The Lie : a bad boy sports romance

by Karla Sorensen

  Dominic’s gaze burned into mine, but it took him a long moment to speak. “How did I find you?” he asked roughly.

  I grinned. “I think I’m the one who found you, hotshot.”

  He wrapped me up in his arms, holding me tightly, before he rolled us to the soft blanket for a deep, seeking kiss. It was a long time before we came up for air, and with rumpled hair and kiss-swollen lips, we ate our sticky, sweet dinner between stories about our day.

  Whatever this was, however crazy it might have been, I knew there wasn’t a single rule book I wouldn’t light in flames just to make space for him in my life.

  Faith

  TurboGirl: Oh my GOSH, I’m so sorry I missed your last few messages. I think I looked and mentally responded but then didn’t actually respond.

  NicktheBrickLayer: It’s fine. I had to book some emergency therapy sessions to deal with my abandonment issues at you leaving me on read, but…

  TurboGirl: Ha. Ha. Says the guy who went two weeks last year without responding to one of my questions. I thought you hated me.

  NicktheBrickLayer: Yeah, I remember that. I’m sorry. Beginning of September was … insane for work, so. Not that it’s an excuse. You done with work already? I think someone must’ve snuck out of the office.

  TurboGirl: I did. Just a little.

  TurboGirl: But I really am sorry I forgot to respond.

  TurboGirl: I can’t even blame work. I’ve just been busier than normal outside of work. By the time I make it home, I usually face-plant into my bed.

  NicktheBrickLayer: What a visual. What’s been keeping you so busy? Good stuff?

  As I shoveled a dripping spoonful of cereal into my mouth, I stared at his message but couldn’t will myself to respond. It felt odd to talk to Nick about a date. He knew about Charlie. Not all the details, but I’d been so fresh off that breakup when I started messaging him that he knew a lot. And honestly, it was the only time in three years we talked about our love lives. When we first started chatting, he’d been vehement about not having time for a girlfriend with school and working full time. This suited me fine because dating was the last thing on my mind when I went for my master’s.

  But for some reason, not telling him about Dominic felt wrong too.

  As I thought about Dominic, I found myself smiling. We were building a small little library of memories the past few days. In a surprisingly old-fashioned turn, Dominic Walker insisted we do “normal date” things and not “greet you on the table with my hand between your legs” things.

  We’d taken a private cooking class where we learned how to make homemade pasta.

  He helped me walk dogs at the shelter around the corner from my apartment.

  We drove an hour outside of Seattle because I told him I’d never been to a drive-in theater, where we snuggled in the bed of his truck to watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

  A lot of kisses in there too—a lot—but in the past five days, Dominic had kept his hands out of my pants, and I honestly wasn’t sure I could take much more of it.

  Getting to know him was great, and I knew he was doing it because of my reaction after what happened in my apartment, but I was also dying.

  I wanted his hand back between my legs.

  I wanted my hand between his.

  And I wanted us naked while we were doing it.

  He was thinking about it just as much as I was, and if we didn’t make all those happen soon, I honestly could not be held liable for my reactions.

  So yeah, I smiled when I thought of the man. Every single time.

  And if someone, just by the thought of them, made me smile, then they deserved to be talked about.

  TurboGirl: Very good stuff. I, umm, I’m kinda hanging out with someone new.

  As I finished the rest of my Cinnamon Toast Crunch, I watched with fascination at the typing bubbles that started. Then stopped. Then started again before disappearing.

  NicktheBrickLayer: New friend, huh? Like a friend who would borrow your casserole dish or a friend who touches under the bathing suit lines?

  Unwittingly, I smiled again. Out of respect for Nick, I answered carefully. But even as I typed, I could feel the desire to share bubble up like a pot on boil.

  TurboGirl: Maybe he’s both. Though he doesn’t seem like the type who needs a casserole dish.

  NicktheBrickLayer: So he didn’t try on your date?

  TurboGirl: We’ve actually been on a few dates.

  NicktheBrickLayer: …..

  TurboGirl: Did he try to borrow my casserole dish? Nope. Not even a hint at needing my 9x13. Talk about a disappointment.

