Fool Me Once (New England Bay Sharks #2)

Chapter 29

Six Weeks Later

M aci sits beside me at a retreat meant for people who have experienced domestic abuse. Even though she hadn’t been through it, she offered to come with me because she had grown up in Boston.

We decided to make it a girls’ weekend and came out yesterday and did some shopping. It worked out because the boys are playing the Bruins tonight, so we’ll already be here for that.

I wasn’t sure this was something I even wanted to come to, but after seeing who the speaker was, I felt a pull to do it. And seeing as I finally got my driver’s license reinstated a few days ago and had been feeling really good, it seemed like the perfect thing to do now that I was in a strong enough headspace.

“Our guest speaker today is someone who has been very influential in our cause, and she continues to use her platform as a professional athlete’s wife for the greater good, spreading awareness about domestic violence and getting help,” the host of the retreat I reluctantly came to today says, looking toward the left of the stage and holding a hand out. “Please, everyone, give a warm welcome to Cameran Kade, CEO of the Strong Women’s Foundation.”

A beautiful woman with long blonde hair steps onto the stage, wearing a flowy blue skirt and a white top. As soon as she takes the podium, I swear she has a calming effect on the room.

I’ve seen her on social media, and I know she’s the wife of Trent Kade, quarterback for the New England Patriots. Up until a month or so ago, I hadn’t really realized the impact women like Cameran were having on the community of survivors of domestic violence. Seeing her now, right in front of me, I consider it an honor.

I’ve been formally dating Smith for some months now. Real dating, not including the time when we tried to fake date and failed at it miserably—because you can’t fake date someone you’re in love with, it turns out. So, I’ve gotten my share of paparazzi and random fans of the Sharks—or people who can’t stand them—popping up out of nowhere, but I can’t imagine the level that Cameran sees. The Patriots are one of the NFL’s most beloved teams, but the people who hate the Patriots? They really, really hate them.

I listen to her speech, and as corny as it sounds, goose bumps erupt over my body, even though I’ve heard many speeches of hers online. I guess it hits differently when I see her right in front of me, knowing that she’s been through a similar situation.

“The truth is, we need more warriors to join this fight.” She speaks evenly and powerfully. “We need victims of abuse to know that they aren’t alone and that they can ask for help without repercussions and live without fear.”

She sweeps her gaze over the room of hundreds of people, but somehow, she lands on me.

“I was that girl. The one who took the abuse. Partly because, by then, I had been so incredibly manipulated that I thought I deserved what I got. And also because I was too scared to leave. I knew I wouldn’t get far and he’d find me.” Her expression saddens. “And he did. He did find me.”

She slams her fist delicately on the podium. “But if I’d had the proper resources or known that there was someone who would stand by my side and keep me safe, would that have happened?” She inhales, shifting her gaze all over the room. “I don’t think it would have. I think it could have been prevented. Or that I would have gotten out sooner, just like so many of you would have too.”

She pulls the microphone from its holder and walks about the stage. “We can all be the change in the world. We can make a splash so big that the future children of this world won’t be put in the same situations we were in because they’ll have the help they need to get out of there.”

She’s looking at me again, and even though I’m sure it’s in my head, I can’t help but wonder if she’s sending me a message.

“It’s going to take a lot of us. It’s going to take platforms. It’s going to take money.” She bobs her head up and down. “But I’ve now been able to help hundreds of women find salvation, and each time, it’s as rewarding as the last. Together, we can do so much more than we’ve been led to believe. ”

She holds a hand up. “I’ll be making my rounds after the final speaker is finished. If you want to join the fight, please, come find me. We will always have a spot for you. And if you know someone who needs help but doesn’t have a way to get it, please … reach out.”

The room erupts into applause and cheers as she exits the stage.

For months, I’ve wondered what I should be doing with my life. I’m no longer at Paige’s office because that was just something to get me through missing Smith. I’ve looked into finishing my degree, but that’s not really what I want to do with my life anymore either.

Maybe I’ve just found my answer at a retreat that my mother suggested I go to.

