“Ladies, shush. Just because you want to talk and not watch,” Kate tells everyone.
There’s a few mumbles in the room, but silence quickly descends and we all re-focus our attention on the football game.
It’s quite amusing sitting sober with three women who are all drinking, and they are all getting slowly drunk.
Jackson and Fletcher look much more relaxed on the ball and the whole team seems more relaxed with every pass that is made. I smile every time Logan makes a save, and I’m transported back to when I was a child watching his games. Yes, I hated going to the games, but I still always cheered my brother on.
Half time! After forty-five minutes running around chasing a football, the first half is over and the teams leave the pitch for a break. My eyes stay on the screen and my heart beats hard in my chest watching Jackson walk off. He looks happy.
“Right, time for me to put this little one to bed,” Lee says, taking Chloe from my arms, and I instantly feel unprotected and miss the warmth of her small body beside me. Jess leaves the room with the intention of getting more drinks and some snacks to watch the second half.
I sit quietly, observing everyone’s attitude as they get drunk. Well, Lee isn’t getting drunk and that’s because she has Chloe to look after.
“It’s starting,” I call out as I wait for Jess and Lee to re-join us as the team takes to the pitch for the second half and each player takes position. Jackson stretches out his right hamstring, and straight away, I’m wondering what’s wrong. Is he injured? If he plays on, will he be injured?
I want to know if he’s okay. No, I need to know he’s okay.
What does this mean?
What do I want it to mean, more importantly?
We all settle down to watch the game, and the second half start offs at a quick pace with our team taking control of the game. As I watch, I know it won’t be long until we increase our lead. This looks like a winning team, but what trophies will they be lifting at the end of the season?
Chapter Eighteen
I open my front door and my smile is real seeing him leaning against the door frame, his head tilted to the side. The corners of his mouth tug into a smile, one that makes its way up to his eyes. Those gorgeous blues that are studying me and that I’ve not seen in what seems like forever.
He’s here, but how?
I only watched his game on TV last night.
“Surprise. Did you miss me? Of course you did. What’s not to miss?”
“It’s a surprise, that’s for sure,” I say before looking down at myself still wearing my pjs. He’s here, and he’s come straight to see me. “But how and why?”
“I knew you’d want to see me.”
“I have a photoshoot to get ready for.” He takes a step toward me, and all I want to do is melt in his arms and drag him straight toward my bedroom, but I can’t.
“Okay, but I had to see you, and I can make us both breakfast or even a coffee while you at least put some clothes on because you are too much of a temptation standing there like that. And let’s face it, I’m here looking like this. You’ll need to use all your strength to resist me.” Cocky son of a bitch. Or maybe he can just read my mind.
I spin around and walk away from him, leaving him to close my front door and make his way to the kitchen to make us coffee. I’m still in shock that he’s here. The team isn’t due home until later today. Did he fly home alone? Why? For me? I get quickly dressed in my bedroom, pulling on jeans and a t-shirt and my trusted Converse. A check of the full-length mirror tells me I look a whole lot better than I did when I answered the front door to him.
He’s made himself at home, leaning against the counter in the kitchen, a mug of coffee in his hands. His eyes follow me as I walk toward him. Jackson hands me the other mug.
“Thank you,” I say. “This is an unexpected visit, but I have time for this coffee then I need to leave.”
“For a shoot. Can’t you cancel?” He reaches out and warm fingers glide across my cheek. “See, you’re already thinking about how we can spend the day together. I’d ensure you were satisfied. You know this already.”
I shake my head because anything I say will give me away, that his words are having an affect on me. He laughs before drinking his coffee. “How about I tag along with you today?”
“I don’t think so. That would be very unprofessional of me, showing up with you.”
“Nah, we could have fun.”
“Jackson!”
“Okay, I get the hint. What about tonight? Do you have plans? Of course you don’t have plans. You’ve been pining for me.”
“Get over yourself.”
