Reagan

This weekend Carter had an away game, which gave me time to ponder. Okay, so I was doing most of my thinking the Monday before he arrived home, since I cleaned, buffed, and tidied the house over the weekend before his parents came over. I’d also gone to the movies, had drinks with Brooke, and made sure my parents could come to the barbecue. I was sure Dad cried a little, but he said it was his allergies again. But no matter what I did, Carter was always in the back of my mind. Ever since having dinner at Carter’s parents’ place, it seemed like a switch had been flicked on inside him. Even though it had been a month since he was at the school, he had changed.

He was just more.

Not only was he sweeter, but there was simply more in his actions.

More touching.

More talking.

More texting.

More calls.

It all played with my emotions to the point they were demanding I just love him already.

Of course I was freaking out every time he touched me, especially when my gut reaction was to jump him. Before he left for LA, he’d come into the kitchen where I was washing the dishes to say goodbye.

He’d sought me out to say goodbye.

But that wasn’t all.

It was how he’d said it and what he’d done.

When his hands landed on my waist, I’d tensed as I hadn’t been expecting it. I’d had to lock my body tight while the thrilling vibe passed through my entire being just from his touch. Then, then, he’d leaned in. His warmth had wrapped around my back and against my neck. Then he’d said, all deep and growly, “See you Monday, but I’ll keep in touch.”

He’d waited for my response, and I’d found it hard to control myself, so I’d breathed out, “’Kay.” Then I’d thought it wasn’t enough, so I’d added, “Be, um, safe on the, ah, grass.”

“Field.” He’d chuckled.

His breath had tickled my neck, and then, again, then, he’d touched his lips to my neck and left.

He’d done it like it was a natural thing to do between us.

It wasn’t natural.

I didn’t kiss Brooke’s neck.

Just thinking about his lips, my body hummed to life. The first night he was gone, I’d masturbated twice thinking of him. The second night I was even naughtier and started while he was on the phone, not that he knew, but his voice was just getting to me. Last night, I’d gone so far as to bring out good old Vance the Vibrator. I nicknamed him Carter while I pictured it was him taking advantage of me. All right, of course Carter could never take advantage of me; I’d offer myself up on a platter for free.

I’d never come so many times and in so many days close together.

To say I was satisfied was an understatement… but I knew as soon as I saw him or heard him, I would be a wanton hussy once more.

Things were getting dangerous because I wasn’t sure if I could keep my hands off him and stay just friends.

Carter

Ted, my agent, picked me up from the airport. I would have just caught a taxi home, but he’d said he needed to talk to me and not over the phone.

“Hey, man.” I smiled, opening the passenger side door and throwing my pack into the back.

“Careful,” he warned, but it was too late, I’d already tossed it over.

As soon as I sat, did up my seat belt and Ted pulled into the road, I asked, “So what’s so important you couldn’t say it on the phone?”

“The girl you’re dating and living with, is she your girlfriend?”

Unease turned my gut. “Why?”

“She’s a teacher, Carter. You can do so much be—”

“You finish that sentence we’re going to have problems. She’s not my girl yet, but she will be, and I don’t give a flying fuck what anyone says or thinks. As long as I can make her happy, that’s all I care about.”

Silence.

Ted and I had never argued over anything, but for Reagan, I would take him down.

He sighed. “I see.”

“Yeah, I think you do now. Was that why you wanted to talk?”

“Well, not the only reason why. The team’s next few games will be away. I have a few things lined up for you in between them so you might have to stay in those towns.”

“You said the manager was going to get us to play here for a while with only a couple of away games, but now that’s changed?”

“Yes, due to damage to our stadium that’s only happened in the last few hours.”

“Man, I don’t want to be traveling—”

“It won’t be forever, Carter.”

“How many weeks?”

“Three at the most.”

“Fuck.”

“There are some events you have to attend, some interviews and pictures while you’re away. You’ll be so busy the time will fly by.”

“You know I hate events. I haven’t done any for ages.”

“I know, but you’re ending your career soon. These will be the last ones you’ll ever have to do. It’s more about going out with a big bang.”

“You’re killing me, Ted.”

All I wanted to do was spend as much time as I could with Reagan, yet I had to go away for three weeks. Where would that leave us? Yes, the phone calls and texts were awesome, but I loved being near her.

Ted cleared his throat. “So?”

Shit. I didn’t really have a choice. I wanted to leave the team on good terms. “Fine.”

“Are you sure this is what you want to do? Leave the team early? You still have a few good years in you, Carter.”

I shook my head. It was something I’d been thinking about more and more. I was ready to hang up my helmet and move on. “It’s what I want. We’ve already won a Super Bowl. If we make it again this year, that’ll be my last one.”

“That’s a month away, and your team will make it.”

“Can only hope.”

“You’ll probably win the postseason award for “Most Valuable Player” again.”

