The Doctor's Fake Marriage: A Single Dad & Virgin Romance by Amy Brent (28)

“We can’t do this.” She gulped hard as his hand moved then, running a trail up her hips, cupping them in his hands.

“Tell me you don’t want this and I’ll stop.” He was breathing hard, the planes of his chiseled face were tight as he waited for her response.

“I can’t tell you that, Rafe.” She whispered it.

“I didn’t think so.” He kissed her once more his mouth trailing hot kisses down her chin and into the hollow of her neck.

Lost now she put her hands in his hair, pulling his mouth closer to her skin. His hands moved to once more pull on her clothes until he freed her of the silk shirt she was wearing. He moaned outwardly as he cupped her massive breasts in his hands, moving her bra up just enough to release the hardened nipples free under the bottom of the underwire. His mouth found the first one, tugging and sucking on it hard, grabbing and caressing the other one in his hand. As his mouth worked its magic on her the other hand pinched the fat nipple between his thumb and forefinger, rolling it until it stood out even more, begging him to feast from it.

She moaned, the feel of his hot mouth almost too much to take. He slipped his tongue out, flicking over the hardened nub wildly and she looked down at him, their eyes meeting. She watched as he quickly sucked the dark pink flesh into his waiting mouth. She shuddered at the onslaught, watching him pushing her even more over the edge.

He moved his hands once more then, sliding his hands up her legs, gently on the outside of the skirt until he could reach around to the back and unzip the skirt, letting it drop to the floor under her. She felt her body flush, her insecurities at the forefront of her mind as he leaned back on his haunches for a moment taking her in. He moved slowly, his mouth trailing hot kisses up her inner thigh until they found the wet heat of her, giving away what she wanted, and what she was feeling.

“Oh baby.” He whispered it as his hand moved between her thighs, the wetness of her panties visible as he moved them to one side, slipping one finger in them to touch the wetness there, proving she wanted this as much as he did.

She felt her knees begin to shake slightly as he moved his hand. The finger so sweetly touching her became two and then he was pushing up into her with easy movements. His thumb found her button of love and he massaged it as he stroked into her with agonizing slowness. She bit her lip to stop the whimper that escaped her lips as he touched her, moving and rubbing her until she was sure she would collapse at any moment. He stopped momentarily and she exhaled quickly, thinking it was over, until his mouth found her where his fingers had just been.

Her moan was loud as he moved her panties down and off of her quickly. His hand found their way back there and his mouth followed suit. She arched her back as she let him love her this way, teasing and tasting every inch of her. She leaned back into the wall looking down at him once more watching his head move as he feasted on the pink glistening skin exposed to him.

Reaching up, she pulled on her own nipples, tugging on them as she moved her hips into his mouth, slowly grinding into his hot mouth. She was whimpering now, loudly and she had lost all sense of discomfort as she blatantly fucked his mouth.

Her orgasm was intense as she buckled against the wall, feeling him lapping up her juices happily. She blinked opening her eyes as he stood then, unleashing himself from his jeans, the length of him hard and waiting. She wanted him, wanted this and she gingerly touched him, running her hand over him, moving slowly against the velvety smoothness of him.

He inhaled sharply as she locked her lips greedily, moving them over him, slowly taking him in her mouth. The sloppy kisses were enough to drive him crazy and she soon found him in the role she herself had just left. He grabbed her head, sliding deep into her throat and back out again as he used her mouth. He moaned loudly as she took over, working her mouth on him with ease. She sucked hard on the head and felt the length of him grow even larger in her mouth. He pushed into her mouth once more, and she felt him almost in her throat as he held it there for a second longer, moaning as he pulled it back out.

Moving now he stood and she knew what he wanted, what she wanted.

“On the bed Lacey, now.”

She shuddered under the command and did as he asked, scrambling onto her back waiting for him. He moved between her thighs nipping along her thighs until he found her went entrance, already waiting for him. He pressed there gently, easing her body into accepting his length until he was deep inside her, filling her up.

He stood back some, pulling most of his length out and then he slammed back into her, the tightness still there he shuddered against her, feeling her gripping the length of him. She whimpered and moaned as he pushed again, and did so repeatedly until they were moving in unison. Gone was the sweetness of before as he took her, banging into her with such force she almost fell more than once. She yelled loudly now, no longer able to take him in quietly.

She heard him call her name and she looked up at him as his eyes found hers. She opened her mouth to cry out once more as she started to climb that familiar climb to ceasing the ache she carried.

“Rafeeeee.” She moaned his name out as she climaxed on him, feeling him increase the tempo and pump into her until he soon yelled loudly, spilling himself into her and pressing her down into the bed.

He moved to lay beside her, both of them lost in the moment, both completely taken back about what had happened. She felt the coolness of the air as she glanced down at her naked from a, once more surprised by her inhibitions and how free she had been with him. Everything that had happened between them had seemed so natural and so right, but there would be repercussions, of that she was sure. Now in the aftermath, she rolled over and off the bed, quickly grabbing her shirt and panties from the floor, slipping into both of them.

“You are beautiful Lacey, everything about that… about you was beautiful.”

She quickly dressed the rest of the way, her face red. “You don’t have to say that Rafe. I know this was a bad idea.” She saw him frown and sit up quickly.

“Lacey, why are you running from me. I didn’t just say that to hear myself talk, you know?”

“I have to go; I have to get back to the house.” She scrambled more then, picking up her shoes, and pausing once to glance up at him. She let her eyes linger on him for a second.

“It was beautiful Rafe, you're right. “She smiled at him and left then, before she ran back in there and told him that she loved him.

Rafe

He watched her leave, his confusing only mounting. “Damnit Lacey.” He cursed as he stood doing his best to get redressed. He moved down the stairs quickly, but he heard her leave before he could stop her.

As the days went by he waited, hoping she would reach out to him, but she didn’t. He was staying at the house, knowing her mother was still with her at the townhouse. He had a new contracting job starting on Monday, but he was doubtful he would be able to get her to respond to him before then. It certainly wasn’t for lack of trying. He called her continually, but she wouldn’t respond to him.

Finally, both she and her mother showed up on Sunday night. It had been almost a week since he saw her, but she had been on his mind, consuming him. He was working on his bike, cleaning out the intake when they pulled up. His eyes found her on their own, quickly taking her in. She avoided looking at him altogether as she helped gather her mother’s things instead. He gave in to her and moved to help as well. His body, only inches from her now, making him remember the sweetness of her.

“Rafe, I’m so glad you’re still here I had no idea, did you Lacey?” She smiled and didn’t wait for an answer as she moved to hug him.”

She was lucky she didn’t wait for a response he watched as the red blush filled up Lacey’s face, threatening to give her away.

“I am for now. I have to head home in the morning, I have a new contract starting.” He felt the satisfaction fill him as Lacey’s head snapped up to look at him and take in his words.

“Oh no, that’s too bad it would be nice to have a man around the house.” She gulped, her eyes filling with tears. “It’s time for me to come home, I’ve been imposing on Lacey long enough.”

“Mom you know I love having you there.”

“I know, I know Lacey.”

The three of them carried her things inside, moving and organizing everything she wanted them to. He watched her, wanting to say something… anything to make her realize they needed to talk. But still she avoided him. He watched her as she went upstairs to grab something else, and he followed her. She was in the closet digging around and he was there when she shut the door.

“Really Rafe, you scared me to death.”

“Stop running from me Lacey.”

She started walking again. “I am not running; I just don’t know what we need to talk about Rafe.”

“Really, you don’t think anything that’s happened this week warrants any discussion?”

“What is there to say Rafe?”

“Maybe I have a lot to say...”

“Rafe… Someone is here to see you.” They heard her mother yell for them.

“I’m coming Alice.” He pulled her close, kissing her roughly on the mouth. “I’m not done with this Lacey.”

He moved to the top of the stairs and looked down, a fuming Lacey behind him.

“Who is it Alice?” He moved to start down the stairs.

Alice moved out of the way and a strikingly beautiful brunette smiled up at him. “It’s your wife Rafe.”

Lacey

There had been very few times in her life where Lacey was surprised. This certainly qualified as one of those times. She swallowed hard, the sick feeling in her stomach making it necessary to stop and breath a moment, though she showed no signs of it on her face.

“What are you doing here Rachel?” His voice had changed, and now he spoke with a calmness that was unsettling.

“We need to talk Rafey, please.” She almost pouted and it turned Lacey’s stomach even more.

He didn’t move, and Alice took over the situation. “Lacey, why don’t you and I go start working on dinner and give these two an opportunity to chat hmm.” She smiled and Lacy nodded, moving down the stairs slowly, until she was face to face with Rachel.

“You must be Lacey, Rafe has always had so much to say about you. Things have certainly changed it would seem.” She gave Lacey a smile that was almost evil as she gave Lacey a once over, making the heat rush to her face.

Not to be outdone, she replied. “It's funny Rafe and I talk all the time and he never even mentioned you.” As her point hit home Lacey followed her mother into the kitchen.

They didn’t speak for a long moment, Lacey attacked the chicken they were making with a vengeance, cutting and scoring it. She was lost in her own thoughts, never once trying to address things with her mother.

“So how long Lacey?”

She looked up at her mother frowning. “How long what mom?”

“You and Rafe… how long.” Her mother methodically cut up the potatoes and carrots, never once breaking stride as she worked.

Her mother knew her better than anyone else, she couldn’t lie about it. “I guess that depends on the question your asking mom. How long have I loved him…? Probably for ten years.”

“I see…. How long since you two started… well you know?”

“Mom!” She stopped working long enough to look over at her.

“Lacey, I’m not an idiot… I know you have always loved him, but something changed and its changing you.”

“Recently… I know it’s wrong… I know I should look at him as a brother.”

“Well, it's certainly complicated, but you can’t help who you love dearly.”

“It’s not like it matters mom, not just because he suddenly has a wife he’s never mentioned. We are just so different.”

“Different how Lacey?”

“It doesn’t matter mom; I mean we just are.”

“Lacey you are not a child anymore. You are 20 and know exactly who you are and what you want far more than most 30 year olds. You're successful, and grounded and beautiful.”

“Please mom.” She shoved the chicken into the oven.

“I have all night Lacey.” Alice leaned back on the bar in the kitchen watching her.

“He is…. Perfect... I mean, look at him. There is no room in his life. for someone like me.”

There she said it and it was out in the open.

“Goodness gracious Lacey is this about your weight? Don’t you think it’s time you let that go? Sure, you’re a curvy, beautiful girl. Rafe doesn’t care, if he did, he wouldn’t have taken that step in the first place. Don’t let your insecurities keep you from trying. As for his wife, I don’t know what the deal is with that situation.”

“Yeah, well…” Lacey smiled at her mom. “I love you mom, but I need some time, a trip I think. Will you be ok? Nothing crazy just a few days?”

Alice sighed. “Running won’t help but if it’s what you want I’ll be fine Lacey; some solitude will be good for me too I suppose.”

Lacey heard voices upstairs and felt the ache deep down once more. She tossed her apron on the counter hugging her mother close before she moved into the living room and outside to her waiting car.

Rafe

“I told you to leave me alone, Rachel and I meant it, what the hell are you doing here?”

“I came to see if you have gotten over yourself and are ready to talk about us?” She crossed her arms over her chest.

He was once more reminded of why things had fallen apart. She was a viper, and a hateful one at that. She smiled at him moved in front of him, running her hands up his chest making him sick.

