1. Lucas
CHAPTER 1
LUCAS
ONE YEAR LATER
M oving to Ireland last month was the easiest decision I’ve ever made. Being part of a new league, a new team, is every player’s dream. Well, maybe not every player’s dream, but it’s certainly mine. The fresh start is a welcome change.
As one of the top hookers in Australia, my agent was able to secure a contract with Cork worth double what I was making. Though the money only sweetens my decision to leave Australia, there’s only one reason I would move to the other side of the world, and it sure as fuck isn’t rugby—it’s a woman I can never have.
A few months ago, I was visiting Ronan in Cork for a surprise proposal, and it was one of the sweetest moments I’ve ever witnessed in my life. As I expected, Ronan fell in love with Nora the moment her plane landed in Ireland. While he is obsessed with her, the proposal wasn’t from Ronan, it was Nora who popped the question. I fucking love the plot twist.
Will, Russ, and I made the trip to be there for her grand gesture asking Ronan to marry her. There was no doubt in my mind he would say yes, so I booked my flight as soon as she sent the details. The trip also gave me an opportunity to meet with a few of the rugby league organisers who had expressed interest in me. If it wasn’t for my visit, I may not have made the move to Ireland. Cork shouldn’t have been on my radar, but after that weekend, it most definitely was my top choice.
Ronan’s warning about his sister made much more sense once I met Bridget. Not only is she fucking stunning, she’s the perfect blend of sweet and sexy. On top of her being a single mum? Sign me up. How her husband could’ve left her is fucking diabolical.
But, she’s Ronan’s sister—the epitome of off-limits.
So, I did what any other masochist would do. I moved in with Bridget while my new home is being built. I have the money for my own temporary housing, but I’d much rather torture myself. Not only do I have to see her every day—and keep myself from touching her—I’ve spent the past month getting to know Bridge and her son, Gavin, better. The only thing harder to ignore than the physical attraction is my emotional attachment. It’s been impossible to not fall for her.
I promised Gav I would help him work through drills tonight. He’s only twelve and incredible on the pitch but wants to change positions this year. I’ve been trying to convince him to play rugby, but his footwork was meant for soccer. Bridget and Gavin tease me for not calling it football, but as far as I’m concerned, rugby is proper football.
Gavin is great as a forward but will be a fucking beast as a mid with a bit of practise. He plays on the same team as Ronan’s step-son, Leo, and with their match coming up this weekend, I’m bringing Gav to Ronan’s home where there’s a small pitch on the property.
The boys are working through drills, and I welcome the excuse to visit with my mate. We talk often, mostly in our group texts with Russ and Will, but it’s rare I get to talk to him, just the two of us. With Ronan being the new Cork FC assistant coach, the times we’re both free never match up.
While Leo and Gav are preoccupied, Ronan rubs the back of his neck and nervously asks, “What does your schedule look like these days?”
The question takes me by surprise, and I reply with a shrug, “Depends on the day; I’m sure it’s similar to when you played. I’m up by six, on the pitch by seven-thirty, and home a little after five. I have dinner with Bridget and Gavin, then go for a run, and, uh… straight to bed.”
Fuck, I hate lying to him. I can’t help my mind wandering to last week when I accidentally overheard Bridget fucking herself with a vibrator through our shared wall. I assumed it was something wrong with an appliance, but the moment her soft moans accompanied the buzzing, there was no denying she was touching herself. My hand may or may not have slipped into my shorts to fist my cock that night… and every night after.
Guilt seeps in and I clear my throat. “W-why do you ask?”
Ronan yells to Gav, “Tap left to get it away from him! Yes! Make him work for it!” He then tells me, “If you have time, I was wondering if you could assist with the boys’ team this year? Even if you can only come one night a week, and an occasional match when it doesn’t conflict with your schedule, I’d love your help. As much as I love working with Leo, it’s difficult straddling the line between coach and father. I’m struggling with Gavin too. I need someone I trust who can push them and the other boys.”
“Of course, I’d love to. I’m not familiar with youth soccer here—you may need to get me up to speed with any special rules—but I’m happy to help any way I can.”
