Rules of her Game: A Contemporary Sports Romance

by Karley Campbell

  The confidence in this girl’s voice was concerning. Dani Maxwell would understand the media well, she had watched her father in the spotlight and she was well educated, although Birgetta’s source at the university had snottily declared that Dani Maxwell had not been one of their greatest students.

  “What do you want, Maxwell?” She spat the name like it offended her.

  “I want to meet with you, to sort this out.”

  “No way.”

  “You need to explain this obsession with Cooper and my family.”

  “Never.”

  “Then I’m going to sell my story. Tell the media that I saw what was in your bag, what I believe you do to get your stories, drugging people and blackmailing them. Just like you organized with Cooper.”

  “I had nothing to do with what happened to Graves. I came in much later.” Birgetta gulped, had she just confirmed Cooper had been drugged?

  “If it wasn’t you, who was it then?”

  “Screw you, little girl. You haven’t got the balls to take me on.”

  “You want to test me? I promise you I will see this to the end. I’m a no one and I have nothing to lose.”

  The steel in Dani’s voice caused fissures of ice to trail down Birgetta’s back. She knew firsthand how people could be ruined by lies in the media, she had perpetrated it for long enough. It only needed the seed of doubt and Birgetta knew if any seeds were planted about her it could become a problem. Until her work with Michelle was done and she got what she needed it must be contained.

  “Fine, lets meet but you’ll learn nothing and I’ll find a way to get even.”

  “You just try me.”

  As soon as she had the meeting time and place Birgetta banged the phone down and stared into space, already planning. If the Maxwell bitch went to the media Birgetta was screwed, then she would never get close to Michelle again. She clutched her hands to her stomach as the yearning for that information again ripped a hole there. She had done everything for Michelle and was still waiting. She should have cut herself free years ago but she kept getting drawn back with promises.

  She screamed in rage to find her pizza now cold and tossed it in the trash, her treat ruined. Birgetta had to talk to Michelle, this was the last time. Birgetta would contain Dani Maxwell, ensure Cooper was ruined again and then she was done. Michelle would either give her back the evidence she had or Birgetta would turn her attention to Michelle. She sent a prayer to the sky then dialed her daughter’s number, excited to hear how shooting was going for her new movie.

  Birgetta was almost ready to go home. Her family needed her.

  ◆◆◆

  Cooper and JD met early afternoon to come to some decisions. It was good for Cooper to keep busy and to keep his mind, or more accurately, his cock off Dani Maxwell. He felt like a horny teenager and that was inappropriate. She was clearly willing and he was certain she would never betray him, her family ensuring she was not naïve about the downside of notoriety, but his anxiety about sex was crippling him. He wished he could just forget everything and bury himself in her, the thought of physical relief was overwhelming but he had made a pact with himself two years ago that he had meant to keep. He knew what might happen and the risk was too high. He had tried to keep her at arm’s length then had hauled her back and confounded them both. He had no idea how to go forward with Dani without compromising himself yet he hated the thought of letting her go.

  The real estate agent left them to look around the dilapidated two-storied, red brick house and the men concluded, for the price, it was a perfect project.

  Before they parted Cooper asked the one question that was holding him back from working with JD, “Are you interested in Dani? Romantically?”

  JD smiled brightly, “Absolutely.” At Coopers scowl he added, “But she doesn’t want me and I couldn’t cope with her and her family anyway. I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

  “Thanks for being honest but I’m not exactly simple either.”

  JD was surprised, like he thought Cooper was joking. He sighed, “It’s time to move on.” He pointed to the house, “We have money to make and I get the feeling you need to get over your past before that’ll happen. I’m not picking up the slack if you can’t deal with this job.”

  Cooper was delighted by JD’s honesty, “I’ll be there, don’t worry about it.”

  “Is this the one? Should we fix this old girl up and flick her on for a fortune?”

  “Are you prepared for all the work? I’ll be away on tour for some of it.”

  JD winked, “Just say the word. I’m ready if you are.”