  NicktheBrickLayer: You know what I mean.

  TurboGirl: I do, but I’m not the girl who kisses and tells.

  NicktheBrickLayer: Ah, so it’s that kind of friend.

  He went quiet after that, and it felt … odd. As I tipped the cereal bowl up to drain the milk, I glanced at the clock on the kitchen wall. We had an event at Keisha’s starting in about forty-five minutes, and I had yet to change.

  Well, I didn’t have to change, but knowing that I’d be seeing Dominic—and who knows what else after the event—I wanted to feel like I had in the magic cardigan without actually wearing a magic cardigan. As much as I appreciated his attempts to “do this the right way” or what the frick ever, I was ready to do something else the right way, and if a strategic outfit would help me with it, then I definitely wanted to take the time to change. But despite the press of the clock ticking closer to when I needed to leave, I took a deep breath and messaged Nick.

  TurboGirl: He is that kind. I really, REALLY like him. He’s kind of … unexpected. You know I haven’t really wanted to date after what’s-his-name.

  TurboGirl: Sorry. Maybe you don’t want to hear about this. Tell me to stop if you don’t.

  NicktheBrickLayer: Don’t apologize, Turbo. We’re friends, right? You’ve always listened to me when I needed it. I’m always here to return the favor.

  TurboGirl: Okay. I’d hate to make it weird, so don’t feel like we can’t talk or something, just because I’m dating someone.

  NicktheBrickLayer: We’ve moved to dating, eh? That was quick.

  TurboGirl: I DON’T KNOW, Nick! He was so rude to me the day we met, so by all rights, I should’ve written him off immediately. He’s not like any guy I’ve ever been attracted to, and honestly, I don’t even care anymore because he’s got my head spinning so badly. Nothing about it makes sense, but I’m excited about it. About him.

  NicktheBrickLayer: Being excited is always good, and sometimes people act out for a whole lot of reasons we don’t understand. Who knows what he’s going through that you don’t see.

  TurboGirl:You’re so smart.

  TurboGirl: We had a “relationship talk” after our first date, and it was moving pretty fast at first. But the last week, he’s been like, absolute perfect manners and totally respectful and messaging me sweet things.

  NicktheBrickLayer: What a dick. How dare he.

  TurboGirl: LOL.

  TurboGirl: No! It’s not bad. I just … I LIKE him, you know? And we’ve had opportunities, I just want to make sure things don’t get too respectful, you know? If this guy ends up putting me in some “you’re too good for me, blah blah, now you’re friend zoned” classification, I might light his truck on fire.

  TurboGirl: Omg. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be word vomiting to you about this, but my roomie isn’t home, and I’m supposed to see him in about an hour, and I’m kind of in my head about it. I would have SLEPT WITH THIS GUY on our first date, Nick, and I have never ever felt like that.

  NicktheBrickLayer: Did he …

  NicktheBrickLayer: Sorry, accidentally sent too soon. Did you tell him you wanted to sleep with him that night?

  TurboGirl: I didn’t invite him up because Tori was home, and I don’t know … it FELT like it was too fast, even if I really, really wanted to.

  TurboGirl: We could’ve the second night too, but I kind of freaked out because of how intense
it is with him.

  NicktheBrickLayer: What made you freak out?

  TurboGirl: Blech. I don’t know. After Charlie, I never thought I’d be one of those girls who’d get SWEPT UP, you know? I thought I’d be cautious and careful and make sure that whoever I was with was a good guy who was with me for the right reasons.

  TurboGirl: And instead, I let him in my apartment, and three minutes later, I shoved his hand up my skirt. Every good intention I have goes out the window as soon as I see him, and now that side is just … on pause or something?

  TurboGirl: Gah, I’m sorry, this is too much.

  NicktheBrickLayer: No need to apologize. I think a hand shoved up the skirt is always a solid move, pretty clear on what you want.

  TurboGirl: Indeed.

  NicktheBrickLayer: But if you want more, I have a feeling he wouldn’t say no.

