18
VALENTINA
Me: I don’t think I can make it tonight. I’m not feeling so well, and I could really use the rest.
Pain in my ass: Bullshit. You’re fine. Chase said you and Lucy went out for cocktails last night and, according to Lucy, you had a great time.
Me: I’m serious, Nic. I feel horrible.
Pain in my ass: You should feel horrible that you’re going to miss my game. Now go put on that new jersey I sent you and get your sexy ass over to the stadium.
Me: It doesn’t fit.
Pain in my ass: Babe. Why are you lying to me? I know it fits. I ordered it from the same girl and she still had your measurements. Maybe a pair of sexy leather pants with it? Got any?
Me: Yes but I’m not wearing them. I’m not wearing anything.
Pain in my ass: That’s up to you if you want to be naked for the cameras, you won’t hear me complaining. In fact, I can’t wait to memorize every inch of that beautiful body.
Me: Ugh!! That’s not what I meant. You are the biggest pain in my ass.
Pain in my ass: And you are the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Now whether you’re dressed or not, it doesn’t matter. Just be at the stadium. Monty and Killeen will be waiting for you. Plus, it’s the big day. You can’t miss the opener.
Me: I curse the day I met you.
Pain in my ass: I can’t wait to kiss those perfect lips. Wear something sexy.
Me: I’ll wear a straight jacket.
“ T hird and five on the twenty-two yard line, and the Drillers are looking to end the game here. With forty-eight seconds on the clock, Coach Wagner would like to stop this from going into overtime.”
The sportscasters are giving their commentary along with the play-by-play that echoes from the speakers in the luxury box.
The crowd is just as large as the first time in Monty’s sky box and they’re all rowdy and celebratory as the official first game comes to a close.
I’m still the only “girlfriend” of a player that is in attendance and I grow more and more uncomfortable with each passing minute.
Aside from Lucy and a couple gals back home, I don’t have a lot of girl friends.
I like to keep my circle small and I’m not one to open myself up to just anyone.
So the fewer WAGs, or whatever they like to be referred to as, in attendance is preferable.
I don’t want to have to make awkward small talk or accidentally say something that could end badly for Nic and me.
So sitting here amongst millionaires that couldn’t give two-shits about me is just fine.
“There’s the snap and Rinaldi drops back, looking for an open receiver. Burbank is en route with Elrod hot on his heels.”
“He’s looking over his shoulder for the pass, but Elrod has him covered.”
The broadcasters continue to pass the mic as they talk.
“Loving breaks free and Rinaldi spots him.”
The entire stadium is cheering and I hold my breath. I don’t understand why, but at this moment a storm of butterflies begins circling in my belly, all fluttering their wings at once.
I’m still reeling from his words the other night and hating that he affected me so much. I was seconds away from giving in and losing myself in him. Every moment with him makes it more difficult to suppress those little voices telling me to let it happen.
I tell myself it’s simply because I’ve been without a man for months, but I’m worried the reality is so much worse.
“The pass is high and may be just out of Loving’s reach.”
My teeth sink into my lip just as Nic jumps higher than I thought a human being could. One arm is stretched high in the air, his fingers outstretched, and he looks suspended in time. The few seconds that he hangs in mid-air waiting for the ball feels like hours.
“Oh my god! Loving catches the ball with his fingertips. Outstanding!”
I watch as Nic lands on his feet and shuffles from left to right as he spots two large men that look like they can squash him headed right in his direction. He makes a quick move just out of a defender's reach and he races for the sidelines.
“Loving rushes out of bounds, stopping the clock with twenty-nine seconds left in the game.”
Everyone in the suite is cheering and high-fiving one another. On the field, the offense hustles off and the kicking team takes their place, ready to set up for a field goal that will end the game and seal their first win.
I drink the last of my champagne just as the football sails through the field goal and sends Drillers fans to shout. I see players jumping on the sidelines and spot Nic, celebrating with his teammates.
His smile is so wide and bright, and his happiness is exuberant. I guess it’s also contagious because I find myself smiling along with him.
“Your boy did good today.” An arm drapes across my shoulders and the voice of a slightly tipsy southern man drawls in my ear.
I pat Monty’s hand and smile. “He did. Nic was great today.”
“Are you ready for your first away game?” He asks.