  Cooper felt ready too and this place was perfect. He was excited how much this ugly house could be transformed, certain with hard work it would be beautiful. He had been surprised walking through the place how much he wanted to make this somewhere Dani would want to live. So much for keeping her at arm’s length.

  Excitement and anticipation fought for dominance as Cooper returned to his apartment, preparing himself for his next sexual confrontation with Dani. He was starting to feel like a man in love and it was scaring him as much as he thought it should, much less than it would have two years ago.

  Dani was pushing the whole sexual thing hard and he was not pulling away as he should be. He knew if they couldn’t get past this, if he wouldn’t let Dani help him, if he could not trust her enough, they were doomed. He wanted her, he did trust her, more than he had trusted anyone since his parents died. He wanted more. Feeling decisive he knew that tonight he would firmly put his past behind him.

  Thinking again of the house he imagined it fully renovated and loved it.

  “It’s perfect, let’s buy it.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Dani felt stupid, it was pouring and she was standing at Cooper’s door, dressed in layers of clothing and too scared to knock. She knew his apartment would be warm but still couldn’t find her courage.

  The door suddenly flew wide, “Are you coming in?” Cooper snapped.

  He was wearing nothing but jeans and the shock of seeing him without a shirt left her speechless. Cooper rolled his eyes on a smile and hauled her inside.

  He then spun her and pressed himself against her back, husking, “Is this where we finished last night?”

  “Ah, I . . . I don’t . . . ah?” Dani was stuttering, uncertain at his unusual boost of confidence. She darted beneath his arm and backed away. “Are you alright? This isn’t like you. I expected to drag you to bed kicking and screaming.”

  “I want you.” He whispered, his eyes dark and serious.

  “Are you really sure?”

  He nodded and Dani let out a relieved breath. She had been dreading tonight, uncertain how to cope with him freaking out again. His panic was frightening.

  She removed a few layers of clothing, finding a cleared hook by the door. At such thoughtfulness she felt a pang of emotion She kicked her shoes away leaving her socks on until she warmed up some more.

  She had all of Cooper’s attention and on a determined nod she removed her sweater and t-shirt. Her thermal singlet was next which would leave her in only a bra and jeans. He was calm enough so she yanked the singlet over her head, letting it fall to the floor, studying his reaction nervously.

  Seeing her concern, Cooper smiled but Dani could see the tightening around his eyes. Of course he could be horny, she had yet to discover that side of Cooper Graves. What would he look like relaxed and really turned on? Dani wanted to find out and hoped one day she would but doubted that time was now.

  Reaching for her bra she again paused, “Just so you know, if you look disgusted again I’ll probably cry.”

  “It’s not disgust. Believe me.” His voice was husky, his eyes hooded. His arms hung loose at his sides, his hands relaxed. There was little to do but try so she let the scrap of fabric fall to the ground, peering at where it lay to avoid Cooper’s expression. He would at least have time to cover his horror if she didn’t look.

  Hi
s bare feet came into view and a finger under her chin lifted her gaze.

  “You are beautiful.” He echoed her words of last night. “And too good for me.”

  “Don’t be a jerk.” She grumbled to cover her embarrassment.

  Then instead of grabbing at her or continuing to stare he gathered her close, hugging her tightly. He was trembling and Dani doubted it was the cold as Cooper’s apartment was overly warm. Had he been as unsure of his reaction as she was? She clung to him, knowing he had passed this test. Soon it would be time to push the boundaries again but for now it was nice to be close and warm in his strong embrace.

  It took much longer than she imagined for him to move again but pushing him now was pointless so she held tight until he eventually pulled her away by the waist, only far enough to claim her lips.

  Blood was roaring in her ears as she forced down her greedy need to let him kiss her for as long as he wanted, remembering that not long ago this was impossible. She hooked her thumbs into the waistband of his jeans to stop her hands wandering and upsetting his intense concentration.