“No Rachel, there is no “us” I told you that when I found you in bed with my friend. I’ve already got the paperwork ready, just sign the damn thing already.”

“Rafe, don’t be ridiculous, what would you do without me. Not to mention there is all the money to think of.”

He hated her, and everything she stood for. Marrying her had been a fool's move and he had regretted it almost instantly. She had painted a picture of a happy home, all the while spending his savings and then borrowing more money from a shark in uptown. Charging it to him of course.”

He was paying it back, but it was taking forever, and what he really wanted to was to be rid of the entire situation.

“I’m paying Louie back Rachel; I don’t have to be married to you to do it.”

“That’s true Rafey, but I take him the money, keeping you safe. If you don’t have me then they will know who got the money in the first place.”

“I don’t care anymore, Rachel, just tell them.” He was serious and he waited, watching the expression on her face change as she finally started to believe him.

“You don’t mean that, Rafe.” She swallowed hard.

“Yes, I do, besides, I never saw any of that money, it was you’re doing not mine. I’m paying it off because somewhere along the twisted path you and I have been on I loved you once.”

“You love me now Rafe, I know you do.” She moved to touch him one more and he grabbed her wrists before she had a chance to take it any further.

“No Rachel, I don’t. Go home.” I love someone else. He felt it but wouldn’t hurt her unnecessarily.

When she was gone, he thought hard about why may happen when she did tell them where he was. She wasn’t lying when she said she was keeping him safe, in fact, she had likely kept him alive. Now, however, he wanted more… and wanted it with someone else. He felt something stir deep down as he thought of Lacey, and the look on her face when Alice said his wife was there. She had been hurt there was no masking that.

Without looking he heard the slam of the front door as she left, followed closely by the squeal of tires as she flew out of the driveway and down the street. It was complicated but he had faith, it would all work itself out, and he would take the next big step… talking to Lacey. He made his way downstairs, carefully glancing around the room until he heard a shuffle from the kitchen. He made his way inside, knowing that regardless of who he would find there… he would face the music.

Alice was sitting at the bar, glass in hand, waiting for him. “Come on in Rafe, come eat with me.”

It was more of a request and less of a question. He moved into the room slowly, waiting for her reaction. Even at 17 he knew better than to push his luck with his step-mother. He settled into the chair across from her.

“I’m sorry Alice, about Rachel. It’s not what you think… not even close.”

“I’m less concerned about Rachel than I am about Lacey, Rafe. How could you let things get out of control?

He sighed loudly. “I don’t know how any of this happened Alice. I never meant to…” He trailed off.

“Well, you did, and now she is as much a mess as you are.” She sipped from her glass looking out the window. “I thought your relationship was more brother and sister, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised by all of this Rafe.”

“Trust me, I am just as surprised as you are. “He glanced around the room. “Where is she anyway?”

“Lacey needs some time Rafe, time to figure out who she is, what she wants or something like that.”

“What do you mean she needs some time, where is she? I have been trying to get her to talk to me for a week and nothing.” He ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

“Rafe, I know Lacey more than anyone. She has feelings for you, that much is obvious, but she needs to figure out what she wants and take a break from it. Give her some time.”

He leaned back in his chair in frustration.

As the weekend went on he knew he would have to go home, and start his new contract. It wasn’t far, only a 4-hour drive, but it was far enough to make it hard to leave. Alice walked him out the morning he was leaving and he hugged her tightly, once more thankful that she had been a part of his life.

The days flew by and week after week he couldn’t seem to think about anything else but Lacey. He called Alice who reassured him that Lacey was fine, but it did nothing to comfort him… or to make him feel better about his situation. He wanted her… even now he thought about how beautiful she had been that day.

He glanced down at the work on his table and swore, knowing he was getting nowhere. He had to see her… to find her and set the record straight about so many things. He crumbled the forms in front of him, throwing them into the basket at the end of his desk. Tomorrow was Friday, he would just drive to wherever she was… if Alice would tell him. At least he would know where he stood once and for all.

Lacey

The tears were rolling freely as she sat up thinking about what she would do. There was no secret that she was scared about what life had in store for her, in fact she had spent the last few days doing her best to formulate a plan.

She hated herself for missing him, but she knew she would have to see him sooner or later, and they would talk. She closed her eyes, thinking once more about how he had touched her and loved her. He made her feel special in so many ways that she was missing him more and more each day…. Especially now.

She looked out the long window of the cabin she had been in for three weeks now. Her “couple of days” had quickly become something bigger, and though she could work from home, she knew she would have to go back eventually. She heard the phone vibrating, though she knew it was him again. She would give him credit for being persistent.

Nothing would go the way she wanted to, no matter how many different ways she tried to piece it out, she was always left alone in the end. He was married, and Rachel had been more than passingly pretty. She could have stepped out on a runaway wearing rags. That was who Rafe was married too…that’s who Rafe loved.

Part of her didn’t even want to talk to him, to tell him everything. Instead, she wanted to hide away in this cabin where no one could find her… or hurt her. She moved down the long hall to shower, something that always made her feel better. At least then she could relax a little. She let the heat wash over her and soon wrapped herself in a fluffy white towel which helped drastically.

She walked out of the shower and back down the long hall where she found him.

He was waiting for her, pensive and on edge. She could see it in the way he sat on the edge of the couch, his fingertips tapping the leather of the couch. He glanced up then, seeing her and he stood, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“What are you doing here, Rafe, you scared me to death.” She stood there, folding her arms across her chest.

“I wasn’t trying to scare you Lacey, I could have called you… but you would have to respond to me in order for that to happen.” He watched her, his eyes scanning the length of her.

She felt the heat of a blush rush through her at his words, true as they were. “What do you want Rafe?”

He sighed. “I want to talk to you Lacey, I want to have a conversation that is real and honest. I want to talk to you and not have to worry about you running from me again.”

She moved over to the couch across from him, settling in. Finally, she looked up at him. “Ok Rafe, talk to me then.”

He frowned for a moment, then sat back down into the couch. He let his eyes look her over again. “First of all, are you ok? I mean I can see your alive and well, but it’s been weeks.”

No, I’m not ok. “I’m fine Rafe. I just needed some time away things have been stressful lately at work and stuff.”

“I want to talk to you about Rachel. “He held up a hand as she tried to speak. “For me Lacey, please let me talk.”

She swallowed hard, bracing herself for what was to come. He would tell her everything she didn’t want to hear, and her heart would break even more. She felt her body tense up, and she hung on every word.

“Rachel was everything to me for a very long time. She was smart and funny and she made me believe she was going to be there for me no matter what. I trusted her in that.”

“Rafe I can’t.”

“But she had more than just one side to her and there was something ugly there too.” He continued on.

“Stop it Rafe I… I can’t.” She stood then, leaving him there and making her way into the room where she slept, shutting the door behind her.

He was with her in an instant, hugging her close, making her feel protected and safe. Both things she hadn’t felt in a long time. He moved to her chin, lifting it up just enough for his mouth to claim hers, sealing their lips with a deep kiss. She felt the tears in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall, knowing that she would give in to him, and to let him love her even if it was goodbye.

She moved frantically as he kissed her deeper and longer, making quick work of the clothing between them. She wanted to feel all of him against her skin, wanted the heat of him to brandish her. She moved back then, leaning on her elbows her full breasts jutting upward in the air for him to feast on. He suckled on each crested peak hard, bring them both to a full peak, one hand carefully tugging on them and tweaking them between his fingers. He looked at her as he lapped at them flicking his tongue in new circular patterns on them as he freed his now swollen member from his clothes.

She watched, feeling him tease her skin with the velvety smoothness until he pushed her breasts together, and he slid the length of his between the luscious mounds, pumping slowly. Glancing down, she watched as the glistening tip appeared before her and without hesitation she slipped her pink tongue out licking the head momentarily with each stroke.

He groaned, looking down at her and she soon found herself rolled over on her stomach, waiting for his next move. She felt his fingers run down the length of her back, softly and gently caressing her until he pulled up on both legs, bringing her into an all fours position. She felt the heat rush to her face, embarrassed as she sat there exposed to him. She watched him move around behind her, his fingers slipping down until he found the entryway to her womanhood. He slid between her lips, pushing until he moved his hands, causing gasps from her as he moved his hand back and forth causing a tremendous about of pleasure in her body to enjoy.

Soon she gasped loudly as she felt the wet heat of his tongue there, his mouth moving on her feasting from her love. He intensified his play causing her to moan out in ecstasy as he kissed and pushed there. He stood then, the heat of his mouth, leaving her panting and wanting more. He moved behind her, grabbing her hips and impaled her with the length of him, pushing into her until he was all the way in. She gasped as she took him, soon finding her back arched and her knees spread wide apart from each other. He grabbed her hips, using them to slide her off and back on the length of him in slow, deliberate strokes, each one causing a new whimper of delight from her.

As he moved she felt him growing even bigger inside her, her cries, obviously making him more and more excited. He moved to reach under them, cupping the heavy swaying breasts as they bounced back and forth with his movements. She moaned as he rubbed the peaks of each one, causing a cry out as he began to move harder and faster then. He pummeled her from behind. His every stroke causing her to cry out. She heard him too, loudly crying out as she tightened down on him, moving with him to climb that peak to release.

He grabbed her hips once more slipping in deep and all the way back out, teasing her and watching her moan angrily at him and his teasing ways. She glared at him and he pushed her down flat on the bed. He was practically laying on her as he moved up and impaled her once more, the sensation a new one as she felt him filling her and using her to find release. The sounds of their slapping skin was the only consistent noise in the room as she felt her as lift up slightly with each thrust.

He pumped into her hard now, harder than ever before and she felt her orgasm coming quicker and quicker. She moaned out his name as she announced her orgasm to him, which only pushed him over the edge as well, their cries mingling together in the night air.

She felt him move to lay beside her, but she couldn’t talk or move for that matter. They made eye contact for a split second before she closed her eyes to focus on her breathing, and feel the air as it circulated around her skin, helping her to calm down.

She hurt all over, but it was a good hurt as she blinked a few times trying her best to clear her eyes and take in the room around her. At some point she had been resting and simply fallen asleep from exhaustion. She felt the space next to her, but he was gone, and she felt the tears spring to her eyes once more, causing her to bite her lip in frustration. She sat up carefully, grabbing her towel once more that she had been wrapped in, carefully tying the belt at her waist before walking down the long hall and back towards the kitchen.

She squashed the tiny hope she had been forming when she instantly took in the room around her. He was gone… there was no doubt about that. She padded her way to the fridge to get a drink and that’s when she saw the note on the countertop.

Lacey, going out for groceries, be back in 30 min or so. Need to finish what we started.

She felt her heart beat fast reading his words. He was gone… but he was coming back. She knew he wanted to tell her things… things about Rachel. She settled into the overstuffed chair and waited. She took a deep breath, smiling to herself and the new found confidence she was showing. She had to share some things of her own.

True to his word he came back and this time she heard the rumble of his bike. She waited for him to come in, more determined now than ever to tell him the truth. He walked in his face a smile and sat down across from her after sitting the bag on the counter.

“I don’t want to drag this out Lacey so I am just going to tell you everything quickly… then maybe we can go on with our night, is that ok?”

She nodded at him, bracing herself once more.