“She’s so pretty,” Maci says, eyeing Cameran over as she sits down at a table with a few middle-aged women, holding one of their hands and smiling softly. “And look how kind she is. I mean, I’ve read articles that she is, and I’ve seen TikToks, but you just never know how someone will actually be in a real situation.” Suddenly, her eyes widen. “She’s walking over here right now.”

“Stop,” I utter nervously before I see that she is, in fact, walking our way. “Oh my gosh. What do I even say? What should—” My mouth snaps shut when Cameran stops in front of us and holds her hand out.

“Maci and Gemma, right?” she says, and we both nod and smile nervously. “Thought so. I recognized you ladies right away.” She shakes each of our hands before widening her eyes. “It’s not always easy, being the wife or girlfriend of some big superstar athlete, is it? Normally, I can go into stores, and no one has a clue who I am. But then there’re the days when they do, and they want to know where my husband is.”

We both laugh, but underneath my chuckle, I’m nervous as hell. It’s one thing to be the significant other of a famous person, and it’s another to actually use that platform to do something good in the world, like she has.

“Yeah, it’s … taking me a little bit to get used to.” Maci smiles. “Your speech was really moving. You should be so proud of yourself.”

“As should you, Miss Famous Author. I’m a huge fan of your books.”

When the words leave Cameran’s lips, I swear Maci looks like she might pass out. I have no idea why though because she really is an uber-famous author. I mean, the book she just released was listed in the top ten bestsellers in the entire Kindle store, which is huge. But Maci is very humble and has a hard time seeing herself the way all of us around her do.

“Oh … wow,” Maci’s voice squeaks, and she tucks her hair behind her ear. “Thank you. Coming from you, that means a lot.”

“Of course,” Cameran says sweetly before her eyes move to mine.

This woman has no way of knowing what brought me and Maci here today. For all she knows, it could be Maci who is the survivor, not me. Yet the way she’s looking at me, it’s as if she knows, without a shadow of a doubt, that she and I are the same. That we share the same past and lived the same hell.

“I’m really glad you could make it today, Gemma.” She reaches into her crossbody bag and pulls out a card. “This has my cell phone on it. If you ever want to collab on anything or join forces to make a bigger boom … reach out.”

Taking the card from her hand, I look down at it. I try to carry myself strongly, but maybe I’m not doing a good enough job. After all, she just saw right through me. I’m okay with that though because if my past can help me change someone else’s present and future, that’s what matters most.

“Thank you, Cameran.” I give her a gracious smile. “You truly are an inspiration.”

“I don’t know about all that.” She sighs, looking around before moving a little closer. “To be honest, I’m not sure we ever truly get over our past. But selfishly, being in this community and seeing the changes we’re making”—she stops, her lips turning up—“it’s been healing for me.”

Before someone else pulls her away to chat, she gives us another handshake, and once she walks away, I let her words sink in.

I’ve spent a long time thinking that in order to get over my past, I needed to stay away from it. But the truth is, she might be right. Being surrounded by women who have lived through the same thing as me? Maybe that’s what I need.

“Come on,” I whisper to Maci, linking my arm with hers. “Let’s go get ready to cheer our guys on.”

I’m not sure if there’s anything like having the entire Sharks family together after a win and having my girl by my side. Her cheeks are red from the heat of the club, and her hair is pulled up in a sleek ponytail. Fuck … she’s sexy.

Leaning toward her, I put my hand on her bare thigh. I love it when she dresses this way; it shows the confidence she’s slowly getting back, and that makes me so proud of her.

Her leg is smooth and warm, and my cock twitches as I move closer, inhaling her sugary scent, knowing that if my face was buried between her thighs, she’d taste just as sweet as she smells.

“So, today was good, baby?” I murmur in her ear over the noise of the club the Sharks are celebrating in.

She went to a retreat for domestic abuse survivors this weekend and brought Maci along with her. I love that Maci offered to tag along, even though that’s not her story. As much of a family as the players are, the girlfriends and wives are too. I love that Gemma has found friendships among these women, even though I know Saylor will always be her true best friend, especially now that she’s back in Portland.