  He surprised her when he suddenly reached around to snap open the dome on her jeans and slowly run the zip down, his lips blazing a hot trail along her jaw and down her throat. His breath was beginning to hitch and Dani knew, in Cooper’s mind, this was the dreaded next step. He took his time, leaving her jeans gaping wide and returning to his intense explorations of her mouth while pressing their stomachs together as if testing for danger.

  When his breathing calmed he returned to her jeans, slipping his hands inside, letting them fall in a pool at her feet. Dani waited until his breathing calmed before slowly stepping out one foot then the other. Should she remove his jeans or would that be too much? He was trembling terribly now and Dani decided she may as well try so slid her hands around his hard body and flicked the button open.

  Cooper stepped away.

  “Are you alright?” Dani panted, deciding this was the hardest thing she had ever endured.

  His eyes were wide as he nodded, too emphatically for her to believe.

  “Should we take a break?” She asked and again he nodded.

  Disappointed, Dani snatched her singlet off the floor and tugged it over her head, still uncomfortable being naked in front of him.

  “I’m sorry.” He said as he sat on the couch.

  “You’re doing great.”

  “No, I’m behaving like a virgin.”

  Dani waggled her eyebrows, “Then I’m the antisocial high school dropout who’s corrupting you.”

  She sat next to him and Cooper slipped one big arm around her shoulders, tugging her close, “It’s going to take more time.”

  “We’ve got plenty of time.” She pulled his hand up to kiss his knuckles.

  “Thank you for this, Dani. I know it’s not what you hoped for tonight.”

  “I don’t want you freaking out either. We’ll try again some other time.”

  “Do you want to stay the night?” He looked hopeful she’d say no. “I’m not promising you anything . . . you know . . . in bed.”

  “You think I’m a slut.” She snapped.

  “Hardly.”

  “You haven’t even fed me, just pawed me, left me horny, now you’re trying to kick me out. Rugby players are all stupid, arrogant assholes.”

  He studied her, “Are you serious or taking the piss out of me again.”

  She paused a beat, “I haven’t decided yet.”

  “Then I’ll cook while you think about it.”

  “Do I have to do dishes?”

  “Dishwasher.”

  “Do I have to pack it?”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s just awful. You’re the most inhospitable man I’ve ever met.”

  Laughing, he compromised, “What if we try again after dinner?”

  They were both surprised but Dani said, “I’d rather have ice-cream. Look at my lips, how will I explain this stubble rash? It doesn’t cover with makeup.”

  Cooper appeared relaxed and happy, “Then I’ll have to find less noticeable places to kiss you.”

  “You’re on.” She said, clapping in excitement.

  During the cooking and eating they talked about everything, their families and careers. Dani explained her thoughts about Birgetta, how she felt about Fisher and when she would be expected to testify against him. Cooper suggested he come forward but she refused. No one would ever mention he was there and who would believe Fisher, he was already considered delusional.

  They wondered what Marcus could be discovering, he was a great journalist, notorious for ferreting out a story, his passion and knowledge of sports, especially rugby was world famous and if he could uncover a scandal surrounding Cooper it would change his career. Dani told Cooper of her plans to meet Birgetta and what she expected to gain from it. Cooper thought it was a terrible idea, that Birgetta would turn it to her own advantage. When Dani wouldn’t change her mind Cooper demanded they meet somewhere very public.

  Dani purposely didn’t tell Cooper of her plans for Marcus to find the girl who had accused him of rape, she hadn’t decided to go ahead yet.

  Cooper told her about the house he and JD were purchasing and Dani tried to show enthusiasm. He promised to take her there to see what she thought.

  “Are you warm enough?” He finally asked, gaze returning to her body.

  She shrugged, “Sure. I’m doing this for you.”

  “I appreciate the view, and that your helping me but if you’re uncomfortable please put more clothes on or I can turn the heating up.”

  “I’m fine.” She continued eating but something was troubling Cooper. “Just say whatever is on your mind.” She figured he was going to say it was time to go.