“Last time I started with the unimportant stuff so this time I’m going to try something a little different. I love you Lacey, I came home to say goodbye to dad and what I found was this incredible woman who I have known and loved my whole life. I love you differently now, but the foundation is still there and the goodness in you is there just as it always has been. Rachel cheated lied and stole money, likely trying to get me shot at as we speak but I don’t care about any of that anymore. I just want to be with you, settle down and have something good.”

She felt the tears fall freely as he spoke.

“What we share, that is something amazing that most people don’t find in their lives. In fact, it’s so good that I had to question if I was losing my mind or just remembering how you felt in my mind blowing it out of proportion. But I wasn’t, this between us is a good thing… a right thing. I want to spend the rest of my life with you Lacey.”

She smiled at him as he finished. She wiped the tears that ran down from her eyes.

He moved to hold her hands in his, wiping at the tears himself. “What do you have to tell me Lacey, whatever it is we will be ok?”

She smiled into his eyes, slowly moving his hand over to her stomach. “You were right, Rafe, what we share is special because form the very first moment we shared together we created something even more beautiful than just “us”, we created a life.”

He looked up at her, his eyes widening as he took it all in. “Oh my... are you serious Lacey?”

She nodded happily as he wrapped his arms around her, dropping kisses on her stomach. She knew then she would never have to worry again about her size, or about being pushed around by anyone. She was one of the lucky ones, she had found real love. It was good and true and she knew she would hold on to that for as long as she was alive.

The months passed quickly and the two of them found themselves enjoying a new life together. As her stomach grew, she would glance at the man who would soon be her husband and she would think about the extra room in the house where they enjoyed each other so very much. There is something new around every corner, and she knew they were just getting started on exploring as much of that as they could. She caught his eye and he gave her a wink, no doubt remembering the way he had made love to her that afternoon. She was a lucky woman, and she knew there was no doubt about what was to come.

PREGNANT BY THE BALLER

Jessie

Jessie Randolph liked to get his way. More importantly, he liked that other people knew it, and would be accommodating. Even now, tipping back a beer in the field by Havertown, he scanned the crowd for something, or someone exciting.

Maybe he was getting older, and things didn’t excite him as much as they used to. At 28 he was getting to the point where his football career was at its peak, but he was also getting more and more banged up every game they played. He had been given the gift of insight and he used that to his advantage. He nodded his head at a few girls that passed by him, both laughing to each other. He could vaguely recall having sex with one of them… or was it both? He wasn’t really sure. It didn’t matter, with his blonde hair and blue eyes he never had a hard time finding a willing and warm woman to keep him company.

Perhaps that was the issue, things were too predictable. He used to love these after game parties. The team would get family and friends together, and along came the typical bunch of girls who just wanted to say they had slept with a football player. There was no game, no challenge anymore. One thing was certain, he wanted to find more than just this.

Crushing the can in his hand he set out looking for his friends. He found them quickly enough all standing by a bonfire and laughing. He joined in and noticed a few players from the rival team on the outskirts of the party. He swore to himself and set out to give them a good beating.

“Hey man what the hell are you doing here?” He should have just asked but instinct took over and he knocked the beer out of the guy’s hand and noticeably pushed him.

“Dude, what the hell man. We just wanted to have a little fun too. What’s the problem?” The guy picked himself up and immediately pushed him back.

He knew enough about himself to know that when there was a situation, and he was touched he was all in. He heard his friends sigh right before he jumped the other guy, landing on top on him in the grass. The fight seemed to go on forever, but it had only been a few minutes when they pulled him off of the other guy. His chest was heaving, and he knew he could have hurt the guy bad.

He jerked his arms free. “Let me go man I’m good. I’m good.”

The other guy wiped at the blood on his lip. “You have some serious anger issues man, get that shit looked at.” He turned and gestured to his teammates to follow, leaving the party altogether.

Jessie took a moment to get his labored breathing under control. Maybe the guy was right but it didn’t really matter. He was who he was and nothing could change that. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to smile at his buddies who were giving him a knowing look. The reality of the situation was simply that he didn’t like to play nice with the other teams. In fact, he liked having things done his way at all times. He laughed at a joke his friend Bobby told and then catching the eye of a brunette across from him he gestured for her to follow him. He may have gotten into a fight but he was going to end the night on a high note at least.

She was a pretty girl; exactly what standards would dictate that he should be sleeping with. He pulled her into the trees surrounding the party, his hands roughly pulling her to him in a kiss. As usual she was willing to do whatever he wanted and he had expected no less. He cupped her large breasts in his hands, roughly pulling on her nipples and rolled his eyes at her exaggerated sighs. He felt her hands on him too, and he allowed her access to him, sighing in pleasure as she put her mouth on him. She was good at this, and that would have to be enough for now. He took what he wanted from her, and she walked away smiling from it. He felt empty about the whole thing, almost like something wasn’t quite right. He made his way into the night and to his bike. Maybe what he needed was some sleep.

Lynne

She looked herself over in the mirror, sighing as she did. There had to be something more to life than just working harder and harder to lose weight that seemed to be a part of her. She had everything else she could want. She had a great career as a writer, a nice home and her boyfriend was definitely way out of her league, but her struggle with her weight was the one thing she had to fight about.

Brad was a good guy, even if he could be hurtful sometimes. She understood where he was coming from. He was a professional football player, and if she was going to be on his arm, she needed to look her best. She knew that their relationship had started just before his career had taken off, and he was changing a little more each day, leaving her behind in everything. She loved him though, especially when he was good to her. They had days when they could just enjoy watching television together or enjoy time with family. He had days, however, when he seemed to take her weight issue to the extreme.

For her birthday he had bought her a treadmill. The gesture alone would have been bad enough had he not done it in front of her family. She felt the sting of humiliation and it had taken her a long time to get past it. He had explained it to her, his concern for her health etc. and she had let it go. Even now she was trying to fit into a new dress that he wanted her to wear to the gala tonight, but it was no use. It was a good two sizes too small. She knew he would be furious about it. She slid on a different dress and with a deep breath she made her way into the living room where he waited.

On the phone he held up a finger to her to wait a second. She grabbed her bag and slipped into her shoes while she waited. She heard him sing and turned to face him.

“Lynn… what happened to the dress?” He held his hands out, gesturing to what she was wearing.

“I couldn’t wear it Brad, it was just not a good fit.” She shrugged her shoulders and gave him a smile.

He gave her a one over and she felt her cheeks turn pink. Why did he always have to do that?

“Well I guess we don’t have much choice, let’s get going. This gala is the only way to secure my next contract.”

He gave her a half smile and held the door open for her to leave. She couldn’t help but be a little hurt. She had lost ten pounds since the last party he had taken her to. Plus, the time she spent on her makeup and hair alone would have at least given him a reason to say something nice… anything at all.

They entered the party arm in arm. As was his usual style he found their table and casually left her alone to go schmooze with other players. She toyed with the fork at her place setting, lost in thought. He always had the uncanny ability to find a way to get what he needed. She looked around the room, once more feeling inferior. The room was full of football players and beautiful women. She felt the pressure of it all at once. Standing she made her way outside to an alcove where she could breathe easier. The coolness of the evening air helped her to calm down some.

“I see you found the best places to hide and avoid just like I do.” A dark voice said from the shadows.

She immediately straightened. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know anyone else was out here.” She started to leave.

“Don’t leave on my behalf. There is plenty of room for us to just hide from all of them.”

He was still hidden in the shadows, and she couldn’t see him, she paused and turn back to the railing.

“I’m not hiding, not really.” She whispered the last part.

“Yes you are sweetheart, I know hiding and you are just that.” He moved out of the shadows now and she looked up at him.

He was more than good looking, he reeked of sex and power. She felt something stir deep down and she hated herself for it. She loved Brad, and this guy was obviously very much in love with himself. That was the type of guy she couldn’t stand. She looked back out at the night in front of her, once more thinking about Brad. He was a good guy he just wanted her to be her best.

She could tell he expected more of a response from her, but she failed to give him what he was looking for. He was likely used to getting every girl to look his way, but she wouldn’t be one of them.

He stuck out his hand to her. “I’m Jessie, Jessie Randolph.” He waited and she slowly turned to shake his hand. “You know the football player.” He said it jokingly, but she didn’t smile.

“Nice to meet you Jessie Randolph.” She moved again, this time straightening her dress so that she could go back inside.

He moved in front of her, and she blinked twice as she looked up at him.

“I introduced myself, it seems only fair that you do the same.”

She could almost feel the heat off of him, the way he peered down at her making her heart beat a little faster, though she hated herself for it.

“Lynne Alexander, that is. You know the writer?”

He smiled at his small victory, and she rolled her eyes. He waited a mere second before he spoke what was on his mind.

“You don’t like me very much do you Lynn?” He gave her a dark smile and she was surprised at his bluntness.

“I would think that you would give one care in the world what I think about you, but since you asked. No, typically I don’t like your type. You are almost always spoiled, self-involved and selfish. I know you half expected me to fall over dreamy-eyed because you spoke to me but you’re just a guy.” She paused. “That being said, I would never really say any of those things to you, since the fact of the matter is that I don’t really know you, so I have no right to assume any of that.”

She watched a few different emotions cross his face before he laughed loudly. “I can tell you sweetheart, almost all of that is accurate. I am self-involved, but I’m not spoilt. I fought hard to get where I am and that’s the truth. As for being selfish your right… I want what I want, and I always get it. In my mind that makes me confident.” He smiled down at her.

She made a very unladylike noise. “Hardly.” Which brought on another round of laughter from him.

Without thinking he crushed his mouth to hers, melding the two and making her knees feel weak. She barely had enough time to recover when he let her go once more.

“So Lynn…” He tested out her name on his tongue. “What do you write?” He was casual about the entire situation, not once breaking stride to kiss her.

“I do a column for The Times. Nothing sports related though. What the hell was that about?”

“You are beautiful.” He blurted it out, and she blushed.

He smiled at her. “Tell me something else about you then, since you seem to already know so much about me.”

“One thing she can tell you is that she is here with me, and you need to stay the hell away from her.” They both turned to see Brad standing in the doorway, scowling.

She felt the tension in the air go up a notch as she watched the two of them size each other up. She could only hope he had missed the kiss.

“Lynn, now that we are friends please tell me you don’t know this piece of…” He trailed off as Brad stepped towards him, causing her to jump into action.

“Whoa whoa, ok you two enough.” She turned her back to Jessie, and focused on Brad.

“Let’s just go Brad, let’s just go home.” She moved to walk towards the door, jumping as she went.

As they settled into the car she knew he was angry. It’s not as if she had done anything wrong, at least nothing she could think of. She waited, knowing he would tell her when he was ready to. She felt her face flaming, mainly because when her back was turned to him, Jessie had taken the opportunity to let his fingers grace her exposed back, causing her to jump.

“Lynn, that guy is a piece of work, and he is no good. Remember the fight I had two weeks ago?” He waited for her nod. “Well he is the ass who jumped me… out of the blue and for no reason at all except I was in the same general area that he was in.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Stay away from him Lynne, he is bad news. What the hell were you doing with him out there anyway?”

She felt the burn of anger rise up slowly from her stomach. “Jessie, really? I went out there to get some air and he was there. I didn’t want to talk to him tonight but I didn’t have much choice did I. Besides, maybe you are overreacting just a little.”

Some part of her knew that was going to make it worse. Instead of responding, he simply pulled into her apartment letting her out. No goodbye he spun out and left her standing outside.

“Gee thanks for making sure I got in ok.” She whispered it to herself, hating the way the tears sprang to her eyes.

