“Yeah, sure.” Frankly, I was more interested in being the one asking questions. “Have you dated anyone lately?”
He shook his head, blond strands escaping the messy short bun he favored. And which I loved. I wished I could run my hands through that thick mane of golden hair and…Ahh, fuck. So not happening. Funny how I was always into blonds, yet my mystery man from Intensity had brown hair and generated the same surge of lust I felt sitting here with Fallon.
“Dude, you need to go out and have some fun.”
“I have. Just the other night, in fact.” Uncharacteristically snappish, he huffed. “Sorry, but I don’t like talking about my personal life.”
I wondered if he knew about a club like Intensity, but I couldn’t mention it without giving away my secret. With the steep initiation fee, I doubted he could afford it anyway. Plus, something inside me didn’t like the thought of one of those rich assholes putting his hands on Fallon. He wasn’t soft or weak by any means—at the gym I’d seen his rock-hard abs and broad shoulders—but his skittishness suggested he’d suffered some kind of pain or trauma, which could easily be exploited. Instinctively, my fingers curled into fists. I’d never been apossessive guy—the women came and went without a second thought. The only exception was my first lover, the beautiful blond man who’d kissed me breathless and left an indelible mark on my heart. I eyed Fallon, wondering…he’d be the right age and had been at school in the area…Nah.I dismissed my speculation as far-fetched. No way could they be the same person. Not like there wasn’t more than one blond, blue-eyed man in Southern California. My guy’s hair had been lighter, and he was leaner. My thoughts turned to the man I’d kissed at Intensity. For days, his taste had stayed on my tongue, and I ached to see him again and explore his luscious mouth. Not meant to be, as I was leaving tonight with the team.
“I don’t mean to pry…well, yeah, I do ’cause I’m a nosy bastard, but I’ll respect your privacy.” I caught his eye. “Even though I think you deserve more than sitting in front of a screen, working on my calendars and appearances every night.”
“I’m not that pathetic, don’t worry. I go out and have fun.”
Which, for some reason, didn’t make me feel any better.
“Good. I’ll check in when I land. I’ve got to go pack.”
“I’ve got your travel kit filled and your carry-on ready with the stuff you like on the plane.” He grinned. “Gummy bears and M&M’s.”
I met his smile with one of my own. “I’m a kid at heart, what can I say?”
“Well, you’ll have enough to share with all your little friends.” He snickered. “And I set out a few outfits, so tell me yes or no, and I’ll have them steamed. I have the black-and-white Prada or the blue-and-white Dior.”
Travel days used to be track pants and T-shirts, but lately the league had stepped it up, and the guys were sporting designerlabels and looking fresh. I had an image to uphold, so yeah, I might’ve indulged at a few high-end boutiques.
Without even needing to see, I made my choice. “Let’s do the Prada for today, and I’ll have the Dior for coming home.”
“Sounds good. I’ll have them come up and steam it while you get ready.”
**
I came out from the shower in my briefs, towel-drying my hair. Fallon had stayed on the computer.
“Whatcha doing there?” I peered over his shoulder.
He jumped a little. “Jesus. You scared me. I’m finalizing the last of the deliveries for your apartment—namely your bed, since it was special order. I have furniture set for delivery all next week, then the household items for this week. I meant to ask, do you want a housekeeper to come in once a week? I don’t think you’ll need more than that. I already have an account set up with a laundry service.”
My head spun. “Yeah, sure, whatever. I forgot what goes into setting up a house.”
“You don’t have to know. That’s why I’m here. I’ll make sure everything’s the way you like it.”
You in my bed, that’s what I’d like.
The room grew very quiet. I could hear his breathing, and mine wasn’t too steady either. If Fallon turned his head…God, his mouth would be on my very hard, aching dick. The tension in the air thickened, and my heart pounded.
What if Fallon and I hooked up? Who would need to know?
The knock on the door brought me to my senses. Was I out of my fucking mind? Fallon was my employee, and a good friend to Dev, who’d helped me out. That would be a terrible betrayal on my part.
“That’ll be housekeeping to steam your outfit.”
Fallon rushed by me.
But damn, a man could dream.
**
Two weeks of inactivity had left me with tingling nerves, and I hated to admit it, but a little anxiety too. Yeah, I’d been a starting quarterback for more than five years, and I’d played in the Super Bowl once, but stepping into Devlin Summers’ shoes as the new franchise quarterback was a lot to handle even for someone with a big ego, like me. I knew I had to earn every dollar of the thirty million per year they were paying me.