  “You have your whole future in front of you and yet you’re wasting your time on a fucked up ex-ball player who can’t even cope with seeing you naked.”

  “It’s my decision if it’s a waste of time.”

  “After all this, what wouldn’t I do for you?”

  Seeing his gaze becoming more intense, Dani beamed at him, “Dessert?”

  He nodded, “That’s what I’m thinking.”

  “Be brave.” She tried to be serious but her façade slipped.

  “Yeah, yeah, smart ass.” He stood from the table.

  “What about the dishes?” Dani asked.

  “Sometimes there are more important things than cleanliness.”

  “Like getting dirty?” She asked on a bright grin.

  “If I can just stop freaking out and remember how it was done.” He grumbled.

  Dani gazed around, “Here?”

  Shaking his head, eyes bright with interest, he pointed, “Bedroom.”

  But Dani was suddenly anxious and didn’t move until Cooper rounded the table, grabbed her hand and towed her down the small hallway.

  “This is the most boring bedroom on the planet.” She said to ease the tension. “You’re such a typical male.”

  “It’s called serviceable and I’m only renting.” He moved closer, surprising her into a small shriek when he leaned down and pulled her legs out, following her down onto the bed.

  It was strange finally feeling his weight. He was heavy but not uncomfortably so. He rolled until she was astride him and lifted her singlet away. Things were improving, he hardly fought for breath before smiling and rolling back on top. Instead of remaining passive Dani let her hands roam, trying not to concern herself with his reactions, certain he would let her know if he needed to stop.

  Finding the button to his jeans still wide she was relieved when he held himself up to let her slide the zip down. Working fast she awkwardly tugged the jeans away, gasping when she realized he had not been wearing underwear. She waited for Cooper’s labored breathing to slow, hugging him, a gesture of comfort and support. When she was certain he wasn’t going to pass out, Dani kept him busy with deep kisses, wanting to feel completely open with him. When she reached for her own underwear Cooper suddenly leapt off
her like he’d been shot. She just lay there, hands over her eyes while Cooper gasped for breath. Her frustration fell away at the state of the man and she tugged her singlet back on, it was inside out but Cooper was done.

  “No more tonight, we pushed it too far.”

  He nodded, sitting back on the bed, unable to meet her gaze as Dani sat up to run her fingers through his hair. Cooper was a big guy, built wide and solid, a perfect lock. He was good looking too, having avoided the dreaded cauliflower ears by keeping them taped. He was intelligent, articulate and the public had adored him. Now look at him, such a mess over one semi-naked girl. Sitting next to him on the bed Dani draped a protective arm over his big back, leaning down to kiss his right shoulder blade and rest her cheek there, patiently willing him to calm down.

  Cooper slowly looked up, his face a picture of misery. “I just can’t do this. I’m not ready and I don’t think I ever will be.”

  She shrugged, “You will, just not tonight. It doesn’t matter.”

  “It does matter. I’m a fucking head case.”

  “At least I don’t have to worry about you screwing around.”

  It broke the tragic spell cast over Cooper and he pulled her onto his knee, keeping her butt away from his still solid erection.

  “Is your stamina as impressive as your self-control?” She asked, her chin propped on his shoulder, running lazy circles over his broad back.

  “Doubtful.” He moaned, “It’s been a long time and I’m not exactly myself.”

  “Did you have any condoms?” She asked, the thought just occurring to her.

  “They expired so I threw them away.” He chuckled. “You?”

  “Who do you take me for? I don’t soil my name by purchasing such things. What would the media say?”

  “You forgot too?”

  She laughed loudly, “Yeah. I never thought we’d get that far.”

  Cooper mumbled into her shoulder, “I’m really sorry for this.”

  “It’s fine, but what should we do? Keep trying? Not tonight.” She quickly added, “Or do you think you should get some help?”

  He pondered this seriously, “I understand if you’ve had enough of me but I’d like to keep trying. I know this isn’t easy for you either.”