Jessie

He couldn’t help shake the feeling he had about her. Not his usual type, not even close, but she was still beautiful. Everything about her seemed different, certainly not like any of the women he was attracted to. Perhaps it was the cat and mouse game, or her indifference to him that made him want to see her again. Whatever it was he found it very interesting. Maybe it was the kiss, something he rarely did so spontaneously. The only bad thing in the whole mix was Brad Falcor. He was a sonofabitch who had a squeaky clean demeanor and perfect image on the outside but Jessie knew him differently, he knew of the black hole in his chest he called a heart.

He shook his head doing his best to not focus on him. It would only piss him off, and then he would do something stupid, like go to his house. After the falling out years ago he knew better than to let Brad get under his skin, if for any other reason than to not give him the satisfaction of ruining his career.

She was definitely too good for him. What man would just leave his date alone to fend for themselves anyway? He frowned thinking about how he had learned to avoid that situation entirely by never bringing anyone with him to those events. She had looked a little lost out there, standing alone and something made him want to reach out and pull the pin out of her hair and let it all fall around her.

He sat up with a star. “What the hell is wrong with me?” He spoke it aloud, shaking off whatever path he had been traveling down with that train of thought. She was just a girl, and not one he should be messing with anyway. Not because of any reason other than her boyfriend. He had to wonder just how serious they were though.

The afternoon sped by and he found himself immersed in the strategy for the next game. It was a full time thing, always trying to improve yourself, and always doing your best to keep the fans happy. He had a game with Brad’s team on Friday, and it was a rivalry that was outmatched. It was also his favorite game of the year. Nothing felt better than beating the rival team. They were about evenly matched but his grudge with Brad always pushed him to be on top of his game.

He let his thoughts drift to her again, and he smiled as he flicked the screen on his phone and silently dialed the number for The Times. It only took a little smoozing, but he was sent to her line quickly enough. He smiled when he heard her pick up on the other end.

“Lynn Alexander, how can I help you?” She was obviously busy, he could hear her rustling in the background and the telltale click of a keyboard.

“I’m not sure yet, you are quite a mystery Lynn Alexander.” He said it simply enough but he felt a sense of satisfaction in hearing all activity stopping on the other end.

“Who is this?”

“It’s Jessie, we met the other night… at the party.” He waited, still grinning.

“Oh yes, I see. What can I do for you Mr.… she trailed off?”

He sat up in his chair “Randolph… don’t tell me your memory is going at such a young age Lynn.”

“On the contrary, Mr. Randolph I tend to only remember things that are important. As I said what can I do for you?”

He felt the same discontent from before. She really didn’t like him at all. “I’d like to meet with you. I want to clear the air about me and… your boyfriend.”

He heard her clear her throat. “I really can’t do that Mr. Randolph, I’m afraid.”

There was a hint of something else there, as if she wasn’t being totally honest about her reasons. He never had to push this much before, but he continued on anyway.

“Still, that’s what I’d like to discuss. I’d like to apologize, and explain… please.”

“I have to ask you Mr. Randolph is that the first time you have ever had to say please?” When he didn’t respond right away he could hear a slight tinge of laughter in her voice.

“Well, since you said please and everything, then fine I’ll meet with you. Just tell me when and where.”

In my bed, and now. He wanted to say it, but he knew better. “1 o’clock. I’ll meet you at Tratorio’s. It’s near your office.”

He didn’t wait for a response, instead he hung up, before she found a way to get out of it. Lunch would prove to be an interesting affair after all.

Lynn

What had she done? She glanced down at the phone on her desk and the first stirrings of guilt crept in. Brad would be upset, angry even if he found out she was meeting Jessie Randolph. Truth be told she wasn’t even sure why she was meeting with him, but she had said yes and now she was committed. Eventually curiosity got the best of her, and she did a little research about her lunch date. Sometime later she went through her day, idly writing the latest column and wen the time came she made her way out of the building and across the street to lunch.

She didn’t give a care in the world what he thought of her, and she didn’t take the time to do make -up or anything so she was there, on time and exactly 1. He wasn’t hard to find, his height made him the first things she saw when she walked in. He gave her a smile and a nod, and she maneuvered her way across the room to him. He stood, moving around her to pull out her chair which made her blush.

“You pull out chairs and everything.” She arched a brow at him. “I’m impressed.”

“I may play football for a living, but I am not a Neanderthal.” He gave her a wicked smile as he settled back into his seat.

“We will see.” She retorted back, her blue eyes glittering as they met his.

The waiter came, taking a drink order and she ordered water as usual. She knew better than to look at the menu, she was on a very strict diet of watercress and cucumbers. She would order a side salad no dressing and be careful about dinner. She pushed the menu to the edge of the table, and sat back her eyes focused on Jessie.

He was studying the menu hard, and she had an opportunity to really have a good look at him. He was broader than she remembered, and more than just a little good looking. She watched his hair fall on his face as he flipped page after page. She noticed how he flexed with every move and she hated herself for being attracted to him at all. He looked up at her and gave her a half grin, obviously enjoying the fact that she had been looking at him. Fortunately, the waiter came.

“You two are just adorable. What can I get you two sweethearts for lunch?”

She felt her cheeks burning, and yet he didn’t miss a beat.

“Have you decided sweetheart?” He blinked at her rapidly batting his eyes in her direction.

She cleared her throat. “Garden salad please, no dressing.”

“What about for you honey?” The waiter practically oozed appreciation for Jessie.

“I’ll take the lasagna, and bread. No salad for me though.” He handed the waiter the menu and she felt his eyes on her.

“Ok, I’m here, feel free to share with me whenever you are ready.” She paused as the waiter came back with a basket of bread, placing it directly in front of her. She sighed as she moved it across the table to him.

“So, you don’t eat bread or real food? How do you manage to have enough energy to show such distaste for me?” He smiled at her, which she halfheartedly returned.

“I eat food, thank you, just not like that.” She methodically placed her hands in her lap. Doing her best to avoid eye contact with him, it was more than a little unnerving.

“Well, I have to admit I enjoy your company Lynne, you keep me guessing what you will say next, which I thoroughly enjoy.”

“I am glad I amuse you Mr. Randolph. Now if you would be so kind to tell me what I am doing here?” She was trying not to look at him, or be drawn into his stare.

“How long have you been with Brad?” He was watching her again, and she felt the familiar rush of heat creep into her face.

“That’s none of your business Randolph.” She subconsciously played with the fork to her left.

“True, it’s not, but I want to know what I am up against.” He smiled as the waiter brought their food, and set the spread out before them.

She waited for the waiter to leave, more confused now than ever. She watched him put a thick smear of butter on his bread. She visibly heard her stomach growl. That only made her blush more.

“A year and a half, I don’t understand what you mean.” She set out slicing and dicing her salad adding black pepper and nibbling on it as she waited for his response.

“I think you do, if you think about it.” He never broke stride, eating with gusto and frowning as she ate her salad. “You are killing me sweetheart, here.” He handed her some bread which she eyeballed before taking it from him.

She picked at it, never really taking a bite of it. Bread was always her weakness, and she knew it.

“What do you want from me exactly Randolph, since we are so good and being honest with each other that is?”

“So you want me to be more specific then?” He smiled as she gave him a nod in agreement. “Well that’s easy enough sweetheart. See I want you.” He took a bite of the lasagna on his plate, swallowing it before he went on, never once looking up at her. “I want you naked, and in my bed… I want to run my hands over every inch of you until neither of us can take it anymore and then.” He paused looking into her face, his fork poised. “…and only then, I want to bury myself deep inside you, and not stopping until you beg me to let you hit your peak.”

She felt her body tremble with each word as he went on and on in great detail what he wanted. One thing was certain he wasn’t shy about anything. She also knew he was lying. He carried an air of confidence, but the truth of the matter was she simply didn’t believe him. She took another bite of her salad and moved to grab her jacket. Perhaps he didn’t know when he was being cruel, or mean. She felt her face flaming as she stood to go. Finally, she noticed the frown on his face.

“Where are you going Lynne?” He sat back and crossed his arms as he gave her a once over from head to toe.

“It’s not funny you know? You should be more mindful of what you say to people, especially when it’s hurtful.” She spun around to leave, taking long strides to get to the door, so that she could go back to work.

As she went back into her building she decided to just go how instead, calling her editor quickly, letting him know she was going home sick. Guys like him were always doing that, flirting with the big girl who they thought would fall all over them. She had been the brunt of that joke on more occasions than she could count on one had. T was humiliating, and it hurt. It was difficult enough to be with Brad, always trying to conform to the standards necessary. Sometimes she had to ask herself why he was with her in the first place.

She pulled into their apartment complex, more determined now than ever to lose weight, and fast. She silently cursed herself for eating the stupid bread. She slung her keys on the counter and she kicked off her shoes, throwing them onto the floor. He had a lot of nerve, and it made her even angrier how confidently he had delivered it. It was almost too real. She was still thinking when she heard the knock at her door.

She swung it open and glared at the person standing there.

“What the hell are you doing here Randolph, and how do you even know where I live?” She was furious and wasn’t quite sure what to do with the anger.

He didn’t say a word, but instead he walked in, kicking the door shut behind him. He pulled her to him his lips grinding into hers almost painfully. He kissed her hard and deep, taking her breath away. He pushed her then, until she felt the wall pressing against her back and he moved the length of him against her. She kissed him back, almost feverishly. Something was controlling her actions, she certainly didn’t know what was happening.

He moved back once to smile at her wickedly before his mouth made a decent on hers once more. He was everywhere at once his hands burning her skin as they traveled down her body and caressed her every curve. She heard a low moan in his throat as he nipped at her neck. She felt the air hit her breasts as he opened her shirt, exposing her. The nipples tightened as he ripped off her bra in one fell swoop, his hot mouth eagerly suckling at first one and then the other.

She was lost in the heated daze she was under. His mouth was alive, burning her, and she loved it. She felt his hands cup her breasts in one hand pulling it up closer to his mouth. Finally, she opened her eyes and blinked at him, suddenly regaining her senses. She tensed up, moving and shifting until she had escaped him. She was holding her shirt together and wiping her mouth with her other hand.

“What the hell was that Randolph?” She knew she was blushing, everything in her body was on fire after all.

“I am trying to show you that I was sincere Lynn, I do want you.” He took her hand in his then, pressing it against the rock hard length of him that was obviously excited.

She pulled back then, her body still throbbing from the excitement he had given her. Brad never… Oh God Brad. She felt the guilt roll in in waves. She had lost herself for a moment there, and much more and she would have succumbed to anything Randolph asked her for.

“This.” She gestured between them. “This can’t happen.” She lifted her eyes to his.

“Do you like when I touch you Lynne? I want the truth; don’t lie to me I’ll know.” He moved then just enough to look down at her.

“Yes… I’d be stupid if I said no. It’s just too much at once.” She said her voice wavering slightly.

“Too much? Oh my sweet Lynne I haven’t even gotten started with you.”

“Why are you doing this Randolph? I know I’m not your type, blonde and thin. I don’t understand your angle?” She waited for a response.

“What am I doing what? Try to seduce you? Uh well because I want you Lynne just like I said at the restaurant.” He frowned. “By the way I don’t like blonde and skinny, I prefer my women to have a little meat on their bones sweetheart.” He leaned into the door, and she could tell he meant it.

“I see…” She trailed off still not believing him.