Honestly, it wouldn’t bother me if I did or not. Winning it once was enough. When I got it again, it was great, but I’d be happy if another team player won that award.

All I could do was shrug at Ted again.

His eyes widened. “You’re different. You used to live and breathe football.”

I did. But I knew my time was coming to an end, and I was getting more and more okay with that. Especially if I had Reagan on the other end. I just had to make sure of it.

“I’ve heard you’ve even loosened the reins on your strict diet.”

“Got to learn to live. I’ve had my fun and enjoyed every moment in the game, but it’s time I moved forward with life. Moving forward to me means happiness on a new level. I’ll play out the season, but that’s it, I mean it, Ted.”

He grunted. “I know. Never heard you so serious. It’ll be a shame to lose you as a client.”

I shoved his shoulder. “Aww, you love me.”

He laughed. “No, I love your money.”

“You’ll find new clients.”

“I know. I just had to make sure this was exactly what you wanted. What you chose, and no one else is in your ear forcing you to finish when you don’t really want to.”

I shook my head. “I want to. It’s all me. My choice.”

Pulling up out the front of Reagan’s, I turned to Ted. “It isn’t over just yet.”

“No. So you won’t mind if I throw in a few more interviews and such before it is over?”

I snorted. “Ted, what you have planned will be enough. You throw in any more, you get no bonus at the end.”

“You may still need me after you quit.”

“If it comes to it, I’ll let you know.”

He nodded. “Talk soon, Carter.”

“Will do, and thanks for the lift.” Reaching over, I grabbed my bag and got out of the car. Leaning back in, I mentioned again, “One more thing. I need you to understand if you ever talk shit about Reagan and even consider telling me I could do better again, I’ll make sure your career ends with me.”

He rolled his eyes. “I just had to check how important she was to you.”

“Very.”

“Got it, and not that you care, but I do think she’s… changing you for the better. Now enough threatening. Robbie’s expecting me for a very late dinner.”

“Later.”

“Goodbye, Carter.”

After I closed the door, he pulled back out on the road and disappeared. I knew all that BS wouldn’t have all come from Ted. The manager of the team would have pushed Ted to press me, but I wasn’t changing anything.

Turning, I glanced at the house.

I was home.

Home.

Wherever Reagan was would be a home to me. Admittedly, it sounded serious after only a month, but I couldn’t stop what I felt for the woman. She’d taken my mind, and if it didn’t seem too stalkerish, I wanted to be by her side all the damn time.

I sounded like a sappy puppy.

Oh well.

I didn’t care. I also didn’t care my teammates gave me a lot of crap over the weekend every time I looked at my phone, got a text from Reagan, or dodged them to go to another room to talk with her.

They were just jealous.

Okay, the single ones were. The married ones, or if they were involved in a serious relationship, understood.

However, when Dustin blurted Reagan didn’t actually know how I felt, the so-called friends upped their taunting. Still, I took it like the good guy I was. Why? Because I got to come home to Reagan in the end.

Except I would have to leave again by the end of the week.

Shit.

Unlocking the front door, I opened it and stepped in to find Reagan curled up on the couch asleep. The sight sent my heart racing. God, she was stunning. Even in fluffy socks, flannel sleep pants, and a tee.

I placed my bag on the ground just inside the door and made my way over. Leaning over the back of the couch, I gently reached down to shift her hair from her face.

She stirred, blinked, and looked up at me. Her soft smile caused my dick to stir. “Hey, you’re home,” she whispered.

“I am.” I nodded. I’d give anything to kiss her, but I stopped myself.

She stretched, her tee riding up, and my gaze landed on her curves. Again, my dick jerked in my jeans. Reagan sat up. “Good game.”

“You watched it?” I asked, walking around to sit on the couch.

“I did.” She stood. “Have you eaten?”

Was she offering herself up?

“I had something on the plane. It’s getting late. We should probably head to bed.” I stood as well. To my shock and absolute pleasure, she took two steps toward me and wrapped her arms around my waist. Not missing out on the chance to have her in my arms, I curled mine around her. After a moment she tensed. I had a feeling she was probably still half asleep and didn’t know what she was doing, but I’d still take it.

She pulled back. “Sorry, I, um….” Her cheeks heated. I smiled down at her after she punched me in the arm. “Congrats on winning.”

Chuckling, I said, “Thanks. We’ll talk more tomorrow. House looks clean. You should have left something for me to do.”

She shrugged. “It’s okay.” She took a step back. “I’m going to, yeah, head to bed. Glad you’re home safe.”

The step she took away from me, I ate up with my own feet. Leaning in, I kissed her cheek, and said, “It’s good to be home.” Being that close, I felt her shiver, and smiled. I then took a moment to draw in her scent. Strawberry. The smell of her shampoo I was becoming addicted to, just like the woman.