup. “Will you at least meet me for coffee again?”
She pinched her brow tightly together. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
He nodded with a smile that was offered to conceal his grimace. “We’ll I better head out. Practice sucks a lot when I’m late.”
She stood. “Right, I need to go get ready for my class anyway.”
He hesitated and she couldn’t tell if he wanted to say something or kiss her. An absentness fell over her as she watched him head to his vehicle. She furrowed her brow, waiting for him to send another glance her way. It never came. Her heart twisted strangely and sank into her stomach.
Why couldn’t I have just said yes?
* * * *
Practice hurt—like the muscles had detached from his bones and were attempting to flee his body kind of hurt. He needed a good soaking, a massage, and a big-ass steak dinner. Too bad all he could think about was leaving the training facility to catch Noble’s spin class at the gym.
His arm might be tired, but his legs still had game. Then, he remembered their morning conversation. She’d opened up about her breakup and admitted that she wasn’t ready for another relationship. He wanted to respect that. He really did, but the animalistic side of him, the one that liked the chase, the caveman approach of taking what he wanted, hated the idea of not going to see her.
She was consuming him. He didn’t know exactly what it was about her that was driving him mad. Maybe there were too many things to count. An image of tossing her over his shoulder to take her to his home to ravage her popped into his head. Caveman style. He grinned, amused by his man claiming thoughts. Sitting down on the bench in front of his locker, he began peeling off his dirt and sweat-covered practice uniform.
“What the hell’s got you looking like a bitch? You crying because of all that shit-ass passing of yours?”
Finn shook his head. His teammates razed him almost as much as the press. “I’m sorry, Brad. I couldn’t hear you from under that pile of whoop-ass you got from Darrell every time you tried to sack me.”
Darrell patted Brad’s shoulder and laughed. “I kind of did make you my bitch.”
Brad shrugged Darrell’s hand off his shoulder like it was on fire. “Fuck you, guys.” Brad stormed off, heading for the showers.
“He can dish it out, but he can’t take it,” Darrell said with a chuckle. “You did well out there today. Keep it up and we’ll kick ass on Sunday.”
“I plan to.” Since he couldn’t work out the way he wanted to with Noble, he had to focus his energy on football, which made his team and fans happy.
“Are you heading home after this?”
Finn hiked a shoulder. “I haven’t decided.”
“What’s to decide?”
Finn yanked his pads off and tossed them down. “Nothing.”
Darrell stared at him curiously. “Man, I’ve been protecting your ass for years. I know when something’s off about you. Don’t give me that ‘nothing’ bullshit.”
Finn laughed. “You got me, but really it’s nothing.”
Darrell popped him in his non-throwing arm. “It’s a chick, right? It’s always a chick.”
“Not for me,” Finn corrected.
“But it is this time.” Darrell folded his arms across his chest, giving Finn the impression that he wasn’t moving until he heard what ‘nothing’ really was.
Finn groaned. “Fine. It’s a girl—a gorgeous, athletic, amazing, vibrant woman who wants nothing to do with me.”
“No shit? That’s cold,” Darrell said. “Does she know you play professional football?”
“It would appear that that is the problem.”
Darrell laughed, covering his mouth and waving his hand in the air. “Damn, that fucking sucks for you.”
“Thanks,” Finn replied, smirking without humor. “Glad we had this talk. It really helped a lot.”
Darrell reeled in his obnoxious laughter and placed his arm over Finn’s shoulder. “Seriously, if you really like this girl then you shouldn’t give a shit about her disliking your football career. It’s not like you’re going to be doing it forever. In your case it might only be for one more season.”
Finn grimaced. “Nice.”
Darrell smirked. “Look, it’s you she’s getting, right? Not a football career. Not the team. Not anything else. You need to show her that you’re more than just Mr. Football.”
“Who are you, the love doctor?”
Darrell reached into his locker, slipped on his wedding ring, and held his hand up proud for Finn to see. “Been married and faithful for fourteen years to the same beautiful woman, we have four amazing kids, and I can’t wait to get home to practice for a fifth. So I guess you could call me the love doctor.”
Finn loved Darrell like a brother. He was good people, and he had a point. Trouble was, he didn’t know just how stubborn Noble was and how adamant she’d been about her single life style. He could feel her dislike toward his profession and it would always be an elephant in the room. No matter how much charm he put on, he might never crack through her ridged shell to get her to see the kind of man he was—beyond football.
Time on the clock was dwindling fast, and the pressure was on him like a thousand peering eyes willing him to throw the winning pass. Swallowing hard, he knew that if he didn’t think of something soon to win Noble over, she’d be a prize he’d never catch.
Chapter Five
“If I drop another stupid drink, I’m going home,” Noble said, as she wiped up the floor with a dry towel that Jace had tossed at her.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” Jace asked. “I’ve never seen you drop one drink, let alone four.”
She groaned. “Don’t remind me.”
“If you ask me, she has Finn Kipling on her mind,” Layton teased, facing Jace. “She gave him the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ speech. Can you believe that? All that man and she gave him the boot.”
“Layton,” Noble snapped.
“Even I’d have a hard time dismissing that without giving it a test drive,” Claire added. “And after the birth of my daughter, I’m pretty sure that my vagina’s broken, so that’s saying a lot.”
Noble’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“What?” Claire shrugged. “I’m a woman. I have needs. My girly bits are still somewhat functional.”
Layton
and Jace smirked. Noble didn’t. “I get that you guys don’t have a lot of work to do today, but I do.” She tossed the bar rag back at Jace who caught it and rinsed it out in the sink for her. Then he threw it back.
“You might want to keep that just in case you get a dropsy spell again,” he told her with a wide grin.
Noble mouthed the word asshole at him and turned to take care of her other table. Iron Horse was busy and she was distracted. She was well aware of exactly why she couldn’t stop dropping things. Her mind was on a football player with a mouthwatering smile and heavenly eyes. She hadn’t seen Finn in almost two weeks. No call. No coffee. No stops at the bar. Nothing. She’d gotten so accustomed to seeing his face around Iron Horse and even surprising her at her gym that she assumed he’d still come around.
Dumbass, you gave him the boot.
She’d become obsessed with the front door, peering at it each time it opened, her heart galloping a bit faster, hoping it would be him. Then it would slam to a near standstill when it wasn’t. She’d missed her opportunity, missed the chance to—she didn’t know what. Most likely it was just the need for sex. She hadn’t had a sexual partner in years and she was lonely. Her heart was broken, her mind caught in a vicious memory of regret, but her natural desires were still there—her need to feel something. To be touched. To be savored. To be cherished. Sex could’ve given her all those things had she just gotten past the fear that Finn was no different than River.
Is there anything wrong with wanting to fuck a hot guy?
Um, no!
So why did I tell him I didn’t want a relationship? Isn’t sex only a type of relationship? Does it have to have strings? Does everything have to circle back to my mistake with River?
Apparently, it did. As much as she’d wanted to, she was too stubborn to let him in. Finn had wanted to take her home and she’d said no.
I’m an idiot.
It wasn’t like Finn lived in a dorm room or even had roommates. The bottom of her stomach let go. Wait, she hadn’t bothered to ask him that. She had just assumed a grown, professional man like him would have a home of his own—a private place to get away when not traveling for football. Maybe he did live with someone else. Maybe he would tell his friends what she was like after—