“No you don’t that’s the problem. You don’t see you.” He took her by the hand and spun her around to face her reflection in the mirror.

“You, Lynne, are beautiful.” He stood there his hands moving once more to touch her. She felt a tear slip down her face as he moved back the hair from her face.

She felt something different stir deep down. He was a bad boy, always in trouble with the police. He had been in an altercation a few years back, broke a guy’s nose and been in jail. He was dominating and arrogant but in this moment, right now he was sweet.

His hands moved over her once more. Quietly he stripped her of her clothing, leaving only her panties on, his hands burning a path as he went. She felt his touch and was lost in the moment with him, wanting and waiting for more. He kissed the nape of her neck, his hands both slipping up from behind her to cup a breast in each hand. He gently tugged playfully on her nipples, causing her to feel a sweet ache begin deep down.

His touch was intoxicating as he slowly moved lower and lower until his hand found the juncture of her thighs. He moved his fingers carefully, and agonizingly slowly under her panties until they touched the core of her, causing her to whimper and arch up against his hand.

“That’s it baby, feel me.” He moved, rubbing his hand against the tiny button until she felt her knees start to tremble.

“I can’t.” She whispered. Feeling him move now and turn her around to face him. He kissed her deeply, only pulling away to pull her with him to the bedroom.

She hesitated, looking at him. If she followed him she was opening herself up to being exposed even more. She wanted to believe that he was sincere, that he wouldn’t look at her and make her feel like there was something wrong with her. It had been so long since anyone even noticed who she was, and what she wanted.

He held his hand out to her and she took it, moving with him into the room.

“Get on the bed Lynne, I want you.” He said it with such determination she did as he asked.

She heard his swift intake of air as she crawled across the bed and slowly laid on her back, but up on her elbows. He was standing there, watching her. She felt heat rush through her, and instinctively she pulled the blanket over her to cover her exposed skin. He wouldn’t allow it, quickly grabbing it and throwing it on the floor.

“Don’t ever cover yourself up when you’re with me. I love looking at you.”

She felt her body flush at his words, she watched him as he shed his clothes and moved up the bed to join her. He was fully erect now, and she felt the hardness pressing into her thigh as he moved slowly, kissing and nipping his way up her body.

“Just relax Lynne, I won’t hurt you.”

She felt the warmth of his mouth along her stomach and she shifted, trying to move. He grabbed her hands then in his own, moving once more until he was lying beside her and on one elbow. He put both of her hands under his left arm, leaving her pinned down but his right hand free. His face was inches from hers, his eyes intently watching her face as he let his fingers travel over her. She couldn’t move, part of her began to panic but as he slipped his finger into her wet heat, she felt her body relax into his ministrations.

He moved slowly at first, rubbing lightly along the lining, and soon they created a rhythm. As he worked her tiny bud she arched up against his hand seeking more, much more.

“That’s good isn’t it baby?” He whispered it into her ear as her breath came in short gasps now.

She glanced up then, her eyes meeting his as she climbed higher and higher still, her cries loud and intense as she crested that peak. His mouth found her immediately, kissing her moans, yet never stopping the movement of his hands. When she was spent he seemed to move into action once more. He moved above her then, straddling her.

Jessie

The sounds were intense, she was on fire and he wanted nothing more than to push himself inside her until he exploded. He was still moving when she hit her moment, loud, her hips bucking wildly on the bed. It was more than he could take and he wanted her, and now.

He moved above her feeling her thick silky thighs in both of his hands. He looked down at her once, her dark hair spilling around her head and he thrust into her full force. The way she felt was almost too much. She was all heat and he was lost in her. He moved slowly at first, a little at a time, working to get his full length inside her. She moaned loudly under him, arching up to meet him - thrust for thrust and they moved together, in unison.

He felt her quicken, her movements more frantic as he moved faster and faster. He looked at her face, watching her eyes light up as they focused on him. She whimpered loudly as he moved and he knew she was reaching that point once more. As she cried out it pushed him over the edge and gave one final thrust, deep inside her.

They both lay there, lost in their own thoughts. He knew he had crossed a line, had gone too far but she had been so beautiful standing there, vulnerable to him, and he had wanted her with an intensity he had never felt. He felt panic set in, and confusion. He was out of his element with her, and he hadn’t thought much about how things would be after he had been with her. Sure, Brad would want to kill him but there was nothing new there.

He thought about Brad, and what he would likely do if she told him. Just thinking about it made his blood turn to ice in his veins. If he so much as hurt a hair on her head, he would answer to him. He sat up, turning to look down at her now, a blanket pulled up to her chin. He smiled at her.

“You are adorable.” He smiled as he redressed, putting himself back together once more. He was in a new situation with her. He cared about her feelings and didn’t want to leave her uncomfortably.

He turned around to see her dressed as well, having slipped into a nightgown that barely covered her breasts that were threatening to spill out of it. His body responded on its own, and he was surprised to see what an effect she had on him, even now. Usually he was a one-time kind of guy, but no – not with her.

“I don’t know how to do this Jessie, I’ve never… I mean Brad… I am just confused I guess.” She padded her way back into the other room.

He raked a hand through his hair. “Well you enjoyed it, didn’t you? I mean it certainly sounded like it.” He couldn’t help but smile as she blushed. He moved to kiss her, and it was the most natural thing in the world to him.

“Don’t worry Jessie, I’m not stupid I don’t think you’re going to fall in love with me or anything. It’s fine.” She led him to the door he had surprised her in only a short time before.

He relaxed with her words, thankful that he hadn’t gone too far. It was best they leave the situation alone.

Lynne

It had been two months. Two. She chewed on her thumb nail as she paced the floor terrified. Everything had been perfect the first time, and then she had vowed to stay away from Jessie Randolph altogether. The truth was neither of them stood a chance. They met for lunch, and made love regularly, something neither of them talked about, but yet it never stopped. For hours they talked and laughed about everything and she found herself feeling more for him than she should.

Now everything was falling apart, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Brad, who she now realized never gave much thought to her in the first place, knew something wasn’t right and she had finally decided to end it with him. That, and the other situation she had going on. She was frozen to the spot but ready to answer when he came into the room to face her once more.

“Tell me Lynne, what do you have going on that could possibly make you walk away from me, and hurry up I have to get in there.” He gave her a half glance as she decided to put it off once more. The banquet room was quickly filling up with people, and she knew that she would fare better later.

“Later, for now go enjoy the event.” She waited for a response from him, but instead he left her standing there as always.

She sighed, gently running a hand over her stomach. Everything was different now, and she needed to think about more than just herself. She knew Brad wouldn’t miss her, he was always gone now with new friends and she didn’t quite ever get invited. She pushed through the heavy curtain and made her way towards the table reserved for them. She saw him then, standing along the far wall.

He watched her, and she loved it. If she were honest she would go so far as to say that she loved him. Even now he was surrounded by two beautiful women, much like Brad in the other room. She did her best to lift her chin up, avoiding him entirely. He would miss her probably at first, but then he would replace her with someone better, more suited for him. Someone he could bring to these events and be proud of.

She felt the pain of it all at once, the neglect from Brad, and the beauty of what she had with Jessie. The commonality was the same between them, neither wanting to give an inch of the real world up for her. She knew it was time to go, once and for all. She stood then, glancing at him once so that she could remember the way he looked at her. She smiled and turned to leave.

Everything happened at once then. She walked along the long hall towards the front of the building and yet she felt him there before he even said a word. She knew he wanted to ask her why she had been avoiding him, and why she never made time for him anymore.

Turning she faced him, his gaze looking at her intently. “What are you doing Lynne, and don’t give me some BS story because I’ll know it, I always know it?”

“I ended it with Brad, and I am leaving. It’s for the best for all of us.” She touched her hand to his face, taking him in all at once.

He pulled her to him, kissing her deeply. “No you’re not. I’ve been trying to get you to face this between us and now you are running from me.”

“Really Lynne… so you are cheating on me with this piece of shit?” Brad moved down the stairs to grab her arm, yanking on her fiercely.

“Brad let me go.” She tried to pull back but he held her tight.

“Let me guess Jessie, you saw her and thought it was as good an opportunity as any to get back at me huh?” Brad pulled her closer to him.

“Listen Brad, I’m only going to tell you this once and once only. You let her go your sonofabitch, and I mean now.”

She noticed the deadly calm that surrounded him and she knew he meant it.

“Or what Jessie, you can’t do a damn thing and you know it. You touch me and that’s your career right down the drain.”

She frowned looking at Jessie.

“I don’t give two shits about that Brad, what I care about is Lynne.” She felt her heart swell.

“Hmm so this has nothing to do with Rachel does it?” She looked at Brad who sneered at her. “Yes sweetheart see I stole a girl away from Jessie once, and he vowed he would take one from me. So I hope you didn’t place any high hopes in your love life with him.” Brad laughed.

She felt her heart breaking in little pieces when she looked at Jessie and saw his crestfallen look. “Once I did say that, but it was a long time ago, and long before you.” He spoke directly to her.

Brad gripped her tighter. Looking down on her as she smiled at Jessie. She felt the sting of his hand as he slapped her hard. Her knees hit the floor with such force she felt the wind being knocked out of her. She knew Jessie would go for him now, just like he wanted.

“Jessie don’t.” She stopped him before he could move. “He’s not worth it Jessie let it go.”

“Tell her the rest of it Brad, tell her why.” She noticed the white knuckles Jessie had clenched at his side.

Brad laughed loudly. “Same bitch different day. She was good for a ride; unlike the dead fish I get with you.” He gestured towards her. “You know I don’t get it anyway Jessie. I see you leave every field party and every even with a new girl on your arm. All of which are way better looking than her. What gives, why did you come back for more?”

Jessie let his hands relax and Lynne finally stood once more, wiping a slight trickle of blood from the corners of her mouth.

“It doesn’t matter Jessie, don’t give up your career for this.” She moved to walk towards him but Brad pulled her back once more.

“Brad stop… listen to me ok.” She was scared and yet she had to calm the situation down. She had no choice… “Listen, if you like your career you need to let me go, let me go from here and let me go out of your life. If you hurt one hair on my head, I am going to the campus and telling everyone who will listen to the fact that you beat up a pregnant lady.”

Both men stopped in their tracks, neither wanting to move. “Well the bastard isn’t mine, I haven’t touched her in months.” Brad let her go then and she moved away from him.

Jessie was still looking at her, surprise on his face. She knew he had a lot of questions, most of which she would answer later.

“You know what Jessie; you can have her. She can never quite seem to get herself together. No matter what I do she won’t lose weight or give a shit about me.” He started to leave.

“You were lucky to have me Brad.” She didn’t turn or say another word instead she left into the night to find her car.

The police were there suddenly, easily placing the blame on Jessie. They cuffed him, and took him. Throwing him into a car as he was violently cursing about everything under the sun. She knew he had done nothing wrong, and he would be out in no time.

“Lynne, go make sure everything is fine.” He glanced down at her stomach and back up to meet her eyes. She never responded, she had chance to as they started asking her questions. It was the least she could do for him. She looked over, not surprised to see Brad laughing with one of the officers.

For now, she just wanted to go home. She moved shakily taking a step away from him, and closer to her car… and freedom.

Jessie

He was in a damn cop car. Of all places he had vowed to never find himself back in one of those. He kicked at the seat in front of him, furious. She was pregnant, and he knew it was his. They had spent too much time… He swore under his breath. Somewhere along the way he had fallen in love with her, and he had been a coward to never tell her before now. He had stood there while she sat alone and that alone killed him. He had learned more about himself over the last two months than he had in a lifetime of partying and vengeance.

