So you'd think we'd be able to field one, single, co-ed flag football game—for a children's charity, no less.
Even if itisValentine's Day. And it's about to rain.
"Didn't stop them from coming out here towatch," I groused to no one.Who wants to sit on the sidelines instead of playing the damned game?I huffed visible breaths into the air.
Shewouldn't. Ella would get her rear onto the field.In her softball pants.It'd be even better if she was on the other team and I got an opportunity to wrap her up, er, pull her flag.That'd be worth something.
But, like a boneheaded grunt, I'd royally fucked things up.
"Seriously, Maddox? That's"—she tucked her hands over her bare chest as all the color drained from her face— "Just, get out."
I rubbed a hand over my forehead as the sick wave crashed through my stomach. Again. Eight months later, and the misery was still a sucker punch to the gut.
Standing in her apartment, so incredibly close, heated, wanting…
Fire lit in her eyes as she slid across my lap. Her lips on mine tasted spicy sweet, a mix of pineapple and chili?—
"Oh, hey, here comes someone!" Danny popped up from the ground and shielded his eyes. He stared in the direction of the parking lot.
Chilled February air gusted across the practice field. Brown blades of grass huddled against the dirt and muck.
I let out a long breath, shaking off the feel of her—the taste of her skin, the memory of?—
"Move move move!" Seager's voice boomed like crashes of thunder. "You, ponytail chick, are you a sloth or an athlete?"
I glared at the opposite sideline, which was teeming with co-ed freshmen. I pulled my right arm into a stretch across my chest.
Nothing's been right since…her.
Sato glanced up from his seat on the bench. "You knew the rules, man."
I scowled at the reclining giant. "Then go convince your fan club to play." I pointed at the bleachers filled with women.
"I was not involved." His bass intonation hit "smooth jazz" levels that made my deep baritone sound like I hadn't been through puberty yet.
Ass.
"Misha keeps me on a tight leash. As intight." One dark eyebrow quirked up and he grinned. "And damn it all, man, but I like it."
I leaned down to stretch my hamstrings.Just stop talking.
Danny collapsed on the bench beside Sato. "Aw man! This is bullshit. Seager went and snapped up all the hotshot, and hot, freshmen women. And what dowehave?"
Sato's smile fell away. His mouth turned down on one side.
"I mean, we do have a bunch of smokin' female fans to cheer us on." Danny tossed the football in the air and caught it. "I can live with that."
I grumbled. "You used the game?—"
"And the charity angle," Sato cut in, "to chat up sorority girls. ’Stead of recruiting." He unfolded his six-foot-five frame. "It’s your fault if we have to forfeit." He shook his head. "Animals, man. You're animals."
Danny waved a hand. "The whole point is to raise money for charity. They bought tickets to be here."
Rotten, made-up holiday.I let out a sharp breath and scrubbed a hand over my face.
Sato wagged a finger in the air. "Don’t worry, Mick. My Misha’ll come through, even though these guys left us hanging. Literally."
Danny rolled his eyes and his head. "It’s just for fun."