“Well. I need to talk to you about that.” His brows knit together with disappointment. “Despite making you my top client and priority, I still have some remaining clients I must take care of. I have just a few cases to clear off my books before I can spend all of my time traveling with the team.”
With a sigh and a small sway, he nods his head, eyes closed and lips pursed.
“I understand, dear. You have a business to run and I don’t want to jeopardize your future career.
However, I have made your name the buzz about the circle of elites.
You know…the assholes who always find themselves in trouble because they either can’t keep their pants zipped up or their grubby hands off of other people's money.”
I chuckle but don’t say much to deny his statement. Truth is, he is absolutely correct. My services are expensive and only the rich and entitled can afford me.
“I promise to be at the next one.” He gently pats my cheek with a smile.
“Sounds good. Now,” He drops his hand and places it on my back. “Let’s go mingle before everyone leaves and you run off. I want everyone to know all about my two new superstars. Nico Loving and you.”
He leads me over to a couple and we talk until the time for me to play the happy little girlfriend comes.
Players file out and search for their loved ones to celebrate the close win. I try to pretend I’m not excited to see Nic, but I don’t know how well I actually pull it off.
I want to clarify by saying that this excitement is not me softening to the big dummy. I’m happy that my hard work at cleaning up his image is paying off. His moves on the field are the focus of everyone’s admiration.
That is what makes me happy. Knowing I did my job and I did it well. But I should probably not count my dollars before they’re spent. There’s still plenty of time for him to screw up.
Nic emerges, a winning smile on his face, and makes a beeline straight for me. His walk is like a slow taunt as every eye turns to look at him and that fucking lip lick. I straighten my spine and tame my expression. I don’t want him to get the wrong idea that I’m actually happy to see him.
He reaches me in a few long strides and I open my mouth to congratulate him, but my words are swallowed when he grabs my face and pulls me into a deep kiss. My arms flail in surprise and shivers roll through my body when his tongue dances with mine.
I can’t fight it with dozens of eyes watching us and in all honesty, it isn’t too difficult to fall into his arms and get wrapped up in his kiss. It’s powerful and all consuming and I get lost, unsure of the day and time and year. He completely wrecks my senses.
I hear a sensual moan in my ears. Was that me? Oh my god, I moaned into this man’s mouth and now he knows I’m enjoying this.
Somehow I manage to pry my lips away from his and take a small step back.
“Hi mi Reina,” he whispers in a low rumble for only the two of us to hear.
I clear my throat and fix the look on my face to a pleasant one. “Hey. Good game. You were great.”
He smirks in that cocky way that says he knows I’m lying but he’ll just play along.
“Thank you. Ready to get out of here?”
“Yes. I’m ready to go home. I could use a night to relax and I’m sure you’d like to do the same.” I spin on my heels and feel his strong hand grab mine.
“A relaxing night after a tough afternoon game is just what I need. I’ll follow you home. Want me to pick up some food?”
I come to a screeching halt, almost tipping over on my high heels, and swivel my head around to look at him.
“Food? I’m sorry. I missed the part where I invited you over.” I tilt my head to one side and furrow my brow.
He begins walking again, pulling me behind him and not skipping a beat.
“You don’t have to invite me over. You’re my girlfriend and that’s what a couple does. They spend the evening cuddling on the couch and feeding each other Chinese food from their boxes.”
“Nic.” I’m exasperated with how far he’s taking this charade. “We aren’t a real couple, and there won’t be any paparazzi in my house to take pictures of us. So there’s really no need to act like we can’t wait to get home and pull off each other’s clothes. We both know that isn’t the case.”
He throws me a quick look over his shoulder and keeps marching me out of the building. “Speak for yourself. I’m anxious to get you out of those clothes. As soon as you give me the go ahead, I’m going to rip them apart with my bare hands.”
The door is pushed open for us as we exit the stadium and head towards the players lot where both of our cars are parked. A crowd surrounds the gated area and fans spot us as they pass by.
“Nic! Nic!” A few shout while the women catcall him with me in plain view.
Obviously a girlfriend means nothing to these jersey chasers.
Nic spots a group of young boys standing with a few men and he heads straight towards them. They start bouncing up and down on their toes as he draws closer. Security guards spot where Nic is going, and begin walking to the same destination.