He spoke to the judge, biding his time until he could go. He knew she would likely leave and he would then be forced to follow her until he figured out where she had gone. If he could just see her he could tell her how he really felt.

When the morning finally came he was out of the building like a light. He slipped into the cab that was waiting for him and went straight to her apartment. He knew she was gone, he felt it before he even knocked but he had to try. She was gone, and with her was his son or daughter. He sighed, he had resources, he had more money than he knew what to do with after all. He would find her just as soon as she settled somewhere. He hated the idea of her being alone, especially when she could be there with him.

Slowly he made his way down the apartment stairs. He wanted to make things right, he wanted her! He realized he had no car and would need to call for one, but for the moment he wanted to walk, to clear his head. He rounded the corner of the small strip mall by her complex. He never really paid much attention to what was there, always passing it by as he’d made his way to her. He looked up and smiled as he passed a bakery. She loved bread, and he hated how she starved herself in the beginning. He loved her now, healthy and beautiful.

He heard the tinkle of laughter in the store. He followed it, hoping to make what he wanted a reality. He saw her there, laughing nervously as the man behind the counter turned over a chunk to her. She was so beautiful it almost hurt him to look at her. He waited, knowing she would come out soon. When she did he watched her pause, waiting for him to say something.

“Wait… before you say anything please let me explain.” He jumped in first.

“Rachel was my friend; a neighbor I grew up with. Brad dated her for a year or so and when he was done he hurt her, badly. She never would tell me what he did but she was horribly depressed after that. I beat the shit out of him for hurting her that way and I did vow to take a girl from him. But the truth is I’ve done that 100’s of times. You are different, and you have been from the moment we first had lunch. I love you Lynne, I have for a long time and I want you to stay… to be with me and let me love you.”

She waited as he spoke and he noticed the tears flowing freely down her face.

“I’m so emotional all the time.” She wailed, but she nodded at him nonetheless and he wrapped her up in his arms.

“You make me a better person Lynne, you make me want to fix the past and focus on the future.” He whispered against her hair.

“I love you Jessie, and I want to be with you too but there I one problem.” She gazed up into his handsome face.

“What’s that?” He frowned.

“I’m going to eat a lot of bread with this pregnancy.” She smiled and he laughed loudly before pressing his lips against hers once more.

CARRYING HIS BABY

“This story isn't right for me,” I told my editor, propping a hand on my hip. “I'm not a sports writer!”

“This isn't a sports story,” Jim said. He sat behind his desk, looking rumpled, his tie half-undone and his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. “It's finance.”

“The guy's a football player!” I threw up my hands, frustrated at being stuck with this crap assignment. I reported on the events taking place on Wall Street, on the financial heights and pitfalls that shook our very economy. I had no interest in interviewing some smug sports player who probably thought he was the best thing ever to grace the face of the earth. Sports players acted like they were gifted, as if God would take the time to make sure they scored the big points at the end of a playoff game and lead them to victory, instead of worrying about the pain and suffering going on in the world. I couldn't see the point of sports, and I didn't want to waste my time, or my column with The Dawson Post, with a story about some athlete I'd never even heard of before today.

“He's also a billionaire,” Jim said. He picked up a page from the open file folder in front of him and skimmed the notes on it. “Not only is he one of the highest paid players out there, he's apparently also a genius when it comes to investing. Played football for Columbia University while studying financial economics. His bio says he was originally going to go into banking, but he was good enough at the game to get drafted. He makes millions per year now as a quarterback and he's invested a bunch of that in risky startup companies that became huge hits on Wall Street. And he just got traded, got a huge signing bonus, put the bonus into the market, and the payoff raised his net worth to over one billion.”

He put down the paper and looked up at me. “I want you to interview him for the finance page. Find out his secrets. Ask him what tips he can offer our readers on investing strategies. That sort of thing.”

I folded my arms under my generous breasts, frowning at Jim. “I don't need to ask him a bunch of fluff questions about winning the Superbowl?”

“Jane, I told you,” Jim said, rising from behind his desk and walking around it to face me. “This isn't a sports story. Hal Masterson has been interviewed a thousand times over the course of his career by every sports page in the industry. But no one,” he shook a finger in my face, “has ever done a story on him for finance. It'll be a hit. Trust me on this one.”

I sighed and lowered my arms to my sides. Jim had his heels dug in on this one, and it seemed like I didn't have much choice in the matter. Though at least, I figured, I could make an interesting story out of it, as long as Hal didn't spend the entire time talking about football.

Jim handed me the folder and I left, heading down the hall to my office. I wasn't happy about being stuck with the Hal Masterson story, but I figured I might as well get it over with as soon as possible. Then I could get back to reporting the real financial news, writing stories about the changing shape of the American economy and making predictions about upcoming shifts in employment trends. The types of stories I'd studied and worked hard at for years to make a name for myself with this paper.

I spent the next few hours in my office, doing research and making phone calls. I always believe in being thorough in my work, so I researched all the major news on Masterson, going back ten years to the day he was first draft pick out of college, on through his rise as a major sports star, and up to the more recent news about his financial windfalls. Jim had been right about one thing: there was really no financial news on Masterson. There were some reports listing him among the top ten highest paid athletes in the NFL, with a few mentions here and there about his investments and the money he'd made on Wall Street. But all the reports were written by sports page reporters, who focused on his skills at the game, and only mentioned his wealth as a side note.

Once I had enough information to begin building a foundation for my story, I picked up the phone and called the PR office for Masterson's team. When someone answered I put on my most professional tone and said, “Hello, this is Jane Edison with The Dawson Post's Finance and Economics page. I'd like to set up an interview with one of your players, Hal Masterson.”

“Did you say finance and economics?” the woman asked me. Her tone sounded like she was as doubtful about this story as I was.

“That's right,” I said. “We'd like to do a profile on Mr. Masterson, in light of his recent financial success. Talk to him about his investment strategies, how he managed so much success, that sort of thing.”

“Hold on a moment.” The woman set the phone down, though I could hear muted voices coming through the line, as if she were whispering with someone nearby. After a minute she picked up the phone again and said, “I'm sorry, Ms. Edison, but I'm afraid the finance pages aren't really the sort of publicity we're looking for.”

“But—”

“I'm sorry,” she said again, cutting me off. “Thank you for your interest. Have a nice day.”

She hung up on me and I sat there, staring at my phone, a scowl forming on my lips. I didn't want to do this stupid story anyway, but I wasn't about to let this woman just dismiss me like that. I was going to find a way to talk to Masterson, no matter what it took.

I thought about how to proceed. I had some colleagues who had done crazy things to get interviews with sports stars, from stalking them at their homes to sneaking into the locker room after a game, pretending to be a towel boy. That sort of thing wasn't quite my style, however. I needed to approach this from the same angle I was approaching my story: the finance angle.

I smirked as the idea came to me. I looked through my notes until I found the name of one of the companies Masterson had invested in. He had a large number of shares in a company called Jonas General Merchandise Suppliers. GMS had started as a small, family-owned business before their smart online practices and their innovative marketing campaign, which blended social media, video advertising, and traditional marketing strategies, had launched them into a nationwide powerhouse. According to my research, Masterson had first invested in them because he had gone to school with one of the Jonas kids, who now, ten years later, sat on the executive board of their company. There was a connection that I could exploit in order to get my interview.

I located a phone number for Jonas GMS and told their PR representative that I wanted to do a story on their company's rise from a family business to a major corporation. They were only too eager to agree. I jotted down all of the details in my notebook and made the arrangements, then thanked them and hung up the phone.

I looked at the appointment notes and grinned. I'd be able to get a real financial story for my pages by interviewing someone from GMS, and at the same time I'd have the chance to milk them for a connection to Masterson. It was like getting two stories for the price of one.

* * *

My interview with Brett Jonas went smooth as can be. I got all kinds of information about their business, how they got started, and what they had done to grow into such a successful corporation. Masterson's investment had been a big part of their growth; he had dumped millions into the company with the money he'd made playing football, and they had used that money to expand the company and grow to new heights. It hadn't been tough to get Brett talking about Masterson and his role as an investor. Towards the end of the interview, I subtly slipped in the question that had been my real reason for coming here.

“So I know Hal Masterson is a big football star and all, but you say he's still involved with the company?”

“Yes,” Brett said. She was a pleasant woman, with long brown hair and a bit of baby fat still showing around her cheeks. “He's one of our primary shareholders. He doesn't get directly involved in things, of course. But he still has votes at shareholder meetings.”

“Do you think he'd be interested in speaking with me?” I asked, trying to keep myself from smiling too much and giving away my little game. “What with his sports fame and all, a few quotes from him about your company could be a nice way to draw in more readers. Make sure the story gets the attention it deserves.”

“Oh, that sounds like a great idea!” Brett said.

We chatted a bit longer, and Brett promised to contact Masterson personally and ask him to do the interview. I gave her my card and she told me she'd give Hal my number.

Now all I had to do was wait.

A few days later, Hal called me. As soon as I answered the phone, I could tell this guy was too full of himself.

“So,” he said after we made our greetings, “Brett tells me you'd like to do a story about me?”

“Actually,” I said, “the story is about Jonas GMS. But I think your input would be invaluable, considering your history of involvement with the company.” That was a lie, of course. I needed the interview with Hal himself in order to satisfy my editor. But I figured it would be easier to get the information I needed if I played it cool and pretended that Hal wasn't my real goal.

“Ahh,” he said. “Well, that's nice. Brett's a good friend. We were almost a little more than friends, if you know what I mean.”

I rolled my eyes, glad he couldn't see the disgusted look on my face. He was probably the sort of man who always had women fawning all over him. He no doubt thought he was God's gift and that he could get any woman he wanted. Not that I expected him to be interested in a girl like me. He probably dated supermodels. I was a big girl, and while I was comfortable with my weight and confident that I could be both big and sexy at the same time, I knew that some superficial types of men couldn't see past a girl's waistline and realize what a catch she was. My ex certainly hadn't been able to.

“Is this something we can do over the phone?” Hal asked.

“Actually, I'd prefer to meet in person.” Meeting in person meant I could corner Hal into answering whatever questions I needed without him being able to simply hang up on me. And I wasn't planning on being nice in my interview or catering to his stardom.

“Maybe we can do it over dinner?” he offered. “I know a quiet place where we can meet. Nice and private.”

I rolled my eyes. Was this guy really trying to turn our interview into a date?

“I'd prefer a more professional setting,” I told him.

“All right,” he said. “We're playing in Philly next week. We can meet at the hotel, in one of the conference rooms. How's that sound?”

“That sounds perfect.”

We ironed out the details and arranged a time to meet. I'd have the next week to keep digging up whatever I could on Hal Masterson. If there had ever been any dirty dealings or insider trading going on in his past, I planned to find out about it. I doubted that a football player could have become a billionaire without breaking some kind of rules, and if there was any kind of scandal to be uncovered, it would make this story more worthwhile. I just had to do my homework and dig up whatever dirt I could find.

* * *

I arrived at the hotel bundled up in the heaviest coat I owned, a thick scarf wrapped around my face. The snow had started early that morning, and the roads were already slick by the time I pulled into the parking garage. I was hoping that the bridges wouldn't be closed before I finished with the interview. If they closed both the Ben Franklin and the Walt Whitman, I'd be stuck in the city overnight.