“I’ll be here at seven. Don’t bother making dinner for me, I’ll bring it in.”
I swear my head’s going to fall off with the amount of times I’m shaking it at him. He’s got some nerve. “I had absolutely no intention of cooking you dinner tonight.”
“I’m sure I could’ve convinced you, but that doesn’t matter because I’ll bring pizza. I’ll call you when I go to order it. Now, I suppose I should leave and let you get on with your day, but first…” He takes the mug from my hands and tugs me toward him until we’re standing toe to toe. “I thought I would be able to leave without a kiss, but I was fooling myself.” Slowly, he slides his hands across my body. One arm wraps around my waist, the other hand rests on my cheek, tilting my head as he lowers his face to mine, giving me butterflies.
We stare at each other, a silent conversation going on between us. His lips brush mine. I want to kiss him, desperately, but I also want to play him at his own game. He’s teased me from the minute I opened my front door.
Who am I kidding? I want to feel his lips against mine.
Soft warm kisses, each sending a flicker of warmth through my soul. I gaze up at him to find his warm eyes studying me for a moment. Warmth spreads across my cheeks under his scrutiny. Jackson’s eyes soften, and his smile, well, that melts my heart. His lips meet mine, and this time there’s no holding back from either of us. It’s demanding. Jackson’s grip tightens around my waist and there’s a deep smouldering heat brewing within me as my body crushes against his. He tilts my head further, deepening our kiss.
I’m his.
And in this moment, I’m certain he knows it.
He pulls back, leaving me breathless and wanting more. “Now you’ll be thinking about me all day,” he says, pressing his lips lightly to my forehead before slowly releasing his hold on me.
I take a step back. “See you tonight, then.”
“You certainly will,” he says with a wink before leaving me watching after him as he exits the kitchen and the flat.
I stand, still staring, hypnotised by his actions and his words. He’s smooth, that’s for sure.
“One spicy meat feast, and I can’t believe I bought this, a ham and pineapple pizza.” He stands in the doorway with two pizza boxes in his arms, cursing me under his breath. We argued… well, not quite argued, but disagreed about my choice of pizza when he called asking what to order. “This was against my better judgement. Pineapple does not belong on a pizza.”
“We’ll agree to disagree. It happens to be my favourite,” I tell him, inviting him in.
“Well, now I’m glad I bought it. How was your day, honey?”
Closing the front door, I follow as he leisurely walks through to my kitchen, and I’m grinning, shaking my head at his question and his term of endearment. “My day was just fine. All the better for being home.”
“And having me here with you?”
“You’re pretty sure of yourself.”
“Yes, always, but what I am sure of is, if you didn’t want me here, I wouldn’t be here with pizza.” He really is so damn smug, but that’s part of the attraction.
“That’s true. But I’m hungry, so I’ll let you stay for a while.”
“At least I’m good for something. I’ll try to remember I can stay as long as I want as long as I bring you food.” He places the boxe
s on the counter, holds his hand out to me, his blue eyes glittering, and I walk toward him. “My appetite has suddenly changed,” he says softly, pulling me into his arms. “I’m wondering what else is on the menu for tonight.”
“Pizza tastes better when it’s cold,” I say almost breathlessly as I wrap my arms around his shoulders, my fingers clinging on to his back. My actions surprise me, but they don’t appear to surprise Jackson.
With his head slightly lowered, he’s looking at me with those gorgeous blues through his long lashes. Lashes that most women would be envious of. “I knew you couldn’t resist me.” Words don’t linger in the air between us as our lips collide in a burst of lust-fuelled desire. There’s nothing innocent in this moment… it’s hot and fiery and demanding. And everything I need right now.
He circles his hips, pressing his throbbing erection against me. Oh, God. I whimper when he breaks our kiss, and instantly, I miss our connection. He presses his forehead against mine. His breathing is as fast as mine. “I wanted to wait. I’ve missed you so much,” he mutters, pressing soft kisses all over my nose, and there’s something quite intimate about this.
