CHAPTER 15

The entire day was glorious. We watched a movie after dinner and when the movie was over, we walked hand in hand to his bedroom. I’d lost count of how many times we’d had sex that day. My body ached in all the right places, and I was surprised when he settled me in close and turned off the light.

“Tomorrow could be difficult for you,” he said into the darkness.

His voice had that low, husky timbre that made me think of sex. “Difficult how?”

His tone went serious, but stayed low. “I have a game-day routine and it’s pretty intense. I don’t talk a lot and I need you to hang with it.”

“I could go home in the morning and go to the game later. I really don’t need to be here.”

He pulled me in tighter. “I want you here.”

“Okay. I’ll hang.” I snuggled in as close as I could, glad I wouldn’t be leaving tomorrow.

With just a touch of light shining through the windows, I woke up to gentle suction on my nipple and Killian’s fingers delving between my thighs.

“Is this part of your game-day routine?” My sleepy voice held a smile.

“Mmm, it is now.” He raised his head and moved over me. “I’ll see how I play today and decide if I’ll keep this new routine. We may need to change it up to just a blow job if it taxes my strength too much.”

“You’re horrible,” I laughed.

The slow warm glide of his cock cut off my laughter and I helped Killian start his game day.

***

He wasn’t kidding when he said he didn’t talk much. He’d warned me, but it was difficult. Hard rock music blasted from unseen speakers throughout the house. I couldn’t get away from it. I finally walked out into the backyard where the sound was slightly below a roar and called Amanda.

“Did you get the tickets?” I asked.

“Yep, and we’re back in the skybox. Lyle and I decided to keep you as a friend even if you are dating a man far out of our league.”

“No one is out of your league and you know it.”

“Well, aren’t you sweet? But seriously, don’t forget us when you get absorbed into the flashy lifestyle of the rich and famous.”

My laugh wasn’t very lighthearted. “You know this is short lived.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Amanda asked with a touch of pique in her voice. “Your romance just began and you’re already trying to end it?”

“It’s a fling. And…as my best friend, you know I never end it. The guys dump me.”

“Two guys. It’s only been two and neither were good enough for you. I’m reserving judgment on the football stud, but seriously, chances are he’s not good enough for you either.”

“Stop, please. I’m refusing to let my heart get involved here and you’re not helping.”

Scoffing laughter sounded from my cell phone. “That’s the biggest whopper you’ve ever told me. If your heart wasn’t involved you wouldn’t be having sex with him.”

I heard a noise and turned. Killian stood half in the doorway listening. He quickly backed up with a look on his face I couldn’t even begin to describe.

“Sorry, Amanda, I need to go.”

She heard the trepidation in my voice and stopped laughing. “You okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. I’ll see you at the game.” I clicked the end button sincerely hoping I was still attending the game.

I went inside searching for Killian. The music shut off, leaving the house deathly quiet. A minute later, he walked past me from the direction of his bedroom. He grabbed his car keys from the key holder before turning my way.

“I’m taking a ride. I’ll be back in time to pick you up for the game.” He headed to the garage.

“Killian, I’m sorry.”

He stopped, glanced over his shoulder, and pierced me with his dark, intense eyes. “I can’t do this right now.” His voice held no emotion whatsoever.

I stood frozen and watched him leave. Never had I thought I’d be the one to hurt him. He was Killian MacGregor and I was Rebecca Cavanaugh. We’d been together for a little over a week and it was too soon for the heavy feeling surrounding my heart.

Tears welled behind my eyes. If I really thought about it, Amanda was right. I wouldn’t have slept with Killian unless my heart was involved. Maybe if it ended now, I could avoid the months of devastation I’d felt after Greg dumped me.

My mind stayed on Greg for a moment. He was barely a memory, and I couldn’t picture his smile. I’d never forget Killian’s. Protecting my heart was useless. The only consolation was that if Killian was upset, it had to mean his heart was involved, too.

We’d had mind-blowing sex, made small talk, and gotten to know each other in small ways. What we hadn’t done is talk about our hopes or dreams. I thought it was too early for that kind of deep discussion, but Killian needed to know about the other two men before him. I’d planned babies with them, too. They consumed me, and I knew I was borderline co-dependent. Yes, I could stand on my own feet, support myself, and make my own decisions, but I seemed to attach myself to guys too easily. They became my world and the cloying part of my behavior chased them away. I knew my faults.

He returned two hours later. I waited, fully dressed, on the couch and stood when he entered. He went to his room, grabbed his sports bag, placed it on the kitchen counter, and walked over to me.

I could actually feel myself trembling and tried to hide my fears behind a stoic expression. Killian’s hand came out and hooked behind my neck, jerking me into a hard kiss. Holding my hair and neck, he tilted my head to gain better access. His teeth nipped, and his tongue invaded and consumed more than just my mouth.

I was his.

I sucked in needed air when he finally pulled back all of two centimeters.

“That was not cool. You aren’t getting away that easily. Do you get it now?”

I couldn’t help my relieved smile. “I get it,” I said against his lips.

He gave me another mind-blowing kiss that had me rising to my toes before he took my hand and walked me out to his car. After he settled behind the wheel, he grabbed my hand and placed it on his thigh keeping it there the entire way to the stadium. Neither of us spoke; Killian needed to focus on his game.

Security waved him through to the underground garage. It was much different than the day I attended the game with my friends. As we walked inside, I could sense Killian was no longer on the same mental realm as me, but he continued to hold my hand until he handed me off to security. No kiss. No hug. Not one word.

Killian was in the zone.