“Mmhmm.” She nods, taking a sip of her drink. “I met Trent Kade’s wife. I was totally fangirling because she’s so inspirational.”

“I’ve met Trent a few times,” I tell her. “He’s a cool guy. Kind of reminds me of Tripp or Kolt. He’s intense.”

“By intense, do you mean he doesn’t prank his teammates weekly?” she deadpans, lifting a brow. “Maci told me that you low-key talked Amelia into wanting a clown at her birthday party.” She pokes my chest with her finger. “Well played, Sawyer. You do realize Logan probably will cry or not even come out and join the party, right?”

“Hey, the kid wants a clown. I didn’t tell her to ask for a clown.” I feign ignorance. “But just gonna point out, a kid turning four isn’t scared of clowns, and yet her dad—who is almost, like, thirty years old—is.”

I shake my head at Sterns, but Gemma’s expression grows entertained .

“Says the man who is deathly afraid of snakes.” She snorts. “I mean, I saw you almost cry in the summer when you were mowing your parents’ lawn and a tiny one slithered over your shoe.”

Her words send a shiver down my spine, and I can still see that fucking snake in my memories. It was gross, just like all snakes are.

“Whatever. It was, like … really big,” I grumble. “Like my dick, it was abnormally huge.”

“We grew up in Maine,” she says matter-of-factly. “We don’t have large snakes in Maine.” She gives me an amused look. “Also, a little cocky, aren’t you? Talking about things being … abnormally huge.”

It’s me smirking now because she knows damn well what I’m packing. Hell, when I’m fucking her, she whimpers every time I thrust inside of her that first time. I know what I’ve got.

I bring my lips to her ear, gliding my hand higher between her thighs. “Do you need me to remind you what I’ve got in the restroom, Firefly? Because I can. It’s just about ready for you.” I pull back, nodding down to the bulge growing in my pants.

Taking one last swig from her drink, she quickly shoots to her feet, grabbing my hand and tugging. When I stand, she stares up at me.

“We’re staying in the hotel next door, big guy. I’d take our own room over a dirty restroom any day.”

“You’re on.” I smirk, throwing some money down on the bar. “Lead the way.”

Taking my hand, she weaves through the crowd, heading toward the exit. Finally, I don’t worry I’m going to hurt her during sex or upset her without knowing it. She’s open with me on what she can and can’t handle, and if I have a question if something is too far or could be triggering, I ask her. Maybe that’s not the sexiest thing when you’re about to fuck the woman you love, but her mental well-being and her feeling safe will always mean more than anything else.

Some days, I get the sassy Gemma, who wants to tie me to the bed and ride my cock until I’m about to come, and then she climbs off and almost kills me. Other days, she wants to be submissive and needs me to take control. No matter what, I do it in a way that fits what she needs.

She isn’t the same Gemma Jones she was back in high school, but that’s okay. Because the woman she is now is stronger than that girl, and I’m so proud of how much work she’s done on herself to get to a place where she’s comfortable in her own skin again and can trust others around her.

When we walk out of the club, it’s raining, and even though we’re under cover from the overhang of the building, it’s windy, and the rain pelts us in the face.

Gemma laughs before she takes off running, still hand in hand with me. As we bolt toward the hotel lobby door, I pull her arm slightly, leading her into the shadows beside the building and spinning her to face me.

Pieces of wet hair stick to her forehead as water drips down her face. It’s not freezing out, but it’s not that warm either, and her nipples poke through the fabric of her shirt, making my cock harden.

Running my thumb along her chin, I push the few strands of loose hair away from her face. “You look so fucking hot right now, baby.” Taking her hand, I bring it to my lips, kissing her knuckles before moving it down my body and running it over the bulge in my pants. “Feel that? That’s what seeing your perfect tits under that shirt is doing to me.”

Her plump, drenched lips part, and when she stares up at me with hunger in her eyes, I know what she wants. I bring her body closer, stroking her cheek before I kiss her. On the dark sidewalk, my hands glide down her sides before cupping her ass, and I lift her enough to brush her abdomen against my steel cock before groaning into her mouth.

