Page 39 of Scored

The main referee came onto the jumbotron. “The play is under review.”

We watched the replay.

“He was out of bounds,” I said, my adrenaline kicking back in.

Mom had her head down in her hands.

Vee reached for my arm. “It’s up to the NFL, not these officials.”

“He’s clearly out of the back of the end zone with his left foot.” They showed it again, the camera zeroed in on the shoe and the white line. It took more time than necessary, but finally that same referee turned on his microphone. “The receiver was out of bounds…”

More booing.

“…add two seconds to the clock. It’s Green Bay’s ball on the eight-yard line, third and goal.”

The tension was palpable.

The Packers’ fullback couldn’t penetrate.

Minnesota’s defense held.

Green Bay’s field goal squad went onto the field.

I stated the obvious. “If he hits the field goal, we’re going into overtime.”

“Wait,” Vee said. “Green Bay called their last time-out.”

The Packers’ offense retook the field and Vikings’ defense scrambled.

Green Bay ran the same crosser. This time, a Vikings’ cornerback was ready.

Mom, Vee, and I stood. “Interception.”

Ashley and Dad were jumping up and down.

There were tears in Mom’s eyes. “They won. The Vikings won.”

The Vikings would play in the divisional round.

As we walked back to our hotel, we discussed our plan to meet my parents for breakfast. Ashley thanked Vee and I over and over for a wonderful experience. Those moments were all nice, but it was Vee’s whisper in my ear as we rode the elevator up to our room that had me forgetting about the exciting win.

“Yes, Fin.”

CHAPTER 16

Vee

As the elevator rose, I unsuccessfully tried not to think about Fin’s promise or threat. I read an advertisement on the wall showcasing the Taverne in the Sky, a restaurant and bar on the fifth floor. I wasn’t interested in food or drink. When the elevator doors opened to the fourth floor, my hunger was more specific and specialized.

With my core twisting and my nipples hardening at the prospect of what was to come, I couldn’t say what I craved was sex. That term was too broad. Who I wanted—what I wanted—was the man at my side, the handsome one with eyes that saw more of me than anyone ever had. I desired the man who introduced me to the act of lovemaking with patience and gentleness and also taught me unconditional trust while showing me unbridled lust.

Fin introduced me not only to lovemaking but fucking. Unabashed, dirty, breathless, and sweaty fucking. The years we were apart only honed his skill set. In his arms I was safe and secure enough to let down my shields. That was something I realized now that I only have ever done with him.

Decades of memories came back in a flash.

At twenty years of age, I was too young and inexperienced to understand that I should be shy or even ashamed of my body. Yes, I surrendered my body to Fin, but not all at once. He pursued each step unrelentingly and at the same time, reverently.

My breasts.