“Don’t tell me you noticed things like that when we were in college. It’ll make things more complicated than they already are.” She lifts her hand, adjusting her glasses back in place. “And these are just blue-light-blocking glasses. I only wear them when I’m working on my computer. But I’m impressed you even noticed.”
I gently turn her with the hand on her hip to force her to look at me.
“I’m not trying to complicate things, Eva. I’m just trying to tell you I’m tired of running from us,” I say honestly. “I’ve spent a lot of my time thinking about you, not only when we were in college, but even more since the wedding. I kept my distance because of my brother, but after talking to him the other day, I know he’s happy and living his best life in Florida.”
Eva looks down when I take her hand in mine. “And what does that have to do with this?” She gestures between us.
“It means I’m done holding myself back,” I say fiercely, lifting both of my hands to cup her face and move in closer to her. “It means that I want you to give me a chance.”
“Aston, this is more complicated than me just being your brother’s ex. I have a job that puts me in front of professional athletes, and I want and need to prove myself as a serious producer. Dating a player … doesn’t exactly look great for me.”
“Okay, so we don’t tell anyone,” I say, shrugging. I mean, if I wasn’t worried about how my brother would take it, even though I know he’s moved on, I might be pissed that she doesn’t want anyone to know. But for now, this is probably best for us both. “If we have to keep this a secret for a while, let’s do it. I’ll be on my best behavior when you’re around and even let Sam ask me ridiculous questions for your entertainment. I’ll play the game. But when the cameras are off and we’re off the field … I want to spend time with you. Alone.”
A slow smile stretches across her face, breaking through the nervousness I see in her eyes. She reaches down, her fingersmoving over my chest, and then she winds her arms around my neck, pulling me closer until we’re a breath apart.
“You know, you talk a lot for a guy who should be in his room, prepping for a game tomorrow, and who’s about to be late for check-in,” she says against my lips, her green eyes flashing with heat.
“Nah, I’ve got a good fifteen minutes,” I say, inching even closer.
“Then you should stop talking so we can make better use of our time.”
I crash my mouth to hers, my tongue sliding into her mouth immediately, possessively. I want to claim her completely. My hands grip her waist beneath her hoodie, lifting her up, and she wraps her legs around my waist. I move to sit on the edge of the bed so she’s straddling me.
She lets out a ragged gasp into my mouth, and her arms tighten around my neck. Then she’s grinding her hips, making my cock even harder than it already was. Her fingers slip under the collar of my T-shirt, and her nails scrape my skin with a hungry intensity that mirrors my own.
I groan into our kiss, my hands sliding up her bare back, and I notice she’s not wearing a bra.
Fuck me.
Every doubt, every ounce of guilt, forgotten.
I pull back for a fraction of a second, my chest heaving, and rest my forehead against hers as I cup her face again, my thumb brushing over her lips. Her eyes are dark, and I know she wants me as badly as I want her.
“Tell me this is just a fun night, Carrington.” I challenge, my voice rough, a dark smirk on my lips. “Tell me it’s no big deal.”
Eva lets out a breathless laugh, and her fingers tighten in my hair as she pulls my lips back to hers. “Shut up, Griffith.”
I forget about the clock and don’t even think about the coaches who’ll be checking in with me or the game I have to playin less than twenty-four hours. The world outside this room doesn’t exist right now.
But when my phone buzzes, I know my time is up. I really fucking wish we were at my house in New Jersey right now.
I slow the kiss, moving my lips over hers softly.
“You need to go,” she whispers, a smile playing on her lips. “They need you tomorrow, and we can’t risk getting caught tonight.”
“It’d be worth it,” I murmur as I lift her off my lap and stand.
She walks me to the door, and I don’t want to leave. Her hair is ruined from my hands, and her lips are swollen from our kiss. Her hoodie is hanging slightly off her shoulder, revealing her collarbone that I want to trace with my tongue.
I grab the handle, but before I open the door, I lean down and press one final kiss to her forehead. “I’ll see you on the sidelines tomorrow. Try not to distract me too much.”
“No promises,” she flirts. “If you miss a tackle because you’re watching me, I’m cutting you from the highlight reel.”
“Like fuck you will.”
“Try me.”
I let out a quiet laugh, turn the handle, and slip out the door, making sure it clicks quietly behind me. The hallway is empty as I walk toward the elevators.