  NicktheBrickLayer: Guys like a girl who takes initiative, so if you’re feeling it tonight, be clear. Can’t imagine him turning you away. Not if he has a brain in his head.

  TurboGirl: Says the guy who’s never seen me, LOL.

  NicktheBrickLayer: I’ve never needed to see your face to know all the important things about you, Turbo. You’re a good person, you have a huge heart, you’re funny, and you’re smart and thoughtful. Any man would be lucky for a chance with you.

  My eyes pricked with unexpected tears. It was the nicest thing he’d ever said to me.

  TurboGirl: Don’t you dare make me cry before I have to get ready.

  NicktheBrickLayer: It’s true. You’re amazing. Even if you take forever to answer my messages now. He must be a worthy distraction though.

  TurboGirl: He is. I promise.

  Nick didn’t message after that, and with a pang of sadness, I knew this was the inevitable shift if either one of us started dating.

  TurboGirl: But thank you for listening to my rambles. Your friendship is so important to me, Nick.

  TurboGirl: Gotta go get ready. <3

  Without waiting for a response, I took a deep breath and set my phone down. For some reason, making that decision felt like clearing a hurdle that I’d erected for myself. With it behind me, it didn’t feel so big anymore.

  Maybe it was as simple as Nick had made it seem. I wanted Dominic, and what he’d shown me without the armor. When he wasn’t putting his fists up in a defensive position, I absolutely loved what I saw.

  Standing in front of my closet, I caught a glimpse of the garment bag that held my two dress options for the Black and White Ball. With a smile, I imagined arriving with my hand curled around Dominic’s elbow.

  Putting the dresses and that night out of my head, I took a deep breath and focused on the task at hand. The day was still warm out, the sun shining brightly, the kind of early summer day that made me love Seattle quite desperately. It wasn’t all gloom and rain, despite the reputation.

  My hands trailed over the hangers until I stopped on a simple cotton sundress in light blue, with a small, delicate pattern and capped sleeves that would still be appropriate for a work event. It skirted my thighs, ending a respectable distance above my knees, and when I paired it with bright white sneakers, I still felt like myself.

  I kept my hair pulled off my face, added another coat of mascara, and a quick swipe of my perfume over my wrists.

  Before I started my car, now with a working starter, my phone dinged with a text.

  Dominic: About to head out to the center. You’re still coming, right?

  Me: Just getting in the car.

  Me: You think I’d ghost you?

  Dominic: Just looking forward to seeing you, sunshine.

  Me: You too, hotshot.

  For the entire drive to the center, it was impossible to wipe the smile from my face. When I arrived, the schoolyard had been transformed by the Team Sutton staff. Long tables were set up under arches of brightly colored balloons. Staff and a few players from the Wolves mingled with families from the neighborhood. Before my promotion, I would’ve been one of the people setting up for hours before a single person showed up. Things were a little different now, but I was glad I could still find the time to help out.

  Just as I got out of my car, I heard the sound of Dominic’s truck pull into a spot just behind where I’d parked. Through his windshield, he stared me down, eyes covered with those aviator shades again, but a crooked grin on his face had me biting my bottom lip. Leaning up against my car, I tucked my hands behind my back to wait for him.

  He hopped out of his truck and ambled in my direction, those long legs of his covered in dark denim, his broad chest and shoulders wearing the hell out of a bright white T-shirt stamped with a small Wolves logo over his heart.

  “Look at you,” he murmured as he approached. “Am I allowed to greet you the way I want to right now?”

  His nearness, his unapologetic display of his attraction had me breathless for a moment. After a quick glance over my shoulder to make sure no one was watching, I nodded.

  Dominic planted his booted feet just outside of mine and slid his big palms over my waist, thumbs brushing my hip bones.

  “How was your day, sunshine?” he whispered against my cheek, his lips brushing my skin.

  “Good.” Was I panting? What was it with this guy and the sides of vehicles? “I have to say,” I said in a tremulous voice, flushing hot from the way he dragged his nose over the spot just under my ear and his hands tightened around my waist, “I didn’t expect this kind of forthrightness from you when your teammates might see your mushy side.”