I took the elevator up to the ground floor and spoke to someone behind the front desk. They sent me to the conference room Hal had reserved for us. It was big enough to hold a board meeting in, with a long wooden table surrounded by more than a dozen chairs. Far more than we needed for the interview, but it would do.

Hal kept me waiting almost half an hour before he showed up. Apparently big football stars didn't have to worry about being on time. He strolled in like he had all the time in the world, hands in his pockets, a bit of a swagger to his step. He was wearing a silk shirt and pants that had probably cost more money than I made in a week. The sleeves were rolled up, revealing a few tribal tattoos on his arms. I'd never seen a billionaire with tattoos before. It made me wonder if Bill Gates had any.

“Jane?” he asked, extending his hand. I shook it, noticing he had a very strong grip. That wasn't a surprise, considering what he did for a living. “Glad you could make it. Sorry to keep you waiting. If I'd known I had such a lovely lady waiting for me, I would have hurried down here sooner.”

I ignored his flirting. I was here for business, not to get hit on. “Can we get started?” I asked. I sat at one end of the table, with my notebook in front of me and an audio recorder sitting between us. “This won't take long at all. I just want to get some details about your investments, what led you to your financial decisions, that sort of thing.”

He sat down and propped his feet up on the table, crossing one ankle over the other. “Nobody ever asks me questions about money,” he said. “Usually reporters want to know what sort of thing was going through my mind when I threw the touchdown pass that won us the Superbowl last year.”

“I'm not that sort of reporter.”

“I can tell,” he said. He eyed me up and down, his gaze lingering on my large, firm breasts. “You're far sexier than the last reporter I talked to.”

My face heated up, but I tried my best to ignore the feeling. “What can you tell me about your involvement with GMS?”

“Eh, that's nothing too interesting,” he said, still running his eyes all over my body. I had generous curves, and his gaze was caressing every one of them. “I went to school with Brett. When I got my first signing bonus, I invested it in her family business. The better they did, the more money they made me.” He shrugged, acting like it was no big deal.

“And your other investments?” I asked, consulting my notes. “You've made quite a few smart choices over the years, usually bringing in many times what you invested in a company? What's your secret? Insider tips?”

He lowered his feet off the table and leaned towards me, a devious grin on his face. “You want to know my real secret?” he asked.

I held my pen at the ready. “Yes?”

He glanced over his shoulder, as if worried someone might walk in and overhear us. I licked my lips, waiting for him to reveal some kind of juicy dirt, something I could use to really put a twist on this story.

He leaned closer and met my eyes. “I let the game decide.”

I sat there, pen clutched between my fingers, and stared at him. “The game?”

He grinned and nodded. “Depends what the score is. Like, say we play against the Eagles and the score is 21 to 14. I check my stock app,” he pulled out his smartphone and held it up, “then scroll down to number 35 on the list, and I invest in that.”

I stared at him a moment longer. I set down my pen. “That...that's it?”

He shrugged. “That's it. Oh, unless it's a tie, then I add the scores together and double it. For good luck, right?”

I sighed. This story was turning out to be a bigger waste of time than I'd thought it would be. “Mr. Masterson, if you don't have any kind of investment advice to share with our readers...”

“Listen, babe.” He got up and sat on the table right in front of me, one leg dangling over the edge. He leaned in close, close enough that I could smell his expensive cologne. It was a strong, exotic scent, mixed with his natural, manly musk. “Stocks are a gamble, right? Any of them could go up or down at any time. It's like going to the casino. You pick a number on the roulette wheel, you hope to get lucky. The way you play smart is to hedge your bets, cover as many bases as you can, and wait until you hit big. I invest in dozens of companies every year. It's not completely random. The ones that do poorly, I pull out as soon as I see it was a bad investment. The ones that do well, I stick with as long as they're making me money. But there's so many stocks out there, and I could analyze them all day long and still end up with a crapshoot at the end of the day. So I have a little fun with it. And it works.”

Hal wasn't giving me anything I could use. Not for a serious news story. I spent some time asking him some more questions about the firms he'd invested in, trying to dig deeper and find some big secret, something I could turn into a major twist. He brushed off most of my questions and gave me useless half-answers. He was friendly enough, sure, but at the end of the day he was better suited to be interviewed by a sports reporter, rather than by someone like me.

Towards the end of the interview he flashed me a smile and asked, “Listen, babe, how about we quit with the business talk and go have a few drinks? My treat.”

“I'm sorry, Mr. Masterson,” I said, gathering my notes. “I really should get going before the storm gets any worse.”

He frowned, looking genuinely disappointed. “You sure I can't change your mind? No sense rushing out into the cold. Not when we can stay here, relax, get to know each other a bit. You seem like a real sweet girl. Not at all like the kind that usually hangs around me.”

He scratched the back of his head and looked down at his feet. If I hadn't known better, I might have thought he was being bashful. Imagine that. A bashful billionaire.

“What kind of girl usually hangs around you?” I asked as I stuffed my notebook and folders into my briefcase.

“Ditzy types,” he said, shrugging. “Brainless sorts that can't hold a conversation. You seem like you're above that sort of thing. Like you know your stuff.”

“I definitely do, Mr. Masterson.”

“Call me Hal.”

He reached out and took my hands in his. His palms were rough, but his grip was gentle, yet strong. The sort of hands that could hold a girl all night long. I swallowed a lump in my throat.

“Just one drink?” he asked.

“I really can't,” I said. This meeting was starting to cross the line from business into something personal, and I didn't want to get personal with Hal Masterson. He was an attractive man, sure, and he was very flattering. But even if I wanted to, this would be a bad time for me to get involved with a man. My last relationship had ended in a whirlwind of fighting, infidelity, and crushed feelings. I still remembered the day I stuffed my ex-boyfriend's clothes and everything else he owned into garbage bags and tossed it out of the apartment window. When he tried to come inside to explain, ready to feed me lies about how the girl he'd cheated with “didn't mean anything,” I'd refused to let him inside. The police had eventually had to come and settle things. Since then, I'd avoided any kind of dating life, instead throwing myself into my work. Sometimes I didn't want to admit it, but my work was all I had anymore. Which is why I'd been so upset when Jim thrust this assignment onto me.

Hal sighed. He gave my hands a gentle squeeze. “All right,” he said. “If you can't. But I want you to know that you're breaking my poor heart.”

I snorted and shook my head. He was trying to play the wounded puppy routine, and I wasn't having any of it. Though the disappointment in his eyes was genuine.

“Maybe another time,” I said.

I finished gathering my things and headed for the lobby. It wasn't until I got there that I saw the blizzard outside had picked up to blinding levels. The snow was piling up so fast that the doors to the hotel were blocked.

A member of the hotel staff stood near the doors. He spread his hands when I approached and said, “I'm sorry, ma'am, but the city has declared a state of emergency. The roads are closed. You're going to have to return to your room. The hotel will give you a discount off your bill for being stuck here an extra night, but there's nothing we can do.”

I stared outside, trying to figure out what to do. “I don't even have a room here,” I said. “I was just here for a meeting.”

“Oh, I'm so sorry,” the man said. “I wish there was something I could do. I'm afraid we're completely booked up.”

“Great.” I huffed and turned away. Not only was I stuck here, but it seemed like I might end up trapped overnight with no place to sleep.

I found Hal in the lobby, checking on the weather. He saw me and hurried over. “Jane, hey.” He touched my arm, his touch gentle against my soft skin. “I just heard they closed the roads. Are you going to be okay?”

“Well, I'm stuck here,” I said, sighing. “I don't know what I'm going to do.”

“I'm sure I can help out,” he said. “I'll pay for your room. It's my fault you got stuck here, really, since I asked you to meet here for the interview.”

“The hotel is all booked,” I said.

“Ahh.” He scratched the back of his head. “Well, we'll figure something out. Hey, how about that drink? Looks like now you could really use it.”

I thought about it for a second, but it seemed like I wasn't going anywhere. “Yeah,” I said. “I suppose so.”

We headed to the hotel bar. It was a fancy place, with gold trim on all the fixtures and silk tablecloths on every table. We got a table near the back and Hal ordered us a couple of drinks, billed to his room.

When the drinks arrived he raised his glass, looking me up and down. “To...new friends.”

“To new friends,” I agreed, raising my glass. I took a sip and let the smooth burn soothe my worries. I glanced at Hal out of the corner of my eye. He was still eyeing me in a way that made me think he had something more than friendship in mind.

“So, Jane,” he said, “what does a girl like you do when you're not writing about the exciting world of national finance?”

I had to stop and think about the question for a moment. “Not much, actually,” I said. “I haven't had much of a social life for a while now.”

“Too busy with work?”

“Maybe.” I shrugged. I didn't want to admit the truth, that I was too afraid to put myself back out there. The mistakes of my past relationship kept playing in my mind. It made it hard to socialize. It didn't help that all of my friends were single and they always wanted to go out to bars and clubs, hoping to pick up guys. I barely spent time with them these days because I didn't want to be part of that scene anymore.

“You need to get out more,” Hal said. “A woman as bold and strong as you could go out there and rock someone's world. I know you could rock mine.”

I glanced at him over the rim of my glass. He had this cute little smile, full of confidence, but in a quiet sort of way. “You think I'm bold?” I asked.

“You certainly didn't pull your punches in the interview.” He smirked, then took another sip of his drink. “It's not often I meet a woman who knows how to carry herself so well. You look like someone who takes whatever assets you have and makes the very best use of them.”

He looked down at my “assets” and my face heated up. I'd worn a low-cut shirt to show off my generous cleavage. Being a big girl meant I had some very generous blessings in that department, and I wasn't afraid to use that to my advantage. When men were attracted to me, it made it easier to get them to talk during an interview.

“You're a charmer,” I said. “But I'm afraid you're barking up the wrong tree, Hal Masterson.”

“Why's that?” he asked, grinning as if it were a challenge. “You afraid I can't handle you?”

“You think you can?”

“Well,” he eyed me from head to toe, and he looked like he liked what he saw, “you're definitely a whole lot of woman. I like that. Real women are supposed to have curves. The kind a man can hold onto all night long.”

I lowered my eyes and swallowed hard. The images Hal was bringing to mind were certainly compelling. And he was certainly a nice-looking, healthy man. But I couldn't let myself consider such things. “I'm not looking to get involved with anyone right now.”

He sighed. A pout formed on his cute mouth. “That is a real shame, Jane. A real shame.”

We had a few more drinks. Hal eased off on the flirting a bit, but just a bit. I could tell that I had his attention, and under different circumstances, I would have enjoyed that. But aside from my personal baggage, there was the simple fact that he was the subject of a story, someone I had interviewed and planned to write frankly about. I made it a point never to get too close to the people I wrote about. His feelings could end up being hurt, since the article I had in mind was none too flattering. It wouldn't do to get too close to him, only to have it all crash and burn because of my writing.

After we chatted for a while and had dinner, it was starting to get late. I still didn't know where I was going to be spending the night. When we left the bar, Hal stopped in the hall and shoved his hands in his pockets. “So, Jane,” he said. “You need a place to stay tonight, right?”

I looked across the lobby. The snow had piled up even higher. There was no way of getting home tonight. I supposed that I could try walking to another hotel, but trudging through knee-deep snow at this time of night didn't seem like a very smart idea.