His grin is wide as he clamps his hand on my shoulder. “Thank you. The boys will be excited.”
I look out onto the pitch and can’t wipe the smile off my face. Leo and Gavin are fucking around more than they should be; I did the same when I was their age. If you’re not having fun, what’s the bloody point?
My phone vibrates in my pocket and I check it. Though Bridget never sends me anything inappropriate, with her brother standing beside me, I’ve never been so grateful for my privacy screen. My blood pressure spikes finding several missed texts from her.
Bridget
We’re low on eggs, so I’m going to stop by Frannie’s. Her hens are over producing and offered to give me a few dozen.
Do you need more?
Okay, I’ve convinced her to give me thirty-six, but I may need something to sweeten the deal.
Six dozen in hand. All it took was promising her you’d pop by the farm this week. I suggest shirtless.
I stifle a laugh and type out my reply.
There’s already one cock there, no reason to add another. Tell her I can pay her for them!
I’m sorry I didn’t message you earlier. I’m with Ronan and the boys and didn’t see this until now.
Her name illuminates the screen with an incoming call and my stomach twists. I tell Ronan, “Bridget is calling. Do you mind if I…”
“What? Are we having fucking tea?” Ronan asks, and I pause, still waiting for his approval. He chuckles, “Don’t be fucking thick worrying about manners, answer it. She’s probably wondering how much longer before you’re home.”
“Hey pup,” I answer without thinking. Fuck, fuck, fuck. There is no denying what I called her, but I quickly correct, “Bridge, hi. We were just talking about the boys.”
There is no doubt in my mind Ronan caught my slip-up. His jaw is tight, and though he keeps his eyes focused on Leo and Gav, I’m fully expecting he’ll lay into me the moment I hang up. I’d deserve it. I love Bridget and Gavin as if they were mine, but there’s no way in hell I can admit it to Ronan.
“Oh, is everything okay?” Bridget seems flustered, her voice squeaking.
“Yes.” I huff a small laugh and attempt to calm her by teasing, “Did you put Ronan up to asking me to coach Leo and Gav?”
“No.” Her nerves are replaced with excitement. “He didn’t mention anything to me. You’re going to coach?”
“It seems so.” I keep my eyes on Gav as I continue, “Gavin’s form is looking great, so is Leo’s. Ronan asked me to help him, since things are…” I glance to Ronan as he shouts something to the boys. “It’s difficult to train and coach family, and he’s been tasked with working with not only his son, but his nephew.” I rake my hand through my hair and continue, “Do you mind if I help? Gav’s your son, and I don’t want to overstep.”
“You’re not overstepping, but my brother has enough cheek for a second arse; don’t let him take advantage of you.”
I sputter a cough. Unsure of what the hell that means, I change the subject. “We should be finishing up here in an hour. Thank your friend for the eggs for me.”
“Right, that’s why I was calling. Do you mind if I give her my tickets for your next match?”
Of course I fucking mind; I play better when Bridget and Gavin are there. Stifling a groan, I offer, “I’ll secure additional tickets.”
“It’s okay, you don’t have to.”
“I insist.”
“Well, thank you.”
My heart swells hearing the smile in her voice and I can't help my own grin as I tell her, “We’ll be home soon.” We say our goodbyes and hang up.
The moment my phone is in my pocket, Ronan grumbles, “Anything you’d like to tell me?”
“Bridget’s friend wants tickets to my match,” I rush out. “She’s been giving us eggs, and last week sent Bridge home with fresh bread and butter.”
“Oh.” He hums thoughtfully.
As Ronan is about to say something, Leo calls to me, “Lucas! Can you step in as goalkeeper?”
“Only if Ronan’s your striker!”
“You’re in trouble, Robinson.” Ronan chuckles darkly, then runs onto the pitch.
I let out a full laugh, and while I may have dodged a bullet tonight, I'll need to be more careful around Ronan where Bridget is concerned. The last thing I need is to ruin a friendship over my feelings for his sister.