  He kissed the side of my neck. “No?”

  “No.” I trailed my fingers underneath his shirt, feeling the hard squares of muscle. “Thought we’d be all respectful distances and no touching in public.”

  His nose pushed into my hair, where he inhaled deeply. “I’m not feeling too respectful tonight, actually.”

  I laughed. My fingers curled into the waistband of his jeans, his skin hot against mine. “It was the drive-up movie that pushed you over the edge, isn’t it?” I teased.

  Dominic pulled back, dipping his chin so that his gaze locked with mine. “I find it much better to just be up front about it when I want something.”

  I curled my fingers around the hot skin of his forearm, and the muscles underneath rolled deliciously. Nick’s words from our earlier conversation rang through my head.

  With Dominic’s dark eyes still searching mine, I took a deep breath. “And you want me?” I asked.

  He licked his bottom lip. “Yeah, Faith. I do.”

  I pushed up on the balls of my feet, which brought me flush against the strength of his body. I nipped the edge of his jaw, and he hissed in a sharp breath. “Good,” I whispered against his lips, which still hovered a millimeter away from mine. I placed a soft kiss against his delicious mouth. His lips curved into a smile, and it wasn’t until he did that that I realized I was smiling too.

  He didn’t deepen the kiss like I expected him to. Instead, he wrapped his arms around my back, folding me into a tight embrace. I burrowed my face into his chest and inhaled a lungful of his addictive scent. What was happening?

  This was crazy.

  Too fast.

  No one would believe me if I told them what types of feelings he was stirring up inside my body.

  And all of it felt exactly, perfectly right.

  Like he could read my thoughts, his arms tightened imperceptibly, and his chest expanded when he took a deep breath into the hair at my temple.

  “You okay up there?” I teased. “You really must’ve missed me.”

  Dominic pressed a kiss to the crown of my head. “I’m just glad you’re here,” he said.

  I smiled up at him as we pulled apart, again feeling more than a little dazed by the immediate chemistry in our greeting.

  His eyes held such intensity, but to my utter surprise, it didn’t scare me or overwhelm me.

  “You look like you’re thinking some serious thoughts up there,” I commented lightly. I slid my palm against h
is stubbled cheek. Dominic closed his eyes at the touch, and the rush of tenderness at his expression was just one more reaction I hadn’t expected.

  When he opened his eyes, I thought he’d say something, but after a moment, his expression changed back into that crooked smirk I was coming to love so much.

  “Just happy,” he said as he stared down at me.

  This man. The things he was doing to my heart. “Good,” I told him.

  “Come on,” he said with a grin, “someone has to help me carry all these bags. I need to go show up my teammates.”

  Dominic

  “You sure it’s not too big for me?”

  My little quarterback, who hadn’t shot a cannon into my junk today, palmed the ball dubiously. Her hand was so tiny, the sight of her fingers between the white laces did uncomfortable things to my heart.

  “Nah, you’ll grow into it,” I told her.

  Maggie gave me a gap-toothed grin as she tossed it into the air. “Did you buy anyone else their own football?”

  I held my pointer finger up over my lips. “Our secret for now, okay, kid?”

  Everyone else was busy digging into the summer activity boxes that had been distributed over the past two hours and the surplus of sporting equipment I’d purchased. The line of kids coming to the tables with their parents had been longer than I expected, but the smiles and gratitude from all of them had made the time pass quickly. We took pictures and chatted with the families, and not once had I felt like an outsider. So many of the boys, too big for the shoes on their feet or wearing shirts that didn’t quite fit their frame, reminded me of my own upbringing.

  Faith and I had stood shoulder to shoulder the entire event, but none of my teammates seemed to notice the way my hands lingered on hers when I handed her something, or the flush in her cheeks when our eyes caught.

  My Faith Pierson high was as dangerous, as addictive as any substance on earth.

  If she had any idea of the kind of power she held over me, she could absolutely crush my heart. Sitting in my apartment before I left, I knew what I risked by asking about her date as Nick. But the sight of her unfiltered honesty had only strengthened what I knew to be true.