One hand slides down my body and back up. And there it is, that cocky grin as his hand pulls up my dress. Now I’m mentally praising myself for putting this long summer maxi dress on; plenty of access. I push the pizza boxes out of the way and Jackson, reading my mind, lifts me up and places me on the kitchen counter.
A low moan escapes him as he very slowly pulls my lace knickers down my legs, dropping them on the kitchen floor. Breathlessly, I watch as he loosens his jeans and lowers them and his boxers, freeing his erection.
“I wanted more than this. More than a quickie in the kitchen.”
“Stay then, and I’m yours all night long.”
Grabbing my arse, he pulls me to the edge of the counter and lowers his lips to mine. This time is calm as he gently brushes his lips over mine. Pre-occupied with his dreamy and sweet kiss, he tilts his pelvis and delves deep inside me. His mouth covers my cries. He stills for the briefest of moments before rocking gently against me.
He rolls his hips and I’m lost to the warm bubbling that is spreading through my body. “There was never a doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t be staying with you tonight. I’m just glad you’ve come around to my way of thinking.”
I’m not sure I’m capable of thinking. Well, not rationally, around him. I lose control of all of my senses and I’m still trying to work out if that’s a good thing or not.
I’m struggling to control myself with the slow and steady pace he’s set. I want more, more of him, but I also know that the minute the pace changes, this will be over soon.
When he pulls his mouth from mine, I arch my back. His fingers grab onto my arse, holding me exactly where he wants me. I’m dizzy, and I fear I may fall, but I know Jackson won’t let that happen.
The pace changes, each thrust filling me deeper than the last. My muscles clench around him, not wanting to let him go as he slides in and out.
I grab onto his shoulders as pleasure surges through my body. With my head thrown back, I cry out his name as I fall apart. He continues thrusting, seeking his own release. My body is like jelly and I’m panting hard when he finally stills.
Jackson wraps his arms around my shoulders and lowers his mouth to mine, placing the softest of kisses on my lips.
“This is where I belong,” he says, brushing some stray hair from my now sweaty face. “With you.”
God, I’m in trouble, because I want him here with me too.
“Let’s get us cleaned up, pizza, then I’m taking you to bed and worshipping your delicious body all night long.”
“Hmmm,” is all that leaves my mouth because I’m lost in my thoughts of the man standing before me. He could break my heart, but I’m praying he doesn’t.
Chapter Nineteen
“Leaving so soon,” I ask, rolling in the bed to face him. Jackson is standing at the side, all dressed, and I already know he’s going to leave me. That’s something I’m not ready for.
“If we don’t hurry, I’m going to be late.” What the hell is he talking about? “You’ve forgotten?” I nod. “You said that if I made you come for a fifth time, you’d come to the stadium with me today.”
Shit! But I smile with the memory of last night firmly in my head. He was true to his word when he said he would worship my body all night long.
“I see you’ve remembered.”
“I can’t come to the stadium. Logan will be there.”
He sits down on the bed beside me and takes my hand. “Yes, he will. He’s the goalkeeper, but he’s also your brother and we have to face him together. May as well get it over with. The sooner we do this, the easier your life will be.”
“I don’t do football,” I say on a sigh.
“Please, for me. I want you there,” he pleads, those blue eyes of his holding me hostage.
“Yes, I’ll be there.”
“Good. Lee will be here in an hour to get you.”
“I’m not going with you?” I ask.
“No. I need to swing by my house and get changed before Fletcher and Logan pick me up.” I’m not sure what to say. “Sam, this will be okay.”
“I hope so. What should I wear?”
“Whatever you want. There will be no fans today, only family and staff. It’s just a friendly. We might not even be playing. Today is more to give our younger players a run out and for the manager to evaluate if any of them might be ready for the first team. Be ready for Lee, and I’ll see you when you get to the stadium.”