“Listen,” he said. “You can stay in my room.” When I opened my mouth to protest, he held up a hand. “No funny business. I mean, I'd be all over you if you were willing. You're one fine woman, and I'd consider myself lucky to spend the night with you. But what you need is a place to sleep, and I've got a room. You can have the bed. I'll have the hotel staff send up a rollaway mattress for me to sleep on.”

“You don't have to do that, Hal.”

“Yes,” he said, “I do. What kind of guy would I be if I left a lady out in the cold?”

His smile was genuine. He'd turned off the flirtation and the charm, and he was simply offering me a place to stay for the night. I couldn't help but smile.

“All right, Mr. Masterson,” I said. “You've got yourself a deal.”

We went up to the room. Hal let me use the shower first, while he spoke to the hotel staff about getting a rollaway mattress and some extra pillows, towels, and bathrobes. I found all the amenities I needed: little travel-size containers of shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and so on. I decided to treat the night like a little vacation. It was a hell of a nice hotel, and the room had a king size bed, a mini-bar, and a huge flat-screen TV.

Once I was cleaned up, I checked the TV for news about the storm, while Hal took his turn in the shower. It looked like everything would be cleared up by morning, which was good. I didn't want to be stuck here any longer than I had to, no matter how nice it was.

“Thanks again, Hal,” I said as I settled in for the night. “I really appreciate this.”

“No problem at all,” he said. “It's the least I can do for a lady, especially one as sweet and lovely as yourself.”

I turned off the light and lay in the bed, staring at the ceiling in the darkness. I half-expected Hal to come over and try to put the moves on me, but he didn't. He was a perfect gentleman. He deserved a lot more credit than I'd given him, it seemed.

Hal filled my dreams that night. In my dreams, he wasn't a gentleman at all. He was rough and assertive, the way I liked it, taking me to his bed and giving me what I needed. My body grew warm and I writhed beneath the sheets, feeling his dream kisses as if they were real. In that place halfway between sleep and wakefulness, I heard myself moan, and a distant part of me wondered if Hal had heard. A deeper part of me wanted him to.

I woke in a sweat in the early hours before dawn, filled with need. Hal lay sleeping on the rollaway mattress across the room. I rose from the bed and walked over to him, looking down at him. The sheets hung halfway off of him. He wore only a pair of silk pajama bottoms. His bare chest was covered in hard muscles, and with his shirt off I saw that his tattoos extended across his torso as well.

I reached out and touched them, sliding my fingers across the tribal designs. He stirred softly, letting out a soft moan in his sleep. My fingers kept moving, tracing across his muscles, feeling the warmth of his skin. I knew that this was a bad idea. We had a working relationship, and I wasn't in a place in my life to be ready for romance. But in that moment, I didn't care.

I pulled down the sheets and slipped my hand into his pajama pants. He gasped in his sleep, but he didn't stay asleep for long. “Jane?” he whispered as he woke to my tender touches.

“Shh, baby,” I whispered back, climbing on top of him. “I know you wanted this.”

“God yes,” he said. “But...are you sure?”

I stroked him to show him just how sure I was. He reached up and touched me, his hands sliding over my curves. He slipped his hands under my shirt, then pulled it off. “So soft,” he whispered, leaning up to bury his face between my breasts. “Soft and warm, just like a woman should be.”

“You want to feel the way a real woman feels?” I asked.

“Oh yes.”

I could tell just how much he wanted it, and I was ready to give it to him. I slid him inside of me and he gasped, grabbing my ample hips. He gently guided my movements as I rode him, taking my time, enjoying every moment of it. We melded into one another, his firm hands gripping my buttocks, his lips seeking my neck, my breasts. The rollaway mattress squeaked beneath us, shifting with our movements as they became more frantic and energetic. Then he grabbed my hips tight and gasped as climax overcame him

We moved to the bed for a second round, then fell asleep in each other's arms. I drifted off to sleep, thinking that this little “vacation” was turning out pretty damn good after all.

* * *

In the morning I was up and getting dressed before Hal had even woken. When he woke up, he sat up in the bed and looked me over. A blissful grin was on his lips, as he was no doubt reliving our experiences from the night before. “Good morning, beautiful,” he said.

I didn't look at him. “Good morning.”

“In a rush to head out?” he asked, the grin fading from his lips. He got up and went over to the window, peeking out through the curtains to look at the street below. “Looks like they've plowed. You won't have to worry about being stuck here. But I'd like it if you'd stay for breakfast.”

“I really can't,” I said.

He stepped over to me and put his arms around me, then kissed my shoulder. “Why not?”

“Because this was a mistake.”

He pulled away, a hurt look on his face. “What? Why?”

“Because,” I said. I huffed and searched for my jacket. “Because of who you are. Because I'm not in a good place right now. I...”

I looked up at him. My heart ached at the pain in his eyes. I reached up and caressed his cheek. “It was nice, Hal. It really was. But we have different lives, from different worlds.”

“That doesn't mean...”

“Yes, it does,” I said. “I'm sorry, Hal.”

I gathered my things and hurried out the door before he could try to change my mind. I didn't want to regret what we'd done. It had been a wonderful experience. But now, in the light of day, I had to remember all of the reasons that it had been a bad idea. I had a life to get back to, and it was a life that this billionaire football player had no place in.

I went back home, my car trudging through the snowy roads amidst all the backed-up traffic. Plows passed by me here and there, and the main roads were mostly clear, but a lot of local roads were still covered in a few inches of slush. When I finally got over the bridge and back home, my back was sore from being in the car for so long. Though the workout I'd gotten the night before might have been a contributing factor.

I spent the next few days working from home, typing up both the Jonas GMS story and the separate story on Hal Masterson. I obviously left out any details of what had happened between Hal and I, focusing purely on the financial aspects. I was none too flattering. My story painted Hal as a lucky man who'd stumbled into his fortune, making his millions off the hard-working backs of people like Brett Jonas. I gave him credit where credit was due: his investments had surely helped the Jonas Corporation to grow, and without the money they would never have achieved the success that they had. But Brett Jonas and her family had done the hard work, and Hal had simply gotten rich off of it.

Which was not to mention how overpaid Hal was as an NFL quarterback. I ripped right into the economics of sports player salaries and how ridiculous it was that fans were charged ridiculous prices for tickets, food, and merchandise at the games, while the people who worked at the snack bars were paid little more than minimum wage, and the rest went to the players. It was a scathing review of the football industry specifically, and the sports business as a whole

I sincerely hoped that Hal would never read it.

I emailed the final drafts to Jim down at the office so he could look them over. A few days later, when I was back at the office, he called me in to go over the stories.

“Well,” Jim said, looking over the pages I'd sent him, “I'll say this, you sure didn't pull your punches.”

“I'm a reporter,” I said, standing in front of his desk with my arms crossed. “It's my job to tell it like it is.”

“You're right,” he said. “And I like what you did here. I've got a few edits—you were a bit harsher than you needed to be, and I want to give these a more neutral tone—but all in all you've done good work. I'd like you to expand on this. Do some more research into the goings-on in the sports world. Research the economics of it. Ticket prices, those crazy high markups on beer and hot dogs, that sort of thing.”

“Jim...”

“Come on, Jane,” he said. “This is good stuff. I want to see more of it.”

I had no interest in having any more involvement in the sports world, but it seemed like I was stuck with it. At least I'd found an angle that I could embrace, attacking the economic disparity between the overpaid players and their underpaid concession stand workers. People always talked about how the workers at places like Walmart and McDonald's were underpaid, many of them barely able to live off their minimum wage salaries. I could draw on that area, lay out some parallels, and write some compelling pieces on the subject.

I went back to my office to see what else I could come up with. While I was sitting there, my phone rang. It was Hal. Again. He'd called more than a dozen times in the last few days, but I'd ignored every call. I couldn't deal with getting involved in another relationship right now. But I also knew I didn't have it in me to hear the heartache in his voice when I shot him down. The easiest solution, even if it was the cowardly solution, was to ignore his calls until he moved on. I was sure that soon enough, he'd find some nice young honey among his fans, and he'd forget all about me.

A few weeks later, our lead sports writer, Frank Gafferty, stuck his head into my office and said, “I think you broke Hal Masterson.”

I turned towards him, my face going pale. Did he know what happened between Hal and I? How had he found out?

“He blew his last three games,” Frank said, stepping into my office. “Reports are he's been distracted. Everyone's saying it's because of that article you wrote.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. If it was about the article, then no one would know that I'd slept with Hal. “He's that broken up over my article?”

“That's what they're saying.” Frank shrugged. “Word from the locker rooms is he talks about you all the time. Can't seem to get you off his mind. It's screwed up his concentration. People are screaming for your head.”

“My head?”

“They blame you for the team losing,” Frank said. “You know how sports fans can get. If Hal said his Fruit of the Looms were bad luck, his fans would be forming a mob to torch the underwear factory. I've checked some of the bigger online forums. They're smearing your name, saying you're trying to destroy football.”

I rolled my eyes and snorted. I couldn't care less what a bunch of rabid sports fans thought. “All that means is that my writing is getting a lot of attention,” I said. “They can smear me all they want. You can't pay for that kind of publicity.”

After Frank left, though, I couldn't help but wonder if my article was really the reason Hal was so distraught. None of his fans could know what had happened between Hal and I. What if, I thought, he was losing his games because he couldn't get me off his mind?

Had the man really fallen for me?

* * *

I finally decided I had to call Hal. Not because I wanted to. Not because I was ready to. But because I missed my period.

Three home pregnancy tests later, I was convinced of the truth. There was no avoiding it. Hal had been on my mind for weeks, and now I was out of excuses. I picked up the phone and found Hal's number. He still hadn't given up on me, as evidenced by the missed calls I still got every few days. He'd also sent flowers, chocolates, and a giant pink teddy bear to my office. My coworkers had been talking about it for weeks, trying to figure out who the mystery man was who was sending me so many gifts. I never let them see the name on the card.

I was ready to dial the number, but I couldn't make myself hit the call button. This sort of news really couldn't be delivered over the phone.

I'd have to talk to him in person.

I checked the schedule of Hal's games. Next Sunday, he was playing in New York. That was about a two hour drive from where I lived, but I could manage. I wasn't sure how I'd get in to see him once I was there, but I knew I had to do it this way. He deserved to hear the news from me face to face.

I spent the days before the game going over what I planned to say, over and over again. I couldn't find a way to get the words straight in my head, which was funny, considering that I was a writer. I thought about writing it all down so I could organize my thoughts, but that was too impersonal.

When Sunday finally arrived, I left early to beat the traffic, driving upstate towards New York. I got there with plenty of time before the game. I searched through the stadium, which held only small handfuls of people this early in the day, until I found a “Player's Only” area guarded by a large man wearing a black shirt that read “SECURITY across the back. I walked up to him and told him I was here to see Hal Masterson.

“Sorry, ma'am,” he said. “No fans beyond this point.”

“I'm not a fan,” I said. I pulled out my press ID badge and showed it to him.

“No press, either,” he said. “There's a press box reserved for...”

He paused and read the name on my ID. “You're Jane Edison?”

The scowl on his face told me that he knew about my scathing article and the effect I'd had on Hal.

“Just a moment,” he said. He stepped to the side and spoke into a radio. I couldn't make out what was being said, but I heard an angry tone coming from the voice at the other end.

Before the security guard said anything to me, the door behind him opened and Hal came bursting out. “Jane,” he said, breathless. It looked like he'd run all the way here. “I'm so glad to see you.”