I rubbed his shoulders. “You have to walk outside his lines and make your own path. Your goal shouldn’t be to remake yourself in Dev’s image. You need to be the best Patrick Sloane you can be.”
“Thanks. It’s hard, but having you here helps.”
I hugged him. “I’m glad. Because from where I sit, you’re my number one.”
That night, I waited for him to come home, already missing him, as he was leaving the following day. I made sure his travel bag was packed, and media appointments were scheduled while he was in San Diego. Patrick’s appearance onThe Huddlehad been a success but had also sparked renewed interest in his personal life, and his social media was on fire.
The elevator opened, and Patrick walked in. Our eyes locked as he strode across the room to where I sat at the kitchen island. Warm lips grazed my neck, and I shivered.
“Hi. Have I told you I like coming home and finding you here?”
A thrill shot through me at his possessive, growly tone. His still-damp hair tickled my nose as I slipped off the barstool to meet his mouth in a heated kiss. He smelled clean, like body wash, but I wished one day I could have him sweaty and fresh from the field.
“Only a dozen times this past week.” I smiled and ran my fingers over his stubbled cheeks. “I have everything ready for you to leave in the morning.” A forlorn expression darkened his eyes, and I tried to lighten his mood. “Hey, at least you’re going to the West Coast, where the sun is shining. They said on the news the temperature here is about to drop twenty degrees.”
“Wouldn’t matter. I’d have you to keep me warm.” He put his arms around me, resting his chin on my shoulder. “Come with me to San Diego.”
Startled, I laughed, even as my body buzzed from his touch. “That’s not happening.”
“Why? Other guys bring their wives or personal assistants. It wouldn’t look out of place.”
“Because…because…I don’t know. It would be tempting fate. We couldn’t spend the night together, anyway. You’re busy with training from morning to night and have to stay in the hotel with the team.” He continued to press his lips on my cheek and jaw while he pulled off my hair tie. My halfhearted attempt to wiggle away did nothing to stop Patrick from winding his fingers through my hair. “And you’re not playing fair,” I protested as he slid his hands inside my jeans and kneaded my ass.
“I play to win. And you as the prize is extra incentive.” He kissed me fully on my mouth, and I sighed, desire flooding my bloodstream like a drug.
“Doesn’t the coach have a no-sex rule before games?”
“No, there’s no rule for regular games. Only the Super Bowl. Please? I’ll put you up at a hotel nearby. You can go to the beach and work on your tan if you want.”
I couldn’t help laughing. “Wow, you’re really grasping for excuses.”
He stopped touching and kissing me and took my face between his palms. “It’s not an excuse. I want you with me. Period. This week has been pretty damn amazing, hasn’t it?”
I’d be a liar to deny it. “Yeah, it has been.”
“We make a good team.” He continued to play with my hair, twirling the ends through his fingers. I loved how much he enjoyed that. Once I came home from college, I’d decided togrow it. Maybe it had been part of my rebellion, knowing my parents wouldn’t approve as it didn’t conform with their old-school values.
“Team?” I repeated, the intensity of his eyes piercing through my attempt to stay lighthearted.
“Yeah. You have no idea how hard it is to find someone you can trust. Almost every friend, wife, or casual acquaintance has wanted something from me. Not you.”
That was where Patrick was so very wrong. Because I wanted what he couldn’t give me. But I couldn’t say that. I’d gone into this arrangement eyes wide open, knowing he couldn’t come out, that we’d never have an overt relationship while he was actively playing. If we even lasted. Stress could do terrible things to a couple.
“You make it sound so simple. Trust me, it’s not. Even my staying here this week is a risk for you. I’ve got nothing to lose. You’re the one who’s putting everything on the line.”
His smile was sweet. “I play the line every Sunday. And I’m used to risks. Shouldn’t I be the one to decide if I’m willing to take them?”
“I don’t want you to end up resenting me.”
“Fal, you’ve made my transition here seamless. I couldn’t have done it without you handling every detail. Any obstacle that popped up, you’ve smoothed over so I didn’t have to think twice or worry. You’re the best damn assistant ever. And you’ve become my best friend as well.”
“I told you—I’m just doing my job.” God, I sounded so weak, but hearing him say those words was a balm for my wounded heart and soul.
“And then there’s this.” He kissed me. “This isn’t your job. It’s separate and apart. I don’t want you to think for a second thatI’m confusing one with the other, because you’re the ultimate professional. But you can’t deny this connection. I feel it, and so do you. When we first met, it was special between us. And nothing’s changed since. Whatever we started in California all those years ago isn’t finished yet. Not by a long shot.”
I kept silent because to say otherwise would be lying. After our time together, I hadn’t had many lovers, but I couldn’t deny that what I’d shared with Patrick was special. The night we’d kissed at Intensity, the years had fallen away and I’d become that virgin again, giving myself up to the man who’d managed to steal my heart and hold the key. Now he was here, in front of me, offering to unlock it.
“You’ve had much more experience in the relationship department,” I teased.