He presses a soft kiss to my lips. “I promise everything will be fine,” he says before leaving me alone.
When the front door closes, all I want to do is pull the covers up over my head and hide away for the rest of the day. What the hell was I thinking when I agreed to go today? That’s just it, I wasn’t thinking. I was lost to the emotions sweeping through my body and the control Jackson has. I was anything but controlled as I begged him to either stop or to keep going many times throughout the night.
I wish more than anything we could’ve stayed here in bed all day long and not faced the world outside our own bubble.
A family fun day at the stadium with the club was not on my list of things to do, that’s for sure. I think I’ve only attended the stadium once, the day Logan signed for the team. It will be strange going because today’s invitation has come from Jackson. The one thing that’s put me off going to games, other than our weather, is all the WAGS. Those women are so bloody off-putting, but going with Lee and Jess, who are both normal, won’t be so bad. Well, that’s what I hope, anyway.
I have no idea what to expect from my brother when he sees me there today. Hopefully Logan will be fine when he realises I’m there with Jackson.
My phone buzzes with a text.
Jackson: I hope you’re out of that bed.
Me: Not yet. I’m worried about Logan.
Jackson: Don’t be. He already knows you’ll be there today, and you have me to protect you. Or I might be the one needing protecting. See you soon.
I laugh at his message. He’s got a point. But who will he need protecting from? Me or my over-protective brother?
“This feels strange,” I say to Lee and Jess as we exit the car in the main car park right outside the stadium entrance.
“Well, it shouldn’t because I think you are going to be spending more time here than you probably realise,” Lee says, getting out of the car. I sit for a moment, watching Chloe, who is sleeping in her car seat. It seems such a shame to move her and disturb her sleep.
Will I be spending time here? I’m not so sure.
Jess and I get out of the car, and I help Lee get the pram from the back. For such a small person, Lee sure does have a lot of stuff to get organised for a day out with Chloe.
“Don’t look so worried,” Jess tells me as Lee gets Chloe and puts her into her pram.
“I can’t help it. People are going to judge
and make assumptions.”
“Samantha Walker, enough,” Lee scolds me. “Who cares what others think? This is not the girl I know talking. So, it’s time to pull up those sexy knickers and get a grip, woman.”
“Shouldn’t that be big girl pants?” I tease.
“I happen to know you don’t own big knickers. Now, come on, let’s get inside.” Jess shrugs, and I can only shake my head as we walk toward the entrance. Yes, I’m nervous, but I’m also excited. It’s a beautiful day and I’ve dressed for the occasion in a fun and somewhat flirty dress that shows off my legs. Lee and Jess told me I looked hot; I think that was to settle my nerves when they picked me up.
We have to give our names to a steward on entering the building, and the player’s name who has invited us. For Jess and Lee this is easy because the steward knows each of them by name. I freeze and don’t know whose name I should put until Lee nudges me, and I scribble Jackson’s name next to mine.
The steward reads what I’ve written, and I can see the surprise in his face. “Miss Walker, as in Logan’s sister?” he asks.
“Yes,” I reply.
“Nice meeting you. The ladies know where you’re going and there will always be staff close by if you need anything.”
“Thank you,” I say, following Lee as she makes her way to the lift.
We travel up the short distance to the second floor, and as soon as we exit the lift, a beautiful dark-haired woman greets us. “Thank heavens you’re all here. I was beginning to think I’d be stuck on my own today.”
“Would we do that to you?” Jess teases her. “Fran, this is Sam Walker.”
“Logan’s sister and the love of Jackson’s life. It’s great to meet you,” Fran, who is the team manager’s wife, says.
“It’s nice to meet you, but I’ll ignore the last comment.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I think we should all focus on the last comment,” Jess pipes up.
“And I thought you were a friend,” I huff.
Scottish Player: A Hero Club Novel Page 11