“Fuck, I’m so fucking hard for you, Gem,” I growl against her lips.

She pulls my lips in between her teeth and grinds herself harder against my cock. “Then, what are you waiting for?” she says hoarsely. “Do I need to drop to my knees in the streets of Boston and suck your dick for the world to see?” She reaches between us, gliding her palm over my aching cock. “Because if you don’t hurry up and take me inside … you’ll leave me no choice.”

Fuck. Me.

Setting her down quickly, I grab her wrist and tug her into the hotel entrance. A few other players pass us, probably headed out for the night to celebrate. A few guests stop and stare, and a few try to wave, but call me an asshole because I don’t pay any attention to them. Right now, all I want is to feel that woman’s lips wrapped around my cock.

I press the button for the elevator. It seems like it takes forever to arrive, but finally, it does, and the doors open. After a few people mosey out, I bring her into it with me before pushing the top floor button. She stands in front of me, directly pressing her ass against my cock and swaying ever so slightly to create some friction. Dipping my head forward, I bring my lips to her ear.

“You’re asking for it, aren’t you, baby girl?” I coo. “You’re so eager to be my little slut tonight that you’d take my dick right here in this elevator, wouldn’t you?”

Before she can respond, I bring my hand around the front of her and graze it up her legs, pushing her skirt upward just the slightest and brushing my fingertips against the fabric of her lace panties.

“Look at this beautiful pussy. Soaked, and I haven’t even touched you yet.” I run my tongue up her neck. “Tell me, Firefly, are you this soaked just from thinking about sucking my dick in a public place?”

“Yes,” she pants, rubbing her pussy against my fingers harder.

Reaching around her, I pull the Emergency Stop button and look around to make sure there’s no camera in here before I spin her to face me.

“Well, baby girl, the question is, what are you waiting for?” I run my thumb over her bottom lip. “Show me how much you love to suck on my cock.”

Before I fully get my pants unbuttoned, she’s on her knees and pulling my dick out seconds later. I look down at her, and the sight of my cock springing free and hitting her in the face is enough to have my tip dripping with need. She doesn’t make me wait long before her lips are stretched around me and her hands reach around, gripping my ass.

Her throat feels so good on the head of my dick as it threatens to close around me when she gags on my cock.

“Tell me, baby, does it make your tight little pussy wet, knowing we’re in an elevator and someone could see us?”

Her eyes dart upward, and with a mouthful of my cock, she nods, moaning against my steel dick and making it twitch against her tongue.

“I thought so,” I choke out, yanking her to her feet. “I’d better hurry up and fuck you before someone notices this elevator isn’t moving, huh?”

Lifting her up, I press her back to the wall and push her dress upward, quickly dipping my fingers inside of her heat.

“Look at you, fucking dripping just from sucking my dick,” I growl against her ear. “Get ready to take me, baby. I’m going to fuck you so hard and so fast against this wall that you’ll wake up tomorrow and feel me everywhere.”

I lift her higher before bringing her back down onto my dick. She stretches around me, a few hisses escaping her lips.

“So fucking tight,” I groan. “Fuck … I can’t wait to come straight into your pussy.”

My hips begin to thrust, pushing her back harder against the wall, as her nails scrape into my shoulders. It’s fast, and there’s nothing romantic about it, but, fuck … it feels so good.

Her body bounces up and down on my dick while a sheer layer of sweat coats her chest. “Smith,” she moans as I fuck her before she throws her hands into my hair and tugs. “Yes … fuck …”

I dig my nails into her smooth thighs harder, feeling my balls begin to draw up tightly. It’s one of the fastest fucks we’ve ever shared, but there’s something about being here—in an elevator—that makes it so much hotter.

“Squeeze my cock, Firefly,” I grunt. “Drip down my dick while I blow my load inside of you,” I say gruffly in her ear seconds before she begins pulsating around me. The sensation sends me straight into my orgasm, leaving no time to spare.

My body trembles as my cock explodes inside of her. She presses her head into my shoulder, her body shuddering as she hungrily rides out her orgasm.

For a moment, we just stay there with my dick still inside of her, gasping for air.

“You know, they can probably tell that the Emergency Stop button was pulled,” she says against my shoulder, and I can hear the grin in her tone. “Probably should take your penis out of my body so that we don’t get busted.”

I rear my head back, looking down at her. “Firefly, after what we just did, do you think I give a fuck if we get busted?”

Flashing me an eye roll, she wiggles down from under me and pulls her dress down. Once she’s done, she widens her eyes, jerking her chin toward my pants. “Well? Are you going to tuck that thing in?” She moves her hand to the Emergency Stop button, threatening to push it. “Or should I show whoever is outside this elevator your peen?”

“Peen sounds small. It’s no peen,” I say before pulling my jeans back over my hips and tucking my dick inside. “Megalodon, Goliath, Colossal—any of those nicknames for my cock would suffice. But peen? No.”

She stares at me before shaking her head and pushing the Emergency Stop button back in, sending us on our way.

“You, Smith Sawyer, are too damn much.”

“Yeah,” I whisper, smirking. “Too much damn cock.”

When the doors open, we’re not up in the penthouse; for some reason, we’re back in the lobby. A few people stand there, staring at us, and one has a Guest Manager tag on his suit.

“Sir, is everything all right?” he says before looking from me to Gemma, eyeing us both over suspiciously.

“Everything’s great, Cap. Why?” I say, grinning like I didn’t just get my dick sucked and rail my girlfriend inside of here a minute or two ago.

His eyes narrow a fraction. It’s pretty obvious this guy did not come to work to fuck around with idiots like me who have a whole-ass room and choose to have sex in the elevator.

“The elevator’s Emergency Stop button was activated,” he states in an interrogation-like tone. “You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”

I can practically feel Gemma sweating beside me—I’m sure she’s scared to death we’re about to get in trouble. I swear, her entire life, that’s been her number one fear—disappointing anyone.

“Yes, I would,” I say.

Instantly, from the corner of my eye, I see Gemma’s head snap toward me.

“Smith, what are you—” she growls so low that only I hear.

“I had a few too many to drink, and instead of pushing the correct button, I apparently pulled the Emergency one.” I shrug. “Honest mistake.”

“It was activated for nearly eight minutes,” he snaps back. “Surely, in eight minutes, you could have figured out your mistake?”

Once everyone else has stopped staring and it’s just us and the rule dictator himself, I sweep my eyes to his name tag and walk toward him, patting my hand on his shoulder.

“Jonathon? Is it okay if I call you John? Or maybe Johnny? Yeah … I like Johnny. Johnny is the name of a badass.” I reach into my pocket, taking out my wallet. “You’re doing a good job keeping this place safe, Johnny. Da mn good job.” I pull out a hundred-dollar bill. “Here’s a little something to let you know that I know you’re doing great things here at the Claremont.”

He stares down at it. “Oh, I can’t take—”

Forcing it into his palm, I pat his shoulder again. “Have yourself a good night, Johnny.”

Stepping toward Gemma, I take her hand in mine and step back into the elevator, and the entire time the doors close—at a turtle’s pace—my new friend, Johnny, stares at us.

Once they are closed and we’re finally headed to our room, Gemma bursts into laughter, putting her hand on my stomach and wiping her eyes.

“What is wrong with you, Smith Sawyer?”

“If Johnny ever gets the chance to get his dick sucked or fuck a sexy woman against this elevator wall, you’d best believe he’d do it.” I shrug. “I don’t feel bad. Plus, fucker got one hundred bucks out of me.”

“He didn’t even want it,” she points out, still giggling.

“Eh, well, figured it would make up for what we did.” I throw my arm around her shoulders, kissing her cheek. “You’re a dirty girl, Gemma Jones.”

“No. That was all your idea.”

She pinches my side but laughs, and the sound makes my heart so fucking happy.

It’s been a good day. My girl went to her first retreat for domestic abuse survivors. The Sharks won. And I got to fuck Gemma in an elevator.

Win. Win. Win.